Yikes, another mediocre photo. My apologies to those who care.
Corkscrew Pasta salad with sundried tomatoes (Full Belly Farm), provolone and garlic (quite possibly too much garlic as I also had this for lunch and the harsh scent is emanating from my pores like alcohol after a night of wild partying - - - please no clever commenting on the partying analogy, I realize that is not part of my reality); two organic pickling cucumbers from the Farmer's Market; and two oatmeal cookies. Cookies and cucumbers were wrapped in an IAMS dog scarf that I received free at a fair. The large triangular shape is perfect for wrapping multiple food items that should not touch.
I have my final final exam tomorrow morning and I am looking for any excuse to get out of studying! My mind is only thinking one thing: summer! (Although I will be working full-time and taking summer classes this summer. Hmmm...) Anyway...
Do you ever have those times.... when ___ (brownies, second helping of cereal, second piece of bread, wine, etc.) is in front of you saying, "Eat me." You think, "Oh no. I really don't want you. Thanks anyway." But the You#2 says, "But ______ is yummy. And you CAN have it, really. It won't even count." You say, "Just walk away. You'll feel better for it." But You don't walk away. And you lose the battle to You#2 without a fight. Ever had one of those times?
Well I have these moments a lot. Tonight: I had a great day food-wise, a not so pretty number on the scale, good time at work and just got home from an impromptu trip to the gym (!). I had a big pre-gym snack and was just slightly hungry for dinner. I had tofu marinating in the fridge and fresh asparagus in hand. The 10-minute brown rice was 2-feet away. Perfect, right? mmmm...
I had leftover Domino's pizza and soy chocolate milk. I even spread some margarine on the crust!
The entire time I was telling myself to stop. "You've done so great today! Save the calories for something yo enjoy!" I just couldn't. Or didn't, but I felt like I couldn't. So I ate and ate and derailed my entire day for tasteless crap.
What do you do in these situations? I try talking to myself, but then I ignore my voice. Please share.
I know that local is a relative term, especially when I live in California and the coastline is an expansive 840 miles long. However, the food shown here is all from less than 200 miles away, which is local enough for me.
Monterrey strawberries, cherries from Linden (near Stockton, CA), half a cucumber from somewhere in the Valley, Lemon Quark (to spread on berries) and Jersey Cheddar from Spring Hill Cheese Co. in Petaluma. All found at the Farmer's Market and all chosen by my very enthusiastic taste testers, Aidan and Abby. If you have children of your own, or some you can borrow, bring them to the Farmer's Market with you. Seems that when I come with children in tow I am greeted with extra samples and smiles. . .and, in turn I usually buy more. A win win for everyone.
As I was separating my (black bean!) burger and David was assembling his at Chili's on Saturday, I realized I've never shown you how I eat! Whenever possible, I eat everything separately. Even grilled cheese. I eat the cheese. Then I eat the bread. I like all my flavors separate (and I feel like I am eating more!).
So below I have my bun on one side, the patty by itself and toppings on the other side. I like my regular salads mixed together, but I always eat the big things first (croutons..). David thinks I am a little cookoo. =) Do you have any weird eating habits? I can't be the only one!!
I had a really good workout this morning and wanted to keep the healthy-vibe going, so I suggested Chili's for lunch. I know just what to get there and I've memorized most of the nutrition facts. So I order: Black Bean Burger, sub the veggies for a side salad, the vinaigrette you have- on the side, please! She said, "Oh! The so and so vinaigrette?" Sure!
Welllllll! I was surprised when I come home to check the nutrition stats (I'm counting calories now and seeing hwo that goes). 340 calories for 2 ounces? Are you kidding me?
Here's the breakdown of my meal:
Salad- 140
Dressing- 340 (Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette)
½ Bun- 170
Black Bean Patty- 200
Additional Toppings- 50
Total: 900
Wow. 900 calories for a healthy lunch? Oooops!
I don't see why any restaurant needs to serve a dressing with 340 calories. I should have double-checked the nutrition facts, but c'mon
On a scale of 1-10, I give Baby Mama a 9. And a 4.
- a lot of the funny parts were in the preview - the beginning was verrrryy slow - the funny parts were "OMG! I'm going to pee my pants!" funny - has anyone noticed how gorgeous Tina Fey is? - good storyline with a few twists and turns - the acting was just so fake! - seriously- the funny parts were so funny
Overall rating: Go! The funny parts are really funny and will make up for the slow times. Go!
Homemade whole wheat hamburger bun with boiled and sliced Organic Valley, cage free, vegetarian fed etc. etc. eggs (note the vibrant yellow yolks, makes me almost believe all the hype on the package); small packet of salt; organic cucumbers from the Farmer's Market; organic Kiwi (also from the Farmer's Market); and tiny sweet organic grape tomatoes (eh hem, from Mexico - - I just couldn't wait . . . . and they looked so pretty, like little jewels).
waste generated: piece of parchment, paper salt packet (left over from a take out meal)
The only way I can get my kids to try something this scary looking is to put something enticing in the vicinity, say a cupcake, then, make them close their eyes and give them a bite (I hope it is obvious that I am not pretending the ugly food is the cupcake, the cupcake is - against the advice of possibly ALL child psychologists - the reward).
This may not work for you, much like how wrapping things in bacon does not work for me, but, if you are at a loss, and can't get your kids to try new (or hideous) things, give it a go, you just may get lucky.
Organic Red Russian Kale (from Full Belly Farm) sauteed with leeks, peanut butter and a disproportionate amount of crushed pineapple (hence the "for kids" part); spanish unsalted peanuts; couscous; and an organic kiwi.
I've posted plenty of times about cereal and how it is my comfort/trigger/can-NEVER-have-just-one-bowl food. It completely stalls my weight loss and all of my good efforts. Lately I have been having cereal every night. I just can't keep away.
I need to quit. This isn't like chocolate, where I could have one bit and tell myself to stop. Cereal isn't even about enjoyment... it's just bad. I am going to quit for 1 month (nice even time?)- April 25- May 25. What can I lose?
But, I have tried many times to "quit", so I need some accountability. If there's anything you need to throw to the curb for a month, join me! Leave a comment and we'll get this started. I seriously need accountability to let go of the stupid cereal!
I am resisting a plate of Panera brownies and cookies right now. They are 7 feet away from me and I could very easily cut off "just a taste".. but no! I have a goal and will meet it! I've already had plenty of yummy food and would like to continue a healthy, OP day. (And see the scales move in the other direction!) I just had to throw that out there. Phew!
And check this out! An 220-pound alligator in her kitchen? Alive! These are the types of things that happen where I live. Could you imagine?!
*Enjoy the rest of your day! (And take a minute to stand and s-t-r-e-t-c-h!)
"The mother raccoon must have thought it was a good place to raise a litter. Turns out, it was the fire chamber of a tar machine. When roofers lit it this morning to repair a roof in Pinellas park, the singed mother and this baby ran out. Another was stuck inside, crying. A roofer was arrested." Story here.
Eating processed meat can increase your risk of bowel cancer.
It takes just one small sausage a day or 1.8 ounces of any processed meat, according to a new study, to increase your risk of colon cancer by 20%.
In addition to hotdogs, bacon and sausages, processed meats include ham, salami, pastrami and deli meats - turkey, chicken, ham, roast beef and bologna. Most of these meats are preserved with cancer-causing nitrites.
Although some people say that eating meat in itself increases your risk of cancer, that isn't always true. If meat is prepared properly, cooked at low temperatures in the oven, meat can be a healthy protein option.
Nourishing Traditions, one of my favorite cookbooks teaches you how to prepare traditional foods, including meats and desserts, in a healthy manner.
It is always wise to include a lot of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables in your diet, 50-75% is optimal. Start off lunch and dinner with a dinner plate full of raw salad with at least seven different raw vegetables. Dress it with extra virgin olive oil and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Season it with your favorite herbs and a little good salt like Celtic Sea salt. Follow with your meat, and steamed starchy and non-starchy vegetables.
...of how good it feels to work out? I got to experience that tonight! My semester is about to wrap up, and I was able to hit the gym after an exam today! It felt amazing! I love working out- to feel so alive and strong. I can't wait to plan normal visits to my YMCA again! ________________________________________________
I've pinpointed the hour after I come home from work to be my diet downfall. I am hungry and impatient waiting for my dinner to cook- so I eat anything. So yesterday I took action and made a healthy meal to have tonight. It was delicious!
Saucy Rice
1 small can of tomato sauce (I used Hunts?) 1 Lg. Onion, chopped 1 Lg. Tomato, chopped Garlic Oregano Pepper (sautee above ingredients together in a large frying pan)
Add One 13oz.can Cannellini beans
Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir on cooked brown rice. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. ENJOY!
Halfway through I realized how yummy it was and had to take a picture to share! (in my new bowl from Target! .50 cents!)
Baked french toast strips made using homemade oatmeal bread with maple and agave syrup dip; organic raw almonds; organic strawberries.
This was served as last night's dinner (chopped almonds served on top of the french toast and sliced strawberries on the side) along with organic asparagus spears (from Full Belly Farm) wrapped in small strips of bacon. The asparagus did not make it into lunch because my children hate it, even when wrapped in a fabulous piece of crispy bacon.
I remember buying these. Size 2- and they were baggy. I am 5'9"... wow.
Never again will I weigh myself and think "I wonder how low that number can go." Never again will I need to be the smallest person in the room. Never again will I compromise my body, my health and my happiness to meet asinine demands set up by a twisted, impersonal industry.
Organic whole wheat, oat raisin pumpkin bread slices (I threw in a third slice at the last minute because the lunch looked a bit skimpy); pirate sword skewers of organic smoked jack (from Spring Hill Farm) with chunks of organic pear (dipped in watered down lemon juice to keep from browning); organic plain Silk soymilk in the SIGG bottle.
waste generated: 4 plastic pirate sword skewers (sort of. . I have a feeling they'll be floating around here as toys/weapons for awhile)
{137}
I am saying No! to the brownies in the kitchen because I don't need them. I've already had a fantastic treat, and brownies will only make me feel gross and weigh-in more in the morning! So.... do you hear that, brownies?!?! NO!
Geesh.
Also, I have re-evaluated my goal weight. I've thought hard about how my eating disorder can creep into my daily life today. 134 is a number I associate with 'skinny'. My 'skinny' reasons are more for other people and in my mind are unachievable without sacrificing my well-being. So I am moving my goal to 136. It is only 2 pounds more, but it is a huge mental thing with me.
I also need to really evaluate getting rid of a few pairs of jeans that I have been holding onto. They are very small- the jeans I fit into when my weight dropped to 120. I bought these jeans when I was forced to gain weight, as a sort of promise to myself that I would lose the weight that I was gaining. (If I didn't gain weight, I wouldn't be able to have kids- I had way too little body fat for my body to do anything.) Holding on to these pants has allowed me to easily slip into ill thinking. In March last year I shed a few pounds and got to a healthy 137. I felt so good. Really, my body was perfect at that weight. I was exercising, had energy and would jump into a bathing suit without anyone asking twice! But, in all my glory, I still secretly tried on my too-tight pants and told myself how I needed to be 'skinny.' Well, no thank you! I am not going there again!
I don't think I can let go right now, but I need to liberate myself by removing these pants from my closet. My goal now is to be healthy, strong and hot! "Hot" isn't skinny. Hot has shape.
p.s.- Thank you for all of your support with my relationship issues the past few days. It really helps. Right now David and I are trying to work through some things. It's still not easy!
Organic whole wheat pasta with pesto and pinenuts (pesto made with frozen basil olive oil cubes from early fall); ranch hand salad of organic mixed greens, radishes and carrot matchsticks with homemade buttermilk dressing on the side (a version of this salad was eaten last night, but was not adored by the kids and included more radishes cut into matchsticks and tossed with carrotsticks and dressing like a slaw then mounded on top of mixed greens).
Glass bowl has a plastic cover and I'm sending it as an experiment (surrounded by the handkerchief and in a padded lunchbox because it isn't nearly as hardy as the frigoverre glass containers)
For Full Belly Farm CSA subscribers, the slaw version salad was served with creamy turnip and potato soup (slice turnips from box along with one yukon gold or red potato into thin moons and heat in a large dutch oven with a splash of olive oil and a couple of handfuls of sliced leeks until just soft, add stock - -veg. or chicken. to cover and simmer for about 20 mins. - process with hand blender until smooth and creamy, adding additional stock if needed) garnished with stirfried and processed turnip greens stirred in (like a vitamin filled green ribbon) just before serving.
My diet this weekend has mostly consisted of cereal. Not because I am engaging in emotional eating, but because I have no desire to eat or cook. I just won't enjoy the food, and cereal is comforting and easy when my stomach says it is hungry. Part of me has felt like a zombie walking. The only exercise I've had is walking. I try to walk to clear my head, but I have no motivation to go to the gym. I'm afraid that all of the emotions will overwhelm me and I am not ready to have a breakdown in the middle of the YMCA.
I am trying to surround myself with my friends who love me. Saturday I took another 25-mile bike ride with Becca. After that I stopped by a thrift store to pick up a few new plates since my previous favorite fell out of the cabinet and shattered all over. There are literally 100 plates in that cabinet- yet the one plate that I eat EVERY meal off of has to break. How gorgeous is this bowl? I can't wait to eat my morning oatmeal out of it! Yesterday I met same friends for a post-church lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant. I had stir-fried veggies, tofu and a dallop of white rice. We had the most interesting group of people from all around the world with all different levels of education. The conversation was so enjoyable.
My friend Tina's sister had her 7-month old baby with her. Take a look at that chub! I'm still wishing that cellulite looked as good on me as it does on this chubby baby!
I love frozen drinks. Mmmm-mmm! So when I get them, I just can't put them down! So my special treat always goes away within a few minutes. Booo :( So I came up with a trick! Since I couldn't keep the smoothie out of my mouth while driving, I stuck it in the passenger side door! I could only reach for it at stop lights. Really, it was perfect- my yummy smoothie lasted for at least an extra 5 minutes!
The smoothie of choice was Smoothie King'sSlim-n-Trim Strawberry (without the turbinado sugar added, of course!).I love this smoothie because of its ingredients (banana, strawberries, protein) and because it is a refreshing, filling snack.
If you have not yet tried Quark, you are missing out an a truly fabulous eating experience. Quark is delectable. So delectable that the only reason there is any left for this lunch is because I hid it in my super secret hiding fridge. To translate - - in my house, any food that is not in the front row and precisely at eye level remains unseen, and effectively, hidden. This is great when I want to hide something, like, for instance, a giant birthday cake. This is not so great, when I realize that more containers of milk have been opened in one day than a family of five can drink in a week.
I digress.
Back to the Quark. The quark in this lunch is Lemon Quark from Spring Hill Cheese Co. in Petaluma, Ca. It is a German style cream cheese and the Spring Hill website states that it is made with Meyer lemon zest and a TOUCH OF sugar. Just a touch. I don't believe it. It just tastes too good, like lemon cheesecake meets sweetened ricotta. I could eat it by the spoonful, and I do, I just pop a strawberry into my mouth after in the hopes of alleviating the guilt.
Organic strawberries stuffed with Lemon Quark (both from the Farmer's Market and stored in lidded laptop lunch container); Crunchy, salt-free, organic almond butter on Mi-Del whole wheat graham crackers (wrapped in a wrap-n-mat, shown underneath); organic banana (from god knows where); Sigg bottle filled with Silk soymilk.
I have the best mother ever. She raised me right and has been a constant stronghold and encouragement through my life. She's also good for a load of laughs. But for healthy eating habits? Mm, not so much.
See, my mother would like to drop a few pounds. She is gorgeous already, but wants to lose a few from her pear shaped bum (runs in the family!). She recently began exercising more- on her lunch break she'll go for walks. Good, right?
But the eating!Her thought process is: "Don't eat, lose weight." Many days, she'll have a bite of something in the afternoon and a big dinner.. maybe with a snack at night. That's it! Now she is trying to 'eat healthy.' What is her diet secret now? I'll share today's meal plan for an example: 2 egg whites, apple, dinner of sauteed chicken and corn and a glass of wine after dinner. All day. Hmm. Hardly enough!
I lecture about her metabolism and the functions that we needs to provide with sufficient fuel. She insists that her "body is different." HA! Not eating does not work. So I told her I was going to share her story with my lovely fellow bloggers. Maybe we can see what other people think.
For a busy single mother looking to drop a few pounds, what would you do? (Feel free to openly critique her habits- she already knows this post is coming!)
New England Potato salad with organic yukon gold potatoes, snap peas, lemon juice, canola mayo, flaxseed oil and a touch of stoneground mustard (in stainless steel thermos); grilled Rosie organic chicken breast chunks on toothpick skewers with Annie's organic barbeque sauce for dipping (in frigoverre glass container and laptop lunch small dip container); Organic Valley string cheese.
waste generated: 3 wooden toothpicks; wrapper from string cheese
Thank you all for your support in my last post. It surely helps! I'm just trucking along and trying to keep a clear mind. Two weeks left of school... two weeks! I got my camera back tonight. Here's a few of the pictures I've been missing!
I usually wear sunblock- but I always wear it when I know I'll be going outside. I slathered it on for my 25-mile bike ride (!), but apparently I missed a few spots. Oww! My poor skin...
My church is doing a really neat series called Family Recipes. They are talking about all the things needed for parenting, sex, relationships and marriages. With each segment they bring in a "chef" to make the food that the day is based around. Sunday's was pizza. (The sex day was chocolate cake!) While we were sitting there, I told David I wanted to make pizza for lunch. Which led to this lunch...
David chose a meat/veggie variety with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan. And he made a beautiful traditional cheese. I chose a thin crust loaded with veggies and a little Parmesan (it was definitely bigger than it looks here!). On the pizza was garlic, green peppers, portobella shrooms and tomatoes (and suces and Italian spices!). I ate half of mine with a salad. (...and finished off the other half with dinner!) I just can't get enough of Sabrina, my boxer. We dressed her up in undies and a low-cut shirt last night and she loved it. We took them off for her potty-breaks, but she wore them for the entire night. Too funny! Good night!
Chicken salad made with organic Rosie chicken grilled with a rub of italian seasoning, garlic, salt and lemon juice, diced and mixed with sliced organic radishes, cucumbers, and avocado with homemade mustard poppyseed vinaigrette; sliced organic cucumbers; organic lettuce leaves (for filling with chicken salad and eating out of hand) and a homemade whole wheat flour brownie (the whole wheat flour is the only healthy thing about this brownie. Radishes and lettuce from Full Belly Farm CSA, remaining veggies from the Farmer's Market.
Mine was nice overall. Friday I had a tad bit of a breakdown (period+little sleep+immense stress from school, work and volunteering+almost 2 years of a long distance relationship+being sick) Friday night. I've been way too stressed out these past few weeks.
Along with the stress and lack of sleep, my eating and exercise is inconsistent. I promise to eat well, follow through- and then one stress-induced mess-up tears me down. I've been too sick for the past week to exercise more than a slow walk. Even when I am healthy enough to work out, I have NO time! School ends in two weeks- then I plan on working in a bit more time for myself.
I am at 148, the highest in years. Crazy since pre-blog I never staryed from 141-145. Now I miss my starting weight! Only one pair of jeans fits. My shorts are all too tight. I get upset when my fat pants are tight. I need to get myself on track. I need to feel the pain- a bit of resisting temptation here and there. But I am going to refrain from analyzing myself too much until after the next two weeks. My focus right now will be to do my best, get in some exercise and try to sleep more. But I am body-miserable. Sometimes it is more than just weight. I don't feel proud of my body, none of my clothes fit and my belly always hurts from eating too much. As a result, I have been so grumpy and energy-lacking.
One highlight from this weekend was a 25 mile bike ride on Saturday! My friend Becca and I rode for 31/2 hours and sat in Starbucks for 1 hour. We had such a nice time- and a great workout! I have some great sunburn pics coming.. :)
I won't have my camera for a few days. I can't even say how upsetting this is. I keep reaching in my purse for it, but it is not there! I left it at my grandparent's during a family dinner. I take pictures of everything, so this will be tough.
Whole wheat mini bagels with Organic Valley cream cheese and sliced strawberries from the Framer's Market; celery (conventional, my kids and husband reject the organic variety saying it is too stringy and hard to chew) and pistachios.
So this is what was suppose to go in Friday's lunchbox. As of Thursday at 4:45pm, this meal was prepped - - the asparagus was washed and chopped into 1/2 inch dice, the smoked jack and raw cheddar were grated, spinach washed and dressing made and waiting in the fridge. Then, my husband walked in the door and said "Hey, aren't you suppose to be working at the snack shack in 5 minutes?" (my son is in T-ball and we are all required to take on a snack shack shift once a season). So, my delicious meal was left lingering in the fridge - no dinner, no leftovers for lunch - while I slathered bright orange cheese on industrial tortilla chips, slapped canned chili on Costco bulk hotdogs, slung skittles and fundip across a metal counter and lectured small children on the wastefulness of using a plastic spoon to eat a snowcone. A reluctant but captive audience, I refused to hand over the cone until they'd heard me out. My husband and I enjoyed the Frittata the next evening, along with a bottle of chardonnay. Yum.
Organic veggies all from Full Belly Farm CSA box. Organic cheese from Spring Hill Farm and Organic Valley, strawberries from the Farmer's Market.
I am sick. Really sick and everything hurts. Yet somehow I managed to use my mini burst of energy this morning to make some brownies. Healthy brownies, of course. Unfortunately, my brownies came out delicious and there are only 2 small pieces remaining (I am the only one to eat them, fyi- I had one after baking, one before I left the house, one when I cam home.....you know how that goes!). Fortunately, they gave me tons of protein, fiber, fruit and antioxidants.
My "recipe":
Cocoa Bean Bake
Mix together (2) mashed bananas, RINSED black beans (about 13oz), tons of cocoa (5 tbsp?), a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin (3 tbsp), a decent bit of flour (rty 1/4 c.), a bit of sugar (test the dough- your preference), a dash of [soy/almond/hemp] milk (just enough to loosen the dough), cinnamon and vanilla.... Press the mixture against the bowl with the back of your mixing spoon. Mine wasn't totally mashed, but the chinks were still good. Bake for 30 minutes (in a greased pan) at 350. Best when you let cool in the fridge for a few minutes.
These things were SO moist! Oh my gosh. And they are really 'good' sweet- not like the normal richness of a regular brownie. With all that I ate, my tummy didn't hurt at all. And they'll fill you up, too!
Orzo pasta with flaxseed (for Omega 3's,6's and 9's), olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt; smoked jack cheese from Spring Hill Farm; and a halved organic kiwi fruit.
Since all of my posts have been about ME (the hair, weight, etc.) I figure I'd continue the theme for the night. (Please listen to the strong sarcasm here, folks!)
I found blogs late last year, as a result of an assignment, actually. I am a public relations student, and we are all about new forms of communication! I looked at different blogs and really liked what I saw. So late one night I decided I'd create my own. Gosh, I must have changed the name 14 different times before I actually wrote a post. I thought, "What could I write about that anyone would actually find interesting?" I ended up finding a happy home with health and weight.. which really just turned into life. Anywayyyyy......
Fast forward to now, and I have gained so much from blogging. I have new friends, I've been fortunate enough to take a peek into experiences other than my own, I receive awesome tips and encouragement, and I find great recipes and decorating tips.
There are a lot of great blogging people out there. I want to know so much more about all of you. As a start, I'll share a few random facts about me. Maybe i am tagging myself? Or maybe just because it is late at night, I am dreadfully sick and 'out of it' and I am procrastinating terribly.
1. I met David through MySpace. I friend-requested him, which led to emails, which led to chat, which led to meeting (at a safe location- my work!), which led to us officially dating a few days later. That was almost 2 years ago!
2. I have 2 siblings, 2 1/2 siblings and 2 step-brothers.
3. I am a Christian.
4. I can't come up with anything else. Maybe I am just that boring!
But tell me something about you, if you will. We are more than weight or running stats, so share!
(Maybe I should go into something more mushy than PR? I'll be a life-coach for third-graders :)
I couldn't decide which picture to show you all, so I settled on all three! Eight inches and two haircuts later... Finally, it is fixed. All of these pictures were taken in the last day. And I don't normally straighten my hair, so it'll have more of a curl to it most days. Now I love it! I'm glad I cut it (and re-cut it). It does everything I'd hope it'd do. I feel so pretty! :)
***Please excuse my face in these pictures. I am sick. My nose clogged, face puffy.. you get the idea.
On Sunday morning, after promises of pastries and cheese samples, I dragged my two oldest children away from their cartoons and to the Farmer's Market. As suspected, and in spite of their early morning complaints, they loved it. This lunch was inspired by that visit.
First of the year organic sweet-as-sugar strawberries with last of the season organic kiwi fruit; pickling cucumbers (to be eaten out of hand like an apple); Spring Hill smoked jack cheese (sliced and then re-assembled into a wedge); Napa Valley mustard flavored pretzels.
Pan fried halibut in cornmeal crust with a wedge of lemon; potato chips; tangy coleslaw (organic shredded cabbage and carrots from Full Belly CSA box with canola mayonnaise, white vinegar, a touch of sugar, salt and pepper); organic fuji apple from the Farmer's Market.
Thanks so much to everyone for all of your compliments and advice regarding my haircut! I had my share of sobbing- it was actually kind of comical after a point. I'm liking it more now- but it still needs some touching up. I'm going to try to get that done tonight!
This weekend STUNK on the food side! Probably not too terrible, but bad compared to what I'm used to! David cooked an amazing dinner for us (which overlapped into lunch the next day, too). He made Jasmine rice, lightly fried Asian-inspired tofu, and a ginger-soy veggie mix. Oh my. I ate an entire block of tofu during the two meals. It was sooo good, I just couldn't keep my hands off of it! But there was quite a bit of oil.... ugh. My tummy definitely wasn't happy! Seriously, I felt like crap the last few days. My mood and body changed significantly. Blah!
David and I only get to see each other on weekends and certain other special times (such as government holidays, vacations, etc). Every time I am with him, I see it as a special time.. a time when I couldn't possibly continue to eat my normal ways. I usually stick with my good foods, too, but I adopt a lot of his choices and patterns when I am with him- such as cookies after dinner, extra bread and butter. I try really hard to negotiate, but some things we just can't agree on (brown rice for me, but he wants white..). So I continuously find myself ignoring what is good for me and making the decision to eat a lot, or to eat just like him. This is BAD, people!
I need to keep my healthy habits when I am with David. One, I want them to rub off on him. His health is so important to me-- I want him running around with me when we're 80! Two, I need to feel my very best with him- and eating healthy does that for me.
Homemade organic whole wheat crust pizza with organic tomato pulp and Full Belly Farm oregano, fresh organic mozzarella, Full Belly Farm carrot sticks and strawberries from the Farmer's market.
The Farmer's Market is heavenly right now filled with plump strawberries, juicy, heavy kiwi, and loads of fresh asparagus. This is why I love California.
Yes, this post would have been better placed two weeks ago, but Easter break came quickly and along with it came guests, vacation, and life to keep me too busy to post.
Lunch the day before break included these tie dyed, hardboiled, cage free organic easter eggs and a thermos filled with Orange Mash (organic potatoes, rutabaga, and carrots, boiled and pureed to a mashed potato consistency with a touch of live oil and salt).
waste generated: none :)
The hair stylist was much older and very new to cosmotology. I need to get it fixed. Right now, I am having my post just-cut-8-inches-off-my-hair-and-my-boyfriend-doesn't-like-it-and-the-lady-did-a-bad-blunt-job cry fest.
See people- I need your help. I made a hair appointment for today. I called my mom to get her opinion. Her words? "Don't do it! It won't look good!" Thanks, Mom. I have 2 hours... HELP! Advice!
Fellow blogger Creating Diva is committing to be a part of something greater than herself. In her own words:
This year I am participating in Relay for Life in Dallas, an overnight event that brings the community together to support the American Cancer Society. Six months ago, a good friend of mine was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. As a junior in college, she had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation and leave school to fight cancer. This was after she fought alongside her boyfriend for five years as he battled cancer in high school and college. Needless to say, with her diagnosis, I have experienced first hand the emotional trauma and fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis. I am relaying to support her in her fight against cancer, to celebrate with all those who have fought cancer and in remembrance of those who left us too early.
I gave $10, because that is what I could give. If you can help, click here to go to her personal page!
So, I walk out of my class at 4:40 yesterday afternoon. It is pouring rain. (The one day I wear shorts... ) The rain and wind were so bad; no one left the building for 40 minutes. Finally, I decided I was going to go for it. I took my sandals off (trust me- it was bad) and ran for it. Well... the water on the sidewalks was up to my shins. And the wind! I was soaked! Driving down the road, I see this... Look closely. It is a van with the door propped open and an umbrella hanging out. Yes, she drove like this. We in Tampa are classy like that. I thought this was too cool! On my way home today, I saw this truck!
This Challenge is a joke. It is too good to be a silly challenge! I feel AWESOME! Seriously, I am more productive and optimistic than I have been for a while. And I get to eat a lot of these really healthy foods. Last time I did this, I had to deal with pretty intense cravings. This time? Nothing! I feel so good.
I put a pause on the calorie counting. I'm going to put the focus on my health rather than a number on a pad. I need to listen to my body and balance my food, even when the numbers aren't working out.
I I just read For the Love of Oats post about Larabars... now I'm really having a craving to try one of these bars. Seriously, everyone is talking about these bars, so I might have to buy a few after my 14 days!
Yikes, another mediocre photo. My apologies to those who care.
