As expected, the waffles that I ate for breakfast this morning did not hold me over. I had hoped that a hearty combo of toppings would satisfy my stomach until lunchtime, but it was grumbling just a few hours later. Bummer.
After my physical therapy appointment, I grabbed a Black Tea Latte from Starbucks. I ordered it with soy milk and without syrup.
Physical Therapy Recap
Speaking of physical therapy, I’ve had 3 appointments already. Things are going well and I like my therapist, but I’m surprised at how painful it can be! Jeez,Ā Louise! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I’m shocked that my out-of-whackĀ body is responding in such a way. My physical therapist assured me that a little pain is okay as long as it goes away in less than 24 hours (which it has so far).
As you may remember, I haveĀ Trochanteric Bursitis/Gluteal Tendonitis in my left hip. (Click on the link to read about what I have exactly.) Basically, this happened because certainĀ muscles weakened, so other muscles overpowered them, which led to an imbalance where the lengthened muscle became weaker and the shorter muscles became stronger. These imbalances changed the way my joints worked, which upset my hip and created problems– most likely caused by training for a half marathon!
So,Ā I’ve been working with myĀ physical therapistĀ to strengthen and stretch the muscles in my hip and lower back. Today, he used an ultrasound machine on my hip to loosen the muscle and help with inflammation. It didn’t feel like anything was happening while he was moving it around my hip, but it does feel better–Ā noticeablyĀ looser now!
My physical therapist also provided me withĀ a custom home exercise program consisting of stretching and strengthening for my hip using my own body weight and rubber tubing to gradually help my hip gain strength and endurance.
Additionally, we’ve been utilizing aĀ Bosu to increase myĀ stability. Muscles that are considered “stabilizers,” often the ones close to your core, help keep your joints in the right position and steady them while you move. If my muscles aren’t doing their job property, it can make my hip lose some of its control and keep it from working the right way.
I find all of thisĀ physiologicalĀ stuff incredibly fascinating! During my appointment, I ask my physical therapist question after question about why things happen and what it means for my recovery. He must think I am so annoying!
Anyway, I want to get better ASAP, so I am taking this whole process very seriously! (I am missing out on good running weather!) You guys will probably hear quite a bit more about it in the next few weeks. I still have 3 weeks to go!
Vega Energy Bar Review
Mid-morning, I was still hungry, so I broke into my afternoon snack: Vega Whole Food Energy Bar. While I am big fan of Sequal Natural’s Smoothie Infusions, I am, unfortunately,Ā not a fan their Energy Bars. š
According to the nutritional information on the back on the Whole Food Energy Bar, they are nutritional powerhouses with complete raw protein,Ā fiber,Ā enzymes and phytonutrients, andĀ omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids. The ingredients even sounded delicious, including hemp protein, agave nectar, and flaxseeds. However, the flavor was horrible! I don’t know what I was tasting exactly (probably wheat grass), but the bar tasted and smelled like freshĀ hay from a farm.Ā Yuck-ola! I took 2 bites and tossed the rest. Maybe the bar was just too “raw” for me?
Lunch
I purchased lunch fromĀ Au Bon Pain today. It’s definitely a soup kind of day, so my order was easy: FrenchĀ MoroccanĀ Tomato Lentil Soup. The soup had a strong tomato flavor with a slight zing, but it wasn’t nearly as chunky as I had hoped. It left me wanting something more.
Dessert was also an easy decision: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie! 
I balanced-out my round lunch with a small orange.
Today is flying by! Almost the weekend!Ā Yippee!
28 Comments
Thanks for the Whole Food Energy Bar review…
Loving the round shaped lunch š
Its been a soup kind of day here in Boston for 4 days! Bring on the summer!
Definitely a soup day here in Boston, again! It doesn’t feel like summer right now, maybe this weekend!?
Ick, that bar does look unappetizing.
that stinks about the bar!
I’m glad physical therapy is going well. It’s a soupy kind of day here, too. All rainy, gray, and gloomy. Good thing the weekend is supposed to be nice!
Mmm cookie and soup! Much better than a growling belly and a nasty hay-flavored bar! š
You’re not alone. I annoy the bejeezus out of my chiropractor who’s helping me get over a knee problem. Just like you, I’m taking it so seriously because not only do I want to get better, but I don’t want to be dealing with this in a few years, let alone when I”m 40, 50 or 60!
Keep annoying him, it makes me feel better I’m not alone in doing this š
Ugh, it is definitely a soup kind of day over here in Watertown, too. Come on, sun!
I love hearing about your PT experiences- I’ve heard it can be quite painful! But not without benefit. Interesting that you used a Bosu- I took a Bosu Challenge class at Healthworks on Tuesday, and those things are HARD to balance on!
mmm oatmeal cookies are my fav. oatmeal anything actually! I hope you have a fabulous afternoon. too bad this boston weather isn’t really happenin lately.
Yick, I hate it when bars taste like that. I felt sort of that way about the Odwalla Superfood bar! Glad your physical therapy is helping even if it is a little painful.
I can hardly ever find anything to hold me until lunch time (I eat breakfast at 6 a.m.) so I always pack a mid-morning snack and rarely do I NOT use it š
Bummer about the bar. I eat a huge breakfast every morning, but I’m up so early (5am) that I always snack before lunch!
What is with this weather right? There should be NO soup days in June! Lol but yours does look good!
Thanks for your review of the bar! I had a similar experience with the ThinkGreen Blueberry Noni bar I tried. Very “herb-y” or something.
Your lunch is perfect for this kind of weather! It’s been soup weather in NYC too. I opted for comfort food today, though, and made up a frozen Amy’s meal – black bean enchiladas do wonders for taking that rainy day chill away! š
Have a wonderful evening!
I can NOT think of a better combination on a murky day than soup and a tasty cookie!
Thanks for posting about your PT experience. I’m going for PT sessions for a hamstring/IT band injury and I’m really hoping it will make me better. I asked my PT guy if I could take the ultrasound machine home with me because when he told me that it broke up scar tissue I wanted to use it 24/7 š
ABP makes the best soups!
That soup looks delish but the energy bar does NOT!! Thanks for the review!
I had soup today too… corn chowder from Panera!
Wow, super interesting about the PT. I bet they don’t think your questions are annoying at all! They are probably glad you’re taking an interest š
soup day!
Soup and cookie would definitely make up for the blah bar! I love hearing about your PT sessions as a future PT myself š
I think it’s great that you’re taking it so seriously, though. I hope you’re all better soon!
Mmm…. Oatmeal cookie!
Sorry that physical therapy was tough. Hope you get better!
I ask my regular doctor a bunch of questions every time I go in too!
Feel free to send those very raw very natural bars my way š and I agree, the oatmeal cookie looks delish!
That’s too bad you didn’t like the bar! I’ve never tried them but it always stinks when foods a disappointment!
I hope the rest of your PT experience goes well and you’re better soon! I am sure the therapist doesn’t think you are annoying, everyone else must ask lots of questions too.
Too bad about the bar being a let down. It sounds too um, grassy?
It seems like Vega products are quite “hit or miss.” While I enjoy their Smoothie Infusions, I detest the Whole Meal powders–I gave them several chances but always ended up throwing them out. Same with the bars I guess–I really like the Vega Vibrance bars, but it sounds like these bars kinda…sucked.
Dude, the berry Vega energy bars are so good. How could you not like them? The berry taste so good! The natural kind is not that good, but the berry is so good. It’s the perfect snack. Love them!
Try them yourself, don’t also look at reviews! Go try them, then make up your mind :))