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I slept 12 hours last night, 12 wonderful hours. I was in bed by 8 PM and did not get up until 8 AM when Chris woke me up to tell my Bye. Always so good to get caught up on sleep…perhaps it was all the yummy food I ate yesterday. 
After a 65 minute online yoga session, I met up with Justine for the best lunch yesterday. Honestly, I think she and I could have stayed for hours talking and shut down the restaurant. Justine, I love you – thanks for being such a good friend!
We dined at Mediterranean Cuisine as Justine had never been there, and as you know, when Justine and I get together, hummus is always involved.
I ordered the lamb gyro on whole wheat pita bread with a side of tabouleh salad.
Where is the hummus you ask? No worries, Justine ordered it along with some Baba Ghanoush. Good times, good food! Justine was also kind enough to bring me some photocopied recipes from her new favorite cookbook.
I flipped through them and decided to make a yummy dinner for me and CD. That’s twice I’ve cooked this week, and my appetite is almost back in full swing. I still can’t handle the smell of vegetables cooking, but I’m hoping to be loving on some broccoli and Brussels sprouts soon. However, last night, I opted for some true comfort food, chicken pot pie. I’ve never made a chicken pot pie, and I cannot believe how easy this recipe was to make!
in perfect Justine style, I shall leave you with my Confession of the Day: I would like to say that the topping of our chicken pot pie was made from 100% whole grain flour, but nope, it was 100% Bisquick. I have never in my life bought Bisquick, but I have to admit it tasted really good! Ha, I cannot tell you how much being pregnant has really made me relax around so many of my rules. First off, I’m not able to do any strenuous yoga these days, but I’m okay with that. I am loving my gentle prenatal yoga classes! Even if my arms are missing all those Chaturangas, my body is truly enjoying all the deep breathing and stretching I’m doing these days, and as far as food goes, I’m so less restrictive than I used to be. A little Bisquick? Why not? My former self would have wanted to attend the most challenging 90 minute vinyasa class I could find, followed by a salad at Mediterranean Cuisine (skipping both the lamb and pita bread), and then I probably would have made the chicken pot pie, but skipped the biscuit topping altogether. So, even though I haven’t felt that great these last few months, I am grateful for all that the little HEABlet is already teaching me.
Have you learned any unexpected lessons lately?
P.S. If you get a chance, please head over to The Great Balancing Act for my blogger interview with Susan, the waffle expert.
{ 77 comments… read them below or add one }
Haha HEABlet! I love it.
I haven’t really learned and new lessons lately, but I’ve recommitted myself to being on track effective June 1. I had a business trip in there so got slightly off track, but paying attention to my water intake, getting lots of fruits and veggies, doing strength training.. I almost forgot how good it all makes me feel!
Heablet? LOL too cute.
P.S. Watch out for Leroy in the next few days
Katie, I’m on the lookout. Had a moment for you at breakfast this morning when I enjoyed a big blob of frozen dark choc. dreams PB. It’s been months! Oh my gosh, it tasted so good. I thought *Katie would be so proud*.
Oh, and I don’t know that I’ve learned ANYthing lately… my mind went on vacation after school let out
aww so glad you got all that sleep girl! you are beautiful <3
It is great that pregnancy is having such a wonderful effect on you, Heather!
And I love ‘HEABlet.’ Hahahah. 
I always have Bisquick on hand, and though we also don’t use it regularly, it is delicious!
I love how when you learn new things you teach us those lessons. It really helps ground us. Love you Heath! You are simply radiant!
my mouth is seriously watering right now…what an awesome dinner!
I love your posts lately HEAB.
Your little HEABLET sounds like a pure genius to me! Absolutely.
I love it. Rules are allowed to be relaxed – or simply modified/changed. Otherwise, life is too rigid and structured and boring – in every facet (not just food here! talking money, jobs, relationships…). Variety is key. Love it all.
I’ve seen that book! I so want to make chicken pot pie now…hmmm…pick up some Bisquick maybe?
I LOVE Bisquik — it is so QUICK lol
you can do so much with it
try making quiche using it
you look great in the pics, such healthy hair !!
I hate you ;-(
Momof2, quiche? I must try this! I’ll swap you some healthy hair for the recipe.
I’m also pregnant (5 months) and relaxing a lot of rules. If you can’t do it now, when can you? I see nothing wrong with enjoying a little white bread or Bisquick, or a few full fat potato chips if that’s what sounds good to me
I’m not “eating for two” but rather honoring my cravings and enjoying this time of relaxation and nurturing.
BethT, Many congrats to you, and so happy to hear you’re feeling good and enjoying your pregnancy. Loving on some chips myself these days.
Good for you! This kind of goes along with what I posted today! There are NO bad foods only BAD choices! So Bisquick is not bad; eating it everyday would be a bad choice. Everything (and I do mean everything) can be consumed and enjoyed in moderation. I am so glad that being pregnant is allowing you to explore and enjoy food maybe a tad more!
Yum lunch and dinner! Read your blog interview, really nice! (I don’t like the dark either! haha!)
)
Reading your blog is a lesson in itself Heather, I learned more and more lately that I should really listen to my body needs!
Oh, and I love your hair too!
Ana
Thanks Ana.
PS – comforting to know I’m not the only one afraid of the dark.
Yum, the chicken pot pie looks great!
Lately, I’m learning to be comfortable in my own skin and to now let food/exercise choices get me down. Tomorrow’s a new day, and I’m not going to ruin it with negative thoughts!
You should try Bisquick HeartSmart– it literally tastes the same and I feel better knowing its *slightly* healthier.
Alyssa, That’s what I used, and I’m now looking up Bisquick recipes online. Hehe – must step away from the box!
Gyro’s are the best. You have me craving one now.
I love me some online yoga! Your Mediterranean food pics just helped me decide what to have for lunch today
You sure are a beautiful, glowing pregnant lady!
Thanks so much Dorrybird.
So your pregnancy cravings have you laxing on the rules instead of killing for pickles and peanut butter. haha!
I remember those days when white bread was the bomb and wheat bread was disgusting..no way were we going near the actual grainy bread! I bet that pot pie was delicious and the crust was super crumbly in all it’s buttery goodness 
mmmmmmm
That is awesome. Pregnancy is so interesting!
That’s great that you’re listening to your body and rolling with what works for you. It’s inspiring, Heather!
PS While I love waking up early, sometimes it is SO nice to get hours upon hours of sleep. We can be too hard on our bodies.
Bisquick is delicious. That’s the thing about processed food. It’s easy and it tastes awesome.
I’m glad you picked the gyro over just a salad. I’ve been craving a gyro for a couple weeks now! I’m living vicariously through you and the HEABlet
sometimes, you just need bisquik
I’m so glad to hear you got a good night’s sleep and are getting your appetite back!!!
I love this post. It is so true that sometimes we all need to take a look at our rules and not be so hard on ourselves. I just had an experience with this Tuesday night and it’s so nice to just give yourself a break sometimes.
Would you believe that I was thinking about tabouleh today?! I am having a strange craving for it!!! Kids are great for intuitive eating! I swear, they know what to do!!! I have definitely let my guard down a lot lately. It is kind of liberating when you get to the point that you are ok with just letting go. Don’t get me wrong…I am still me, but will a little bit of relaxation mixed it! Oh and congrats on the sleeping! I finally slept in today! I got 9 hours of sleep last night! I set my alarm to get up and work out, but since it is my anniversary, I just stayed and cuddled. I also exchanged my workout with cutting the grass…that is my gift to my husband who works his butt off for me. Enjoy your afternoon!
It sounds like pregnancy couldn’t have come at a better time for you — the lessons you’re learning about your body through the HEABlet are life-long ones and amazing ones. Relaxing the rules, living a little … one thing I learned on my disordered eating recovery journey is that it’s OK to enjoy life — it’s hard to break from perfectionist tendencies, but life’s much more fun with a little Biquick or pita than without. I hope you can continue to enjoy these relaxed rules even after he/she is here. Congrats on your progress!! It’s awesome to see!!
Thanks Lissa. I hope I can stay relaxed after the HEABlet arrives as well.
that looks great! so glad you’re appetite is coming back
im almost 26 weeks along and used to love roasted brussel sprouts and homemade sweet potato fries…i think i’ve tried them twice since getting pregnant. unfortunatly i think i’ll have to wait a few more months until i enjoy them like i used to. hopefully you won’t have to wait that long!
i’m really learning to intuitively eat since i’ve got someone else depending on me. before i maybe wouldn’t have eaten when i felt hungry because i thought i ate enough already, or i would eat too much and not listen to the “im full” warning. i am much more miserable if i overeat these days…same goes for if i get hungry and theres no food around-miserable AND cranky!
Alli, Me too. Now, I eat when I’m hungry. Don’t know why it took me so long to actually listen to my body. So happy to hear you are listening as well.
I just love that you’ve found much more freedom when it comes to food!! I have too!!
It nice to say that you put things in perspective now and listen more your body than any rules you can have
You definitely deserved a wonderful sleep! I haven’t tried Bisquick before but it sounds like a much easier way to make a casserole/pot pie. Glad you are feeling more free with your eating – pita bread with Greek food is a must!
I am officially addicted to Zumba dancing. I would have never thought that in my wildest dreams that I would open my mind to something like that. It is tiring, but my mind and body is so full of energy now. I am no longer craving sugar like I used to and the weight is coming off!!!! Totally unexpected!!!
Marshell, So exciting! I’m happy to hear that you have found an exercise you truly love as I firmly believe that workouts are something we should never dread!
So glad you got some sleep! I too am learning to be more free with my eating these days. I’m being more intuitive and not calorie counting; following my cravings but keeping portion control too. It’s been fun!
Having a little one on board (and off) really taught me a lot about balance, priorities and what is important. Baby wants Bisquick, baby gets Bisquick.
How hot is Rocco? And Justine? And you, glowy Mama? Ow ow!
Love you Mama Pea. Oh my gosh, you should see the people stare at Justine when we go out together. Girl is gorgeous!
What a wonderful blog! I read Susan’s and I see she interviewed you and I haven’t had the pleasure of reading your blog until now!
*bookmarked*
Thanks Melissa – glad you found me!
I love bisquick
Maggie, What’s your favorite recipe for it?
I’ve always wanted to try Med Cuisine but haven’t–it’s on our Commodore Card! Your picture of that gyro has persuaded me to give it a go in the fall. I love Mediterranean food, after all!
What a wonderful sleep! Aren’t those the best, when you hit the pillow and clonk out for 12 hours??
Anna, Let’s meet there for lunch when you get back in town!
Gosh, Heather, I love this! I love how much you’re embracing things that are just downright GOOD. I’ve been realizing some things lately, too. This is my last week of college ever, and instead of taking hours to go to the gym, I’ve been spending all my time with my best friends. I’ve also been eating like a college student (ice cream, fried things, cheese, pizza)! Hahaha It’s crazy because I was nothing like this for the majority of my four years, so in my last week I really wanted to do it right!
Snackface, Glad we’re both enjoying life a little more. Best of luck in your last week of school!
It never fails to throw me for a loop when you mention Justine on your blog as her and ishare that name.
ohh i love roccos new cookbook
i made the black bean brownies and the navy bean cookies and both were SO good! can’t wait to see which other ones you make 
i am sorry but that guy’s face on the cookbook just made me laugh so hard. it’s like he is giving sex eyes to all the chefs out there!
Whateves J. Bean, you know you want him. No worries – I won’t tell your fiance.
Re: yoga – Be encouraged with your deep breathing stuff! When I delivered my little Naomi, breathing deep enough was the thing I struggled with the most (I had a lot of back labor). I wished I’d practiced it more, and vowed I would practice better the next time I (Lord willing) get pregnant. So many things are not applicable from one person’s pregnancy to another, but I am pretty sure it’s safe to promise that, come L&D time, you will not regret any moment you spent practicing that deep breathing!
Your arms will be ok… right now you’re working out the right way for the big event you’re training for! 
Re: sleep – YAY you! I can REALLY empathize with being excited about getting good sleep! I’m learning to “let go” of so many pressures and expectations and things these days, for the sake of not being stressed out as a new mommy (something Naomi is teaching me – priorities!! Anything that makes me a snippy mama to my 6-month-old is NOT WORTH IT), but one thing I am trying to be really disciplined about is going to sleep when she goes to sleep. I am not a good napper, but if I can get to bed by 9 or 9:30, it makes a huge difference in how I feel, even with 1 or 2 night feedings. Every night I grumble about it, but every morning/day I feel 50% better than I do on days I let myself stay up.
I love that you are already taking notice of things the Heablet is teaching you – babies are amazing teachers!
I’ve learned that there is always good in every situation, even if you can’t see it at first!
mmm i want some Baba Ghanoush now. i can always count on your blog to give me middle eastern eats cravings, HEABs!
something i learned recently – the best diet for me includes both raw food AND minimally prepared cooked foods — so far, all vegan. DEFINITELY need at least two servings of dense carbs a day, for both practicality/sanity sake AND for my digestion. this came as a big surprise! i’ve been happily gobbling up lots of steamed sweet potatoes, beets, and quinoa.
Jenny, Isn’t it great to find out what works for our bodies? We’re all so different, and sometimes it just takes some trial and error.
I think it’s great your being a little relaxed on your rules. I believe in everything in moderation and clearly HEABlet does too! That cookbook look like it has some great healthy comfort food recipes!
Heabers!!! I love you! Your the greatest. I can count on our lunches to keep me happy for the rest of the week
. Tell Chris I said good luck (isn’t he running tonight?), pat that belly for me. I cant wait to have a lunch with you at Silly Goose.
~Justine <3
Justine, Yep, Chris ran a mile race and did pretty well. Patting belly right now. It’s large and in charge tonight.
I enjoyed reading. The idea of comfort is lovely!
To be honest, I’ve been enjoying your blog a lot more recently, since you’ve eased up on the “food rules” a bit!
I’m all about the “mental health food” these days, after too many years of destroying myself with a similarly stringent set of rules about food. It’s interesting to me, though, that you now let yourself eat more of the foods that, prior to being pregnant, you would have deemed “too unhealthy”. It’s always seemed to me that in being pregnant and suddenly not completely “owning” your body for awhile and being responsible for the life of someone else in the most literal of ways, most people suddenly tidy up their diet and lifestyle and start eating and behaving in the most “healthy” way possible for the well-being of their child. Which is exactly what I think you’re doing now, by eating a more truly balanced diet and taking a more relaxed and calm approach to eating and life, by the sounds of it. Do you think that says something about your previous food rules, that maybe they aren’t really the healthiest way to live? I hope I’m not offending you; it’s absolutely none of my business what you or anyone but myself chooses to eat, I’m just genuinely interested if you’ve had a kind of mental shift in the way you see food these days, and if you think it will impact your lifestyle once the baby is born. I’m not suggesting that you switch to the sadly typical western style of eating; I definitely think everyone should eat a predominantly unprocessed, nutrient-rich diet, but I also believe that it’s *more* healthy to eat treats and be open to trying a little of most things if the opportunity arises, and that it’s possible to maintain a healthy weight (and essential to maintaining a healthy mind) by doing so.
I am trying to be more middle of the road. I have a habit of setting strict rules for myself, then breaking one and going somewhat crazy. I am doing better trying to get in veggies and fruit, but not beating myself up if I have some ice cream or other goodie.
I have learned many lessons this week.
You are a radiant pregnant woman. I love how you just glow. (Your smile is probably always that big and beautiful, but pregnancy fits you well!) Just thought I’d share.
Thanks Sarah.
I loved this post! Your little HEABlit is already teaching you things. Love it.
SOOO glad you’re feeling better <3
Ah Bisquick…I grew up eating little biscuits with the Sunday roast thinking that my mom baked them herself! They were the best part of the meal. She would also scoop them onto a big pot of stew for dumplings……very yummy memories. Funny….I also had a wicket aversion to Broccoli during pregnancy (my fav veggie) but about 1 week after both girls were born I was craving it. Can’t wait to see what happens with you!
I hope you’re back to loving on some broccoli soon too:)
I had a nibble of Bisquick the other day too, as part of my sister’s strawberry shortcakes–pretty tasty! At least it was the “heart-smart” kind, so I’m not stressing. Life’s too short to not enjoy a little Bisquick now and then.
Love that you met up w/ Justine. She is amazing and I loved her blog..and her
Anyway, Bisquick, rules, the whole bit. Yeah. Pregnancy will do that. That’s why ppl who are like “I will never allow my child to do x or eat y.” Well, maybe. But then again, you may change your tune.
I was so sick that I couldnt even walk, much less do yoga for the first half. The 2nd half, I could kinda walk a few blocks. Then take a barf break. I kid you not, it was rough but hey, I made it
Speaking of yoga…right after you left me that comment, thank you
I posted and there’s a pic of Skylar doing a chaturanga all by herself today. I was like wtf? she’s 3! So your heablet will do yoga one day, even if you’re not doing it now.
Have fun finding a weighed babe for the ‘Hawk! Or go to a local babywearing class/group (meetup or yahoogroups) and ask a mom to wear her baby. Trust me, she’ll be thrilled for the break to go pee alone LOL
xoxo
I actually just wrote an entire post yesterday about things I have learned (unexpectedly) while on vacation for the past few weeks. Not all food related, but sometimes you need to take a minute and reflect on these things.
FYI – I have noticed in all of your recent photos (because I was still reading, though not commenting much) that you are really glowing! The HEABlet + your even more laid-back attitude are really doing wonders for you, in spite of the lack of sleep and icky stomach.
Thanks Katie, and I’m happy to hear you had a good time in England!
OK, How preggers are you?? I have missed loads, but here I am seeing whassup. A BIG congrats. Saw your new avatar on Twitter today and had to check in. Thrilling that you are pregnant. Yup, lots of cravings and things change when you are. Just embrace it and enjoy the ride. I was a carb/cheese & chocolate queen when I was pregnant. Did not crave my usual veggies and salmon. xxoo
Hey Marla, I’m 17 weeks preggo, and yes, totally craving cheese like crazy. In fact, that and cereal are my two favorites these days. Who am I?!?
So relieved to hear that you’re feeling kinda sorta normal with some appetite. The world will not be the same until I hear of you eating Brussels Sprouts pizza with humnut for breakfast…
xoxo!
A
Ahh! I love Rocco DiSpirito! I remember seeing him on The Biggest Loser and then looking up his recipes!
That chicken pot pie looks delicious! Well, all the food looks delicious! If you crave the Bisquick, then eat the Bisquick hahhaa