A Tribute to Food and Friendship

"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon, or not at all." -Harriet Van Horne, Vogue (1956)

Great friends inspire us to be better people…to savor each moment as they happen…and to open our hearts. They help us to celebrate the blessings of life and embrace the beauty of life’s grace. I have the best friends in the entire world! Each unique in their own way, they have a way touching my heart…inspiring me to be a better person. That’s the greatest gift any person could ask for.

Speaking of great gifts…If it had not been for the thoughtful and benevolent efforts of one of my dearest girlfriends in the entire world…I would not have known that there is actually a magazine published that bears the name of the lifestyle I now try to incorporate into my everyday life… “Clean Eating!” What a remarkable and thoughtful testament of true friendship…supplying just what you need…right when you need it!

I have only just received my second issue, it appears to be a wealth of information and filled with delectable techniques and recipes that not only enforce good healthy practices, but embraces the GREEN customs that are seamlessly instinctual when this lifestyle is truly adapted. What’s more, I just love their motto…

“CLEAN EATING…Improving your life one meal at a time!” Sound familiar???

Never underestimate how the tiniest act of kindness can have a hugest impact down the road. I have always known that I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! When you surround yourself with great people, your life becomes much richer because of their presence. Pay it forward and return the blessing.

I sincerely thank each of you for your personal contributions to my life, and never forget how much richer my life has become, just because you are in it!

I Love You...ALL!

One Meal...One Day At A Time

Last weeks posting brought about a barrage of questions and interest surrounding my 30 day experiment. I thought is might be easier to answer the most commonly asked questions, by listing them below…

Q: Does your diet have a name?
A: Yes & No. Although the “concept” is known as “Clean Eating,” I would clarify by labeling it is as more of a choice or a lifestyle, than a diet. The soul of “Clean Eating” is simply consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. Sadly, it’s not even a new concept. Before the invention of preservatives and fast food drive thrus, it was the way our parents and grand parents have eaten for generations. Simply put, if it isn’t grown in the ground…or if it doesn’t have a mother… Don’t eat it!

Q: What are the basic rules or ideas surrounding “Clean Eating?”
A: Ahhh! That’s a simple one, because this is so easy to follow! Start with lots of healthy fruits and veggies, lean protein, and complex carbs that are 100% whole grains. Try to purchase seasonal, and locally grown whenever possible. It will be cheaper and reduces your carbon footprint. Choose organic, pesticide & hormone free products where available. Finally, avoid processed and refined foods like white flour, white sugar, white pasta along with saturated and trans-fats. Choose healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil. Yes it will be a bit more expensive…but the fewer toxic chemicals and steroids in your body, the better.

Q: Are you only eating raw?
A: No. Most cooking methods apply, such as roasting, sautéing, grilling, braising stewing, slow cooking & searing. Frying is the only unhealthy method I can think of…but I’ve never been a fan, anyway.

Q: Are there any trick of the trade that you might recommend?
A: Yes. As a general rule, always keep in mind…”If it isn’t grown from the ground…or if it doesn’t have a mother…DON’T EAT IT!” Also, be label savvy. Clean foods will generally have one or two ingredients, which you should be able to pronounce. Partially hydrogenated, sodium aluminosilted, dipotassium-ANYTHING should be avoided at all costs. Also avoid items that are high in sugar content

Q: Do you find this lifestyle challenging, restrictive or boring?
A: On the contrary, I find it invigorating as well as creative! It’s actually given me a new inspiration while creating an appetite for learning and a curiosity for new foods & products I’ve never used before. It’s feeding not only my body, but my soul and spirit too! It does require a shift in mindset. I have to make a conscience effort to plan my menu weekly, which requires advanced shopping and preparations efforts. When I do not allow the time for this crutial step...I find that I often set myself up for failure because that means eating out when I am hungry, which in my case, can lead to faulty decision making. Planning ahead is more likely to set me up for success. Over all, I’d have to say that’s not such a bad plan, and not at all boring in the least.

I think that I've answered all questions and concerns, but if you feel that there is something I may have missed…please feel free to comment on the site or contact me personally. I will do my best to answer your questions as thoroughly & as quickly as I can. Also, I acknowledge that many are curious about my result, thus far, but please know that (good or bad,) my plan will be to report back to you the Sunday following August 12th...since that falls mid week.

Enjoy!~

The Profitability Of A Well Planned Investment

I have never been one to push principles or practices on anyone…but I have always been glad to share or exchange information, when products, theories, and/or ideas, meet or exceeds an expectation. I don’t think there is much surprise to any of you, that over the last few weeks, I’ve been singing the praises of foods grown without pesticides, hormones, and harmful chemicals. I’ve tried hard to simply concentrate of the concept of consuming only the most natural food available, while eliminating processed foods and products that contain preservatives, additives and artificial sweeteners/flavorings. The subject of my experiment…to adjust my thinking towards a more healthy, and natural lifestyle, while experiencing just how practical, affordable and sustainable such a lifestyle can be.

My findings…
At the monthly follow up visit to my doctor to determine if a plan of attack might be needed to aggressively defend a family history of high blood pressure… not only was it down to a respectable 126/82…but I also had an unexpected drop in weight loss of a whooping 6.2 lbs! These findings may not sound like much…but in only 30 days, truly they are amazing! Let me share with you why that is…

First, let me reiterate… my concentration was only on eliminating the processed foods and trying to eat foods in an organic or more natural state. There was absolutely no effort what so ever to incorporate any less or more activity that I normally would have expended. For example, I eliminated “Splenda” and replaced it with 100% pure raw cane sugar (turbinado), honey, or agave nectar. White rice, potatoes and breads were replaced with 100% whole grains, brown rice or sweet potatoes. Meats like pork, beef and chicken were hormone & steroid free, grass or vegetable fed and all natural. Dairy and goat products (like cheese & milk) were naturally homogenized, organic, and growth hormone free. Fruits & veggies were either organic or local. This also takes into consideration, last week’s party, in which, untold amounts of margaritas & beer were consumed, and well as (2) 16 oz. diet cokes (because I was tired of drinking plain water,) ½ of a small red potato, and 1 entire ear of corn. I swear…I didn’t touch a fry or a hush puppy…but will confess that they were screaming my name to the top of their lungs! I wanted them badly…but resisted the temptation! Yeah me!

Secondly, I was also determined to reduce my carbon footprint…and found that is was an easy compromise, since a lot of these concessions were costing me a fortune. I brought my own reusable bags to any store I spent my dollars in. There are a few that willingly apply small discounts for not using the paper or plastic they supply. I opted for locally grown products when the cost of organic was more than I was willing to spend. When you combine these small savings with ever-growing healthcare costs and medications I might need in the near future, given my family history of diabetes and high blood pressure…I would have to say that I am leaps and bounds ahead of my expenditures. Considering that diabetes killed my father much earlier than it should have, I prefer to look at it as an… “INVESTMENT IN MY GOOD HEALTH & WELL BEING!”

Finally, let me please restate for the record…I am not at all declaring that this is a miracle cure to fix whatever ails you…nor am I trying to push this concept upon you. I am simply stating that I have found something that seems to work well for me. What works for some, may not work for others…but just it’s one idea, one inspiration, one muse.

Since we are talking about inspirations, I’ve decided to take my experiment to the next level. For the next 30 days, from July 12th – August 12th, I will take what I have learned about healthy eating and put it into practice, while incorporating a sustainable and reasonable exercise plan that can easily be incorporated into my crazy and hectic life. Nothing extreme…and nothing more than what I’ve already discussed. Just healthy eating combined with a minimum of 30-45 minutes of exercise, six days a week. And since I’ve already put my money where my mouth is (literally,) what have I got to lose except a few extra pounds???

Mystery Meat 101???

This Independence Day…I had the distinct pleasure celebrating the birthday of the girlfriend, who is affectionately known as my “Texas BFF!” Between the two of us…we could probably come up with quite a few weight loss “DON’Ts”…but I think we’ll save that topic for a future posting.

Be that as it may, during a previous visit, her husband and I caught a glimpse of a cooking show in which the host was preparing, what appeared to be a simple but, mouth watering, lip smacking, flank steak for the grill. After we wiped our saliva off the floor, I extended the offer to prepare this delicious piece of meat and bring it on my next visit. A week before my visit, I research the recipe, make a list of the ingredients I will need, and plan a trip to one of my favorite grocery stores. But as is usually the case, an unexpected work trip comes up and I am dutifully out of town for the majority of the week. Upon my return, I find the need to make the compulsory decision to frequent the local grocery chain that I absolutely loathe.

This particular location isn’t equipped with a butcher’s counter, so I am forced to flounder the meat section for the perfect slab of beef. Wishing I was married to a butcher at this moment, my eyes fixate on a handsomely- thick, marbled hunk of red cow’s flesh ironically labeled “flank steak.” This is the one I decide…and hastily conquer the crowds in the aisles to assemble the rest of my provisions. I brave the long check out lines and I return home after a most cantankerous trip, to quickly begin the round two of saliva testing. The recipe calls for marinating our steak from a minimum of 4 hours, but an optimum 24 hours is preferred. I want my cow’s flesh to be succulent and flavorful…so 24 hours it is.

Well, I suppose that steak is probably not an appropriate choice for a “CRAWFISH BOIL”…but my “TEXAS BFF” being the gracious host that she is…quickly resolves that our steak will be featured in Round Two of her “Independence Day / Birthday” Bash. No on knew there would be a round two…until just that moment, but we were okay with that decision. Round one featured a fabulous firework display, along with twenty pounds of crawfish, probably another twenty pounds of fried catfish, fries, hush puppies, corn on the cob, red potatoes and all the beer and margaritas one could drink. (Probably, not the kind of thing that one would post on a weight loss blog…but I did mention that my friend and I could list a few “DON’Ts”…didn’t I??? This might be one of them!) The party was indeed a HUGE SUCCESS…the next morning…not so much.

The next morning brings with it headaches, hangovers, and a backyard that looks like a frat party was held in it. Beer bottles, cans and hush puppies are tossed around the yard like graffiti, and the decorations are barely tied to the canopy with the loose ends blowing the morning wind. Despite the hangovers and the headaches, the yard is cleaned up and restored to it’s pre-party glory for round two to begin. Our steak which has now been marinating for almost 48 hours, finally hits the grill to bask in its manly, muscular, he machine for then next 1 & ½ hour. Round three of the saliva test has indeed begun. The smells permeating from the he man grill are heavenly. As our red, thickly marbled hunk of cow’s flesh is plated, the beautifully crusted grill marks, and sensuous juices seeping from our beef makes one really want to “Slap Yo Mama”…in a matter of speaking. It’s allowed to rest before we slice into it and see its pink juiciness goodness. Our host and hostess serve it along with hot tortillas, home-made salsa, guacamole, grilled peppers, onions, and marinated portabella mushrooms. I opt to taste our meat alone, in an effort to savor it’s juicy goodness…and with first taste, it’s has really great flavor, as I chew, and chew, and chew and chew some more. As I look across the table I notice more of the same, chewing… and chewing…and more chewing. I brought to this party a tasty, marinated piece of rubber. It’s later that I learn that what I actually purchased wasn’t flank steak at all, but brisket…a much tougher cut that must be slow cooked over several hours to achieve and edible tenderness. And just who tells me about my little faux paus…the master butcher in attendance. With my tail tucked between my legs, my rubber is wrapped in foil, handed back to me, and I am allowed begin my long journey home, hood-winked, bamboozled, embarrassed and led astray by a mislabeled hunk of marbled cow flesh.

The moral of this story...know your beef…or marry a butcher!


PS-
In an effort to salvage my now badly damaged reputation as a “foodie”… I came home and quickly inserted my thinly sliced pieces of grill-braised rubber into the oven with a bit of the left over marinade, and allowed it to roast for an additional three hours at 325 degrees…DELISH & FALL APART TENDER…but just a bit too late!!!

For Grilled Tequila Lime Flank Steak Recipe (I just used the marinade)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-tequila-garlic-lime-flank-steak-recipe/index.html

Times Are A Changin’-Happy Summer Solstice!

“Smile, breathe and go slowly.”- Zen Buddhist Monk

Ever notice how one simple change often leads to another? When I look back over the history of what I’ve blogged, and how it’s naturally progressed…I can clearly see how my thought process has lead me to this current path that I am following. While I am still (and will probably always be) a work in progress, I think its worth giving recognition to evolution, however slowly it may come.

When I first began this journey, I decided that one of the biggest and healthiest changes I made was to begin to put myself first, and love myself more. With the stresses of work and daily family life, I’ll admit, this was tough to do. It required a different mindset, than I was used to, because not only did I have to be deliberately more cognizant in my actions, I needed to focus on being fully present in my decision making as well. It’s true, I still need work in this area…but at least I am aware of it now and recognize when I put something or someone else’s needs before my own. I know it sounds a little selfish to the parents out there, but if you don’t take care of yourself first, how can you truly care for those who need you?

Loving myself more then made me sensitive to my bad habits. I was able recognize that I was an emotional eater, and that unearthing lead to discovering ways to conquer those bad habits of emotional eating. And now, even when I faulter, I don’t beat myself up about it. I realize that all things in moderation allows me the permission I need to say…”it’s ok…but I need to get back on track…ASAP!” It also led to my “Tune-Up” which resulted in healthier, cleaner eating. Fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, (organic when possible,) and no prepared meals full of chemicals and preservatives that are harmful to the body. Instantly, I started cooking more and eating out less. I am also taking time out to enjoy my food. No more eating while working at my desk. I find a nice quiet place…and enjoy!

Lastly, I am trying to find ways to increase my activity level. Yes, I could just use the gym membership that I purchased, or buy an exercise DVD. But the truth is, I really want to concentrate on creating lasting lifestyle changes that I will really enjoy. Maybe it’s tennis lessons, or cycling. Or perhaps it’s a martial art such as Tai Chi or Brazilian Jujitsu. Whatever it is, I want it to be a new experience and something to be excited about. The hope is that I will gain exposure to a mulitpicity of newness…and that this one simple change will lead to another.

I am no where close to my objectives and still have a lot of hard work ahead. I think this is probably the most difficult challenge I have ever faced, mainly because it is one trial, I have failed the most. Yet, if I assume that every lesson comes with an opportunity to be better, stronger, and more compassionate than I was previously, then here lies the foundation of a better life.

In the meantime, I will just…Smile, breathe, and go slowly!

Happy Summer Solstice!

The Measure of TRUE SUCCESS...Happy NEW YEAR Baby!

On Friday, I celebrated the 20th anniversary of my 22nd birthday…or 42! I thank GOD for the glory of his splendor!

To me, ALL birthdays are milestones…a culmination of the riches of your life. To celebrate the gift of life, one must appreciate where you’ve been, what you’ve done, where you are going, and what impact this will have in the world around you. In some cases, they let us know, how little we’ve done…or how much farther we have yet to go. It helps us to set the pace towards the life we aspire to, but constantly a work in progress. Most of us think of New Years as that milestone…but I say, no better way to measure one’s progress that to mark that progress with the day of your personal birth…your very own marking of your time here on this Earth, your very own personal NEW YEAR! I say, the “heck” with January 1st! It has been my personal experience, goals that are set on days that hold more personal significance to me…have more strength and hold more truth. But that’s just me…

Over the past few weeks…I’ve made some amazing new discoveries and a few more confirmations along the way. I have always been a food lover…and always a fan of the freshest available. I don’t think that will ever change. But as one gets older and begins to appreciate the time one has left…I think there comes a time, a maturity, or a “want” to do better. One starts to place an importance on the footprint you have on the world around you, and develops a quench to “achieve.” Albeit in your own life, or the lives of those around you, tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us…so today has to count TODAY!

With that thought in mind, I’ve made a commitment to myself to protect and care for this bodily temple that GOD has so graciously loaned to me. I have vowed to only put in it, the “best” of that which is available to me. With very little effort at all except my new found commitment and a few more dollars than I had previously budgeted, I’ve lost a whopping 8lbs. Pretty amazing considering there weren’t any additional exercise or calorie burning efforts. I realize that it will surely take a bit more than just eating fresh, whole foods, but it rejuvenating to see my body reacting to a great start.

Interestingly enough, in my research, I came across two women who intimately refer to themselves as “Healthy Hedonist.” One of which who happens to be the author of a book by the same name, and the other, a chef, who affectionately adorns the term, and another… "Voluptuous Vegan." I love the suggestion of such a theory, but strongly protect my freedom of choice. I don't think a little beef, pork or lamb, ever hurt anyone...but the key phrase there is "a little!" Personally, I am a seafood and chicken lover, but I do pay homage to the spirit of their principles. Certainly, I can also personally relate to the sexy connotation of the word "voluptuous!" Of course, you just never know...but it is always a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.


I suppose it really doesn’t matter if the pull is weight loss, or even life direction.
For today, the focus is to strive for a ...“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Tune Up Results

“You are probably the healthiest person I’ve seen in six months! WOOO HOOO! You are starting off my weekend RIGHT! Whatever your doin’… keep on doin’ it…cuz it’s really workin’ for ya!”

Those were the words of my nurse practioner, Jerry, as we reviewed the result of my “Tune-Up.” And I am sure he meant what he said...especially since he spends most of his time helping sick people get well. Certainly great news to hear…but certainly not quite the news I was expecting .

He continued.

NJ: “You have stellar cholesterol levels (he practically danced around the table as he announced my numbers and explained what the acceptable levels are), your thyroid is functioning normally, blood counts are good, metabolic and hormone panel are all within range. Even your pap and mammogram are clear…You don’t know how rare it is to see everything functioning as it should. Your blood pressure is a bit high, but for right now, it’s nothing to be alarmed about. Since hypertension does run in your family, we will just keep an eye on it for now. But that’s it…If I had a bottle of red wine available…I’d salute you, even at 8:30 am!” (Jerry knew I was an oenophile!)

But something’s not right…and I knew it! So, I had to ask…

DJ: “So why is it so difficult for me to shed a few pounds? I am apparently eating right, and I get in a fair amount of exercise daily (although I admit, I’ve slacked off a bit), and I even take a multi-vitamin when I remember to take them. But I also have been feeling sluggish, even fatigued from time to time, some insomnia, and even a few bouts with depression... (I know, right... me???) it's just not adding up?”

NJ: There are a number of things that can trigger these symptoms…but the one thing that I know about you, is that you work too much! Stress could very well be one of your issues. Tell me about your diet, describe a typical day of eating.

DJ: Well, just prior to this physical (two weeks ago) it was usually…

Breakfast- usually a bowl of oatmeal, or if I don’t want to get up early enough to make oatmeal, I will grab a WW frozen breakfast sandwich. Usually I drink 2,3, 4 cups of coffee in the morning. Sometimes tea, but mostly coffee.

Lunch – usually a “Healthy Choice," "Lean Cuisine," or a WW frozen something with a side salad or a vegetable. If I am out of veggies then I will make sure to grab a fruit of some kind.

Dinner- is almost always chicken or fish with veggies & brown rice or a sweet potato. Almost always with glaze or a salsa of some sort…something quick easy and flavorful without a whole lot of sugar or calories.

Weekends- Dinner is usually out on the town- mostly sushi & sake, but since I’ve been trying to get out and explore the city, so I’ll pick a new restaurant and try it out…and yes, it almost always includes a wine with my meal! Can't resist a great pairing! Could be a margarita or two if I decide on Mexican...this is TEXAS, after all!

NJ: LOL!!! I hear you talkin'!!! What did you mean by…"up until the physical?" What happened after?

DJ: I got hooked on the "Pearl Farmers Market"…So I'll buy some things there and take them home to play in my kitchen, sort of my version of "IRON CHEF"…it’s been a YUMMY, but eye opening experience. I used to buy the bulk of my foods from the local farmers market at home, but I didn’t know how much I missed that, until I moved here, and didn’t have the access any more. HEB (the local grocery chain) just isn't cuttin' it for me!

NJ: “Well, it sounds like your on the right track. If I could make a few suggestions, I would say completely eliminate the processed foods, especially the frozen lunches. I know they are convenient, but they are usually pretty high in sodium, which could explain your higher than normal blood pressure, and they usually contain all sorts of preservatives that your body just doesn’t need. Reducing your caffeine levels can also do you wonders…maybe you stick to tea instead of coffee. It could explain the insomnia, if your drinking caffeine after 4 pm. Also try to work on getting into a regular exercise routine. You’ve already admitted, you’re a little hap-hazard…and I suspect that your body is pretty used to the normal exercise you do get in. I say…up the anti, but make it fun and enjoyable so that it becomes something that you look forward to. Last but not least, find ways to lower your stress levels. Don’t cha’ know…stress can kill ya!”

Well, there you have it in a nutshell! I have decided get a second opinion, and consult with an endocrinologist, just to be sure. After all, just because something is in the “normal” range, doesn’t make it normal for me. And usually, your first instinct is the right one. I was expecting Nurse Jerry to tell me that I had a hormonal or metabolic imbalance or a perhaps a thyroid issue, but that wasn't the case here. I guess that's why I am inclined to consult an expert in the matter. Worse case scenario, I am back where I started.

I will still take Nurse Jerry's advice...but now I feel like a dummy! The truth is, he didn’t really suggest anything that I didn’t already know. Frozen foods…high in sodium??? Really??? And I am sure that all the “Splenda” in my tea, coffee and diet coke really does a body good, huh??? They might be saving me a few calories...but at what cost??? I know frozen meals are convenient…and I also know that time isn’t always my friend. This kind of cooking and shopping for fresh foods a few times a week will certainly take more time than I have available. But now, I am forced to find a way to make the time. Although I recognize that I am blessed to not have acquired the diabetes, hypertension and arthritis that runs in my family, I could very easily have that blessing taken away if I don’t do what I need to do. God gave me this one and only temple, and it is my exclusive and individual responsibility to make sure that I take care of it. I am reminded of the “Parable of the Ten Talents”…If I don’t multiply my talents, I could very well lose them…

“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.” Matthew 25:29

Sounds like I’ve got some work to do!