I’m not a fan of wearing pants.
Since moving to San Diego, Vegas and I basically live in workout clothes.Â
This may seem lazy… I can’t argue that… but getting dressed in “real” clothes seems like way too much effort. Â By default, anything requiring me to dress nicely gets left by the wayside. Â I’m not a recluse! Â I’ll go to the gym, ball games, casual dinners, the grocery store… anything beyond that is a stretch.
When I received the opportunity to try out an online dietitian with Amwell, I was thrilled. Â Doctors typically require “real” clothes. Â If I can get a consult in my PJs, I’m a happy girl! Â With Amwell, you can speak with a doctor or RD from home via your computer.
So what did I need a nutritionist for? Â Vegas and I have been talking for sometime about trying an anti-inflammatory diet. Â We both have some muscle issues from years of working out hard, but we aren’t fans of taking pills if it’s something that can be addressed holistically.
I learned a lot from this lady, but decided to dive deeper with a RD from Amwell.  I mean… if you can do it in your PJs AND it’s free, why not?  The RD confirmed a lot of what I learned from Lindsay, and gave me some additional good ideas – we’re going to start on some spirulina and focusing on more lemon water.  I got a pat on the back for the ACV in my morning cocktail and the turmeric supplements we already take (SO good for inflammation).
Why I Like Amwell
They have high standards.  Online resources can be scary, but Amwell hires only registered dietitians who all must complete/comply with the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor or master’s degree with concentration in nutrition/dietetics
- Complete an accredited, supervised practice program in a clinical setting
- Pass Commission on Dietetic Registration’s national examination
- Complete 75 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 5 years
Amwell was created by doctors, not some creepy dude in his mom’s basement.  They are the first telehealth service awarded accreditation by The American Telemedicine Association.  You can confidently select any one of their doctors, RDs, or psychologists, and you can see them on-demand, 24/7, without the waiting room hassle.
In addition to the free initial visit, you also save money due to their low overhead costs.  RD visits are $25 for 30 minutes while doctor appointments cost $49… and in many cases your insurance will cover that small fee!
Get a FREE Session From Amwell
Visit American Well and use code FITFORLIFE for your free visit.
Check out Jenn’s WIAW baby over at Arman’s this week, and then check out everyone else’s delicious eats!
Breakfast:
I had the usual morning cocktail and morning sludge.
Our first breakfast on our anti-inflammatory experiment was… interesting. Â I made eggs, which were good, and them experimented with grain-free microwave muffin. Â Let’s just say it needs work…
Lunch:
More successful was lunch. Â We had a locally-sourced salad with greens, pea shoots, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and watermelon cucumbers, all tossed in lemon-infused olive oil and coconut vinegar. Â Mine was topped with salmon and sriracha (Vegas had turkey).
Snack:
Ok, I was too hangry after my workout to take a pic… but I re-made this from the other day:
https://instagram.com/p/8G9KuymjVm/
Dinner:
Vegas loves meat… so when I took her to a vegetarian restaurant to meet my sister and her bandmates for dinner I knew I was pushing it.  We tried out a new-to-me place in San Diego called Jyoti-Bihanga.
I ordered the Sita Salad that included kale, greens, cherry tomatoes, onion, sunflower sprouts, avocado, coconut bacon, and tempeh.  It was delicious – especially the coconut bacon and tempeh.  Vegas ordered a bowl that included beet burger patties… and she seemed to like it!  I’d go back… and I’m 63% sure I could convince her to go.
So my sister is basically a rockstar. Â They’re going to be on Conan tonight (9/30), singing back up for a band called El Vey. Â You should watch.
https://instagram.com/p/8PgchgmjcV/
***
My sister got all the singing talent.  Dork. 😉
Have you ever had an online consultation?
Do you enjoy the occasional (or regular) vegan meal?Â
Khushboo says
Coconut bacon- say whaaat! I’ve never been more intrigued!! Your online consultation sounds awesome. Many of my clients actually live out of India so online consultations work great with them- it’s amazing how much easier technology has made work and life overall!
Carla says
I had no idea that at times insurance will cover the fee!
I thought this had to always be out of pocket!
Allie says
I love the idea of an online RD!!! That is brilliant and I just might have to try it.
Your sister rocks! How cool is she??
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
That is so awesome about your sis! I don’t like wearing pants either. They never fit right!
Laura says
Word. People laugh when I wear a dress, but I’m like… it’s the closest to naked you can get in polite society… and how awesome is that?!
Kate says
RD online consults are becoming more popular- I think it is important that is over webcam, because actually seeing the client is a vital part of the physical assessment.
I have never in my life seen watermelon cucumbers! Where in the world can I find them?
Laura says
I found them at my local farmer;s market. It was the first time Id ever seen them too!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i had briefly read about this online RD service and its a pretty neat concept. im glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Dietitian Jess says
Wow that is sooo cool about your sis! I’m going to Nashville this weekend with my friend that is vegan so I’m anticipating less of the fried chicken sort of meals and lots of veggies- should be fun though….
Melissa says
I’ve never heard of an online RD consultation, but it sounds cool!And it makes sense. ongrats to your sister!!! What a cool experience. I also have no singing talent 😛
I do veggie meals sometimes which come to be vegan, but not usually intentionally. I typically give up meat during Lent and eat more vegan and vegetarian meals then.
lindsay says
i’m like super pumped to follow you on this. and email me anytime. although that RD sounds fab! GO BRO!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I feel like we should all be following an anti inflamatory diet, you know? I know I could benefit from it. Plus, it sounds delicious. That’s a really cool service! I am a fan of anything that let’s me go pantsless.
Laura says
It surprising to me how easy it is to follow! I miss dairy some, but I’m going to try greek yogurt and cheese to see if it makes a difference. I don’t really think that impacts me…
Colby says
Ok your sister gave me chills!!!
Laura says
Awww… thank you! We are really proud of her!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
what? coconut bacon? I need to try that, like ASAP! yum 🙂
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
I would LOVE it if we had better places around here for vegan meals. And I mean something other than a salad sans the meat. I’m all about anti-inflammatory foods, spices, etc. right now. And Lindsay is the bomb when it comes to info. I think the online thing is really cool actually. It makes it more accessible when you’re lazy like me and don’t want to drive somewhere 😉
Laura says
I bet that is a huge help to you with all the miles you log! I was hoping it would help my ankle more, but no dice. I think it’s a bigger issue Argh.
Lauren says
Pants are the worst, I’m glad we agree on this.
I hope you keep us updated on your anti-inflammatory experiments, so interesting!
I go through periods of wanting to eat primarily vegetarian meals, I wish there were more restaurant options out here because I would go nuts over that 😉
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
My life is online consultations haha I used to live in workout clothes 6 out of 7 days a week, but now I never wear them outside of the gym. Everyone dresses so impeccably well all the time that I feel guilty even walking two minutes to the gym in my workout clothes. I’m actually kinda digging it though.
Laura says
I can’t imagine that feeling… it’s why I love SoCal. But I do have to admit… I like spending a little extra time and doing make up every now and again.
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
I tend to eat lots of vegan meals for lunch. I stay away from dairy anyways, and I love having plant-based proteins and lots of veggies in the middle of the day. It doesn’t weigh me down.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I’m all about trying to reduce inflammation! Also I’m curious about the online health visit! Not having to wear pants is a huge plus for anything 🙂
Laura says
I’m really liking it so far! It hasn’t magically cured my ankle, but we both have more energy and my hands don’t hurt anymore.
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Yay for some great info on anti-inflammatory foods!! I’ve been adding turmeric to everything lately and can’t imagine starting the day without my lemon water! This sounds like a great service I’ll have to keep in mind
debbie says
I did do an online consult with an RD for a FF campaign a few years ago. It was interesting and as a result I tried a gluten free diet for a few weeks. I didn’t notice any changes, so I was happy to go back to my normal eating patterns. Gluten free and vegan is a challenge.
Laura says
That would be hard! I’m looking forward to dairy more than anything. I miss my Greek yogurt! Hope I don’t notice any negative effects…
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I think I saw something about this last week. Really interesting! And hey I am all about living in workout clothes myself
Haley says
I try to get away without get properly dressed as much as I can too! Although going to work really puts a damper on that.. But weekends = sports gear all day errryday. Your snack looks amazingly delicious! As does that giant salad with coconut bacon. I love coconut bacon and cannot get enough of it!
Laura says
Working from home really hurts my person hygiene… LOL!
GiGi Eats says
But seriously – are you my twin? My spirt animal. I do not wear pants. Nope. I am known for wearing long t-shirts and tank tops out and about. I give zero fucks. I hate clothing. LOL
Laura says
You’re my spirt GiGI unicorn.
Stephanie @ Wholesome Paradise says
Yes to your [lack of] pants thing! Go on YouTube and search for the video called “Active Wear”. It’s hilarious and I’m sure you can relate to it (minus the parts about showing off babies). I think I need to up my anti-inflammatory foods too. Curious to see how this Amwell program works for you.
jac says
I have never seen watermelon cucumbers before! So cute .. what do they taste like?
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
I would much rather get an online consultation so I wouldn’t have to wear real clothes! Sounds really interesting. And all the food looks delicious!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I shouldda fedxed you one of my English Muffins!
Going to ‘legally’ download conan 😉
Laura says
Damn right. I’m waiting for my package…
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
If I could live in stretchy tights I would.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
You got Vegas to a vegetarian restaurant. I am impressed. Also, your green salad with the watermelon cukes was gorgeous.
I’ve been drinking warm lemon water every day since the end of June, and I can absolutely tell a difference in energy levels. Good to know your new RD agrees. Makes me feel all super scientific, which never happens.
Laura says
She says I should be impressed. Also be impressed that she hasn’t had a beer in 8 days. Shhhhh…
AwesomelyOZ says
This is pretty neat, what does an anti-inflammatory diet consist of? How do you determine that you’re experiencing these kinds of issues? Have a great one Laura! -Iva
Laura says
It’s basically grain- and gluten-free, no dairy, no processed food, no soy (I made exception for tempeh), and no refined oils. We decided to try it because we’ve both noticed more injuries and just irritated joints. So far some if it feels better, but the biggest thing has been an increase in energy!
AwesomelyOZ says
Ugh I’d love to try this minus the whole dairy ordeal. Lol. Parmesean is my life.