Happy New Year!

Okay, its not officially the new year yet, however I wanted to get my goals down before the start of the new year. You know, kinda like best foot forward and all that. And since this is a health blog, all my goals on this blog are going to be about health. I know I know. How cliche. But 2010 was an okay health year, and I want to make 2011 and awesome health year.
So at the end of this year I fell of the vegetarian wagon, and fell hard. It was a health scare in July that did it. But I still believe that vegetarian is the healthiest way of living, also the 11 pounds I put back on proves the fact. I just felt better both physically and emotionally. I however didnt educate myself on the proper care of my body and unfortunately went down hard. I know some of you might think, well how healthy is vegetarianism if you have to take something else in order to stay healthy. Well to you I say, that any doctor recommends talking a daily vitamin, for women we need to start taking calcium in our 30s to prevent bone loss. All I need to take extra is a vitamin B12. Which I didn't before.
So my first new year's goal is to get back to my veggie ways, and hopefully by the end of 2011 be a full time vegan.
My second goal is to run a half marathon. Okay sounds far fetched even to me. But I have always wanted to do it. And I might as well give it a try. So I figured I would start off slow and maybe do a couple 5ks this year, running, and then do a big one in 2012, like the mesa marathon. But as the rule says, you gotta walk before you can run, so I figured this is a goal that can continue and continue every year and maybe someday I will get a full marathon in.
My third goal is to quit soda. This one is not that tricky. I am not a big soda drinker, but I when I come home my mom always always has soda, and Its hard to resist. Also sometimes when I go through a fast food place and they only have soda. Even though I never finish the drink, I still partake.
Which brings me to my fourth goal. NO MORE FAST FOOD! Not only is it super fattening but I makes my wallet shrink. 5/6 bucks 3 or 4 times a week really adds up! So I am going to bring my mini fridge and microwave to work and start packing again.
Also working out 5 days a week is my 5th goal. That is a big goal since I am going back to school again this semester. But I am determined, and since my gym rocks, there is no excuse. And as part of my workout goal, I want to get real good at zumba. The one time I tried it, It was fun and I giggled half of the time, and the other half I felt foolish. So I want to get good.
Any health related goals for you ladies this year?
I hope you 2011 year is awesome and healthy. Talk to you soon!

The Vegan Life

Vegan full time?
I have been feeling like crap lately. Emotionally and spiritually. What are the chances that I get this Vegan thing to stick? I think since I am away from home and away from the temptation, it might just work. This means of course that Aunt Tam wont be happy. Only because the concept freaks her out and she thinks I will starve.
So after Christmas.....

Soul Cleansing

So for about a year and a half I was doing some soul cleansing. I was a hard core vegetarian, I was working out. I was finding out who I was and who I wanted to be, and then like a switch was flicked I went back to my old ways.
I could blame it on the anemia, or the uprooting of my whole life, or the fact that I now had two babies in less than a year that I wouldn't get to see very often or missing my friends. And I do. It was all that. I felt and I still kind of feel like I just got out of touch with reality. A day doesn't go by when I question if I made the right decision to come here. But If I came back, what would I be coming back to? In life, you cant go back. You can only move forward and since I am coming up on my 5 month anniversary. Its time to move forward.

Long Time No See

Or do. I hate that I can get distracted from my goals so easily. Oh get Anemic and feel like you are going to die? Or move to another city, or hate work. You know the routine. But I have decided to put myself on top. So I am going to give myself 6 months starting January 3rd to turn my life around. What that means though is I get up at 6am for the gym because I have class at 9 and work at 11. So I am going to be super busy but that is cool because I do my best work in madness.
Wish me luck! Do you fine ladies have any new years goals?

Beeping Alarm!

Today for the first time in forever, I woke up to my alarm. I am one of those people who can wake up by themselves on time. My sister also has the talent yet she is always late? Anyway I still set an alarm because I am paranoid. Today was a good reason to have that annoying little beep in my ear.
I dragged myself to the gym this morning still digging sleep out of my eyes as I entered the building. It took me a while to find my groove, but I found it. Got a good sweat going. And in the end isn't that what I am doing this for?????

Zumba

So on Saturday me and my roommate went to Zumba for both our first times. Let me tell you.... it was a bit comical. We were 2 of three people in the class. Of that I was grateful. It seriously kicked my ass. It was awesome. I mean I totally sucked, but I burned some major calories and sweated hardcore, and even giggles at times.
I guess I am a glutton for punishment because we are going to make it a regular thing on Saturdays. I might even try to make it on Fridays after work. Its a good thing to switch it up you don't get bored. Thats what I have to keep telling myself anyway.

Hellcat Fever

I worked out two times yesterday. Crazy you say? Maybe. However I think I found a good motivation. First of all, don't judge. Second of all. I know you wish you were me. So anyway I went to the gym in the morning like a good girl, but then I was thinking about my new favorite show on The CW. It just happens to come on at 8:00pm. But I dont have cable :( So I have to wait and watch it online on Monday which is fine, but I would rather watch it when it airs. The treadmills these days have televisions hooked on to them. How cool is that......so I was thinking to myself. I could go walk for an hour burn calories and watch Hellcats. I think I talked myself in and out of that idea like 20 times before I decided to just do it. I was not confident however if I could actually walk that long. Turns out I don't give myself enough credit because not only did I walk the whole 60 minutes, but I burned over 600 calories and walked almost 4 miles. So GOOOOO ME! I know. I tend to get a little cheerleaderish when I watch cheerleading tv shows, but at least their in college. Thats what helps me sleep at night anyway. :)

Long Days

So lately I have found myself having a hard time getting out of bed. Its starting to become a problem because that means that I have to do my workouts after work. So That pretty much means no Me time. I wake up get ready for work, work, workout, go home eat, and go to bed. BOOOOOOO! That sucks. I need to fun relax time too don't I? I still don't have my own personal computer so everything I do on a computer, like updating blogs, and other meaningless stuff is done at work. I would feel guilty, but I don't. However I do feel guilty about watching YouTube at work. See if I had my own computer that me relaxing time would be spent on those sites that you probably shouldn't be looking at work. (Get your mind out of the gutter) Anyway sometimes I just wish there were more hours in the day.

What the What?

So, I have been eating this Greek yogurt for a few weeks. Let me tell you its like heaven. So yummy. Its called Greek yogurt because the Greek Gods prefer it. I don't blame you Zeus. However one day I just happened to look down at the calories and saw 240 calories for a little 8oz cup! I about died. I try to burn 350 on the green machine before I move on to weights. So pretty much all my hard work was being destroyed in an 8oz cup of joy. NO More! And also I should have known that something so good would be so bad for you. So now I switched back to my soygurt. Its good. Not Greek God good but still good and only 90 calories. That just goes to say when you are trying to get your life together and be healthy.....read that label.

My more sensible snack.

oh hi

I know, its been a few days. But listen. I had a few minor setbacks. I got ill, and then I got lazy. I have not gone to the gym once this week. But I have not lost the drive, I have simply slept in. I know. Lame. But its on my mind at least two times a day because I drive right by it when I go to work and then come home from work.
Also I have gone a little crazy, like off my rocker. I had a few slip ups with meat. I know. A year and a half without it, then boom! Out the window. In all fairness when I got sick a couple months ago with anemia, it really flipped me for a loop. I have never felt like that in my whole life, and I am certain that until that happens to you (I hope it doesn't) you will never understand.
So I lost sight of my goals, and (food) morals..... but I am back on track. No meat. Also I am going to pick up a vegan diet again. Boise has an amazing co-op that has everything I could ever want or need to this goal to be successful. However I do realize the holidays are coming up. I am going to cut myself some slack. Still no meat, but I am going to let myself have those milky mashed potatoes, and cheese cake. I know, I know. I could probably find some alternative recipes. I actually have that as part of my goal too so I can help my mom in the kitchen, and maybe even talk some other family members into trying it too. I know LBQ would be down for it. Its the other members.....

Uh Oh, and the belly

I might be getting the sickies. My head hurts like a beast, and all my family is sick since last weekend.... and I went home to see them!
I did go to the gym. I mean yeah my head hurts, but I am hoping that the advil I just took and the water I am downing will be enough. Wish me luck.
Anyway I went to the gym as I said already. I really like working out. Is that weird? I think its because I have always been pretty active, well at least in my younger years. I played sports as all of you know. Not well, but I played. So I know how to work up a sweat, and am not scared of it. It always baffles me when people say they have never worked out. Why were your parents not kicking your ass to get involved in LIFE! I blame them. My mom always encouraged us to play team sports and get out side and run around and have fun. I worry about today's children. They just sit in front of a tv or a computer all day. (not all of them)
So today I was working on my fitness and listening to Britney... don't judge I love Britney and I decided to try this ab machine. It kicked my tush. I was only able to do 10 reps. Hilarious. But I made a goal to at least do those 10 a workout. Then maybe someday 20 reps and 30 until I have the abs of a god.
I do know however it doesnt matter how many crunches you do if you still have a tire around your belly. So first things first, get rid of the tire. But I do love the burn under the tire. :)

Chugging Along

So everything is back to "normal" with my foot. It only lasted a day. But then yesterday I hurt my hand. I don't even....... So anyway I have done my two days at the gym this week. Monday didn't count because I was in the car for 5 hours. I am staying positive. I am pretty excited about the Women's Celebration 5k and to see BFFH in my neck of the woods. The offer still stands for the rest of you.
Anyway just a quick little post to stay connected. Hope all of your goals are going good. Who knows, maybe next year I could be joining BFFH at the triathlon, maybe even to compete.

Walking on Sunshine

Ok, I was in a lot of pain yesterday because of the gym equipment that attacked my ankle. So I went home and iced it all night. Taaa daaa I am better. So now I am just sore from working out. Which is cool. It hurts so good. :) Anyway because of my foot I didn't make it to the gym this morning, but I packed my bag and am going after work, which is good because I wont be seeing the gym for three days. I love Labor Day! Anyway as promised I took a picture of my ankle. It didn't bruise like I predicted, but it got a huge knot on it. COOL!


This is the left one. This is what my ankle looks like on the normal leg.


This is the deformed ankle. It looks cool. Well I think so. It hurt like a beast.



Ouch! Also I need to shave.


And this is me icing my leg while watching my favorite show ever. BONES! Can't hardly wait until September 23.

I bruise easily

Which is weird because when my mom used to beat me when I was a child it never showed. Just kidding! I kicked her ass! Anyway in my grown up life I have noticed that I bruise easily.
Let me give you some examples. This summer I went to Ross Park with BFFH, SB, And SILD. I bought the 3 dollar bracelet that let me go down the water slide. It kicked my tush. Seriously I ended up with two giant bruises and one that is still not gone. I am pretty sure that is not normal, and that I should have it looked at, but hey I can still walk. No worries.
But today at the gym, I got attacked by the equipment. I stepped off this machine.... I will call it the green monster (its like a cross between a stair stepper and an elliptical trainer) and the right leg thingy caught me right in the ankle. I wanted to say the naughtiest word in the whole arsenal of swears, but there were people all around.
I am pretty sure I am going to have a giant bruise later because it hurts like a sun of a gun now.
I will take a picture if it gets looking cool. So stay tuned for that.

Sweatin to the oldies

So last Friday my boss asked me what I was doing over the weekend. I just responded "partying" to which he responded, " you are too old". As I sat there in stunned silence, I thought to myself.... I am already having a hard time with the whole out of my 20s thing, and he has the nerve to say that to me?
First of all, I didn't know that there was an age limit on partying, after all Steven Tyler is still partying hard, and he freaking rocks.
Second of all, my definition of partying is not even close to Steven Tyler. No drinking, no, smoking, no druggin.
Third of all Mr. Supervisor. Screw you! You don't even know me. He almost forced me to do all of the above mentioned just out of spite.
It bothered me a good 24 hours before I came to my senses and realized that I thought he was a good 10 years older than my supervisor in Pocatello. Turns out he is 6 years younger, but because he acts like an old man.....therefore he is.
Am I right? I truly believe you are only as old as you feel. I feel about 24, but I have been telling people I am 27, just to be on the safe side.
I just might be 27 for a couple more years.
Also because this is a health blog, I am proud to report that I have been to the gym two days this week. Woohoo! and I like it. Shhhhhh!

St. Luke's women's Fitness Celebration

How pathetic is it that I worked out for 10 minutes on Saturday and almost died? Pretty pathetic. I went in to my new gym for a fitness assessment, I had no idea I was going to be working out, but I wore my clothes anyway.
I plan on using the gym in the morning before work, but I didn't get any sleep last night so I didn't got this morning. Instead I packed my cloths for tonight after work.
I know slow and steady wins the race, and after that embarrassing display on Saturday, I need to get my ass in gear. 10 minutes. Sad.
Anyway I will keep you posted about that.
On to happier things. BFFH and I are doing this! Well I think she is, she never really got back to me about it, but its a 5k at the end of September. You all are welcome to come stay at my place and have fun with us.
My friend that lives here does it every year and she says its a blast. And since I have a 5k present from BFFH, I thought what better time to use it.
Anyway check it out and see if you are interested. Like I said, everybody is welcome to stay at my place. I have roommates, so maybe babies are not a good idea, but hey everybody needs a girls weekend every once in a while.
Watch this video. I think its cool!

I have nothing to blog about

But I am making an effort to blog more. So today we are talking about brown baggin it. I am not going to lie, I have been going out for lunch for the last 4iner so weeks and eating crap. Guess it should have been no surprise when I stepped on the scale and saw 5 pounds more. Hooray! But then I cut myself some slack. I am out of my element over here, and I was unsure of stuff. I have a mini fridge that I used in my other office, but there is a giant fridge here so I figured I would use that. I think I am going to bring it though. Also I have to share an office. I don't like to share. But I guess in January we are moving offices and I will have my own again.
But anyway back to the subject. I started packing lunch again. It healthy and cheap. No more french fries from the McDonald for me. Isn't food fun!

Hello!

So I am still not set on a design for this blog as you can see, but I will get there eventually. But I am going to start posting here a lot more because...... I joined a gym! My roommate gave me the hook up. I am so excited. Its called Total Woman Fitness, as you can see from the picture below. Yes I am blogging at work. It is seriously the most awesome gym ever! AND as an added bonus NO BOYS ALLOWED. Its a full gym with class like Zumba, Yoga, Spinning, they even have a sauna(lol).
What I especially like about this gym is the free weights. I know a lot of ladies think you can get huge on weights, but that is a myth.... those freaky ladies that you see on ESPN are not normal. They do other things too. Anyway I am in a new city, what was the point of me moving if I am just going to be doing the same old things. Plus Meridian is a supper active city. Everybody rides bikes. I might have to invest. We will see. Also I hear a Whole Foods! I hope that is not a rumor, I love whole foods.
Anyway I hope to get this blog up and running everyday.
I start at the gym on Monday after a consolation.
I also started packing lunch to work again. That was about 8 weeks of unhealthy for me. Trust me I felt it.
That is a snack. Its Greek yogurt with some kiwi and some granola. Yum. I am on this whole Greek yogurt thing lately. Its real good for you.

BFFH

So how awesome is BFFH! She did a triathlon. What the heck. She rocks so hard. But the good thing is, she unknowingly gave me some motivation to get my tush back in gear again. Now that I am all settled in, its time to work work work on my fitness. Since I don't start work until 10:30 most days, I have the mornings to workout. Which is what I prefer anyway. When I get home from work, I am done. I am not going to go crazy and sign up for a triathlon, but hey in the future, you just never know.

Meridian

So I am here! In Meridian. I am going to do some layout changes now that I am actually not living in Boise. Silly life. Anyway I am really excited to be here, I still don't have a personal computer, so I am going to be updating at work only. I am still trying to get a feel for the people I work with. It makes for an interesting day that is for sure.
But I decided that since I wanted a change so much in my life, I am not going to just move to a new city and sit on my ass. I am going to make this life happen for me. If I don't I might as well be back in my old life feeling sorry for myself.
So first things first. A few weeks ago, I was sick sick sick. I was diagnosed with severe anemia. They thought I was going to have to get blood transfusions. I have never in my life felt so ill. After doing some research, I discovered that my diet had a lot to do with my illness. Not being vegetarian people! But neglecting the basic rule of veg. B12. I have it, I just forgot to take it. I consulted a dietitian and she told me that more and more people are becoming vegetarian. Its a healthy lifestyle. Just make sure I am getting all my vitamins, sleep, water, and exercise.
Also Meridianites? Seem to be all about the health. Everybody has bikes. Not that I am going to be jumping on that bandwagon, but they do have some nice trails and sidewalks for me to take walks on.
Also I guess the winters are mild, so that is a plus. I hate snow!
All in all a new city, and a new Katie, how fun!

New Design

So I decided to go ahead with the change. Since I am no longer going to be heading to the beach, I thought that this vintage background was kinda cool, kinda city, kinda sophisticated. I have no idea what I am getting myself into in Boise. I am both freaked out and excited. But I do have some weight loss goals that I want to continue to work on. Who knows, a new city, a new Katie.
I was doing some research about Boise and I discovered a lot. I am so unfamiliar with that area of our great state that I am excited to explore.
Now all I need is a place to live!

Boise Experiment?

So since I am moving to Boise and not Southern California...... at least not yet. I guess I should rename this baby?

Some cooking adventures

I have been a buzy bee in the kitchen. Okay not really, but I have been trying to be a little more adventurous. Here is what I have been working on:

So This is just a sandwich, but I finally bought some vegan mayo. Veganaise. Its not bad actually. Its a little sweet kind of like miracle whip which I prefer anyway. I got some tomatoes in my bountiful basket and bought some Porobello mushrooms



I also got some Tempeh, its kind of weird if your not used to it, but I really like it.


I grilled it up so it was crunchy.


Threw all those on some vegan bread and ate some left over spaghetti squash and had the best dinner ever!


Also I finally put to use my dehydrator that BFFH gave me for my birthday.
They always give a ton of apples in the bountiful basket. I am not a huge apple fan, so I was thinking about what I could do with all these, and I decided to use my gift. They turned out good for my first go. I should have left them on a little longer, but I had no idea.


But I also put some bananas on there too. It did NOT END WELL. I have no idea, but I think I have to leave them on for like two days? But I was worried about leaving them while I was at work. I might try it again over the weekend when I will be home.



I saw that at Trader Joe's they have banana's dried out like this, and you can put peanut butter on them like a sandwich. Yeah again NOT SO MUCH. I guess something to look forward to when I get to SoCal. In the mean time, its all about trial and error.... and a little comedy thrown in too.

Awesome Awesome

So, just a little update and happy news.... to me at least. I managed to convert BFFE to vegetarianism! Well not just me, but its a funny story really. She works where I do and one day she came in without something to do, normally its no big deal to read a book while working. I know right, best job ever! Anyway I handed her my The Kind Diet book by Alicia Silverstone. So far so good. She will admit to a few slip ups, but I will admit to those too. To Error right? Anyway speaking of Error BFFH and BFFE and I went to lunch on Saturday. I had cheese on my pizza, and ice cream later that night. While both were awesome neither one of them were vegan.
On a side note. There is this vegan cheese that I have been hearing about. It is suppose to revolutionize the vegan market. Unfortunately you could only buy it in stores, and the closest place was SLC. Well I am not doing 3 hours of driving for cheese. So anyway I found this place on line where I could get it shipped to me. So I ordered it. Then later that day I went to Freddy's that same day and saw some in the veg section. I was so annoyed, but luckily I was able to cancel my order. I have not tried it on pizza yet, but that is my next cooking adventure. I have thrown it on my salad and it was good, but just to eat.... not so much. I think it might be an acquired taste? So the jury is still out.
Anyway happy day, the sun is shinning, and I think its going to be a good summer.
Have a great one!

Working Out?

I hate when people say they went jogging. I hate that word. You went for a run. What is this the 80s? Running is the new jogging from 20 years ago people, also when I think of jogging I think of Richard Simmons in little short shorts wearing a head band and 300 pound ladies following behind screaming "Woo" to all his annoying "motivational" cheers. So stop saying jogging..... I guess would be the main theme of this tirade.
Anyway on to more important things.
I quit my gym. Yep. No more Curves for me. The thing is, I was never going and now that I am working 4/10s I was really not going. They have the most stupid hours there too, and the lady that owns it borders on annoying....okay not just borders.
Next week my friend A and I are going to start walking, plus I think I might try to work on using some of those expensive dvds that I ordered and are collecting dust. So I gotta get back my turbo jam from SILD. Also BFFH told me you can get workout dvds on Netflix. Cool! So I think all of that will help me get into shape for my 5k that I am hoping BFFH forgets about. Hello swimsuit weather!

Vegan Day 13 update

So almost half way through the month. I have another confession. If I am not thinking about it, I will make a mistake, case in point. I forgot to order a soy white chocolate mocha at Starbucks. I didnt even think twice until my co-worker asked if he could taste the soy version. Oops! Then I popped in a piece of milk chocolate when my niece offered. Don't misunderstand. I can have chocolate, just not milk chocolate. I have had some non milk chocolate and I like it, so no problems there, I just have to remember. Other than that I am finding this an easy goal.

Vegan day 6

So week 1 is coming to a close, and I am doing fine. Okay I had a little mishap. Devil thy name is cookie. I got over it though. However here are some things that I have noticed with Vegan week. First of all, I am really not suppose to be eating dairy anyway, my body does not like it. But since I am aware of what I am putting in my mouth, my body has been rejoicing. I have not had to take my medicine all week. So that is awesome! So awesome in fact, that I am seriously thinking about vegan for life, starting now. I know what you are all thinking. What will you eat? Well when I go to my moms house..... a lot of salad. When I go out to eat...... a lot of salad. Just kidding I am sure I will be able to find things that I can eat. I will just have to see how it goes. Plus I will have to learn how to bake some Vegan treats. I can't live my life without chocolate and cookies.

June Goal

So this is a big big goal. I have been thinking about it for a while but I think June is the perfect month to do this. So including the goal to be able to run for 10 minutes, I am going to work on my diet more and have a vegan month! Yes 100% vegan for 30 days. That might mean that I don't go to my mom's house for 30 days because sometimes her food is hard to say no to. It really shouldn't be that hard for me because I mostly eat vegan anyway. I do however like my occasional ice cream and buttered mash potatoes. But luckily in this day and age there are great alternatives. Also its fruit and veggie season. My favorite. My Fred Meyer store here has an excellent vegan and veg section that I shop at a lot, but now I guess I will have to shop there all the time.
My ultimate goal is to be 100% vegan all the time, but It might have to wait until I get to California where the resources are abundant, and I won't offend my Aunt Mary when she makes me fruit pizza with cream cheese.
So BFFH Vegan day every day! Come see me.

Hey Remember

This blog? I kinda forgot about it, but I am going to start posting up here again. I need you lovely ladies to help get my tush in gear. I think its been a couple of months since I have last went to the gym. Silly right what the heck am I paying for? Also a group of gals down here go walking in the summer, so I am excited to get that going again. So I set a new mini goal. I need to be able to run for a full 10 minutes by the end of June. BFFH and I still have to do that 5k and right now I could drive that, but nothing else.
How is everybody else doing? Any health goals for you?

I have a confession....

I like to cook. There I said it. I like it, and I am kinda getting good at it. I would feed you if you came to my house, and I wouldn't be afraid of killing you! I think I might even be better than my sister who used to be awesome at cooking. She had tried my food and has raved about it. The thing is, I keep it pretty simple, but I am working on it.
In my Bountiful Basket a couple weeks ago I got an eggplant. What the heck? Before I tell you what I did with the eggplant I want to start a discussion. So I was talking to somebody the other day about how if your parents don't like something you probably haven't even tried it. Like my mom does not like artichokes, I think I was well into college the first time I had one of those. I LOVE THEM. It makes me wonder what my kids wont eat....besides meat. I have a friend who is very careful about what food she gives to her little boy. He is a very healthy eater. In fact a funny thing that happened the other day was that they had gotten the kids pizza at the daycare he goes to, they also gave the kids some cut up carrots along with the pizza. Most kids just went strait for the pizza and didn't even touch the carrots, or a few tried some after the pizza, but my friends little boy went strait for the carrots first and only had a little pizza after that. I thought that was so great. Train them young I guess.
Wow long story long.
I got this eggplant and did not know what the heck to do with it. After researching some recipes online I found something I thought I would give a try. I changed it a little bit. Even though it doesn't really look that appetizing, it was yummy.


I cut the eggplant and coated the slices with olive oil and some salt and baked them for about 30 minutes on 300. ( Some of the slices I cut to thin and they got a little too crispy)


Meanwhile I got out my most favorite Christmas present ever. I use it a lot. Santa would be so proud. I threw in a few cloves of garlic and some olive oil and let the food processor do its job. If I was making this for anybody else I would use less garlic, but I like it. What I forgot to take a picture of was all the other stuff I put in this baby. I threw some tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and Parmesan cheese and mixed it together as well as the eggplant when it was done baking.


Then I got some of this bread. I forgot what its called, and put my concoction on each piece. Then I threw it in the oven for 20 minutes.

I took it out and threw some mozzarella cheese on it and set the oven to broil to melt the cheese.


And this was the end result, yummy and relatively healthy appetizers.

Update

So far the cleanse is going good. I have already dropped a few pounds, so I am back on track with the weight loss.
Something I have discovered though is that I really like eating this way. Especially the raw way. I think I might just continue it, just not to the extreme. I haven't missed all the processed foods that I normally eat.

Detox

So, I posted on Saturday night about wanting to do this 5 day cleanse and then I took it down. Why you ask? Well....
So I set a schedule starting with an all water fast on Sunday. I was doing good all yesterday, I even went to a couple movies so that I wouldn't be tempted to eat, so I get home and its getting close to 9:00pm and I caved and had some artichokes. But not just artichokes, but artichokes dipped in butter (vegan butter-as if that excuses anything) and garlic. By the way, garlic smell is not a good look on anybody. I guess I know how to keep my annoying boss out of my office today.
So anyway I kinda botched the fast and made up my mind to not do the cleanse. But it totally rubbed me the wrong way all night. To error is human right? So I am going ahead with the cleanse as planned.
So before you get all freaked out by what I am doing, its a good one. I am not taking any celebrity endorsed products or medicine, just a program that I made up by doing some research.
Sunday- Water all day (oops except for a couple of artichokes)
Monday and Tuesday- Just juice. So when I say this, I mean I ground up a bunch of fruits and veggies into my food processor along with some distilled water. Today's juice is all about the carrots, celery, mango's, strawberry's and a banana thrown in. It was yum and surprising filling. I had to make a big batch because of work, so the other half is in my mini fridge here by my desk.
Wednesday-Friday is an all raw fruits and veggies. That just means nothing cooked.
I also can have as much water as I want this whole week. Hopefully this cleanse will get my body feeling refreshed and get my diet back on track.
Wish me luck.

Beating back the demons

Seriously, I am alive. Its been a rough couple of weeks, but I am ready to get back into the swing of things. After all, I only have 27 more days until my 30th. So far that 30 by 30 thing.... was going great, until my emotional breakdown. But even with as much crap that I have crammed in my gullet I sill have not gained weight. WooHoo! I am down 13 pounds, so just over half way until that 30, but I am not going to let myself be bummed out if I don't make it. Unless I put back on that 13 that I already lost.
Anyway to make myself get out of this little funk that I have been in, I ordered something super cool. Well cool to me anyway. AND IT CAME YESTERDAY!
I know I tend to get a little preachy about being a vegetarian, but its only because I know how much better for you it is then eating meat and animal products. It really is guys. I have read the research and it just makes sense. I know its hard to give it up. Trust me I know, but I also know how much healthier you can be without it. I am still working on eliminating all dairy products..... that is hard hard hard. But I also know its worth it.



So, I haven't ordered a full year subscription of this mag, but I am planning to when I get settled in SoCal. I just ordered a couple of back issues. I think I might have to order all of them, they are so great. Lots of recipes, green education, special interest stuff. Just awesome! I can't find them here at any magazine stand or bookstore, but they might be in B&N in Idaho Falls? If so will somebody let me know? Anyway I just feel like the more you educate yourself the more understanding you get about, well I guess anything in life. But for my particular passion these days, health. S many people bury their heads in the sand. I know. Sometimes its just easier that way. But I choose the opposite approach, hey mom look learning can be fun..... unless its in an educational setting, sorry BFFH. ,)

The Uphill

Its been a while yes? Well I still didn't win the lottery so I still don't have a home computer, so I have to update at work, and I was sick two days last week. Excuses Excuses right? Well I noticed that you fine ladies forgot to include me on your workout e-mails...... or maybe because I took a few days off so did you? Stop it!
Anyway the real topic of this blog today is Summit on the Summit. So you all know I am a vegetarian borderline hippie/Eco-freak. Well I have been waiting for this special to come on tv called Summit on the Summit. It finally did on Sunday night. It was awesome! It was about a group of celebrities and how they climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to help make people aware off the clean water crisis happening in our world.
These guys trained for a while to be ready for this adventure, but they were still barley hanging on at some moments in their 7 day climb. I was awestruck. Here I was in my comfy bed in my warm room and I couldn't help but think how lame I was because I had a head cold last week.
For some reason if everything is not in line with my daily schedule then it throws off my whole week. For example, if my kitchen is not clean then I don't cook so I end up eating cheese rolls at Taco Bell. Or If I take a couple days off then in my head that means no work outs for the week. So silly. I am a creature of habit. If anything upsets my balance I kinda just give up.
Which brings me back to Summit on the Summit. These guys were pushed to the extreme both physically and mentally. They were out of their comfort zone from the first second they stepped foot in Africa. And I can't make it to the gym because I don't have clean towels because I didn't do the laundry last weekend? LAME!
So I am calling myself out on my bullshit.
Bullshit that I can't work harder and reach my goals faster. Now I don't think I will be climbing any Mt. Kilimanjaro anytime soon, but maybe someday. I guess my point is, there are so many hard things in this world, in our lives. Taking 15 minutes or 1 hour out of our days to make you the best you should not be one of those things.

By the Numbers

So I already said I was not going to get caught up by numbers on this venture. But sometimes its hard not too. Especially since I feel like I have been working my buns off and the scale should be moving a little more than it is. Now don't tell me the rules. I know all the rules "muscle weighs more than fat, water weight, blah blah blah" I however think that still sucks! I kinda have to look at the numbers a little anyway because of my 30 by 30 goal I set and my Coach 60 although I think that might become a computer 60. I really miss a home computer.
Anyway even though I would like the scale to move a little more, I really don't care what it says in the end if my cloths are fitting right and I no longer have to shop in the chubby section.

Curves

I go to an old lady gym. I am by far the youngest who works out there. There might be a handful of young girls but I never see them. I love it! There are no boys trying to hit on me.....ha ha ha, just thought I would throw that in there for a laugh.
Anyway it totally gets the job done. I like it because you can work out as hard as you want. If you have never been to a Curves you might not understand.
So let me explain. (p.s. there are quite a few equipment machines missing in these pictures)
The room is set up in a giant circle. In between the equipment there are resting pads. There is music, (although I like my own) and there is a lady on a cd who tells you to change stations every 30 seconds.
In that 30 seconds the machines are designed to a specific part of the body. Like Arms, legs, tummy. You can either pump it hard for 30 seconds or half ass it. Which I see a lot of ladies do because they mostly come in there to socialize. Which is fine, but also why I use my head phones.
It is designed to give you a full body work out in 30 minutes which is two times around the circuit. But you can do as much as you want depending for me on how much time I have.
There is a younger girl that I see sometimes and she goes around like 4 times. I am going to work up to that. But I guess I figure if you can go around more than 4 times and not really break a sweat, then maybe this is not the gym for you.
I guess that is my ultimate goal. I want to ago to a regular gym with everybody else and not feel so self conscious.
The resting pads freak people out I think because now they have pictures on the floor of suggestions on what you can do. Which I think all make you look like a fool.
I just usually run in place or do the jump rope bounce.....did anybody understand that? Its the best way I could describe it. lol
After about 9 rotations the cd lady tells you to check your heart rate, mostly I count wrong because I get lost and count the beats of the music and not my heart. So I use those as an excuse to take a 10 second break.
I guess my favorite equipment are the leg ones. I have very strong legs and I like to see what they can do. I love the squat machine which a lot of people skip. It does suck, its hard but I like a challenge. The arm machines kick my butt! I guess I have weak arms.... as Dwight Schrute says is a defect of our gender. So I am working on those.
Anyway Curves is not for everybody that is for sure, but I do love it. In fact last week I got free shoes that they ordered too big and this week I got a goodie bag. Can't be all bad right?

Not so smoothie morning

So I set my alarm a little earlier this morning so that I could take pictures of my smoothie for this blog. So I wake up on time and and then start getting ready and then at 6:30am my boss calls me and lets me know that he is going to be sick today. When I see him tomorrow I am going to junk punch him. He already knows how long it takes me to get ready I have to fabulous! hello! and he is suppose to get to work 30 minutes before me. So yes that is right I have 15 minutes to get out the door so that I can do his job as well as mine. So I am listening to Brad and Tara and trying to get everything done to get out the door and still make my smoothie..... well lets just let the pictures do the talking.


So I just buy frozen juice and make a pitcher for the week. I always add a little more water than normal. Sometimes that stuff is too sweet for me. I think its grape this week, which makes the end of this story even more tragic.

So I throw in almond and let the soak for about 20 minutes which is not long enough, but its fine.


At about 10 minutes into the soak I grind them up to help with the softening process.




Then I add the fruit. Today it was blackberry's and bananas. The frozen fruit helps with that smoothie consistency I like. Kinda like Jamba Juice.



Then I add in my flax. I love the flax seeds!




Yum right?



Then I grind it up. While I get ready I come in every once in a while and grind some more.
THEN!!!!!

This happened! All over me, my camera, my floor, my walls.... just everywhere! I wanted to sit on the floor and cry and cry. A whole work outfit ruined. I am soaking them all day, so wish me luck, but I don't hold out much hope especially because of the grape juice and blackberry.


So a good 1/4 was lost to the smoothie gods, but I did have a little for breakfast. I am going to send that picture to my mom. Maybe she will have some mercy on me and want to buy me an outfit. I for sure need new pants. We will have to see I guess. Anyway thats my smoothie. Normally I am more happy about the awesomeness of it, but today not so much.