It's that time of year...
I find myself making lists, planning bigger projects, thinking about making changes. OH, by the way, that whole Clean Thanksgiving meal thing was completely DERAILED. Details are not important! What is important is that it was a wonderful day and we had FAMILY here to be thankful for and with:) And we ate really great food with dessert!
So back to the changes...I joined a site to keep track of my workouts and runs! It's called Dailymile. I had seen a friend on FB posting her runs and thought, hmmm...if I would actually get out and run...so I did and I joined the site! It's very cool. Keeps track of lots of different things. I like lists and keeping tabs so it's right up my alley. I'm thinking of joining in on a challenge to run 100km in December...except there's no way I'll actually run that much. That works out to 2 miles a day. Every day! It's December for goodness sake! That's the whole point of the challenge though. To keep focused on health and well-being through the chaos of the holiday season.
In my perfect world, everything I gave enough thought to actually write down would be accomplished. Like, just because the idea popped into my head, it would be done. I'd be on it! Done. Finished. My husband makes fun of me: "making another list?" As if to say "wasting more time making another list of things you're never going to accomplish?" Well, maybe he's not really thinking it, but that's how I take it. (Poor guy, he can't win!) So that's something else I'll be thinking about...how to actually accomplish some of these things I love to scratch out on paper over and over again.
A few nights ago I wrote out 4 different workouts in detail. I came up with a system of rotations and a schedule to actually accomplish the cycle. I was impressed with myself! Not only did I list in excruciating detail what the workouts would entail, I also sketched out my goals and a well thought-out schedule! If I get brave later, I'll post it and share it with you. It would be quite a bit of typing though, so don't hold your breath!
Yesterday was all about cooking. I roasted some onions, eggplant, zucchini, orange pepper...with just EVOO and S&P. I'm planning to pair those veggies with either quinoa or whole grain penne later in the week for dinner or for lunches. I fed the in-laws and the kids (gotta pick your battles) some DiGiorno pizzas and Jason and I ate lentil/chicken chili. It was really good and filling. Jas ate before we ran 2 miles, I waited and ate after because I KNEW I would puke since it had been 4 months since my last run. <-----THIS MAKES ME SICK.
I also whipped up a batch of salsa (kinda too spicy) and hummus with green chilies and cumin. I made myself a bedtime snack of baby mixed greens with cranberries, feta and pecans with some chopped apple added in. It was soo good! We've eaten a lot of stove-popped corn the last week or so and tonight I tried popping it in COCONUT OIL. Man, was it good! Very light and airy compared to using EVOO. Not to mention, it's just better for you.
Hmmm, what else did I cook? Oh, I found the thinnest asparagus yesterday and couldn't WAIT to roast it up, so I did for lunch today. That with a protein shake made with vanilla whey powder and strawberries and coconut milk. For dinner tonight we had Turkey taco salad...mixed baby greens, guac, refried beans, meat, a sprinkle of mexican cheese. They were good. I served the salad to the in-laws and the kids in those taco salad bowl things made of corn. Jas and I just had the salad without the corn bowl thingy. I got a little snacky after dinner and made popcorn...like I said earlier and now I'm very full. Drinking ice water and relaxing with my hubby. Nights like this are nice because I'm not making myself crazy wondering what I'm going to cook tomorrow...I've already planned ahead and have at least one full dinner made and waiting in the fridge. I need to remember this feeling of being prepared and organized!! It feels really nice.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Clean Up For Thanksgiving
I know you don't want to hear this so you might as well stop reading right now. No, I mean it. You don't even want to THINK about not eating your traditional Thanksgiving meal, let alone eating a completely different menu!! Hear me out, you're going to eat a GIANT plate of food. You won't go away hungry, just try to think of ways to nourish your body instead of using this holiday as an excuse to dump HEAVY and HUGE amounts of garbage into your body. How would you feel if you were your body? Well, you are. So listen up! So if you're still with me, let's get to it-
Let's think this through...the STAR of the Thanksgiving table, the Turkey:
You can still have your turkey and eat it too! I won't even suggest taking off the skin. So let's look at this method of preparing your turkey. You're leaving out all of the unhealthy fat from the pound of butter you'd typically slather your bird with...but you're not sacrificing the flavor. In fact, it will probably be more flavorful with the herbs not getting lost in the heaviness of the butter...Not so bad-right? Yay! We're still having Turkey:)
What would be the next, most important part of your meal...I know the tutorial I linked to had a recipe for the stuffing they chose to use. What is your recipe for stuffing? In my family it's not called stuffing, it's called Dressin'. And we are SERIOUS about our dressin' baby! My Mammaw makes the WORLD'S GREATEST. You can't even argue this one, so don't even try. (Pretty sure we'll all fight each other over whose Mammaw makes the best anything:) Her recipe starts with cornbread. The veggies are sautee'd in butter, a few heaps of salt are thrown in...
Here's where we need to consider what we'll do to make sure we get the flavor of Mammaw's dressing in our cleaned-up version. We'll need to use the SAME veggies, the SAME herbs and also the cornbread...the things we can change are the way we use our fats and sodium here. Could we possibly use a healthier option? Say, coconut oil? Maybe we shy away from sauteeing our veggie mix in oil and use chicken broth to soften them? Maybe we could do half oil, half broth? I KNOW I can use A LOT less salt than Mammaw. Overall, I can use a CLEANER approach to the recipe of tradition and come out with a dish that is just as delicious that I can feel BETTER about eating (even an extra helping possibly).
Alright, if you're still with me, good for you. I know this is tough, but we can do it! So what's next? I guess from here, depending on your family's traditions and tastes, we would start thinking about side dishes...gravy, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls or biscuits, salads and sauces, teas and desserts and coffee. Desserts are going to be the REAL kicker I have a feeling-we'll get to that at the proper time.
I briefly want to address something I've observed: My family-the 4 of us living in this home-would have NO problem completely cleaning up our TG Day meal. Even TWEAKING tradition to match our healthy way of life for generations to come. We'd gladly throw some Kale chips into the mix, have a simple clean baked sweet potato with cinnamon and coconut butter, mix up a homemade pumpkin coconut espresso milkshake for dessert. Can you follow where I'm going? Your family should place a healthy spin on the same traditions. Because of course, there are some traditions that we'll have to keep intact, otherwise-we have no tradition at all! Just be thinking of ways to implement your family's unique, healthful take on a very important family holiday. Place more emphasis on the meaning of the tradition rather than all on the details of the feast itself. Fuss over each other and how thankful you are to have each other...OK- I said brief, so I'll stop.
Basically, devote some thought to cleaning up all your side dishes. Contemplate the dishes that are MOST important to you. Cut out the extra ones that you are likely to have pretty often anyway. For example: if your family eats corn 3 days a week, chances are you're not going to miss it if it's not on your TG Day table. Fuss and makeover the dishes that you don't have as often, that you're really looking forward to enjoying on TG Day. Spend some time planning how you'll prepare your mashed potatoes this year. Think of ways to make them just as delicious without all the unhealthy add-ins. Think about replacing the Mashed potatoes all together. Maybe you'll roast some red potatoes with olive oil and herbs...maybe you'll eat baked potatoes instead? You can do it, just leave out that butter and sour cream. Switch it up with plain Greek yogurt and chives...use some delicious alternatives.
Green beans don't have to be boiled beyond recognition. You can really enjoy some lightly steamed green beans...have you tried that? They're good! A little crispy..I love them just very simply dressed with lemon juice and olive oil and fresh cracked pepper with sea salt. I'm thinking of switching out our green beans this year for Roasted Asparagus spears. Mmmm.
At this point, I think our menu is planned. I don't want to feel overwhelmed with cooking on our special day. Oh, and about the gravy...I'm fortunate that no one in my family (besides me) likes gravy. I can easily get away with using the pan drippings for myself if I so choose. I'll probably slice up the breast and pour the juice over it on the serving platter to keep it moist.
Bored to tears yet? Got any suggestions? What can you tweak to ensure your family isn't eating loads of garbage this year and in the years to come? Give me some time to think up some healthy desserts and I'll be back. Happy Thanksgiving Day Planning!
Let's think this through...the STAR of the Thanksgiving table, the Turkey:
You can still have your turkey and eat it too! I won't even suggest taking off the skin. So let's look at this method of preparing your turkey. You're leaving out all of the unhealthy fat from the pound of butter you'd typically slather your bird with...but you're not sacrificing the flavor. In fact, it will probably be more flavorful with the herbs not getting lost in the heaviness of the butter...Not so bad-right? Yay! We're still having Turkey:)
What would be the next, most important part of your meal...I know the tutorial I linked to had a recipe for the stuffing they chose to use. What is your recipe for stuffing? In my family it's not called stuffing, it's called Dressin'. And we are SERIOUS about our dressin' baby! My Mammaw makes the WORLD'S GREATEST. You can't even argue this one, so don't even try. (Pretty sure we'll all fight each other over whose Mammaw makes the best anything:) Her recipe starts with cornbread. The veggies are sautee'd in butter, a few heaps of salt are thrown in...
Here's where we need to consider what we'll do to make sure we get the flavor of Mammaw's dressing in our cleaned-up version. We'll need to use the SAME veggies, the SAME herbs and also the cornbread...the things we can change are the way we use our fats and sodium here. Could we possibly use a healthier option? Say, coconut oil? Maybe we shy away from sauteeing our veggie mix in oil and use chicken broth to soften them? Maybe we could do half oil, half broth? I KNOW I can use A LOT less salt than Mammaw. Overall, I can use a CLEANER approach to the recipe of tradition and come out with a dish that is just as delicious that I can feel BETTER about eating (even an extra helping possibly).
Alright, if you're still with me, good for you. I know this is tough, but we can do it! So what's next? I guess from here, depending on your family's traditions and tastes, we would start thinking about side dishes...gravy, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls or biscuits, salads and sauces, teas and desserts and coffee. Desserts are going to be the REAL kicker I have a feeling-we'll get to that at the proper time.
I briefly want to address something I've observed: My family-the 4 of us living in this home-would have NO problem completely cleaning up our TG Day meal. Even TWEAKING tradition to match our healthy way of life for generations to come. We'd gladly throw some Kale chips into the mix, have a simple clean baked sweet potato with cinnamon and coconut butter, mix up a homemade pumpkin coconut espresso milkshake for dessert. Can you follow where I'm going? Your family should place a healthy spin on the same traditions. Because of course, there are some traditions that we'll have to keep intact, otherwise-we have no tradition at all! Just be thinking of ways to implement your family's unique, healthful take on a very important family holiday. Place more emphasis on the meaning of the tradition rather than all on the details of the feast itself. Fuss over each other and how thankful you are to have each other...OK- I said brief, so I'll stop.
Basically, devote some thought to cleaning up all your side dishes. Contemplate the dishes that are MOST important to you. Cut out the extra ones that you are likely to have pretty often anyway. For example: if your family eats corn 3 days a week, chances are you're not going to miss it if it's not on your TG Day table. Fuss and makeover the dishes that you don't have as often, that you're really looking forward to enjoying on TG Day. Spend some time planning how you'll prepare your mashed potatoes this year. Think of ways to make them just as delicious without all the unhealthy add-ins. Think about replacing the Mashed potatoes all together. Maybe you'll roast some red potatoes with olive oil and herbs...maybe you'll eat baked potatoes instead? You can do it, just leave out that butter and sour cream. Switch it up with plain Greek yogurt and chives...use some delicious alternatives.
Green beans don't have to be boiled beyond recognition. You can really enjoy some lightly steamed green beans...have you tried that? They're good! A little crispy..I love them just very simply dressed with lemon juice and olive oil and fresh cracked pepper with sea salt. I'm thinking of switching out our green beans this year for Roasted Asparagus spears. Mmmm.
At this point, I think our menu is planned. I don't want to feel overwhelmed with cooking on our special day. Oh, and about the gravy...I'm fortunate that no one in my family (besides me) likes gravy. I can easily get away with using the pan drippings for myself if I so choose. I'll probably slice up the breast and pour the juice over it on the serving platter to keep it moist.
Bored to tears yet? Got any suggestions? What can you tweak to ensure your family isn't eating loads of garbage this year and in the years to come? Give me some time to think up some healthy desserts and I'll be back. Happy Thanksgiving Day Planning!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Yay!
I'm down a few more pounds and feeling amazing these days about my body! It's not perfect, and never will be, but I'm finally to the point where I'm satisfied with what I see in the mirror! HUGE breakthrough. Now, I'll just be more and more diligent about proper nutrition. Optimal nutrition means OPTIMAL health. It's all about what you're choosing to fuel your body with. These days, we are bombarded with so many convenience foods that we can forget just how wonderful and satisfying and convenient an APPLE can be. Throw some natural, unsweetened peanut or almond butter into the mix and you've got yourself a DELISH and oh so satisfying snack.
My food life lately has taken on a different form. I'm looking for the simplest possible ways to feed my body. I want it to be fast, packed with nutrition, and of course I want it to taste great and fill me up (keeping in mind that I'm eating 6 times a day, so I don't want to get too full). Seeking out these perfect little power meals takes some practice and some patience. Eeek!! That means sometimes I have to prepare ahead of time-very hard for me to do. The thing that sounds the EASIEST is actually the most difficult thing for me to do. Be ready. If I know I'm going to be out of the house for a while, I should bring a snack with me. Like I mentioned before, simple is best. I don't mean a microwave meal or a quick stop by Subway (not healthy at all), I'm talking some good quality protein powder and a small piece of fruit...or a few hard boiled eggs and some fruit....apple with peanut butter. Small, satisfying and complete. My husband will eat handfuls of raw spinach and hard boiled eggs for every single meal...throw in a piece of Ezekiel bread from time to time and he's perfectly happy. I, on the other hand, can't seem to keep it THAT simple, but still simple compared to how I used to be. Thinking all day about what kind of super delicious meal I was going to have next. All that cooking and prepping....well, it's just plain exhausting. I LOVE to create healthy meals, but in real life-I'm only going to cook a few times a week and it's usually a simple one-pot soup or stew creation.
I lost my point. Again. Hmmm....ok. So I got this RAW Garden of Life Meal Replacer protein powder stuff today at Health Nut Nutrition. Talk about POWER-PACKED nutrition in a glass...this stuff delivers! I had a few scoops about an hour ago and it got right to my head...(JAWS-no? kidding) anyway-I'm really surprised at the lack of digestive involvement thus far, if you catch my drift ;) EVERYTHING hurts my sensitive tummy, especially protein powder. Not this stuff!! I didn't enjoy the taste of it though (very earthy/grassy/thick/gritty texture), so honestly-I have to defile it with some xylitol packets and add a few frozen blueberries and strawberries. Not perfect, but so much better for us than that wal-mart protein garbage we've been ingesting. I'll see if I can't find a link to the new stuff (Garden of Life® | Foundational Nutrition | RAW Meal), and you can see why I'll gladly doctor it a bit to make it more palatable and take all the nutrition it has to offer:) I think I'll test it out on the kids. They love "grass" (Naked juices) so I think they'll be able to handle this. I'll just put it in a smoothie with some greek yogurt and lots of berries. I get excited when I think about all the good this will do for my little growing eating machines. I can't keep them satisfied!
Almost forgot! My other deliciously healthy purchase was some Tulsi tea! I went for Chai flavor and it's just wonderful, doesn't need sweetener at all. Still has the caffeine that I need early in the day so this may be a good one to take over my morning coffee habit. We shall see...until next time-remember to keep things simple and develop a healthier habit!
My food life lately has taken on a different form. I'm looking for the simplest possible ways to feed my body. I want it to be fast, packed with nutrition, and of course I want it to taste great and fill me up (keeping in mind that I'm eating 6 times a day, so I don't want to get too full). Seeking out these perfect little power meals takes some practice and some patience. Eeek!! That means sometimes I have to prepare ahead of time-very hard for me to do. The thing that sounds the EASIEST is actually the most difficult thing for me to do. Be ready. If I know I'm going to be out of the house for a while, I should bring a snack with me. Like I mentioned before, simple is best. I don't mean a microwave meal or a quick stop by Subway (not healthy at all), I'm talking some good quality protein powder and a small piece of fruit...or a few hard boiled eggs and some fruit....apple with peanut butter. Small, satisfying and complete. My husband will eat handfuls of raw spinach and hard boiled eggs for every single meal...throw in a piece of Ezekiel bread from time to time and he's perfectly happy. I, on the other hand, can't seem to keep it THAT simple, but still simple compared to how I used to be. Thinking all day about what kind of super delicious meal I was going to have next. All that cooking and prepping....well, it's just plain exhausting. I LOVE to create healthy meals, but in real life-I'm only going to cook a few times a week and it's usually a simple one-pot soup or stew creation.
I lost my point. Again. Hmmm....ok. So I got this RAW Garden of Life Meal Replacer protein powder stuff today at Health Nut Nutrition. Talk about POWER-PACKED nutrition in a glass...this stuff delivers! I had a few scoops about an hour ago and it got right to my head...(JAWS-no? kidding) anyway-I'm really surprised at the lack of digestive involvement thus far, if you catch my drift ;) EVERYTHING hurts my sensitive tummy, especially protein powder. Not this stuff!! I didn't enjoy the taste of it though (very earthy/grassy/thick/gritty texture), so honestly-I have to defile it with some xylitol packets and add a few frozen blueberries and strawberries. Not perfect, but so much better for us than that wal-mart protein garbage we've been ingesting. I'll see if I can't find a link to the new stuff (Garden of Life® | Foundational Nutrition | RAW Meal), and you can see why I'll gladly doctor it a bit to make it more palatable and take all the nutrition it has to offer:) I think I'll test it out on the kids. They love "grass" (Naked juices) so I think they'll be able to handle this. I'll just put it in a smoothie with some greek yogurt and lots of berries. I get excited when I think about all the good this will do for my little growing eating machines. I can't keep them satisfied!
Almost forgot! My other deliciously healthy purchase was some Tulsi tea! I went for Chai flavor and it's just wonderful, doesn't need sweetener at all. Still has the caffeine that I need early in the day so this may be a good one to take over my morning coffee habit. We shall see...until next time-remember to keep things simple and develop a healthier habit!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Please Research and Educate Yourself!
10/10/10 is NON-GMO Day!!!
Please click on the above link to discover where you will learn more about the dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms. This is seriously damaging our health, ESPECIALLY OUR CHILDREN! Please don't miss this.
Please click on the above link to discover where you will learn more about the dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms. This is seriously damaging our health, ESPECIALLY OUR CHILDREN! Please don't miss this.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Food Journal 9.26.2010
Slept Late-
Breakfast @ 11am- Eggbeaters Omelet w/ Rst Red Ppr, Spnch
1 Whole Grain Waffle, dry
8oz H2O
Snack @ 1:45pm- Kale Chips w/Ccnt Oil and Lmn Ppr Mrs. Dash
2 Tbls Hummus w/Flax Tortilla Chips (about 15 chips)
15 Grapes, Coffee
Lunch @ 3:30pm- 1 Egg Muffin, Apple, Kale Chips, 3 Pretzel sticks
1 cup Coconut Milk
Snack @ 5:30pm- 5 Sun Chips, Kale Chips
8oz H2O
Dinner@ 6:30pm- 3oz Salmon (garlic, lmn, ccnt oil, mrs dsh), Chobani Grk Yogt w/
2Tbls Whl Grn Cereal, 8oz H2O
Snack@ 7:00pm- 10oz Grn Tea
Today was a wacky food day for me. I made egg muffins, kale chips and hummus right when I got up this morning. I just kinda snacked throughout the day on fruit and the veggies I had prepared earlier. I didn't love the salmon I made for dinner, so I just had a small piece of it and had dessert (greek yogurt) instead! It was a coconut oil kind of day as well. I used about 1/2 a cup of the oil for cooking today:) I probably ate a good 3 to 4 Tablespoons of it all by myself!! So, now as I finish up this post, I'm sipping on some green tea instead of drinking coffee like I normally would. I've gone back to black, clean coffee these days and I just feel so much better for it.
The thing I'm seeing as of today that was missing from my meals- not enough protein. I started out with good protein, but as the day went on, until dinner, I didn't have enough protein. I had carbs and fat galore, but didn't get a good balance to run efficiently. I know I always struggle with how much protein to have during the day because I'm not working out right now. I'm still short-changing myself though. Need more protein. I could have easily popped an extra 2 egg muffins...oh well, that's why I'm journaling. I was tired today, and I think that led to my grazing more that I typically would.
Breakfast @ 11am- Eggbeaters Omelet w/ Rst Red Ppr, Spnch
1 Whole Grain Waffle, dry
8oz H2O
Snack @ 1:45pm- Kale Chips w/Ccnt Oil and Lmn Ppr Mrs. Dash
2 Tbls Hummus w/Flax Tortilla Chips (about 15 chips)
15 Grapes, Coffee
Lunch @ 3:30pm- 1 Egg Muffin, Apple, Kale Chips, 3 Pretzel sticks
1 cup Coconut Milk
Snack @ 5:30pm- 5 Sun Chips, Kale Chips
8oz H2O
Dinner@ 6:30pm- 3oz Salmon (garlic, lmn, ccnt oil, mrs dsh), Chobani Grk Yogt w/
2Tbls Whl Grn Cereal, 8oz H2O
Snack@ 7:00pm- 10oz Grn Tea
Today was a wacky food day for me. I made egg muffins, kale chips and hummus right when I got up this morning. I just kinda snacked throughout the day on fruit and the veggies I had prepared earlier. I didn't love the salmon I made for dinner, so I just had a small piece of it and had dessert (greek yogurt) instead! It was a coconut oil kind of day as well. I used about 1/2 a cup of the oil for cooking today:) I probably ate a good 3 to 4 Tablespoons of it all by myself!! So, now as I finish up this post, I'm sipping on some green tea instead of drinking coffee like I normally would. I've gone back to black, clean coffee these days and I just feel so much better for it.
The thing I'm seeing as of today that was missing from my meals- not enough protein. I started out with good protein, but as the day went on, until dinner, I didn't have enough protein. I had carbs and fat galore, but didn't get a good balance to run efficiently. I know I always struggle with how much protein to have during the day because I'm not working out right now. I'm still short-changing myself though. Need more protein. I could have easily popped an extra 2 egg muffins...oh well, that's why I'm journaling. I was tired today, and I think that led to my grazing more that I typically would.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Two Thousand and Eighty-Eight Hours Later...
Wow! So much has happened since I last posted in May. Most significantly, I'm all the way across the country now living in Lynchburg, Virginia. Loving life here on the East Coast:) I just want to quickly share some of the things that have been happening with our Clean Eating Journey over the last 4 months...
We've stayed strong with our nutrition for the most part. I would say that 99% of the time, my wonderful husband is clean. I'm not so great with self-control, but about 75% of the time, I'm clean. The physical reflections of our hard work are evident. He has had some serious weight fall off, 60+lbs. I'm still sticking around 25lbs lost. His key is just to never compromise. He WILL NOT put junk in his mouth. And every time he thinks he's gonna enjoy a little bite of something junky, he ends up nearly gagging and spitting it out. (Kinda makes me mad because I'm usually on my 4th bite and really enjoying myself when he so RUDELY reminds me that what I'm eating isn't good for me). ANYway...we're just rollin' how we roll. I take breaks, sometimes long ones...he doesn't take breaks and he is healthier (sexier), leaner, and stronger than ever. (Oh yeah, he works out every day too. Show-off!) Overall, I would say that the work I've put in very accurately reflects my limited results. It all comes down to discipline! No easy road, quick fix, overnight results going on in this house!!
Well, now that I've broken the ice after 4 months of neglecting my blog...here are some current pics. Enjoy!! Oh, and, for real, I'm planning on sharing some recipes soon. And annoying you with a food journal...
We've stayed strong with our nutrition for the most part. I would say that 99% of the time, my wonderful husband is clean. I'm not so great with self-control, but about 75% of the time, I'm clean. The physical reflections of our hard work are evident. He has had some serious weight fall off, 60+lbs. I'm still sticking around 25lbs lost. His key is just to never compromise. He WILL NOT put junk in his mouth. And every time he thinks he's gonna enjoy a little bite of something junky, he ends up nearly gagging and spitting it out. (Kinda makes me mad because I'm usually on my 4th bite and really enjoying myself when he so RUDELY reminds me that what I'm eating isn't good for me). ANYway...we're just rollin' how we roll. I take breaks, sometimes long ones...he doesn't take breaks and he is healthier (sexier), leaner, and stronger than ever. (Oh yeah, he works out every day too. Show-off!) Overall, I would say that the work I've put in very accurately reflects my limited results. It all comes down to discipline! No easy road, quick fix, overnight results going on in this house!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Dinner Tonight
It's all about simplicity:
I found some very soft (about to burst) organic heirloom tomatoes at the grocery store today. One is yellow, one is pinkish and one is purplish..and they were begging to be paired with some fresh mozzarella cheese and basil...
So I'm going to slice them and the cheese into medium-thick slices and drizzle them with some good quality EVOO...tear up some fresh basil and sprinkle some sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top.
And while I wouldn't normally recommend eating something like this as your meal...That's it. That's dinner. You know why? Because we've all 4 eaten our daily requirements of protein, fruit, veggies, whole grains and fats...so we're gonna just have a very light and refreshing and nutritious "snacky" type of meal.
The kids are in a very sad mood now that they know we're eating tomatoes for dinner. Oh well, they're gonna have to get over it because I'm very excited about it, and so is daddy:P
And someday, they'll thank me for passing on a wealth of knowledge about clean, nutritious eating, right?! We shall see...
I found some very soft (about to burst) organic heirloom tomatoes at the grocery store today. One is yellow, one is pinkish and one is purplish..and they were begging to be paired with some fresh mozzarella cheese and basil...
So I'm going to slice them and the cheese into medium-thick slices and drizzle them with some good quality EVOO...tear up some fresh basil and sprinkle some sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top.
And while I wouldn't normally recommend eating something like this as your meal...That's it. That's dinner. You know why? Because we've all 4 eaten our daily requirements of protein, fruit, veggies, whole grains and fats...so we're gonna just have a very light and refreshing and nutritious "snacky" type of meal.
The kids are in a very sad mood now that they know we're eating tomatoes for dinner. Oh well, they're gonna have to get over it because I'm very excited about it, and so is daddy:P
And someday, they'll thank me for passing on a wealth of knowledge about clean, nutritious eating, right?! We shall see...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
January Bodies
Wish me luck. I'm gonna do it. OH, and I'm also going to set a target date for the actual weight in lbs that I want to hit. I'm not sure what that weight is though. I'm thinking 155. Sounds about right...I'm 5'6" and pretty muscular, so I'll never be a twig.
Let me know what you're doing these days to stay motivated...
Monday, March 8, 2010
A Little at a Time
I'm really struggling with self-image. I need to stop this behavior like right now! I have a 7 year-old little girl who watches and mimics me. I don't think I've ever looked into a mirror and smiled or said something positive about myself:( I really don't want my beautiful little girl to be this way.
This behavior must change. I need to figure out where that balance is. I've heard some people just focus on one feature that they're happy with or a particular part of their body that they like. Ummm, yeah. Can't really do that. I've got a new body after these kids. And it's not a pretty one if ya know what I mean! And 5 years after my 3rd pregnancy, I still can't 'embrace' it. Please don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change it for anything. The gift and joy of having my children far surpasses my issues of feeling upset with an ugly tummy. And I wish it could just end there, but surprise, I'm a woman.
Here's the thing: We eat well and exercise mainly to be healthy and for overall improved quality of life. We pull up and push up weights, squat and run, sweat and ache, prepare and cook. We eat, breathe and live in a re-vamped world where our focus is on well-being. Obviously, things are going to change in a positive way. Our bodies are healthier, our minds are sharper.
So, when am I going to see enough changes in my physical appearance? When is it that I'll be satisfied when I see myself naked? When will the moment come when I see just ONE positive thing in the mirror? I don't think it will happen until some deeper changes are made. I'm at this point, no better than people who have multiple plastic surgeries in search of perfection. And who the HECK do I think I am anyway?? There is no one out there that I need to impress. NOT ONE PERSON. So why does this chew up so much of my focus!?!
I sound ridiculous, I'm aware. I'm just eagerly awaiting that peace of a positive self-image. When am I gonna grow up in this area? I recently had my husband throw out our scale. That was a HUGE thing for me to give up. You see, I've got a touch of OCD. I would weigh myself multiple times per day, KNOWING that I'd be upset by the end of any given day. Setting myself up for a let-down. I finally confessed my psycho behavior and got some help. Something that seemed so impossible to me in my cycle of wanting, expecting, and actually 'needing' to fail in order to stay motivated (sick, I know), was a total no-brainer for my husband. Thank God that he cares about me and also cares FOR me.
So what's next? Will I need to resort to throwing out my full-length mirror? After all, if you don't have something nice to say...
A few questions for you: If you've been eating clean, how long did it take for you to reach your weight loss goals? Did you automatically experience a better self-image?
This behavior must change. I need to figure out where that balance is. I've heard some people just focus on one feature that they're happy with or a particular part of their body that they like. Ummm, yeah. Can't really do that. I've got a new body after these kids. And it's not a pretty one if ya know what I mean! And 5 years after my 3rd pregnancy, I still can't 'embrace' it. Please don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change it for anything. The gift and joy of having my children far surpasses my issues of feeling upset with an ugly tummy. And I wish it could just end there, but surprise, I'm a woman.
Here's the thing: We eat well and exercise mainly to be healthy and for overall improved quality of life. We pull up and push up weights, squat and run, sweat and ache, prepare and cook. We eat, breathe and live in a re-vamped world where our focus is on well-being. Obviously, things are going to change in a positive way. Our bodies are healthier, our minds are sharper.
So, when am I going to see enough changes in my physical appearance? When is it that I'll be satisfied when I see myself naked? When will the moment come when I see just ONE positive thing in the mirror? I don't think it will happen until some deeper changes are made. I'm at this point, no better than people who have multiple plastic surgeries in search of perfection. And who the HECK do I think I am anyway?? There is no one out there that I need to impress. NOT ONE PERSON. So why does this chew up so much of my focus!?!
I sound ridiculous, I'm aware. I'm just eagerly awaiting that peace of a positive self-image. When am I gonna grow up in this area? I recently had my husband throw out our scale. That was a HUGE thing for me to give up. You see, I've got a touch of OCD. I would weigh myself multiple times per day, KNOWING that I'd be upset by the end of any given day. Setting myself up for a let-down. I finally confessed my psycho behavior and got some help. Something that seemed so impossible to me in my cycle of wanting, expecting, and actually 'needing' to fail in order to stay motivated (sick, I know), was a total no-brainer for my husband. Thank God that he cares about me and also cares FOR me.
So what's next? Will I need to resort to throwing out my full-length mirror? After all, if you don't have something nice to say...
A few questions for you: If you've been eating clean, how long did it take for you to reach your weight loss goals? Did you automatically experience a better self-image?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Good GRAVY
Just when I thought I was never looking back, life happened again. Don't you just sometimes despise the way that happens? I wish I could shout out loud- "DON'T DERAIL ME!" But I don't really know who to shout at? Who's to blame for the inconveniences of life? The checker at the grocery store for moving so slowly? The people who won't drive at LEAST the speed LIMIT? ARRGHH!
And then out of nowhere, my husband says to me ever so sweetly- "you can stop trying to control the universe now." Ahhhhh, sigh of relief! Duh! Why do I get so silly and so tightly wound? God's got my back. And my present. And my future! Thank you very much, Lord.
And yes, this is totally applicable to my clean eating lifestyle. I found out this week that I am a MAJOR stress-eater. Dang it!! Know how I found that out? A food journal. What a novel idea! (again, duh.) Ok, so I'm a PMS mess and my food journal showed it ever so bluntly...a pick here, a peck there...and guess what? I'd eaten an additional 400 calories just in carbohydrates. Sheeeesh! Oh, and um, that was just one day of my journaling. I was so upset at my finding, but immediately researched foods that one should consume while experiencing times of stress. Instead of reaching for whatever is closest and easiest, (which should still be somewhat clean if you've transformed your pantry and fridge to eat clean) eat a handful of almonds, some clean guacamole (avocado), spinach, an orange....you get the idea. When I get stressed, I grab the very WORST thing I can put in my mouth:(
So the important thing for me at this point ispracticing self-control. Here's the thing, I'm home-I'm fine. I don't have any junk in the house, so I'm forced to eat an apple and egg whites when I'm hungry or stressed. When I'm not home- I'm not fine. My parents own a restaurant. I LOVE the food they serve. LOVE IT. It's BBQ people! Homemade, southern-style BBQ. I'm fortunate that I'm not 500lbs already. So, when I'm not home, I'm typically there at the restaurant helping out or just hanging out with my family. I can still choose to eat clean while I'm there: grilled chicken with broccoli or salad. But my kids don't want grilled chicken every time they eat there! They want chicken strips, fries, fried pickles or potatoes, ranch dressing, cheese sauce...the 'good stuff' And they're still little and don't always finish all their food, leaving the Mother Garbage Disposal job up to me. I HATE IT! I'll have one or two fried pickles before I even realize what I'm doing! Mindlessly eating. When I'm focused, I'm satisfied with a clean meal. When I'm tired or stressed....I'll eat till my eyes close.
My point here is, eating clean takes work. It takes mental work and focus. It takes a good attitude and a soft but steady approach to changing your lifestyle. None of these things are my strong-suit. I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll have chewed on this info for a while and regurgitate it again in some form only for you to read it again:) But, believe it or not, it helps me to type it down. Journaling is a big key for me. It's like a built-in accountability partner. I avoid it only because my focus is lost. When I re-visit my thoughts and try to organize them, I find my focus again. I think I'll start sharing my food/mood journal on here. Probably not daily, but at least once in a while. I think I'll also try to remember to slow down and pray when things seem out of control. I know, I know...it's pretty obvious, but I'm a slow learner.
Any suggestions for me? How do you exercise your self-control?
And then out of nowhere, my husband says to me ever so sweetly- "you can stop trying to control the universe now." Ahhhhh, sigh of relief! Duh! Why do I get so silly and so tightly wound? God's got my back. And my present. And my future! Thank you very much, Lord.
And yes, this is totally applicable to my clean eating lifestyle. I found out this week that I am a MAJOR stress-eater. Dang it!! Know how I found that out? A food journal. What a novel idea! (again, duh.) Ok, so I'm a PMS mess and my food journal showed it ever so bluntly...a pick here, a peck there...and guess what? I'd eaten an additional 400 calories just in carbohydrates. Sheeeesh! Oh, and um, that was just one day of my journaling. I was so upset at my finding, but immediately researched foods that one should consume while experiencing times of stress. Instead of reaching for whatever is closest and easiest, (which should still be somewhat clean if you've transformed your pantry and fridge to eat clean) eat a handful of almonds, some clean guacamole (avocado), spinach, an orange....you get the idea. When I get stressed, I grab the very WORST thing I can put in my mouth:(
So the important thing for me at this point is
My point here is, eating clean takes work. It takes mental work and focus. It takes a good attitude and a soft but steady approach to changing your lifestyle. None of these things are my strong-suit. I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll have chewed on this info for a while and regurgitate it again in some form only for you to read it again:) But, believe it or not, it helps me to type it down. Journaling is a big key for me. It's like a built-in accountability partner. I avoid it only because my focus is lost. When I re-visit my thoughts and try to organize them, I find my focus again. I think I'll start sharing my food/mood journal on here. Probably not daily, but at least once in a while. I think I'll also try to remember to slow down and pray when things seem out of control. I know, I know...it's pretty obvious, but I'm a slow learner.
Any suggestions for me? How do you exercise your self-control?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Staying on Track
We're doing great!! We've never felt better! I'd love to put an exclamation mark at the end of each sentence, but it gets old quick! Ok, but seriously, we are CLEAN. We mean business. In fact, my hubby told me last night-"I hope you're not planning on getting over this lifestyle, because I'm NOT going back to our old ways." Which to me, means two things that may at first glance seem daunting.
1) I'm going to spend the rest of my LIFE in the kitchen. Prep, prep, and more prep.
2) I'm going to be in the kitchen for the REST of my life. Hardly sounds like rest to me:(
But, there's another side to each coin and I choose (yes, willfully) to see the more positive side of this situation:
First, the obvious-I'm making ALL of the food that we put into our mouths. So the food will inherently be more healthful because it will not be processed and tainted with chemicals, etc...We are not living to eat anymore. We are eating to LIVE. So the more "alive" your food is, the more alive your body will be. And that's the obvious good reason, the benefits of a clean life.
Secondly, guess what moms? We're going to be in the kitchen for the rest of our lives anyway. Why not make the most of the job we've been given by our Creator? I want to take responsibility in this area that has been entrusted to me. I love that God trusts me enough to give me these children and this man to love and nurture! And what's great about it is that He has given me all of the tools I need. Not just in the area of nutrition, but in all facets of living out this life on earth. But, since we're discussing nutrition-YES-He has given us everything we need for our bodies to function as best they can. So, there's my encouragement. God Himself is right here with me, cheering me on, giving me all I need to succeed. If I'm careful with what He has entrusted to me, how much more will that love and nurturing and care-taking spill over to my children and then to their children and so on?
And so, yeah, I know it's a lot of work. It's a lot of planning and preparation. It's a lifestyle. It's day in, day out. But it's also a blessing. And I don't expect perfection. I think it's important to share that also. We've already had some "unplanned and unprepared" moments in the last month. Guess what? Life happens. And thankfully, when you choose to be better 90% of the time, you reap the benefits of it. It's not about that other 10% when you've slipped. There are times to celebrate and eat rich foods. There are many times when we just won't feel like cooking a chicken breast and we're wanting a hamburger with cheese and mayo. EAT IT! But, remember that you are responsible for how many "non-nutritive" things you and your family eat.
Even when it seems you don't have control over the things your children eat, (thank goodness for Grandmothers, but OMGosh, the SUGAR!)you have control when they're at your house, at your breakfast table, snack table, lunch table, and dinner table. Making the most of those times when you as Mother are responsible for their well-being is the key. Kids will eventually grow in the understanding that eating the foods God made for their bodies to grow up strong and healthy is what is best for them. They naturally want to please you and please God. Talk about why you're eating the foods you eat. Verbalize the benefits of eating apple slices as opposed to eating donut holes. Encourage them to eat clean more often than not, yet allow them the freedom to make unhealthy choices.
My children have already found that after NOT eating processed sugar for a few weeks, an entire bag of M&M's is TOO MUCH sugar for their little bodies. And although I knew as their watchful eye mother hen that they'd get sick, and though I explained in excruciating detail how they would feel if they ate the whole bag...first-hand experience trumps a good lecture! As long as Mama sticks to clean eating, babies will follow.
Can I talk briefly about the benefits I've experienced thus far? My energy levels are improved. For example, I'm typing this at 3pm, which was previously NAP TIME BABY! Haha! My skin looks better, my sugar cravings are very much diminished. If I want something fun and sweet, I'll either eat a baked sweet potato, topped with a little flax infused healthy* spread and cinnamon (*healthy means better than it could be)or I'll have a piece of dark chocolate. It seriously does the trick. I love it. I was SO addicted to sugar before and I'm totally over it. LOVING THAT. I never thought I'd be able to kick it. And about those sweet potatoes...I LOATHED sweet potatoes until about 3 weeks ago. Couldn't stand the sight, smell, or taste. But for some reason, after cooking one for my husband, I decided to try it again for the first time. To my utter disbelief-it tasted SO good. SO SWEET. Now I eat one almost every day because they are SO healthy and just packed with everything nice to your body.
There are loads of other benefits I've noticed, including the weight loss and inches lost, but also some not-so-desirable side effects of noshing on greens and beans. And eggs. I think you see where I'm headed with this. All of the material I've read so far says that once your body gets used to this new way of eating, the monstrous amount of gas you produce should level off and eventually go away. Um...could this please hurry up and happen already? I mean, I do have a husband that I'd like to keep. And the funny and most embarrassing thing about this- hubby has NO gas. Nice. He could at least have it right along with me...blehh. But I consider it all part of the process and someday I'll laugh at it. Someday.
And now you know WAY too much about me.
Anyone else new to eating clean? Any suggestions?
1) I'm going to spend the rest of my LIFE in the kitchen. Prep, prep, and more prep.
2) I'm going to be in the kitchen for the REST of my life. Hardly sounds like rest to me:(
But, there's another side to each coin and I choose (yes, willfully) to see the more positive side of this situation:
First, the obvious-I'm making ALL of the food that we put into our mouths. So the food will inherently be more healthful because it will not be processed and tainted with chemicals, etc...We are not living to eat anymore. We are eating to LIVE. So the more "alive" your food is, the more alive your body will be. And that's the obvious good reason, the benefits of a clean life.
Secondly, guess what moms? We're going to be in the kitchen for the rest of our lives anyway. Why not make the most of the job we've been given by our Creator? I want to take responsibility in this area that has been entrusted to me. I love that God trusts me enough to give me these children and this man to love and nurture! And what's great about it is that He has given me all of the tools I need. Not just in the area of nutrition, but in all facets of living out this life on earth. But, since we're discussing nutrition-YES-He has given us everything we need for our bodies to function as best they can. So, there's my encouragement. God Himself is right here with me, cheering me on, giving me all I need to succeed. If I'm careful with what He has entrusted to me, how much more will that love and nurturing and care-taking spill over to my children and then to their children and so on?
And so, yeah, I know it's a lot of work. It's a lot of planning and preparation. It's a lifestyle. It's day in, day out. But it's also a blessing. And I don't expect perfection. I think it's important to share that also. We've already had some "unplanned and unprepared" moments in the last month. Guess what? Life happens. And thankfully, when you choose to be better 90% of the time, you reap the benefits of it. It's not about that other 10% when you've slipped. There are times to celebrate and eat rich foods. There are many times when we just won't feel like cooking a chicken breast and we're wanting a hamburger with cheese and mayo. EAT IT! But, remember that you are responsible for how many "non-nutritive" things you and your family eat.
Even when it seems you don't have control over the things your children eat, (thank goodness for Grandmothers, but OMGosh, the SUGAR!)you have control when they're at your house, at your breakfast table, snack table, lunch table, and dinner table. Making the most of those times when you as Mother are responsible for their well-being is the key. Kids will eventually grow in the understanding that eating the foods God made for their bodies to grow up strong and healthy is what is best for them. They naturally want to please you and please God. Talk about why you're eating the foods you eat. Verbalize the benefits of eating apple slices as opposed to eating donut holes. Encourage them to eat clean more often than not, yet allow them the freedom to make unhealthy choices.
My children have already found that after NOT eating processed sugar for a few weeks, an entire bag of M&M's is TOO MUCH sugar for their little bodies. And although I knew as their watchful eye mother hen that they'd get sick, and though I explained in excruciating detail how they would feel if they ate the whole bag...first-hand experience trumps a good lecture! As long as Mama sticks to clean eating, babies will follow.
Can I talk briefly about the benefits I've experienced thus far? My energy levels are improved. For example, I'm typing this at 3pm, which was previously NAP TIME BABY! Haha! My skin looks better, my sugar cravings are very much diminished. If I want something fun and sweet, I'll either eat a baked sweet potato, topped with a little flax infused healthy* spread and cinnamon (*healthy means better than it could be)or I'll have a piece of dark chocolate. It seriously does the trick. I love it. I was SO addicted to sugar before and I'm totally over it. LOVING THAT. I never thought I'd be able to kick it. And about those sweet potatoes...I LOATHED sweet potatoes until about 3 weeks ago. Couldn't stand the sight, smell, or taste. But for some reason, after cooking one for my husband, I decided to try it again for the first time. To my utter disbelief-it tasted SO good. SO SWEET. Now I eat one almost every day because they are SO healthy and just packed with everything nice to your body.
There are loads of other benefits I've noticed, including the weight loss and inches lost, but also some not-so-desirable side effects of noshing on greens and beans. And eggs. I think you see where I'm headed with this. All of the material I've read so far says that once your body gets used to this new way of eating, the monstrous amount of gas you produce should level off and eventually go away. Um...could this please hurry up and happen already? I mean, I do have a husband that I'd like to keep. And the funny and most embarrassing thing about this- hubby has NO gas. Nice. He could at least have it right along with me...blehh. But I consider it all part of the process and someday I'll laugh at it. Someday.
And now you know WAY too much about me.
Anyone else new to eating clean? Any suggestions?
Friday, February 19, 2010
Starting at 10
I say starting at 10 because I tend to OVER do something at the beginning and then lose all my enthusiasm for it. Crash and burn! Not this time, people. I'm 30 now. I'm tired of that old predictable behavior. So far this year, my age has proven to be more than just a number, but more of a fresh start with a chance at a new attitude. Especially when it comes to my spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. I am more than concerned about these facets of my life, I am actively pursuing the "well" half of well-being. So there's a lot more to come...about eating clean, workouts, self-image, and how God has His hand in all this.
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