More Weirdo Weather
Mother Nature cannot make up her mind today! Just a few hours ago, the skies opened up and down-poured like crazy! Now, it’s a perfect, sunny summer day. I’m glad that Mother Nature went for the later! Thanks for the sunshine! 
The weather changed so quickly from rain to sun! I can still see the rain droplets on the panes of my office window.
Note the tour group in the photo. These happen ALL day long right outside my window! I know a lot about John Harvard now, so that’s pretty cool. Well, the statue really isn’t John Harvard… and he wasn’t really the founder. You see, I’ve learned a lot listening to the zillions of campus tours! 
Lunch
Today’s lunch was the usual homemade salad with Larabar. How boring! I’ve gotten so lazy with my lunches. I think it’s time to switch it up! Suggestions welcomed! 
My afternoon snack is a little more exciting, however. I scored a free latte from Starbucks. Sweet! I am slowly sipping it now, so perhaps it will last until snack time? The weirdo-looking snack inside the plastic baggie is Trader Joe’s Flattened Bananas that Erica gave me when I visited her in Charleston.
The Flattened Bananas may look strange (and somewhat unappetizing), but they are exactly the opposite! They’re slightly sweet, chewy, and just plain yummy. And the only ingredient is bananas! They’re an awesome snack! 
Fiona’s Challenge
For the Boston folks: This week Healthworks launched Fiona’s Challenge– women form teams with their friends and apply online. Healthworks members and non-members are welcome to compete!
Healthworks chooses 2 teams per HW location to compete in a four week bootcamp (teams get full access to the clubs plus one bootcamp and one FOCUS session per week). The team with the greatest percentage of change wins a $1500 shopping spree to City Sports.
If anyone is looking for a team member, please let me know!
Organic Has No Health Benefits
Did you guys hear about this recent study?
Tags: Fiona's Challenge, Harvard, Trader Joe's Flattened Bananas
Christie @ Quit Your Diet — July 30, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
Today I had leftover pesto & veggie frittata (recipe on my blog) for lunch, it was awesome. I love frittatas because you can eat them hot or cold!
Leianna — July 30, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
I’ve heard a lot of campus tours as well. I worked at my college during the summer and know every little detail, but sometimes it comes in handy. Although I’m not at Harvard, just little old UW – River Falls! Basically a bunch of farmers:)
Carolyn — July 30, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
I’ll have to try some of those flattened bananas next time I’m over by the TJs. It’s so hard to find fresh bananas at just the right freshness, maybe I should just give up and try ‘em this way.
Free Spirutein giveaway at: http://healthyskinny.blogspot.com/
Becci — July 30, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
The flattened bananas look good! I wish we had a trader joe’s nearby!
Erica — July 30, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Glad to see you’re enjoying the nanas! I just picked up a latte for myself as well! I was reallllly dragging today and the pick me up is already helping. Hope it stays warm and sunny for you throughout the weekend (we’re almost there!!).
Michelle — July 30, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
Ah campus tours! I used to think it was so cute seeing those during college! Thumbs up for free stuff from Starbucks!
Maria — July 30, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
I always pack our lunches for work. I usually do sandwiches, salads, leftovers, etc. I also like to eat small meals throughout the day so I will pack a yogurt, a couple pieces of fruit, string cheese, nuts, etc. to much on throughout the day. By the end I have had a meal:) I love Erica! I am sure the bananas are fabulous!
Evelyn — July 30, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
i debated the flattened bananas last time i was there. i will pick them up and try them out! thanks for your review
i had a turkey burger for lunch today with grilled zucchini and squash on top. with a super ripe n yummy plum! it was SO good!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — July 30, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
hmmm….i dunno about making meals more exciting since i pretty much eat the same thing every day. something i’d do is probably shove those flattened bananas into a sandwich!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — July 30, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
oh here’s a real suggestion – look up the menu at your favorite takeout place and try to recreate those sandwich/salad combos at home
Leah at L4L — July 30, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
That article doesn’t surprise me. Why?
“The review did not look at pesticides or the environmental impact of different farming practices.”
I think those are the main reasons/benefits to buying organic and they didn’t even talk about it. They were just looking at the nurtition. An apple is an apple and is going to have comparable nutrition no matter what b/c on the cellular level, it’s the same thing.
Cait (Cait's Plate) — July 30, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
I’m with ya on the boring lunches. I literally just ate the SAME EXACT thing that I had the other week for lunch. To the T. My poor readers
Haha
Interesting article. Funnily enough – isn’t the whole point of buying organic to reduce the number of pesticides and the environmental impact? Why would they not look at that?
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — July 30, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
flattened bananas look amazing!!
Eve — July 30, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
I had a delicious meal today: whole wheat bread, one slice topped with 1/4 avocado, other slice topped with hummus, in between was an Amy’s veggie burger and lettuce. I had some carrots & a nectarine with it. Perfect! Will blog about it later.
Mary Beth — July 30, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
Fiona’s Challenge sounds so cool! I would love to join a team!!! (I’m emailing you now..
)
Lara — July 30, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
My lunches are often big salad with beans, veggies, and a protein. Combo is always changing so doesn’t get boring. I do question the inclusion of the Larabar as part of a meal? Isn’t it more of a snack food? Not something I would include as part of a healthy lunch when there is not much other “substance” there.
Holly — July 30, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
Wish I loved closer to Boston- that challenge sounds like a really good time!
Is it me, or are Larabars getting smaller? Weren’t they 1.8oz before? That one looks like it says 1.6! Perhaps it’s since they were bought by General Mills?
Kristin (ChasRunner) — July 30, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
Re: the health study…I wouldn’t think that organic produce had any different health benefits readily discernible than non-organic…BUT it doesn’t have pesticides and such which we all know is a definite health detriment, no matter who says its not. So I guess my point is, yeah an organic tomato wouldn’t have any more Vitamin C in it than a non-organic one, but if it means that I have that much less pesticides in me (which I personally think can be carcinogenic) then I’m all for it!
Sandhiya — July 30, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
instead of just salad – why dont you try like a brown rice with veggies? I buy the whole grain instant brown rice and stir fry all the veggies I can get my hands on and add the rice at the end (after microwaving it seperately). I throw in some beans at the end. I also do the same with pasta and veggies and while at work, i cut my string cheese and add it before I eat.
jenna — July 30, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
Sounds like FL weather!
I love your office view!!
Kelly — July 30, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
I’m not sure I can be a bit help on the inspiration front. I tend to take leftovers everyday. That article reminds me of why I don’t tend to read a lot of magazine and newspaper articles on health and nutrition. Everything gets reduced down to such a narrow angle that is usually designed to be sensationalist enough to attract attention. If anything it seems like the results are inconclusive at this point because, as one of the quotes noted in the article, there really haven’t been any long term longitudinal studies done at this point. I also think this article was a little simplistic.
As others have mentioned, health reasons are only ONE of the reasons I eat organic. It usually also comes down to environmental concerns as well as stronger alignment with the mission statement of the company. Also, it treats all organic farms as the same, which they aren’t. Obviously there is a difference between a farm that’s organic but not sustainable and one that is also practicing sustainability.
Menden (SkinnyMenny) — July 30, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
I don’t know why, but whenever I’ve had those flattened bananas from TJ’s, they have a very faint flavor of something that reminds me of soy sauce! Isn’t that strange? I couldn’t get past it last time I bought them and didn’t end up finishing the package.
I agree with the other comments regarding the study on organic foods…I’m more concerned with the effects of ingesting pesticides and other chemicals! I don’t purchase organic produce because I necessarily believe the nutritional value will be higher.
Rebecca — July 30, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
Glad the weather cleared up! I had an amazing lunch today but it’s kind of not something you can make at an office so that doesn’t help you at all! lol Have a great day!!
Ellen (Peace In Motion) — July 30, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
The weather is so strange! I was sitting in class, and every time I looked out the window, the weather has changed AGAIN.
Amelia — July 30, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
Heard about that organics study this morning. Very intriguing!
Glad to hear the flattened bananas are good. I always see those at Trader Joes and wonder how they taste.
Nicole (dishin') — July 30, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
The article is interesting but I still think eating organic fruits and veggies is a good idea to avoid ingesting pesticides. It can get expensive so when I buy conventional, I make sure to switch it up in order to not eating the same thing all the time. And I wash all produce with cold water! I also buy organic chicken and eggs sometimes – just because I assume they are better for me and the chickens are cared for in a more ethical way – but that’s just my own guess!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) — July 30, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
Flattened bananas sound delicious!
I tend to choose certain produce items (and meat, for that matter) as organic, only to prevent ingesting certain pesticides. I’ve never heard of the health claims, but I’m off to read the article now!
MarathonVal — July 30, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Wow, that’s pretty crazy stuff. Basically the majority of people will skiim the title and think there is no difference between the two, and won’t bother to read til the bottom of the article. So wild that it didn’t look into pesticides, hormones or the environmental impact!!
Sues — July 30, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Yes, this weather has been out of control today!
The flattened bananas look amazing. Do they sell them in Boston-area stores??
lara — July 30, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
I just got the tjs bananas today! You have to be very particular to get real dried fruit (not the stuff dried with chemicals)… I hope its delicious!
Denise (apple hill adventurer) — July 30, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
some light rain sounds so refreshing right now! that picture looks so pleasant!
yummy looking salad too btw .. and mmm larabars … how i wish i could afford them haha
Julie — July 30, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
The weather is so weird today…I live litterally 2.5 miles from my work and the sky above my house is clear blue, no clouds…yet on my way back to work from lunch (I had a hummus, goat cheese and sprout sandwich on sprouted grain bread with carrots
)the sky was all cloudy and it looked like rain. Funny.
Elina — July 30, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Stupid rain. I was going to go for a run during lunch but it was like monsoon here. Now it’s perfect but I’m tired after my bootcamp class:)
$1500 shopping spree would be pretty darn sweet!
Which healthworks do you go to? I may want to join you for the challenge
Oh and I love those flattened bananas. Banana bread larabars remind me of them. That’s probably what they use.
Courtney — July 30, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
Hey Tina, I’m a long-time lurker…finally showing myself! Wanted to let you know about a great and versatile recipe I came up with that I’m eating for lunch as I type this. You can check it out on my blog…http://courtlove111.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/courtneys-colorful-bean-salad/.
I ate it as a plain salad the other day, then spread some goat cheese on a wrap and put some of the salad on that, now I’m eating it with greek yogurt and crackers!
Deva — July 30, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
A salad sounds so good right now. Lately I’ve been packing leftovers – yesterday I turned leftover chicken into a caesar salad pita
Ashley @ On The Rocks — July 30, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
I so read that study today! Still not sure what to think about it. Have we all been wasting our money for no reason? Kinda scary!
She-Fit — July 30, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
I’ve never heard of Trader Joes Flattened Bananas. I think a trip to TJ is called for! Thanks for the little excuse to head over there
Hope you are having a fabulous Friday. Yay for the weekend!!!!
She-Fit — July 30, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
I’m getting ahead of myself…today is Thursday! But tomorrow (Friday) you can have a fabulous day too
JessicaR — July 30, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
Ugh, that study irritated me! I never for one second thought that organic had more nutrition — I buy organic because of the reduced pesticides/chemicals. It’s frustrating because so many people will glance at it and think organic isn’t worth it for their health without even realizing the study didn’t even look at all of the aspects.
Karley — July 30, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
I don’t have a team already formed for Fiona’s Challenge, but I would love to join a team if you find more people!
Jenny — July 30, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Read article. No, don’t buy organic and don’t intend to. I’m healthy eating conventional food and so are millions of other people. I do commend though the organic/natural industry for one of the most successful marketing ploys ever.
Jenny — July 30, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
I amend that to say I buy Larabars ’cause they taste awesome- not ’cause they’re organic.
Ellen — July 30, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
That article was so frustrating. I wonder who funded that study. What are they basing “health” on? The number of calories? Sure, they are probably the same. But what about, for example, amount of antioxidants found in the produce? Not to mention all the things you AREN’T getting with organic– pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, a virtual chemical cocktail with your salad.
Jenny — July 30, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
There’s no hard and fast evidence that shows these “cocktails” directly contribute to ill health. It’s fear-mongering run amok.
lesley — July 30, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
You have a beautiful, bright and cheery-looking view from your office …. I wish I could say the same, ha. Though your lunch looks delicious, I understand the whole getting bored with your lunches thing you are talking about!
Erin F. — July 30, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
I understand what everyone is saying about the “health” of these products being about more than fat and calories, and that it misses the REAL benefit of organic food (benefits which haven’t all been scientifically proven – it takes ages to do more than theorize about the effects of food, chemicals, etc.). At the end of the day, people need to stop being scared of calories and fat and treat their food as fuel – then they can focus on what makes the best kind of fuel!!
BUT “organic” and “natural” have become the new catch phrases (like low-fat and sugar-free in the past) and unfortunately there ARE many people who assume these foods will be lower in calories or are some sort of magic pill to being healthier. And obviously you can eat all organic food and still be very unhealthy.
Consumers need to be better educated about all-around nutrition, otherwise meaningless headlines like this will keep causing a huge stir.
Tara — July 30, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
I am a member of Healthworks also and think this challenge looks awesome! I’d be willing to join/start a team also if we had enough interest?! Has anyone else mentioned something?
Marissa — July 30, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
I would totally join a team for Fiona’s Challenge if someone decides to form one!
Meghan@traveleatlove — July 30, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
I put my HW membership on hold until October so I could run in the “summer” weather. I wonder if I could still participate?
Cynthia (it all changes) — July 30, 2009 @ 9:08 pm
Those bananas are one of my favorite snacks. I got them on a whim and have to avoid eating the entire pack in one sitting.
Jen @ Kiss the Hem of Her Apron — July 30, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
I’m in a lunch rut, too. Sandwich + Larabar. Or sandwich + baked chips. Or sandwich + fruit. (Note that every sandwich is really a veggie burger in disguise.) My plan is to start eating dinner leftovers at lunch, but I’m not so sure that will make me eager to reach that 12 o’clock hour. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do!
Elizabeth — July 30, 2009 @ 9:24 pm
I’ve been milling that article about organics all day – I wonder if it has something to do with differences between American farming and farming in the UK? I’ve seen studies to the contrary based on American produce…I’ll have to see what data I cans scrounge up.
Patricia — July 30, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
Tina! I’d love to form a team with you. I have a couple of friends who would surely join. We’re training for our 2nd marathon so this would be a great to actually do our crosstraining and strength training. Let me know what you think! I was also thinking of joining Healthworks anyway so it will be a lot of fun!
April — July 31, 2009 @ 4:09 am
There are many things I buy organic because they taste much better. Apples, cucumbers, and berries. The non organics seriously have a waxy taste to me.
Kristen — July 31, 2009 @ 7:42 am
One of the most important lines of that article to me:
“The review did not look at pesticides or the environmental impact of different farming practices.”
Very interesting review!
Lauren — July 31, 2009 @ 8:09 am
Yesterday’s weather WAS weird… and SO humid! I’ve used the flattened bananas from TJ’s to make homemade banana bread Larabars, and they work perfectly! So good.
In terms of easy, portable lunch ideas, here’s one I ate fairly consistently in grad school: mash 1/2 avocado with about 1 Tbsp each dried cranberries and sliced almonds, maybe some goat cheese, and spread on a TJ’s whole wheat burger bun (the 110 calorie ones). Sounds a bit strange, but it tastes awesome and is a healthy and filling star in an on-the-go lunch.
I am going to read the article about the organic study now…
Lauren — July 31, 2009 @ 8:12 am
Just read the article… and I concluded I’m sticking with organic produce, dairy, and meat. Of course I buy organic for health reasons, but ALSO for environmental reasons, which the study didn’t discuss.
See what what everyone has been saying about Fiona’s Challenge! « Boston Women's Wellness — July 31, 2009 @ 8:17 am
[...] Carrots n’ Cake [...]
Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection) — July 31, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
LOL, Tina, every time I walk by the John Harvard Statue now, I think of how you’re probably sitting in your office typing away. I need to stop by sometime and say hello! Though.. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your work. It’s so weird to think there are people working in that building, I’ve never been inside! I feel like those tourists would drive me insane. I mean, it’s great that they want to visit the school and all, but when you’re rushing to class and you can’t get through the crowd because there are a billion people taking photos with the John harvard statue and rubbing his foot (WHICH by the way, people PEE on, and it’s TRUE because I know boys who have done it- gross!!), it’s kind of annoying!
Averie — August 1, 2009 @ 3:15 am
Quickest way to calm down a toddler tantrum on a playground is for the nearest mom to whip open her TJ’s flattened banana stash. It’s what all the cool moms do. Just kidding.. but they do work wonders to divert a cranky kid attack
Danielle — August 3, 2009 @ 11:18 am
i’m interested in joining a team for Fiona’s challenge. do you need another member?