Happy Wednesday. Ahh dang it feels good to be midweek. I like the “half way there” syndrome. Any reason to celebrate the day sounds good, am I right?
A rare thing has happened in the Cotter house these days, food wise that is. What better way to talk about it, than with a little WIAW. (Thanks to Jen for letting tag along.)
You see, since the hubs has stopped training due to his knee injury, he’s had one thing on his mind (okay two). How to heal the knee and how to keep lean while significantly cutting back the volume of his training. Swimming is his only form cardio these days.
So here I am, a wife who is used to feeding this one little man LOTS of good food, to a wife who is still feeding her husband well, yet having to watch his “figure.” 
Yes, two opposite goals, but one healthy mindset. Keep us NOURISHED.
For the hubs, I focus on feeding him a good hearty breakfast in the morning after swimming, then a balance of lean protein, good fats, and TONS of vegetables throughout the rest of the day.
hard boiled eggs, adzuki beans/lentils, fish, avocado, chia/flaxseed, almond butter, hummus, salad, turkey, chicken sausage, lean organic meat, goat cheese, lots of green vegetables, salad, sweet potatoes, apples, berries, GF oat bran, etc. (lets not forget his MARMITE)
For me, frequent small meals throughout the day, but more calorically dense. And still focusing on what my stomach can handle.
eggs, salmon, avocado, kefir, goats milk, GF raisin toast with organic butter or nut butter, rice cereal with flaxseed, gluten-free bars, LOVE GROWN granola, cooked or steamed vegetables with grapeseed oil, organic meat/poultry, baked potatoes, bananas, baked apples, smoothies, etc.
We both usually drink a smoothie or protein shake after dinner too. I like to add in banana, which helps me sleep quite nicely.
Any guesses on what’s what in these dishes?
Good Nutrition plays a key role in the hubs’ career, and as the “head chef” and nutrition manager of the house, I try my best to stay on top of all his dietary needs. They are constantly changing based on his training.
In a few weeks, I am sure our eats will look somewhat different. The hubs will hopefully be healed and back to regular training at a higher volume (therefore needing more calories). And I will be exploring and tasting a lot more FUN foods………. in New Zealand.
Have you made any big food changes lately?
Cheers,
LC
p.s.
Our dietary needs and cravings are constantly changing. This is what’s working well for us both at the moment. And what may work well for us, may not work well for someone else. Let’s focus on what our OWN body is needing. Right?
😉
HOORAY for New Zealand food (Kai) all that glorious seafood! So good… miss it, love it 🙂 You are a very good wifey indeed.
oh oh oh! single leg burpees sound kind of badass. youtubing them um now!
totally bad ass, and they freakin burn those legs….. in a good way of course.
🙂
I’ve heard that New Zealand is famous for it’s high-quality grass-fed meats (I just made another venison stew with venison goulash from NZ last week – already eaten :D), and I’m sure there’ll be a lot to discover for you in that wonderful country! Can’t wait to hear more about it!
All my good wishes for a quick husband recovery!
Oh yes!! they do have the best meats and lamb! organic grass fed and all! I can’t wait!!!
I’ve lost weight also due to intestinal issues. Something relating to my kidneys and liver and things. Nutritionists are absolutely unhelpful for me and have made it all complicated for me. Your “safe” foods appear friendly to me as well!
The weight loss has rendered me quite useless so my exercise consists of daily walks, some bodyweight light exercises 3x/week. I’m not quite certain what I can or should do at this stage. Yoga would be helpful but without classes I’m quite unmotivated to do at home (boring, lack of variety and lack of finances to better it).
Im not sure how to gain the weight again so that I can return to work and activity. Everytime I try something I resort to feeling like crap and repeating the cycle. I get quite snacky at night (especially on yogurt, rice cakes, tahini, chocolate in large quantities). This means I ruin my morning appetite and nothing is appealing. Right now I never feel hungry and force the food because my doctor wants me to gain. I’ve built up alot of gas in my body and my bowel transit time is quite slow (makes elimination sporadic and not reliable). If you have any thoughts, please email me Lindsay. It would be much appreciated. I’ve followed your blog for a while and am impressed by your thoughts and writing and nutrition.
Im just not sure how to eat and gain whilst not really being active and no hunger. I’m afeared that my carbs are too heavy , yet I’m also quite heavy on fat and protein. I assume to gain, I’d need at least 2000, even while so inactive (?), but fail to find appropriate plans. Thanks for any thoughts ,it would be a true blessing.
Eeek, I’m so excited for when you guys go to New Zealand!!! 😀 I wish we were going to be there too to have adventures! You are such an amazing wife, and nutrition manager, what an angel your hubs must think you are 🙂 All your eats look absolutey divine…and I am so so happy for you to be healing and nurturing yourself. May that continue always! Aaaah, I love this blog, and your spirit and the thoughts you convey here, so much <3 xyx
I’ve been watching what I eat lately in anticipation of some extra holiday eating next week, that’s for sure! LOTS of veggies, which I seemed to neglect towards the end of marathon training. Feels so good to eat them again!
oh yes, feels good to get that fix post training. Enjoy it Liz!! and Happy recovery!
I wish I had such a savvy chef around to figure out and balance nutritional needs so well. It’s also enlightening to realise that even uber-fit men with (usually) very high calorie needs, even without training, need/have to cut back when injured. It’s something I’ve never been able to handle myself, but I am sure that James has a much better attitude towards food than I do (i.e physical and not emotional ‘fuel’).
We’re in the same situation in my household in a way – my Mum has needed to gain weight for so long, where as I need to cut down, even when I’m not injured (but especially when I am!) because my weight is affecting my level of comfort when I run – chafing is a force to be reckoned with and I just feel so heavy and cumbersome.
We could learn a lot from the balance you have reached.
xxx
It is a constant balance. And just like in training, we have to adjust our minds and bodies to what it needs. I think this little injury has been more of a mental deficiency more than anything, and you are in the same boat. TIme to heal that mind and balance things out. Right?
xoxo
I LOVED READING THIS. It is so interesting to me how different everyone’s nutritional needs are and how much they can change too! I am hoping that James is out on the road again soon and that you are feeling better and better every day. New Zealand is going to be incredible and I think Dorry and I might need to come visit you there!
Yes indeed. Our needs do change and as runners, athletes, etc. we have to stay in check. SO right my friend. You are a smart one. Love that about you! And yes, please come to NZ with Dorry!!
Oh Honey Bunny, you are the BEST Wifey Ever!! You care so much about others, and that is so gorgeous 🙂
Its interesting how food heals you and also hurts you {the wrong foods!!} when you’re on the healing path you will see that proper nutrition will help mend hubby’s knee and not only his waist line 😉 I love that men worry about the same things us gals do!
Our foods are constantly changing and just the other day we actually put Vega aside and purchased an antibiotic free, organic New Zealand Whey protein because our bodies were screaming for it….and I tested us with it! Have you ever tested yourself on what foods are good for you?
Stand facing north with your feet hip width a part, hold the food item in our receiving hand {left for me} and place it on your solar plexus, then form a fist with your other hand, close your eyes, relax and ask “is this item good for my higher being and my health” if you rock forward its YES if its back, its NO! Interesting, huh??
xxoo
yes yes!! that new zealand whey is our favorite! I love it and I totally believe in it. I am stocking up in New Zealand too.
And I also believe in that muscle testing! So amazing what our bodies tell us. WOW, love it Kris and love you!
That is quite the job title! “Head Chef + Nutrition Master of Cotter Household”, ha – not an easy role! But one you clearly know how to excel at 😉
Coming from the nutrition MASTER herself, that means a lot.
He’s a lucky guy to have such a knowledgeable and caring chef at home. 🙂 Cheers to a speedy recovery
yes, cheers Tiff! *Clink*
Those rolls and that toast look so good! I hope James’s knee does heal as quickly as possible and bless you for cooking the best food for it… I’m guessing a tofu scramble is in there?
Those are my favorite GF rolls. So warm and gooey. Hard to believe they are GF. That last picture is a fish scramble. It does look like tofu though! I acutally used some leftover blackbean and garbanzo tamale scrambleded with some wish fish. DELICIOUS!
I am about to start with a new RD! It’s awesome because from our emails I can tell she really cares.
Your meals are really high quality and that’s great. I can’t wait to get my life in order.
I love the goats milk too!
Thats awesome chuck! keep me posted on how it goes, k?
Glad to hear that you’re healing well. Get well soon!
so jealous you got have the plain greek coconut yogurt, that is the one we wanted to try. you eats sound like ours! we have been enjoying goat products again, like goat kefir and yogurt. and our bodies seem to like it.
i think my body is on the same wavelength as you guys. haha, love it!
oh and the PLAIN is so much better. Not as sweet.
Are those kidney beans?! 😀 I have been eating a metric TON of those haha!!! So good 🙂
They are adzuki beans. I love those! i think they are a cross between kidney and lentils. SO GOOD!
Love this, Linds! He’s blessed with a nutrition expert for a wife, and I’m happy your stomach is healing! Healthy weight gain over the holidays? Sounds like a perfect time to me. 😉 xoxo
me too. That sounds like a great holiday plan to me! and guess what, we will at the beach for a BBQ for christmas. yipppeee!
Where oh where did you find the So Delicious Greek yogurt?! I haven’t seen it yet!!
Its at out HEB. You need to stop there when you come out to lakeway. or i will for you! You will like it.
Yes!!! I totally want to stock up while I’m out there!
All your eats looks delish! I’ve never tried goats milk before! Do they taste similar to cow’s milk? I heard that it has less lactose than cow’s milk which would be great because my tummy + lactose = not good 🙁
i love goats milk. Its actually very low and lactose and easy to digest. Kinda tangy, like kefir.
Hopefully in a few weeks both of you are healed! It’s great that you take nutrition so seriously though. I’m sure there are people who don’t “watch there figure” when they’re injured or don’t stick to safe foods after stomach issues and end up worse off! With the way you handle it, I’m sure you’ll both be doing great in no time!
thats my plan! food sure does heal, if we use it wisely, right?
Whoa- you take really good care of your hubby. I feel a little guilty. I have neglected mine a bit. I need to take a lesson from you. I hope you continue to get better Lindsay. I can’t imagine going through all that. Thanks for being such an inspiration with your faith. 🙂 Love that you said this is what your eating looks like NOW. It always changes. That’s the hard part for me. I wish it always stayed the same- it would be easier on us huh?
Sorry- this is a LONG comment. eek. 🙂
i love your long comments. I feel like we are chatting over a glass of wine. tee hee. And i take good care of the hubs because his racing is what pays the bills. Gotta keep it a well oiled machine, haha!
Did you know that when our hormones change, our digestion can change? Its crazy, guess that means we must stay in tune!
Totally makes sense. The healthiest I ever was was when I was pregnant and super hormonal. Go figure. I’m taking a lesson from you and making a goal to feed my hubby better this next week. He doesn’t race- he takes care of animals, but it pays the bills too. ha ha!
gaaaah your food always looks so delish!
midweek = modern family. love it.
Hello ya! we can’t wait! just wish it was longer than 30 minutes.
I really like your idea of a protein shake after dinner. I am very much aware of my love for sweets and my desire for a dessert after dinner. So…my biggest change lately has been looking for “healthy” alternatives that still satisfy my sweet tooth! Thus far…chocolate granola, greek yogurt and honey has been my favorite!
loving that its wednesday!! happy mid-week to the Cotters!
oh that a great post dinner snack! I like to make a frosty type shake. vanilla protein, almond milk, banana, and cocoa. Try that!
I have the “mid-week” syndrome as well 😉
I love how you can cater (literally LOL!) to you and the hubs needs for nutrition! I hope your belly heals up all the way soon 🙂
I like playing caterer. I bet you like to do the same for your family and jimmy. You have that heart!
Great WIAW! That’s so awesome you’re not only listening to your body’s needs, but your hubby’s as well. I think I spy someone who deserves a “wife of the year” award heehee 😉 Have a great day!
Oh does that mean I would get a trophy? hehe, jk. He does a lot for me and I have to say that I love cooking for him, so i’m a bit spoiled. By the way, ive been trying to follow your blog via wordpress but I never get updates. hmmmmm…thoughts?
I’ve been loving adzuki beans lately — they’re so nourishing, for sure!
My husband, who I’m used to cooking HUGE meals for since his metabolism is ridiculous, has recently been on a mini-cleanse and it’s been a bit of an adjustment for me not to cook so much — so I’ve been eating a little extra, which isn’t bad for me either 🙂 Your Wednesdays always look so delicious!
haha, I can totally relate. Sometimes its a nice break in the kitchen (quantity wise). I am loving all your nourishing recipes these days. So warm and comforting.
Food can be such a great healer! Glad that both you and your husband are healing. I have added in some homemade bone/chicken broth in the mornings. There are tons of great benefits that come from the bones and veggies and it’s been helping brighten up my skin. I’m having some scalp issues (TMI sorry) but I’m trying to pinpoint why and think it could be connected to diet. It’s a constant journey!!
oh man, homemade broth is amazing!! have you have tried bone marrow? Now that has healing powers. Sounds gross, but its good.
I have been concentrating on adding in MORE veggies and cutting out other items that weren’t serving any nurishing purpose 🙂
WOOHOO! Go jen. I am always excited to hear that. You are rockin the veggies style!
Hi! I found your blog through HEAB (love her!), see that you’re moving to NZ – fun! My childhood sweetheart is a Kiwi & I am an expat from lovely Portland, OR now living in Christchurch. Visiting & living in NZ are two completely different things and although an english speaking country, so many things are so different. If you have any question, I can be of any help with your move/where to find things here (if in CHCH, lots of things are broken & the yellow pages will no longer do any good), or you need/want someone to bounce ideas off of or meet up for a cuppa, feel free to be in touch. All the best to you, Jessica S. <3
I’m trying to eat more – not to gain weight, but because I realized that I was underconsuming and I think that lead to my groin strain! I’m focusing on eating throughout the day instead of concentrating calories at night when I finally have time to figure out meals!
good for you! I think food can heal so much. We just have to tune into our needs, right?
here’s hoping the road to recovery for you and hubs is a smooth and fast one 🙂
oh thanks Lisa! and here’s to a great rest of your pregnancy!
I was experimenting last year when I gave up dairy and thought coconut yogurt would be a good choice. I believe I tried the so delicious raspberry, and it was INSANELY sweet. Do you have any recommendations for other flavors that are a little more tame?
I only buy the plain for me because the rest are too sweet. Actually the plain coconut Kefir is the best. I think you’d like that!
Had to giggle at the one, no two things on his mind. Men….
Glad you are both on the mend and I pray for a thorough recovery for both of you. As always, you are such an inspiration. So glad to know you!
And i glad to know you! I keep telling the hubs we need to go visit the riverwalk, so maybe when we get back we can come visit!
I always tell clients that it is about YOUR body and what works for YOU! We are all different. We have different training needs, bodies, appetites, etc. For example, I like eating my carbs at night. They help me sleep better and it’s what works. I like your banana at night. Random, but hey it works for you! 🙂
me too! i sleep better and my digestion is better. Love that advice you give your clients. I bet they adore you!
you are such a good wife for taking such good care of your hubs!
I’m so glad you’re stomach is almost healed.. good news!! Are you getting excited, anxious or nervous about moving to NZ? you will be leaving sooo soon!
all of the above! just ready to get on that plane. 8 days!!
I have nutrition on the brain like CRAZY! My diet is about to take on a HUGE overhaul! I wish you lived closer, I would be talking to you about this stuff all the time. Studying has definitely opened my eyes to a whole new world of foods. Not to say I’m doing poorly to begin with, but I think learning about nutrient focuses and how nutrition plays a role in the types of activities I do makes me realize that I need to change a few things. I hope you both are feeling better! Your eats look delicious as always!
Yes and yes! We would have lots of good nutrition talk dates! It really does open up your eyes to what your body NEEDS. I am excited for you. Email me an update when you can.
So glad you are almost healed! I can’t imagine you keeping your energy up and teaching and running the household.
NZ will be an adventure! I’m excited to read and live vicariously through you!
Its been a little challenging, but definitely a learning process. ANd for that I am grateful. I wish you and the family were coming with us to NZ.
🙂
so happy to hear healING and cannot wait to hear healED – for both of you!! and wow, so close! I’m so excited for you, and still hoping you’ll touch down in Portland on the way…
Yes, i can’t wait to say HEALED! its sooo close! And dang it, I will have to make the pilot stop in Portland. THink you can bribe him with some bourbon balls?
bourbon balls for YOU – not the pilot!! 😉 very precious cargo on board that plane… I’ll make him some alcohol free goodies?
XO
I’m SO glad to hear that your stomach issues are getting straightened out!! Eating is fun! Sad that it took me so very long to realize that – but I embrace it now!
I know, so true. Eating is a gift we should enjoy with loved ones too. Amen?!
Great way to balance the needs of both of you! That would be tough! In my house, my bf and I work opposite schedules, so I usually eat a salad or some type of fish and veggie when I get home and then I’m usually up late making him ‘manly comfort food’ for when he gets home! The key is to just make it work the best you can!
What a great GF you are. I bet he appreciates a hot meal when he gets home. Make it work the best you can, i like it!
I think that could be really difficult to remember to transition your typical eats from when you’re training to when you’re not training at quite the same volume. I think it’s so awesome that you pay so much attention to his dietary needs as well as your own.
It is difficult! and its the last thing I want him to worry about, ya know? I think we all need a break from that during those hard training times.
Wow, you do an amazing job with fueling yourself and your husband’s bodies, tailored to your needs. I LOVE that. I try my best to do that with M, too, to make sure he IS eating, since he was so used to just grabbing a bite when he could, between patients, which NEVER happens. So I happily send him on his way each morning with lunch, snack, Gotein (he loves it!!), an energy bar and chobani 🙂
I bet he LOVES that about you! and what a blessing you are for him. You take care of him when he needs it the most. I swear, men would eat cereal at every meal if someone didn’t make a real meal for them. haha.
I don’t know what’s wrong with bloglovin, but this is the second time that I’ve “lost” your blog. I thought I fixed it last time, but I haven’t seen any of your posts for weeks. I just assumed you were busy with the move and hadn’t posted. OK, I’m going to erase all evidence of you in Bloglovin and then try AGAIN.
The thought process involved in staying on top of properly fuelling a professional athlete makes my head spin. At least you can both eat eggs! 😉 He’s a very lucky man to have you supporting him.
that has happend to me too recently. Maybe its my blog? Hmm, well keep checking in. hehe. And I must say, I am happy to hear from you. xoxo
You are SUCH a good wifey, feeding the hubs so well and so smartly! And I’m also really glad to hear that you continue to be on the mend and on the upswing. I’ve been worried about you!! xoxo
i think you and heather are my desginated blog “moms.” haha, i love that. Thank you for always checking in with me. Things are moving up!
Your food looks fantastic as usual!My husband never concerns himself with calories and for the first time in his life he has decided to lose weight…well 5 pounds but it’s a shock to him to want to do even that! So he’s coming to me for advice and help, and I must admit I enjoy helping him!
And I love that he came to you. Such a good wife! Feels good to be needed, doesn’t it?
I love this because, yes, I have made food changes lately! I’m trying to cut out yeast so goodbye sugary sweets and bread….hello probiotics! 🙂
Let me tell you, it is hard to do when lots of things I want to eat is sugary and processed! 🙂
Oh that can be hard, but your body with thank you later. Hope you still get to enjoy the little things from time to time.
🙂
Your body, your needs, you’re 100% right. My hus could eat hard boiled eggs all day.
Now that Halloween is gone my body doesn’t crave sugar so I hope to fill it with the yumminess like you do.
Smoothie & protein shakes are my thing, mmmm!
haha, my husband could too, with toast, and marmite. I think he would get along great with you hubs.
Oh my goodness YES to this all, what a great post! I am going to use several of the options you put down for you and the hubs, so many wonderful suggestions 🙂 We all need to do what is right for our bodies, simple as that! I love how you are accommodating for the both of you
Good deal! I think you will enjoy adding in chia and flax. Helps get those extra calories in too! Keep me posted Tessa.
mmm there looks to be some sort of apple crisp with ice cream?!!!
ive been eating a ton more turkey and eggs this fall. yummy!
Happy WIAW! I did not join the party this week, so I am a party pooper!
You are a GREAT wife, your hubby is so lucky!
All the eats look fabulous, especially the So Delicious ice cream : )
Have a great day love! xoxo <3
you are not a party pooper, just taking a DIVA break. I like that.
Enjoy some hubby time tonight.