Truly a New World

I finally made the leap. Back in November, I called a recruiter and signed on for a travel contract. I gave my two week notice at the hospital I've been staff at for almost three years and made the major plunge. I think I've been in shock ever since.

I finished up my first week the night before last and I have to say, everything is hugely different!

This Christmas I am actually home because I was not scheduled, so I drove home from Myrtle Beach and I am home with my family. It's quite nice! Happily scrolling online, looking for new recipes I came across the website Yummly. Love at first click! It is so easy to find recipes using key words, and it will be my new go-to from now on.

It is a requirement to sign out for a half-hour lunch here, unlike my staff job, so it is imperative to me to make things that are tasty and visually appealing. The snacky nurse is out of the window for at least the next 12 weeks, so flavor and satiety are a must! I'll still squirrel away a couple of nutritious fruits or cracker snacks to sneak here and there, but one main meal is really what I'll get.

This week I am looking at Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta for my lunch, and Chicken and White Bean Soup for my meal prior to leaving the house for the shift. I'm making heavy modifications to the recipe, swapping homemade turkey stock for the chicken, turkey meat (light and dark) from our Christmas turkey, and adding roasted mushrooms. Honestly, I just didn't like the idea of chicken twice in a day. The soup should make closer to 8 servings, so I'll split it to freeze half for later. Breakfast will be vanilla flavored zero fat Greek yogurt, using sugar free Torani syrup for the flavoring. My usual go-to of apples and tangerines will further soothe my sweet tooth, and wheat thins are available to salve salt cravings.

I've lucked out and found a place to stay with some friends while working this contract, so I have access to their kitchen, as well as my own fridge and cabinet to separate my grocery staples. That is a huge blessing! I don't have to clutter their fridge or worry about being short ingredients unless I've not bought them. I am still learning my way around, but there is a grocery store around the corner from the hospital, so I'll be shopping there often. It means I have to be on my toes and prepared with my shopping list.

I've not been keeping up with WW, but I am hoping to still eat a bit more healthy, even if I am not tracking. I've gained for sure, but I am not beating myself up over it for now. The new job and living situation is enough for me to wrap my head around. Anyhoo, it's going to be an adventure from here on out!