My 3-year-old nephew Will rocking a chocolate-zucchini shake ‘stache with his Aunt Lee
Spring greens with white peaches and raspberry vinaigretteHello readers, I hope you all had a relaxing Labor Day holiday! I’m back from a much-needed week at the beach with my family soaking up sun—and cooking up veggies, of course.
A sampling of the vegetable goodies on last week’s menu:
Since one of my greatest pleasures is making vegetables that people actually want to eat, I was tickled to see my family tuck in to kale, greens, and even jicama, with its delicious crunch (and sinister secret…).
The biggest kick of all, though? Watching my 3-year-old nephew slurp down his chocolate zucchini shake!
More please?
For a kid who doesn’t like vegetables, Will didn’t have any problem soaking down summer squash in shake form. Go figure! (For more kiddo-friendly veggies, check out 5 Lunch Box Vegetables Your Kids Won’t Throw Away.) Unsurprisingly, he liked the guacamole, too, although he wasn’t quite ready for kale and mango salad. Maybe next year!
Of course, I enjoyed some off-the-wagon goodies, too—they don’t call it vacation for nothing! But I did get lots of exercise, including some quality time on the water with my handsome hubby Jeff.
While it was a great week, I’m glad to be back home—and back to my healthy, plant-powered eating plan. And just in time, too, because I’m going to need all the brain-boosting eats I can get as I head back to school this week.
Finishing my Registered Dietitian coursework—finally!
Yep, that’s right, well into my thirties I’m going back to school to finish what I started down at UNC-Chapel Hill more than 5 years ago—getting my RD certification. The first step? Completing the remaining coursework, which I’ll be doing at the University of Maryland.
Then it will be on to an internship before sitting for the RD exam, at which point yours truly will be certifiable. (In more ways than one, I’m sure.)
Admittedly, it’s a little odd to be taking undergrad classes again since I already have my BA (in biology from UVA—wa-hoo-wa!) But I’m so pleased to be moving forward. When I’m done, I plan to spend a few years in research investigating the effects of a whole-food, plant-based diet on health. Then, ideally, I’ll segue into working in a physician’s office, helping people reclaim their health via delicious, nutritious, plant-strong food.
So wish me luck as I head back to campus this week! And, in honor of What I Ate Wednesday (albeit a day late), here’s the plant-powered lunch I packed for myself yesterday. Since the sweet potato was already baked (that’s what’s hiding in the foil packet), I was able to pull lunch together—and photograph it—in less than 5 minutes. Let’s hear it for cooking ahead of time! 🙂
Snap peas, cashews, apple, kale and mango salad, and baked sweet potato. Filling, brain-healthy, and delicious!
Note: A big thank you to my sis-in-law Steph for the picture of me and Will and the kayaking shot!
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I'm Lee, an RD thriving on a healthy plant based diet.
Have a wonderful first day back to school! I sometimes miss those days. Good luck with your journey and I am so excited for the path you have planned out for yourself!! Your passion for health and plant-based eating is much needed in the world and you will be able to help so many people as a dietitian.
Thanks Corinne! It's a little intimidating since I've been out of school for so long, but I love my classes (Nutritional Assessment, Food Science & Technology) and I feel like I'm finally in the right place career-wise. Also, if you don't mind, I may pick your brain occasionally as I go along. I feel so lucky to know someone else who's been down the same (plant-based) RD
Hi Lee–<br /><br />What a priceless photo of you and your nephew!! Thanks for sharing that. And all best to you as you head back to school and making progress on your master plan. You're already helping people and I know in time you'll help ever more of us!! xo<br /><br />ps: love the idea of the jicama chips 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, Maria! I really appreciate the vote of confidence–I've finally found something that feels right to me, and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to pursue it. Hope your fall is off to a lovely start!
Sounds like you had a nice time away =)<br />Good luck going back to school!! Looks like you are armed with some great & healthy eats.<br />And I went back to school a couple of years ago myself (2nd time 'round). I feel like you know a little better what you want to do after you've had some time to think about it. Go you!
Hi Kimmy, it was a great time away, and I didn't have much time to be blue about being back home because it was straight into class with me! It is surprising how much more clear I am on what I want than I was 5 years ago. (It sounds like you had the same experience going back to school.) Age definitely has its perks, no?
What gorgeous photos – your nephew is so cute! Good luck as you head back to study – sounds like a really exciting course!
Thanks Lizzy! So far so good with school. Cross your fingers for me! 🙂
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