I am having one of those days where I have WAY too much to do and not enough time.  This week is actually a super hectic work week for me – in addition to my normal freelance article, I have to approved the “final final” version of the Operation Beautiful book. 

 

While running errands earlier, I posted this Operation Beautiful note!  So fun.  I post them all the time, but don’t always remember to photograph them.

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After FINALLY coming back home, I made lunch:

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Which included a lovely hummus, feta cheese, and spinach wrap.

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The hummus was roasted red pepper flavor, and the feta was tomato-infused, so the wrap was super flavorful!

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Plus, a small microwaved sweet potato with a slab of buttah:

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And an orange!

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More Questions and Answers, Part II

 

I hope you’re having fun reading these Q&As!  :)  More to come tomorrow morning, so if I haven’t gotten to yours yet, I will.

 

Martha asked, “Do you have any embarrassing fitness/exercise/training-related stories?”

 

Oh boy.  Do I.  During the Rock N Run 5K (race recap) in September, I actually peed myself around Mile 2.0.  Very embarrassing, but I just couldn’t hold it anymore, and I am way too competitive to stop and pee in a portapotty.   I have also suffered the famous ‘runner’s trots’ a few times, but it’s never caught me by surprise.  Pooping in a bush is a runner’s badge of honor courage.

 

Amanda wrote, “As a vegetarian, one thing I’m struggling with is oysters/mussels/clams/scallops. Not because I crave to eat them so badly, but because I barely consider them an "animal". They have no brains. Therefore in my mind I don’t see them much differently than a plant. Which makes me want to include them in my diet. (And beside the fact they are delicious).
What are your thoughts (or anyone else if you wanna jump in) on this?”

 

I have had a similar internal debate about low-level seafood.  However, I did a little research and learned that scallops actually have eyes!  One of my things about being a vegetarian is that I won’t eat anything with a face, and eyes qualify as a face to me.  And although scallops and other muscles don’t have brains, they do have a nervous system that can sense danger and feel pain. 

(source)

 

RhodeyGirl asked, “How do you decide what to eat in a day? Do you plan anything ahead of time, or do you just eat what you feel like eating in that moment? I plan my meals for the day every morning (it works for me), and I wonder what other healthy people do!”

 

No, I just eat on a whim.  I might plan dinner a few hours ahead, but I generally just open my fridge and put something together based on what I’m craving and what I’ve already eaten in the day.  I tried meal planning a few months back, and it wasn’t for me.

 

Lacey asked, “Why do you drink rice milk? Why do you choose that over cow, almond, soy, or hemp, for example?”

 

I drink non-dairy milk because I went vegan for a day for a blog challenge and realized I didn’t miss cow’s milk at all.  I figure non-dairy milk is one more way I can make ethical food choices (and I don’t miss it, so it’s not a big deal).  I like both almond and rice milk and just buy whatever is on sale.  I don’t like soy milk as much because I try to limit my consumption of soy, as I explained yesterday.

 

Amanda asked, “Have heard or tried p90x? I have a couple of friends who have tried and say that it really works. Have you heard anything about it? Do you find it expensive to eat more organic, if so do have any tips on where to shop for inexpensive organic foods. And my final question is do you have any advice on how to train hard but for shorter periods of time. I am a full time nursing student, work part time at a hospital (usually two twelve & a half hour days) and have a 10 and a half month old daughter so time is valued at my place. Its hard to find time to workout, study, place with my daughter, focus on eating healthy oh and did I mention study some more!”

 

I have not tried p90x, but I’ve read about the program, and it seems awesome! I would love to do it one day!  I have a friend who did it as well and she had great results.

 

It is more expensive to eat organic foods, so I only buy certain organic products, including eggs and dairy.  The Husband and I get a lot of our organic products at Costco in bulk!  I really love Costco and would recommend it to any size family.

 

For fast cardio workouts, do interval training.  Last night, I did 3.0 miles in 27:30 by doing rolling sprints of 0.25 mile and then recover jogs.  It makes the time on the treadmill fly by!  Also, maybe you can get a jogging stroller – I would love to put my kid in a jogging stroller!

 

Marie asked, “I have a question about refueling after working out.  Lately, after intense cardio workouts, I feel so weak and fatigued.  I work out in the morning before work and consume breakfast at my desk.  However, on the train to work I feel terrible and just want to collapse.  What is your rule for refueling (on the go) after intense work outs?”

 

If you are doing intense cardio workouts in the morning, you really need to wake up early enough to eat breakfast before you workout.  If you can’t stomach an entire breakfast, at least have a good protein smoothie or PB toast.  You feel so fatigued because your body is craving calories.  Before long runs in the morning, I ALWAYS have a big bowl of oatmeal or PB sandwich.  I would try eating 2/3 of your breakfast before your workout and the other 1/3 when you get to work.  I bet it makes a huge difference!

 

Sarah asked, “What magazines do you subscribe to?”

 

Blogs are the new magazines!  Who needs magazines?!  Just kidding.  :)  The only magazine I subscribe to is called The Week, a weekly round-up of important US and International news.

And now, a question for everyone out there… What magazines do you subscribe to?

{ 101 comments }

 

  • Amanda February 16, 2010, 1:11 pm

    Vegetarian Times and Veg News mags. I love them.

  • whit @ whitinspired February 16, 2010, 1:15 pm

    Runner’s World…I subscribed to keep me motivated!

  • Katy ( The Balanced Foodie ) February 16, 2010, 1:15 pm

    I subscribe to “Women’s Health” and “Runner’s World” though I would have a lot more subscriptions if I let myself! I love magazines.

  • Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle February 16, 2010, 1:15 pm

    Cooking Light- good recipes, and Women’s Health- though I’m starting to tire of this one, it seems repetitive/telling me things I already know. Maybe it’s cause I’m reading sooo many insightful blogs lately 😉

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 1:16 pm

      i like men’s health WAY more than WH!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) February 16, 2010, 1:16 pm

    I LOVE Bon Appetit, Cooking Light, and Eating Well. In fitness, I really like Women’s Health, and in news I have always like Time Magazine. So many great ones out there though!

  • MelissaNibbles February 16, 2010, 1:17 pm

    I don’t subscribe to any magazines. I read Huffington Post, Gawker, Wonkette, WWD and other media sites that have a roundup of the best news articles all in one place.

    The wrap looks amazing. I need to buy spinach on my way home from work!

  • Ashley February 16, 2010, 1:20 pm

    LOVEing the q+a! I subscribe to Cooks [my grandparents have been getting me this for about 6yrs] and now Real Simple, after amazon’s xmas deal of $5 for a whole year! In response to one of the q+a’s about long workouts + eating a huge breakfast. Before a long run, I cannot eat a big breakfast full of fiber. I get runner’s stomach…major cramping/bloat after long runs if I eat a fiber dense breakfast. I know not everyone gets it though. I have to be really careful, making sure to eat 1.5hrs before a long run [over 8 miles]. I have to eat simple carbs/banana/pnut butter type things and have to be careful of drinking too much water right before as well. I read that it should get better with time…I’m hoping!!! Crazy how different everyone’s bodies work!

  • Tracey February 16, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Marie Claire, US weekly, Cooking Light and Real Simple. I just love flipping the pages and looking at all the nice pictures.

  • Cassie February 16, 2010, 1:22 pm

    i subscribe to cooking light and real simple – they were both $5 for the whole year! i LOVE real simple, i get so excited when a new one comes in the mail… it’s like christmas 🙂

  • NYCRunnerGirl February 16, 2010, 1:24 pm

    Runner’s World and Self, although I have been a bit disappointed in Self lately. I’m thinking of switching to Women’s Health..

    Oh, and People, of course 🙂

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) February 16, 2010, 1:27 pm

    Fitness, Cooking Light, Self, Glamour and Women’s Health!

    xo
    K

  • Becky February 16, 2010, 1:28 pm

    I’m a bit out of control when it comes to magazines. I’ll read any one of them. There’s something about flipping through a magazine that I find relaxing. People sometimes give me subscriptions as gifts. I currently get Marie Claire, Self, and Runner’s World, but I also pick up mags that spark my interest at the check-out – no tabloids for me though!

  • cait February 16, 2010, 1:29 pm

    runner’s world, women’s health and geez!

    It’s so fun to get mail that isn’t bills 🙂

  • Katie February 16, 2010, 1:30 pm

    I’m actually a bit of a magazine junkie, I (or my household) subscribe to: New York magazine, Women’s Health, Art in America, Self, Cooking Light,People, and US weekly. I also read Food Network Magazine, Food and Wine, the New Yorker, Fitness Magazine, and Gourmet (RIP).

    I try to keep the cost down by reading the ones I don’t subscribe to at the library whenever possible.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing February 16, 2010, 1:31 pm

    I like Elle because to me it’s the perfect balance of fashion, fluff and also serious newsy topics. I like a nice variety!

  • Katie February 16, 2010, 1:31 pm

    Oh, and Coastal Living.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite February 16, 2010, 1:32 pm

    I’m a magazine junkie!
    Real Simple
    Martha Stewart
    Everyday Food
    Cooking Light
    Country Living
    Lucky
    Self
    Women’s Health
    In Style
    People

  • Kt F @ ThroughTheFinish February 16, 2010, 1:32 pm

    I’ve been wanting feta cheese + hummus for a few weeks now.. time to go actually buy some! I subscribe to Glamour + Self, but both have been sadly disappointing for the past… year or so. Don’t think I’ll be continuing my subscriptions, which is sad bc I love to read magazines!

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit February 16, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Currently I have a subscription to body + soul. I am absolutely in LOVE with this magazine! It helps not only learning about ways to be more healthy, green and balanced in my life but is helping tremendously with my knowledge as I am training to be a wellness coach.

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit February 16, 2010, 2:11 pm

    Caitlin I have a question for ya…

    How do you balance working from home with maintaining connections with people during your work day. For instance, I just started working from home in November and am developing a new career to do wellness coaching. I’m home alot now and I must say…I truly miss being around people throughout my day. I do go to cafes/coffee shops and meet friends but in terms of your work hours…what keeps you focused and prevents you from feeling “alone” ? Make sense? 🙂

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 2:18 pm

      I definitely know what you mean! I’ll answer tomorrow!

  • Christie @ Honoring Health February 16, 2010, 2:13 pm

    I don’t subscribe to any magazines anymore. I never have time to read them and they just clutter up our house. I do buy some occasionally if I see something interesting and my husband subscribes to Richmond Magazine so we can stay in touch with what is happening around town.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 16, 2010, 2:17 pm

    I’ve never heard of The Week before! I’m a magazine subscribing freak…I get Self, Shape, US Weekly, Allure, Fitness, Body & Soul, AND Cooking Light. It’s out of control!!!

    Dang it…I’ve wondered about that scallops/muscles question myself!

  • Michelle @ H.E.R. February 16, 2010, 2:17 pm

    My fiance got me obsessed with magazines, now I get body & soul, organic gardening, real simple, and bon appetite. And half the time I end up reading his subscriptions to men’s journal and Outside.

  • Erin @ Cooking and the City February 16, 2010, 2:20 pm

    I subscribe to New York Magazine, Cooking Light, Self and Real Simple…
    when I worked for a magazine publishing company, I used to get tons of magazines for free and it was such a treat! Although having a plethora of free mags meant piles of them in my apartment so I’m happy to just subscribe to my favorites now and actually read them each month.

  • Lizzy February 16, 2010, 2:20 pm

    seriously loving all these Q&A’s! I am a fashion magazine junkie, so i read cosmo, instlye, Lucky

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! February 16, 2010, 2:27 pm

    HEALTH Magazine right now!

    Fitness, Shape & Women’s Health in the past but needed to cut some expenses so I stopped my subscriptions. =(

  • katherine February 16, 2010, 2:27 pm

    My only print subscription is Runners World. I also get the online version of Body+Soul, thanks to the free issue we got at the Summit! 🙂

  • Laura @ Strong and Steady February 16, 2010, 2:30 pm

    Re: Refueling on the go (Marie’s question)…

    I second Caitlin that it’s really important to fuel *before* working out in the morning, especially if you’re doing a hard workout. I would add that, depending how “intense” your intense cardio workout is, it is *really really important* to refuel very quickly after finishing. Your muscles will be depleted of glycogen and broken-down, and you have a 20-30 minute window after working out in which to consume carbs and protein so that they’re maximally reabsorbed into those muscles to speed recovery and repair. Secondly, your blood sugar and H2O and electrolytes will be low, and that is probably why you feel suuuuper exhausted on your commute. I’d recommend chowing down on a protein bar (Luna, PowerBar, etc., not something too flimsy like Special K) and lots of water before you even leave the gym or take a shower. Then, have a light breakfast at your desk, presumably an hour or so later, as usual 🙂 Keeping your blood sugar at a steady level, instead of crashing in the morning, will do wonders for your metabolism!

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 2:38 pm

      good advice!!

  • Nicci@NiftyEats February 16, 2010, 2:32 pm

    I’m loving the Q&A posts. I subscribe to Shape, Weight Watchers and Oxygen too. I’m happy to say all these mags combined cost me under $6.00 for 1 to 2 year issues!

  • Liz February 16, 2010, 2:36 pm

    Instyle, Glamour, and Elle. But, I would like to add that I didn’t pay more than $5 for any of those subscriptions! Whenever I see them on sale I get them. They’re kind of a guilty pleasure. 🙂

  • laura dishes February 16, 2010, 2:36 pm

    I subscribe to Real Simple and Glamour, but I’m totally guilty of reading magazines in Target or at the grocery checkout!

  • Erin February 16, 2010, 2:37 pm

    How long do you microwave your sweet potato? I need to buy a few and take them in my lunch. I HAVE to meal plan otherwise I’d eat out for lunch every day and we wouldn’t eat dinner until 9PM!

    I subscribe to Real Simple. I used to get Runners’ World by my subscription lapsed and I didn’t renew. I got a subscription to Chicago Magazine for Christmas and somehow I started receiving Architectural Digest out of the blue! I don’t care a bit about architecture and looking at houses I could never afford so I’ve got to figure out if I can switch that to something I do care about.

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 2:38 pm

      4 to 6 minutes, depending on size.

  • Susan February 16, 2010, 2:38 pm

    I like that you brought up the time you tried meal planning – I forgot about that! It doesn’t work for me either. I’m a spur of the moment gal too. I like to go with what I’m craving, and I can’t predict that when I’m planning out meals at the beginning of the week!

    I subscribe to Maclean’s Magazine, which is a Canadian news weekly, and Janetha from Meals and Moves just got me a subscription to Oxygen Magazine for my birthday!

  • Marie February 16, 2010, 2:38 pm

    Cailtin – thank you so much for responding to my question and answering all others. It is making my day much more enjoyable 🙂

    I like reading Newsweek (if I can keep up with it) and Real Simple. I was a big health magazine reader, but I feel like those mags almost add to the Fat Talk. I wish more magainzes would focus on long term healthy goals rather than “lose 2 pounds by Friday” stories.

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 16, 2010, 2:44 pm

    Good answers, especially the seafood thing – I’ve been wondering about that for a while!
    Ohmygosh I read so many…Glamour, Health & Fitness, Zest, Woman’s Running, Woman’s Fitness, Heat…England do such amazing magazines, it’s hard to pick between them lol!
    Can’t wait for the next set of q & as!

  • Heather (The Single Dish) February 16, 2010, 2:45 pm

    Cooking Light and Food Network Magazine, LOVE them both!

  • Melissa February 16, 2010, 2:49 pm

    I subscribe to 3 magazines, and have for a few years now. They are all wonderful. Similar, yet have something different and unique to keep me subscribing year after year:
    -Self
    -Glamour
    -Redbook
    Highly recommend

  • Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run February 16, 2010, 2:50 pm

    Our house is overflowing with magazines. I always fall for the one year subscription for $12. It’s such cheap entertainment. I will list as many as I can think of…

    Real Simple
    Runner’s World
    Scrapbooks, Etc
    Women’s Running Magazine (it’s new and I like the women’s focus)
    Self
    Fitness
    Cooking Light
    Rachel Ray
    Food Network Magazine

    And for my husband:
    Time
    Entertainment Weekly
    Auto Week
    Car and Driver
    and a bunch of other car magazines I can’t remember!

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) February 16, 2010, 3:07 pm

    I LOVEd the question about scallops, etc. It made me giggle bc I feel the same why. Then I read that scallops have eyes. I’ve tried to live in denial about them so I could continue eating but I guess ignorance has to stop some time right? Thanks for the insight! (I think….)

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 3:09 pm

      ahhh sorry to ruin scallops for you!

  • Lauren February 16, 2010, 3:09 pm

    Hi Caitlin i have a question.

    I notice that you don’t take any sort of protein supplements (or if you do it doesn’t make the blog) so i was just wondering your take on that? What do you think of protein powders and supplements? Especially with how “protein crazy” America seems to have become. Thanks! And i love your blog :)You do a fantastic job!

  • Laura February 16, 2010, 3:10 pm

    Womens’ Health, Instyle, People Style, Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, Body&Soul, Yoga Journal, Allure, Lucky, Bon Appetit, Cooking Light, Food and Wine, Fitness, and Good Housekeeping. I get Shape and Self as well, but I’m going to let them expire, they seem to be the same thing over and over!

  • marjan February 16, 2010, 3:13 pm

    Hi Caitlin,

    I adore Operation Beautiful and everything it stands for, and I really look to you as a good example of staying positive and motivated.

    There’s one thing, though, that kind of hurts when I read it. A couple times you’ve mentioned “Happiness is a choice.” I see where you’re coming from, as you’ve written about having actively changed your outlook to be healthier, kinder, etc.
    But it hurts a little bit because as much as I try (and others, too), happiness is not always a choice. For people who suffer from depression, happiness seems to be this elusive concept that — more often than not — we question and struggle for, as our brains simply aren’t wired to feel it as easily as others.

    I know my whole life I’ve fought for happiness using every method I can find. I surround myself with things I love, positive goals and opportunities. But “happiness” still feels far from reach, so it’s difficult to hear someone say it’s a choice. If it were a choice for me, I would’ve found happiness a long time ago.

    I love you regardless and just want you to see where I (and maybe others) are coming from 😉

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 3:18 pm

      i appreciate this comment so much. i actually wrote that note because there is someone in my life dealing with the struggles you wrote about.

      when i say “happiness is a choice” (actually, Aristotle said it), i think i mean that you have the power to be proactive. no one can force themselves to be happy. no one can change the circumstances around them. no one can will their brain chemistry to change. but we can always change the way we see the world and the people in it. so, happiness is a choice to me – sometimes, it’s a hard choice, but it’s still decision you make. even if you have to make it every single second of every single day.

      • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 3:19 pm

        also, i am realllllllllllly sorry you are struggling with depression. i know personally and through others how rough it can be.

      • Alyssa February 16, 2010, 7:11 pm

        I definitely agree with both posts – I also suffer from depression, partly stemming from an ed too. I kind of thought the same thing marjan did about “happiness is a choice,” but I knew where Caitlin was coming from. All of the therapists I have seen and currently see (for depression and ed issues) tell me that happiness IS a choice. Yes, there are always circumstances and terrible things that happen that don’t exactly fit, but you can choose to be happy. You can choose to let the little stuff get to you, but you can choose not to too. You can choose to make a “new start” at any minute, any second of the day. It sounds corny, and it might only last a few seconds, but changing your perspective and how you think about things does work. It’s harder than it sounds (and believe me I’m never one of those peppy people who are always smiling and brimming with optimism), but it does work when you try, most of the time :).

        • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 7:13 pm

          thanks for adding to this discussion, alyssa! i thought about it a lot today and it was interesting to hear someone else’s feedback.

  • kelsey @ kelseytoney February 16, 2010, 3:17 pm

    I currently get:
    Real Simple
    Runner’s World
    Texas Runners
    Body + Soul
    Cosmo
    Elle
    Shape

    But I don’t pay for mag subscriptions, if you keep your eyes open, you can get free subscriptions all the time. 😀

  • Beth February 16, 2010, 3:22 pm

    The Week is my favorite staple. Quick, informational and very relevant. I knew i liked you for a reason 😉

  • Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run February 16, 2010, 3:25 pm

    I subscribe to Cooking Light (found a $5 subscription deal) and then I recieved Fitness Magazine and Runner’s World as gift subscriptions for Christmas. I used to subscribe to Women’s Health and I really liked that one.

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit February 16, 2010, 3:26 pm

    I feel as though I’m over doing the comments today. 🙂 This is number 3 but I keep forgetting!

    In reference to someone asking you about P90X, I have actually completed that program + all of the other programs created by the same company, Beachbody. I think they are amazing workouts right!

    I also coach people who embark on Beachbody programs so if you or anyone should have questions, come on over to my blog and we can chat! Would love to help!!

  • Ashley @ Good Taste. Healthy Me February 16, 2010, 3:28 pm

    Self and Cooking Light. I just love those two!

  • ida February 16, 2010, 3:37 pm

    harvesting mollusks and bivalves is also really damaging to the environment. But clams are a good source of heme iron for someone who is anemic, but doesnt want to eat red meat. though i’m not sure how many clams one could stomach…

  • Leah @ L4L February 16, 2010, 3:38 pm

    Cooking Light, Vegetarian Times, Eating Well

  • Ariane February 16, 2010, 3:38 pm

    yeah, these q&a’s are great, keep it up! i subscribe to cosmo and marie claire, both perfect light reading for elliptical days 🙂

  • Leena February 16, 2010, 3:41 pm

    that wrap looks so good! roasted red pepper hummus is my favorite flavor of hummus!
    the magazines i get are Food Network, Rachel Ray, and a Digital Photography magazine. I don’t have too many subscriptions, because usually i just pick up some at the store if they catch my eye.

  • Nicole, RD February 16, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I loved reading all the Q&A’s!

    I subscribe to Cooking Light and ADA Times.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople February 16, 2010, 3:54 pm

    I get women’s health (hey, it’s cheaper than men’s health!), marie claire, elle, health, parenting, cosmo, glamour, fitness, shape, self, good housekeeping, redbook, ladie’s home journal….someone has an addiction!!

    • Amber K @ sparkpeople February 16, 2010, 3:58 pm

      oh! And I forgot my husband got me People and Entertainment Weekly and he gets popular mechanics and popular science that I sometimes read.

  • Alyssa February 16, 2010, 3:56 pm

    Seventeen, even though I’m 21 and moving out of the reader demographic 🙂

  • Jenna @ EatingGreen, StayingLean February 16, 2010, 4:01 pm

    I’m a Women’s Health and EatingWell subscriber all the way 🙂

  • Rachel S February 16, 2010, 4:06 pm

    I currently subscribe to Fitness magazine, and whenever I visit home (I’m in college) I take full advantage of my family’s subscriptions–Real Simple, Southern Living, Newsweek, Time, The New Yorker. I like to read other fitness-type mags but so often I feel the information in them is redundant.

  • Tracey @ TropicalHappiness February 16, 2010, 4:12 pm

    I suscribe to SELF, Women’s Health, Runners World, TIME. I am about to get a subscription to National Geographic. And I have to start getting a financial magazine, so I’m researching that. Perhaps Forbes?
    And I get REAL SIMPLE at work, even though I didn’t subscribe to it nor do I pay for it.

    Love the Q&A. You offer some great insight and it’s interesting to just read your thoughts on a variety of subjects!

  • Samantha February 16, 2010, 4:18 pm

    I don’t subscribe to any mags because they take much longer to get to Guam via mail than buying them on the newsstand here. And because the Exchange gives us a discount on books/mags, the retail price ends up not being too bad.

    For your reader Amanda that wrote in: I wholeheartedly second getting a good jogging stroller. I bought an instep safari wth the front swivel and lock wheel when my youngest son (will be 4 next month) was 6 weeks old and it has been a work horse and I live saver. I logged hundreds of miles while training for half and full marathons with my little buddy with me. It’s been on sand and over snow, and been his “wheels” in 3 states and one “territory”, it enabled me to do an amazing organized exercise program called Stroller Strides (check it out Amanda!!!) and offered me the chance to go on walks with my now 7 year old when he wanted to ride his bike. Despite almost 4 years of solid use in all kinds of conditions, it’s still going strong and serves me well to get out and run a few days a week…or just conserve gals and get in some activity by walking to the post office or the pool for swimming lessons! If any mom ever asked me my 1 most have piece of equipment when they have small children, THAT would be it!

  • Carrie H February 16, 2010, 4:22 pm

    It’s true, you are the best blogger out there. I like reading the others too, but I’ve recently started checking yours last — “saving the best for last” — because I like yours best, and I can get engaged in the comments if I want.

    I know you’re blog is getting bigger and bigger, but it is the fact that you feel like a friend that I think most readers really appreciate. Thanks for all your effort, Caitlin!

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 4:23 pm

      thank you so much carrie! you are one of my favorite commentors 🙂

  • susan (stepping off the coaster) February 16, 2010, 4:31 pm

    i was actually just laughing this morning about how many mags we currently have:
    this old house (from my dad b/c i bought my first house)
    cooking lite (from the mom in law)
    sunset (i got to support my niece’s school fundraiser)
    portland monthly (i got for donating to OPB)
    self (my cousin got me for christmas)
    there’s something i love about physical magazines, like books, i’ll never be ok with electronic books… can you imagine not having the smell of the pages of a book!?!? wait, am i weird? oh cripes… i AM weird!!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope February 16, 2010, 4:44 pm

    I have a subscription to Critical Care Nurse, American Journal of Critical care nurse, AACN bold voices, etc <–all of those came with my American Associate of Critical Care Nurses membership.
    I also have a subscription to Yoga Journal

  • Run Sarah February 16, 2010, 4:46 pm

    I have no subscriptions actually! Your wrap looks great – hummus and spinach seem to go so well together in wraps.

  • Melissa (Getting Fit If It Kills Me) February 16, 2010, 5:09 pm

    I have too many magazines and every time I think about stopping some of them, I change my mind! We get Newsweek, Time, People, Highlights (for the boy), Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, Eating Well, and I’m sure I’m forgetting something. I love my entertainment mags; maybe I should invest in some more “healthy living” mags?

    On another note, I hope you don’t mind that I link to your blog ALL the time on my blog. (Who are we kidding, of course you don’t mind!) It’s especially nice since I’m going to be talking about Food, Inc & Skinny Bitch, along with some other books I’m reading. I’m just going to link to your blog entries to save me some time. 🙂

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 5:12 pm

      no i appreciate it! 🙂

  • Kristen February 16, 2010, 5:10 pm

    We subscribe to Runner’s world, but I’m finding it to be pretty repetitive.

    I’m loving your Q and A- thanks for all the answers 🙂

  • Ellen February 16, 2010, 5:59 pm

    I’m a TOTAL mag junkie. I’ve tried just reading online, but no dice. I need those glossy pages in my hands… I subscribe to: SELF, Natural Health, Health, Body and Soul, NY Mag, and In Style.

  • Jessica February 16, 2010, 6:03 pm

    I have a ridiculous amount of magazine subscriptions, and embarrassingly, I am so behind on them…like last November 2008 behind. They include: Washingtonian, Woman’s Health, Self, Shape, Everyday Food, Bon Apetit, Food Network, and the list goes on…

  • Samantha February 16, 2010, 6:06 pm

    Receiving mags and actually reading them are two very different things. I have a stack of them in the “waiting to read” pile that is growing to towering heights. I learned when my Grandma was sick that nursing homes LOVE to get gently used magazines. Much better than tossing them out is knowing that others will be very grateful. Just remember to tear off the name and address label.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels February 16, 2010, 6:29 pm

    for the sake of the earth, and well my overflowing bookshelf, me and my bf have a no magazine rule, unless it’s super limited edition and cool and one time only kind of thing, actually he breaks down a lot now that I think it . . .

  • Michelle February 16, 2010, 6:38 pm

    Now that is one gorgeous wrap!!! I have way too many subscriptions to magazines, but the winner are Cooking Light, Marie Claire, and Women’s Health!

  • Niki@ Niki's Neverending Adventure February 16, 2010, 6:56 pm

    Loving the Q&A’s!! I only subscribe to Runners World and Southern Living!! I absolutely LOVE Runners World! It is my monthly motivation!!

  • Joanne February 16, 2010, 7:31 pm

    I subscribe only to Runners World. I used to get all sorts of cooking magazines but since my library of cookbooks is overwhelming, decided to work my way through those instead.

    I have a question: Do you think you could have trained and run the marathon if you didn’t have a running partner? If you had to train and motivate yourself?

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner February 16, 2010, 7:39 pm

    Conde Naste Traveler, Runners world, and Real Simple!

  • Ellen February 16, 2010, 7:54 pm

    None! My mom usually hooks me up with subscriptions for Christmas, but she didn’t this year 🙁 My faves though are Women’s Health (plus I get it for free cuz my sis works there!), Glamour, Marie Claire and Shape! My bf subscribes to the Economist, and I’ll try to power through an article or two, but my brain is usually VERY tired afterward 🙂

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Trainerpack February 16, 2010, 8:21 pm

    No mag subscriptions but I do buy Women’s Health…I also invite you all to subscribe to my FREE site Trainerpack. I am a personal trainer and love to share my expertise in videos. Come check it out.

  • katie February 16, 2010, 8:24 pm

    I only subscribe to SELF but I’m researching about some other ones that have been mentioned above that sound popular.
    Do you eat at just about the same time everyday or do you eat according to your hunger level? Sometimes I can only go 2-3 hours after breakfast and decide to have my lunch really early, but other days I seem to be able to wait until 3pm to eat lunch. I don’t really like to throw off my “schedule” so much but I’d rather eat according to my hunger cues.

  • Island Girl Eats February 16, 2010, 8:25 pm

    I used to buy magazines all the time, Shape, Self, etc. But then all the articles kind of seem the same after a while. Buying magazines can really add up, especially when I wasn’t really reading them that much. If there is something interesting that I see, then I will buy it. Other than that, you can get a lot of magazines on the internet for free! I always go on the People website.

  • Lauren @ A Fit Foodie February 16, 2010, 8:26 pm

    That wrap looks amazing! I subscribe to Cosmo and Bon Appetit. Definitely wanting to get Runner’s World and Shape in the mail but haven’t yet. Hopefully I’ll order someday soon.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 16, 2010, 8:31 pm

    Oh my … I have a list:
    – Fitness
    – Women’s Health
    – Bon Appetit
    – Real Simple
    – Gourmet
    – Food and Wine
    – And I think a couple more food/ cooking one’s that aren’t coming to me right now.

    My hubby subscribes to about 3 … running/ tri/ photography or something like that! Crazy, I know!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 16, 2010, 9:04 pm

    Too many!! I love Runner’s World but I subscribe to Self, The Food Network Magazine, Rachael Ray Magazine, Shape

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 16, 2010, 9:27 pm

    I just got my last issue of Women’s Health but I’m not renewing- I like it, but it seems to be the same thing over and over again. I get Cooking Light & Runner’s World too- they were both gifts!

  • Lauren February 16, 2010, 9:44 pm

    one thing you have to be careful about completely cutting out cows milk is that by doing so your body could stop producing lactase, making you lactate intolerent. I could easily live without cow’s milk, but I still have an occasional glass because I still want to be able to enjoy my ice cream and greek yogurt 😀 just a precaution from a registered dietition.

    • Caitlin February 16, 2010, 9:47 pm

      would that happen if you still had cheese and yogurt? doesnt other dairy have lactose in it (or whatever)?

      • Lauren February 17, 2010, 5:00 pm

        Yes, other dairy products do include lactose, but very little. This explains why many people who are lactose intolerent can digest yogurt and cheese but will not be able to drink milk.

  • John February 16, 2010, 10:10 pm

    I thought only triathletes did the peeing thing because they’re usually wearing trishorts(combo swimsuit/short)!

    Last magazine which I forgot to resubscribe to was National Geographic.

    You’re getting some good question!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) February 17, 2010, 8:07 am

    question is..what magazine do I NOT subscribe to…I get usweekly, shape, self (amazing), food network, vanity fair….trust me. If ever get a stomach bug at my house, we’ve got plenty of reading material on the toliet for you.

  • Tammy February 17, 2010, 11:23 am

    Right now…Runner’s World, Fitness, and The Food Network Magazine…I love Bycycling, Women’s Health, Eating Clean, and SELF, but I had to draw the line somewhere! If I HAD to choose one, of course, it would be Runner’s World. I REALLY want Ultrarunning Magazine for my birthday!

  • Lauren May 14, 2010, 4:18 pm

    Oxygen Magazine and Hers Fitness!

Healthy Tipping Point