Let’s sit down and catch up, why don’t we? I’ve missed my heart to heart with you guys!
Last time we chatted, I was having the best summer of my life. I don’t say that lightly. Having a few months off from a 9-5 job allowed me the freedom I needed to explore my passions – urban gardening, seasonal cooking, and building community. Being on my feet and taking a step back from the daily grind has helped me start grad school with a different mindset. I’m no longer go-go-go, and have figured out when to take a step back, when to sleep more, and when to treat myself to a coffee because I didn’t have time to make one myself.
In a lot of ways, starting my Masters in Public Health has been the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I feel at home in Berkeley already, and most of my classwork is already very meaningful and interesting. There are days when I feel down and miss what I left behind in Denver, but Noah is always quick to remind me – “This is the Marisa life goal!” – and I can’t help but smile and know that my home is still there for me in Denver.
As I learn more about health behavior and our environment, this space grows in importance to me. I know you guys are busy people – jobs, families, commitments – and the fact that you care how you eat is something that will carry you to good health. Sometimes that means that we do stop and grab convenience foods to keep us going – for me, that’s things like single-serving packages of hummus and crackers, the new chia juices from Naked Juice, or a pre-made salad from a cafe for lunch – and it’s all part of the bigger picture of how we find balance.
I am always trying to think of you when I develop recipes, and I’ve been pushed this past month as schoolwork gets busier to continue to think of quick meal ideas and healthy snack inspiration, and share that in this space.
Let’s stick together as we move into fall and continue to inspire one another!
Clockwise from the top:
Pesto-smothered BLT sandwich
Avocado toast and an olive oil egg from Bartavelle (talked about them in my SF To Do List!)
Mexican food topped with tomatoes Noah brought me from our house!
Roasted CSA tomatoes, onion, and garlic for tomato sauce
Snack plate lunch with all my favorites
Ramen from Iyasare Berkeley
Teriyaki salmon salad bowl from Glaze Teriyaki Grill
Vegan cinnamon roll from Cinnaholic
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Be well,
Marisa
Lauren | Just a Pinch says
I can really relate to enjoying the break from the daily grind. It sounds like you are having an amazing, fulfilling time in Berkeley. I’m really happy for you!
Marisa says
Yes! Glad to hear! Thanks, Lauren.
Dana | sea salt & lime says
It’s awesome to hear you feel so fulfilled in your program! I just started my masters in nutrition and can completely relate. While the coursework can be demanding, it’s all interesting and I just love it. Congrats on following your dreams!
Marisa says
Thanks Dana! Hope you’re feeling like you’re in the right place too!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
I am so so so happy that you are feeling at home and that you are finding your coursework meaningful 🙂 The things you are recognizing in your program about “balance” and the “bigger picture” are really resonating with me in my program to become an RD. It’s amazing how it all just comes together, isn’t it? 🙂 PS: Brian and I REALLY want to come to SF to visit…trying to see if we can make that happen 😉
Marisa says
Yes yes yes – so glad you feel that same bigger picture! I hope you guys can make it out here sometime! xo