The Quandry... Does It Ever End?

Writing. I’ve really missed it.

As is usually the case with me, life takes over and prevents me from doing those things that I love to do. Writing is just one of those things.

Letting life control the time I have available to devote to my passions, drive me insane. It’s one of those things I can control…and somehow I manage to lose this battle quite often.

Writing hasn’t been the only thing that’s found it’s way to the back burner… exercise and eating healthy have been lacking as well. Sleep and work never fail to win this never-ending war I seem to have with managing time… and not that these aren’t important issues. They too, need to be done. But here it is, November 22, 2009, and well on our way to 2010, and thinking about setting a New Years Resolution. Wasn’t this something I wrote about back in February??? Haven’t I already worked on this???

I now understand why the contestants on the “Biggest Loser” are stripped from their families and friends…away from their daily distractions, and allowed to concentrate on one thing…and one thing only… LOSE WEIGHT.

But those of us in the real world are not so lucky. I understand why I am… “Consistently Inconsistent!” The quandary is… “What do I do about it?”

The first thing that I’ve decided to do is… NOT BEAT MYSELF UP ABOUT IT!

I am going to pick my self up and I am going to start again.

The next thing I am going to do is…SCHEDULE IT IN.

If this were something important, like a doctors appointment or a conference call, I’d be putting in on my blackberry calendar and setting a reminder. Making the time for exercise, grocery shopping or cooking, shouldn’t be any different. My blackberry really does keep me on track and focused on what needs to happen. This is something that I feel really needs to happen… so it’s getting scheduled.

The last thing I plan to do is… KEEP IT SLOW AND SIMPLE.

I’m not going to make a whole lot of changes at once. I’m going to stick with what I know about eating clean & healthy, and simply being consistent with exercise. I’m not going to spend any money on boot camps, trainers or work out equipment. I’m going to simply concentrate on BEING CONSISTANT…THAT’S IT.

The same will apply to all of my passions. I will schedule them in and I will take more time to enjoy those too.

Wish me luck… AGAIN!

All Things Work For Good...

One year ago this month, an angry force of wind and rain named Ike, downed trees, flooded homes and practically wiped clean, anything and everything in his path. One year later, the cities of Galveston, & Houston are still recovering... still regrouping.

Ironically, this is the same force of nature, that I would follow directly into my new home of San Antonio. I remember vividly, feeling its effects from Atlanta. Delaying my trip, to allow Ike the right of passage over the highways I needed to travel. Once Ike gave his permission to begin my journey, I drove across the street to the nearest Quik Trip, only to discover that Ike would deny my gas station owner, delivery of the one thing I wanted to begin my journey... GASOLINE! Little did I know, it would be more than 8 days later before this owner, and many others like him, would receive the shipments of black gold their city needed.

It was only by GOD's grace that I was allowed the right of passage, through three states on little more that 1/2 tank of gas. But smooth sailing it was not as Ike decided that I would only be allowed to travel 8 hours before demanding that I spend an evening outside of New Orleans, while he wreaked more havoc. The next morning as I was granted safe passage, my heart was broken as I drove through the devastation. The trees, their children played under, now destroyed homes that were once safe havens for the families that occupied them. Roads below the highway... flooded. And even worse, there was no electricity for miles and miles. Power lines were down as far as the eye could see.

Ike finally allowed me to arrive in my new city unscathed, but emotionally disturbed by the havoc I witnessed. Originally, weather trackers predicted that Ike would make landfall on the coast nearest to my new home, racing through it to leave his mark. He decided not to. My new city was cheerfully waiting for me with open arms. Instead, I felt ripped apart from the family, friends and city that I called home base for more than 20 years. Much like the devastated cities I drove through, I knew the pain those families felt.

But all things work for good... and 1 year later, as I look back, I thank Ike for that experience. I realize now that it can be a good thing to be stripped from all that is familiar, in order to discover that which is waiting. Like those cities... I realize that I too, am in the process of rebuilding. This is just a part of the process. There are new adventures to he had. New discoveries to make... new voices inside. There's a new tune to sing.... and it's just waiting to be heard.

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!