Tuesday

Sponsored By:

“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

-Robert Louis Stevenson

Welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Why we need protein

• This protein bar solved our snacking struggles

• High-protein cottage cheese recipes

• How to get back into exercise

The Power of Protein

There’s a reason protein shows up on every food label—it’s not just gym fuel. It’s a daily necessity that quietly supports nearly everything your body does, from moving muscles to growing hair to helping you think clearly.

Unlike carbs or fat, your body can’t stash away protein for later. That means you need to eat some every day. Half of what you consume helps make enzymes that digest food and build new cells. The rest? It’s repairing tissues, carrying oxygen, and regulating hormones—yes, all before lunch.

Protein also has a superpower: it fills you up. When paired with fiber, it helps you stay satisfied longer, which may curb the urge to snack. Think eggs for breakfast, beans in your salad, or yogurt with fruit. Small swaps, big impact.

And whether it’s lentils, eggs, peas—or yes, even a scoop of protein powder—there are lots of easy ways to get your fix. It’s less about hitting a number and more about giving your body what it needs to function well. Think of it like charging your phone, but tastier.

This Protein Bar Solved Our Snacking Struggles

Most protein bars talk a big game—then load up on sugar, skimp on protein, and leave you feeling more snackish than satisfied. That’s where David Protein changes everything.

We love David, the protein bar that actually delivers. Unlike most bars that are high in sugar or low in real protein, David packs 28g of high-quality protein (that’s 75% of its calories!), with 0g sugar and just 150 calories.

The protein bars also come in a variety of delicious flavors, so you never have to sacrifice taste for nutrition. It’s perfect for busy days, post-workout fuel, or whenever you need a boost—without the filler ingredients or sugar crash. This is protein done right.

Try David today—buy 4 cartons, and get the 5th free.

Click here to browse flavors and see how David can solve your snacking struggles.

Thank you to David Protein for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Surprisingly Delicious Ways to Use Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is having a quiet comeback—not on its own, but in recipes that make it way more appealing. Even people who claim to hate it are blending it into sauces, dips, and batters and calling it a win. The bonus? It’s a great source of protein!

Some of the most popular ways people are using it right now:

• Blended into pancake or waffle batter for extra creaminess

• Whipped with lemon juice and olive oil for a smooth spread or dip

• Stirred into mac and cheese to make it extra silky

• Baked into egg muffins or lasagna roll-ups

• Swapped into cheesecake or ice cream recipes for a lighter texture

• Mixed into overnight oats or smoothies (yes, really)

A lot of these recipes are simple enough for weeknights, and most don’t taste anything like “cottage cheese” in the end. Whether it's baked, blended, or stirred into something cozy, it’s more of a behind-the-scenes ingredient than the star of the show—and that’s kind of the point.

The Gentle Way Back Into Exercise

If your yoga mat’s collecting dust or your running shoes are… somewhere, you’re not alone. Life happens. And getting back into movement after a long break can feel more intimidating than it needs to.

The trick is to start with low-stakes motion. Walks that end with a coffee. Light stretching while your show buffers. A ten-minute YouTube video that doesn’t ask much of your knees. Starting small isn’t a sign you’re behind—it’s what helps you stay consistent without burning out or getting injured.

You’ll probably be sore (even from things that didn’t used to make you sore), but that fades. What helps most is focusing on what feels doable today. If you used to run five miles, walking one is still progress.

Also helpful: planning around joy, not guilt. Put movement in your calendar the same way you’d block out time for a friend. Try something new just because it looks fun. Don’t be afraid to reset the whole idea of what “working out” even means.

You don’t have to pick up where you left off. You just have to begin again—this time, on your own terms.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Certain plants like snake plants and spider plants can help filter toxins from the air. They’re not miracle workers, but they do offer small, steady benefits (plus they look cute).

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Take a few extra minutes today to incorporate some protein into your meals.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!