I think I have the flu 🙁 But I had a flu shot, darnit!! It’s rampant around Winthrop these days, and I’m all achy and chilly. I took Advil as soon as I got up this morning so I think that helped keep my symptoms down, but as soon as I got to class – bam! It didn’t help that our Medical Terminology quiz sucked 👿 She tested us on things that we thought we weren’t responsible for. I hate it when that happens! I just hope that because I had a flu shot this goes away quickly.
I had a hard time eating lunch – I have no appetite today, which is no fun because it was a good lunch. I couldn’t even eat my carrots – the thought of them made me gag. But my sandwich was good thanks to the delicious bread 🙂 (The photos are dark because my lounge had a power outage right when I arrived!)
Turkey, avocado, chipotle cheese, jalapeño on oat/flax/walnut bread –
Grapefruit – this is exactly what I was craving. It was the best grapefruit I’ve had all winter!
And Fage with sliced almonds. I can never remember to have this combo, but I finally did yesterday and boy was it good!
I also found 2 dates in my backpack that I had for dessert. They remind me of roaches = ewww! But they sure taste great!
All together (minus dates plus uneaten carrots)
And my new Sigg water bottle. Before I went back to school I drank out of a cup at my desk all day (washable one) but these past few weeks I was just refilling a Dasani bottle, which was just gross and I still had to purchase/drink the bottle to begin with. I hate Nalgene bottles (they smell) but I’ve heard that these aluminum bottles are great, so I’m giving it a try. I find the lip to be kind of thick, but I like it overall. I opted for the smaller one to fill up more frequently so I don’t have too much more weight on my shoulders.
Snack
Still no appetite by 4:00 but I could tell I was low on fuel so I thought:
“If I could have anything in the world right now what would it be?”
Thought # 1: Coldstone’s cake batter ice cream with crushed Oreo. But who wants to go driving right now and plus, I’d be cold!
Thought # 2: Kashi crackers. I always have an appetite for these! But what to have with them?
Thought # 3: Oatmeal!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew exactly that’s what I wanted most so I made a half portion on the stove top with skim milk and flax and had a spoonful of almond butter to go along. Perfect!
Along with a cup of peppermint tea –
Hopefully my Advil will kick in soon. I have Chemistry to do 🙁 but we might go for a walk because it’s so nice outside. Tonight we’re making chili, but I might just use my sickness as an excuse to have dinner made for me while I lounge on the couch 😉
Michelle says
Hope you feel better, seems to be a lot of sickness going around and early allergies! By the way, Coldstone birthday cake remix is my fav!! I actually have a pretty dumb question or two. I got a heart rate monitor, but I can’t figure out the best place on my chest to put the transmitter. Also, it seems to interfere with the bikes at the gym, anyone else have this problem? Other than that I love it! So much more accurate than the machines!
Christin says
ooohhh i LOVE cake batter ice cream from Coldstones! But good for you for resisting, Kath!! haha! Hey something else that’s really good for an upset stomach is ginger root…you’re a big tea drinker, so i would go with ginger tea! 🙂
Yeah, I don’t know if Goalie will comment on this, but i am absolutely against getting flu shots unless you are very young, or very old…I seriously think flu shots are what starts the bug going around and then the drug companies just make more money!!!(ok, maybe I’m too into conspiracy theories today since I am stuck at work (haha!) but that’s my two cents anyways!)
Kelly T says
do you put milk or anything in your tea? im sure you would have mentioned it, but it always looks so creamy in your pics. Maybe its just the cups.
Patricia says
I hope you feel better Kath!!
Kath says
Michelle,
I wear mine right under my sports bra. And I usually have a tank top with a built in bra too, so it stays pretty snug. I’ve had a few times of interference when being close to someone else wearing a monitor, but in general it hasn’t been a problem.
Christin,
Makes sense, but I’d rather get one than not until it’s proven!
Kelly T,
Sometimes I put milk in and sometimes I don’t – but it’s usually just a splash. Today’s did have tea, so you’re right about it looking creamy!
Kath
Anne says
I just bought one of those Sigg water bottles the other day too! I got a fun colorful one… I hope it’s waiting at home for me when I get back!
Anne says
Also, feel better 🙁 The flu sucks. Maybe you guys should make chicken soup instead!
Christin says
I know right? watch, now I’ll get a really bad case of the flu becuase I didn’t get a shot…I’d better knock on wood…
Mariposa says
Kath I hope you will feel better soon!
I was craving oatmeal like there was no tomorrow this morning. It is miserable here in Boston…
you might be feeling a little sick because of weather patterns, you left slightly wintery weather to go skiing, and then right back into REALLY mild weather (I am so jealous BTW…)
I get in a funk when the weather patterns change really fast. just a thought?? i hope it’s not the flu!
Jenn says
I’m going to have to agree with Christin. At least from my family’s perspective, the last time my dad got the flu was the last time he had a flu shot, and I’ve never had one and haven’t had the flu since I was in grade school where I’m sure it’s just much easier to contract. I know there are so many differing opinions on vaccines (the mercury debate, etc.) but the way I see it, we don’t need to try to prevent problems that (in general) need a simple prescription of a few days of good ol’ R&R to get over! Just my two cents for the future 🙂
Jenn says
Oh gosh, in saying all that I forgot what I really wanted to say, and that’s I hope you feel better soon Kath!
Christin says
Airborne, I’m telling you. it works christmas miracles when you start to feel sick.
Regan says
Hey Kath! I am sorry to hear your not feeling well, and I hope you have a speedy recovery (I am sure you will) 🙂 This is my first time commenting but I have been reading your blog for maybe a month now and I LOVE it! Well I was looking at your sandwich, which looks soooo delicious haha and I was wondering where did you get the chipotle cheese from? It almost looks like its a spread? Oh and will the husband be posting the recipe for that bread anytime soon? It too looks delicious! Thanks and Get well soon!
Christin says
Yeah, honestly Jenn that’s been my experience too…maybe some people just naturally have more immunity to it than others? hmm…food for thought though….
the husband says
Here’s the bread recipe – it’s pretty easy and fun (and some of the best we’ve ever made!) so give it a try:
https://www.katheats.com/?page_id=1695
Becky says
You cracked me up when you said that you ‘found two dates’ in the bottom of your backpack!! 😛
Hope you feel better soon. 🙂
Soi says
I hope you feel better soon- I’ve been sick since Friday too.
There are apparently a flu strain going around not covered by flu shot in 11 states…I don’t know if Florida is included. -_-
Feel better!
Christin says
good to know, Soi! (Although that’s evidence against my “conspiracy theory”) lol
Jenn says
Yeah that’s another thing — I read somewhere (I know I should be able to back it up with the article, but I can’t remember where I read it!) that whoever makes the vaccines basically just “guesses” (obviously the term guessing isn’t entirely accurate when you’re talking about a medical professional) the strains that they feel will be most prevalent for the year and then put those into the vaccine. I’d definitely like to find out more about that whole process if anyone knows about it.
epidemiologist says
I don’t usually comment, but I have to jump in here and say that you can’t get the flu from the flu shot…it’s a killed virus and can’t infect you. So no conspiracy there.
But the shot only contains 2-3 different strains each year, and therefore doesn’t offer 100% protection against the flu. There is a strain that’s prominent this year that wasn’t included in the shot.
Lauren says
Aww, I’m sorry that you’re sick, Kath! I hope you feel better soon!
Quick question. You may have answered this before, but how did you know how many calories to eat to lose weight? Did you just eat healthier or did you have a number that you tried not to go over each day? Thanks! 🙂
SawSaw says
This is sort of a silly question..but..sometimes I crave oatmeal at night–does anybody think oatmeal would be good in a savory more dinner-like recipe?
Amalia says
Hi Kath!
I really hope you feel better soon! I just read recently that you should not take aspirin when you have a fever, since fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism for viruses. I’m not sure if it is true – have you learned anything about this in your classes? I can’t find the article I originally read, but here is a similar one, its pretty interesting and makes sense when you think about it! (I have to admit, I’m the first to take asprin when I have a fever because I get so achy!)
http://pundita.blogspot.com/2005/10/dont-take-two-aspirin-and-call-me-in.html
Brianne says
I have a SIGG water bottle too! I love it! I drink out of it all day every day and just throw it in the dishwasher at night. You made a great choice (nalgene bottles have BPA plastic)!
epidemiologist says
Jenn,
Try this link for more info about vaccine effectiveness and how the strains are selected.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
Allie says
SawSaw,
I actually love savory oatmeal (or oat bran). One of my favorite combinations is oatmeal with either frozen spinach or ocra added (and sometimes fresh/canned tomatoes) with spicy seasoning (either a creole mix, a dash of Tabasco or some chili powder). It’s quite good – especially topped with a dollop of plain yogurt! With oat bran, it almost takes on a polenta-like texture.
VeggieGirl says
Oh no, Kath!! I do hope that your health and appetite improve quickly!! I’m glad to see though that you’re still getting proper nutrition, despite not having an appetite – stay strong, rest, and get well a.s.a.p.!!
Cara says
Feel better soon!!!
VeggieGirl says
p.s. are those medjool dates that you found in the bottom of your backpack (too funny, haha)??
Christin says
interesting and good to know, epidemiologist!!
Jenn says
Thanks for the link, epidemiologist!
SawSaw says
Allie-
Thanks for that tip! I might just have to try that savory oatmeal concoction!
Kate says
I work at Cold Stone! Just leaving for my shift now, actually. That cake batter sure is popular! =)
bev says
That date comment crack me up too….Hope you feel better
I have Kleen Kanteen http://www.kleankanteen.com/ . I love it. No more plastic for me.
grace says
Cake batter is soo good but I can only eat a bite because it’s so rich! I used to be a “flu once a year” type, but I’ve been getting flu shots once a year and haven’t had it. **Knock on wood! I also think it might be my obsession with oranges in the winter since they are in season. Or maybe its all mental with me, who knows! Get well soon and get lots of rest!
neimanmarxist steph says
husband and kath, i totally agree that you guys should have a couple show on the food network . you’re naturals!!! loved the tilapia video.
Lauren T. says
My favorite oatmeal treat is CHOCOLATE oatmeal yummm. I just add cocoa powder, some sugar or splenda, and a pinch of salt. After it’s done I break a bit of good dark chocolate into bits and stir it in. It’s like an ooey gooey oatmeal choc. chip cookie!
jenna says
I’ve actually never tried a date before!!! Perhaps now I will! 🙂
Michelle says
Please take a rest now. Don’t go out for the walk. This is from my own experience. Last year, I had the nastiest flu although I had a flu shot. I didn’t take my symptoms seriously at first. Then I ended up lying on the bed for two weeks. I was so miserable that I even cannot enjoy my Valentine’s Day dinner.
So please go to bed and rest. I hope you will feel better soon.
Chrissy says
Aww, I’m sorry you’re feeling sick!
If you can get your hands on elderberry pills or andrographis (both should be available at GNC), they REALLY help with flu symptoms and cutting the duration of the flu itself.
Christin says
Chrissy,
how interesting, I’ve never heard of andrographis before…would be interested to find out more on the herbs you mentioned 🙂
Lathe says
Hi Kath!
I have a quick question. It’s kind of weird, but here goes.
I eat a TON of fiber everyday. Seriously. But instead of making me “regular,” it makes me constipated. Should I cut back? I thought fiber was supposed to do the opposite.
Thanks!
goalie30 says
Ha, Ha Christin, I WAS going to comment on the flu shot, but epidemiologist beat me to it 😉
I had influenza for about 10 days when I was doing rotations for PA school, and I was MISERABLE. I have had the flu vaccine every year since then (including the flu mist, the nasal spray rather than the shot) and have never had a reaction and have never become sick after having the vaccine. Really it’s mainly recommended for young children/infants, elderly, nursing home/ medical field workers, and then people who have other disease states that put them at risk of having complications from the flu (ie asthma, copd lung disease, cancers, autoimmune diseases, etc). I basically was offering it to everyone I saw this past fall though, because it really can help you from having to miss a week or more off from work. The most common types of flu are type A and B (which is what can be tested for on a throat swab or blood test), but there are lots of other strains out there that can cause symptoms that aren’t covered by the vaccine and that we can’t test for. The best remedy for treatment is to stay home and get lots of rest, it’s proven to help decrease the duration and the intensity of the illness.
I’m seeing lots of sick people in my office right now, so if anyone else has any other questions related to this or something similar, feel free to fire away!
goalie30 says
P.S. I just read a study done by Harvard that has recently proven that the traces of mercury that were in some vaccines are cleared from children’s symptoms within days, and the common childhood vaccines do NOT have ANY link to autism…hopes this helps to clear up some myths about vaccines.
goalie30 says
i meant “children’s systems” not “symptoms” sorry
Tina says
Oatmeal and peppermint tea is one of my go-to snacks as well! 🙂
Amy says
Kath the other night you made clam chowder, you never said if it was good or not and the reviews on the cooking light site were mixed for the recipe. What did you think of it? Thanks and feel better. The flu is no fun!
DL says
I just wanted to say that I really enjoy reading your blog! I lost 17 lbs almost 2 years ago and have managed to keep it off :-)…by eating healthier, paying attention to portions and keeping track of my calories (at times). I know many people think it can be obsessive, but it truly does give you good idea of how much you’re eating vs. how much your body needs. I don’t count calories daily…I think that caused me to be overly focused on food in the past, but I will randomly count to make sure I’m still judging my portions accurately. Knowing what one serving actually is (vs. what America has slowly come to think it is) is key to eating healthy!
Thank you so much for all of your great ideas! I have recently come to try (and enjoy!) oatmeal pancakes, warm fruit for dessert and other yummy suggestions! I love this blog for all of the healthy food ideas you provide (and your honestly for when you treat yourself!). Thanks!
DL says
oops! meant “honesty” not “honestly”
Christin says
lol! I knew I could count on you, Goalie! Thanks for your feedback, as always 🙂
Kath says
Regan,
It’s Sargento – purchased from the cheese section of our Harris Teeter 🙂
Lauren,
I use a site called CalorieKing.com as an online food journal and CK recommends a formula called NET calories that I followed throughout my weight loss and continue to use as a guide now that I’m maintaining. The formula is:
Calories to maintain without exercise minus 300-500 (depending how much much weight you have to lose or 1200, whichever comes first) = NET (NET stays the same)
NET + Calories burned in physical activity = How many calories to eat per day (Caloric intake varies depending on how active you are)
The formula ensures you are eating enough calories to fuel any workouts you do.
You can use calculators from http://www.Caloriesperhour.com to estimate your maintenance calories and what not.
Hope that makes sense!
Amalia,
I always hesitate to take medicine, but I feel SO much better when I do (like tonight, thank goodness!). I have heard that about fevers before too, but I do feel so much better!
Allie,
Savory oatmeal sounds great!!! I’ll have to try it some day when I’m not eating it for breakfast 🙂
Veg,
The dates were just the ones I got from a package – we’re still eating them. But I plan to try the “real’ ones soon!
Lathe,
I’m not sure on the fiber. The only thing I have read is to be sure you’re drinking enough water. If you are, could it be something else in your diet. Sugar-free gum was giving me bowel troubles for over 6 months and when I cut it out – instantly cured. I always thought it was too much fiber or stress.
Amy,
Clam chowder was great!!! But I guess it was great for homemade – it wasn’t nearly as good as some of the 100% cream ones I’ve tried 😳 But the clams were chewy and it was very vegetably. I’d definitely make it again. Thanks for asking!
DL,
Glad you’re able to get some ideas from the blog 🙂 Congrats on your weight loss.
Kath
Claire says
Hey there. Kath, I hope you feel better soon. If you keep feeling fluish, maybe heading to the doctor to get some anti-viral would knock it out faster. I have never gotten the vaccine until this year…I’m in medical school and have started rotations, so I figured that since I’m around people who I’m SURE have the flu, I should at least try to protect myself against it. As I’m sure epidemiologists link said, the vaccine is based on the viruses from the previous year and IS a guess as to what the virus will be this year. Apparently, there is a strain that does not respond to this vaccine. I know that in MS we’ve already had 2 pediatric deaths from it. Anyway, the virus in the vaccine is dead, so it in and of itself doesnt lead to getting sick.
About the not taking aspirin with fever/viruses…that also is from pediatrics. In children, this can lead to a very dangerous syndrome called Reye’s syndrome. I still would stay away from aspirin and go with Tylenol/Motrin if your fever is high (like 101 or so!). Above all, (if you’re not sick) keep active, eat healthfully, and wash your hands. The more active you are, the better your immune system, the less you get sick, but number one is washing hands (I hear this ALL DAY!!!) 🙂
Kath, love your blog. That tilapia packet looks DELICIOUS and I’m going to do it sometime soon! Thanks for the video and the recipe. Feel better soon!
Kath says
Claire,
Thanks for all the advice!! Good to know I’m OK with Advil for the fever. I don’t think it was a high fever either – I just had some mild chills. But I feel so much better tonight.
Thanks for reading!
Kath
Jen says
Lathe
Too much fiber can cause constipation. Make sure you are getting enough fluids – lots of water – and excersize should help.
lucy says
oh i just ordered a sigg too. i’ve read so many bad things about refilling plastic water bottles and these are supposed to be great! hope i like mine too.
Amanda Cihlar says
My oatmeal always sticks to the bottom of the pot when I make it on the stove. Is there anyway to prevent this from happening, making it easier to clean?
charlie says
Aluminum bottles are pretty much as bad as plastic; there is an epoxy or plastic coating on the inside.
Jana says
I thought I’d chime in real quick regarding those flu shots…. I used to get one regularly, and this year I just forgot. I haven’t been sick yet (knock on wood, eh!), and the years before, I was always really sick at least once.
The question now is: is this caused by the flu shot – or lack therefore? I also switched to a vegan diet, and I’ve quit smoking.. just goes to show that there is never just ONE factor involved. I think getting the flu shot just to be sure is a good thing, you never know what kind of strand you might catch if you don’t get it. 🙂
Kath says
Amanda,
We have Circulon cookware that is nonstick. Are you using nonstick? Also, make sure you’re using medium heat (not high) and stirring constantly. Those are the only suggestions I can think of!
Jana,
I’ve found that since my lifestyle change, weight loss and eating a MUCH healthier diet that I get sick a lot less (knock on wood!). I’m feeling so much better today that I only hope that my immune system knocked that disease out much faster than it would have in the past!
Kath
goalie30 says
People seem to be more prone to getting ill in the winter months, I think, because we’re all cooped up inside all of the time without the ability to open the windows and let air circulate rather than just breathe the same germ infested air that others are coughing and sneezing into. That’s my own personal opinion, but also, the fall and winter months tend to be when more cold and flu viruses are active as well; there are still viruses and bacteria out there in the spring and summer months, and people still get sick, but because they aren’t at their PEAK in terms of infectibility, not as many people get sick then.
Aimee C. says
There is no such thing as a “killed virus”…
Viruses are not alive to begin with.
Shelley says
goalie~
Brazlians seem to agree with you about the air-circulation thing. I was there one summer (their winter) and they ALWAYS had a window open! The average temperature in the town I was in was about 40 degrees F, but windows were always open! I don’t think I took my coat off the entire trip, haha.
goalie30 says
Aimee,
you are right, viruses are not “alive” they are made mainly of proteins (if I can remember my biology classes correctly), but when they are “activated” with thier DNA or RNA inner core they can still infect cells and cause illness (viruses enter host cells and plant their dna/rna into your cells and take over the cells which causes you to become sick basically); so when you get a “live attenuated vaccine” it means that the virus is “alive”, but it’s somehow been weakened (the dna/rna is not working at full strength), so you might get some mild flu/cold symptoms but it helps your body make antibodys to form a defense against it and to form immunity to that particular viral strain.
“Dead viruses” in vaccines that are not live attenuated basically have had their inner cores removed so they can’t inject it into the cells in your body and cause illness. Just the outer protein shells of the virus remains, but it still looks “foreign” in your bloodstream, so your body mounts a response to this and sends antibodies out which forms your immunity to the particular viral strain.
Confusing, but hopefully helpful!
goalie30 says
Shelley,
That’s funny! I have never been to Brazil before, but interesting they keep the windows open in the winter….it could be for religious reasons too, maybe it keeps the “bad energy” out of the house, or something like that! Interesting…