tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76394892066917781142024-03-05T03:03:22.453-08:00The Armchair Nutritionistthe musings, rants, learnings, and experimentations of a girl on a quest to live a healthy life.The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-60297649528570260632012-07-06T18:10:00.001-07:002012-07-06T18:10:25.873-07:00Leaning InI am trying to be more vegan than not. It's not necessarily easy. I'm working on things like planning ahead, packing a lunch, cooking.
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<br>I wish i could find amazing vegan ranch dressing that tastes like hidden valley, and mayo that tastes like Hellman's and cheesy bread that tastes like Papa John's.The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-92229561484809733782012-04-25T14:27:00.001-07:002012-04-25T14:27:50.220-07:00Veg Pledge Day 2 and 3<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFTFrPbVHmz8FQqaNpJyUUpLB2QJ4d2qqECqVxz388g_gooMet5otBMk9FhnobRcOcRQzvIJOqlwB7ZixruPehesGoo0gQiHh_6ZQTQiCIpRDQvLJ_XtC55qV0SVasKTPMGkrPZLsxOup/s1600/2012-04-24.18.35.40-770221.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFTFrPbVHmz8FQqaNpJyUUpLB2QJ4d2qqECqVxz388g_gooMet5otBMk9FhnobRcOcRQzvIJOqlwB7ZixruPehesGoo0gQiHh_6ZQTQiCIpRDQvLJ_XtC55qV0SVasKTPMGkrPZLsxOup/s320/2012-04-24.18.35.40-770221.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735453247601311490" /></a></p><p>Yesterday's salad left me crazy hungry and with a headache. I decided I needed more umph in my dinner, and traffic didn't allow me to get to Pei Wei.</p> <p>I ended up at my favorite Thai place where I ordered stirfry noodles, veggies, and tofu. I ate half the order, and it filled me. Headache gone soon after eating. I decided the headache was hunger induced. </p> <p>Today, day 3, was Taco Bus day. I had a tostada with a stuffed pepper, beans, tomato, and cabbage. The pepper was stuffed with cheese, which I THINK was sheep cheese. It wasn't a lot, and I am ok with that. I also had some beans, which I pretended were not lardy. I got a strange look when I asked for no onions or cheese on the tostada. </p> <p>I went grocery shopping and stocked up on Thai noodles to add to my soups. Tonight I'll have my leftover noodle dish. </p> <p>Also, at the grocery store, I walked past the deli counter. They had just fried chicken, and that's all you could smell. It turned my stomach. I had chicken last Friday! Today I couldn't take the smell. Interesting ...</p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-90033570210089706362012-04-24T15:42:00.001-07:002012-04-24T15:42:41.542-07:00Veg Pledge Day 2 Dinner<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVllcbcX54USC11N2e4-puRnm_fL6BF5w7mxB3UIfP61Fele5sYg4JsqhxXIvKWZC_3dlowCooGpHHhz1NaHwO60dn6yL51M1rdh8zWfgOxJCgOMzmaaXMRBDA-OiXCnvhOLTEzuJXeiw/s1600/2012-04-24.18.35.40-761543.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVllcbcX54USC11N2e4-puRnm_fL6BF5w7mxB3UIfP61Fele5sYg4JsqhxXIvKWZC_3dlowCooGpHHhz1NaHwO60dn6yL51M1rdh8zWfgOxJCgOMzmaaXMRBDA-OiXCnvhOLTEzuJXeiw/s320/2012-04-24.18.35.40-761543.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735101451645881138" /></a></p><p>Dinner from the local Thai place. Stir fried noodles, mushroom, cabbage, carrot, baby corn, and tofu. I added Bragg's Liquid Aminos for a soy sauce touch. Mmmm! </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-9998382920956623932012-04-24T13:43:00.000-07:002012-04-24T13:46:27.933-07:00Veg Pledge 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1m6_8Wj5ThCkGRFf4Xd2wuHWmbSTaoJiwdJPJOcqSxYIf01YysLMKiSvjFrikbkHPc1lcjVbRUlQwTt_bY0C_9JxOqWQFtcjpEOQ_v1HahAaU8hHbZHkHq9uBJkIgU_hjZ8q8CorD3R_/s1600/veg+taco+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1m6_8Wj5ThCkGRFf4Xd2wuHWmbSTaoJiwdJPJOcqSxYIf01YysLMKiSvjFrikbkHPc1lcjVbRUlQwTt_bY0C_9JxOqWQFtcjpEOQ_v1HahAaU8hHbZHkHq9uBJkIgU_hjZ8q8CorD3R_/s320/veg+taco+salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have taken the <a href="http://www.cok.net/blog/2012/04/vegweek-2012-kicks-april-23-take-veg-pledge" target="_blank">Veg Pledge</a>! Seven days, all veg. No meat. No meat products. Wow. I've been meat free 3-4 days a week, but a whole week? What was I thinking??? <br />
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Day one was yesterday, and I did good. I had a huge "taco salad" with greens, tomato, avocado, veg refried beans, vegan sour cream, black pepper, and blue corn tortilla chips. It was quite tasty! For dinner I had a Budda Roll and Miso Soup from the neighborhood Japanese place. Budda Roll was on the "vegetarian" list of rolls, and was shitake mushroom, carrot, and avocado wrapped in seaweed and white rice. OK, so brown would be better, but I like white rice!<br />
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Today is Day 2. I've had the same taco salad, and a few french fries. They were good, and they were handy. For dinner I'm planning a trip to <a href="http://www.peiwei.com/index.aspx" target="_blank">Pei Wei</a>, where I can get something noodly or ricey. Their Thai Basil Chicken (with tofu instead of chicken) is amazing. Their Bangkok Noodles are yummy (without onions or chicken). And I'm told they have a good new salad that is quite tasty. So one of those will be my dinner.<br />
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Tomorrow is a trip to the Taco Bus. This lunch was scheduled before I took the pledge, so we'll see how creative I get... I am bound and determined to do this!The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-36467168391033029822012-04-18T12:34:00.001-07:002012-04-18T12:34:24.597-07:00Surviving a Toxic WeekI have not posted in a very long time. Sometimes life takes over and it takes a while to clear your head and come back to what is really important. <br />
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I am once again, health-focused. I've somehow managed to lose 15 pounds in about 7 weeks. Suddenly my pants are baggy, and shirts fit better, and people are saying "what are you doing?"<br />
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The best compliment came the other evening when a gal I know looked me up and down and said "OMG you look so good!" I was wearing a black tank that fits snugger than most of my clothes, and a pair of baggy pants with the waistband rolled over. Apparently the look worked, as I got many compliments that night. I must get more of those tanks...<br />
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So what AM I doing? In the words of <a href="http://www.kathyfreston.com/" target="_blank">Kathy Freston</a>, I'm "Leaning in". I'm playing with veganism and vegetarianism. I'm a "Flexitarian". I'll eat what I want when I want, but I'll make conscious choices, eat wisely, and remember how certain foods make me feel so I can control my overall well-being. If I choose to eat meat, I will do so in extreme moderation. I have no plans to give up sea bass or mahi-mahi or tuna or crab or shrimp. That will be my first meat choice, because well, I like it, and it doesn't make me feel yucky inside! And sour cream. Until I find a perfect non-dairy sour cream, it's still in.<br />
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I've eliminated about 99% of dairy. Coffee and tea drinks are now made with soy or coconut based "milks". I've eliminated about 90% of the meat in my life. Surprisingly, this meat and potatoes girl hasn't had such a hard time with that one. And I really have no appetite for most of what I used to eat.<br />
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I've been toying back and forth with all this for months. What sent me over the edge was a wonderful film called <a href="http://www.getvegucated.com/" target="_blank">Vegucated</a>. It did a wonderful job of walking one through the process of conversion and why it's important to overall health and well-being. <br />
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After watching it, I had lunch with a friend at Chipotle. I think we all know my love of Chipotle. I looked at the meat in the trays and thought I was going to throw up. Something in my brain had changed and I had no appetite for what I used to love! I ordered a salad with no meat, but rice, black beans, hot salsa, and sour cream, and of course the dressing. It was so good! And I felt amazing after eating it. I didn't feel bloated or too full. So for the next three days I made my own version of that salad and pretty much lived on it. <br />
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Next I began ordering my Tom Kha Tofu soup to be made with vegetable broth. And I've tried things like veggie sandwiches, portabello mushroom "burgers", and other wonderful bean, tofu, and veggie things that I would never have tried.<br />
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<a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/" target="_blank">Daiya</a>. I had read about it, but until I tried it I was convinced there was no good cheese substitute. Love it. <br />
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Caffeine. I've pretty much given it up. Have not had coffee in weeks. Until yesterday.<br />
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In the last week, I've digressed. It began with a bit of potato chips. Then it was a sandwich with lunch meat (disgusting habit). Then it was a bit of chicken, cheese, more cheese. A cheese sandwich. A veggie sandwich with cheese. Eggs over easy with wheat toast bacon and home fries, cheese spread on crackers, prosciutto wrapped melon, spicy Thai shrimp, a double latte, and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with fries. Yesterday I was feeling yucky. So I had the latte. Felt nauseas. So had the grilled ham and cheese. By the end of the day, I thought I would pass out. Headache, shakes, cold sweats like you get when you have a fever, and the stomach was so bad, I finally had to give into the nausea. It was awful. I was so glad that I was the only one left at work when that happened. <br />
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On the way home, I got my special Thai soup and rice, and steamed dumplings. I had the dumplings (which do have a bit of chicken and shrimp in them), and a bit of soup. Things started to calm down. I laid down, sipped my sparkling water, and fell asleep. <br />
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Today I woke feeling a little groggy but much better. And I realized...I had inadvertently put myself into a toxic situation. I realized that I'm not waking feeling crazy groggy and tired anymore. I have more energy, although some days are more challenging than others, especially if I have a little wine or stay out late. <br />
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I feel "clean". I don't feel like my insides are fighting a constant battle with my outside. And of course, I'm down 15 pounds. I'm going to keep it up. We'll see where this all leads.The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-7019970193120153762012-02-13T07:58:00.001-08:002012-02-13T07:58:25.875-08:00Vegetable Lentil Soup<p>I bought a slow cooker. I need more veggies, and soup is a good way.</p> <p>This morning I dropped a few things in. I read lots of recipes and then kinda winged it. Here's what I ended up with:</p> <p>One 16 oz can lentils<br> One 8 oz can tomatoes with chili peppers<br> One 4 oz can diced chili peppers<br> A few handfuls of the following frozen veggies: carrots, sweet potato, peas, collard greens <br> 1/4 tap curry powder<br> 1/2 tsp turmeric and paprika<br> 16 oz vegetable broth<br> 1 cup water</p> <p>Tossed it all in and will let it simmer on low about 8 hours. It already smells good.</p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-73662904525888481322012-01-24T04:32:00.001-08:002012-01-24T04:32:25.196-08:00New Cravings<p>I have cut way back on fast food consumption.</p> <p>I have cut way back on meat consumption.</p> <p>I have cut out, almost completely, high fructose corn syrup consumption. Not easy since its in most every conventional packaged product on the market in some form or another.</p> <p>I have become more conscious of where my food comes from and what is in it (like the evil GMO stuff).</p> <p>I have cut way back on processed food.</p> <p>I do most of my grocery shopping at the health food store, opting for healthier, organic convenience foods.</p> <p>I cooked soup this week! With fresh ingredients even! Yes, cooked! </p> <p>I have been doing this with food little by little since before Christmas (i had already cut out HFCS sodas.) I find that I am no longer craving fast food. Except for the crazy $0.99 spicy sausage sandwich at Checkers. But I'm not giving into THAT very often.</p> <p>I have also eliminated 99% of the dairy in my life. And discovered Daiya shreds which allows me to skip my cheese and eat it too. It even melts. Its a cheesy goodness miracle. </p> <p>I thought cutting back on meat would be hard. It hasn't been. I'm actually craving whole foods now. How cool is that? And rice and beans are a good thing! </p> <p>So when I opted to have seasoned fries and rice pudding for dinner last night, I forgave myself. It wasn't a crazy number of fries, and it was all so good. That's another thing, everything tastes better. Its like my taste buds have broken away from a cult and are free for the first time.</p> <p>I'm more congested from the pudding this morning, but that's the choice I made. And I can live with that for a day. It was very good pudding. Filled with all things evil I'm sure, but once in a while, I'll survive! </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-33383625491612770922012-01-22T21:13:00.001-08:002012-01-22T21:13:47.095-08:00Easy Tom Kha Tofu Soup<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9yKG3XzsLUia2PKARJ63FnnCFv4HS29o8hhawK-ECLtkByxldLi7twsNyLAzZyxnATRcJdzR2IC5t-fPBeUFRx3FBVAHZO0fJ3Rs2o8dreB5Orr6FB9uIw5fWOXIiadlFGtuNHXiIHQS/s1600/2012-01-22.18.23.09-727096.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9yKG3XzsLUia2PKARJ63FnnCFv4HS29o8hhawK-ECLtkByxldLi7twsNyLAzZyxnATRcJdzR2IC5t-fPBeUFRx3FBVAHZO0fJ3Rs2o8dreB5Orr6FB9uIw5fWOXIiadlFGtuNHXiIHQS/s320/2012-01-22.18.23.09-727096.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700691312855480738" /></a></p><p>I made this in less than 30 minutes, in the microwave. Microwave? Yup. In the microwave. Why? Because I was lazy. </p> <p>The Thai Red Curry wasn't the right choice. I am determined to find the chili paste. I substituted Bragg Liquid Aminos for the soy sauce, and added much more than it called for. I also forgot to add the lemon and lime juice. Oops!</p> <p>The end result was a good veggie soup that can be made quick with the right ingredients. This made about three generous servings, and I poured it over rice. </p> <p>2 eight ounce containers of Pacific Organic Vegetable Broth</p> <p>1 five ounce can coconut milk</p> <p>1/2 container pre-diced red, yellow, and green bellpeppers (2-3 handfuls will work, or one whole diced bellpepper of choice)</p> <p>1/3 container Cremini Mushrooms, sliced and then halved</p> <p>Splash Sesame Oil</p> <p>1 teaspoon each lemon and lime juice (or a good squirt of organic juice in a container)</p> <p>2 teaspoons soy sauce or Bragg Liquid Aminos</p> <p>1/2 teaspoon Thai Chili Paste (or more to make it hotter, taste as you go)</p> <p>Half a cup cooked rice</p> <p>Poor veggie broth in bowl and heat in microwave 3 minutes on high.</p> <p>Add Chili paste, soy sauce, lemon and lime juice, and veggies. Cover and set aside.</p> <p>Pour Coconut milk in bowl and heat in microwave for 1 minute. Stir and heat another minute. Heating them separate will ensure the coconut milk will not curdle. </p> <p>Add coconut milk into soup mixture. Stir. </p> <p>Heat in microwave for one minute. Stir. Heat for another minute.</p> <p>Spoon cooked rice into soup bowl. Ladel soup on top. Add a splash of sesame oil and enjoy. <br> </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-23760216968380550662012-01-21T20:18:00.001-08:002012-01-21T20:18:15.647-08:00Groceries and Fast Food<p>I decided I should make the soup I'm obsessed with, Tom Kha Tofu, rather than continue to get takeout at the local Thai place several times a week. So today I set out to run errands and find ingredients. </p> <p>But first I backtrack. At about 11am I decided to eat my leftover takeout. I had ordered Hot, not realizing how hot it was. Overnight it apparently got hotter. I still ate it, and continued on my day.</p> <p>Some hours later I drove through a fast food place for lunch. Chicken bites, ranch dressing, and sweet tea. I inhaled on my way to Sally's Beauty Supply where I stocked up on a few things. </p> <p>Next I went to the grocery store. About half way there I felt my tummy get rather, well, violent. But it subsided, so I passed my house continuing to the grocery. </p> <p>I found all the ingredients I needed but two. As I made my way toward sparkling water, the violence began again. I ended up in the restroom! I was a little horrified! </p> <p>Then I got clammy and got a headache. But my tummy was better. I moved on to the healthfood store where I found my two missing ingredients and began looking for something called Dashi. </p> <p>I also want to make miso soup. And because I couldn't find it, and my phone didn't work in the store so I couldn't look up an alternative, I moved on to The Fresh Market.</p> <p>There I was able to look up the substitution and get what I needed. The substitute is fish sauce by the way. </p> <p>So tomorrow I will make a soup. Or maybe two.</p> <p>And I skipped dinner, as I didn't want my tummy to freak out again. I'm still recovering from having to use that restroom! </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-45471340970791953622012-01-20T19:03:00.001-08:002012-01-20T19:03:54.002-08:00Meatless Experiment Week 1<p>I went completely meatless two days this week. It's amazing how different I feel. </p> <p>I've also cut my meat. Consumption in half, at least. Meat for me usually is chicken with occassional pork, fish, and very infrequent beef.</p> <p>Being aware of the issues in our food supply has me making different choices. Better quality, less questionable choices. </p> <p>I'll be interested to see if my weight goes down. </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-22423065619029855042012-01-05T17:16:00.000-08:002012-01-05T17:17:31.748-08:00Less Meat, One Heck of a Migraine...Coincidence?A couple hours before bed on Monday night, I had a heck of a headache building. For reasons I do not understand (what the hell was I thinking??) I went to bed without taking anything for it. <br />
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I woke at 5am Tuesday morning with a beautiful, knock down, drag out, nausea inducing, light sensitive, migraine.<br />
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I immediatly blamed the lack of meat on Monday. Jokingly. The migraine hung on for two full days, in which I did eat some meat (not a lot), a grilled cheese sandwich (comfort food), and finally, last night I had a glass of wine. Seemed to do the trick with relaxing me, as I woke this morning headache free. Headache free but suffering from a migraine hangover.<br />
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I had a little meat today and a huge salad. I will try a meat free day again soon, maybe even before Monday. Poor Meatless Monday...The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-75340986109158073332012-01-03T11:16:00.000-08:002012-01-03T11:58:09.612-08:00Meatless MondayI decided to embrace Meatless Monday. I found a recipe for a chilled dish that required no cooking (other than defrosting the rice), and I could make up at in the back room at work. I stopped at the grocery store on my way to work, recipe in hand. <br />
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Apparently January 2 is NOT the day to look for Black Eyed Peas. I've not heard of this tradition before, but learned about it in my quest to make this dish. Not a can or frozen bag to be found. None. Zilch. Nada. <br />
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I did some substitutions. Between substitutions for things I don't like and not being able to find black eyed peas, it ended up as...<br />
<ul>
<li>1 can black beans, drained (instead of black eyed peas)</li>
<li>1 cup brown rice</li>
<li>Diced bell pepper (instead of celery, blech!)</li>
<li>Bunch Diced green onions</li>
<li><span class="text_exposed_show">Diced tomato</span><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></li>
<li>1/3 tube Basil (instead of fresh parsley)</li>
<li>Two tablespoons minced garlic</li>
<li>I did not add the tablespoon of lemon juice.</li>
</ul>
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Mix in large container, chill for an hour. </div>
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It was really good. I've let the leftovers chill since last night, and it's really smelling amazing. I probably overdid the garlic, but you can never have enough garlic!</div>
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</div>The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-81160699008929662262012-01-01T12:03:00.001-08:002012-01-01T12:03:32.625-08:00New Years Day<p>Happy New Year! I have begun the year with split pea soup and a bit of A&W Rootbeer. Both were leftovers I hated to let go to waste. </p> <p>Yesterday I grocery shopped at a health food store that has very good prices. I bought salad fixings, vegetarian soups, avocados, Blue Sky Rootbeer for those periodic cravings, raw sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, and a few other healthy things. I did get some Annie Chuns roasted seaweed snacks in wasabi flavor. They taste like the ocean. They are for when I want chips. </p> <p>I want to limit my meat and processed food intake. I want to eat more greens and fruit. I didn't buy fruit, I didn't see anything that's struck me. I'll pick some up this week.</p> <p>Since there was Ham in my soup, I'm going to be veggie the rest of the day. One day at a time. That's all I can ask. </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-32796235484679421492011-12-31T11:57:00.000-08:002011-12-31T11:57:05.621-08:00Out with the Old...<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This had been an interesting year. I've gained and lost the same 10-15 pounds all year. My parents health continues to decline and I continue to see how their refusal to change their behavior adds volumes to the decline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've decided I refuse to get fatter, age too fasts, and lose my health. New year, new me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just finished the book <a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/shop/ETLBook.aspx" target="_blank">Eat to Live by Dr Joel Fuhrman</a>. Very interesting. I've seen the documentaries <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/" target="_blank">Food Inc.,</a> <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/" target="_blank">Forks over Knives</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foodmatters-Andrew-W-Saul/dp/B001B3XZAW" target="_blank">Food Matters</a>, etc, etc, etc. I know what I need to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plant based, much less meat, eliminate processed foods. Easy, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue to struggle. Keeping my parents in mind, I'm going to try to be better. I want to knock off some weight. I want to find plant based foods that I like and will fill me up. I'm not sure I'm up for the 1 pound raw, 1 pound cooked veggies a day as Dr Fuhrman recommends. I can eat more salad and such. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here begins a new year. Tomorrow. Day damn 1!</span><br />
<br />The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-24898553149206743802011-12-06T18:44:00.001-08:002011-12-31T11:59:27.914-08:00Positive Reaction to a Rough Couple DaysI didn't sleep last night. Mostly because I was wound tight with concern for my mother. Unexpected infection in her incision. Kinda scary if I let myself go there. So I avoid those thoughts while not sleeping.<br />
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Today I did sleep on and off and accomplished nothing. So at 5pm I ventured out to grocery shop. I am a stress eater and had nothing but popcorn in the house. Inspired by the book I'm reading, Eat For Life, I decided no junk food.<br />
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First stop, health food store. Walked in behind a Rep for Cupcake wine, carrying a case. I did not buy any. Instead I got four avocados because they were $0.99 each, spinach, spring mix, sprouted salad crunchiest, raw sunflower, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, a can of Blue Sky Cram Soda, salad dressing, and roasted seaweed snacks. I was looking for kale chips. I want to try them. But they were crazy expensive. So, seaweed. I'll keep ya posted. <br />
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Next stop The Fresh Market. They had two for one Maryland Crab Cakes. I got the last ones. Women behind me were angry. I also picked up my new favorite apples (Honeycrisp), a couple vine tomatoes, pears, and a bottle of Mojitea. Its awesome. A little splurge. I managed to check out without being tackled by angry crab cake customers. And I got a new TFM bag. Its small, perfect size for me. With a snowman on the front. Oh ya. And a very small container of mashed potatoes. Comfort food. <br />
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Next stop, Publix. Six cans of soup, Ziploc bags and containers, a green Publix bag with a Christmas tree on it, and two 12 packs of La Croix water later (lime and grapefruit) and I was heading home.<br />
I had crab cakes and potatoes for dinner. And my Mojitea. Other than that, i did pretty good. I have some decent groceries. I wont starve and some are healthy. Canned soup not so much, but I'm taking small steps.The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-76174199275652337812011-11-30T18:20:00.000-08:002011-11-30T18:21:16.898-08:00Day 31 or 32?<p>I started this journey on Oct 29. I've posted every day. I hope they all are posted and I qualify, as I'm ready for drastic change and I flounder on how to get there. So here is the last entry.</p> <p>1 I love that I did this! What an accomplishment.<br></p> <p>2 I love designing purses, and I've decided to branch out and learn about jewelry and shoes. <br></p> <p>3 I love the positive feedback I received today on my latest project. I always fear putting it out there, but I did it anyhow.<br></p> <p>4 I love being supportive of my friend who is in crisis. It's all I can do for her, and it doesn't feel like much but I think she appreciates it<br></p> <p>5 I love that I'm beginning to crave healthy food options. I craved a salad today!<br></p> <p>6 I love the weird mole on my arm. Its a birthmark sort of thing and it's very unique<br></p> <p>7 I love the bump on My arm where it once broke. After all these years I can still feel it, and I remember surviving a 6 week cast in the middle of summer! What an experience for an 8 year old. Its a badge of honor<br> </p> <p>8 I love that I'm health conscious. I continue to share my knowledge with those who don't understand GMOs, food from China, etc.<br></p> <p>9 I love my neutral, skin toneish color nail polish. When I started this journey I wore black or gray. Does this have anything to do with the change???<br></p> <p>10 I love me. Most of the time. I love who I am inside at least. I'm working on the outside and the demons that hold me back.<br></p> <p>Thank you for the opportunity to earn this program. <br> </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-7547903412268267532011-11-29T19:28:00.001-08:002011-11-29T19:28:45.439-08:00Day 30 or 31?<p>Day 30 or 31 or maybe 32, not sure.</p> <p>1 I love my friends. We are so different yet we click along like we've known each other forever<br></p> <p>2 I love fish tacos. Can I ever five them up?<br></p> <p>3 I love honesty. I despise deception<br></p> <p>4 I love my car. I bought it because it was big enough, safe, and gets awesome mileage. Its not gorgeous but it is efficient<br></p> <p>5 I love that I changes the cats food and I now have a calmer, gentler cat<br></p> <p>6 I love that I share food sensitivities with my crazy cats!<br></p> <p>7 I love that I haven't had cheese in five days</p> <p>8 I love that I had a green drink for breakfast</p> <p>9 I love how fast my nails grow</p> <p>10 I love that I probably just did an extra day of this, but I'm not sure....<br> </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-47145695471762444892011-11-27T19:53:00.001-08:002011-11-27T19:53:59.454-08:00Day 28?<p>Day 28? 29? I've lost track. I haven't saved all of these so I'm really not sure :-(</p> <p>1 I love being lazy on Sunday. I require rejuvenating time</p> <p>2 I love that I'm thinking more about the food I eat again. I was lost for a while</p> <p>3 I love that my hair suddenly feels so much longer</p> <p>4 I love that I realized today that my cats are a lot like me. We'll work on that!</p> <p>5 I love that I had lots of water again today. I don't like water so it's a big deal</p> <p>6 I love the skin on my inner arm. Its soft and has no blemishes. I'd love to get the rest of my skin like that!<br></p> <p>7 I love that I can accomplish a lot with email and text. They are time and money savers for me<br></p> <p>8 I love that I wanted chips and dip today, and had microwave popcorn instead<br></p> <p>9 I love that my Thanksgiving leftovers gave me two, small, satisfying meals<br></p> <p>10 I love that I made myself do this tonight. It was hard<br></p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-36431240492484428142011-11-27T18:42:00.001-08:002011-11-27T18:42:39.591-08:00Day 28?<p>I think it may be day 27 or 28 but I'm not sure...</p> <p>1 I love that I woke at 5am and ended up being a support for a friend in crisis via email. She said I helped.</p> <p>2 I love that I went above and beyond for a coworker today (her words not mine)</p> <p>3 I love that I made my first pendants tonight! </p> <p>4 I love that I dug until I found exactly the fabric I needed, hidden at the bottom of a heap, and I had a 50% off coupon for the cut!</p> <p>5 I love that I offered advise on altering a pattern to a civil war buff making a costume </p> <p>6 I love that I asked my SIL what she and the kids want for Christmas. They are hard to shop for and this is a huge help</p> <p>7 I love that I drank lots of water today!</p> <p>8 I love the two compliments I got on my glasses today. They really made me happy.</p> <p>9 I love that I read some more of my book this week. Its Eat to Live and very interesting</p> <p>10 I love that I taught someone something new today</p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-53386968531781790902011-11-25T13:29:00.001-08:002011-11-25T13:29:11.842-08:00Day 26<p>Day 26</p> <p>1 I love love love that I've stuck this out for 26 days! I'm so close to my goal :-)</p> <p>2 I love my friend who gave me a carton of dairy free, coconut milk based "egg" nog. 90 calories, no tummy ache or congestion, and tastes just like the original! </p> <p>3 I love my sister in law. 20 years and I've rarely seen her angry or upset. She has great balance</p> <p>4 I love my little feet. Size 5, petite. When not swollen, they are lovely!</p> <p>5 I love surprising people with conversation about things they don't know interest me. Not on purpose, just because. I love the little glimmer of "wow I can talk to you about this" that races across their face</p> <p>6 I love that I recognize when the PMS symptoms kick in. Crazy hunger, weepiness, mood swings. Thank goodness its only about 4-5 days a month!</p> <p>7 I love that I no longer eat every time I feel hungry. Sometimes I let my tummy growl because its too late to eat, or I know I had enough earlier. I believe my body tries to trick me.</p> <p>8 I love my giving nature</p> <p>9 I love this process. Even on a bad day, I'm forced to reach and find something I love. </p> <p>10 I love Kind Bars. Excellent snacks or breakfast items, totally healthy. Mmmmm</p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-41364781614297987692011-11-25T09:10:00.001-08:002011-11-25T09:10:18.721-08:00DAY 25!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving<p>Day 25! Happy Thanksgiving. </p> <p>1 I love that I overate on far less food this year than last. I am trying to be more conscious of when to stop, and since I've been eating less, I still stop earlier than before :-)</p> <p>2 I love my dear, dear friends who include me on all major holidays, and have for...about 14 years now. </p> <p>3 I love my family, who are far away but never forgotten. </p> <p>4 I love mashed potatoes and gravy. And Turkey. I've toyed with going vegan, but I'm not sure I could give up these and many other foods that I love. Maybe just once in a while? Does that count?</p> <p>5 I love the purse I finished today. All issues resolved, the prototype is awesome and received great reviews.</p> <p>6 I love that I wore pants that fit today. Usually I wear baggy pants. Not sure why I did it.</p> <p>7 I love that at the last minute I put on a tank top that is clingy. I was comfortable because it was quite warm, and I was only a little self conscious.</p> <p>8 I also love that I took off the big blouse I wore over the tank, right after I arrived at dinner. I never put it back on</p> <p>9 I love that I went to Michael's on my way home and with my coupon, scored amazing deals for things we needed foe work.</p> <p>10 I LOVE that I will NOT participate in black Friday, and will instead work on a custom order for Christmas Stockings. </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-57529574443770831112011-11-23T20:45:00.001-08:002011-11-23T20:45:23.423-08:00Day 24<p>Day 24 </p> <p>1 I love that I don't have to take anything to Thanksgiving dinner. Except Gladware :-) </p> <p>2 I love that I stuck it out at work all day even though I wanted to go home sick </p> <p>3 I love that my nose has finally stopped running </p> <p>4 I love that its cooling off out yet we'll still get to have Thanksgiving dinner poolside </p> <p>5 I love that after three weeks I have resolved the handle problem on my new purse </p> <p>6 I love that I got a good start on my big work project while under the influence of cold medicine</p> <p>7 I love that my cats are literally glaring at each other over who gets to lay the closest to me</p> <p>8 I love that I can sleep on tomorrow</p> <p>9 I love that I refuse flu shots and antibiotics. People who preach them are not informed. Beginning with my mother.</p> <p>10 I love that I have custom sewing work to do. Paying customer who loves what I do! </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-15917085727588604932011-11-23T17:18:00.001-08:002011-11-23T17:18:30.996-08:00Day 23<p>Day 23? YES! Day 23!! Wow! I do hope that people are getting as much out of these as I get out of cruising through to see what folks are saying about themselves. </p> <p> </p> <p>1 I love my honesty. Honest to a fault. I'm not a good liar, and I'm not a good deceiver. I think those are excellent things to be bad at!</p> <p> </p> <p>2 I love that I am an awesome photographer. I just took some really good photos of something that has mylar in it, so it's all glowing and shimmering. Darn hard!</p> <p> </p> <p>3 I love that I enjoy music pre-1986. Mostly 60's and 70's. I don't even pay attention to anything current. And I'm fine with that!</p> <p> </p> <p>4 I love my wide range of ecclectic tastes. I hate to be tied down to just one thing.</p> <p> </p> <p>5 I love that I'm slowly learning to trust more. </p> <p> </p> <p>6 I love the new red hair!!! A new color I've not done in a long time, and now I remember how much I love it!!</p> <p> </p> <p>7 I love that I said NO to the weekly pasta order from the local fresh made pasta place that the girls do at work. It was very hard, but I'm sticking to my budget.</p> <p> </p> <p>8 I love that I'm having my protien smoothy for dinner, even though I want something else. Something decadent. This will get really hard when the PMS kicks in...</p> <p>9 I love that I'm in a good mood even though I know I'm getting sick</p> <p>10 I love that if I'm coming down with my traditional Thanksgiving cold like I feel like I do, I'll have a sexy voice for a few days :-)<br> </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-47029668662051109042011-11-23T17:16:00.001-08:002011-11-23T17:16:25.804-08:00Day 24<p>Day 24</p> <p>1 I love that I don't have to take anything to Thanksgiving dinner. Except Gladware :-)</p> <p>2 I love that I stuck it out at work all day even though I wanted to go home sick</p> <p>3 I love that my nose has finally stopped running</p> <p>4 I love that its cooling off out yet we'll still get to have Thanksgiving dinner poolside</p> <p>5 I love that after three weeks I have resolved the handle problem on my new purse</p> <p>6 </p> The Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639489206691778114.post-52466221319003934202011-11-22T16:50:00.001-08:002011-12-31T11:58:47.304-08:00Day 23Day 23. I don't feel well today. Yet I'm here, doing this.<br />
1 I love that I want to be asleep but fighting it until its late enough in the evening to go to bed<br />
2 I love that I was invited to Mexican food and ate very little<br />
3 I love that I made time for friends this evening<br />
4 I love that I worked an eight hour day today. Not more than eight, just eight<br />
5 I love that I figured out the question with the new email program today<br />
6 I love that I branched out and tried a new food today<br />
7 I love that I got home early today! Already in my jammies<br />
8 I love that I put color on my nails again. Its been weeks of clear<br />
9 I love that I will be snug in my bed when people are doing the crazy black Friday madness<br />
10 I love that I remembered my lunch today! I really wanted pizza, but I had my healthy, tasty chiliThe Armchair Nutritionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05002165012772868422noreply@blogger.com0