Giving It Up

Are you like me? Do you have a "guilty stash" that you keep in your house, just in case? I do, and while its contents may vary depending on sales, my mood at the time I was in the store, and shelf life, my "guilty stash" is always there, sometimes on the very top shelf and sometimes displayed in plain view on top of my mini-fridge. I thought I would write about it tonight, though, because there is something I've been contemplating doing and I'm not sure I'm ready to do it yet.

See, I would like to completely get rid of my "guilty stash." Throw it out, eat it up, give it away, but once it's gone, it is gone for good. Now that is a scary thought. I'm not sure I can manage without it. What if I'm feeling stressed, sad, lonely, or angry? How will I console myself or feel good about myself? What if visitors drop by unexpectedly and expect a treat? What if I'm watching a movie and I suddenly feel like snacking, or I get a craving for a certain type of food?

My "guilty stash" this week includes 1/2 Toblerone bar (I've already eaten the other half), 1 big bag of salt and pepper potato chips (stuck on the very top shelf over the sink), 3 fig bars (they say natural, but I think each packet is 380 calories, and there's about 6 bites in each packet), a small jar of vegenaise, 6 tins of dolmades (not sure if they fall into this category, because they are healthy, but also drenched in oil), and a wide assortment of granola bars and crackers. I know, you're looking at my list and thinking, "What is she so worried about? I have twelve Reese's Whipps in my freezer so I won't eat them all once, a box of Costco brownies, 6 doughnuts, and a whole apple pie in a Trader Joe's paper bag in the corner of my closet." Well, unfortunately, I tend to overeat anything that isn't healthy for me, so it really makes no difference if it is a chocolate bar or a granola bar. Oh yes, and I've been there in your shoes as well. I've had all those foods on that second list of junk food and more, sitting in my room at one time.

So here's my thought. I am still gearing up emotionally to do this, but I've been thinking about it for some time now. I'd like to get rid of everything that isn't real food. You know exactly what I mean. Empty calories, substitutes for regular meals, consolation prizes. I can't eat it all first, because not only will I be putting on the pounds, once I've eaten the food, I will want to buy some more and the cycle will continue. My theory behind all of this rather frightening plan is that if I have only healthy food to eat in my house, I won't overeat. It's easy to eat 12 brownie bites in a row, but it isn't easy to eat a whole box of cherry tomatoes. After about 10 tomatoes, I start to feel full and my tastebuds are telling me I need to find something else to eat! Somehow I wonder if God made natural foods that way, so we would be healthier people.

I still have a day or two to think about it, but now that it's out there for everyone to read, I think I shall have to follow through. This could be really exciting!

Walking Down the Road

Okay, so it really isn't easy, this whole weight-loss thing! I am now seeing why, over the years when I tried and tried to lose weight, it didn't work. Here are some of the ways I have found it doesn't work:

• Eat snacks, preferably mid-morning, before supper, and late at night. 
• Use liberal amounts of spreads and dressings on your food.
• Have dessert every day.
• Eat out at least once a week.
• Have a minimum of two servings at each meal.
• Fill your plate with protein and carbs.
• Make chocolate, fried foods, and icecream your major food groups.
• Spend your leisure time in front of the TV.
• Get your exercise by walking to and from the fridge.
• Drive to work, even if you live 2 minutes walk from your office.

I will be the first to admit that I have good days and I have bad days. On good days, I eat oatmeal for breakfast, one serving at lunchtime, and soup or salad for supper. On bad days I have a granola bar for breakfast, two servings and dessert at lunchtime, and a sandwich liberally spread with vegenaise for supper, along with an evening snack of chocolate and potato chips while I watch a movie and think about how many calories I am eating.

As I look back over this past year, when I determined to become serious about becoming a healthier person, I am proud of how far I've come. I also recognize that I still have a ways to go. But that's okay. See, it's all about the journey. For me, my journey is to emotional wholeness, and a big part of that is taking care of myself through exercise and good nutrition. Maybe you have a different journey, but wherever you are going, know this: you are worth it and you can do it.

Here's an easy fun recipe for yummy home-made sushi. I will admit, it is time-consuming and if you're in a hurry, you may prefer to pick up some already-made vegetarian rolls at Trader Joe's. If you're feeling adventurous, though, try these out. They taste even better than the Trader Joe's kind! 

   1 1/2 cups of short-grain white rice
   2 1/4 cups of water
   Sesame oil
   Salt
   1 packet of seaweed (the seasoned kind is best, though pricier)
   1/2 English cucumber, cut into thin strips
   1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips
   1 avocado, cut into long pieces
   Braggs' Aminos
   Wasabi paste (optional)

Cook rice by bringing to the boil, covering and simmering until done (about 15-18 minutes). Spread out on a cutting board and mix in sesame oil and salt to taste. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon. Take one sheet of seaweed and spread a thin layer of rice over it, leaving a bit empty at one end. Lay down several slices of cucumber and carrot, or cucumber and avocado, then roll up the seaweed. You can run a bit of water on the empty edge, just to make sure it sticks. Cut into five pieces, then serve with Braggs' and wasabi paste for dipping. (wasabi paste is fiery hot, so dab the smallest amount on your sushi).

Calories ~ 125-50 per roll.

No Oil, No Fat, No Nuthin', Really

So this week it's going to be a no oil and no fat week. Sigh. I know it's good for me, but I really don't want to do it! Do you know how many foods have hidden fats and oils in them? My mom and I decided we would give it a whirl, just for a week, because anyone can do anything for a week. And we're not going to be religious about it, but we're going to do the best that we can. I've already broken the rule. I made sushi today, and you can't make sushi with at least some oil in it. But doesn't the brain need some oil to function properly?

I'm excited, though. Tomorrow I'm going to try to get in my five miles again, because that's gone by the wayside since I went on holiday for a month and managed to sprain my toe last week by falling on it due to some slippery gravel. Exercise really is beneficial, and I know I always feel better after I've had a good workout. It's also time to stop being comfortable with my weight where I'm at and start working on the next goal! It's really not that far away, either, it's just that I much prefer to stay in my little comfortable "zone" instead of put some hard effort into it!

Here's to an exciting week that hopefully (fingers crossed) will be reflected on the scales in a few days' time!

Recipe: Vegan Berry Tart

Growing up, we would visit a little bakery in Egypt, La Palma, where we could choose miniature fruit-tarts for special occasions, like birthdays. This recipe, created with my mom's direction, is modeled off those tarts.

   1 whole wheat pie crust, unbaked (I used Maple Lane Bakery pie crusts)
   1/2 cup chocolate chips
   1 package soy vanilla pudding (I used Dr. Oetker Organics)
   Fresh berries (I used raspberries and blackberries)
   Fruit jam

Follow directions for baking the pie crust as unfilled. Be sure to prick holes in the crust's bottom so it won't bubble up. Melt the chocolate chips in a double-boiler, or in a small pan held over a larger pan with boiling water. Mix chips vigorously until they have melted into a smooth paste. Pour the chocolate into the baked crust and carefully smooth all around so it forms a chocolate crust. Put it into the freezer to cool. Meanwhile, follow directions for making the soy vanilla pudding, but reduce the soy milk by 1/4 to 1/8 of a cup. As soon as the chocolate has frozen solid, pour pudding in and smooth out. Cover pie with a layer of clingfilm so a crust won't form on the pudding. Put in the fridge to cool. When cooled, decorate with berries. I sliced berries in half lengthwise, then placed on the pie in a circular pattern, alternating raspberries with blackberries. If pre-rinsing the berries, let them dry out properly before placing on the pie. (I didn't, so the top of my pie was slightly soggy!) Melt a couple of tablespoons of jam in a small pan, then using a pastry brush, glaze the berries. Cool in the fridge, then serve with Soy Whip cream!

Calories ~ 250 calories per piece of pie, not including Soy Whip.

   

Recipe: Sweeeeet Oatmeal

This is a super simple recipe to make and you can change it up any way you like. I originally created it to have a breakfast recipe that was quick to make and a good every day option. The best part is that this recipe has no added sugar but it tastes really good and does tide you over till lunchtime.

   1 cup soymilk
   1/2 cup instant oats
   Your favourite fruit (ie. blueberries, raspberries, apples, bananas)
   Wheatgerm, oatbran, flaxmeal
   6 sliced dates or a handful of raisins
   1 Tbsp almond butter, or handful of nuts
   Sprinkle of cinnamon

Bring the milk to a boil, then add the oats. Stir for a minute or two, just until the oats start to break down. Add other ingredients and stir well. Enjoy!

Calories ~ 600
  

Eureka!

I think I have finally found the magic key that leads to a healthy lifestyle. It's what I've known all alone and yet have been kicking and screaming and fighting every step of the way. So here it is:

   Live Healthy

It makes sense, doesn't it? If you want to be a healthy person, you will need to make healthy choices, which will lead to living a healthy lifestyle. While it sounds all too easy, in reality, if you have spent a good portion of your life making unhealthy choices, it may be a bit of a challenge to change your regular every day habits. That is the one thing about habits, they are automatic and require little or no thinking. You sit down in front of the TV, you feel hungry, so you get up and grab a bowl of salsa and sit back down with a bag of tortilla chips. Or it's the end of a stressful morning at work, and the first thing in your mouth at lunchtime is a doughnut or a chocolate brownie.

For the past year, I have been steadily working on learning how to be a healthier person. There have been setbacks, I have found myself binging on sweet and salty foods, holidays and birthdays have brought the usual excuse to overeat, I've slept in on mornings when I should have been pounding the cement and getting in my miles for the day, but through all the challenges, I have determined to get back up and keep on going. I'm pleased to report that though I haven't accomplished all I set out to do, I have been successful.

I've learned a few lessons along the way, and I know I will be learning many more as I continue. Here are a few tips I'd like to share that may be helpful:

• Have regular mealtimes, eat a good breakfast, don't snack, and drink two liters of water a day. Start your morning with a glass of water and drink a glass of water thirty minutes before lunch and supper.
• Eat as much soup and salads as you can. I just discovered salads for supper and I'm really excited about it.
• Indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables. Find out what you like to eat and stock up on those fruits and vegetables, instead of buying what you think you should eat out of duty and watching it turn limp and mouldy in the fridge and then throwing everything out. 
• Establish a regular exercise routine and find a buddy to exercise with. Try to exercise at least four times a week if possible.
• When eating out or on holiday, plan to keep your weight consistent (it isn't realistic to try to lose weight). Eat slowly, it really helps!

I'm now working on the whole "fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables" part of living healthy. Part of that is becoming aware of what is really in your food, the processed foods at least. Looking at the ingredients list of some items has me putting them back on the shelf at the grocery store in a hurry, after all, I don't want to be eating something that has about 30 ingredients in it, most of which are artificial or preservatives! One way I am trying to train my taste buds is by eating breakfast oatmeal without added sugar. I started by eating those instant oatmeal packets, two of them, with added nuts and things. But after a really high blood pressure reading at Walmart gave me a bit of a scare (okay, so it is an automated machine, it was the end of the day, and I had just finished eating at an Indian restaurant!), I decided I needed to take a very serious look at my eating habits. I started eating regular oatmeal for breakfast, and just yesterday I stocked up on cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries so I have plenty to make my oatmeal as tasty as possible.

You may think that it is too expensive to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly the more exotic kinds. While I used to think so too, I also know that I have no problem buying a bag of chips for $2.99, a box of chocolate brownies for $5.99, and a handful of chocolate bars at the checkout, taking me well over the $10.99 I paid for three pounds of cherries at Costco the other day. It all depends on what my priorities are. Should I buy a candy bar or a green bell pepper for 50 cents? Should I put a can of soda or three bananas in my shopping cart?

Living healthy can be challenging at times, but I work at a place where I see on a daily basis what happens when people don't make wise decisions about their health. High blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and the list goes on. It is one reason why I have been more serious about choosing to exercise and eat healthier. And I'm pleased to say that it is worth it.