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This is how I felt this morning:

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Yeah.  Not very good.  I have been having trouble sleeping since Friday night and last night was the nail in the coffin.  I wandered around this morning in a sleepy daze, trying to decide if I should slam three cups of coffee or just lay back down.

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(Frost!)

 

In the end, I decided I was fighting a losing battle and formulated a game plan:  I would go back to sleep for 45 minutes and then run 3.0 miles (instead the 5.0 I planned to).  It might seem that exercising would only make the situation worse, but stepping out into the cold air and getting my blood pumping seemed to be EXACTLY what I needed. I left my Garmin at home so I wouldn’t feel pressured to maintain a certain pace.

 

Running > Coffee

 

Not that I didn’t have some coffee, too.  🙂

 

Breakfast:

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My very favorite meal (lately):  Vanilla Greek yogurt, canned pumpkin, cashews, oatmeal, a banana, and cinnamon.

 

And lunch was quick and easy.  I based this recipe on 15-Minute Pasta Salad but swapped out the tomato and spinach for roasted Brussel sprouts and parsnips.  It felt more wintery that way.  🙂

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Dare I say that B. Sprouts are my favorite veg?  Lots of favorites today!

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Also in the mix: 1.5 servings of whole wheat cheese tortellini and balsamic reduction.

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Back to work I go – this time I’m actually awake for it.

{ 83 comments }

 

  • Jessica December 2, 2010, 2:20 pm

    Nothin like some chilly fresh air to wake you up! Sometimes it’s just too cold for me to go out in the mornings though (like sub-zero temps, brrr)and that’s when some hot coffee or tea does the trick 😉

  • Kaci December 2, 2010, 2:20 pm

    A little cat nap always does the trick!

  • Sarah for Real December 2, 2010, 2:20 pm

    I think the Blah’s must be going around. I have them too 🙁 We have too much snow to run, I’ll try skiing instead! Now if only I could get my city to build a chairlift back to my house…

  • Chloe December 2, 2010, 2:23 pm

    I know that sleepy feeling, I think it happens more frequently in the winter months too. No matter how much coffee I get in the system I still could lay right back down and sleep for hours.

    Brussel sprouts are my favorite right now 🙂

  • Kelly December 2, 2010, 2:25 pm

    I’ve been having trouble sleeping this week too. I think I’m still adjusting to my new house, schedule.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 2, 2010, 2:25 pm

    Sometimes getting moving outside really is the best cure for the blahs. Of course, sometimes laying down is too 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman December 2, 2010, 2:26 pm

    I know the feeling. As the mornings get darker it gets harder and harder to wake up. I’m considering rigging a bucket of cold water over my bed, which will spill at exactly 6 am.

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations December 2, 2010, 2:26 pm

    Brussel sprouts are amazing!!! It’s okay to say they’re your fave! I never met a brussel sprout I didn’t like.

  • Becca December 2, 2010, 2:26 pm

    i seriously cannot get enough of parsnips or brussels!!yum!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 2, 2010, 2:27 pm

    Exercising in the AM always makes me feel more awake, but by the afternoon it just tires me out. It’s the best way to start your day!!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 2, 2010, 2:29 pm

    I’ve been feeling that way too lately, and my boyfriend is sick so that doesn’t help.

    I’m hoping the tofu veggie stir fry tonight will do the trick!

  • gabriella @ embracement December 2, 2010, 2:31 pm

    I love brussel sprouts too! It was nearly impossible for me to get out of bed this morning, running is so energizing, but I had to give a presentation instead 🙁

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life December 2, 2010, 2:32 pm

    I haven’t been sleeping well either the past few night! Somthing must be in the air!

  • Kacy December 2, 2010, 2:33 pm

    Hopefully you’ll sleep well tonight. I have pretty bad insomnia but after several nights like you’ve had my body tends to completely shut down and I finally get a good night’s rest. I’ll cross my fingers that it happens to you!

    Brussels are definitely one of my fave veggies. Not sure why I don’t eat them more often.

  • VeggieGirl December 2, 2010, 2:35 pm

    Hang in there with the lack of sleep! Hope you feel better as soon as possible.

  • jen December 2, 2010, 2:36 pm

    I’ve got a bad case of the blahs today! If I didn’t have a napping toddler, I would probably head outside for a walk.

    I’ve never had a brussels sprout…what do they taste like?

    jen

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:46 pm

      I don’t know if I can describe B sprouts – they are kind of sweet but very vegetabley.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) December 2, 2010, 2:40 pm

    Where do you find whole wheat cheese tortellini? That sounds awesome!

  • Ashley December 2, 2010, 2:40 pm

    That looks really yummy. Exercise always wakes me up in comparison to cofee, I hope you get some sleep soon.

  • Amanda (Eating Up) December 2, 2010, 2:41 pm

    Getting dressed for the day and going out in public helps wake me up and shake the lazies .

  • CarrieBeth Sherwood December 2, 2010, 2:46 pm

    you just need to know that you inspire me!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 2, 2010, 2:47 pm

    We have frost here too… and ice… and rain… and snow… talk about blah!! Your lunch looks delicious – hope you have a great afternoon and a good sleep tonight!

  • Jen December 2, 2010, 2:48 pm

    I have to go back and read your previous post! I eat pumpkin straight from the can – that’s ‘okay’ right? It doesn’t have to be warmed or anything?…don’t want more stomach/digestive issues or poisioning than I already have…;)

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:45 pm

      Yes 🙂 it’s fine. Straight from the can (chilled tasted better though)

  • Ashley December 2, 2010, 2:51 pm

    Where do you get the whole wheat cheese tortellini? The only kind I can ever find is regular, but I’d love a whole wheat alternative!

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:44 pm

      They have them in my regular grocery store (it’s Buitoni brand)

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun December 2, 2010, 3:08 pm

    Those parsnips look like banana slices in that last picture. LOL

  • Ashley December 2, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I’m also wondering what type of whole wheat tortellini you use?

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:43 pm

      Buitoni!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 2, 2010, 3:17 pm

    I was feeling the exact same way today!!! I did not want to drag myself out of bed this morning. It was tough, that’s for sure!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) December 2, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I am so with you on getting the blood pumping. It always helps me. That’s why I have to get up and work out first thing or I feel lethargic the whole day. Glad you are feeling better! Brussels sprouts are pretty fantastic!

  • grocery goddess jen December 2, 2010, 3:24 pm

    Being tired is the worst. I feel like I’m in a brain fog when I’m too tired, yuck!

  • Rachel December 2, 2010, 3:26 pm

    Glad you’re feeling better now!

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow December 2, 2010, 3:30 pm

    Exercise rarely fails as a reset button for me!

    I’m so sorry about your sleep troubles. When I have a hard time before bed or even during the night I make myself one of two drinks:

    warm lemon water with honey or a warm glass of milk (I know- odd but it’s so soothing!)

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:43 pm

      Warm lemon water sounds like it would help me calm down! I might have to try this.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 2, 2010, 3:30 pm

    ooooh that tasty lunch must have lifted your spirits though – looks delish!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing December 2, 2010, 3:51 pm

    I completely understand… I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately too and it’s the worst!

  • Lori Lynn December 2, 2010, 4:02 pm

    I had to have double my coffee today too, b/c I’m lacking sleep as well! I don’t think I could live without it!

  • Ella December 2, 2010, 4:11 pm

    Running helps wake me up too. Except for today, not enough adrenaline and caffeine in the world can help me (and all the other sick, college students about to embark on finals).
    Hope the sleep comes easier to you soon!

  • Cindy Robinson December 2, 2010, 4:13 pm

    That dish looks great! I feel like I say “this is my favorite” to everything related to food…even cooking utensils 🙂 Glad your run pepped you up!

  • Babs December 2, 2010, 4:15 pm

    I had trouble sleeping last night due to jet-lag. Sleep is such a weird thing. On some nights you can lay there tired and craving some zzzs but unable to catch any. Here’s hoping tonight is better

  • Maren December 2, 2010, 4:32 pm

    Bummer! Working out always wakes me up too! It’s just doing it that’s the hard part 🙂 Where did you get your WW cheese tortellini??

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In December 2, 2010, 4:34 pm

    Running always seems to energize me – even when I think I’m too exhausted to do it!

    Also I have been waiting all day for someone to post a meal with brussel sprouts! I want to use them in an easy dinner tonight, but couldn’t think of anything. Some pasta and balsamic is PERFECT 🙂

  • April @ Crazy Fabulous Life December 2, 2010, 4:42 pm

    I was exhausted today, too. However, I did drink three cups of coffee and it made me crazy. Haha 🙂

    Glad you got energized with less caffiene!

  • faith @ gracefulfitness December 2, 2010, 5:08 pm

    I am all about the balsamic reduction after reading about it on HTP. A few days ago I added fresh pomegranate to the pot as I reduced the vinegar and it’s SO GOOD! Thanks for the great tip!

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:41 pm

      omg that sounds soooo good.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape December 2, 2010, 5:09 pm

    I am with you on brussel sprouts. They are delicious 😀

  • Rachel December 2, 2010, 5:21 pm

    The brussel sprout lunch you had looks really tasty!

    I was having trouble sleeping when I was working out in the evenings. If you’ve been really active at night maybe try relaxing with a cup of tea and some music a few minutes before bed instead of doing anything too stimulating.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss December 2, 2010, 5:33 pm

    That lunch looks sooo good! Brussels are incredible. 🙂 Hope the rest of your day’s going much better than the morning!

  • Kiran December 2, 2010, 5:57 pm

    I love brussel sprouts too! So delicious! I’ve yet to try tortellini though.

  • Laura (Starloz) December 2, 2010, 6:11 pm

    sometimes brussels make a meal

  • Camille December 2, 2010, 6:25 pm

    I’m glad you’re feeling better. Running always helps 🙂

  • Shayla December 2, 2010, 6:45 pm

    That breakfast looks delicious – I love cashews too! This may sound like a bizarre question – but do you eat your yogurt bowl like that or mixed up? I’d be curious to know what it looks like mixed up! I know I’m weird 😉

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:41 pm

      I mix it up and it looks like an orange mess 🙂 Hehe.

      • Jen December 2, 2010, 8:51 pm

        What will you do when there’s no more Pumpkin around!! 🙂

        • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:52 pm

          Use sweet potato instead!!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 2, 2010, 7:04 pm

    Brr, it looks like it was a chilly day for a run! That would definitely be a good way to wake up!

  • Erika @ FoodFitnessFun December 2, 2010, 7:17 pm

    I don’t know if I’d consider brussel sprouts my favorite veggie but I am definitely loving them right now! 🙂

  • Katie December 2, 2010, 7:47 pm

    Exercise ALWAYS ends up waking me up! 🙂

  • Paige @Running Around Normal December 2, 2010, 7:55 pm

    I’m jealous that you could get in a 45 minute nap 🙂 Nap, run, AND coffee? No fail 🙂

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) December 2, 2010, 8:13 pm

    The tortellini with brussels sprouts looks *ahmazing*! I could totally go for something like that right now. 😀

  • Lauren December 2, 2010, 8:17 pm

    I know a lot of people who have been feeling a lack of sleep lately. Must be something in the air. It always takes my body a few weeks to adjust to winter. All I want to do is hibernate when it gets cold out.

  • Allie @ Healthy Balance, Healthy Life December 2, 2010, 8:27 pm

    I already LOVE brussel sprouts but I’m nervous about trying parsnips. Maybe I’ll pick some up next time I’m at the market and try your 15 minute pasta salad. Wish me luck!

    • Caitlin December 2, 2010, 8:40 pm

      Oh they are so good! Try them roasted.

    • Susan December 2, 2010, 8:57 pm

      @Allie – go for the parsnips! They are just about my favorite (albeit rarely had) vegetables. Actually, I am also someone who loves brussel sprouts – I am so happy to see so many share my love! And yes – that lunch looks incredible!

  • Jen December 2, 2010, 8:36 pm

    Mmm, I love brussel sprouts!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous December 2, 2010, 8:54 pm

    I totally had the Blahs all day long! Two cups of coffee and a hot chocolate made me feel a little better though 🙂 A little excessive, but sometimes you just gotta do it.

  • Shanna, like Banana December 2, 2010, 9:02 pm

    Oh Insomnia is the absolute worst! I feel for you. There’s usually something that’s keeping my mind awake and once I tackle that I’m all good (or at least better).

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit December 2, 2010, 9:09 pm

    Yum, tortellini!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 2, 2010, 9:32 pm

    I’ve been loving my yogurt bowls lately too! I know that I need to branch out and eat other types of breakfast but it really hits the spot!

    Insomnia is awful! I’ve been struggling with it lately too! 🙁

  • Amber K December 2, 2010, 9:43 pm

    I can’t seem to stop eating the same breakfast. It’s pretty much exactly what you’re eating, but it’s SOOO good I don’t want to stop!

  • Laura December 2, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I keep seeing these bowls of yours with oats and pumpkin and greek yogurt and they look mighty tasty! But I do have to ask, what kind of oats do you put in that they are delish without cooking them?

    • Caitlin December 3, 2010, 8:27 am

      They are just regular 5-minute oats. Plain! Raw! They are so good.

  • Reenie December 3, 2010, 8:06 am

    Like I’ve said before….roasted brussels sprouts are the best. I add a lil olive oil, garlic powder, ground pepper, and a lil sea salt. Bake @ 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Love broccoli, cauliflower and fresh green beans that way too 🙂

    • Reenie December 3, 2010, 8:07 am

      forgot to add…..cover cookie sheet with foil for very easy clean up:)

  • Kristy December 3, 2010, 8:59 am

    OMG! Frost! We never get even frost in South Florida 🙁 Boo!

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