I made it! Thank God.
Yesterday was a long day. Let’s not talk about the six hour flight, one hour wait for the bus, two hour bus ride and fifteen minute cab ride. No, let’s talk about how despite my exhaustion and comatose-like state, somehow around 8:30 (felt like 11:30) I had a second wind and found myself in my kitchen, in pajamas and slippers, cooking lentils on the stove.
The lentils. They call to me.
I mentioned last week that I was given the challenge of coming up with seven lentil, chickpea or pea recipes by June 15th. That’s a lot of legumes, folks. It might get ugly. But it’s not in my nature to turn down a challenge….especially a challenge in the kitchen.
And so, there I stood, almost cackling into my simmering pot of green lentils last night. You’ll see the finished creation at lunch….I hope it’s good!
As for right now, just a chocolate berry smoothie with banana, frozen berries, almond milk, chocolate protein, maca and peanut butter.
I’m having a little issue this morning. You see, I feel fine but one side of my throat was really aching (odd, I know) so I looked down my throat with a flashlight just now and saw that my left tonsil has literally swelled up to the size of a golf ball and is covered with white patches. This does not seem like a positive thing. I don’t feel like I have the flu or anything but it’s sort of freaking me out. Thoughts?
Jessica @ How Sweet
June 7, 2010 at 7:05 amI actually have that happen often on my right side of my throat. It always freaks me out that it is one side. Only once or twice has it been strept, other times it was simply a virus. It actually happened while I was traveling, too. I just drink a ton, took some EmergenC, ate well and slept, and it was gone within a day.
Gennin
June 7, 2010 at 7:06 amYou should probably get that checked out. I’m just sayin. Usually when something that’s the size of a pea swells to the size of a golf ball it’s not a good thing. Hope u feel better soon!
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
June 7, 2010 at 7:06 amI actually have no idea how to cook lentils and my husband actually just requested them…so I am definitely looking forward to these posts! 🙂
Angharad
June 7, 2010 at 7:08 amWhite spots = tonsillitis. Get thee to a doctor and in the mean time gargle warm salt water. It’s a delight, I promise.
Allie
June 7, 2010 at 7:09 amthat sounds like something a doctor ought to see…feel better!
grace
June 7, 2010 at 7:10 amtonsillitis? i agree, you need to have that checked out.
hope everything gets better!
Meg
June 7, 2010 at 7:11 amSounds like strep to me! 🙁
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
June 7, 2010 at 7:12 amoh! That doesn’t sound good – doctor trip maybe!?
Jes
June 7, 2010 at 7:13 amDoctor = Good… I used to get this all the time… Strep and/or tonsillitis…
Jocelyn
June 7, 2010 at 7:13 amgargle with warm salt water and get yourself to a docs office for a swab! Never know what i could be and you may need antibiotics!
Heather
June 7, 2010 at 7:13 amThat happened to me and it turned out that I had mono. Not fun!
Katie
June 7, 2010 at 7:15 amIt is MOST DEFINITELY tonsillitis. Go to the doctor to get antibiotics, this happens to me at least once every 2 months and it can be unpleasant if left untreated!
Feel better!
eatmovelove
June 7, 2010 at 7:16 amGet that checked out…
Your making me want cheeries…
Catherine @ jumbleberry orchard
June 7, 2010 at 7:16 amEeek sounds like tonsilitis….
I had this on and off for 2 years – the BEST trick is to gargle on soluble aspirin. And the nurse told me to keep eating as it keeps bacteria moving in your throat (medical advice to eat more is ALWAYS good news, methinks 😉 )
Good luck!
Lauren
June 7, 2010 at 7:17 amI had the same thing with one of my tonsils….it’s definitely tonsilitis.
aldroe
June 7, 2010 at 7:17 amyes, was thinking strep or tonsillitis…could maybe need real drugs. get on it quick and you can nip it right in the bud. for sure get enough rest and fluids, too.
Tammy (Defining Wellness)
June 7, 2010 at 7:17 amYikes, that doesn’t sound comfortable. I’m sure it’s no big deal, but better to get it checked out and ease your mind. Feel better!
Becca
June 7, 2010 at 7:18 amBleck. I hope you feel better.
Liz
June 7, 2010 at 7:20 amYou probably have strep throat. Yeah, I would go to the doctor and they can give you some antibiotics. HOpe you feel better! And I can’t wait for your next lentil recipe 🙂
brandi
June 7, 2010 at 7:28 amglad you made it back safely!
White spots typically mean strep throat. Definitely go to the doctor!
Camille
June 7, 2010 at 7:29 amOh no!
Sounds like tonsillitis, maybe? I would definitely get that checked out!
Paige
June 7, 2010 at 7:30 amLast time my throat looked like that, I had tonsillitis. Get thee to a doctor!
Ellie
June 7, 2010 at 7:30 amI wonder if your glands are swollen-sometimes they don’t swell exactly the same
Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com
June 7, 2010 at 7:33 amI often get one side swelled up!! Usually it goes away, but a few extra vitamins can’t hurt.
Alycia @ Fit n Fresh
June 7, 2010 at 7:34 amOh no!! I hope you feel better babe – there’s nothing worse than being sick for long periods of time ):
Good luck with those lentils!
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches
June 7, 2010 at 7:35 amI echo the sentiments of previous posters. Get thee to a doctor, girlie! Request some antibiotics, and then get back to the lentil action once you’re feeling better.
Dana
June 7, 2010 at 7:36 amWhite spots can sometimes mean strep throat. I would get a culture done asap, just to make sure. Hope everything turns out okay! Feel better 🙂
Karen
June 7, 2010 at 7:39 amYikes I hope you feel better! I had the same thing happen to me (except both tonsils) and I went to the DR and was negative for strep but still given antibiotics for tonsillitis. Those started working almost right away and my throat was back to normal in a couple days.
Hanna
June 7, 2010 at 7:40 amMy boyfriend had that happen to him once! Exactly what you are describing but on both sides. He had a doctor look at it and they said it was just some weird virus. It went away in a week or two, and he was totally fine! Actually…i think my brother had it too! Although you should probably take your temp and go into a doctor just to make sure!
May i ask what pans you use?
Can you actually put that one you are cooking lentils in into the stove? I have been wanting pans like that!
Jo
June 7, 2010 at 7:41 amIt does sound like tonsillitis. First comes the yucky tonsils, next day comes the fever. However, I’d say wait for the fever before going to the doctor because if it doesn’t come then it’s not tonsillitis. In the meantime gargle with the salty water and take it easy, if your throat is still sore you can also gargle with soluble aspirin. Take care!
Deb
June 7, 2010 at 7:45 amhi! I’m in medical school and am going to be a doctor in 1.5 years! As such, your white coating could be either viral or bacterial (like everyone just said)– if its viral, it’ll probably just go away but if its bacterial you need a dose of antibiotics! Best to go get it swabbed and figure out which one 🙂
Kristin (Salty Tooth)
June 7, 2010 at 7:50 amHope you feel better soon!
Looking forward to the lunchtime lentils!
Claire
June 7, 2010 at 7:50 amI absolutely love lentils…so hope it turns out! The bfast smoothie sounds great, but I would definitely get that throat checked out!
Hailey S. (Adventures in health)
June 7, 2010 at 7:53 amuh oh go get a strep culture 🙁 I’m sure someone on the plane/bus probably “shared” something with you. Good luck!
MMiller
June 7, 2010 at 7:54 amOh Jenna…please get yourself to a doctor! My Brother-in-law had that when he was about 25, there was an abscess on his tonsil! They told him if it had ruptured, it could have killed him! He had them out and has been fine ever since! Don’t mean to scare you…but if that is what it takes for you to get to a doctor and get checked…! If you need to get them out, you may need “The Boy” to do some of your tasting for your recipes! Get better so you can enjoy your mom’s visit this week!
Feel better!
Run Sarah
June 7, 2010 at 8:04 amYikes, hope you feel better soon – I always get sick when travelling! I absolutely loved your lentil dahl recipe. Can’t wait to see this one!
marie
June 7, 2010 at 8:04 amI guess I’m the ‘anti-doctor’ of the bunch here, but I would just say that this is probably because you are exhausted and had a busy weekend.
Personally, I would take some tylenol for the pain, eat a lot of vitamin enriched fruit and veggies, lay off dairy, drink lots of green tea, and REST, and it would go away in a few days. I’m a bit more in the camp that sometimes it’s good to let your body heal itself without jumping on the anti biotics right away. Obviously, if you are still not feeling better 48 hours later, then you should go to the doctor in case it’s something serious.
Ellie
June 7, 2010 at 8:36 amCouldn’t agree more! Less of the “doc now or you might die!!” theatrics!
lindsey
June 7, 2010 at 8:05 amI’d go to the doctor if you’re able to- they can prescribe excellent medication that will lessen the time you might need to recover!
Rachael
June 7, 2010 at 8:05 amThose are the symptoms I used to get when I would get strep and tonsilitis (before having my tonsils removed).
I agree… if symptoms persist, doesn’t hurt to have a doctor check it out.
Shelly
June 7, 2010 at 8:10 amSometimes only one side of my throat gets infected, but my rule of thumb is that white spots= a trip to the Dr. to make sure it’s not strep- which requires antibiotics (untreated strep can do weird stuff- scarlet fever, heart infections, and my friend in college developed a strange skin disorder from an untreated strep infection). Hope you feel better soon!
AnneNP
June 7, 2010 at 8:12 amI’m a Nurse Practitioner! Go get a swab to rule out strep. Also, if you have strep, throw away your toothbrush! Everyone forgets to do that.
Amber K @ sparkpeople
June 7, 2010 at 8:15 amIf you have the option of seeing a doctor I would get it checked out! I have no idea what that could be, but it doesn’t sound good or fun! I hope you feel better soon.
Sarah for Real
June 7, 2010 at 8:18 amYikes, that’s why I never look down my throat when it hurts, hahaha. I’d say give it a day. Maybe it’s just angry from all the canned dry air on the plane?
Emily
June 7, 2010 at 8:22 amWhile I hate the overuse of antibiotics and general hastiness to see doctors, I had tonsilitis six times in a two-month period in college and that is what it looked like each time. Also, after your tonsils have been infected 2-3 times, they are essentially useless and have to be removed. The older you are, the more horrific the recovery so get it checked out!
Kellie
June 7, 2010 at 8:23 amsounds like strep. Better to go to the Dr’s and make sure. If it is you can start on antibiotics right away and feel better much faster.
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair
June 7, 2010 at 8:23 amSounds like strep throat! I had that last week and that’s what my symptoms were + a fever and terrible headache! Better go to the doctor!
Amanda (modernation)
June 7, 2010 at 8:24 amTonsils can be a wonderful and horrible thing at the same time. They are great and catching all the bad things and germs we encounter (like on 6 hour plane rides). But if they don’t get rid of the germs, it can get ugly. I had constant tonsillitis for years and finally get mine removed. I would get it checked out cuz swollen tonsils is no fun!
Melissa
June 7, 2010 at 8:27 amSwollen with white patches often signals strep throat. If this is the case, you’ll probably need antibiotic to kill the infection so you best be heading off to the doctor if your throat still hurts! 🙂
Lizzie
June 7, 2010 at 8:27 amJenna, I had the exact same thing happen to me two weeks ago. Just one side of my throat was sore to touch and the other side seemed fine (though I didn’t look at it). I had some sniffles but no ‘usual’ sore throat that you would associate with being sick. This does have a happy ending, but unfortunately it’s two weeks after this started. I ended up with a bit of a sinus cold thing, with a cough that appeared just for a couple of days before the end. It was the most sick I have been in about a year. I even had a day on the couch which I try to avoid where possible! Might have made a small dent by downing these yummy pineapple, carrot, and ginger smoothies from nearby cafe 3 days in a row, but for the most part I just had to wait it out – bleugh! We also had a friend staying with us for 4 days who I hadn’t seen for years and that made it seem even worse. BUT my positive is that it’s pretty much gone now and just in time for my best friend’s wedding this weekend!
Definitely keep an eye on it and no need to tell you to dose up on vitamins 🙂 Hope you feel better and don’t have what I did!
Krista
June 7, 2010 at 8:28 amSounds like strep, but give it a day or 2. If you feel worse or develop a fever see a doc!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
June 7, 2010 at 8:30 amum, yikes! you should definitely get that tonsil looked at…when i had something similar the doctor was in a HUGE rush to get them removed!
Funky Lady
June 7, 2010 at 8:38 amStrep! Sounds like you need antibiotics.
Suzanne de Cornelia
June 7, 2010 at 8:39 amRe tonsils. I’d get a copy of ‘Prescription for Nutritional Healing’ about $17. at Whole Foods. Written by a doctor and nutritionist–says what to do with any condition. http://www.marpeproducts.com/images/nutritional.jpg
Infections, like tonsillitis, signal immune system needs to be bolstered–it’s also contagious. White foods/sugars in any form can feed low grade infections that then materialize in some form with some added systemic stress. Low-grade infections can create breeding ground for some cancers, heart disease, etc.
Have taken very few medications. Being over-prescribed can weaken immune system and create side effects. Although, sometimes are indicated when infection has potential to swamp system, but that’s why need a book like above as gives great info to make informed decisions on optimal way to treat.
Hope goes away soon.
Ambersnotebook
June 7, 2010 at 8:40 amGo to the dr! I may be on the extreme case but I
had a sore throat and just lived with it because I thought I was healthy enough to fight it and I ended up with pneonomia and I am currently in the hospital for it! I say better safe then sorry!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
June 7, 2010 at 8:45 amYikes!! I used to get that all the time as a kid, before I had my tonsils removed (gee, I wonder why)….in my case it was tonsillitis, which usually just goes away after a few days. Dairy always made it worse!! Hope you feel better soon!
Katy(The Balanced Foodie)
June 7, 2010 at 8:51 amI had the same thing once, my mom told me I should probably go to the doctor. They swabbed me for strep, forgot about me twice(UCF health clinic is not that great) and two hours later….I didn’t have strep. I’d give it a few days, gargle some warm salt water and if it gets worse maybe then consider a doctor. It scared me too a bit, but it could just be irritation. Definitely gargle warm salt water, it’s really gross but it’ll help A LOT! Make sure it’s really salty like ocean water.
Alexandra
June 7, 2010 at 9:02 amOh Jenna.
I don’t want to freak you out but I’ve had white dots on my tonsils twice in my life. The first was mono. The second time my husband found the white dots. I was sick with a really sore throat and was showing him where on my tonsils the white dots were when I had mono and he proclaimed: “Oh my god – I see them there! You have the white dots again!” Of course I didn’t believe him at first. Ended up being strep. Get to a doctor, for sure!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
June 7, 2010 at 9:04 amEek! That does not sound good! You might as well go to the doctor so that it doesn’t get any worse…better safe than sorry!!
Becky
June 7, 2010 at 9:05 amYuck. Being sick sucks. You’ll know if it’s strep because you’ll likely start to feel pretty terrible relatively soon. Last time I had strep, I felt AWFUL within about 24 hours of the first throat soreness. But those white dots are a tell-tale sign of it. If it is strep, the sooner you get on those antibiotics, the less time you’ll feel horrible. And also- as someone else said- untreated strep can lead to major complications, including heart problems, so it’s not a good one to ignore if that’s what you have.
I realize you may not have health insurance given your self-employed status. This may make it a somewhat more difficult decision about whether to go to a doctor or not. I would urge you to go though if you start to feel worse.
Jennu
June 7, 2010 at 9:07 amThis happened to me a week ago, I went to the dentist and all I needed was a simple teeth cleaning- problem solved!
cyndie
June 7, 2010 at 9:25 amJenna,
About two and half weeks ago I went into the doctor for swollen tonsils with white patches on my throat…my doctor did a rapid strep test that tested negative. She told me to take Motrin, that it was just a virus, and would clear up in ten days.
Twelve days later my throat was so swollen I could barely swallow, and my voice was muffled. I visited the Med Center where they diagnosed me with Tonsilitis, gave me a shot in the butt, and prescribed me with antibiotics and steroids. My SEVERE sore throat was gone within a couple of hours, and the next day I felt 99% better.
If you go to the doctor, make sure they cover all of the basis. The rapid strep test only tests for Strep 1…and there are other possibilities. Antibiotics are AWESOME if it’s a bacterial infection.
jenna
June 7, 2010 at 9:26 am:-/ yikes! that doesn’t sound good! i would just stay hydrated and well rested…maybe travel and your race are starting to catch up with you!! 🙂 get better!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
June 7, 2010 at 9:32 amOh no! Gargle warm salt water – trust me : )
Cynthia (It All Changes)
June 7, 2010 at 9:42 amOuch does not feel nice. Might want to get that checked out.
Callina
June 7, 2010 at 9:45 amI’ve had that happen, probably tonsillitis, but for me it was never painful enough or long-lasting enough that I had to get antibiotics for it. Traveling probably upset your immune system a bit. I would recommend tons of fluids and rest, rest, rest. You could give it a day or two or go get it checked out and get antibiotics. Personally I’m very wary of the overuse of antibiotics, so if it can heal on its own I’m all for that. But you don’t want it to get out of control and end up needing a tonsillectomy.
allison @ thesundayflog
June 7, 2010 at 9:47 amsometimes you just have to cook lentils! cant wait to see what you come up with for lunch 🙂
Daisy
June 7, 2010 at 9:49 amDrink Emergen-C!!!!!!!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
June 7, 2010 at 9:51 amUt-oh. Strep! I get strep all the time and I know I have it when my tonsils are covered in white. Get to the doctor ASAP to get a culture and antibiotics! Don’t wait for it to heal because the white bacteria is a telltale sign of strep.
sarah
June 7, 2010 at 9:58 amHello,
I just happened to bump into your blog and it is great. I grew up in Santa Rosa, live in Hidden Valley Lake (lake county) and am moving back to Sonoma County at the end of the year. Cool to find someone so close! 🙂
Allison
June 7, 2010 at 10:03 amThat same thing happened to both of my tonsils when I had mono. Feel better!
Nadia
June 7, 2010 at 10:07 amThe same thing happened to my boyfriend a couple months ago. After a few days and ton of rest it went away on its own. Hope you feel better soon! Btw where is that outfit/dress from…the one you wore in the pictures in your last post? I LOVE that color 🙂
Heather Rose
June 7, 2010 at 10:07 amI have that happen sometimes, and while it has been strep throat once, usually it’s my sinuses acting up. I have bad post nasal drip and it irritates the throat.
I see some other comments about Emergen-C which I also use, but then I also do a neti-pot to clear out the sinuses. Usually works and I’m back to normal within a day or two.
Hope you feel better!
Jennifer
June 7, 2010 at 10:07 amEverytime I have had white patches and a swollen tonsil I have had Strep Throat. But I always feel pretty sick warn down and I have a fever with it. Good Luck
Katherine
June 7, 2010 at 10:08 amI HATE when you can feel yourself getting sick before you’re there
Kelsey (Vivaciously Vegan)
June 7, 2010 at 10:08 amMy sister use to have terrible issues with her tonsils. They were constantly becoming inflammed, puffy, and (ew) full of white crud. She eventually had to get them taken out. The procedure is super easy and she got to eat ice cream for a few days. Can’t go wrong with that! :p
Ginny
June 7, 2010 at 10:11 amWarm salt water cures anything throat related in my book. Do that every hour or so and you will be amazed at how much better if feels.
Megan
June 7, 2010 at 10:21 amSounds like acute tonsillitis. I had the exact same thing earlier in the year. Get looked at and get some meds STAT because it will knock you on your butt if you don’t!
Amy
June 7, 2010 at 10:26 amThat sounds like strep throat to me! I get strep once every few years, and those white patches and swollen tonsils are dead give-aways that it’s time for me to hightail it to my Doctor for some antibiotics! Also, stay home- it’s very very contagious! Feel better!
Dynamics
June 7, 2010 at 10:53 amIf you do not feel sick gargle with warm salt water several times a day. Throw away or seriously disinfect the toothbrush. Do this and see how you feel.
If you feel sick head to the doctor. You will probably need antibiotics.
Tonsils are a defense mechanism against ingested or inhaled foreign pathogens. Seems if I remember right, stuff clings to the tonsils and that is a heck of a lot better than going into the body.
I hope the salt water works.
Elyse
June 7, 2010 at 10:59 amThe white patches could be ulcers on your tonsils. Don’t worry! It sounds way worse that it actually is! It could easily be tonsilitis or strep, but ulcers is another possibility. Not exactly sure what causes them, but that’s what I had alongside a case of good ‘ole strep throat a couple years ago. Definitely check with a doctor, but I’m sure it’s easily treated as were mine. Good luck!
Allison
June 7, 2010 at 11:21 amOhh gosh I have had a weird (hurts to swallow/sore) throat feeling for two weeks now. When I look in the mirror it is my right side tonsil all swelled up. However I was told seeing white stuff is a good chance of strep throat. SO get it checked out!! Drink lots of fluids.
Paige
June 7, 2010 at 11:29 amHey Jenna! I just tried my first Green Monster with the addition of Maca powder and I am obsessed! I’ve been meaning to try it after seeing it on ELR and now I’m hooked. The flavor compliments the spinach so well. Thanks for inspiring my new favorite smoothie!
Annie D. from Annie'sSimpleLife
June 7, 2010 at 11:34 amOh dear. I’d go visit the doc just in case. That happens to me sometimes (the swelling, not the white patches), and I take a TON of oil of oregano, vitamin c, vitamin d, and drink drink drink! Oh and sleep as much as possible. Generally kicks whatever I have in a day or so.
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
June 7, 2010 at 11:43 amMaybe an allergic reaction to something? If yes, hit up the Vitamin C heavy and fast – it totally saved me when I had an allergic reaction to Darvocet.
Carter
June 7, 2010 at 11:48 amSo sorry you are feeling under the weather, but I really have to say that I LOVE the reckless abandon of photo-ing your smoothie on white carpet! 🙂
Claire
June 7, 2010 at 11:54 amPlease see a doctor…better to be safe than sorry:-)cc
Kelly
June 7, 2010 at 1:37 pmSounds like strep throat. I’m a strep throat expert after having it some umpteen times. I’ve never had the white patches, but my college roommate had them. They told her it was a severe case and the white patches were bacteria. Hope you catch it before it gets any worse!
Danielle in Australia!
June 7, 2010 at 2:44 pmOh I am so glad that you are doing a bunch of recipes on Legumes! We are trying to decrease the amount of red meat in our diet and increase the amount of Legumes. Eighteen months ago my husband was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer (he was only 38), thankfully he is now cancer free – but we went to see a dietician who specialises in cancers and also I have done a lot of research on diet and the effect on cancer and one of the number one links was red meat to cancer.
So THANK YOU and I am so excited to check out your recipes and to try them out on my little family…
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies
June 7, 2010 at 3:51 pmHope your throat feels better! Lovin’ the lentil action, though.
adria
June 7, 2010 at 4:42 pmi get white spots a lot. for me they’re just a sign of post nasal drip.
Ingrid
June 7, 2010 at 6:42 pmgo get swabbed just in case! i am always getting tonsilitis and strep. better safe than sorry. traveling is the best way to get sick quick.