Remember that epic tomato and cheese breakfast sandwich from Friend of a Farmer?  I ate in while in New York two weeks ago, but the memory of that dish has stayed with me!

 

So I decided to re-create it at home:

IMG_2531

The simplest dishes really are the best – just thin slices of whole wheat bread, sliced tomatoes, Italian blend of shredded cheese, and some fresh rosemary (which I plucked from my neighbor’s herb garden – she said I could!).

IMG_2525 

IMG_2527

Easy to cook, too.  I just assembled the sandwiches and popped in the oven to broil on high for a minute or two.

 

And collard greens on the side (cooked this way):

IMG_2534

I’m really buckling down with acupuncture on the troublesome knee (it’s kept me from really running for a month now).  I think there are stages of injury, and the first is always denial.  I kept hoping it would heal on it’s own, but no dice.

 

Lucky for me that I have free acupuncture!  Well, I suppose it’s technically not FREE since we’ll be paying back those student loans until we’re 55…  Maybe it’s actually the most expensive acupuncture, ever. 🙂

IMG_2523

Acupuncture really works best if you get it multiple times a week, so I’m trying to go as much as possible.  We’ve been needling and using electro-simulation to increase blood flow to the injury.  And I’ve started taking a special supplement that is suppose to help repair injured ligaments and tendons. 

IMG_2519

Speaking of the clinic, have you checked out the Holistic Wellness Center of Charlotte’s new website?  Looking snazzy, huh?

2011-04-12_1311

I’m so glad we got it redesigned – I did our first site and it was lame.  The Husband swapped services with Isaac from Web Symphonies and Sean from Sean Busher Photography to create a website we can actually be proud of!  Web Symphonies really did a great job; if you’re a small business owner and need a revamp, consider reaching out to him  he’ll give you 15% off your design if you say HTP sent you!  Plus, he’s Nicole’s boyfriend, so you know he’s all sorts of awesome.

{ 100 comments }

 

  • jen @ taste life April 12, 2011, 1:23 pm

    I laughed out loud at the most expensive acupuncture ever comment. I used to be with a massage therapist. I got about two massages from him in the 4.5 years we were together. Clearly, you’re doing much better receiving services from your other half. I hope it helps!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat April 12, 2011, 1:28 pm

    I’ve never had acupuncture, but I’ve always wanted to try it. I hope it helps–running injuries stink.

  • Amanda April 12, 2011, 1:31 pm

    I’ve never had acupuncture. I’m not afraid of needles at all but the idea of acupuncture makes me uncomfortable. Weird I suppose considering I’m not sure why I think it is creepy :-/

  • Joyce @ Flowing to Fifty April 12, 2011, 1:32 pm

    Great website for the Doctor/Husband. I had acupuncture after a bad ankle fracture and it’s the only thing that helped my Achilles tendon come back. Don’t love it, but I do swear by it.

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:19 pm

      Nice! Glad it helped you!

  • megan @ blackberries for jam April 12, 2011, 1:43 pm

    That picture of you is priceless! I love it! Good luck with your knee. Running injuries are sooooo frustrating!

  • Leanne April 12, 2011, 1:45 pm

    You look really pretty in the picture with the needle in your forehead… haha! I’m only laughing because that sentence sounds sarcastic but it isnt at all 🙂

    Nice website! It’ll attract new business im sure!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:18 pm

      Hahah thank you 🙂

  • Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing April 12, 2011, 1:47 pm

    Can’t wait to hear how the acupuncture helps 🙂 Love that website redo — definitely makes a difference to have a site you feel proud of!

  • Miranda @ working mom works out April 12, 2011, 1:50 pm

    Yum! I make a sandwich like that with spicy mustard. Sounds weird but its yum!

    I hope the accupunture helps… soon.

  • Marina April 12, 2011, 1:52 pm

    Love sandwiches with roasted tomatoes!
    Fingers crossed for the acunpucture!

  • Kara April 12, 2011, 1:54 pm

    This is not a sarcastic question: Will acupuncture help if it’s a torn ligament? I know it can help with inflammation, but do you have a decided point that you’ll go get a MRI?

    *I do know that MRIs are expensive, but a month of pain is a big deal!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:18 pm

      Well there grades of tears and sprains, and it seems like i have a grade 1. That’s my stepfather’s (a chiropractor) and Husband’s opinion, anyway. The treatment plan is just rest, no surgery! So the alternative treatments will just help speed along the healing that would naturally occur with time and rest.

  • Natalia - a side of simple April 12, 2011, 1:56 pm

    Hope the acupuncture helps! The more I hear about it from you the more I’m really interested in it. I want to try it out in my area sometime.

    It’s kind of amazing how good a simple lunch of cheese, bread, and tomatoes can be, huh? 🙂

  • Parita @ myinnershakti April 12, 2011, 1:57 pm

    This may be a silly question, but I’ve always wondered, does acupuncture hurt at all?

  • Freya April 12, 2011, 1:57 pm

    Til you’re 55? Yeah that’s a pretty expensive treatment, you must love your knee 😛
    Website looks fabulous! Who’s the older guy?

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:16 pm

      The Husband’s stepdad!

  • stephanie April 12, 2011, 1:58 pm

    New website looks great, but go in and proof it. Some formatting errors on The Husband’s bio page. Just trying to help!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:15 pm

      Oh thanks! I will look into that.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg April 12, 2011, 1:58 pm

    I have never tried acupuncture but I’d like to!

    The sandwiches look so good — I love tomato + cheese!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) April 12, 2011, 1:58 pm

    I’m so jealous of all that free access to acupuncture! I can’t wait to try it one day. Hope it helps heal your injury- I know how frustrated you are.
    PS- the website looks sweet!

  • Khushboo April 12, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Funny how the yummiest meals are also the easiest to whip up.

    Would love to try acupuncture eventually, once I get my head around the whole needle concept.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 12, 2011, 2:06 pm

    Lunch looks tasty! I’ve never had acupuncture before but after seeing you and Gina rave about it, I’m very curious!

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) April 12, 2011, 2:08 pm

    Ive never tried acupuncture but I have heard if works wonders.

    …fingers crossed that you will be up and running again soon!!!

  • Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries April 12, 2011, 2:09 pm

    This makes me want to try acupuncture! I didn’t know they placed the needles on your forehead though, ouch. I heard it works wonders though, I’ll have to give it a shot.

    PS: I am about to go make collard greens after looking at that picture, yum 🙂

  • JenATX April 12, 2011, 2:12 pm

    ha! love the needle pic… & sureeeee you asked your neighbor to borrow the rosemary 😉 (haha jk, im sure you did)

  • Jen April 12, 2011, 2:12 pm

    Love the sandwich! I think putting anything under the broiler makes it meltier and tastier 🙂

  • Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons April 12, 2011, 2:12 pm

    Ohmygosh that picture is too funny! =) “Hey no big deal, just a needle in my face!” I want to have acupuncture done one of these days for stress. Everything I read about it is just amazing! =)

    ps; the cheese and tomato sandwich is going on my must try list! YUM! <3

  • Laura April 12, 2011, 2:16 pm

    Do you think Kristien might be interested in writing a guest post for HTP about how accupuncture works? I’ve heard it’s all about redirecting chi (or something like that) but I don’t actually understand what that means…. just an idea!

  • Kelly April 12, 2011, 2:16 pm

    Love the picture of you…classic!!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) April 12, 2011, 2:19 pm

    No, your acupuncture is FREE, but you’re paying off loans for life to see your husband in a white coat. 😉

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good April 12, 2011, 2:22 pm

    Sandwich looks terrific. Not too sure about the needles. I’ve never had acupuncture and I think I’d be a bit squeamish. I hope it helps your knee.

  • Krissy @ Make It Naked April 12, 2011, 2:23 pm

    I LOVE acupuncture and am such a fan. I wish I could get it everyday. Envious of how readily available it is to you but not of your loan payments 🙂

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope April 12, 2011, 2:30 pm

    Love your recreation!

    Wow, I don’t know if I could ever handle acupuncture. My biggest fear is needles! Hope it helps for you though!

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food April 12, 2011, 2:31 pm

    oh my, I’ve never had acupuncture but would definitely like to when I have a better health plan/flex spending plan that covers some of the cost.

    That tomato sandwich looks delish! 🙂

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews April 12, 2011, 2:38 pm

    Looks like a fresh and delicious lunch! Yum.

  • chelsea April 12, 2011, 2:39 pm

    That lunch looks delish! I have never has acupuncture, but I would try it. I don’t like needles that make me bleed, does acupuncture make you bleed??

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:13 pm

      Sometimes a small drop of blood comes out, but nothing you would need a bandaid for! And that’s rare.

  • jenna{frombostonwithlove} April 12, 2011, 2:43 pm

    I am making that for breakfast tomorrow. 5 tomatoes currently call my frig home and I was looking for some good inspiration. Thanks!

  • Evan Thomas April 12, 2011, 2:44 pm

    I have this irrational fear of getting acupuncture and having an earthquake occur at that exact moment and debris falling and pushing the needles in me. I know it’s silly but that’s probably why I won’t get acupuncture.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul April 12, 2011, 2:45 pm

    oh man I sooo disliked and still dislike getting needles stuck all over!! the shin ones and toe ones feel the weirdest in my opinion!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman April 12, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I hope the acupuncture helps! I’d get it daily–you already paid for it, so why not? 🙂

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles April 12, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Ahhh – you had me all excited about that sandwich (LOVE tomatoes) and then you scared me with those needles! Haha 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) April 12, 2011, 2:55 pm

    I’ve always wanted to try acupuncture. I find it completely fascinating. I hope it helps you! Oh and I completely agree about the simplest meals…always so great in flavor!

  • Ashley April 12, 2011, 3:05 pm

    A month now? Do you have an official diagnosis on that knee? ITBS? Joint stuff?

    Keep us updated…I’ve never had acupuncture, but I am fascinated by it!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:13 pm

      No update on the knee really – same pain as two weeks ago. Not even more serious, not any better. I think its a strained tendon or ligament in /around my knee. It sucks!

  • Dayna April 12, 2011, 3:22 pm

    Hey Caitlin, what is the supplement that you are taking to repair injured ligaments and tendons? I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis and tendinitis in my right foot, and I am at the end of my rope with recovery. It’s been over a year and I’m still not fully recovered! Ugh….I would love to try some more natural alternatives if you have any suggestions.
    Thanks!

    • Allison K April 12, 2011, 5:12 pm

      I second Dayna’s question.
      Dayna, regarding your plantar fasciitis…I’ve suffered from this as well. Such a pain. Have you seen a chiropractor?

      • Dayna April 12, 2011, 5:18 pm

        Hi Allison! I am seeing one currently. I am uninsured and have been very frustrated, and it took up until about 3 months ago to realize that my chiropractor could help me with this issue, for a lot less than a conventional doctor. He has really helped me, but I am still looking for relief. Did your PF ever go away?

        • Allison K April 12, 2011, 5:48 pm

          Dayna,
          Hello! Yeah it did, but it was just a “time” thing. Between working with my chiro, ALWAYS wearing shoes with proper arch support–and I mean ALWAYS, I never ever ever went barefood, even to the bathroom in the middle of the night, Crocs are good for this–and not running (only walking) the PF eventually went away.

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:12 pm

      Hey girls!

      The supplement I’m taking is only available through a doctor, I think. You can email the Husband at kboyle@holisticcharlotte.com and he can help you order it. I’m not even sure the name of it!

    • Sarah April 12, 2011, 11:23 pm

      I am having some tendonitis and plantar facititis problems in my right foot as well, I have only been dealing with it about a month and a half but its awful and no one seems to be able to help me! I will have to look into a supplement like this!

  • Sarah for Real April 12, 2011, 3:33 pm

    You have lovely eyebrows. Just wanted to tell you that!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:10 pm

      Thank you!!!

  • Nathalie April 12, 2011, 3:41 pm

    Could you share what supplement you are taking that is supposed to aid the healing of ligaments/tendons? My bf strained sth in his knee today and I was wondering if there was any natural supplement that may aid recovery…and then I read your post 🙂 I’d definitely try accupuncture if injury/illness called for it. Hope your knee gets better soon!

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley April 12, 2011, 4:00 pm

    I really want to try acupuncture, I hope it helps your injury! The sandwich looks good.

  • Sana April 12, 2011, 4:18 pm

    The website looks so balllllerrrr!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:09 pm

      Thank you sweetie!!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me April 12, 2011, 4:43 pm

    The acupuncture pics are really interesting. I’m intrigued by doing this at some point, however get all scurred from the needles.

  • Christine @ Merf In Progress April 12, 2011, 4:56 pm

    That sandwich looks just like one I had last week. I’m still dreaming of it!

  • Kacy April 12, 2011, 4:57 pm

    Anything with tomatoes and toasty cheese is a winner in my book!

  • Abby April 12, 2011, 5:03 pm

    I love the picture with the needle in your forehead! You look really pretty! 🙂

  • Beth @ 990 Square April 12, 2011, 5:04 pm

    I’d be interested to know what those supplements are that are supposed to help tendons. I’ll try anything to help my tendonitis!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) April 12, 2011, 5:07 pm

    I love simple meals that come together in a flash! I’m all about simplicity!!

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) April 12, 2011, 5:28 pm

    yum I love a good broiled open-faced sammie! Melty cheese and crispy bread, HELLO! I wish my neighbors had an herb garden. How lovely!

  • Molly April 12, 2011, 5:34 pm

    So simple yet looks so delicious, but the thought of student loans make me sick to my stomach thought

  • Molly April 12, 2011, 5:49 pm

    http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-usedto-different-cpas.aspx
    the same lesson goes for suppose vs. supposed

    please don’t be mad at me for posting this as a comment, it comes out of love!! 🙂

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:07 pm

      I am so bad at suppose v supposed.

      Correcting now…

  • Chad April 12, 2011, 5:56 pm

    I will be curious to know how this acupuncture works.

  • jamie@everydaydolce April 12, 2011, 5:57 pm

    Must recreate that lunch soon…looks comforting and savory 🙂

    I hope the acupuncture helps your knee heal soon!

  • Mary (what's cookin' with mary) April 12, 2011, 6:28 pm

    I hope your knee gets better soon !! Injuries are NO FUN :l

    I FINALLY (only took 5 weeks of agony lol.) went to the sports medicine doc and am starting my PT Thur. I don’t think I have ever been so excited to hear the words ‘I’m sending you to PT’. I almost cried. I waited WAY too long to do the right thing. Not sure how many times I need to learn these types of things. If just resting it w. anti inflammatory meds don’t make it better, gotta go to the next step. Sports injury + family practitioner = not getting better. Sports injury + sports med doc = MARY GETTING BETTER (hopefully *crosses fingers*).

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:06 pm

      I hope you feel better soon! I am sure you will 🙂 In the meantime, we should enjoy the break. Hehe.

      • Mary (what's cookin' with mary) April 12, 2011, 8:43 pm

        You are so right. I need to look at this time as a gift 🙂 I’ve already spent tons of time reading and learning about photography. Def would not have had the time to before.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin April 12, 2011, 6:59 pm

    I always love trying to recreate dishes that I’ve had at restaurants! I feel so accomplished when I’m successful. 😀

  • lisa April 12, 2011, 7:04 pm

    that sandwich looks so perfect for summer! what an easy lunch idea. sure beats the cold cuts I usually eat.

  • Jeni April 12, 2011, 7:15 pm

    Your sammie is so purty! My friend and I are thinking about signing up for the GOTR 5k in Denver next month! It sounds like fun.

  • Ely April 12, 2011, 7:18 pm

    Yummers! I imagine that sandwich combo would be amazing with basil too!!! Really though, melt cheese over anything and you’ve got my attention 🙂

  • caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:39 pm

    ekk those needles in your knees make me feel weird! haha! Ive never tried acupunture but I would definetly be up for trying it! Does it hurt?!

  • caitlin April 12, 2011, 7:40 pm

    I did a post about operation beautiful today- thought you might enjoy it! 🙂
    http://scatterbrainjane.com/2011/04/12/shake-what-ya-momma-gave-ya/

  • Aimee April 12, 2011, 7:47 pm

    I thought the Husband was a doctor of Oriental medicine… why doesn’t he get to call himself “Dr. Boyle?”

  • Laura Ann April 12, 2011, 7:56 pm

    I hope it helps!!! I’m so grateful for these posts. I was recently told I have a “rheumatoid arthritis-like” condition with my two swollen knees (no other swollen joints or issues). The rheumatologist wants to put me on a pretty heavy-duty drug so I’m thinking very seriously about trying out the Eastern medicine route.

  • Jen April 12, 2011, 9:39 pm

    I love acupunture! I used to get it for my acne but I just can’t afford to get it anymore, but if i could get it multiple times a week i would!

  • Kristen April 12, 2011, 10:06 pm

    I would love to try acupunture!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 12, 2011, 11:13 pm

    OMG – that needle in your head scared me!

  • Laura (Starloz) April 13, 2011, 3:41 am

    oh i love to think i’ll recreate dishes at home but i never do. i think i will this week.

  • Marika April 13, 2011, 3:47 am

    I love how you’re in a bunch of photos on the clinic’s website too :-).

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 9:07 am

      hahah i was the only model available!

  • Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East April 13, 2011, 5:15 am

    I hate needles! I have heard good things about acupuncture but am too scared to try it!

  • Jacalyn April 13, 2011, 7:09 am

    I have the cafeteria at work make me a sandwich similar to that for lunch – whole wheat bread, cheese, tomatoes, spinach and olive spread. They toast it like a panini for me and YUM!!! Add a side of mozzarella and tomatoe salad – bingo!

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy April 13, 2011, 11:40 am

    I love the photo of you with a needle in your head. It’s so “awesomesauce.”

    • Sara @ OurDogBuffy April 13, 2011, 11:41 am

      And you’re a great model on the site!

      • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 2:11 pm

        Epic use of awesomesauce 🙂

        • Sara @ OurDogBuffy April 13, 2011, 2:46 pm

          I try to use it when I can and then if anyone asks, give the credit to you 😉

  • Amber K April 13, 2011, 12:09 pm

    Acupuncture freaks me out, but I’ve only heard good things about it! Someday maybe I’ll get the courage to try it out.

Previous post:

Next post:

Healthy Tipping Point