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Eating Disorders, Life, Thoughts

5 THOUGHTS including Fresh Starts + Favorite Snack

September 10, 2018 By Robyn 26 Comments

Happy Labor Day! I hope you have some time to rest and relax today no matter what your plans hold. We are home in the midwest this week with my family in Indianapolis and then Nick’s family in the Chicago area and are soaking it up. Below are just 5 of my most recent and random thoughts!

1. Favorite Snack Lately –> Cookie Dough Balls

I made a double batch of these cookie dough balls and they are the bomb. Even though I love dates, making energy balls with them can be expensive and a pain in the butt. I love that this recipe doesn’t involve dates. Sometimes it’s nice not to pit dates, clean up the sticky mess, and shell out the cash. I store them in the freezer and they last for days/weeks/months.

When you feel like ED recovery won’t be “worth it”

It’s really hard to imagine what living without your eating disorder will be like. If recovery means weight gain and tolerating a bigger body, recovery might seem all the more “not worth it.” In the thick of an eating disorder, cognitive function is often compromised due to inadequate nutrition so it’s very difficult to separate rational from irrational thoughts. Recovering has so many unknowns, the eating disorder is familiar. While there is so much uncertainty with recovery and more certainty and familiarity with the eating disorder that doesn’t mean uncertainty is bad and familiarity is good. With your eating disorder, you know the quality of life you are able to lead. It’s not good. You can’t live a meaningful, fulfilling life and also live in your eating disorder. But recovery, while scary and unknown, there so many positive possibilities.

While it’s hard to grasp exactly what recovery will look and feel like, and while the process of recovery is hard and painful and you will want to quit, and while it might feel like it is getting worse before it gets better….you will never know what recovery could feel like unless you give it a shot. You know what your eating disorder feels like. It might feel like everyone is full of crap when they tell you, “It will get better.” but I’ve never met someone who is fully recovered that said, “that wasn’t worth it.” IT IS WORTH IT. Your eating disorder will always be there, you can always go back. But you’ll never know what’s on the other side of recovery unless you give it a shot.

Refreshing pin from Pinterest

You are not going to be for everyone and that is okay. Think about what matters most and do that. Focus your time and energy on that.

September being a fresh start

I love the start of September! Even though I’m no longer in school (at least for now… maybe again one day) the start of September feels like a blank slate. Summer winds down, the weather cools, the leaves will soon begin to change and there’s a different vibe in the air. You feel me? While summer is usually full of travel and celebration and less routine and structure, come September it’s like productivity is in the air – and not in a “hustle and do all the things” way, but more like an, “I’m excited to dig into learning and projects and feel more focused” kind of way. Anyone else feel that way? It feels like a fresh start!

boston weekend

Hawaii Trip 

I’ve never been to Hawaii and I am like a toddler before Christmas thinking about this trip coming up at month’s end. Nick and I have thankfully been able to travel quite a bit and see a lot – something that I do not take for granted. We’ve taken some really cool trips together that have been full of adventure and I’ve loved them. That being said, I’m pumped about planting myself on a beach, getting a massage, letting the day take us where it takes us, and straight up relaxing like I never have before. September will be a busy month both personally and professionally, but this trip at the end of the month is keep me motivated and focused. If you’ve been to Hawaii, I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Those are my thoughts this week, share yours in the comments!


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Filed Under: Eating Disorders, Life, Thoughts

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Comments

  1. emily vardy says

    September 10, 2018 at 5:49 am

    September always feels like the new year to me, too. I miss the “brand new notebook” feel of going back to school!!

    Reply
    • Robyn Nohling says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:14 pm

      Oh yes that feel!!

      Reply
    • Robyn Nohling says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:14 pm

      Oh that is the best feeling!!

      Reply
  2. Hillary says

    September 10, 2018 at 10:13 am

    I lived on Maui (working on convincing my husband to move back with me). There is so much amazing stuff and it is absolutely beautiful! Recommendations will depend on what island you are staying on. And I totally agree with not pleasing everyone. Something I’ve gotten better at, but still hard to accept sometimes 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      We won’t be on Maui but a friend’s sister lives there and from what I’ve seen it is GORGEOUS!!

      Reply
  3. India says

    September 10, 2018 at 10:47 am

    Hawaii?! Oh my goodness, great choice in a babymoon. We did a Pacific Northwest tour for ours and although it was great, I was really just wishing I could be relaxing at a hotel somewhere. I’m happy for you!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:16 pm

      People rave about the Pacific Northwest!!!!

      Reply
  4. Kaci says

    September 10, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    My hubby and I are trying to plan a trip to Hawaii in January, so we will be looking forward to all the advice you have from your trip! Where are you guys going/staying?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      I’ll share some tips via IG or email!!
      Ackkk I don’t know the exact name of the hotel – Nick booked it

      Reply
      • Kaci says

        September 11, 2018 at 11:37 am

        No worries! Do you know what island you guys are going to? Can’t wait for the IG tips!!

        Reply
  5. Emily says

    September 10, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    Oh boy oh boy! 🙂 Hawaii sounds so fun. This year I’ve been craving a beach vacation which is weird for me being someone who loves the mountains, but we’re going to Mexico in about a month.

    Also that Nutella quote. I had to pin that; I love that, because it’s so true, and the more I learn it the more freeing life is.

    September is such a fresh start. I bet Boston is starting to cool down?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      We are getting there! I am so excited for fall up here!
      Have a great week Emily <3

      Reply
  6. Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says

    September 10, 2018 at 3:10 pm

    I didn’t realize you were going to Hawaii!! Wow, what an exciting babymoon! So excited for you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      I hadn’t shared until this post so you’re not behind 🙂 Thanks Brittany!!

      Reply
  7. Sara says

    September 10, 2018 at 3:49 pm

    My husband and I just went to Oahu in April! We had the most wonderful time, it is beautiful there! Hope you enjoy your time!!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      We can’t wait!!!!

      Reply
  8. Erin Drum says

    September 10, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    Love this! Making those cookie dough balls ASAP. What island?? You will have a blast!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      The Big Island!

      Reply
  9. Megan says

    September 10, 2018 at 5:23 pm

    Thank you for the section on recovery and if it feels worth it. I am in the thick of recovery and some days feel just SO hard. This is a nice reminder things will get better if I keep focused and moving forward. I am so grateful to have a very dedicated dietitian who checks in most days. I’d love to read more recovery content x

    Reply
  10. Stacie says

    September 10, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    The big island is so fun! My husband and I are headed back in Mid-November, and I am counting down the weeks! If you’re staying on the Kona side, some of our favorite beaches are: Kua Bay (about mile mile marker 88) – the water is incredible, so beautiful, fun waves and lots of sand. It can be busy, but worth it (and parking right next to the beach). I have a hard time leaving this beach every time! Puako Beach (about mile marker 69) – calm waters with lots of shade thanks to some trees, a smaller beach, but soooo serene. Get there a little early if you can to stake out a spot. Magic Sands Beach – we like this one primarily because it’s close to where we stay, a smaller/busier beach, but great waves for body surfing and floating past the shore break. We also saw a turtle every day we went here which was fun 🙂 There is a large rock in the center, and rocks on the right side of the beach, so lifeguards always remind you to be careful about avoiding those areas, especially while body surfing. Hapuna State Beach is one of the larger white sand beaches, so there’s plenty of space to roam, and good for floating, but not my favorite (maybe because it was super windy the day we were there haha)

    We cook at the condo a lot (Costco FTW!), but Randy’s Huli Chicken & Ribs, Super J’s and Scandinavian Shave Ice are all realllly good.

    Depending on your energy levels, Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay can be a fun kayaking excursion. We didn’t make it all the way over to Captain Cook’s monument because we ended up swimming with/watching the spinner dolphins for about an hour – so amazing!! Captain Cook’s is supposed to have really great snorkeling though. And South Point is also breathtakingly beautiful for a stop (especially if you’re headed to the south end of the island for anything).

    Have a fun & rejuvenating trip!!

    Reply
  11. Kayleigh says

    September 10, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    Haha you missed Labor Day by a little bit 😉 enjoy!!

    Reply
  12. Dietitian Jess says

    September 11, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    We are headed the Big Island the second week of October- I have already made a long list of recos and rough ideas if you want me to email it to you I’d be happy to share!

    Reply
  13. Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy says

    September 11, 2018 at 3:26 pm

    I agree so much about September feeling like a new beginning! I think, for me, it is the nostalgia that comes from remembering college, as well. I can remember walking to my classes in cool, brisk, foggy mornings with the fallen leaves blowing all around on the sidewalk. I always love those days the most while in school and this time of year ALWAYS takes me back!

    Reply
  14. Amy Hanneke says

    September 11, 2018 at 7:03 pm

    Hawaiian must-haves: chicken katsu (like a Hawaiian chicken strip – so good) and shave ice with ice cream on bottom!

    Reply
  15. Rajai Hanna Shnoudeh says

    September 12, 2018 at 2:35 am

    https://bit.ly/2x5d7Hv

    Reply
  16. Manal Hakim says

    September 17, 2018 at 10:54 am

    My husband & I will be going to Hawaii at the end of this month for our babymoon too!!!!! YAY! Can’t wait! Hope you have a great time & congrats on your pregnancy!

    Reply

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A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

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A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years o A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years of getting to spend so much time with my kids: aka another way I’m discovering some pockets of peace so my heart & mind & soul don’t crumble under the reality of dependent & emotionally dysregulated tiny humans.  About once a week we go somewhere for baked goods. We drive or walk, buy something buttery & then find a beautiful, relatively quiet outdoor spot where the boys can romp and I can sit and think my thoughts while I watch them play. This past week we were found ourselves at the Wool Factory where the boys threw rocks & whatever else off the bridge while I ate 90% of this almond 🥐 from @coucourachou that will blow your mind. Boys ate the other 10% bc they were busy playing and didn’t ask for more quickly enough 😜  I’m finding *for me* playgrounds have a time & place but they aren’t where I enjoy motherhood & my two toddlers the most. Baked goods & a pretty outdoor spot without high drops my 15 month old could launch himself off of…I’m here for it.
I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the boys to hike out at one of our favorite spots last week and when I ripped it open I was regretting my choice to share them with my kids. @baresnacks randomly sent me a box of snacks and I usually eat free food we receive or give it to a friend/neighbor and move on. But I felt it my duty to tell you about these bc they are THAT GOOD. I’m not getting paid and this isn’t sponsored - I was just shocked at how tasty these were and felt you needed to know. We ate them with some buttery roasted nuts and the combo was 👌🏻 but they are good just on their own.  The boys climbed rocks and swam in the reservoir - leave it to my almost 3 year old to want to strip down naked and fully submerge himself in chilly water on a sixty degree morning. “Mama can I get super nakey?” Sure baby. Sure. This is your childhood.
It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of extended alone time away from the babies to just be. And that isn’t something that’s best for me, it’s an area I gotta grow in. So this afternoon when Nick pushed me out the door and was like - get out of here plzzzz - I walked to my favorite cafe and ordered a thick pastrami sandwich and sat there for a good LONG while before taking a long, peaceful walk in the rain to wrap up the afternoon. Note to self: stop being such a control freak and go be by yourself sometimes.
a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face from @mariebettecafe this morning when she came to get her toddler who played with us all morning and it is v good. even better when paired with an iced latte 😍
#AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing a #AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing about how taking @alignprobiotic regularly has improved my digestive regularity.  And I’m still taking them! I’ve permanently added Align 24/7 Digestive Support* into the roundup of supplements I take before bed (prenatal, vitamin D, choline & DHA - all which help keep me healthy while breastfeeding) so I can keep seeing the benefits.  Just because you see benefits, doesn’t mean you should stop taking your probiotic. Keep taking Align daily (under the supervision and recommendation of your health care provider of course) to keep seeing the benefits!  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - one of my favorite parts of Align probiotics is that they don’t need refrigeration AND they come in a convenient little blister pack that has the days labeled. It’s the little things people! #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoo I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoon (91 and muggy in MAY 🤯) when a toddler nap was refused and a baby nap was cut wildly short ....so my tired mom brain pulled out two plastic storage bins, filled them up with soap & hose water and striped ‘em down naked in the yard. Two hours later, it was almost time for an early dinner and I had magically been able to sit for most of that time and we already had baths checked off the list. 👍🏻 I’m archiving this idea for my future self, hope it helps another tired mama out.
#AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about #AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about getting better at doing the basics to care for myself which included taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic regularly.  Probiotics take time to work so I wanted to give it a full month to see the full effects of @alignprobiotic. So here are my honest thoughts: it took a few weeks to notice any differences, but near the end of the month I did notice some changes in my digestive balance - even while traveling! I’m not someone who experiences occasional gas, bloating or abdominal discomfort frequently enough to notice a difference, so I don’t feel like I can comment on how well Align works for those benefits.  All in all though, taking @alignprobiotic was a positive experience and I really appreciated how the capsules don’t need to be stored in the fridge, making it convenient to take them with me anywhere #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Because the swampy VA summer has already begun (it’s in the low 90s today 🥵 lord help) and creeks are our retreat - not only from the heat but also from the noisy world. I need this just (if not more) than they do! We’ll be at the splash pads and pools too, but the quietness of the creek...my mental health is so about it. And it’s hours of play for them! Win win.  A couple things to note: this scene also included a few toddler reminders on finding another direction to throw rocks instead of at his brother - so not all is serene 🤪 and also, yes I am now that mom who buys the same clothing for both kids bc it keeps things simple & i think i kinda like it too 🤷🏻‍♀️
Things I love about midwifery among many: the appo Things I love about midwifery among many: the appointments, no matter how long, feel so unhurried. 
Just walked in from an appointment with my midwife because I was due for a Pap test + an overall wellness visit. My last pap was during my first trimester with Cal which feels like a jillion years ago, but it’s only actually been three years. Life changes so fast! Pre-baby life feels like a whole other life.  I’m wayyyy overdue for a visit to my PCP bc I’ve been under OBGYN or midwifery care for the majority of the past three years while having babies, but I am pretty good with keeping up with my paps. It seems women often think they need pap and/or HPV testing way more frequently than they do (and providers sometimes perform these tests more frequently than necessary - remember more testing doesn’t always mean better outcomes!)  So if you need it, here’s a quick little reminder on this chilly spring Friday afternoon on how often you need this testing (these are the recommendations from ACOG)  Women aged 21–29 years should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended.  Women aged 30–65 years should have a Pap test and an HPV test (aka co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.  If you get abnormal results, this testing frequency could change - but for healthy women with normal results, you actually don’t need testing as frequently as you might think. Which is great news for those of you who hate the speculum.  Ok, off to finish up some things on the to-do list (including cleaning this kitchen) during nap time and then come 5 o’clock, crack an IPA with our neighbors 🍻
#AlignPartner Over the past seven months since bec #AlignPartner Over the past seven months since becoming a mom of two, caring for myself has gotten shoved to the back burner. And it's been a challenge to make it a priority. My routine-resistant personality has upsides and downsides when it comes to motherhood. So I'm starting small this year with a consistent bedtime routine that includes taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic and hoping as that becomes consistent, my mornings will naturally shift too.  In short my bedtime currently goes like this….jammies & face care when putting the babies to bed. Before I go to bed (anytime between 9pm and 12am...) I’ll pump, take my supplements and fill my water. Then I go upstairs and brush my teeth. And then get in bed. The kicker: 70% of the time I find myself finishing up tasks on my phone IN BED. I hate this habit.  Back to supplements. This is something I have been able to stick with. On top of fish oil, my prenatal, choline and vitamin D, I recently added @AlignProbiotic 24/7 Digestive Support*§ to see if it helps with abdominal discomfort and regularity because when I don’t drink coffee or am traveling that can get thrown off.  I’ll be taking it every day for the next 28 days since it takes TIME for our bodies to adjust to probiotics - and I'll be taking you guys along with me as I share my honest thoughts. Many people think if they don’t see changes within the first 7-10 days then the probiotic isn’t working, but that’s not the case. I’m giving myself more than just a week or two and instead a full month to see the full benefits. I’ll keep you posted over the next month. Check out my stories to learn more! #MyAlignGutJourney #guthealth
 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care f We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care for a nap. Putting baby down was harder than I wanted it to be. Miraculously, I had a moment of clarity as I was covered in tiny humans and decided I wasn’t doing the nap battle thing a on 60 degree, gorgeous, sunny spring day 🙅🏻‍♀️ so I piled both babies into the car half naked, opened the sun roof, put on white noise for them and an audio book for me and drank a kombucha as I drove a meal to a postpartum mama. Thirty five minutes later we had a sleeping baby and a toddler who at least had a rest. Baby transferred without waking HALLELUJAH and although my toddler didn’t nap today (lord help) at least we got soaked in breezy sunshine 😎🤘🏻💆🏻‍♀️
We veered from our usual Friday night homemade piz We veered from our usual Friday night homemade pizza (minus the dough, we leave that to @albemarlebakingco) because we are eating pizza tomorrow with some friends - instead I called my mom and asked her how she makes her chicken fingers and we fried up a big ole batch of chicken nugs 🙌🏻🤤 along with a sheet pan full of sweet potato fries and a simple arugula salad dressed with parmesean, olive oil and s&p. Oh and my moms honey mustard recipe for dipping. It’s SO DANG GOOD.  Over the past 6ish months we’ve been practicing (and practicing and practicing bc it doesn’t come naturally) unplugging from technology and slowing down and resting and just being for one day a week. Some call it Shabbat. Some call it Sabbath. Maybe you call it something different. All I know is IT IS SO GOOD FOR MY WEARY SOUL and the day I look forward to ALL WEEK. Sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. Nothing but rest. For us that means hiking (or something outside) and napping and reading and being with friends and eating really good food. And drinking some really good wine or craft beer. Sometimes whiskey. 😛  And because I know I’ll get asked about the chicken finger recipe and also because it’s too good not to share and Momma Coale said I could, here ya go:  Cut chicken breast into thin strips or small pieces (I prefer nug size bc the breading to chicken ratio is perfection). Salt and pepper those babies really well. Then dredge them in all purpose flour, then egg, then panko - just like you would bread anything else. Then fry them up in a light oil - I use avocado oil because that’s our everyday oil. You could also use canola or peanut oil. Just fill a pan with an inch or so of oil on medium high heat. They only take 2-3 minutes per side. You can always temp them to make sure they are at least 165 degrees F to really make sure they are done. Dunk in all the sauces and enjoy!  Happy weekend!

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