Daily Plate: Not Enough

Do you ever have days when your stomach is a bottomless pit? I definitely do, especially when I’m really busy rushing around, as I have been lately. Though I try to make sure I get enough fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains, protein, and fiber, my stomach still growls at me most of the day.

I’ve noticed this usually happens on days I’m especially tired and wondering whether bounding out of bed at six to work out was the best idea. Sometimes, though, it happens when I combine what seems like the right foods but fall a little short, whether it’s because of time constraints or a lack of necessary ingredients in the fridge.

On a recent hectic day, I came home famished after a morning volunteer shift and attempted to make a balanced lunch with whatever I could find. I ended up with this grilled almond butter-and-jelly sandwich and a green smoothie made with half a frozen banana, a big handful of spinach, ice, and about a half cup of almond milk. There were also some baby carrots devoured while I waited for the sandwich to grill.

It tasted really good, but it would have been better to have fresh fruit in the sandwich instead of preserves, good as they tasted. The smoothie was also great, but maybe I should have just made a side salad with the spinach. Next time.