Nutrition/Wellness: March favorites
March has always seemed like The Month That Lasts Forever (solidified by March 2020 in NYC), and this year felt similar, though with daylight savings things are feeling a bit brighter now. Let me think back to some things I’ve loved this past month.
Burgers (and fries!)
I mentioned in this post that I learned my ferritin was low (for a runner/endurance athlete), and have since been making a big effort to eat more red meat, other animal products high in iron, and take a supplement. My favorite form of red meat is hands down a burger and fries, and I’ve gotten some good ones this month from AOC, The Dutch, and Bareburger. I would love to change the narrative around a burger and fries as being “bad” specifically when it comes to female athletes. I say this to my clients a lot, but it’s an excellent combination of protein, iron, carbs, and salt, and is helpful in meeting high energy needs. Bring on the burgers.
Less social media
I noticed recently that social media hasn’t been making me feel great, and so stopped going on so much and put less pressure on myself to post for business reasons (I honestly get very few clients via social media, anyways). It truly has made all the differences, even if I feel a little FOMO sometimes. I do believe social media can be a detriment to one’s relationship with food, body and disordered eating habits (this study is among many that confirm that), and see all the time how it negatively impacts clients. I’m trying to practice what I preach in striking a healthy balance, which is a work in progress.
College gymnastics
I’ve talked a bit about my history as a competitive gymnast, and sort of shut that time of life out of my brain for a while. I think working at Juilliard has sort of reinvigorated it a bit, and I have gotten so into NCAA gymnastics this year. It’s so exciting to watch, there are some great Olympians (thanks to the new N.I.L. rules), former national team members, etc. and they are all so good. I am pumped for the national championships in April (though totally gutted for Michigan not making it to the semifinals. Would have loved to see Auburn and Arkansas there too).
“Rethinking Wellness” podcast
This is sort of a spinoff of the “Food Psych” podcast, and I am loving it and how it challenges the damaging narrative certain aspects of wellness culture perpetuates. Christy Harrison also has a new book called The Wellness Trap coming out soon, which I will definitely be reading.
What I’m reading and watching
It was a light reading month for me, and I think Let the Great World Spin was my favorite. I’m still working on Wuthering Heights but feel the need to take frequent breaks from it in favor of other books. I just got Des Linden’s new book, Choosing to Run: A Memoir, in the mail today and can’t wait to dig in. I’ve been watching Daisy Jones and the Six this month and love it and the music - I’ve got one episode left.
Local shoutouts
As always, love to mention some NYC-area favorites:
My husband and I went to date night at the Met on a recent Saturday night, and it was super fun
We also finally visited L’Artusi for dinner for our second wedding anniversary, and it was really good (maybe didn’t fully live up to what I was expecting, though)
I also took Peanut for a stroll in the West Village a few Saturdays ago, and the line for Buvette was halfway down the block - it’s on my list to try when I’m feeling very patient (they don’t take reservations!)
I haven’t tried it yet, but am pretty intrigued by Levain Bakery’s new cookie flavor
Also took a trip to Williamsburg (I mean, not really a trip more like a 40 minute subway ride) for a party recently and tried the Butcher’s Daughter for dinner. A+ for their passion fruit tart dessert