We all just want to be big rock stars

This past Monday I took my first guitar lesson.  I learned a solid two chords:  E major and minor.   But I have a print out and some practice with about 10 others.  If only I had a guitar at home to practice more (something to work on... any friends want to lend me on temporarily?)  Perhaps if I follow through on this I'll actually record and post a little tune.

So Tuesday I go back to the hospital and was pleased to learn I'd be spending all day with my favorite cardiologist, Dr. Sroubek.  He happened to know I was taking a guitar lesson and he himself is quite the guitar player.  To be honest, he wishes he was a rock star instead of a cardiologist.  He starts scheming of how he can give me pointers and find me places I'll start playing in public and finally become famous.  He's even hopeful in his scheme that I'll convert the modern day rockers back to a look sans tattoos and piercings.  I say hmmm... j. crew, pearls, and some curly fluff.. the new rock star look?  Well perhaps maybe we'll shoot for fame at the Cultural Center or Millennium Park along a more classical route.

With these thoughts of j. Crew and how much I wish I had money to buy their current Sash Skirt in thistle of course their catologue came in the mail today full of beautiful cashmere sweaters and wool pencil skirts and delicate ballet flats.  sigh.  Maybe I should reconsider the rock star route


Aside, my highlight of the day courtesy of Vital Juice recipes:  Red Velvet Protein Shake.  Yummmm
protein powder (they ask for help but make it of your choosing)
unsweetened coco powder
soy milk or almond milk or skim mild
frozen banana
frozen cherries
a few ice cubes
Throw them all in a blender and mix 'til smooth

Monday morning blues

I'm finally understanding this "syndrome."  This afternoon while walking around Rush and Division to pick a restaurant for some al fresco dining coupled with quality people and car watching it hit me that it was Sunday afternoon and tomorrow means back to the Northshore Cardiology group for me.   Now I'm by no means complaining about what I do on a day to day basis, in fact I love it (though do not want to be a cardiologist) but certainly not as much as...

A sailing lesson followed by a random party at Belmont harbor

Getting home to play with the family dog for a bit and coffee on the patio even if I did have to Oly hospital afterwards on a Saturday

A classmates house party and a friend's concert  (Stephanie, sorry I stole pics from a google search)

A day at the beach for the Air and Water show  (bonus, successfully avoided a sunburn! spf 85)

And finally a sunset run and dinner of edamame mango and ahi tuna

'Til next weekend back to the grind, kind of :)  

bottoms up!

I did my first rectal!  woo hoo ... pause.. gross.  But I do feel like this is almost a right of passage in the medical student world.   I'll admit I don't care to do another tomorrow, though wouldn't say no if the opportunity presented itself.  Though I'd prefer a patient with some  clinical pathology that be picked up on physical exam (enlarged prostate).  In my patient we were simply testing for occult blood in the stool to start along the path of ruling out a GI bleed.  Of course when I was done my senior asked if I used one or two fingers, unnecessary I said.  He replies "But you always need a second opinion! hahahaha"  Dr humor.  This is my future...  :)

re-doing my normal menu

Recently I've taken on eating "clean."  Many who really know me are probably thinking at this point... Caroline, Eating clean?  well yeah that's been going on for years.  Ok, you might be right, I can be a little neurotic about what I eat, but I'll always love ice cream.  However, this new"clean" adventure I've taken on involves eating no processed foods (at least for the most part)  I've decided I'm allowing Greek yogurt, organic rice protein powder, almond milk, and Ezekiel whole grain bread.  In reality I'm not limiting myself from many of my usuals other than things like salad dressings, whole grain pasta, pitas, cottage cheese, ...all cheese, tomato soup, canned tuna, etc.  Anyway cut to the point, I started to feel a difference within about 3 days.  It's been wonderful!  I have more energy, clear skin, and (while it will never be possible) I'm a little closer to lower abs.  I may have slipped up for one dinner though, it was a date, I mean I couldn't turn down a sushi/thai dinner ;)

Here's the other thing... I love to cook!  So what have I been making since the start of rotations and new recent menu change.  I'm finally on track with figuring things out I think.  At first the whole packing lunch and not being as excited about taking the time to cook when I get home spun me for a loop.  I'm not one to carry out much at all and living in Lincoln Park that had definitely been tempting.  I can't walk a block in any direction without passing a restaurant that looks tasty, is affordable, and is fast.  Not to mention great sushi and mexican and mediterranean places directly across the street.
Here's some tricks I've picked up and simple yet tasty and fresh easy to transport recipes

Breakfast!   Most important meal of the day, get that metabolism going :)  Throw in a short abs or legs circuit to really get it up


Tone it up Protein Pancakes  (don't mind the cheesy title, I have to give Karena and Katrina with TIU credit).
What you need:
Ripe banana:  1
Organic rice vanilla protein powder:  1 scoop
Ground flax seed:  1 tbsp
Egg white:  1 large
Mash them all together, get yourself a quality non-stick pan and cook it like you would any other pancake!  But watch it closely using low heat, they can burn pretty easy
Extra Tip:  If you are short on time in the morning make 3 servings at once and store in an airtight container
One more extra:  mix up and in other ingredients.  Perhaps berries, apples, almonds, cinnamon, lemon
And finally:  Come autumn consider mixing in pumpkin!

Coco Banana Cinnamon Protein smoothie
Mix in a blender...
Banana, frozen:  1
Organic rice protein powder:  1 scoop
flax seed:  1 tbsp
organic unsweetened coco powder: spoonful
Ice:  as needed
Almond milk to taste
(if you're a caffeine addict like me):  2 espresso shots
If you're post workout and really hungry, think about adding a scoop of Peanut butter.  Yummm, like a reeses peanut butter cup.  Cinnamon adds a good taste too!

Greek yogurt with berries or mango and raw almond slivers
self explanatory :)

Oatmeal
pretty simple, minus any sweeteners, try just some fresh fruits with it


Lunch  (easy to eat at a desk, on the go, or if you're lucky like me in a lecture)
Quinoa with fresh veggies and salmon or chicken
Quinoa:  1/2 cup.  to prepare mix with 1 cup water, place in sauce pan, bring to a simmer and cover for about 10 minutes.  It cooks up just like rice but with the added benefit of being a complete protein and high in fiber
Sauteed veggies:  take your pics of mushrooms, peppers, asparagus, spinach, onion, etc
Garlic if you're into that
Once everything is cooked mix it all together and put in in the fridge overnight.  I recommend adding some diced tomatoes after its chilled
Putting a grilled chicken breast or grilled salmon filet on top really completes the meal nicely and keep you going all afternoon

Chicken, Salmon, or Shrimp salad with stir fried veggies
Romaine Heart chopped
Stir fried veggies (just like mentioned above)
diced tomatoes and cucumbers.  yummmm
Top it off with a grilled protein of you're choosing!
if you're not going un-processed try some kalamata olives and goat cheese
Dressing: pick your favorite or if sticking with my current change splash some balsamic or red wine vinegar in a plastic bag and put in on your salad at lunch later

that greek yogurt deal, also excellent for lunch
with a side of veggies too, up those vitamins and nutrients

Dinner
I'm too lazy to keep typing but food for thought :)
Egg-white frittata
Grilled chicken breast / shrimp / salmon/ ahi tuna / etc with stir-fried veggies
Steamed Oysters/ muscles: unfortunately gotta ditch the white wine in your sauce, but add some tomatoes and chili pepper flakes and garlic
Sashimi
Quinoa plus toppings of your choosing
The list goes on.

Due to my schedule this has actually taken me a few days to type up and since it's been almost 10 days of eating non-processed :)  Except this past Sat where I visited Sultans Market with a friend and my fam took me out for dinner to Gejas.  I wasn't about to pass up the cheese appetizer fondue or chocolate dessert.  No chance no way