Umm who’s ready for spring break!? Need I even ask such a silly question? I’ve already started packing…ha! 
I’m pretty sure I’m the lamest college student in the world. I can’t wait to get away from school and go home, even if it’s only for a week. I know I’ve got some homebody bloggies out there though. You know who you are. Homebody pride!
On a more serious note, I popped in to say hi to my dietician/life coach/confidant yesterday and asked if we could start meeting again. I need to get in a better place before I am released into the real world (this place is twisted NOT the real world). I’m not seeking her out for nutrition guidance but rather emotional support and someone to confide in. At our school, services such as seeing a dietician and a psychologist are free included in the sky high tuition so I might as well take advantage of it while I can, right?
There were a couple tears shed and she barely scratched the surface. I spend a lot of time convincing myself that I’m okay when I’m here. I put a lot of effort into being a happier person when I’m here but there comes a point when I can’t try any harder. I need a break!
Not to mention I have a lot of anxiety about the future that I tuck in the back of my mind. I normally do a good job of ignoring it, but graduation is in less than 3 months and it’s getting harder and harder to ignore. Seriously, what am I doing to do come mid-May? I have no idea and that scares me.
***
Okay then. That came out of nowhere! It’s remarkable what gets lodged in my head sometimes. Let’s get to the food, shall we?
Our Culinary Cultures Class:
A student brought in her grandma’s Chocolate ‘Souffle’ Cake: w/ a rich buttery sauce.
My professor roasted two lemon-stuffed chickens with salt + pepper. That’s all! Nothing else. No other spices or herbs. I ate the piece of bread is all. I still need to reflect on my meat situation. That’s a blog post for another day.
After class, the sun was out and the weather was BEA-U-TIFUL!! So I strapped on my running shoes, shin sleeves, and Garmin and headed for the WaDuke Trail.
I ran 4 miles and then ran to the gym to do some leg weights and abs. The sun just brings out the energy from within my body. Anyone else?
***
Moving on…my favorite icing technique.
A great post-workout snack I picked up on campus.
It’s high in carbs and protein while relatively low in fat….the best combo for your muscles post-workout.
Fun ‘n’ cool ingredients:
Heart <3 shape!!
I had the apricot flavor back in the beginning of the year and loved it. There are several other flavors such as date, cranberry, apple, raisin, and poppyseed that I still need to try.
For some more protein and nutrients I had an Alive! Shake
With spinach, almond milk, banana, and strawberries:
Sandwich round w/ 2 egg whites, almond cheese and kabocha squash:
So many of you asked about the almond cheese so here are my thoughts:
I liked it a lot! It doesn’t have the same strong flavor as dairy cheese. It’s not as salty and not as greasy. As I say with most healthified versions of things….you can’t compare it to the real deal. I tend to like quirky, healthy tasting foods. That’s just the way my taste buds are built. So while I liked the almond cheese a lot, some of you may think it tastes like a far cry from real cheese. Just wanna put that out there before you spend $4 on a block of fake cheese
I do like that it melts in the microwave.
I’m still working on this kabocha squash I roasted ~2 weeks ago. Savoring every slice.
The rest of the night was spent at Costco and Target. I got some cool stuff that I’ll show you in my next few posts.
Here’s a preview:
Oh and I baked…again. I can’t help it!
{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
so great that you have her to confide in! i can’t believe your school covers it for “free!” that’s awesome. i’m sorry you’ve been having a bit of a rough time, we all need a break at some point! good for you for seeking out someone to talk about it with though. your eats look great, i really want to try one of those heart thrives
I think every college graduate goes through that bit of anxiety about the future (i’ve got a year or so left and already stressin’ about it, too) but you’ll figure it all out.
& that heart thrive looks amazing, I always get so excited over new health bars (it was a month long excitement when I discovered larabars… heh)
I completly totally undertsand about what you send re wanting to go home, being released in the real world etc – that whole 1st paragraph!! I can relate to it 100% so you’re not alone at all in that
And ohmy, I WANT THAT VEGAN ENERGY BAR thing! That looks so tasty!! I love weird healthy foods too, and I’ve never seen annything like that before…it looks a pretty good size too!
Have a good day
Hi Allie -
It’s 12:30pm here and I just got on to check to see if my favorite East Coast night owl had posted anything…and you had. I started to read your post standing up, but once I started, I had to go grab my desk chair across my room to sit down and read every word. I think we’re the same person. What you expressed in the first few paragraphs sounds like me, in words that I haven’t expressed on my blog. That’s really neat you have someone to talk to that’s also a dietitian. I hope you’re doing more than just hanging in there. I know college is super stressful, but try break a smile. You’re almost out of stress central. When is your Spring Break? Mine is 3 weeks away. I can not wait: Homebody status right here.
Bloggy Love –
Hillary
the uncertain future is the reason of your anxiety, I’ve been there and I know it feels awful. It’s great that you can have someone to talk to and give professional guidance and help. Be Strong girl, you’ll be fine and few years later when you look back, you’ll realize that what you feel now is a unique experience in life!
I can’t imagine how stressful life must become when spending weeks away from home. I can’t wait for your Spring Break too!
When are you coming home girly? 
If you happen to be around during the second week of April, I’m throwing a Blogger Meet up in VA/DC area. Hope you can make it!!!
I have totally been in the same place you are right now. I think you did the best thing by talking to your confidant; it’s so awesome that you have that opportunity. It’s so difficult not to worry about the future, but try to remind yourself deep down that somehow, things will all just fall into place.
Huh, the almond cheese sounds interesting – I might just have to give it a try
Oh man…I remember being SO stressed out my senior year of college. It’s just such a time of change, and that’s really scary. I know it doesn’t mean anything to have someone else say it, but it WILL all work out. But that doesn’t make it any less scary right now, right?
Glad that you’re taking advantage of the free (sort of) services offered to you through the university.
That heart is adorable!
Good for you – I just graduated and wished I had taken advantage of my college counseling resources, too. I visited a nutritionist and counselor a couple times, but nothing ever clicked, and I just stopped going. It takes a lot of courage to open up, and maybe I just didn’t have it then. But looks like you are grabbing the bull by the horns. Or whatever the saying is.
That’s awesome that you were able to confide in someone. Whether it be about nutrition, or not, it’s still great. I think I need some assistance, someone to talk to. I don’t want to rack up a huge medical bill though, so I am waiting until the fall when I go to Earlham. Their medical/therapist help is free too, I am pretty sure. I don’t feel like I am at a huge risk, but I think I do need someone to show me how to live again…how to eat healthy again. I’m stuck between eating too little or eating too much. I can’t find a balance anymore.
I hope your sessions help you with what you are dealing with. There is never any shame in getting help and asking for advice. No one is perfect. We are all here on this planet to help one another, so why not seize the opportunity?
Hi Allie, I know exactly how you feel about leaving college / uni. When I left uni in 2008 I had applied for so many jobs and hadn’t been accepted for any of them. I used to get so worked up thinking that I would be jobless for ever and it was a huge source of arguments between me + my bf. But out of the blue, I went for an interview for a job an agency had found me and I got it. A yr later I have been promoted and am really happy. My advice is: don’t pani! I know it seems so daunting thinking about the future but you seem like such a positive, genuine and nice person, I know you will be fine. Put yourself out there, apply for some jobs, join some agencies and keep your head up. Helen x
I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with school ending. It’s been awhile, but I still remember the anxiety myself. Just try to remember that there will be wrinkles along the way, but it all smoothes out soon enough.
i like your icing technique! good idea! and those heart thrives are so good! my favorite is the apple… it’s amazing slathered with almond butter!
Hey Allie,
Just wanted to let you know that you should be so proud of yourself for looking for help! Life is anxiety-ridden, and unlike the majority of people, you are actually doing something about it and being honest with yourself!!! I hope you get the answers you were looking for, the inner peace you deserve, and the help you need. One step at a time. I’m a nutrition/supplement consultant, and even I struggle with dealing with emotions/food etc. If you ever need anything, let me know!
XOXOXO
Thinking of you!
Barbara
Oh, I totally understand your point… Sometimes, everyone needs a break! Right?!
And I loved your review on the Almond Cheese… Specially the honesty
It´s so cool that you´re friend is in Brazil!
Even though I wished sometimes I lived somewhere else, I can´t say I don´t love the “warmness” of my country. Beaches, hot sun…
Have a great Saturday!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
Good for you for seeing your dietitian/confidant! It ALWAYS helps to have someone to talk with. I remember graduating from college and having no idea what to do. It’s really tough. All I know is that everything works out in the end. I ended up in a field I never thought I would be in — it just took a few years to get there! We will all end up where we’re meant to be. xoxo
I have to ask — how the heck did you get that picture of you icing your arms?? Did you hold the camera under your chin?
Hey Allie, I’m sorry you’re stressed. I think it’s great that you checked in with your counselor. Have you visited the career counselors as well? They were a huge help to me in my senior year of undergrad. Good luck!
Allie, it’s so understandable to feel anxious about going out into the real world. I am so glad that you know yourself enough to seek out emotional support. Everyone could use some sort of help with this. I know I could.
Thanks for being really honest about your feelings. Being positive is important, but it’s not always easy.
Great food, by the way!
Those vegan bars sound and look great! Thanks for sharing!
Have a wonderful weekend!
PS – I showed you some love on my blog
http://www.thecleaneatingmama.com/2010/02/ray-of-sun.html
Lucky for me my school is 5 years, but everyone I went to high school with is graduating this year! My best friends are freaking out about what to do in the future. I was talking with a friend of mine the other day, and she equated graduating college to jumping off a cliff. Sounds about right to me! I’m getting nervous, and I still have a lot to go! Take advantage of that lady while you can babe, its so worth it!
Hi girl,
That icing technique is so smart! Woo for nice feeling body parts..
yum heart thrive I swear everyone eats those.. they must be good.. must get on this bandwagon now!
I am very excited to hear about your meat situation post.
Um, I could not be more ready for spring break. Girl, I feel like I was the one writing this post- it hit the nail on the head for me! I try so hard to be happy at school, but in reality I just love being home and miss it so much when I’m not! It’s good that you’re taking advantage of your school’s counseling services, I still go to health services from time to time to make sure I’m on the right track, both food and mind wise! Hang in there
I have a kobucha I need to roast- any advice on how to do it?
Soooo funny how our tastes change. I LOVE “quirky healthy” tasting foods too! =P I’m going to have to try almond cheese…definitely sounds like something I would be into. Do you eat nutritional yeast? Has a very cheesy flavor when you use it as a topping! Have a great weekend!
p.s. i love + am so impressed you’re doing all of this healthy eating during COLLEGE…mad props
Hey, hon! When I was feeling stressed earlier this week, I watched this video and it made me feel so much better about life. Seriously, watch it.
http://www.ted.com/talks/jk_rowling_the_fringe_benefits_of_failure.html
Hi Allie. I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and love it but haven’t commented yet. When I read this post it sounded so similar to what I went through my freshmen year of college. My roommate situation was awful, my living situation was awful, I didn’t have decent grades and didn’t care, I hardly ever went out and as a result, I gained a lot of weight from being so depressed. This year, I am living at home and commuting to school, which is a million times better because I’m around my family and dog and people who love me and support me and I don’t have to put up with unhappiness and drama, which was how living there was like. Like you I spent so much time trying to convince myself to be happy there and that one day I would like it but that never happened. Now that I”m home I’m healthier and happier. So just try to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and if nothing else, it will make you appreciate home and your family a lot more. I can’t sympathize with you on the whole graduating thing since I’m not there yet I do know it is hard to not be afraid cause I wonder if I will ever make it out there. BUT you seem like a smart girl with a good head on her shoulders and I’m sure great things will happen for you
-It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves—in finding themselves. -Andre Gide
I graduated a semester early, so rewind 6 months and I was feeling EXACTLY the same as you are now.
Complete with a “free” check-in with the R.D. at my school.
At least in my case, I can tell you that I feel like a completely different person since graduating- I didn’t realize what a fishbowl I was in in college until I was out of it and it was like this huge exhale.
That being said, when I got home I was recently dumped, too skinny, hadn’t slept in months, and convinced I had failed all my finals.
I guess I can just try to convince you that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel? For me it was really necessary and really fulfilling to take a breakkkk after I graduated and reconnect with my family/self.
That sure does look like a tasty workout snack, can’t wait to read the recipe for that last pic x x
Does your school offer culinary classes? If so I’m beyond jealous!! The closest we have is “Cultural Foodways” which is a religion class, that I couldn’t take thanks to a Poli Sci requirement conflicting
I’m a bit of a homebody college-student too! Sorry about the anxiety of not knowing what’s coming! I’m a junior so I still have another year before panic-time, but I know it won’t be pleasant.
Glad you saw your nutritionist and talked to her. Have you considered finding a therapist just to talk about whatever;s stressing you out? I won’t lie,my therapist kind of saves my life, like every single week, lol!
Have a great weekend!
i know how scared you must be, but i know you can get to that place. You are amazing <3
Aw Allie, I totally know how you feel. Senior year I was a messssss and didn’t handle it well.. I ended up seeing someone to talk it out with too, transitions are tough! Email me if you want to talk or vent!
It might seem like graduation day is this precipice that you’re going to fall off of if you don’t have a firm plan for what comes next (job, school, whatever), but I can promise you it’s not that bad! If you aren’t sure about applying to graduate school, you can take the GREs and the scores are good for 5 years and that way you always have the option. Or, if you’re moving home to apply for jobs, I would suggest at least finding some work in the meantime that’s flexible but still gives you the freedom of an income, like waitressing. I’m coming up on the one year anniversary of graduation, and the year has honestly gone by in a flash! And I’m proud of working and living on my own, but there are tons of options and no matter what happens, you’ll be ok and you will find a routine and lifestyle you enjoy (probably more than college! there are definitely pros to graduating!).
Good luck!
*hugs* You’ll do fine Ally! I only recently figured out what I “want to be” and I’m 25! You have a supportive family and group of friends – nobody’s going to just stand by and watch you suffer. Plus you’re a super smart girl. Not to be a super snob, but after you’ve worked w/ the general public you start to see how dense some ppl are. If *they* can make it in the real world — you can DEF. make it!!!
I could have wrote this exact post- I think you echoed a lot of the sentiments I (and probably many others) are feeling about graduation and only liking school sorta. To be honest, I have always liked being at school, but never LOVED it. I stayed an extra year and a half for a grad school program, so all my friends and boyfriend graduated…I really don’t like it now. I spend most of my time by myself and I come home to my parents’ house every chance I get…luckily I’m only an 2.5 hours away by car.
Just letting you know you’re not alone out there. Keep talking it out and working it out at the gym
It’s ok to have no idea what you want to do. For real. Uh – even at 30 (almost 31 – gulp) I’m still not sure what I want to do (in terms of a career). I didn’t say that to make you more nervous…sorry if I did…I just meant that there are so many people in the same boat. I hope you are able to enjoy the last 3 months here and don’t stress out too much. If you need anything, just let me know – I can bring over some Kefir
I sure hope you microwaved that chocolate heart thrive because they are AMAZING warmed!!
The real world is a scary place, but I’m positive you will be great. You sound a lot like me with everything you talked about in your post. And I am a homebody too. I never know if it’s a good or bad thing, but it’s nice to see there are other people out there. You are lucky to have someone to talk to like that. It’s nice to confide in people. But trust me…everything will come together. It always does.
I forgot about icing like that! I hope you enjoy every last second of college. I posted today about defining moments of my 20’s, and it may be helpful for you to read. You have so much ahead of you!
Hey Allie,
I know I’m a little late in commenting but I just wanted to let you know it’s totally OKAY to feel the way you’re feeling. Those people who leave college with blinders on are the one’s who should really be worried. In my short life thus far, I’ve made a few decisions that might be considered “risky” to some and I didn’t always know what was going to happen to me once I made them. However, those decisions where I lost control for a little ended giving the most back to me! I guess I’m trying to say things will work out in the end, even if it’s scary and unknown right now. I think that’s especially true for concientious and hard-working people like you. We all have faith in you!
Susan
I’m SO excited for spring break too!–and ugh going home for just one night on Thursday was SUCH a tease–i’m homesick now
I’m really glad you decided to take initiative and seek out some guidance from someone you trust! We all need some support and reassurance in life, and for those people who deny that they need it, well, I feel sorry for them. I can relate to so many of the things you talk about–being unhappy at school, worrying about what to do after graduation…I’m hear to talk/email anytime! Let’s help each other
I just remind myself that it’s only 3 more months, and then I can move on from this stage of my life and find where I am truly happy. Life is never perfect, but I can learn a lot from my situation right now. hope you’re feeling better!
i’m so glad that you have someone to confide in. and everything will work out come may. with your positive attitude and those “college graduate” words behind your name, life is wide open
i adore heart thrives bars, and am still super jealous of your foodie class! keep your chin up girl!
I am totally 1.5 YEARS from graduating and freaking out, so I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, but from what I know of you from reading your blog/comments you leave/emails, etc, you are going to ROCK at whatever you decide is the right thing for you!
And if it takes a little while to figure out what the right thing is…so what! Leaves extra time for spontaneous trips to WFs and Trader Joe’s
Seriously though, Allie, you’re awesome & if you ever wanna “chat” about life shoot me an email 
Allie, I just want you to know that I KNOW you are going to succeed at whatever you decide to do post-graduation. I’m so glad you have someone to talk with and I know all of us truly appreciate your honesty and just being so REAL. I graduated in May with the absolute best student teaching experience, with high honors, but I didn’t score a teaching job in this rough economy where even teachers are being let go. So, I started nannying for this incredible family with a precious baby boy, I substitute teach, and I’m just praying that God would just show me where I’m supposed to be this fall. I hope that doesn’t discourage you that I didn’t necessarily get the job I was planning for post grad, but I don’t think that was a mistake. If the people and environment at your school tell you that if you don’t have your future figured out right now then you’re lost, don’t believe it for a second. You are so talented, caring, hard working, and have a family that seems so loving and supportive of you. I remember one post a long time ago that you said you just wanted a job that you loved and you asked was that so wrong?! No! I feel the exact same way. You’ve got such a bright future ahead of you, I just know it. Sorry for the long comment, but you deserve to hear the best! xoxo
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