Conquering the Cold

This past weekend, we wrapped up our 20th season of Sierra Mountain Music Camp (www.iSMMC.com - yes, I'm plugging camp for our 21st season already!). And true to form, I wore myself out, worked long hours (probably too long), and now, am feeling the effects: sore throat, congestion...yep, a cold. That dreaded "I brought this upon myself cold."

So despite starting to feel sick, I made a conscious effort when I made my dinner tonight. I figured chicken noodle soup might not be the best option right now, especially since I would love to have more noodles than anything else. At that point I realized - hot and sour soup. I first tried it about 6 months ago, and LOVED it, and have since made it a few times at home. Simple ingredients, I can add protein and veggies, and it's quick. I found a recipe online at AllRecipes.com, and quickly started altering it. I tripled the mushrooms, doubled the egg, added three big handfulls of spinach, bamboo shoots, green onions, and tossed in about 1/3 cup of leftover carnitas. It's perfect. Though, not exactly "hot" in the spicy sense, but it'll cut the bill for comfort in a bowl. Plus it's not processed, fake, or junk. It's delicious, and took maybe 20 minutes to make.

Yesterday, I made Greek chicken pasta salad, and had that for lunch...so...freaking...GOOD. It had overnight to sit in the red wine vinegarette, the onion and garlic were fragrant, but not overpowering, the tomatoes added a little acidic bite, the chicken was lemony/garlicky...just good. I think had I brought more with me, my coworkers may have grabbed a fork and dug in.

I made a concerted effort this morning to pack my meals, my snacks, and my beverages. In the end, I stayed ON TRACK ALL DAY. Protein shake in the morning, pecans for a morning snack, Greek chicken salad for lunch, turkey and string cheese with a handful of oven-roasted almonds for afternoon snack, followed by the delicious hot and sour soup. The bag I brought to work was nearly overflowing with food, mostly snacks: veggies, hummus, string cheese, turkey, roasted pecans and almonds, mixed berries, and iced tea. I think I took up nearly an entire shelf...but that's ok!

So on the list for tomorrow? Leftover hot and sour soup for lunch, there's plenty of snacks available at work. For dinner, I'm thinking the chicken I started marinading yesterday with some brown rice and steamed broccoli. 

Oh, and kicking this darned cold!!