Life Lately ... again
We've been working at
moving around rooms in the house. Is that normal? Or do we have too much space
and time on our hands? I could just be restless like that. I seem to torture my
husband continuously with moving things around. Anyways, our "front
room/dogs room" is now becoming space for books crafts and my computer. I
have to say it looks and feels great. You know how when you walk into a room
and the atmosphere is just, hell yeah! This room has got it going on! The kids have been really enjoying it, playing the board games and using crafts. I think it is just more welcoming to them.
One set back... We have to set up an appointment to get a new connection in the
room for our internet. Dish stole the line for our tv? Switched it outside at
the box as opposed to setting up their own... I'm not very amused.
My office is becoming a play room. We're going to try out not having toys in
kids rooms and see how it works out for them.
In continuing to work on donations/minimizing/liberating from our bursting at
the seams house we tackled our closet, my clothes and my husband's. Apparently
I "squirrel away" things in the closet. I found an unopened box of
contact lenses, which means the eye appointment I've needed all month is
getting pushed back. I also found long lost leggings, too many belts, and
multiple children's teeth. I'm not going to know who's teeth are whose... does
that stuff even matter? Do people keep kids teeth? My son has informed me that
he thought that I just threw them away. Maybe that's a sign?
With cleaning up, cleaning out, and moving around the house I have other plans
in mind as well. The girls room is getting a full make over. I'm excited to get
to it and I think they will love it. My son's room will be getting a lift as
well but his will come next.
After 9 months of embracing
a vegetarian diet and a few long conversations we've decided to include meat in
our diets again. I don't have excuses for such a decision. It really just
seemed like the best option for our needs, dietary and otherwise. I still fully
support vegetarian and vegan diets/lifestyles, no ifs ands or buts about it! I've
always played a fairly neutral role with these sorts of decisions because it is
so personal. We spent the last week enjoying the meals and meats that we had
missed. Rachel - the very worst aspiring vegan.
I have been reading about
the Whole30 and I believe I will be setting a start date in the near future. It
kind of eliminates all those extra terrible things(sugar, grains and legumes)
that have taken over my diet lately or made me feel awful.
That's life lately for us.
How are you? What have you been doing? Do you have any projects this year?Are you on a new diet in this new year?
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Food is Everything!
It was recently brought to my
attention that some people do not teach their children how to cook.
Cooking
with your children is really something you need to start doing from an early
age that way your child accepts it as something they need to know, like riding
a bike and reading. When you introduce your children early on to kitchen things
they will will continue to acknowledge your tips and techniques all through
their childhood and teen years.
In my mind I feel that
this goes back to previous posts I have written about giving your children the
tools necessary to succeed in life. Why wouldn't you teach your children to
cook? You teach them to do other things right? How I see it, you are what you eat and it is so important to be a
peach. Okay, maybe not a peach but at least be something you can pronounce most
of the time! If you do not teach your children how to cook, select food
and allow them to learn through your own examples they may not make very good
food choices when they grow up.
Food is everything. Food is what makes us strong, nourishes our bones, hydrates our organs, and lessens the risks of certain cancers. Food is also what contributes to obesity, poor growth, worsens illnesses, causes digestive problems, cancer, and poor sleeping habits. You have the good with the bad and as a parent it is your responsibility to be healthy for your children. To show them how you care for yourself and to teach them the same habits. Do you want your kids to grow up to be overweight or develop colon cancer or do you want your children to grow up with lower risks of having cancer and osteoporosis?
Maybe I am a bit extreme and maybe I take it too far. Perhaps, my children will grow up and leave the nest and binge on soda and pizza and perservative filled desserts that come in a box. That's their choice, I won't like it but if that is what they choose to do after an upbringing of healthy eating and good foods... they'll fast learn that mommy knows best.
All this talk of food made me
hungry. A hard boiled egg, yogurt, and a glass of water. Really... I'll show
you...
So
there you have my middle of the night snack time. For tonight anyway, some
nights are not so healthy. I must admit after purchasing the yogurt I read the
label... artificial sweetener... really!? Why is that even necessary? I have
made homemade yogurt; I didn't even add sugar to it. It's not necessary! I
won't be buying that again.
I have to get creative these days with gluten being 100% evil. I slip up a lot but I really am trying and I think that's probably the most important thing. If you try, your children will try to. If you burn something, let them know that it happens to the best of us. Eliminate their fears by not being perfect at what you're teaching them. Many children and teenagers are scared to try new things because of the fear of failure. Reassure them, that if they burn something or add the wrong seasoning, it is not the end all of their cooking career. It is a lesson learned. Tell them a story of something you made when you were just starting that ended in disaster.
Remember to have fun and,
food is EVERYTHING, but not everything is food.
No eating tv-watching puppies!
No eating tv-watching puppies!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Confessions & Thoughts of a Guilty Meat Eater
Today I was disturbed by a photo of some animals. First they were all happy in green grass. Cows, Chicks, Pigs. Followed by the reality of what their living conditions are really like. Ending with photos of mass slaughtering.
I have issues with meat and I try my hardest not to think about it, where it comes from, and the truth of what makes Jello, Jello.
I am speaking from a place where if I am standing in the grocery store with my last $20 bill. I would get vegetables, fruits, and grains. A man would probably buy meat and at the price of meat... wouldn't have very much food to eat over the next couple of days.
So now what I am saying is that the economy is pretty harsh and with the cost of food you would think that more people would eat less meat than they do. But that's not the case it seems. I can see that people would eat more fatty cuts of meat that are less expensive. You know, fatty red meat that is more likely to clog arteries, contribute to obesity, and lead to cancer. Regular ground beef is the cheapest kind of meat you can come across. But did you know that they add chemicals to your meat because its filthy? Because if they don't then the instances of meat related sickness would be far more frequent.
I eat meat. I don't like that I eat it but I do. I would eat less but this gluten free stuff is kinda hard on me so I've been chowing down on chickens a lot. I guess this could be something I would like to do less of in the future. Maybe it will be a goal?
I did the whole vegetarian thing a while back... a year ago actually and I felt amazing but was not entirely convinced it was a good idea.
I guess the point of this post, is that when I allow myself to think about it eating meat makes me feel bad, sad, and guilty.
How can something that makes you feel so badly be good for you? I'm trying to sift through this one.
Do you think about where your food comes from? Do you feel any certain way about it?
Those "Two Chicks In A Hot Tub" were neglected by my tummy... the chest cavity was tiny tiny small... like abused obese chickens would be.
I have issues with meat and I try my hardest not to think about it, where it comes from, and the truth of what makes Jello, Jello.
I am speaking from a place where if I am standing in the grocery store with my last $20 bill. I would get vegetables, fruits, and grains. A man would probably buy meat and at the price of meat... wouldn't have very much food to eat over the next couple of days.
So now what I am saying is that the economy is pretty harsh and with the cost of food you would think that more people would eat less meat than they do. But that's not the case it seems. I can see that people would eat more fatty cuts of meat that are less expensive. You know, fatty red meat that is more likely to clog arteries, contribute to obesity, and lead to cancer. Regular ground beef is the cheapest kind of meat you can come across. But did you know that they add chemicals to your meat because its filthy? Because if they don't then the instances of meat related sickness would be far more frequent.
I eat meat. I don't like that I eat it but I do. I would eat less but this gluten free stuff is kinda hard on me so I've been chowing down on chickens a lot. I guess this could be something I would like to do less of in the future. Maybe it will be a goal?
I did the whole vegetarian thing a while back... a year ago actually and I felt amazing but was not entirely convinced it was a good idea.
I guess the point of this post, is that when I allow myself to think about it eating meat makes me feel bad, sad, and guilty.
How can something that makes you feel so badly be good for you? I'm trying to sift through this one.
Do you think about where your food comes from? Do you feel any certain way about it?
Those "Two Chicks In A Hot Tub" were neglected by my tummy... the chest cavity was tiny tiny small... like abused obese chickens would be.
Friday, September 28, 2012
You can hardly blame me!
This beautiful creation was my dinner tonight.
Sometimes I can't help but feel proud when I cheat on my GF diet for something as simple yet delicious as this.
Such a wonderful way to punish myself later. :)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Metabolism
Wanna boost it?
Eat several small meals every day.
Drink coffee! (YAY!) It burns calories easier!
Drink more water.
Move more. Fidgeting burns calories.
Sleep more. If you don't get enough sleep it can slow your metabolism.
5-7 servings of fruits a vegetables.
Exercise!!!
Eat foods rich in fiber!
Eat several small meals every day.
Drink coffee! (YAY!) It burns calories easier!
Drink more water.
Move more. Fidgeting burns calories.
Sleep more. If you don't get enough sleep it can slow your metabolism.
5-7 servings of fruits a vegetables.
Exercise!!!
Eat foods rich in fiber!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
That Same Friday Night... Gluten Things
I blogged this LAST WEEK, and forgot about it not posting and it was all saved in a document waiting for me, I post it now.
I have been trying to adjust to this gluten intolerance (or whatever it is) crap but I am really finding it to be far too easy to not follow the diet the way that I need to be. I am also feeling like my lactose intolerance (which is off and on for some odd reason?) is just around the corner again. This makes me sooo nervous. Taking away all forms of lactose containing milk is a nightmare add gluten to that and I'm pretty sure that chickens will be running for the hills clucking away terrified. Because, when it comes right down to it, I'll be all ravenous for chickens and rice. Just the thought of chicken and rice makes me smile. You can do so many things with the two that it almost makes you forget that you're "restricted" from other things.
THEN just when you are content and going about your own way minding your own business with a belly full of chicken and rice, you see a sandwich... and someone is just stuffing it all in their face hole like NOM NOM. And you start drewling and convince yourself that you can have a sandwich too! Then you tell yourself that "it's not that bad" and "its only one". Before you know it you're spiraling out of control and a week has passed and you're still telling yourself. It's OK!!! IT'S ONLY ONE, DAMNIT!
I have been trying to adjust to this gluten intolerance (or whatever it is) crap but I am really finding it to be far too easy to not follow the diet the way that I need to be. I am also feeling like my lactose intolerance (which is off and on for some odd reason?) is just around the corner again. This makes me sooo nervous. Taking away all forms of lactose containing milk is a nightmare add gluten to that and I'm pretty sure that chickens will be running for the hills clucking away terrified. Because, when it comes right down to it, I'll be all ravenous for chickens and rice. Just the thought of chicken and rice makes me smile. You can do so many things with the two that it almost makes you forget that you're "restricted" from other things.
THEN just when you are content and going about your own way minding your own business with a belly full of chicken and rice, you see a sandwich... and someone is just stuffing it all in their face hole like NOM NOM. And you start drewling and convince yourself that you can have a sandwich too! Then you tell yourself that "it's not that bad" and "its only one". Before you know it you're spiraling out of control and a week has passed and you're still telling yourself. It's OK!!! IT'S ONLY ONE, DAMNIT!
But no, really. One gluten containing food has a high likelihood
of leading to mouth sores for me, headaches, body/joint pain, and swollen lymph
nodes in my neck/jaw (that last one is after about 5-7 days of eating small
amounts of gluten). Then I'm basically feeling like I am dying from a flu bug.
Needless to say. I had a bad week! I need to try harder.
Part of me is still in denial. I actually tried to convince myself that it was
"in my head". I ended up very miserable and very depressed over it.
I cannot even attend a simple cookout without eating before
I leave the house. I know, that chances are, I will not be able to eat more
than a few potato chips and if I am really lucky they might have fruit salad.
Usually I try to take a gluten free dish if the function allows for things to be
brought.
Side Note: I have had a horrible time with posting and
writing blogs today. I can only assume there must be a bunch of boring Friday
night bloggers out there just like me. I will let it go this time.. but next
time, you better watch your back!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Homemade and Wonderful!
In the past 24 hours I have successfully made yogurt and peanut butter! I'm feeling pretty awesome about this I should tell you. So, I'm going to share the recipes.
Yogurt
1/2 gal milk (I used 2% I read you at least need 1% milk fat for it to work)
1 Tablespoon yogurt starter (Plain Yogurt with active cultures)
1/2 cup powdered milk (I read one recipe with and one without... I will try this without next time as I do not understand it's necessity)
Mix together milk and dry milk powder in large pan, bring to 180 degrees.
Cool to 110-115 degrees (there may be a film on the top, remove it).
NOTE: Make sure your milk is below 120 degrees before the next step because you could kill off the active cultures in the yogurt starter. You need them to make yogurt :)
Remove about 1/2 cup of warm milk mixture add starter yogurt to this. Mix well.
When combined add to pan. Mixing side to side and up and down.
Now your yogurt-to-be needs to incubate for 6-12 hours. I turned my oven on briefly while I was bringing the milk to 180 degrees. The goal is to keep your yogurt at 105 degrees for 6 + hours.
I placed a lid on my pan and wrapped it up in a large bath towel and placed it into the oven. ( Make sure your oven is not too hot for this if the live cultures become too hot they will die.) I also left the light on inside to ensure some kind of heat source. I was skeptical but this worked! (I did this over night I guess cultures do not like to be disturbed while at work!)
Drain off the whey(watery stuff - google other ways to use this). Package and store!
Homemade yogurt has a sweeter taste than store bought yogurt (which I sometimes find to be bitter and chalk-like). Also store bought yogurt is thicker because of the use of pectin. Without pectin homemade yogurt is not as thick so if you decide to try this, do not be alarmed, this is normal!!!
Now...
Peanut Butter!
12 oz roasted peanuts salted or unsalted ( I went with unsalted)
2-3 Tablespoons coconut oil- melted
Honey to taste - Optional
In food processor chop peanuts into a super minced consistency, keep going.
Add melted coconut oil, start with two tablespoons and add more if necessary.
When well mixed taste and decide on if you need/want to add honey.
I added about 3 tablespoons of honey.
When taste and consistency to your liking is achieved, transfer your peanut butter into a glass jar.
Store in fridge for best "keeping" but mine is sitting on the counter waiting to see if it separates.
So there you have it another blog (with pictures this time!) and another way to smile at my amazing neurotic ways. ~ xox
Yogurt
1/2 gal milk (I used 2% I read you at least need 1% milk fat for it to work)
1 Tablespoon yogurt starter (Plain Yogurt with active cultures)
1/2 cup powdered milk (I read one recipe with and one without... I will try this without next time as I do not understand it's necessity)
Mix together milk and dry milk powder in large pan, bring to 180 degrees.
Cool to 110-115 degrees (there may be a film on the top, remove it).
NOTE: Make sure your milk is below 120 degrees before the next step because you could kill off the active cultures in the yogurt starter. You need them to make yogurt :)
Remove about 1/2 cup of warm milk mixture add starter yogurt to this. Mix well.
When combined add to pan. Mixing side to side and up and down.
Now your yogurt-to-be needs to incubate for 6-12 hours. I turned my oven on briefly while I was bringing the milk to 180 degrees. The goal is to keep your yogurt at 105 degrees for 6 + hours.
I placed a lid on my pan and wrapped it up in a large bath towel and placed it into the oven. ( Make sure your oven is not too hot for this if the live cultures become too hot they will die.) I also left the light on inside to ensure some kind of heat source. I was skeptical but this worked! (I did this over night I guess cultures do not like to be disturbed while at work!)
Drain off the whey(watery stuff - google other ways to use this). Package and store!
Homemade yogurt has a sweeter taste than store bought yogurt (which I sometimes find to be bitter and chalk-like). Also store bought yogurt is thicker because of the use of pectin. Without pectin homemade yogurt is not as thick so if you decide to try this, do not be alarmed, this is normal!!!
Now...
Peanut Butter!
12 oz roasted peanuts salted or unsalted ( I went with unsalted)
2-3 Tablespoons coconut oil- melted
Honey to taste - Optional
In food processor chop peanuts into a super minced consistency, keep going.
Add melted coconut oil, start with two tablespoons and add more if necessary.
When well mixed taste and decide on if you need/want to add honey.
I added about 3 tablespoons of honey.
When taste and consistency to your liking is achieved, transfer your peanut butter into a glass jar.
Store in fridge for best "keeping" but mine is sitting on the counter waiting to see if it separates.
So there you have it another blog (with pictures this time!) and another way to smile at my amazing neurotic ways. ~ xox
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Neurotic and Crunchy!!! Look out!
I am fast realizing that I have been lecturing people lately. I have been neurotic about making the people I love and care about live healthier lives! Like completely off my rocker on the inside screaming and throwing things but on the outside calmly explaining facts and information. So many people simply do not care about themselves. Sometimes I feel like my words go disrespected and without regard.
Crunchy is a term used to describe a person, action, or lifestyle that is more "natural" or hippie-like. I believe this started because an all natural diet is very crunchy literally, think of a fresh picked apple, bell pepper, carrot, or nuts.
I have been looking up ways to make more things from scratch or almost scratch.
Today I made a coffee body scrub (here is the recipe I used) and in the past week I have been taking down ideas and recipes. I also made homemade toothpaste a few days ago that has been pretty awesome. I am having some problems keeping all of my lists organized. I am considering starting a filing system, yes seriously. I can't hold them all in my head so maybe all my lists and ingredients need to get organized and sorted into the filing cabinet. Who knows!
Note: I started this yesterday... and before it gets closed out and forgotten again.. I'm posting it. :)
Crunchy is a term used to describe a person, action, or lifestyle that is more "natural" or hippie-like. I believe this started because an all natural diet is very crunchy literally, think of a fresh picked apple, bell pepper, carrot, or nuts.
I have been looking up ways to make more things from scratch or almost scratch.
Today I made a coffee body scrub (here is the recipe I used) and in the past week I have been taking down ideas and recipes. I also made homemade toothpaste a few days ago that has been pretty awesome. I am having some problems keeping all of my lists organized. I am considering starting a filing system, yes seriously. I can't hold them all in my head so maybe all my lists and ingredients need to get organized and sorted into the filing cabinet. Who knows!
Note: I started this yesterday... and before it gets closed out and forgotten again.. I'm posting it. :)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Fitness Update
I have been running and watching my diet. Trying to eat more raw vegetables and drink more water.
My first day of running felt like my lungs were bleeding, no, TASTED like my lungs were bleeding. I was coughing and gagging on the air. The second day I ran was better. I ran the same distance with less pain, better breathing, and no gagging afterwards. :) Progress!
So I have not ran since. I think tomorrow will be my next run day before everyone is awake. But that's it until I get new shoes that don't hurt my feet so bad. The ones I have are just uncomfortable and I don't think that's a good thing. It certainly doesn't make me want to run.
I have also been working out using Zumba Rush for XBOX 360 Kinect. It is pretty intense but very fun and I can feel it working and it's enjoyable. Today was supposed to be Zumba day + squats & lunges. My "Just Do It" is broken. I was on my feet so much today that my legs are just exhausted! My "Just Do It" is not getting repaired tonight. Tomorrow is a new day. A new and possibly glorious day.
My first day of running felt like my lungs were bleeding, no, TASTED like my lungs were bleeding. I was coughing and gagging on the air. The second day I ran was better. I ran the same distance with less pain, better breathing, and no gagging afterwards. :) Progress!
So I have not ran since. I think tomorrow will be my next run day before everyone is awake. But that's it until I get new shoes that don't hurt my feet so bad. The ones I have are just uncomfortable and I don't think that's a good thing. It certainly doesn't make me want to run.
I have also been working out using Zumba Rush for XBOX 360 Kinect. It is pretty intense but very fun and I can feel it working and it's enjoyable. Today was supposed to be Zumba day + squats & lunges. My "Just Do It" is broken. I was on my feet so much today that my legs are just exhausted! My "Just Do It" is not getting repaired tonight. Tomorrow is a new day. A new and possibly glorious day.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Ask and you shall receive! - Diet Blog!
Starter Meal Ideas!!!!
Breakfast:
Italian bread toast with fresh fruit
Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat
Orange Juice & Eggs
Half of a bagel and a banana
Wrap- scrambles eggs, cheese, onion, green peppers, mushrooms (mix it up to you liking) and wrap in a tortilla(I don't like the whole grain tortillas but... I urge you to try it)!
Italian bread toast with fresh fruit
Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat
Orange Juice & Eggs
Half of a bagel and a banana
Wrap- scrambles eggs, cheese, onion, green peppers, mushrooms (mix it up to you liking) and wrap in a tortilla(I don't like the whole grain tortillas but... I urge you to try it)!
Lunch:
Salad with bread
Rice with onions and black beans
Left overs from dinners
Dinner:
Pasta with sautéed onions garlic and fire roasted diced tomatoes(It really is as simple as it sounds)
Lentil Soup with bread
Cheesy Potato Soup
Veggie Lasagna
Shrimp Alfredo w/ veggie packed pasta
Sides:
Salad
veggies: sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, carrots, asparagus, spinach fresh or steamed
zucchini
Add ins: onions, garlic, lemon juice(from real lemons), tomatoes, shredded cabbage,
Snacks:
Dried fruit and nut mix
Waffle with peanut butter
Celery Carrots with dip
Small salad with fruits(fresh or dried), nuts, and seeds
Tips:
Do not add salt during cooking unless it's for pasta. Chances are you'll forget you want it once you start eating.
I use real butter but do so sparingly. Real butter is more natural and I feel that while it is high in calories, it is less synthetic than margarine is, thus making it the healthier choice (to me anyway).
Prepare snack ahead of time you are less likely to grab something not so healthy for you if you have dried fruit waiting for you in it's own little premeasured baggie!
Use whole grain brown rice not white rice.
Take Vitamin C daily. It helps to promote weight loss and is great for your immune system.
"Grazing" is terrible. Just sit down and eat a meal!
Never, finish your child's left overs. Calories add up and you don't even realize it!
Top salads with low fat dressings. I found a balsamic vinaigrette dressing that has 15 calories 0 fat calories! It's delicious. No creamy dressings like ranch. You'll just be insulting your salad!
Switch to low fat milk.
Vinegar helps to slow the process of digestion thus making you feel fuller longer! (I put it on steamed spinach and it's delicious and of course in my salad dressings.)
When you become hungry eat a salad first.
Drink 8-12 ounces of water before every meal and 16 ounces before you even start your day!
Green tea is good for you. Buy locally made honey- you support local working people, if you have any seasonal allergies it will help, and it's not likely to be contaminated with horrible nasty chemicals that you see on the tv!
Put onions on top of salads. Purple(or red?) onions are the best for you nutritionally and they can be used for anything. Onions have the most nutritional values while they are raw. You should never pre-cut onions for later use, in this state you are more likely to get sick from them. (I don't quite remember if they attract bacteria or what it is... just don't do it)
If you're a meat eater go with lean meats! No piggies!
So, this is what I have so far, I may come back and add to this blog or just start a new one! I hope that you found this helpful.
Do not add salt during cooking unless it's for pasta. Chances are you'll forget you want it once you start eating.
I use real butter but do so sparingly. Real butter is more natural and I feel that while it is high in calories, it is less synthetic than margarine is, thus making it the healthier choice (to me anyway).
Prepare snack ahead of time you are less likely to grab something not so healthy for you if you have dried fruit waiting for you in it's own little premeasured baggie!
Use whole grain brown rice not white rice.
Take Vitamin C daily. It helps to promote weight loss and is great for your immune system.
"Grazing" is terrible. Just sit down and eat a meal!
Never, finish your child's left overs. Calories add up and you don't even realize it!
Top salads with low fat dressings. I found a balsamic vinaigrette dressing that has 15 calories 0 fat calories! It's delicious. No creamy dressings like ranch. You'll just be insulting your salad!
Switch to low fat milk.
Vinegar helps to slow the process of digestion thus making you feel fuller longer! (I put it on steamed spinach and it's delicious and of course in my salad dressings.)
When you become hungry eat a salad first.
Drink 8-12 ounces of water before every meal and 16 ounces before you even start your day!
Green tea is good for you. Buy locally made honey- you support local working people, if you have any seasonal allergies it will help, and it's not likely to be contaminated with horrible nasty chemicals that you see on the tv!
Put onions on top of salads. Purple(or red?) onions are the best for you nutritionally and they can be used for anything. Onions have the most nutritional values while they are raw. You should never pre-cut onions for later use, in this state you are more likely to get sick from them. (I don't quite remember if they attract bacteria or what it is... just don't do it)
If you're a meat eater go with lean meats! No piggies!
So, this is what I have so far, I may come back and add to this blog or just start a new one! I hope that you found this helpful.
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