Desperately Seeking Foody

Yoga Sutras 1.1

2023-01-31T01:30:00.006-06:00

I think the writing practice I'm about to embark on is going to assist in learning the sutras - especially sutra 1.1: And now the teaching on yoga begins...

Say what? This simple statement blew my mind today because it feels like God's voice or rather like God's hand slapping me across my foolish face. Why? because I've been on a bit of a hiatus from life. A pause. And while necessary and therapeutic, there is also an internal reluctance to give into the healing process. It's like I'm too busy waiting for the other proverbial shoe to drop to actually rest and recover properly. My mind and body are in a state of constant fear and hypervigilance, so much so that anxiety renders me physically frozen yet mentally overexerted most days, desperately numbing in order to push away negative thoughts and emotions. This is as honest as I'm willing to go today in describing how dark and deep depression can feel, but one day soon, I hope to have the courage to do so. Today, I choose to focus on the lesson wrapped in this tough time. God is essentially saying, "shit or get off the pot". Like, either take time off work and truly indulge in rest, creativity, strength and conditioning, spirituality... like go all in.... or sit in bed every day and try to numb your way out of hell. There's a clear and obvious choice here, folks. "And now the teaching on yoga begins...", God says while gently laughing and smiling as he watches me figure it out, forever a happy Buddha who patiently waits for his student to master life's lessons.

So my game plan (meaning the incredibly ambitious idea I have in my head but have yet to execute on any consistent basis) is to do some of the things I love, like dive wildly, madly, and deeply into things that pique my curiosity, challenge me in a healthy way, and ignite my creative fire. Finding time daily to do this simple yet radical thing IS YOGA. At least, it's what I pray yoga will do for me. So, as often as I can, I will write, not just in the blog, but in my various notebooks and journals. I will cultivate a practice, hone this innate craft into something I can be proud of. And.... in order to hold myself "semi-accountable", I will use this blog as a way to chronicle my personal growth. And the Sutras, Patanjali's epic text on the yogic path to bliss, will be my guide... stay tuned

Of course, I won't actually publish any of it just yet, but, hey, maybe someday ...

Melancholy

2019-01-01T16:17:00.000-06:00

A student once used the word melancholy to describe me. To be fair, it was a complement, but I was shaken to the core by her ability to see me so clearly. In all my efforts to hide, she’d seen me after all… And melancholy was really the perfect word. Just like today’s grey and dreary skies. So unified am I with this unique brand of color that the hues have seeped in, blended seamlessly with my mood, so that the distinction between hearth and the outside world no longer exists. Instead, there is just a vast, endless expression of sadness, comforting in its embrace, familiar and easy company with which to pass the time today. No sun to blind or direct the gaze, no rain or snow to take shelter from, just a steel void that feels heavier and more meaningful than any gust of wind. Nothing strong enough to alter one’s course or direction, just a dripping mood of contented sorrow, and I, happy to reflect and observe its curves and mounds, happy to appreciate the beauty and the courage and the learnedness of sorrow… content because the secret is simply that the sorrow is where lessons are learned, maturity gained, locks greyed. These are the things that create the warmth, the knowing… And that is where my sweet former student’s complement lie, in the knowing how much visceral experience is tucked away in melancholy. In knowing that the book doesn’t get written without this wondrous mix joy and sorrow. It takes one to know one was my reaction to her complement. As she walked into my class more than a decade ago, I remember the sharp intake of breath, the up and down gaze of the eye that we both formidably provided for the other… sizing up, but only because we were both keenly aware of our similarities. I am thankful for her, for those encounters that remind us of how deeply connected human beings are. I hope that she is well. I hope that she is withstanding life’s storms. I hope that she has learned a thing or two along the way. I hope that on this grey and dreary day she is also letting the steely clouds seep indoors and envelope her. I hope she can smile through all the lessons, and give herself a warm, knowing hug. For never has there been a teacher more skilled than life itself.

Sticking my toe in the water

2017-10-24T08:15:00.001-05:00

Six years have gone by incredibly fast. When I started this blog, Abram, my youngest, was just a baby. I'd become a stay-at-home mom, and diet and exercise where at the forefront of my mind.

Oh, how things change.
I've gone back to work.... like four different schools in six years.....
I've moved... like three times and to two different states.....
I've gained weight and stopped exercising..... like twenty pounds people....

But what I've also done is mature.
I've learned to be kind to myself....
I've learned to own my mistakes....
I've learned to be more vulnerable....
I've learned to love more selflessly....
I've learned to be fearless and embrace whatever happens....

And it is in the spirit of what I'm learning that I "dip my toe" back in blog pond.
We'll see what happens....

Raw Bacon?

2012-02-13T13:03:00.000-06:00

I know,it sounds too good to be true, but I had an eggplant, and my How We Went Raw cookbook so I gave it a whirl. The results? Well, it doesn't really taste like bacon but the consistency and crunch is very similar. And the taste is wonderfully salty and sour! I've been using it on sandwiches all week! Absolutely delish!

Corn and Tomato Pizza on Onion Bread!

2012-02-11T09:39:00.000-06:00

Now that I've gone raw, I have less use for onions, but my coop gives me loads of them so I thought I'd make some onion bread! Big shout out to my husband for the best birthday gift ever: LEM 5 Tray Dehydrator with a timer!

Ingredients:

2 yellow onions
1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes
1 handful of cilantro
1/4 cup sunflower seeds, ground to a flour consistency
1 cup flax seed meal
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp agave
1 tbsp Noma Shoyu

Peel and chop onions into large chunks and place into a food processors or ninja. Add tomatoes and pulse until you have finely chopped onion (not liquid soup). Add cilantro (no need to chop first) and pulse a few more times until incorporated.

Pour onion mixture into a bowl, and add the two nut flours, oil and seasonings. Stir until well blended.
Line two dehydrator trays with non-stick dehydrator sheets and spread half of the mixture onto each tray. Place in the dehydrator at 145 degrees for an hour, then reduce temp. to 115 for 12 hours. Flip bread over and dehydrate for another five to ten hours, depending on how crunchy you like it.

I found that dehydrating in the evening works well, then you can flip the bread in the morning, and it will be ready by dinner time!

Now I digress.

I've tried really hard to resist the urge to over talk about this new raw diet I'm on. Because, lets face it, it's annoying! But, I have a close family member who is battling bone cancer, and I can't help but hope that a raw diet will help. So I went over to the house, armed with a few tasty recipes in the hopes of making him a believer! I brought my onion bread and this is what I made:

Corn and Tomato Pizza on Onion Bread:

Corn Salsa:
2 ears of corn, kernels removed
1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup cilantro
2 green onions, chopped fine
salt and pepper to taste
splash of balsamic vinegar

Other Ingredients:
Cashew Nut Cheese
Onion Bread

Spread cheese on the onion bread, then pile on the corn salsa!

This dish was a hit and everyone went back for seconds!

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Juice!!!!

2012-02-09T08:27:00.000-06:00

While I've tried to resist the urge to buy gadgets and appliances to support my raw diet, I've caved! I bought a juicer. I know I know..... but I found a refurbished Juiceman on Ebay for under 50.00 with free shipping so I had to buy it!
And folks, I have to say that this whole juicing thing has officially rocked my world.
My first juice was nothing more than a hodgepodge of things I had in the fridge:

3 celery stalks
3 large carrots
8 collard leaves
2 apples
1/2 a lemon

Delicious!
Party like a juice star, party like a juice star....

Oh, and my birthday is just a week away, so my husband bought me a dehydrator! Thanks to the best hubby in the world, I'm making Onion Bread and Raw Bacon right this very minute! Stay tuned for the recipes and pics!

Raw Chinese "Fried" Rice

2012-02-06T12:29:00.001-06:00

Though rice is definitely out of question for me right now, there is a great raw alternative: Cauliflower. If you pulse it a few times in your food processor, it breaks into small little pieces that have a rice-like texture and bite.

Ingredients

2 cups cauliflower florets
3-4 green onions, ends removed
2 tbsp Cashew Nut Cheese
1/2 tbsp (or more to taste) Chinese 5 Spice
1 tsp ground coriander seed
1 cup marinated veggies
Slivered almonds for garnish

Pulse the cauliflower and green onion in a food processor until it looks like rice. Set aside. In a large bowl add cashew cheese and spices and blend until incorporated. Add cauliflower and mash or spread the spiced cheese throughout until well mixed. Add marinated veggies and sprinkle with almonds!

Cashew Nut Cheese

2012-02-06T12:15:00.002-06:00

The key to raw cheese is to recapture the pungent tang of real cheese. How do you do that, you ask? Miso Paste and Nutritional Yeast. Miso Paste is basically fermented soy beans. It's salty, a little sweet, and it has a slight tang. Nutritional Yeast is a deactivated yeast that is dried and looks like instant mashed potato flakes. It's a great source of B12, and it also has a cheesy flavor. You can find both Miso Paste and N.Y at your health food store, Whole Foods, or online.

I try to make a batch of this each Sunday night, so I have it to grab throughout the week:

1.5 cups soaked cashews (soak for at least an hour)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 heaping tbsp of Yellow Miso Paste
1/2 cup water
1-3 tsp Nama Shoyu to taste

Blend ingredients in a food processor until creamy. The cheese will thicken once refrigerated.

Nuts, Enzymes, and Cheesecake, Oh My!

2012-02-03T10:44:00.002-06:00

Another common question I've gotten lately is "Don't you miss cooked food?" The answer is Hell Yeah! Yesterday was a perfect example. I'm a bit stressed. My oldest son is waiting to hear if he's been accepted to a college prep. school, my cycle is quickly approaching, I miss my husband (he's been traveling for work so much lately), and all I want to do is eat a big cheeseburger! What I already knew, and what I am reminded of constantly, is that I am an emotional eater! So, in order to get passed the stress, I decided to pick a new raw recipe, something decadent and seemingly sinful, and uncook it! So last night, I bypassed Wendy's, and went straight home to get to work!

The recipe comes from a great Raw cook book for beginners, How We All Went Raw.
The key to this cheesecake is lots of nuts. Only, when you are going raw, the nuts and seeds you use must be raw, not roasted or toasted, or pasteurized. You can find raw nuts and seeds in the bulk aisle of good groceries and health food stores.

Further, even raw nuts and seeds need a bit of work because most have natural enzyme inhibitors. The purpose of enzyme inhibitors is to protect the nuts and seeds by keeping them in a hibernation state until the right conditions for life begin to occur, like a heavy rain storm. Soaking nuts and seeds in a bowl of water is one way of "tricking" the enzyme inhibitors into thinking that it's time to let the seeds "wake up" and start to grow. Here is a chart that tells you how long to soak various nuts, seeds, raw grains, and legumes.

This recipe helped me to curbed my desire for fast food. Did I mention that I got so much enjoyment from just making it, that I didn't even have a slice until this morning! And folks, there's nothing more rewarding than having a slice of cheesecake for breakfast, and not feeling guilty about it!

Strawberry Cheesecake
For Crust:
In a food processor with an s blade, add:

2 cups pecans or walnuts (these do not need to be soaked). Blend into small pieces
Then add the following:
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup of dates, pitted and soaked in water for 5 min. to soften
1/4 cup of flax seed meal

Blend until it turns into a ball, but don't over blend. Place crust into a spring form pan, or a deep dish pie pan.

Cheese filling:
3 cups of cashew, soaked for several hours
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup agave
1/4 cup coconut butter ( the creamy butter that seperates from the water in a can of coconut milk) This ingredient is optional
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp sea salt

Blend in a food processor. You may add a tiny bit of water to the mixture to help incorporate the ingredients, but try to get by without it. Blend until extremely smooth, then pour mixture on top of the crust. Tap to pan to remove air bubbles.

Strawberry topping:

2 cups frozen strawberries

1 cup of pitted dates, soaked in water for 10 minutes

1/4 cup almond milk (may need a bit more to help incorporate all of the ingredients).

Blend all ingredients in food processor until smooth. Pour topping over cheesecake filling.

Freeze for several hours or until firm. Remove the whole cheesecake from the pan and serve while slightly frozen.

Marinated Veggies

2012-01-30T22:06:00.002-06:00

One of the quick things I've been doing is marinating my veggies! Its easy and I always have tasty veggies in the fridge to add to a salad! Here's the recipe:

2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1 tbsp soy sauce (use Nama Shoyu because it's raw and unpasteurized)
1/4 cup of cold press EVOO or water (especially if your trying to lose weight)
1/4 tsp of salt

Blend all of these ingredients in a blender and add them to 4 cups of your favorite raw chopped veggies, toss and marinate for at least an hour.

Last week I did this with broccoli, finely chopped mushrooms, red peppers, and shredded carrots. It was awesome. This week I tried cauliflower, yellow pepper, and carrots and I'm really liking it.

For lunch today, I made a layered salad. I put 2 tbsp of cashew nut cheese on the bottom of a plate. Then I topped it with a large handful of alfalfa sprouts. I loaded a heaping cup of marinated veggies on top of that, then sprinkled the top with mung bean sprouts and cheesy kale chips! It was amazeballs!

What are you eating?

2012-01-30T14:29:00.000-06:00

"What are you eating?" This is the first and most common question I've gotten from readers and friends about my new raw food diet. So I thought I'd spend some time talking about the food I ate over the last month.

The first thing that I discovered about the raw food diet is that gadgets and appliances reign supreme. While I appreciate all the bells and whistles, my raw food journey is too fresh to start investing in expensive juicers and dehydrators. So, I decided to do the next best thing, blend. I've got a decent blender, and a few months ago I purchased The Ninja Master Prep for 50.00 at wally world. I decided that if it couldn't be made with those two items I wasn't going to eat it.

Now, the raw food world promotes juicing because there is an immediate shock of nutrients and enzymes to the blood stream, without the hassle of fibers that need digesting. Why is this even important?

Because the whole idea of a raw food diet is to alleviate the stress that we place on our digestive system. If we eat foods that take hours and hours to digest (like cooked foods, and, worst of all, animal meat) then our body wastes precious energy on digestion instead of healing. Moreover, the less time it takes for our food to digest, the better our ability to lose weight, because our body has time to process the food instead of storing it as fat. Fruits and vegetables in their raw state are extremely high in enzymes and minerals, plus, our body digests them at a much quicker rate than cooked foods. Juicing goes a step further, eliminating the need to digest and supplying the body with the fuel it needs to heal other things that need attention. It is important to understand this basic principle, because it can make a huge difference in the choices you make when you sit down to eat. Here is a list of the fastest to longest foods to digest:

Juices and Water: 20-30 minutes
Soups, Fruits, or Smoothies: 30-45 minutes
Vegetables: 30-45 minutes
Grains, Starches: 2-3 hours
Beans, Poultry, Meat, or Fish: 3 or more hours

Armed with this info, and unarmed with a juicer, I reasoned that eating blended green smoothies would be a great first choice for my new diet. I blogged about my first attempt at the Green Monster Smoothie, and I've since added more to my original version. I add to a blender the following:

1 whole banana

1 handful each of kale and spinach

1 stalk of celery

1 small handful of cilantro, about 1/4 cup

1 small knob of fresh ginger, about a tbsp

2 cups of frozen fruit

2 pitted dates for sweetness

10 to 12 ounces of coconut water or plain water.

I blend that until its nice and smooth and this has been my breakfast (and sometimes lunch and dinner) for the last month. The burst of energy you get after drinking this smoothie is amazing!

Also, I want to be clear that fiber is actually a good thing! Its good fibers from veggies that aid in cleaning out your colon, so please eat as many raw fruits and veggies in their natural state! I just wanted to come up with one item each day that closely resembled juice so that I could speed up my weight loss. I started out drinking a lot of green smoothies, but now that I'm a bit more comfortable, I've moved on to many other choices that are delicious and also easy to make. I'll share some of those in my next post. Until then, feel free to send me an email or post a comment or question below! I am eager to chat about all of this with you!

RAW... how I lost ten pounds!

2012-01-29T17:38:00.000-06:00

So, I think that the general vibe I give off is "eccentric". You know, that crazy girl that listens to weird music,does Kundalini yoga, and is on some new health kick every time you talk to her...

Well...ah hem.... I'm at it again. This time, I've gone RAW.
Now, I have been reluctant to blog about my experience (I've been at it since the first of the new year) because I didn't want to share something that didn't work, or worse, label myself a RAW VEGAN and then fall off the wagon. So, my first request is that you not label me either, because, despite all of the great things I'm about to share with you, going raw is not easy, and I'm not going to do it perfectly all the time.

I don't really know how I decided to take this turn. I've heard about raw food for several years and I, even with all of my quirks, thought the whole movement was a bit extremist and bizarre. I think things started when I was researching detox methods online. I wanted to do a deep cleanse during the new year and I started by doing a juice fast for a few days. I then transitioned to green smoothies, which I loaded with spinach, kale, ginger, fresh fruit, and coconut water. When looking for green smoothie recipes, most of the websites I stumbled upon were promoting a raw diet. Not wanting to read through a bunch of technical jargon about nutrients, absorption rates, and digestion, I went to YouTube to see if anyone was talking about raw foods. Well, boy did I hit the mother load! The raw food movement was so well documented on YouTube that it has taken me weeks to sift through all of the stories and learn more. What I ultimately learned:

1. Raw foods help you to lose weight at an astonishingly fast rate! The pounds just melt away!
2. Raw foods not only help to detoxify the body, they can be a powerful tool in curing serious, life threatening, illnesses.
3. Raw foods can also help rejuvenate your body and your youthful beauty. Some women claim it is the key to turning back the clock of aging.

So, basically, that all sounds pretty great to me, so why not give it a shot.
Well, I've been at this diet for over three weeks (plus a short juice fast at the beginning of the month) and I've lost ten pounds. I had a few setbacks (a horrible craving for a Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich, and an odd desire for frozen pizza). But despite this,I've been almost 100% raw!

I know this whole thing may seem a bit abnormal, and because I'm so new to raw foods, I am not yet equipped with an arsenal of research to support my choice, but what I can tell you is this: It makes sense. We were created by god, and given fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to sustain us. Somehow, we have gotten away from this very basic fact, and in doing so, we've created a slew of health issues, weight issues, emotional issues that we then try to fix with man made narcotics. The cycle of abuse is endless, and the truth is, God has created a living, breathing world that is meant to sustain us, keep us in harmony with the earth and each other, and ultimately keep us living with respect and love for all things around us.

I'll keep you posted on how things are going. In the meantime, for more info on the raw food lifestyle, check out a few links:

http://www.youtube.com/user/liferegenerator?feature=watch
https://www.youtube.com/user/thedurianking?feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/user/Tonyazavasta?feature=watch
http://www.youtube.com/user/rawreform?feature=watch

You got the resolutions, I just got reservations...

2012-01-09T16:36:00.001-06:00

Let's face it, New Years resolutions can sometimes be futile. We recommit to a whole list of lifestyle changes and by February, we've hit a wall, and now have to eat our words. So this year, I'm taking Drake's lead, and saying NO to resolutions. Instead, I want to reaffirm an old one:

1. EAT CLEAN! Avoid the processed food! Basically, eating whole, natural foods instead of those that have been tampered with. So tomatoes are great, ketchup, not so much. If you are really trying to embrace this lifestyle, shop on the perimeter of the grocery store, and avoid the center aisles as much as possible.

What is all the fuss over clean eating anyway? In light of all the weight loss solutions and fad diets, scientists have proven one thing for certain, eating more plant based foods will not only help to maintain a healthy weight, but also aid in the prevention of heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol and diabetes. So by plant based, we mean fresh fruits (not the canned stuff loaded with corn syrup), fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and meats that have not been processed. Not only do plant based foods aid in good health, avoiding the chemicals used to preserve processed food is a smart choice. Studies have also confirmed that these man made chemicals are causing obesity, cancer, and a whole slew of other health problems. For a great article of the history of chemical processing in America go here: The Problem with Processed Food

Just remember that this change is gradual, and beating yourself up for having a bit of mustard on your processed hot dog isn't necessary. Just do what you can over time.

For me, this means giving up the beloved Crystal Light Wild Strawberry Energy Drink Powder that I use in my Morning Smoothie. It's loaded with aspartame, so even though I love the caffeine, I have to say goodbye. I've replaced it with a new concoction often referred to as the GREEN MONSTER. I know, not exactly calling your name, is it? Well, I will admit that this smoothie takes some getting used to, but its clean, loaded with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, and really quite yummy. Well, not as good as crystal light, but hey, my health is more important.

Ingredients:

1 cup Almond Milk

1/2 cup water
1 scoop Wheat Grass powder

1 scoop of Raw Meal Protein

1 tbsp ground flax seeds

2 Truvia sweetener packets (stevia)

1 large handful of spinach

1 cup frozen fruit of your choice

a few drops of coconut extract

Add the ingredients to the blender and puree. You can add ice if you like, but I like mine to have a thinner consistency.

White Beans and Kale

2011-12-31T10:44:00.000-06:00

I had a friend over for lunch, and decided to make a vegan meal to counteract all of the heavy food we've been eating over the holidays!

This recipe is rustic and the flavors are hearty, but you won't need to take a nap afterwords! Here's to eating well in the New Year. Enjoy!

Recipe serves 3 to 4

Ingredients
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup low sodium vegetable stock
1/2 lb of kale (half of a pre-washed bag, or 6-8 leaves washed and torn)
1 can of cannelloni (white) beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons chopped yellow onion
1 heaping tbsp of chopped garlic (or more, you can't over do it)
3 tbsp of toasted pine nuts
3 tbsp dried cranberries
1 tsp of EVOO and Pam spray
salt and pepper to taste
A splash of soy sauce

Place a small sauce pan over high heat and add quinoa. Allow quinoa to lightly toasted over a high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Allow quinoa to cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Quinoa should be dry and fluffy when ready.

In a medium saute pan or wok, add oil and a few good sprays of Pam. When hot, add onions and saute for 2 minutes, then add garlic and saute for an additional minute. Add drained beans, cranberries, and pine nuts and cook for 3 to five minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking.

Before you add the Kale to the pan, make sure to remove any large pieces of stalk from the leaves, as they will not soften when cooked.

Add kale to the pan (it will be overflowing at first but Kale cooks down to almost nothing once it is exposed to heat, so be patient). Toss with the bean mixture so that the Kale begins to wilt. Add a few splashes of soy sauce and continue to toss until your kale has cooked down (3 to 5 minutes).

Serve 1/2 a cup of quinoa with 1 cup of Beans and Kale.

How to Be Alone

2011-12-31T09:22:00.002-06:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted but a family vacation, a failed house swap, and the holidays have kept me busy.

I ran across this wonderful video titled "How to Be Alone". While I am certainly a proponent of good company, I also think there is magic in the quality time we spend with ourselves....

With the New Year quickly approaching, I am resolved to get a little closer to myself, and in turn, the world around me.

Love the Journey

2011-11-16T09:43:00.001-06:00

Photo By Kira Zilla

My morning has turned into a ritual of sorts. I wake, read my bible, pray, drink a smoothie, then run.

Sounds like a lot to do before 9am, and the first day was tough, so was the second day... But overtime, I've noticed that I am lost without it. Here is what it does for me:
1. Reading my Bible and praying helps to prepare me spiritually for the day ahead. I am centered afterward, and I am left with clarity about how to approach the day and the tasks ahead. Moreover, I am reminded each morning that today is all that matters, and living it fully, with love and piece of mind are paramount.

2. My breakfast smoothie is not only a boost of caffeine for energy, it's a metabolism boost as well. Eating breakfast in the morning is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy weight.

3. Running in the morning has become a way to love myself. I wake up and tell myself that today, because I love myself enough, I am going to take care of my body. I am going to give it the attention it needs to be at its best, which in turn makes me better. I'm learning to see exercise as a necessary part of honoring the temple that God created.

Ultimately, I am learning to love the journey, not the destination. I am so thankful for that.

Abundance

2011-11-14T10:01:00.001-06:00

I joined a local coop recently, and I was in absolute awe of the abundance of goodness that comes from the earth. I am reminded today that we have everything we need for sustenance right at our fingertips... food, family, love. The rest...well, it's just not that important.

Community Helpings Coop

You're closer than you think

2011-10-29T10:24:00.001-05:00

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. (Galatians 6:9)

I read this today and found resolve. Resolve to continue writing. Resolve to continue eating well. Resolve to stay active. Resolve to love when it is difficult. Resolve to nurture and uplift when others shut down. Resolve to finding peace and joy in the doing rather than in the outcome.
We are all much closer than we think... Closer to success, closer to healing, closer to the divinity that lives deep inside.

There Go I

2011-10-21T10:49:00.002-05:00

I've started a secondary blog. Why, because I am consumed with more than food right now, and I need to write about it. I created a tab to this new blog, it's called There Go I. Please read it, and post your comments and thoughts. Thanks

Oats: More than Just Breakfast

2011-10-20T12:54:00.002-05:00

The worst part about dieting is you never really feel full.... You know, gut busting, time for a nap, full. While my rational mind tells me it's not healthy to ignore your body's attempt to warn you that you've overdone it, years of thanksgiving dinners left their imprint and I don't feel satisfied until my tummy is stuffed.
So what's the solution? Oats!

Oats happen to be a very versatile, high fiber, low glycemic index carb that can help keep you full longer, and give you energy. Moreover, you can prepare oats as a savory dish. This one comes in at 190 calories and packs a punch of flavor.

Ingredients:

2 Handfuls of Frozen Green Beans, cooked
1 cup of shredded carrot
1/2 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup peanuts or cashews
1 and 1/4 cup of rolled oats (not instant)
1 and 3/4 cup of chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
1 tsp olive oil
1 scant tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp onion powder

1. salt and steam frozen green beans until fork tender

2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add oil. Toast oats and nuts for a minute

3. Add veggies, spices, and stock. Bring to a boil

4. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for five minutes. Veggies should be tender and the oats should absorb all the liquid.

Now enjoy

If you'd like to add protein, eat this dish with scrambled eggs, grilled chicken or fish, or you can add a scoop of flavorless whey protein.

Life Goes by on the Talahina Sky....

2011-10-19T08:52:00.003-05:00

view of rolling mountains from the dining area

Two of my good friends got married a few weeks ago. The wedding, which I initially planned to blog, was a magical experience. Because I didn't take many photos (I've included the ones I did take), I thought I would refer you an amazing blog to see first hand how enchanting the wedding was:

Susan and William Brinson are, above all things, artists who live to create and inspire. Their blog, House of Brinson, is a living, breathing, testament to their philosophy on life, design, food, and everything in between. The best part? Each delicious photograph is done by William, himself. Enjoy: House of Brinson

far left: the gift table was styled with tree branches christened with photos of the couple and their families

right: custom menu's showcased pulled pork, grilled tenderloin, and all the fixin's

On a quirky side note, I often take mental snapshots of my personal experiences, and pair them with music. Each time I think of Emily and Jeremiah's wedding, The Kings of Leon's lovely melody Talahina Sky starts playing in my head.... If you were at the wedding and know the song, I hope you agree with my choice:

Where do you go from here?

2011-09-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

Today, after my bout with cookies and ice cream this week, I logged onto Body Rock TV to get my daily workout and I discovered a post from Freddy that was not only freakishly timely, but insightful, inspiring, and just what I needed to hear. I hope his words inspire you, as well. And if they do, take some time and check out the Body Rock TV website. It's free, amazingly helpful, and loaded with the tools you need to help transform your life:

Hi BodyRockers,

There are 3 directions that you can go from here.

1. Backwards. You can continue to do nothing to strengthen yourself, nothing to flex your determination, and watch as not just your body erodes but also the essential pieces of your inner self (namely your confidence, self esteem and sense of self worth) begin to flake off month by month and eventually break off in larger pieces. This path requires the least amount of exertion on your part, but it is by far the most painful. No matter what facade you put on it, there is a creeping pain that sets in when you turn your back so completely on your true potential in life. No matter how hard we try and ignore it mentally by distracting ourselves, or layer it over to insulate this deeply seeded pain, it becomes often so tender that people find themselves desperate to rid themselves of it.

2. Just holding on. You can hold your ground and for every step forward you usually take one back and vice versa. You are in that “safe zone” that we like to refer to as “normal” or “average”. You train sporadically, always seem to have an extra 5-10 pounds to lose, are always on “the verge” of realizing your higher potential, but seem to quit every time you see the faint outline of the changes you desire in yourself starting to take shape in the bathroom mirror. You have repeated this cycle so often that it has become a familiar dance, and you are beginning to harbour secret doubts that you might never achieve the breakthrough that you have been holding yourself back from for so long now. It’s frustrating and can be painful in it’s own right, but what do you really have to complain about – you are “normal” right? It’s too bad that you can’t shake that deep feeling that something is missing, and something wonderful is just beyond your grasp…

3. You train like a warrior – discipline is a constant choice, and sometimes it can be a fierce struggle, but this, just like the muscles in your body is becoming honed with repeated use. You get knocked down and back, but you always rise up and pick up the challenge. Completing our short daily BodyRocking sessions is a practice that represents so much more to you than just exercise. You can feel that “beating your personal best” has started to apply to all the areas of your life that were previously lacking energy and commitment. The effort, perseverance and strength that you have been developing in your workouts flow with growing intensity into your sense of self worth and it doesn’t stop there. You are more nimble at work and everything from your relationships to the farthest touch points of your life feel infused with greater potential.When you are living your life and you know that you are giving the pursuit of your dreams your max effort, there comes a profound sense of fulfilment that nourishes you in a way that makes life feel grand. It’s not about a dress size or a number on a scale – it’s about training for a life well lived.

Where are you?

Keep rocking,
Freddy

Check out my Exercise Journal to see what BodyRock TV exercises I do each day or visit the BodyRock TV site yourself!

Off the Rails: My battle with Willpower

2011-09-29T09:43:00.002-05:00

It started Monday night....

All in all, Monday was a great day. I woke, made an amazing veggie plate with eggs and cheese (only 110 calories) and I did my Body Rock TV workout first thing! I was on a role. I even took my daughter out for a girls day, we painted ceramics! Dinner was also divine: Pan seared chicken with a cranberry wine glaze, sauteed kale, and oat cakes (350 calories).

But then, Monday evening, a great friend of mine came over to see the baby and she brought a warm Garlic and Herb Cheese dip with walnuts that made me lose my mind..... Cracker after delicious cracker made its way into my mouth. At one point I looked over at the half eaten container of dip and apologized profusely for my overindulgence! I was utterly out of control.

I'd like to say it ended there but it didn't. The next day I had a bout with Shortbread Girl Scout Cookies. The cookies won..... And then yesterday, my son only missed one answer on the constitution test and got one of the top grades in class. He deserved a treat, so I let him pick dinner (Taco Bell) and I took him to Cold Stone for dessert. I managed to avoid the fast food by eating my dinner before we left (Shrimp with Butternut Squash Pasta).

Cold Stone Creamery was a different story.

So here I am, three days later, feeling incredibly guilty and discouraged. I have to give myself a pep talk to get through this slump, so here it is:

Yesterday is over! Done, finito! What I have, is this glorious morning. The sun is shining, my children are happy, and I am so blessed. Further, I've kept up my workout religiously, and despite a few missteps, my diet has been under control. So I may not lose ten pounds before my friends wedding. In fact, that goal was probably not realistic to start. What I do know, however, is that slow and steady wins the race. If I keep doing my thing, I will lose the weight. And until then, the benefits of may labor are already staring me right in the face: I'm happier, I have more energy, and I'm not nearly as moody as I used to be. And that, right now, is enough.

In order to reaffirm my intentions, I've jotted down my diet plan so others can see what I am doing to lose the weight. Check it out: My Diet Plan.

Join the conversation!

Is Kombucha Tea a Magical Elixir?

2011-09-26T11:39:00.001-05:00

For years I've heard about a magical Tea elixir that all the celebrities use to lose weight. I wasn't sure what it was, but I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Well, about a year ago I finally found what I was looking for. It's called Kombucha and I found it at my local health food store. I quickly purchased a bottle and popped it open; my mouth watered in anticipation. What I tasted was NOT the magic that I envisioned. Sweet and sour notes hit my tongue first, and then just plain vinegar. I was so jolted by the flavor that I checked the label to make sure it hadn't expired. Because I spent nearly 4 dollars on the sixteen oz. bottle, I took it home and put it in the fridge. I thought, "I'll try again later, maybe it will grow on me." My husband beat me to the chase and said, "Hey, babe, that tea you bought has gone bad.... make sure you throw it away." Ha, that was my first and last experience with Kombucha, until recently.

Once I had the baby I began revisiting all of my weight loss options. When I researched Kombucha, I learned several things. One, the drink has been praised for its antioxidants and many believe that drinking the tea can not only keep you healthy, but can fight against any number of ailments, like diabetes, ulcers, arthritis, depression and anxiety.... The list goes on. Two, the tea can boost metabolism, improve energy and help alleviate hunger. The thing about Kombucha, however, is that it is NOT a magical elixir that can cure ANYTHING! It brings the body back into balance so that it may heal itself naturally. That is how it is able to do so much – because it works with your body’s natural immune system. Most sites recommended drinking 4 to 8 oz. over an entire day and overtime, increasing your intake to 16 to 32 oz. a day.

For me, the one thing I needed was a drink to help alleviate hunger. I thought, if I can drink a tea that helps me through cravings, then I am willing to give it a try. So, loaded with all of this new information, I decided to give the tea another chance, and this time I was determined to get through one whole bottle before making a judgement.

I tried the Synergy Trilogy, which is 95% Kombucha Tea and 5% fruit juice. The first sip was just as I remembered it, but I kept sipping, and an hour later I was finished with half the bottle. What I noticed was:
1. I got used to the flavor and really began to enjoy its refreshing bite
2. I was no longer hungry
3. I had a ton of energy that wasn't there before.

I stored the rest of the bottle in the fridge, intending to drink it the next day, but after several hours, I was craving it, and I finished off the bottle that evening. Then, I went back to the store and bought about 6 more.

So far, I've tried to drink one bottle a day, but sometimes I finish off two bottles because I love the taste and the way it makes me feel.

Now, before making a glowing recommendation, you should know that the tea does have some noteworthy skepticism attached to it:

Beware of Home Brewed Teas

1.Kombucha is made from fermenting sweetened tea and live bacteria. The result is a tea brimming with natural pro-biotics, enzymes, and low levels of alcohol. So, you should avoid giving this drink to children.
2. Aside from some very early research from Russia, there have been no clinical trials done and little scientific research exists to support the health benefits that so many drinkers describe.
3. Home-brewed batches of the tea can contain harmful bacteria and should be avoided. Stick to the brands you can find at the store.
4. Unfortunately, the bottles that you find in the super market are a bit pricey, so drink conservatively, and budget your intake so you don't go broke!

A Hearty Helping: A Quick and Filling Low-Calorie Chili

2011-09-23T18:24:00.002-05:00

Suddenly I need a light jacket when I leave the house, and I've finally turned off the air conditioner. The weather has taken a turn and fall is quickly upon us. For me, nothing says autumn like a warm pot of chili. Lucky for us all, my version is rich and hearty and at only 270 calories, it's also guilt free.
I made this for dinner tonight, and everyone was scraping the bottom their bowl.

A quick side note: There are few fat free and low fat products on the market that actually taste like the real deal. But I have found a few that really do fool the taste buds.
1. Breakstone's Fat-Free sour cream - it is so rich you'll stand up in the middle of dinner to go check the label and make sure you bought the right one!
2. Cabot's Reduced Fat Cheese - I like the 75% reduced fat sharp cheddar. You will be amazed at how flavorful it is.
3. Vitalicious Vitatops - these 100 calorie treats come in a variety of flavors. I've used the corn muffin for this meal, but you have to try the Double Chocolate Vitatop. It's a big, chocolaty serving of cake, but with only 1.5 grams of fat and 100 calories. This is your answer to those late night chocolate cravings.

Ingredients:
1 pound of lean ground turkey
1 green pepper
1 cup of onions (5 oz)
4-6 cloves of garlic
1 28oz can of whole tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 and 1/2 cups of chicken stock
1 cup tomato juice
3 tbsp chili powder ( I used 2 tbsp of mild, and 1 tbsp spicy)
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and Pepper to taste
5 Vitalicious Vitatop Golden Corn Muffins
2 and 1/2 oz of Cabot Reduced-Fat sharp cheddar
5 tbsp of fat-free sour cream

Spray a large, deep skillet with Pam Olive Oil spray, add turkey and cook until brown. Add peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, stock, tomato juice, and spices. Stir and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the black beans, seasons with salt and pepper, and return to a simmer for another 10 minutes. This chili makes 5 servings at 270 calories. But, if you want to make this even more delightful, keep reading.
Serve the chili over a Vitatop Corn muffin, sprinkle the top with a 1/2 oz of reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, and add a tablespoon of Breakstone's fat-free sour cream.
With all of that indulgence, this meal is only 415 calories. Enjoy!