For Love of Food

7 Quick Takes: Managing a Cray Cray Week!

2013-01-25T13:19:00.002-08:00

— 1 —

My apartment is a mess. Which wouldn't be a big deal to most people, but it is symbolic of my life being a mess. I recently have gone back to school (for the third and last time) and I find it is taking a lot more time than I anticipated. In the ripe old age of 29 (tomorrow), it is a lot to juggle family, moving, regular workouts, a full time job, making time to cook healthy food and any amount of quiet/prayer time. I am realizing (finally) that I can't do everything! I don't know how people have time to all these amazing things....I seriously am just getting by with all of these responsibilities and not very well. The first two weeks of workouts were hard, but I was able to actually do them. Since I started school last well, I am going to bed way too late and not getting up early enough the next day to go to the gym....ugh!!!

So needless to say, I have been very frustrated this week...any thoughts or suggestions?

— 2 —

March for Life: I am so proud and excited for all the young people that I know at the March for Life this week. Several teens and families from Charlotte are at the March in addition some of my family from Ohio.

— 3 —

Finally joined Pinterest and do my surprise there are so many great ideas on this website. We are moving (like I mentioned above) which I am actually really excited about because we will have more space and we will be getting some new furniture. One of the many ideas I saw on Pinterest for our new place...

http://pinterest.com/pin/403072235369496483/

— 4 —

Comic Relief for the week is The Mindy Project. Mindy Kaling is hilarious!

— 5 —

Inspiration this week is the new Special K ad. "What will you gain when you lose?"

I love the positive spin on weight loss and hope to gain more "Confidence"!!

— 6 —

Birthday dinner at Amor de Brazil was quite delicious. I have never been to a restaurant where they bring huge slabs of meat on a 3 foot skewer to your table. We had a delicious meal that included a variety of fine cheeses, breads, Brazilian appetizers, juicy cuts of meats topped off with Brazilian flan! It was amazing!! Needless to say, this Birthday week is not going to have good "weight loss" results, but you only turn 29 once...right?

— 7 —

Finally....

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Yesterday, I was having a day of "mental put-downs." It was one of those days where my personal feelings about myself and what I felt I could achieve (or not achieve) was based on what I have been hold about myself in the past. I heard the negative stereotypes or words running through my mind like a broken and (very repetitive) old record. When I finally stopped myself, I realized what that I was internalizing those negatives thoughts and even starting to believe them. By allowing that broken record to keep playing in my head, I was continuing to put myself down and limit the extent of my success.

So today and moving forward, I am going to try and be more aware of this nasty habit of "mental put-downs." I hope to stop myself whenever this starts and ask myself if there is any truth in what I am internalizing about myself. I encourage you to take a minute to stop and recognize the negative thoughts running through your head. Thoughts that are telling you how you are aren't strong enough, you are never going to lose this weight, you aren't enough...

Take some time to ask God to come into those painful memories and change those hurtful or misleading words with His truth. Ask God to speak to those areas of your heart...what would God say instead?

I pray that all of us will get better this year at "seeing our light and not our darkness" !!

Thursday inspiration

2013-01-24T16:33:00.001-08:00

It's easy to succeed when you aren't tempted. Our challenge is to succeed despite our temptations.

The "Skinny" on Reading Labels

2013-01-21T10:36:00.001-08:00

I follow a Clean Eating blog called, "The Gracious Pantry." The blog writer has so much good information of Clean Eating....see this blog on reading labels for Clean Eaters.

Reading Labels for Clean Eating

Inspiration day#21

2013-01-21T09:46:00.001-08:00

I was at the gym this morning and a super pregnant woman was there doing squats and lunges with weights. Talk about disciple...at that point I decided to stop my mental whining and finish my leg workout. Go pregnant women!

Day # 15

2013-01-14T06:04:00.001-08:00

"It's hard to beat someone that never gives up." -Babe Ruth

Lord, help me be that person today

Monday's

2013-01-14T05:56:00.001-08:00

Need motivation and coffee to start week #3...

Saturday workout

2013-01-12T12:34:00.001-08:00

A beautiful day in Charlotte= challenging & refreshing resistance training

Day #12

2013-01-12T05:24:00.001-08:00

So I would have to say last night went moderately well considering there wasn't any healthy food in site. I managed to find 5 or 6 grapes and probably ate one too many cream cheese crab rolls. However, this is the point where I usually beat myself up and am ready to quit ever trying to be healthy again. (I can be over dramatic sometimes)

I would say that is the one success from last night. I feel bad, but I'm moving forward. Healthy eating and workout already planned for the day. Like a friend said on Facebook this morning...

"A smooth sea never made for a skillful sailor"

First Friday

2013-01-11T11:24:00.004-08:00

— 1 —

So its back to blogging after quite some time. I'm glad to be back to documenting my course to a healthier me and the faith journey along the way. And yes, it is quite a challenging faith journey with lots of ups and downs...more to come on this in the coming weeks.

— 2 —

I'm going to an Epiphany party tonight for work and I'm definitely nervous that I'm going to eat everything in site. I have been trying to eat healthy with the new year (I know that sounds cliche, but I'm doing it "for real" this time). One of the things I'm trying to do is not eat a ton of carbs at night. I have healthy portions of good carbs (oats, brown rice, or sweet potatoes) during the day and try, yes TRY to curb my carbs at night. However, I am also very weak when it comes to tasty party finger foods. I could seriously eat the entire tray of most party foods. So...say a prayer for me...I will let you know how it goes.

— 3 —

My inspiration for this weekend...

"Complete abstinence is better than perfect moderation." ~St. Augustine

St. Augustine, please pray for me tonight & this weekend! Help me to eat healthy and stay the course!

— 4 —

Weekends...

Speaking of weekends, they are my new nemesis. The last two weeks of weekdays have gone pretty well for the most part. The workouts have been difficult courtesy of Billy Moritz, but are going well. However, the weekends are when I think calories don't exist. Weekends, I tend to relax and try to get away from the stresses of everyday life, however, relaxing for me usually involves carb-rich, flavorful meals and good wine...both things I am trying to skip these days. I have moved a cardio day to Saturdays which helps keep me focused and gives me a break during the week, so that has helped with Saturday. Sundays are still tricky. I usually spend most of my Sundays at work running around all day and eating junk food with the teens....Oh Lord, help me to stay focused on you this weekend.

— 5 —

At the gym

A very cute and darling older gentleman was wearing the small shoes as me at the gym this morning. No, he was not wearing women's shoes. In fact, I was wearing men's shoes. I have large wide feet for a girl and yes it was a comical and funny moment. It definitely lighten the intensity of my many rounds of reps this morning.

— 6 —

New recipe this week....I'm excited

Chilled Vegetable Salad (courtesy of Myrecipes.com)

1 cup sugar (will probably substitute succanut or splenda)
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil $
1 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped $
1 medium onion, chopped $
3 celery ribs, sliced $
1 (7-ounce) jar diced pimiento, undrained
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can small sweet green peas, drained$
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can French-cut green beans, drained$
1 (11-ounce) can white shoepeg corn, drained $
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

Bring first 3 ingredients to a boil in small saucepan over medium heat; cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove dressing from heat, and cool 30 minutes.
Stir together chopped bell pepper and next 8 ingredients in a large bowl; gently stir in dressing. Cover and chill salad for 8 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.
NOTE: Salad may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

— 7 —

Something yummy to warm up my afternoon @ Dilworth Coffee Shop in Matthews, NC

Enjoying a skinny Toffee-Nut Latte. I sure did need it on this cold & gloomy day in Charlotte.

Day #11

2013-01-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

"Garlic is the new salt" ~Recent Food Ad

Still going strong....

Day #3

2013-01-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

I definitely did not want to go to the gym this morning, but when I heard this song I found great comfort in the lyrics. This song is so in sync with my ongoing struggle to maintain a healthy weight and healthful choices for the right reasons. So many times our fears, emotions and past experiences are so powerful they blind us to our real beauty and value.

Today, whatever you are struggling with, I urge you, "to be brave, be brave...you're stronger than you'll ever know...love is on your side"

2013-01-01T07:19:00.001-08:00

Inspiration for Billy Moritz's Fitness Challenge

Day #1(yesterday): "I just never saw how you could cherish me. You're the God who has all things and still you want me." ~BLG

Day #2 (today): "Nothing changes if nothing changes." ~Billy Moritz

Back to Blogging

2012-08-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

---1---

After a very hectic last month, I decided (with some encouragement) to get back to blogging. So here a short, but heartfelt 7 best things of the week...

---2---

Trip to the Farmer's Market

Oh how I love the farmer's market. So many delicious and tasty treasures to enjoy. I'm most excited this week about the plum-colored bell peppers! I have no idea what those taste like, but I'm going to find out tomorrow.

---3---

Busy week month at work. The more I try to do for God (I work in ministry), the more challenging things seems to be. Or perhaps it just has been one of those weeks (...I mean months), but I am focusing on being faithful to God's mission through the work I do at Church and trying to not let me spiritual gaze go astray.

---4---

All or nothing mentality. That is often how I view food, healthy, workout, faith, relationships....basically everything. I realize that is probably unhealthy and is related somehow to how I was raised. However, God has revealed a lot to me as I have been doing a lot of internal "repair work" and this one of the things He continues to bring forward in my prayer life. So basically, this "all or nothing" approach to life is something I want to try and work on. Perhaps being more flexible with judgement on myself and others. Also, with my approach to health and eating. If I have a poor "eating day" then I give up by lunch and don't consider the repercussions of my later decisions. I guess i'm just realizing I have more control over my emotions and rest of the day then I "feel" like.

This week, Lord help me to depend more fully on your and not give up on myself when I hit a bump in the road.

---5---

Devon's Birthday Dinner

We had a delicious dinner at BLT Steak for Devon's birthday, which was fortunate for us also Restaurant Week. Restaurant week is when a huge list of upscale restaurants in Charlotte offer an appetizer, main course, and dessert for $30. We spoiled ourselves (and the birthday girl) with amazingly crafted rolls, hand-churned butter, and an amazing steak- all while enjoying the lovely atmosphere. I can't wait until the next restaurant week in January, which also is the same week of my birthday...who-hoo!

---6---

My video choice of the week....Oh Mark Hart, how we love you!

---7---

"Hope. It is the only thing greater than fear."
~Fireflight

51 Rules: Week #2

2012-07-08T17:53:00.001-07:00

This week on 51 Rules, I'm going to try and maintain last week's goals (low sugar, CC+LP, and keep goals in mind). This week I hope to track all my food (both good and bad choices) and workout 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes.

I will let you know how it goes at the end of the week. I'm off now to make a detailed food plan to for the week!

Be strong...

2012-07-07T18:58:00.001-07:00

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

First Week

2012-07-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well, after my first week of "eating clean" most of the time, I have lost 4 pounds. I am definitely excited, but the first week on a diet/back on a diet is always the easiest. Week 2 and the coming weeks will be more of a challenge. I have to say the most difficult part of my week was eating out. Last night, I had a friend over and we made salmon burgers, homemade salsa and roasted yellow squash...it was delicious! I do great when I'm at home and prepare my own meals, but when I go out to eat practicing self-control is super hard!

I hope everyone has a great weekend...here's to another week of eating clean!

Quick Takes - Week #1

2012-07-06T18:10:00.002-07:00

--- 1 ---

New at this...

I'm so excited to be starting a food/life blog! This is something that I never thought I would do and have been talking myself out of for a month. Not only do I hope to share my love for cooking, sharing meals and experiencing new food, but I hope to my journey as I transform my eating habits into something my health-filled and wholesome. I hope to share the articles, tips, recipes and just plain excitement "For Love of Food."

--- 2 ---

A delicious meal for MG's birthday @

Enjoyed a Tuscan Grilled Chicken Salad (Arugula, Beets, Shaved Fennel, Red Onion, Endive, Gorgonzola, Walnut Vinaigrette)

--- 3 ---

Paula Deen, so proud!

--- 4 ---

I'm obsessed...

With season 8 of the office. It is just the comic distraction I need from the stress of the day, but at the same time the distraction that keeps me from workouts.

--- 5 ---

How to change my attitude about working out?

Workouts...can't live with them, can't live without them. Ugh, perhaps it would be better utilized as a reward for working out each day

--- 6 ---

Question for the week? When do you work out? Why?

My dilemma: is it better to go in the morning and get it out of the way OR workout at the end of the day as a stress reliever?

--- 7 ---

Inspiration for the week.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

51 Rules: Week #1

2012-07-03T20:58:00.001-07:00

So as a part of my journey to better eating, I have started reading Just the Rules By Tosca Reno. She reviews 51 essentials rules to eating clean. My goal is to gradually incorporate them into my daily lifestyle.

Here are my goals for week one (I tried to stick with some of the "bigger picture" rules that I think are more foundational to healthy eating).

#1) CC + LP Seating in a tree!

Ok, I'm sure your like, "what?" However, Tosca does a great job in the book explaining that Complex Carbs (oats, brown rice, whole grain breads, fruits and vegetables) go together with Lean Proteins (lean red meat, white fish, legumes, nuts and nut butters) like "K-I-S-S-I-N-G"!

Anyways, the play on words will hopefully help me remember to eat 5-6 times a day and include CC+LP at each sit down.

#2) Cut out the sugar!!

Sugar is everywhere and I will be the first to admit how much I love it!

One of the resources in Tosca's book is: NancyAppleton.com & the following video:

#3) Set a goal.

This was actually pretty hard even though it isn't something I need to implement right away.

First, I plan to go on a personal pilgrimage sometime in September (more details to come).

Next, KT and myself are going to start training for a 5K at the end of July (this was not my idea!) However, that means we are going to look for a 5K to participate in sometime after October 1st...ugh!

Finally, my long term-ish goal is to eat "healthy" for 6 months and enjoy the results of my clothes fitting better, feeling better about my physique and hopefully celebrating with some shopping!

Ok, so here goes...

Apples, Spinach, and Almonds....oh my!

2012-07-03T19:27:00.004-07:00

10 Healthy Foods

These are probably very obvious, but nothing wrong with getting back to basics!

Sugar...the Legal Cocaine!

2012-07-03T19:24:00.001-07:00

Cheesy video, but very true. I agree that sugar is totally addictive and is in everything we eat disguised as a variety of different ingredients. Check out this website for more info!

Sugar Check-In

Motivation.

2012-07-03T19:11:00.002-07:00

If Tosca (53) can look that good, anyone can with healthy eating, regular workouts and a little old fashioned hard work.

Day One...

2012-07-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

I know this is a blog about loving food, but I wanted to post this video from a dear friend that I love (KT) about someone that I love (AJ)

Happy Tuesday :-)