I am starting to stick with it. By that I mean that I am actually making an effort to exercise and to keep up the daily dose of something for myself. Last night, I mowed the lawn and vacuumed the house. Once that was done and dinner was done, I decided to do the level 1 yoga meltdown again. I was still a bit sore from the first time around but I liked it and figured why not do it again. I can tell after one time that I am a bit more flexible - I was able to reach my toes in this one move whereas in the first time around I wasn't able to. Its all good but I tell you I can feel it this morning. I wonder how tomorrow will be. They say that the second day is always worse.
Hubby and I went to a place called Island Natural - its a health food store here in town and on the last Wednesday of each month they have what's called WOW Wednesday. It means you get 20% off everything you buy as long as it is not already on sale. We bought some dried organic black beans and pinto beans, some rice noodles, some almond milk ( they didn't have the brand I like) and some texturized vegetable protein. The other thing we bought was a bean mix of sorts - it was a Jamaican curry coconut one. Its made in the Okanagan and is all organic. It comes with a little bag of mixed beans that you soak and a bag of some spices, ground brown rice, quinoa etc. I soaked the beans over night and threw it all into the crock pot with fresh water this morning. We'll see what this evening brings. Here is some further information on the product that we got as well as all the other products the company makes. Have a look when you get a moment.
http://www.timelessspirit.com/NOV09/pdf/Francine'sFinestRetailCatalog.pdf
This weekend we are heading to Victoria to pick up our daughter. Not sure what else we will do but I am sure we will find things to do and places to go. We are thinking about going camping for a few days next week - still investigating where and when so we'll see.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Kid free
My husband and I are enjoying a kid free week thanks to the grandparents. Our daughter is close to them and she spends time with them in the summer. She loves it and so do we. She always goes to a half day camp while visitng with them so that they have a break and she has something to do. This week she is attending a half day pottery camp each day which from all reports seems to be going well. An artist in the making.
Its nice to have kid free time once in a while, as much as we may love our kid(s) it still is nice to not have them around. We decided to go out for dinner last night at this mexican place we like but don't go to often. It was yummy as usual and afterwards we went for a walk along the waterfront. It was nice. I am still feeling the pain from doing the yoga meltdown DVD. My shoulders are sore. I am planning to do something different this evening to try and work some of it out. I figure if I can alternate something with walking than I am doing pretty good.
On the menu tonight is eggplant. We make these yummy eggplant sandwiches or wraps with grilled eggplant brushed with a bit of garlic and oil, sliced tomatoes, basil, a bit of mayo and some feta or goat cheese. Our daughter loves them and will often have two servings. Salad on the side and you have a full meal. Give a try, I am sure it will not dissapoint you.
Its nice to have kid free time once in a while, as much as we may love our kid(s) it still is nice to not have them around. We decided to go out for dinner last night at this mexican place we like but don't go to often. It was yummy as usual and afterwards we went for a walk along the waterfront. It was nice. I am still feeling the pain from doing the yoga meltdown DVD. My shoulders are sore. I am planning to do something different this evening to try and work some of it out. I figure if I can alternate something with walking than I am doing pretty good.
On the menu tonight is eggplant. We make these yummy eggplant sandwiches or wraps with grilled eggplant brushed with a bit of garlic and oil, sliced tomatoes, basil, a bit of mayo and some feta or goat cheese. Our daughter loves them and will often have two servings. Salad on the side and you have a full meal. Give a try, I am sure it will not dissapoint you.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Exercise and sweat
I realized awhile ago that I don't like to sweat. Of course, the whole not liking to sweat thing makes it really hard to motivate yourself to do any form of exercise that may result in sweating. I know I have to deal with that and move on, I just need to figure out how. I decided to choose to start something that I like and hopefully it will lead me to wanting to do other things and so the ball rolls.
I like yoga and have done a number of classes over the past 2 years in an attempt to deal with my headaches and general ill feelings. I thought given that, I would try the DVD that Jillian Michaels has out. Its called Yoga Meltdown. There are 2 levels and the back of the case recommends that you start with level 1 and work your way up to level 2. The case also indicates that you can loose up to 5 pounds per week but fails to indicate how often you have to do the levels. Is it everyday? Is it 3 times per week?
Regardless, I figure any exercise is better than nothing. So with that thought I started the level 1 yoga meltdown today. And let me tell you, it was tough - really tough. Each level is 30 minutes with a brief warm-up and cool down. I was sweating by the end and can feel my legs a few hours later. I also have her 30 day shred video which I am thinking about throwing into the mix.
I would recommend that if you like yoga and are looking for a yoga video that is more challenging you should give this a try. I will keep you up to date on how things progress. I tried to get the hubby to do the video with me but it was a no go. Nonetheless, I'll let you know.
I like yoga and have done a number of classes over the past 2 years in an attempt to deal with my headaches and general ill feelings. I thought given that, I would try the DVD that Jillian Michaels has out. Its called Yoga Meltdown. There are 2 levels and the back of the case recommends that you start with level 1 and work your way up to level 2. The case also indicates that you can loose up to 5 pounds per week but fails to indicate how often you have to do the levels. Is it everyday? Is it 3 times per week?
Regardless, I figure any exercise is better than nothing. So with that thought I started the level 1 yoga meltdown today. And let me tell you, it was tough - really tough. Each level is 30 minutes with a brief warm-up and cool down. I was sweating by the end and can feel my legs a few hours later. I also have her 30 day shred video which I am thinking about throwing into the mix.
I would recommend that if you like yoga and are looking for a yoga video that is more challenging you should give this a try. I will keep you up to date on how things progress. I tried to get the hubby to do the video with me but it was a no go. Nonetheless, I'll let you know.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Lessons learned by an 8 year old
So, we have been to Hornby Island and are back home now. For the past 5 - 6 years we have rented a cabin and spent a week there relaxing on the beach and spending time together. This year, we invited a friend of our daughters to come with us. The girls had a great time and it was very smart of us to bring a friend along as it meant we could spend more time reading, talking and people watching.
At the cabin we rent - there are chickens. Throughout the week the girls took out our compost to them. Near the end of our Hornby week - both girls announced that they no longer wanted to eat chicken as chickens were their friends now. It will be interesting to see if the girls stick with it or if they don't. We don't eat a lot of chicken anyways so for us not to eat it will be an easy thing to do. Our daughter thought it would be okay if she had turkey though. The mind of an 8 year old is amazing and very simple compared to how adults make decisions. Adults need masses of information, will discuss it with anyone that is willing to listen and will finally make a decision. For an 8 year old its a easy and being a friend to a chicken (even if it does peck you) and deciding not to eat chicken anymore. No further discussion required.
Perhaps we adults need to learn about simplifying from our kids. Life may be easier that way.
At the cabin we rent - there are chickens. Throughout the week the girls took out our compost to them. Near the end of our Hornby week - both girls announced that they no longer wanted to eat chicken as chickens were their friends now. It will be interesting to see if the girls stick with it or if they don't. We don't eat a lot of chicken anyways so for us not to eat it will be an easy thing to do. Our daughter thought it would be okay if she had turkey though. The mind of an 8 year old is amazing and very simple compared to how adults make decisions. Adults need masses of information, will discuss it with anyone that is willing to listen and will finally make a decision. For an 8 year old its a easy and being a friend to a chicken (even if it does peck you) and deciding not to eat chicken anymore. No further discussion required.
Perhaps we adults need to learn about simplifying from our kids. Life may be easier that way.
As promised...
As promised, and as I have discussed before I have been making some muffins to take on holiday and to take to work to eat. I finally want to share one of the recipes with you. I have made the muffins below few times now and they are yummy, easy to make and people seem to like them. Our 8 year old eats them and so do her friends. That has to be a good sign. If you are like me - finding a good bran muffin recipe that is not loaded with fat and dairy is tough. These fit the bill.
Double Bran Muffins
2 cups whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup wheat bran
3/4 cup oat bran
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 apple, finely chopped or grated (I peeled it as well)
1/2 cup raisins
1.5 cups soy milk (I used almond milk)
1.5 tbsps vinegar
1/4 cup prune baby food
1/3 cup molasses
Preheat oven to 350F. Mix together flour, brans, salt, soda and spices. In a seperate bowl, mix remaining ingredients together. Combine the wet and dry and stir to mix. Spoon into muffin pans that have been sprayed with a nonstick spray and bake until tops bounce back when pressed, about 25 minutes. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from pan. makes approx. 12 muffins.
These muffins can be found in one of Neal Barnard's books. Give them a try as I am sure you will love them.
Double Bran Muffins
2 cups whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup wheat bran
3/4 cup oat bran
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 apple, finely chopped or grated (I peeled it as well)
1/2 cup raisins
1.5 cups soy milk (I used almond milk)
1.5 tbsps vinegar
1/4 cup prune baby food
1/3 cup molasses
Preheat oven to 350F. Mix together flour, brans, salt, soda and spices. In a seperate bowl, mix remaining ingredients together. Combine the wet and dry and stir to mix. Spoon into muffin pans that have been sprayed with a nonstick spray and bake until tops bounce back when pressed, about 25 minutes. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from pan. makes approx. 12 muffins.
These muffins can be found in one of Neal Barnard's books. Give them a try as I am sure you will love them.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hornby Island Vacation time
We have been on Hornby island since last Saturday. We come every year and love it. Part of coming to Hornby island means that we need to plan meals and bring food with us. As a result and I am sure as most of you know you tend not to eat as well or as healthy. We have our daughter with us as well as her friend. So having two 8 - 9 year olds meaning having food that they will like and will eat. Although I have to admit that both of them are pretty easy eaters and willing to try anything. So, we have had a week so far of burgers and hotdogs etc. All of which don't seem to settle that well. I have made a point however of trying to eat salads and such.
Mom and dad joined us today and we have a really yummy salad that mom made. Something french with green beans, potatoes and such. Mom even made corn bread with no dairy and it was yummy too. When we come to Hornby we spend most of our time on the beach lazing about so exercise is not a high priority. Although, I have been giving it some thought I don't want to set myself up for failure due to my own expectations. I am thinking about doing the 30 day shred - has anyone done it for 30 days. Its not something I see my self doing everyday but perhaps 3 - 4 times a week along with something else.
I made and brought three different kinds of muffins with me that are all yummy. I will post some of those recipes when I get home. They are all vegan, low in fat so no bad cholesterol and good for you. Even the kids love them and I am sure your will too.
I will post again soon once back from Hornby.
Mom and dad joined us today and we have a really yummy salad that mom made. Something french with green beans, potatoes and such. Mom even made corn bread with no dairy and it was yummy too. When we come to Hornby we spend most of our time on the beach lazing about so exercise is not a high priority. Although, I have been giving it some thought I don't want to set myself up for failure due to my own expectations. I am thinking about doing the 30 day shred - has anyone done it for 30 days. Its not something I see my self doing everyday but perhaps 3 - 4 times a week along with something else.
I made and brought three different kinds of muffins with me that are all yummy. I will post some of those recipes when I get home. They are all vegan, low in fat so no bad cholesterol and good for you. Even the kids love them and I am sure your will too.
I will post again soon once back from Hornby.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Books I am reading.....
As mentioned in a previous post I am really enjoying several books by Dr. Neal Barnard. He has done piles of research and has compiled information into a format that is easy to understand, read and follow. Of all of his books I have the following ones:
In each of his books there are recipes and all sound good. The provision of recipes makes it super easy to incorporate into your daily life. I have tried a number of them and will start to highlight them here over the next little bit.
He encourages everyone to try his eating plan for 3 weeks. At the end of 3 weeks see how you feel and take notice of any changes etc. He also stresses the importance of ensuring that your doctor has given you the go ahead to try it out. I think if you are interested in seeing what you can do for yourself and how you can benfefit his books are worth a read and serious consideration. Neal Barnard heads up the PCRM - here is the link http://www.pcrm.org/. Check it out - on the site is a 3 week vegan challenge that you can sign up for. It will provide support to you as you try it out.
I haven't fully committed to the 3 week trial but have effectively eliminated dairy products and eggs. I find that less and less I am choosing meat to eat and to cook. As a result of my choices my family will benefit. My daughter will have less estrogens and hormones running through her body as a result of eating hormone injected animal proteins. She will ultimately feel better. I am lucky as my daughter is easy to feed and will generally try anything. My hubby will also benefit in that he will also have more energy and being a diabetic he may find that his blood sugars are in better control. I'll keep you up to date.
As for me, in addition to feeling better and managing my headaches and all that comes with getting older. I have some weight I would like to loose. I haven't weighed myself but I know that I have gained weight over the past 2.5 years and it is pretty stubborn to come off. So, in addition to changing my diet for various reasons I also need to incorporate exercise. I am heading off on vacation for the next little bit so once I have returned I will have a serious look at what will work for me and my life. If anyone has any thoughts or has doen the 3 week challenge please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts with me.
- The Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook: 125 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Jump-Start Weight Loss and Help You Feel Great
- Foods That Fight Pain: Revolutionary New Strategies For Maximum Pain Relief
- Food For Life: How The New Four Food Groups Can Save Your Life
- Eat Right, Live Longer: Using The Natural Power Of Foods To Age-proof Your Body
In each of his books there are recipes and all sound good. The provision of recipes makes it super easy to incorporate into your daily life. I have tried a number of them and will start to highlight them here over the next little bit.
He encourages everyone to try his eating plan for 3 weeks. At the end of 3 weeks see how you feel and take notice of any changes etc. He also stresses the importance of ensuring that your doctor has given you the go ahead to try it out. I think if you are interested in seeing what you can do for yourself and how you can benfefit his books are worth a read and serious consideration. Neal Barnard heads up the PCRM - here is the link http://www.pcrm.org/. Check it out - on the site is a 3 week vegan challenge that you can sign up for. It will provide support to you as you try it out.
I haven't fully committed to the 3 week trial but have effectively eliminated dairy products and eggs. I find that less and less I am choosing meat to eat and to cook. As a result of my choices my family will benefit. My daughter will have less estrogens and hormones running through her body as a result of eating hormone injected animal proteins. She will ultimately feel better. I am lucky as my daughter is easy to feed and will generally try anything. My hubby will also benefit in that he will also have more energy and being a diabetic he may find that his blood sugars are in better control. I'll keep you up to date.
As for me, in addition to feeling better and managing my headaches and all that comes with getting older. I have some weight I would like to loose. I haven't weighed myself but I know that I have gained weight over the past 2.5 years and it is pretty stubborn to come off. So, in addition to changing my diet for various reasons I also need to incorporate exercise. I am heading off on vacation for the next little bit so once I have returned I will have a serious look at what will work for me and my life. If anyone has any thoughts or has doen the 3 week challenge please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts with me.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Yumminess in bar form....
As I have indicated, I like to cook and part of this journey to making smarter choices and becoming healthy is to search for recipes that fit the bill with regard to the no dairy, good for me and still tasty criteria. I came across this blog the other day called sweet beet and green bean - http://sweetbeetandgreenbean.net/about/
I love it and I love her recipes. I made these bars last night that are so yummy and I don't feel guilty about eating them or letting my daughter eat them cause I know that they are filled with good for us things. Here is the link to the recipe - http://sweetbeetandgreenbean.net/2010/03/10/sweet-and-salty-seedy-nut-bars/#more-1587
In the version that I did I used a combination of coconut, rolled oats, millet, slivered almonds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, a few pecans chopped and some sesame seeds. I love that you can throw whatever you have in and it will use up small bags of stuff and clean out the cupboard a bit. I doubled the recipe and it worked out great and they really do crisp up as they cool. They remind me of a florentine without all the butter. I did decide to drizzle mine with chocolate although my hubby wondered why. He loved them in their natural state. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Another one of her's that I want to try is this one - http://sweetbeetandgreenbean.net/2010/04/01/almond-and-dark-chocolate-chunk-ice-cream/#more-1636
On my wish list is an ice cream maker so that I can make dairy free stuff for us. Once I get one this will be the first one I will try. I wonder if peanut butter in there would be good.....
I love it and I love her recipes. I made these bars last night that are so yummy and I don't feel guilty about eating them or letting my daughter eat them cause I know that they are filled with good for us things. Here is the link to the recipe - http://sweetbeetandgreenbean.net/2010/03/10/sweet-and-salty-seedy-nut-bars/#more-1587
In the version that I did I used a combination of coconut, rolled oats, millet, slivered almonds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, a few pecans chopped and some sesame seeds. I love that you can throw whatever you have in and it will use up small bags of stuff and clean out the cupboard a bit. I doubled the recipe and it worked out great and they really do crisp up as they cool. They remind me of a florentine without all the butter. I did decide to drizzle mine with chocolate although my hubby wondered why. He loved them in their natural state. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Another one of her's that I want to try is this one - http://sweetbeetandgreenbean.net/2010/04/01/almond-and-dark-chocolate-chunk-ice-cream/#more-1636
On my wish list is an ice cream maker so that I can make dairy free stuff for us. Once I get one this will be the first one I will try. I wonder if peanut butter in there would be good.....
Ramblings.....
As I indicated above the past 2.5 years there have been numerous health concerns, everything from roaring noises in my one ear to gallbladder pain. Now I know that some of the pain I have, I ultimatley have control of based on what I decide to eat and what I choose not to eat. Should I choose the fatty, greasy, salty stuff I will have the side pain as my body tries to digest it and make use of it. I know in my mind what smart choices I can make - its just a question of making the right choices.
I have done alot of reading in the past few years and currently I am loving the books by Dr. Neal Barnard. I now own a few of his books and love them. What he has to say makes complete sense and it appears to be easy. As I move my way to better health and the elimination of dairy, I find I am also moving away from meat as well as eggs. Will I ever be completely without them - I'm not sure but I do know that if I feel better not eating them than I will aim to continue to not eat them.
His books are great and I will post some links to them for anyone that may be interested. I have also made a number of his recipes and will discuss those coming up soon.
I have done alot of reading in the past few years and currently I am loving the books by Dr. Neal Barnard. I now own a few of his books and love them. What he has to say makes complete sense and it appears to be easy. As I move my way to better health and the elimination of dairy, I find I am also moving away from meat as well as eggs. Will I ever be completely without them - I'm not sure but I do know that if I feel better not eating them than I will aim to continue to not eat them.
His books are great and I will post some links to them for anyone that may be interested. I have also made a number of his recipes and will discuss those coming up soon.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
How it all began.....
It's been a journey to get to where I am today and I don't think that I am anywhere near the end or complete in the journey that I am taking. It all started in November 2007 with headaches and not feeling great. To make a long story short the next 6 - 8 months or so was a series of tests with medical folks which ended up showing nothing wrong with me. The headaches persisted through it all and it wasn;t until i got hooked up with a chiropractor that I had some relief. Not complete relief but enough so that I felt that I could at least function.
I continued to work through it all and thankfully had a very supportive employer and family. I missed a girls trip to Paris with my mom and sisters and missed many other events. I was and am okay with that as I go through this journey.
To try and deal with how I was feeling I started taking yoga and meditation classes. I am not sure if they worked for me at the time but it felt like it did so I continued for a while. I found that I would for a few days with no headache a feeling pretty good but than it would start all over. I was becoming a pill popping maniac to try and ease the pain.
Finally - I got smart and listened to my body and did what I should have done in the first place. I went to see a naturopath. She listened to me and asked lots of questions. I saw her in December of 2009 and life is significantly different now than it was a year ago. Through seeing her it was determined that my body does not like dairy or any form of it. To top it all off - it also doesn't like soya milk. Tofu seems okay but not the milk. It must be a processing thing. So, I cut out all dairy as well as wheat, yeast, sugars and such for awhile.
Through this journey of mine I have done lots of reading and self education to figure out what is going to work for me. I am at a point now where I feel like I can begin to exercise again and feel somewhat normal. its's been a long 2.5 years to get here.
I decided to start a blog as a way to document my journey as I think it may be healpful to others. I chose the title as I am finally figuring out what my expectations are for my health and ultimatley my life. I read alot of blogs and have become more educated as a result of them. I will post what I eat, the recipes that I cook, the books that I read and information about my exercise and life in general.
I hope that you enjoy it and if you have any thoughts or questions please feel free to contact me.
I continued to work through it all and thankfully had a very supportive employer and family. I missed a girls trip to Paris with my mom and sisters and missed many other events. I was and am okay with that as I go through this journey.
To try and deal with how I was feeling I started taking yoga and meditation classes. I am not sure if they worked for me at the time but it felt like it did so I continued for a while. I found that I would for a few days with no headache a feeling pretty good but than it would start all over. I was becoming a pill popping maniac to try and ease the pain.
Finally - I got smart and listened to my body and did what I should have done in the first place. I went to see a naturopath. She listened to me and asked lots of questions. I saw her in December of 2009 and life is significantly different now than it was a year ago. Through seeing her it was determined that my body does not like dairy or any form of it. To top it all off - it also doesn't like soya milk. Tofu seems okay but not the milk. It must be a processing thing. So, I cut out all dairy as well as wheat, yeast, sugars and such for awhile.
Through this journey of mine I have done lots of reading and self education to figure out what is going to work for me. I am at a point now where I feel like I can begin to exercise again and feel somewhat normal. its's been a long 2.5 years to get here.
I decided to start a blog as a way to document my journey as I think it may be healpful to others. I chose the title as I am finally figuring out what my expectations are for my health and ultimatley my life. I read alot of blogs and have become more educated as a result of them. I will post what I eat, the recipes that I cook, the books that I read and information about my exercise and life in general.
I hope that you enjoy it and if you have any thoughts or questions please feel free to contact me.
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