Raw on the River

2012-02-09T21:56:00.002-05:00

Scott asked me to get him these toed shoes. I told him that they are ugly. He said "clogs" are ugly. I guess it's all perspective, right? (Crocks are even uglier.)

Scott asked me to run with him. I decided to give it a try. First day
warm up walking
1/4 mile run huffing and puffing (but no chest pain)
1/4 walk recovering

1/4 run h-ing & p-ing
1/4 walk recovering

1/8 run. 1/8 walk- 1/8 run. 1/8 walk
1/8 run. 1/8 walk- 1/8 run. 1/8 walk
did this to total a mile run/ a mile walk/ total 2 miles.
walk to cool down.

Note-when I say run, I mean something like a shuffle that barely resembles moving forward. During our activity Scott observed that some people run, but they walk when the onlookers go by. In my case, I was glad for the passer-bys to pass by during the walking part. It's really that bad. My thighs feel like I am picking up 2 tons with each step. They barely lift. I knew I looked silly.

Scott really wants me to do this every day with him this week just to see how we feel at the end of the trial.

That was Sunday. On Monday I was sore up to my shoulders! Shoulders! I thought I did stronglifts and yoga. I wouldn't think my entire body would hurt. Running is a lower body sport-guess I was wrong. As flat as Florida is, our course has a little tilt to it. A tilt that is very noticeable to an unfit person. I suppose that's my excuse for sore shoulders--trying to hold my torso up.

Sunday was the first day, Monday after work/gym we did it again. Again on Tuesday after work/yoga. Again on Wednesday before work and gym. BTW on Wed my highest sets Deadlift 160 1 set x 5 reps. and Overhead pressed 60 1x5.

On Thursday (today) was the day Scott dragged me to get his Vibram 5 fingers. As you guessed, those green things are MINE!

We did
1/4 run -1/4 walk
1/4 run -1/4 walk
1/4 run -1/4 walk
1/4 run -1/4 walk
1/4 run -1/4 walk

Some improvement!!

It was like running in lightweight slippers! My thighs didn't feel so heavy. My strides were a tiny bit longer. Scott and I noticed I was running faster. I wasn't huffing and puffing and today I wasn't sore like the earlier days. Perhaps my ankles or feet will be sore tomorrow. I felt like my foot muscles gripped more and had to stabilize me.

I didn't schedule a marathon or Mud Warrior Race or Komen Cure run or anything like that.

That's it. A boring post. Just a trial of running or shuffling/ whatever you want to call it.

2012-01-28T21:58:00.001-05:00

Today

Squat- 100 5 x5
Bench- 95 3x3
125 3x3
135 3x3 (!)
145 1x1 (!)
Row 85 3x3

Lots of warm up reps as at lower weights and de-load reps.

DYT- scarf from DYT store ( I get to wear that a lot, not)
purple shirt from Chrisopher & Banks
jacket from JCpennies.
old purse from Steinmart
new color and cut
John hates haircut and all.

DYT houseclothes- I bought one of these tanks and I love it and got more. I wear 'em around the house and to the gym and anytime I am hot (as in temperature). Probably doesn't look it in the photo, but it matches the color guide. Found the sleep pants at JCPennies.

On another note--- Good thing, that I have an 8 year old, so I know what a rick roll is on youtube!!!!!

Some More (Typical Boring Family) Cozumel and Cruise Photos

2012-01-01T12:26:00.000-05:00

David with the Dragon.

William leaving Miami.

William looks more Mayan to me.

John leaving Port.

See the helicopter pad. David is sitting in the Captain's Bridge.

All decked out for Captains Night.

It is hard to get John to smile.

This is in Japan. No it's really Epcot.

My family didn't want to be bothered with photos that day, so it's the only Epcot photo we took.

More, leaving the Port.

The turkey coop.

Finally a smile and some willingness.

You can walk out and have some quality Scuba from right here. No certification needed.

There was Hanukkah Candle Lighting in the Cruise Cinema. It was a very lovely service.

Self explanatory-David on a a Donkey.

In our stateroom.

If you look closely the ship is in the background.

Ha ha.

Cruising

2011-12-26T20:56:00.003-05:00

It has been 8 years since I have been outside of Florida (except to visit my sister once). We were fortunate to have the most coverage this year compared to previous years for the office for family vacation. But also freed up from the boy's intense curriculum's: Black Belt testing, Bar Mitzvah training, speech therapy, reading catch-up. And even remodeling is in the excuses for not travelling. We finally took a trip.

Day 1 - left Miami on the Celebrity Millennium,

Day 2 - Key West

Day 3 - Cozumel (see first photo)

Day 4 - At Sea (not just another Sunday!)

Day 5 - arrive at Miami and headed straight for Wholefoods to start detox, seriously. I went in and had a shot of wheat grass and coconut water. I brought some other greens and juicing and kefir items home. Imagine, I am not hungry today at all ( after 4 days of stuffing myself).

Then we got haircuts (only gone 4 nights and WE all had over grown hair- like pirates). Then I went to the gym. I felt limp. SERIOUSLY.... I only missed Friday's work out. But December was not a poor work out month with some kind of muscle spasm that bothered me earlier this month. I did Day 1, week 1 for squats, but did my Week 4 for bench and rows.

The food was good on the ship. I ate way too much. You know cruises are known to over feed you? I did have huge green salads and fresh fruit. I am sure I ate more vegetables than anyone else on-board, but I ate about everything else, too. :) I liked the Indian food and the Asian stir fry. I also liked the way the cut the fruit for the children's salad: small and appealing variety in the mix.

In Cozumel, Scott and I each had a fresh chilled coconut cut open on the spot and we drank the milk. I am sure that coconut really helped balance my intake. Our tour guide told us how his wife makes everything from scratch. We got to taste a home made taco with a fresh sauce made from some seed that grows there. Can't remember the name. Our guide pointed out that his son's future wives probably will be more like American's and use the microwave instead of from scratch. He also pointed out many of the remedies for scorpion stings ( a salty leaf from the jungle neutralized the toxins). Some herb that neutralized bacteria in the water. However, our guide was very proud that all the water in Cozumel was purified (despite what we all say about water in Mexico).

For exercise: I missed Friday's work out, but we (Scott and me) did stand-up paddle board in the Keys through mangrove caves ( Are you jealous?). We were up standing and kneeling back and forth, up and down (reminded me of planks as in yoga). It was a good work-out. When we got back to the boat, Scott wanted to climb 11 decks. Paddleboarding-ok, stair climbing-not ok.

The 11th deck also had a track 3 laps= 5/8 of a mile. Besides stair climbing, I enjoyed walking scenic laps. I didn't use the gym on board. I like free weights. I couldn't justify a treadmill or elliptical over walking the deck. Doing A LOT of laying around is peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable... but promotes muscular atrophy.... quickly.

Scott was really impressed with the wild hens, roosters, and chickens in Key West. I had seen this before. I had a new appreciation for their free range. It was so cute seeing fluffy yellows follow their momma hen. These chickens weren't for eating or laying, but quite entertaining for tourists.

If I cruise again, I'd put more of my own food in my suit case. Even with food inclusive, it is always nice to have familiar. I figured 4 nights wasn't going to affect me much. If I go longer, I would definately want my protein powders. I will be wearing my fat-girl clothes this weak. I definitely need some detox.

William enjoyed the food and surprised us that he enjoyed the entertainment on board the most from it all.

David- I realized I never took him to a ball pit (you know those things at Mc Donalds and Chucky Cheese? He was so excited to play in one on the ship to go in.

What was John doing while I was paddle-boarding in Key West. He took a trolley ride. Yes, very strenuous.

In Cozumel while hanging out he ordered not one, but 3 servings of nachos. (They were good, I admit.) Did you know you could scuba in Cozumel without certification. While sitting on the water front.... stuffing ourselves with nachos. An experienced diver, a teacher, and a newb went right in off the shore. Not more than 40 feet from the shore was the reef was shallow water scuba diving. If I had ANY idea how simple it was to scuba in this location, I would have been right there prepared. I never thought about scuba before... who wants to take the time to get certified.... and I thought you had to go deep. I didn't think it was for me.

Next year or soon again if I go back, I will look up scuba. I am not waiting 8 years for another trip.

One more thing... while sitting on deck. Everyone got excited about siting dolphins. I kayak in Fort Pierce side-by-side with dolphins. They are bigger than my kayak and can be intimidating. I looked over the 11th deck railing and looked way down. They looked like tiny fish to me. As if you were standing on the coast shore and seeing fish swim around your feet. I love the new perspectives.

Week 6 and 7 Madcow

2011-12-11T17:20:00.001-05:00

This was 2 weeks ago. It was a good work out week. I am not sure why I didn't publish it on Friday when I finished it. You can skip to the bottom for week 7's results. Madcow is the name of a progress/intermediate work out of squatting three times a week, benching, and rowing 3 times a week, deadlifting once a week.

Monday
Squat
70
85
102.5
120
140 x 3, 4 & 5 not so good
Bench
65
85
95
115
130 this is a pr
Row
45
45
55
62.5
72.5 a good strong lift
Wednesday
Squat
72.5
90
107.5
107.5
OP
45
45
47.5
50
57.5
deadliftt
97.5
117.5
135
155
Friday
Squat
70
85
102.5
120
140 this was with good form and strong
Bench
65
82.5
95
112.5
130
95
Row
45
45
55
62.5
75
55
So I ended this week strong finishing my squas and rows on Friday.

Sunday-I did a pilates class. I felt I had a good core work out.

Week 7 madcow
on Monday I was doubled over in pain. It is the first time in all these years I "called out sick."
If I had a doctor, I might have gone. I was almost past the point of usinfg my own tools and wisdom, but I really felt as much pain as it was it was going to pass. (it did pass, I just feel drained now).
Monday night, No work out. I could barely eat.
no yoga on Tuesday
no Wednesday work out.
This is not like me
Friday I went to gym to stretch and walk on treadmill.
I felt like a hundred years old.

I feel better now, but you know how it takes time for your energy to really return.
I've been taking good nutritional care of myself. Early in the week I was probably dehydrated because I lost my appetite, but I had plenty of (local)soups, smoothies, juice, probiotic drinks, local eggs once I got my appetite going.

I wonder what kind of work out I'll have this week with nothing done in a week.
Wheel chair yoga and week one strong lifts (which is not so easy)! Somehow I hope I can pick the pace back up giving myself a few weeks.

Big Breath!

The Purple DRESS before and after DYT

2011-12-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

I LOVE Dressing MY Truth. I need a holiday dress and "dresses" for an "occasion" is the one thing I do not like shopping for. I put some thought into how to redo this dress I wore 2 years ago. (the family photos are almost 2 years old.) The chains and pin are from the DYT store. This belt is from Nordstroms (Thank you to Rabbi Wendy for pointing me in this direction.). I have some other chains and belts to choose from, but I thought this might be a good example to show you some options of what I have in mind. I think it is Tricia who put a belt over her church dress and made me think to add a belt to this.

Let me clarify I won't need the paper clip to hold up the belt. Nor is my waist as small as I cinched the belt. :)

I don't know what shoes to wear. When I got the dress the clerk suggested silver wedges. Now I know that's not me AND would not work with these brassy accessories. I thought about some boots. Since I might be traveling, I don't know how much I want to pack. But boots would be so unlike me (and fun)! I found a pair of dressy but textured boots and tried to add the image below. I don't own them yet. Ya might just have to visit the link for the brown pair. Question for cold climate people. If your dress hem doesn't cover your boot. What do you wear? Tights? It will be air conditioned, but definitely not cold. The dress is just below my knees and I would really like to cover most of my legs in a formal setting.

My hair will not be blunt every again. It will be wild and free. And as I have plenty of earrings and cuffs (and even that big DYT ring) I am confident, that the rest of the accessories shouldn't be an issue for me.

If I get boots, it is likely that I won't need them very much in South Florida. I don't mind investing in one pair that is right for me. I want to travel more this coming year.

I think I am going to keep John in the brown jacket in the photo. He has a shirt the lightest shade of yellow(?) like on our type three 3 color card that should work for him underneath. It was very hard to type my husband. That's another story.

Boot link:
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1bba007&DeptID=70731&CatID=81530&SO=0&Ne=4294957900+3+14+8+23+1031+5+840+1037+18+904+833+949&x5view=1&NOffset=2&N=4294933761&Nao=65&PSO=0&bcCat=3&CmCatId=70731%7c81530

Week 5 Madcow

2011-11-27T22:23:00.000-05:00

Monday
Squat
70
85
102.5
120
137.5
Bench
65
80
95
112.5
127.5
Row
45
45
55
62.5
72.5
I did yoga on Tuesday
I did not do Madcow on Wed. I went to Magic Kingdom instead and walked and walked and stood in lines.
On Thursday I went to mini gym at hotel, climbed steps for the water slide and swam a little ( I did it with the intention of getting exercise.) I walked and walked the theme park.

On Friday I payed for missing a work out. When you have a program that you can progress with 3 sessions a week, you shouldn't miss one.
Squat
70
88
102.5
120
140
102.5
Bench
65
80
95
112.5
130 I only pushed this 4 x.
135 x1 rep
95
Row
45
45
55
62.5
72.5
55
I do warm ups and down sets with the bar. I carefully considered if I should do deadlifts on Friday and figured that I am fine without. I did one rep of 5 of all weights except my 130 bench.

I have carefully considered my strategy for next week since I missed deads and did not complete my goal on bench. I have it all written out what I am going to do. I am looking forward to it!

On Saturday the gym had a push/pull bench/DL contest. I did not have much warning and already committed to other activities. I wanted to watch. I am not really sure what other women are benching at the gym. My pull doesn't compare, but than again I am doing sets of 5 and I don't know what my one rep max on DL is. My 1 rep max onbench is 147.5.

I sure hope I recover from a not-so-great workout week.

Week 4 of Madcow

2011-11-19T13:53:00.001-05:00

Warm ups and down sets on the bar for squat and deadlift

Monday

Squat
67.5
85
102.5 (the 1.25 fractionated plate is getting tedious)
117
135
Bench
62
77.5
95
110
125
Row -- I made some modifications in the weight intervals compared to the spreadsheet because I don't have fractionated weights available for between 30 and 40
30
45
52.5
67.5
70

Felt good. Did a lot of stretching after.

Wednesday
Squat
67.5
85
102.5
102.5
Overhead Press
45 -- making modification because I don't have 35 pound bar options.
45
45
55 the large text is the maximum weight for this week for each move
Deadlift
95
112.5
135
150

Saturday AM
Squat
67.5
85
102.5
117.5
137.5 I felt sloppy towards the end of this effort.
102
Bench
62.5
77.5
95
110
127.5 This is a PR for a set of 1x5
Bonus 135, 1 set x 2 reps. I did not feel maxed out on bench, so next week, I should be able to progress.
95

Row
40
45
52.5
62.5
72.5
52.5

Tuesday I did power yoga.

Week 3 Madcow-- what a week looks like

2011-11-11T22:59:00.000-05:00

I missed my MC workout last Friday, but I did use the resort gym instead, improvising and trying new things. So I carried on with week three as scheduled.

These numbers are tedious if you don't know the program.

This week...

1 set of 5 reps at each weight listed. Squats and Bench I warm up and cool down with the bar.

Monday

Squat

67.5
85
102.5 (the 1.25 fractionated plate is getting tedious)
115
132.5

Bench

60
75
90
105
120

Row -- I made some modifications in the intervals because I don't have fractionated weights available for between 30 and 40
30
40
50
60
67.5
67.5

Felt good. Did a lot of stretching after.

Wednesday
Squat
67.5
85
107.5
107.5

Overhead Press
45 -- making modification because I don't have 35 pound bar options.
45
45
52.5 the large text is the maximum weight for this week for each move

Deadlift
95
110
130
147.5

Friday
Squat
67.5
85
102.5
117.5
135
100

Bench
60
75
90
105
125
95

Row

30
40
50
60
70
40

Tuesday I did power yoga.
Thursday I did a spin class and likewise, gave put everything I had into it.
I expected to be sore all week. I wasn't. I felt "muscle awareness." but nothing uncomfortable.

It's the first time I ever did a bridge (getting my head off the ground). I couldn't even do that when I was a little girl. I was a klutz and the last one picked in gym. The boys have spotted me to get into an arch. One day this week, I didn't need them to get into the arch. Wondering if I could do it the next day... I shocked myself when I pushed myself right up. I guess that is a measure of progress.

Bench, Squat and Row, I will add on 1.25 fractionated plates each side next Friday.

Madcow

2011-11-02T22:51:00.000-04:00

I've amped up my weight training. I've done 8 months of Strong Lifts. I feel like I've maxed out on SL and now I have switched to Madcow. Sometimes I may still call it Strong Lifts because it is just a progression.

I am training for the health benefits. I am training to keep moving. I am not in competition with anyone for looks or strengths. I just want to be healthy. I truly believe that it is necessary to keep moving. I don't believe that I am going to fall apart because I've reached any particular age.

I am so fortunate to have a variety of year round and seasonal exercise opportunities. I am enjoying yoga much more than I thought. I am fortunate to have started with a 30 minute class, then a beginner 50 min class, and very glad to have a power yoga opportunity.

I have an opportunity to learn some Pilates. I see the yoga and pilates benefiting each other and I see them both benefiting my weight lifting program and health. If you are not used to exercise, walking and/or yoga and Pilates and the pool depending on the season is a good place to start.

I am pretty focused in my Strong Lifts/Madcow program. I am bringing in a chart that I programmed to incrementally progress with my 1.25 pound plates. It's can be a lot of mental work switching up the plates when you are using fractionated plates. I am want to really give the progression a good try to allow my body to safely adapt. I don't miss work outs. I like lifting with socks (no shoes). I like to give the opportunity to my toes to grip the ground and strengthen along with my ankles. On the days I do Strong Lifts, I do a lot of stretching, some core, but I don't really mess with all the other machines. I suspect their is a lot of people judging me in the gym. Except the days when I am benching over 135. Then there is some awe if anyone cares. But I am not their to impress. I'd prefer a nearly empty gym and not be bothered with what others think when I am focused. I think for my size I am just average, really. I tend to watch and re-watch the video's posted on the Strong Lifts site for form. I watch for updates and I am very careful in my technique and limitations.

The big difference between SL and MC is that on Wed. you deload. This way your body has time to recover from Monday's workout and ready for an increased load on Friday.

Madcow is a crazy name for a program. But it sounds as serious about my health as I am. The name refers to my exercise plan. And not my nutrition. It's been years, 2 decades, since I've eaten beef.

My lactation intern, pointed out research that shows that bone density decreases during lactation, but rebounds after. I am taking advantage of that rebound!!

I am in my second week of Mad Cow. I am looking forward to more.

More Lifts and Truth Stuff

2011-10-26T23:26:00.000-04:00

On Monday my Stronglifts workout was similar to Friday. A fellow SL member suggested I begin Madcow an intermediate weightlifting program following stronglifts. The big difference between SL and MC is light weights on Wednesday for recovery and ramping it up on Friday for heavier loads. Thus, I deloaded today. I concentrated on form... surprisingly I still feel like I had a really good work out. Can't wait til Friday....

I know I can lift heavy for a middle aged lady. Hitting personal records feels good. I really do want to focus on fitness, safety, and health. I don't care about big muscles. Which I don't have that body type anyway. I just have descent strength. I am happy that my sons are taking interest in toning, lifting, and kendo (karate).

During David's Sunday School class, one is offering a 5 week session on pilates. I've got that to help with my cross-training, and alignment, and body awareness. And yay for power yoga! I am looking forward to the new power yoga. We'll find out if I am all talk or can step up to the plate and do some of the challenges! I got my own yoga mat. It's nice having a cheery new mat.

One day I am going to have a full length mirror for DYT photos. I actually feel a bit vain posting these photos. But now that I found what works, I want to remember it! And I want to share it because it feels great to stay healthy and have a way to show it. I picked this sweater out myself. I have on my favorite DYT earrings. I think they are called Emerald City. My mom picked out the necklace before I took the course, I wasn't so sure now about the big circle in the center once I learned "no circles for 3's". With this shirt I did like how it layered and the circle half peaked out the V most of the day. The circle is busy and the perfect colors and the busy shirt. It felt like a good combo on me.

I am working on my veggie garden. I am having a hard time finding Kale plants locally for my garden. If anyone knows a local/regional source please let me know. I really want kale.

Living Your Truth

2011-10-26T22:11:00.001-04:00

The course said it would take about 9 months to really get it. I agree, after 8 months, I feel I really get the dress guide for me. It is so wonderful to have clothes I feel confident in. Everyday. Not just clothes to get by in and hope "no one will notice." I do not have to hang out in dressing rooms for hours anymore, either. First.... I know to avoid black, grey, navy, and pure white. When I eliminate those colors, it narrows down the choices. (Those colors may work well for others, but not me!)

Even with my color card I was very slow to catch on to the colors. A few things helped me. One-getting some accessories at the DYT store so I can match. This necklace (and in the previous blog post) and bracelet are from DYT. The pants I found myself at Marshall's. The second thing that helped me was the T3 forum on facebook for those who completed the course. Both shirts were posted by a DYT senior member and available from Sierra Trade Company store. Both have lots of texture. The senior ladies can spot sales and coupons quickly. With someone else pointing out correct color I took a chance and ordered them! I love both shirts.

Dressing your truth is not just about outward, materialistic clothes and accessories (it is fun, though!).

It is about understanding yourself and energy. It is about gaining insight and getting along with other people and acceptance. It's learning what motivates me and what motivates others. I actually find that this kind of awareness is keeping me highly emotional. It's about understanding your children's patterns and bringing out their strengths. It's about understanding spouses... too... lots of psychology...

Since my metals are brass and copper (and leather or leather-like cord), I have no need for an accumulation of gold and silver. Not to say I won't find another gold chain, but, I know what works. I can invest in the RIGHT choices of clothing and accessories.)

DYT is not about what type can be sleazy or conservative. It honors a modest style, but if you are more daring, there are better and best ways to do so.

It is not about fat and skinny. It is a lot easier to find clothes that flatter when they are the right lines for me. I've seen heavier ladies (than me) wearing belts, tights, and boots. When it is the right lines for them it looks fantastic.

Here's a before photo. I have photos of me not trying to dress-up--hanging around with the boys and all. Butin this photo I did try to pick great clothes for an occasion. I have on a sweater with a beautiful crocheted kowel neck and a great belt. A typical outfit... a black one. It's so easy to find black clothes. I was really surprised to see how my light hair popped when I first saw the photo and the style was all wrong, so unflattering. I am totally lost. Even if it worked for my when I was younger, it's not as easy to get away with "mistakes" as we get older. It is worth finding out if black works for you or are you lost (or inviting a hardened look).

Unlike me, my son, William, looks fantastic in black! It's not because of his dark skin. It's because of his defined features and poise (yes, William has poise!) I am so glad my family can benefit, too.

With my DYT style guide, you can see above that my hair color is warmer now and more natural. I stay on top of hair cuts, BUT barely take the time to style: free and wild on most days. My hair never held a style all day, so why fight it? I was almost scared to warm my hair up( in other words- do less to it), but looking at photos, it is obvious to me that I did the right thing. The stylist said, it will last longer than what I was doing before. Score. And I finally picked out new glasses yesterday. I have always hated getting new frames, but I knew what to specifically look for in terms of color, angles, movement and I am excited to get new eyewear. I will not get lasik and I am not comfortable in contacts. I am glad to have frames that will hold (nothing against contacts, but I am wishy-washy about lasik and letting anyone invade my own eyes).

While I love having great clothes, this is about living your truth. Acceptance of others and mostly yourself. Acceptance of my own physical attributes and inner energy. With many great parts to this program what FINALLY convinced me... is Carol the founder wants women to accept their features. She knows what colors, metals, textures, design lines supports MY features. Since I have a fear of general anesthesia, plastic surgeons, and botox (AND Dentists), etc... I would like this "superficial, materialistic" course to help support me instead of me impulsively supporting the plastic surgeon (medically necessary and well, WELL thought out options are the exceptions). This DYT course is one I am glad I invested in.

I work hard at the gym. I put effort into making good food choices. I try to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy. DYT is the finishing touches.

Good Work Out Day

2011-10-21T23:45:00.001-04:00

Good Work out Day...

Rode Bikes with David in AM

Squats stretched first (and in between sets)
Bar 2x5
95 1x5 (with a 25 pound plates)
115 1x5 (35 pound plates)
125 1x5 (35 + 5)
135 1x5 (45 pound plates)
125 1x5
115 1x5
95 1x5

Bench
Bar 1x 10
95 1x5
115 1x5
125 1x5
135 1x2
125 1x5
115 1x5
95 1x5
Bar 1x10

Row
70 pounds 5x5

(What happen to our SL facebook group?)

I've been doing yoga at the PSL Civic Center. I am really enjoying it. I have never done balance and flexibility work before. I like how it relaxes me. I like how it stretches out my tight muscles from weight lifting. I like how it improves my balance. For example in squatting, you are suppose to look up-- NOT-- in the mirror. In yoga there is a lot of balance work looking upward. It helps the squat. The weights aren't limiting my squat-- it's the balance. It amazes me also how standing on one leg "tree pose" requires more ankle strength than *I* have. So tree pose helps squat and squat helps tree pose. Yoga and weights compliment each other well. I got my own yoga mat, too. Yay!

Then I got dressed for Simcha Torah and David's consecration (welcome to school!) besides my body, I took care of my spirit and mind today. Good work out day.

Photo credit for William. It is so hard to get someone to snap a photo. Thank you William.
Okay, sometimes, I don't have time for someone to take a photo.

My Routine

2011-10-17T21:53:00.000-04:00

Up to this point, I've tried to be informal, relaxed, and flexible about my routine. Now I have a schedule. I am too busy to keep track any other way. This is how I organize myself.

I divide my 24 hour day into quarters:
AM
Afternoon
Evening
Night (Hopefully I am sleeping during this quarter and HOPEFULLY it extends a little in to the other quarters in one direction or another depending on the day.)

Monday and Tuesday- I am always at the office AM and afternoon seeing appointments & consults unless it's a National Holiday, Jury Duty, or fulfilling a requirement for CME or Licensure.

Monday Evening is karate night for the boys/stronglifts for me
Tuesday Evening is a little flexible for walking, making dinner, being with the kids.

Wednesday AM try to spend with the boys schooling. David has standing appt for speech therapy before I head to the office.
Wednesday Afternoon is for office consults.
Wednesday Evening is Karate/stronglifts.

So far in the week, this is not flexible. I do this schedule each week.

Thursday AM I like to prepare Raw Food. I mean I use to prepare raw food. ( I still drink smoothies, Chocolate Bliss and Juice on a regular basis especially on M and T when I don't stop for a lunch break.)

Friday is seasonal what hours AM or Afternoon or both I am seeing consults. This is coming upon the season that I will most likely be there both. David will probably giv eup his standing therapy appt on Friday.

Friday Evening karate/stronglifts or Family Service. If I can't work out in the early evening, I decide if I will on Saturday AM or Another time on Friday. I do stronglifts 3x a week. Period.

If Scott wants help with Bio or Math I can do that Sunday evening, Wed AM, or Thursday AM.
If *I* need a dental, medical appt, haircut, I try to do that on Wed am or Thursday.
If the boys need a medical or dental appt or the dog needs the vet, I don't go to mine.
I like doing yoga on Thursday evenings. Something for me!
William wants to drive with his permit on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings (or anytime I can take him).
I like to do a longer cardio on Sat AM and or Sunday AM like walk, swim, paddle, or bike ride or a combination.
The boys like to exercise, too. Fortunately much of my routine can be family time.
On Saturday AM I would like to go to Farmer's Market.
Sometimes I would like to go to LLL on Saturday.
On the weekend our families would like us to come visit.
On Sunday David has Sunday school. Sometimes on Saturday we attend a religious activity.
On Saturday William wants to hang with the other teens or invite them over.
On Saturday Evening John want to eat out.
I answer patient related email, answering service calls, private messages, and forums, in between.

I wash dishes and do laundry. Sometimes I ignore it. I don't make beds.
I don't write on my blogs much. I don't take the time to take nice photos anymore.

I do weekly phone calls with the boys teachers and monitor and evaluate their activity.
I enjoy reading in my down time. haha. I like participating in some discussions on-line that are not medical.
I do my best fitting holidays, birthdays, and special days in.

I probably left out something important. But you get the drift.
What's your schedule like?

Questions from SL Readers...

2011-08-25T22:40:00.000-04:00

I posted this Question to Strong Lifts forum...
After 25 weeks on SL I do not like that I can't fit in my pants ( I promise you it's not from muscle! Never had a 6 pack and no chance of one soon.). I was strong from benching and machines for a year before I started SL and leaner (as lean as I possible for me in my adult years). I thought this would be an ultimate program for me, enjoying a simple (but challenging) routine and do-able in three sessions ins per week and FINALLY firming up. To do SL with max effort, you have to eat. But I gain weight. The good news is I don't have aches and pains that creep up at 45 yo. I like the principles of SL and the combination moves. I don't like how I look chubbier. I have given it everything I have gotten. Is it time for me to move on?

These are some Q's they asked me for more info...

What do you do for Cardio?
As far as cardio and variety (besides Strong Lifts). Over the past 12 weeks, I have swam in pool and ocean, bike &spin, kayak, row, walk, scooter, jump rope, paddle board, yoga. Sometimes more intense and sometimes more recreational with my boys.

What is a typical daily menu?
Maintaining weight has never come easy, but I was successful for about three years before SL. A comfortable daily diet for me is a green smoothie (greensmoothiegirl.com). A large vegan salad with nuts and sprouts. Thai peanut dressing is my favorite (SPLURGE) dressing (please don't ruin it for me and tell me what the ingredients are!!!). I could maintain my weight with nut mylks like hemp and almond milk sometimes adding raw carob and cacao, bananas and other superfoods and/or, essence oils to it. This nut mylk treat curbs my appetite for processed sweets and carbs. And dinner which is my more flexible meal. I definitely was not prepared for Strong Lifts to increase my appetite the way it did. I ate a lot more. I did see gains in my strength at the gym. I am going to try to maintain with less weight on the bar and go back to this daily eating pattern.

What are your Sources of Protein?
This is a question that comes often.

Nuts: ( I get them raw and prepare them my way) almonds, cashew, sesame, coconut, walnuts, pecans, sunflower, and others, hemp, and flax.

Beans: Lentils are my favorite because I don't have to soak them. I have dehydrated refried beans. Split peas that don't have to be soaked. I soak my garbanzo beans and make hummus. I like when my MIL soaks the black beans and 15 bean soup... I just don't always get to it.

Avocado is a good source of protein as is spinach and kale... and quinoa.

Some of my grains are sprouted: barley, rice, lentils, sunflower seeds and almonds making them extra nutritious with live enzymes.

Milk: I don't drink cows milk anymore. Almost all the nuts I listed can be used to make "mylk" and protein shakes and smoothies.

I am not an exclusive vegan (and I don't insist anyone else has to be). I sparingly eat some chicken, turkey, fish, local eggs (soon to have my own chicken eggs). I can't always resist my mother and MIL's cooking, so I am not so strict around them. Fortunately they want to make healthy meals. I want my husband to compromise at home. So I am going to plan a seafood dinnner or other special meal out with him at least once a month.

(readers--> can you think of other protein sources I left out?)

Where did I Go?

2011-08-21T21:45:00.000-04:00

Program Updates:

Stronglifts: Still doing it three times a week. It's been about 24 weeks. I haven't tried to increase my weight load since my back spasm (not too much). I am holding my own. No further injuries. This week, I want to start the intermediate. You squat, bench and row on M and F. Squat, OP and DL on Wed. only. I may not be Mrs. World Body Builder Champion, but at least I am strong and physically healthy. I feel fit and able to keep up with other activities in my life. I've added yoga to my routine twice a month. I like to walk, swim and paddle.

Dress Your Truth: Slowly building my wardrobe and accessories. John would say I shop all the time (but I don't). I like the green shirt and the texture. I may not always have the perfect shade and all the elements, but I know to stay away from black, white, and gray. When something looks wrong on me, I know why it looks wrong. I can decide if there is no hope or is there a way to modify it with an accessory, or will the clothes I pair it up with help it out. My sister likes when I send her photos from my bberry. Because of her, you get to enjoy some blurry dress-up photos. Now that I am dressed, I need places to go. DYT may deserve a post on it's on in the near future. If you look at previous posts, yo ucan see lots of mistakes, I've mad on the way. There was a conference in UTAH this weekend that sounds like it was so much fun. I am sure I will get pretty psyched from watching and reading what the attendees share. I've enjoyed "shopping" with my sister on-line. She and I go to different store websites and help each other find each others types. She's a 2 and that's good. I think John, William, and Scott are 2's. My sister is living her truth. my boys are not. Not only am I drowning in testosterone, I have to wait for everyone. (two's take their time). A 2 living their truth is a good balance for me because they think through the details. I want it done now. The boys are just slow. I think David is 1 because he has all the motor energy and it has to be fun. Quite honestly, I am still not 100 % sure what the boys are. But that my have something to do with not living their truth.

Raw and Nutritious Eating: I just did about a 3week cleanse. It helped me a lot to feel better. I enjoyed smoothies, juicing and bliss. I have been busy and focused on so many family things I haven't taken the time to write out much about the specifics. I made a delicious batch of hummus this morning. For the first time in a long time I am not affiliated with any organic produce co-op. I need a break from picking-up. My kids are not interested in anything healthy right now. Nor is John (I am alone in a house of men), but he has trimmed the most. I don't get it.

Stronglifts Update (20 weeks)/Battle of the Buldge

2011-07-31T23:51:00.000-04:00

It's been over a month since I updated my workout progress with stronglifts.
This is also the first time since I've been doing weight management with sugar-free/low sugar/raw that I have struggled with my weight.

I'd like my weight back that I was the first day I started strong lifts(sl). I am stuffing myself into my clothes.

I put everything into my SL workouts. I leave the gym exhausted, tired, and hungry. I found it was taking the full 48 hours to recover and I usually didn't feel fully recovered from squats by the next workout. As I understood it, beginners were encouraged to put other high intensity exercises on hold, not to get distracted from sl. I also understood that many of the men in sl "complain" of their waist lines thickening as their abds and back muscles strengthen (that is why at first I just went with it). I tried to do the carbs before the workout and protein after. I understood that it is hard to gain muscle without gaining fat in the beginning, but the weight loss//toning will come according to the forums.

I don't feel on track.

My max workouts posted here.
Then I got the back spasm and lowered the intensity of my work out. I didn't miss but one workout.
The only workout I missed in the 5 months is the Friday before paddleboarding. That was exercise enough.

I haven't made gains much from lowering my weights when I got the back spasm, so I am
squatting and benching about 100, 5x5.
I am deadlifting 135, 2x5,
Overheadpress 45, 5x5,
Row whatever I have left in me, 5x5.
((Really, I am just average...)

Fortunately the spasms went away quickly with heating pad, muscle relaxer, and anti inflammatory. I have no pain left.

I'll tell you what I think put my back into spasm.
Curving my back on an Overhead press that was really beyond my limit. Then the deadlift. The next day I did yoga (not blaming yoga). I was still fine. Just felt like I needed to keep stretching and recovering. Then the next day more strong lifts, but the opposite routine, then the next day I did yoga again. Stretching our backs, I realized this "need to stretch" wasn't going away.

I realize my core is strong. I've never been a model, but I am back to being too meaty.

Just a few weeks ago I took my son David to the outlet, tried on clothes, and was pretty happy with my options and the way things looked. I am not sure when I really decided I was not liking my progress. We had company, my blender broke, we've had speech therapy, evaluations, dental and a zillion appts. I have not spent the time preparing veggies and soaking nuts and immaculate food preparation as I have been running around keeping up with everything else. It all adds up QUICKLY.

Stronglifts is a great work out. I don't really see myself going back to a circuit work out. I like that its completed in 3 days. I don't know that I will max out over the next few weeks. I need the reserve for cardio. I don't need to be sore all the time. In the past week, I've been very strong on a raw/detox diet because I am not accepting weight increase well. I don't know that I can make gains lifting weights with a reduced carb/protein intake. We will see. will let you know...

Surf Report : AND THE BONUS DAY

2011-07-23T21:49:00.001-04:00

Wednesday: The kids had big waves. William got on a board. FINALLY. It was still rough, but we enjoyed the third day.

Thursday and Friday: Much calmer water. I am hoping that the instructors post a video somewhere that I could hook up to my post. David stands up like it's nothing. Scott is pretty good. He'd be even better in wilder conditions (needs the momentum). William needed more forceful waves to get more benefit.

Medical tip: :) David learned the best sunscreen is zinc oxide. Yep, diaper rash lotion. Surfers are often seen with white cream over their cheekbones and nose. You can recognize David as one of them now. He liked looking like a clown and it doesn't wash off easy. Seriously coming from a doctor, I like this simple tip. I've always liked mineral based sunscreens with Zinc (or titanium). Why not just use cheap old fashioned zinc oxide?

This family needed a rest at the beach badly; In more ways than one. I am glad the kids are comfortable in the water. We have never spent this much time together in a restful spot UNPLUGGED. I even left my bberry in the car every morning. John still went to the hospital in the afternoon. But having him with us in the morning was great. I did get on a surf board--laying belly down. I don't think I am likely to ever stand on one, but I am glad my kids can. Some parents are proud to have football and baseball players (and those are worthy sports). Being in Florida, I am so glad to give the boys this opportunity, for now I am content with a noodle or boogie board in the waves. My body feels strong for being in the water swimming so much this week. Oh- I would love my kids to learn skim, too.

I hated to see the last day end. That is David over the wave. I have always loved to watch groups of surfers. Here is my sob story... My grandma would take me to the beach in South Florida when I was a teen. I was with my grandma, as much as I love being with her, I was not amongst the cool surfers. I was always jealous of wanting to hang out out waiting for the perfect wave.

But there was "bonus day" this week. That's what I am calling it. The surf shop had a FREE stand-up paddle demo on Saturday morning at the Stuart Causeway that just happened to be the day after camp. I liked this. In fact I LOVED this. Kayakers should consider graduating to this for a full body work-out. I heard it was an upper body workout, but I felt the balancing act in my ankles. Yes, that goofy looking person is me in the upper photo. I make this look like a blast, don't I? I will leave the self-critique out of this post. It looks like swimming all week increased my appetite, doesn't it? Trust me, this sport is worth trying. there were retired people out there, too. I might like a stand-up board for the ocean while my kids surf. Yes, there is hope for me to do something KOOL.

Surf Report: Life Guard Rescue!!!

2011-07-19T17:57:00.000-04:00

I finally learned how to get out into the wild waves. Please understand, I have never been one to really put my face underwater in a pool. I doggie-paddle on top of the water when I do laps. I didn't want to miss the fun at camp. so I went for it and dived under the waves until I could get to where they weren't smashing and crashing.

I liked it and I wasn't stressed or anything.

Then I saw the life guard driving his jeep towards me and coming after me. I really wasn't drowning or anything, but heck, if a lifeguard is going to come get you... all the more fun!

I am sure I was a sight. An oldish lady in an old lady suit swimming, err, drifting doggie-paddle style southwards.

John's version says I was only in 2 feet of water. He can't believe I conned a lifeguard to get me in s hallow water.

David said it would be better if his jeep was a John Deere.

William thinks its the funniest thing ever. At least William laughed at something today.

Really it wasn't a big deal. Really. Just tell me which beaches the life guards are at! :)

I'll tell you another short surf story...

John looks like a big kahuna, but the truth is, he's just a big tuna.

Okay-really, the waves were big. Most kids were too little to go out on boards. Scott went out. If he could handle these waves, I have no doubt he will have a blast in reasonable waves. David was so brave body surfing. He lasted the whole time in the water the kids were out.

No more back pain or spasms today. The beach is the best therapy.

Surf Report, Back Spasm, Chicken Little

2011-07-18T21:55:00.000-04:00

Surf Conditions Day 1--- Red Flag-- the waves were big. Three instructors took David out. He had NO Fear and rode in. After that lifeguards didn't want the campers out on the boards. All the campers had fun in the rough waves (even without boards). Except William. "Sleeping beauty" slept under the umbrella the whole time. It must have been a good night on xbox that kept him awake all night. Back to the surf-- I noticed the campers got braver and braver. They went out deeper and seemed to get stronger.

Even me. I never go out in rough conditions. I liked the safety in numbers today. I took off my glasses and my hat. I left my bberry behind and I LOVED being tossed around by the big waves. Interesting... my back was still achy all weekend, but not in the salt water and not when I was being tossed around. Do you think I missed my calling? Maybe I was really meant to be a surfer and never knew it. Scott was watching the experienced surfers doing their thing and he can't wait till he has enough practice to be one of them. On the beach I always sat around envious of those who looked comfortable on surf boards and I may or may not master surf boarding, but I sure hope my sons can get comfortable on the board as youngsters. I mean we live in Florida, they should enjoy the water. Not to mention they are good looking and dark skinned. The surf is the place for them to be!

My back spasmed all weekend. I went for a long walk with my SIL this weekend despite the pain. I wasn't sure if I was going to attempt stronglifts tonight after a day in the water (and with pain). I decided to do a light workout. By light, I mean a squatted 95 pounds 3x5, bench 105 5x5 and a few light rows. Bench doesn't seem to bother my back. AT ALL. I have stuck with this routine instead of the OP and DL b/c I have a haunch its the OP that started the spasm. Now that I worked out tonight my back feels ok. Better than it did this afternoon. Over the weekend I used heating pads, over the counters and prescription muscle relaxers and prescription voltaren gel. I thought about massage and therapy, but I had so many other dental, speech therapy and other evaluations already scheduled, I couldn't fit one more thing in.

While on the topic of back pain... let's talk about about weight lifting belt. I have not used one. While I am doing weights that I can do so many reps with(5x5 or 3 x5), I think its a false sense of security. A belt pinches my abdominal fat and interferes with good technique; and floats around on your back where you want support the most. Now perhaps when I lift heavier and can only do one rep sets, I may feel different about a belt. For now, I may as well strengthen my core as I do not go around the day wearing a back brace for everything I do. I want to concentrate on technique.

My BIL took the photo of Scott this weekend with his pets.

Muscle Spasm..........

2011-07-14T23:43:00.000-04:00

Without a problem...
I could deadlift 185 5 times...
Next workout 190 5 times...
Next time 195 5 times...
Next time 200 5 times... I felt like my form suffered, but I did it
Next time 205... I could not budge the weight off the floor even once.
I removed 5 pounds. No luck. I removed 5 more pounds. Still no luck getting it off the ground.

I went to yoga the next day to stretch out.
Did stronglifts the next day.
Did more yoga the day after.
My back is in spasm. I don't recall exactly which day it started. But its getting better. I won't miss a stronglifts work out, but I have done a major deload.

Not sure which exact move triggered it or if it's a combinatination of all. Probably a little of all. I swim and do activities with my boys and I never stop and have tons of stress right now.

There you have it. I am human too.

So this is what we do.... 15th week

2011-06-27T22:49:00.000-04:00

Photos for your enjoyment and amusement.

When John first attempted squats 15 weeks ago, he had no range of motion. I never thought I'd see this. AND he went to the orthopedic a few months ago for meniscal tear. No more knee problems with squatting.
"We don't need no orthopedics"~ pink floyd :)

Photos and video is informative.
Note to self, widen my stance.
Take shoes off.
This is a barbell row.

Repeat: Photos are informative.
Is John even paying attention to me?
He looks ready to save me if I topple.
I would of not known this without photo.

Ok, he looks great. I'll keep him.

Moving the 45 pound plates around, no longer a big deal. Tonight I did
135lbs 2x2, in addition to my SL 125 5x3
PS: My butt stays on the bench, it's the photo that's tilted.
William took our photos and worked out with us, but he didn't want any photos.
I must admit taking photos during work out is distracting.

Chronic Muscle Weakness

2011-06-26T20:13:00.003-04:00

I know lots of us have been having trouble leaving comments on blogger. I'm having trouble adding to the comments on my own blog.

I wanted to start by telling Brad I appreciate his comments re: stronglifts, last post. I do lots of squats working up to my max weight and then deloading. At the lower weights my form is good. I get my hip crease below my knee. It only makes sense that higher/max weights my form feels challenged. I feel my calves and lower legs kick in. I begin to feel unstable, but that's how you build up. I accept the challenge. ( Also, I appreciate a guy admitting they follow my blog.)

Ok on to the post today- so I am squatting 155 for 3 sets x 5 reps this week ( and benching 135 plus). Sounds impressive....

But, I don't think it is really that great. I am actually still "meaty." (Thanks to Jenn C. and her friend Boney Joe, I realized my redneck name is "Meaty D." :D Funny name for someone who has not eaten red meat in 20 years.

I've been working hard to build my way up to this weight/rep/set. I give myself credit for that. What I am thinking is that I started wayyyyyy under conditioned. If you don't believe me look at the photo of me in the navbar to the right (the before photo), at my heaviest weight. I was unconditioned. Our society accepts that (being 50 pounds overweight) as somewhat normal and what I am now (in strength) as "wow!".

But no, now, I am just reaching average strength.... and unfortunately still "meaty." :)

And, I have lots of potential if I keep on.

What does that say about the rest of society. We are way under conditioned. The intellectual side of my reasoning says that chronic pain syndromes and fibromylagia is from under utilization of our muscles ( I am excluding pain from external trauma for another conversation.).

You need to get moving. Start with walking, yoga, pool aerobics.

If that's too much, do chair aerobics and physical therapy. If this is your level you will hurt for a while.

I know lots of people think the pain came before the inactivity. I don't believe it. You are not some randomly chosen person in the universe to have the misfortune of chronic muscle pain. You stopped moving, stretching, balancing, pressing against weight. You may be unaware of your lack of activity. And likely unaware that your lack of activity casues pain. You were probably inactive for years, although it doesn't take long for some of us to feel "pain." Our body needs physical activity. Our inactive muscles crave movement.

If you are like me, you like to be at a keyboard, but really we have to move.

Remember, I am average BMI, average strength (really!). I am really nothing special at the gym. Just doing average (with good potential). If I must confess my BMI is 26 which is still considered overweight. I am overweight but strong-- just your average American.

Where does that leave you? I hope most of my readers are much, much better off than me.

For the one's with the chronic muscle pain, this post is for you. Have you been using your body to it's potential or just letting it go? If you let it go (not exercise), it will catch up. I understand if you have pain, it's going to be hard to start moving.

You really need to consider what I am saying here to feel better.

135 x 3!

2011-06-22T21:37:00.000-04:00

Squat- sometimes I wonder if I am too hard on myself questioning my form.

Bench 135lbs. x 3 tonight! That is a personal record. Then I did 140lbs x1. Then I did my 125lbs. 3 x5 as scheduled in my stonglifts program.

And we barbell rowed tonight.

The nice thing about tonight's work out is I didn't have to cook dinner first. John had Ravioli prepared when I came home. No it's not raw. I am just appreciative that food was prepared by someone else tonight.

All Good Things, a ramble

2011-06-21T22:49:00.000-04:00

14th week Stronglifts - For the guys, Now, I've blogged plenty about weights. Don't complain that all I blog about is birth and bf and nutrition.

Squat- 150 lbs- 3x5's this week. I am going to go up 5 pounds each week(hopefully). Increasing weight 3 x a week on squats is too much for me. I do a lot of warm ups and down sets.

OP still at 60 pounds 3x5

Deadlift 195 1x5! My goal will be 200 pounds on Friday. I don't see any reason why I can't do this.

Bench I've been stuck at 125 for a while. I am going to deviate and see how many I can do at 135 and 140, then do my 125's tomorrow. I need some kind of positive gain feedback on bench.

Row 70 lbs 5x5 no change

I read on stronglifts how a lot of the guys feel their waist thickening when they start strong lifts. Me too. Mine is thicker, fatter, whatever I must admit. This program makes me hungry. As recommended I didn't do a lot of other cardio early in the program so I can recover and progress in stronglifts. Now that my body is conditioned to this program I want to start more cardio.

With my pool being warm in the evening now, I can tread and doggie paddle. I will be able to get some low intensity cardio on a regular basis through the summer season and that should help burn some calories.

I definitely plan to continue progressing with stronglifts. It fits into my evening schedule well. I only have to go to the gym 3x a week for this lifting program. I can't really see why I would want to go back to a split routine or 4-5 times at the gym.

I am loving Dressing Your Truth. I have been totally overwhelmed shopping in the past. It is so nice to be able to focus on what works for me and not be so frustrated by so many choices.

For example there is millions of choices of simple costume jewelry. I decided once to not wear any of it. I did not want to look silly. Now I know what looks right on me. I can avoid styles that are totally wrong for me (and right for YOU!). I can enjoy the right look. I enjoyed shopping from the DYT store to see what is recommended for me. From what I learned it has made it easier to pick out other pieces and know what to look for. Also, I know when I wear a lot of neutral colors in my clothes my earrings or toe polish can be just the right amount of color.

I know I always liked long full skirts. I like full pants legs too. I like the movement at the bottom of pants. I also like my pants partially covering my shoes -- evenif the shoe would stand on it's own. It goes with my style. I like writing and educating in a way to keep people learning/thinking. Applying my energy to my "style" in clothes I have this example. My mom told me to roll up the cuff on my pants so you could see the detail on my shoes. I didn't roll them up. I like the long leg just to partially hide detail on my shoe creating an element of curiosity... keep on thinking. I am not making a bold statement or a soft statement, but one that keeps you thinking both in my actions and in dress.

According to DYT I am a three, but I like lots of movement and comfort in my clothes. And I also like something a little random in each outfit. This may not be all three's, but it's me. It's just so amazing to be comfortable with how I am dressing.

I may have pretended not to care how I dress in the past. But I did care. I just had no where to go for this much help to the detail. I realize that being a professional woman who wants people to value what I say (and without a baby in my sling), appearances do matter.

The last thing I wanted to share, is how busy I have been in my office. It's hard starting a business of any sorts. Including a medical practice. We were told it would take 4 years. In seven years, I've seen several practice models not make it, but I did. Lately whatever hours, I tell my secretary she has to fill she has no problem. My time in the office has been busy, efficient and rewarding. It's really exciting to be able to really help people stay well or to optimize their health wherever they are at.

I had a drug rep come in today with a new diabetes pill. I usually don't spend much time with them. I told her, "I will not be the one to try new pills. Someone else can experiment with your drug. I will press-on about diet with raw greens and exercises. Those people that want your drugs can go to the doctors who want drugs to prescribe. I will be available for the people who want the tried and true method of sugar control."

I had a 70 year old lady come in on no meds. She just wanted to establish. She is in good health. The last doctor she went to told her that he could not make any money off of her. ( I couldn't imagine that he said that!) I am ok if she is healthy. Someone who really needs me can fill the spot that she won't need.

Of course, I prescribe when I need too (pain, ADHD, diet, chronic medical problems). And don't be ashamed if you need something. There are good reasons to prescribe. I just don't like being pushed by drug reps with nothing but sales training.

I am glad I have natural tools in my life like Stronglifts and DYT to help communicate my message. I hope you will see if you can benefit from these teachings too.

13th Week StrongLifts.com

2011-06-14T21:45:00.002-04:00

I am in the 13th week of Stronglifts.com.
I am very strong, but not entering a bikini contest any time in the near future (nor would I even if I could). Heck, this program makes me so hungry, I gained weight.

So here are my stats.

Squat 145 pounds 3 sets x 5 reps. On 3x5 I should progress with this. I switched to 3x5 because I deloaded twice as the program says too. Also, I was not recovering. I felt sore going into my next work out.

Overhead Press 60 pounds is the most I could do on 5x5 or 3x5.

Deadlift 185 pounds 1x5, I can go higher. This is with a 45 pound Olympic bar as is all the moves.

Bench 125 pounds. I could not complete a 5 x5 after three tries. I deloaded and I missed the last rep on 3x5 5/5/3. Ugg. (Does this all sound Greek to you?) My max before stronglifts was 135 for a set of one.

Barbell Row 70 pounds, 5x5

I am not sure if my OP and Row can progress much from here, but I still feel like I will see progress with my strength in the other exercises. I will be doing more cardio now that I am well into this routine. I love it and plan to progress through the sequence.

__________

Some other notes I found from June 4th to I post on stronglifts.com facebook
Re: what women should do different.

What I did different? Started lower then olympic bar for OP and row. 45 pound bar was adequate for everything else. On OP and Row didn't always increase weight the next work out. A few times on squat I kept it the same. I finished the 11th week. OP I already switched to 3x5. After next week, I may be ready to switch most of the other exercises over as I have deloaded twice or just been stuck for awhile on all. I backed off on heavy cardio at first and slowly incorporating cardio in as I am accustomed to my work out routine. Squat 140 lbs, OP 60, DL 185(!), Bench 120, stalled at 125 5/5/3/3/1 (which is still something for me to proud of), prior to SL could bench 135 x1 rep, row 75. I am 45yo, 180 lbs, 6-51/2. I am more toned, but not a smaller dress size.See More

June 4 at 9:09pm ·

June Drought

2011-06-14T21:12:00.000-04:00

We have had drought conditions here in South Florida. Finally tonight we had rain and the thunder. The lightening electrocuted our patio TV. Last year the oven got electrocuted. Love being on the river in Florida!

I hadn't shown pictures of my chickens on this blog yet. I look more like a chicken holding this chicken in the rain.

David is standing next to sugar cane. Sugar cane still grows without much water. I cut this stalk off and I am going to let Scott chop it and suck on it.

Pineapple also likes it here. Neighboring Jensen Beach is the pineapple capital of the world. Hopefully, my yard will be a capital too. This is our first potential fruit. It still has a long way to go.

Mangoes- here is the bunch I harvested tonight. Looks like we won't have as many as last year, still we will have plenty. If you remember our tree gets ORGANIC fertilizer all year.

Most of my other greens aren't doing too well. It's too dry, hot and we have a ton of grasshoppers eating my plants. One colorful locust is cute. A ton is not. I totally understand how they were a plague in Egypt and in Plum Creek. I am so tired of them, they will not be pictured tonight. I wish the chickens would eat them. I like it when the boys throw them in the river... but they swim right out. Disgusting.

IBS and Excercise

2011-06-04T22:11:00.000-04:00

John pointed out an interesting observation after several weeks of exercise.

Most of know that exercise (ie, activity), promotes regular bowel movements. He has a new twist to this well-known fact that he's observed since lifting weights, especially squats.

Strengthening the core improves IBS.

Yes, in and of itself core strength, he points out improves bowel function.

I never thought of it like that before. It makes such perfect sense.
As much as it matters what you put in to your mouth, you must have conditioned muscles to have proper function.
Thoughts anyone?

The End of Week 9 with Stronglifts.

2011-05-20T19:50:00.001-04:00

Squat- 135 lbs. 5sets x 5reps. I like it barefoot. I need a belt now.
OP- 50 lbs, switched to 3x5 this week
DEADLIFT- 170 pounds 1x5
Bench- 125 lbs attempted 5x5 since I completed 5x5 at 120 pounds. This is what I did do: 3/3/3/3/1 Not bad even if I didn't get 5 reps. I am not intimidated of bench I will try this next week.
Barbell Row 65 lbs. 5x5

I am not sore. I am not sore! Nor am I too tired. Don't get me wrong it's a workout, but just the right amount. I was sore for a few weeks. I worked passed it and I feel good after my workout. I am stretching a lot.

Next week, I may deload a bit on the squat and work my way back up. In the meantime it may allow for my bench to improve. Varyig the weights keeps the routine from getting boring and constantly challenges me.

Want to know more about stronglifts... stronglifts.com or the facebookpage.

Three (or so) Months of DYT

2011-05-19T23:37:00.000-04:00

I am loving DYT, Dressing Your Truth. I've aways hated shopping. I hated trying things on. I never new what to pick. That is common with Type 3. Often stylish ruffles and girl things make us look frumpy. Circle patterns are big now and that's something I look terrible in.

This first brown shirt with lots of angles is one I would of never picked before DYT. I actually feel very comfortable in it. I got at at an outlet sale. I've been trying to take lots of photos, to be honest with myself how I look in things (not cause I am vain). If I absolutely can't get a good photo, it's a big hint, that it's probably not my type. But something else bothered me in this first photo and it took a while to figure it out. But now I realize I look much better with letting my hair go. You can see the progress in these photos. For years I tried to wear it a perfect blunt-- that's for another type. Sometimes I tried to curl the ends under--that's yet, for another type. Believe it or not I thought I had supper straight hair. Now I know the truth -- my hair has a mind of it's own, just like I do. Somedays it's kind of curly and fun. Somedays naturally it's messy and wild. Now, I am just letting it go with a little gel for support. I don't dry or spend time curling under. I like feeling my hair move. And it's not not straight like I thought; thin and fine, but not straight. (Also, colored, but not gray!) I also learned how to make it straight and right for me.

For a beginner 3 its easy to stick with earthy brown. It's safe. I always found discounted stores hard to shop at. I never went to them. Now with my color card from DYT. I let the color catch my eye, than I take a look at the garment. It's makes it easy to shop the discounted stores without going through everything.

I ventured out to a similar colored, but totally different vement than the first, also from Beall's OUTLET. I like the criss-cross and the randomness. I am getting a sense for my secondary type.

I like 3/4 lengths sleeves, like I wrote in a previous post, but it is hot here. I like short sleeves, now.

It has seemed like I have finally found the right kind of pants for me. I like the brown's and bone colored as a base. I prefer a fabric that has movement (like wide at my ankles). I've always hated jeans. "Bone" is my jeans. And since it's bone, I can wear it to the office. We have a rule at the office "no jeans" shhh-- don't tell anyone I am wearing "my jeans" all the time to the office. My jeans are purchased from Marshalls. The other 2 pants were from Chico's. I lucked out as it was right before DYT. I have a feeling I'll find real denims soon using DYT guidance.

Over the past three months of DYT, I wanted more variety in color. I have succeeded.

This peacock blue shirt I found with my mother at Stein mart on sale before DYT and it fell to the back of my closet and JUST resurfaced. I was very excited to find it. I like the neckline. My type is suppose to wear substantial necklaces. Until I build my collection, I felt very comfortable with the thick textured neckline and my gold chain. That bird's color pattern would work for me, too. That's really is my bird. It's a chicken.

The jewelery on DYT that they suggest for my type looks big (and substantial). I never wore earrings because of the pulling it does on my lobes. From the DYT store, I finally got earrings that fit my movement and energy. I am so excited about my purchase and I am investigating what I want next from the store. I am actually wearing the Emerald City earrings in this last photo. You can barely see them. They may be substantial, but too me they are small (and light).

This awesome cranberry shirt is from Sam's Club. I was excited when I saw it because I knew the color was right for ME. Another textured neckline, right for me. That's my jeans with it. :)

I've been asked, do you have to dress your type all the time? No, you don't. There may be some things that fit me, but won't work for another 3. And there will be things that work for all 3's. BUT WHY WOULD I NOT WANT TO DRESS MY TRUTH? Why would I want to go back to patterns and colors that don't work when now I know what to look for.Why? I've also been asked if my closet mostly had my colors before DYT, by instinct? Absolutely not. I had no instinct. I had way too much black because the stores show 75% black and it was the easiest way to go. But you know, it's just as easy to make bone and my brown base colors. How did I conclude I am a type 3. Based on my energy-- I act with purpose and goals. That is one of my most dominant features. Based on my facial features. Carol, the founder, is so sweet, she calls it movement. I call it melasma, acne, bags and wrinkles. LOL. My blemishes are now my strong point, go figure. When I wear the right color, patterns, and textures for me, I feel confident, that the flaws are muted a tiny bit. I love my movement, both in my overall energy and those facial features. I certainly hope the other lovely 3's have less of this sort of movement. Another Question (this is from dear John, who just walked in-- who is that, did you have botox? NO, NO, NO, I did not. If you have any doubt, you can observe the "movement" in real life when you see me.

I have done a lot of personal development, lately. DYT is not just for those who are losing weight and/or at ideal weights. Everyone can benefit. In fact good self esteem often helps you lose weight.

As I learn how to incorporate my accessories, I hope to share more about this. You may think this is all about fashion. It totally incorporates learning your nature, accepting and understanding yourself, and relationships.

Is your lines random, flowing, angular (like mine), or straight?

Are you full of ideas, details, purpose (my dominant), or black and white?

More importantly

Are you in harmony?

Find out

Dress Your Truth

After 6th week of Stronglifts

2011-04-29T23:01:00.002-04:00

Finished 6 weeks of stronglifts.

Squat- 105 pounds. My form suffered at this weight 2 weeks ago, so I deloaded just a bit and worked my way back up a gain to this weight. I watch Mendhi's squat video a lot, yet I am hard to critique on my form. I've been very careful to watch my form and go low. I felt OK doing the squats today. Next week I am going to increase to 110. It seems that I should be squatting more than I bench, but I've been benching over a year consistently (I've also benched in the passed). I here a lot of talk about squatting abilities should be certain % of your weight. I am no where near my body weight. This week I squatted barefoot and like it. I also did no use the bar pad. I see my squat increasing very slowly.

Bench Press- at 120 pound, I tried 5 x5, three times. I came very close to getting all 25 reps. I will deload by 10% next week. I know I will be able to push pass 120. My max before doing 5 x5's was 135 x 1 rep. I have not done a one rep set in 6 weeks. It is getting tempting to see if I could push 140 or more, but I feel very patient and confident with this program. When I get back to 135, I'll be doing 5x5's! :)

Overhead press- 60 pounds was very hard two weeks ago. I was hurting more than I thought I should. So I deloaded and stayed at 50 this week. I was so sore, actually I think my form and progress sufferred early last week in the other moves because of over doing it. That means I have lots to look forward to next week, now that I am recovered. BTW- I have no more bat wings. This makes OP so worth it.

Barbell row- up to 60 pounds. But because I was sore, I deloaded to 50 pounds. Next week, I will take it back to 55, 60...

Deadlift- 155,1x 5. Not a plateau. Next week, 160... I expect to be able to lift my body weight and more.

A few days I finished quicker than planned and did abd machines or other machines. I could definately notice a difference in my endurance and strength.

BW 175, I am 45.

Work Out Summary

2011-04-15T23:15:00.001-04:00

I'm still eating high raw everyday. Each day I usually drink 4 cups of smoothie, a big raw vegan salad, chocolate bliss, sprouted almonds and seeds, kefir water, and dabble in some cooked food. Some people think all I eat is raw. Just to clarify I don't. I feel I have found a good balance for me. Some days are very, very close.

For years, I talked about birth and doulas, I felt like no one heard me. Then I talked about breastfeeding and a few heard me. I am BLOWN away at how much interest there is in raw food. I am surrounded by green smoothie drinkers. I have the support I need, but it blows my mind that some people never eat anything raw, let alone any vegetables.

I do not calorie count. Maybe I should? That is where my motivation ends. While I have been doing intense strenth training, I have been reaching for more foods with a nut or bean base.

I want to sum up my first 4 weeks of the 5x5 training program I am doing.
All my maxed out weights listed below are 5 sets of 5 reps. I am delaying the gratification of maxing out on one rep to work on form and conditioning. When I get to the point in my program where I can do a rep of one, I know it will be worth doing it this way.

Squat- 105 pounds. My form suffered at this weight, so I have deloaded just a bit. From the deload I will work my way back up. Squats are done each work out. These are just low weights. When you start peaking you back down on intense squat work outs.
Bench Press- 115. Yes, I did 5 sets, 5 reps at this weight. It was hard, on Sunday I will try 120 5x5
Overhead press- 60 pounds. This was hard. My form was close, but not as good as I'd like it. I pick the bar up off from the floor and do this standing. In this program BP and OP are alternated each work out to prevent/minimize injury to the shoulder.
Barbell row- up to 60 pounds.
Deadlift- 135, this is the exception 1 set, 5 reps. Barbell row/Deadlift are alternated each work out.

I do warm up set-ups and cool down sets. I stretch. These combinations get my heart rate up. I do a little cardio warm up to get my blood flowing, but not to the point of sweating. I only am in the gym 3 days a week. Any work out in between is for fun and recreation with the boys. Not stressful or intense. I need the recovery time.

I feel my muscles after every work out. I don't mean in a bad way. Like, I know I did not waste a work out. Over the next month as I reach my plateau, I will delaod, and build up again adding 5 pounds to the bar. When I stall after 2 deloads, the program has you move into 3x3 sets.

John goes with me. He does what I tell him (at the gym). Since you start light. His program is similar to mine except he benches more. I didn't have him start at the lowest weight in bench because he has been benching a while. He won't plateau soon. This month I expect he'll keep increasing as I deload. His range of motion in his knees has improved significantly. Who would of known; A few months ago he had a meniscal tear in his knee. Not necessarily thinner and less weight, but we are both better conditioned than we ever have been.

Strength training tightens your muscles. I've enjoyed yoga to help stretch and balance. From the little experience I have with yoga I feel the benefits. I have a lot of patients complain of chronic knee and/or back pain. Honestly, the gentle range of motion and stretch would help a lot. I am looking forward to the family class at the civic center tomorrow.

I'll try not to bore you every other day with my weight personal records. :)

Keep in mind my protein is nearly all vegan with occasional local eggs. If I have had dairy it is minor. If I had any meat, it was________ wings.

Raw Food and Nursing Mothers Go Good Together

2011-04-07T21:40:00.000-04:00

Good Company

Good Food
Zuccini salad, fresh fruit juice, kale salad, raw chocolate, more raw chocolate, m ore raw chocolate, granola,
and more...

The First Raw Food for babies

Happy Kids eat Raw Food

End of Week 2, The "B" Routine

2011-04-01T22:26:00.004-04:00

Today John and I did the "B" routine of of our 5x5 routine. This is the end of our second week. I've been squatting for a while on and off over the past year. Last time I squatted this weight (before 5x5 routine), I could not go so low. When I read the program, I felt a little intimidated that I would be able to squat low as they insist. But it felt GOOD today. I squatted 95# 5 reps, 5 sets.

I had never did over head press before this routine. In fact I am pretty certain I could not lift an olympic bar over my head on a seated press so I never did them. I started with a few bars in the gym lighter... 20#, 30#. 40#, and tonight 45 pounds. No problem. I know I got a lot more in me.

The third excercise we all did was the deadlift. Again we started with lighter weights last week and progress. Tonight's only 115 pounds.

I can feel my muscles after doing all these combo move reps, but it is a good feel. I have not felt sore.

I am looking forward to next weeks routine when I can progressively add some more weight.
BTW- I am dressing my truth at the gym today. :) I do have a favorite pair of black shorts as an alternative. I am seeing how hard black is. At the gym it definately makes me look too tough. I'd rather not look like I am in a gang. I took some photos of John tonight , he's doing the smae thing as me. William, the "14" yo, didn't want me to even take a photo of him. He was willing to take my photos. We are glad he is interested in the gym. I suppose he'll be all about the camera as we move into heavier weights. I am really curious how far I can go with this incremental weight increase.
The program is designed for men without a lot of direction for women. Not that it should be any different... but honestly, I don't think I am going to keep up with John, we'll see. He's got strength. I got range of motion and good knees. I just know from tonight, I'll be able to do my drills 5x5's next week. Then I'll worry about the next week after that. I know your wondering why I take all these silly photos at light weights. I feel like it will help me if I see what I am doing and how I progress. Also, there is not really that many photos and vids of combo moves at lighter weight. You don't have to lift 600 pounds to benefit. I hope to encourage you. I do warm up on a machine before this for my heart rate and cardio, but this is cardio, It does keep my weight up moving through all the reps.

Gluten Intolerance and IBS, and Raw

2011-03-21T21:45:00.001-04:00

I realized today that I started this blog a year ago. It was a great chance for me to scroll through my back blog and see what's been on my mind at times and bring back some ideas to the front.

I had a senior patient tell me today that after a life of diarrhea and irritable bowel, she decided to give up gluten. She got better. She said she feels great. She recalled being fed oatmeal before school as a kid and getting sick each day. She made a point of telling me her deep thoughts. "What about all the pharmaceuticals that they keep coming out with for IBS. What if its just gluten sensitivity. We'll never help people if we keep trying all the drugs."
That is a fantastic point. She told me the grocery foods were increasing the amount of gluten free options. She mentioned a lot of canned and packaged food. Just imagine how much better she could feel if she moved on over to fresh and Raw.

We went back through her chart and saw that colonoscopy showed colitis a few years ago. Antibiotics and the medical regimen failed to improve her long term (all though, in the short-picture an improvement was noted.) She'd like testing to confirm Celiac Disease.

A Raw diet including fermented (probiotics), sprouts (enzymes), greens, and superfoods is compatible and a desired diet for gluten intolerance. Probiotics and enzymes are both needed for a healthy gut.

I've been asked if a Raw diet is too limiting for a patient with Celiac disease. NO! It opens up options.

I've been asked if Chocolate Bliss is compatible with Celiac disease. Even though the ingredient Rain Forest Rush has wheat in it, the ingredient is not the grain part that contains the gluten protein in it.

Here are some gluen-free grains, nuts, and seeds... many of them are naturally eaten Raw (by me at least) and also nutritious when cooked. (I like quinoa cooked). I found the list at http://www.the-gluten-free-chef.com/gluten-free-grains.html

Almond flour low carb alternative to wheat flour

Amaranth (extremely nutritious)

Arrowroot (great as a thickener for soups and sauces)

Buckwheat (not a form or wheat, despite its name)

Millet (not just bird feed!)

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) a real superfood!

Rice a good form of starch but with less protein than other grains

Tapioca (used for more than that horrible pudding you ate at school!) is produced from a root

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans (ground into a flour called Gram or besan)

Lentils(a small round pulse that doesn't need soaking overnight before cooking)

Carob (a sweet flour, it is made from the ground bean pods rather than the beans themselves)

Coconut flour

Corn or maize

Job's tears can be used as a substitute for pearl barley

Soy beans can be used in a similar way to grains...flakes, grits, flour and bran

Sesame seeds

Sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds

Sweet Chestnuts

Sorghum or milo

Teff grain - the tiniest grain in the world!

Potato (yes it can be made into a flour-like starch)

What do you think of IBS vs. Gluten intolerance?

Kefir Water (and Diabetes)

2011-03-20T18:44:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Trish for sending me starter Kefir water grains, I've been drinking this delicious, fermented, probiotic drink a few weeks now. My kids seem to enjoy it also. I have not had much success with fermenting pickles, sauerkraut, on my Raw journey, so I am excited at how easy this is.

I am asked all the time about which probiotics I recommend. Till now I generally leave it up to the person to find one. I do like healthforce products which includes probiotics (see my recommended page).

For probiotics I like this drink the best of all.

I've been fortunate to get a few starters divided and out there. I wish I can divide for everyone, but when a give a starter I ask our mutual friends to pass them along for me. Trish will mail them to you if you are not local.

This video is excellent. The more I google water kefir, the more sites I find. So far I have followed this recipe in the video.

This makes me think a lot about yeast sensitivities and diabetes. Our American diets are so unnatural. Not only do I believe that diabetes and yeast problems come from too much sugar, but I do believe there is deficiencies in our diet. When I diabetic tells me they are following a strict diet and still can't get their sugar down... maybe they are missing something? Like fermented food? What do you think?

Also, sprouted food is important is im portant for everyone including diabetics... It is simple to sprout.

If you are local and want some starter grains leave a comment. If I can't get you any, perhaps one of our mutual friends will be able to help me out in distribution.

Monthly Lifting Progress

2011-03-19T16:30:00.002-04:00

On March 4, 2011
Bench Press 135 x 1
Squat 105 x 5
Dead Lift 110 x 5

On March 19
Squat 125 a few times
Deadlift 155 x2

I've started doing the squat and dead lift the last month. I am using a straight 45 pound Olympic bar with weights. I have not plateaued out yet on either nor reached my body weight. I just add a few more pounds each time. I am doing each move about twice a week with machines. I noticed if I do sets of two of these exercises I feel a complete work out-- almost.

These seemingly simple moves are so amazing in how they work my core where I seem to need it the most.

I don't think that my age is a limiting factor. I've had no injuries (old or new) to contend with or work around. In search of finding the proper technique, order, and routine, I found stronglifts.com.

This program gives me guidance that follows my instincts in that the two exercises were almost complete.
I usually do weight training on MWF (as suggested anyway in the report).

It has routine A with squats, bench, row: routine B with squats, overhead and deadlift.

Alternate A and B work out. Week one is ABA, Week 2 is BAB.

Start with a light load, and do 5 reps, 5 sets. I will back down on some of my weight to get the complete 5x5. Incrementally you add weight to the bar. It starts light and you increase the weight each time.

I have never done bar bell rows or overhead presses, until last week, but the 3 combination moves seems to make complete sense. I started lighter than the olympic bar to do the new lifts.

I like the routine because it gets right to the point without a zillion isolation exercise (and no sit-ups- required!). (Trust me. I feel it in my core.)This is appealing also because I like to get in and out of the gym efficiently.The program is designed for men (probably because that's who is interested). I think I have enough experience and common sense to adapt it to my needs. Since I was at a plateau with the machines and bench, I do think this will help me a lot. I have John's program and mine in an excel spread sheet. The website has lots of before and afters, I am actually starting this in the best health that I have ever been in (sorry no photo today), but still weak in many areas.

For anyone intimidated to do squat and deadlift, I say, give it a try! You may feel great! I am glad I wasn't too wimpy to try it out. It lead me to researching and finding a great work out.

Sunfire Foods Superfoods Quick Start Video

2011-02-22T21:30:00.000-05:00

I use Sunfirefoods Superfood Products. I love Chocolate Bliss, Fiesta Mole, and the Salt. I've been using these since last May. Now David Favor discusses them in a quick start guide. You may check out the other pages on my blog for more information.

My office store is well stocked in chocolate bliss in the old packaging. By March 10th I will place a new order packaged as seen in the video. Contact me or the office for pre-orders.

Weight Lifting Update

2011-02-19T10:29:00.001-05:00

I needed to set new goals at the gym, so I decided to start squatting and try out the deadlift.
My bench is pretty much maxed out. Will I really see measurable differences at the point I am at in the bench? Yet, I say that and I almost benched 135 twice last night (butt down). John is a good spotter, but he stole the second press from me just a little to quickly. I'll get it next time.

I do believe in starting light (for me). When I am in the gym, I watch the technique of others. I also put on some youtube videos to practice my form at home first. I like a quiet empty gym. You wouldn't know, by how I share and document my progress on facebook, for the world to see. When its time to work out, it's time to work out. I don't like showing off, thus a quiet gym is good for me. When it's time to document my progress blog/facebook is good. I get inspired by the accountability sharing provides.

Last week I started squatting with the bar, 8 reps. that's 45 pounds, but I've added weight to it, so last night my last 8 set rep was with 75 pounds. I feel it good in my quads. Since I have never done this before, I am sure in a month, the progress will be noticeable with the addition of weights.

The deadlift I felt for sure. Something that looks like such a straightforward quick move is amazingly powerful. I think I am addicted after one time. I just stuck 5 pounds on each side of the 45 pound bar for sets of 8 x3 for the first time. It worked every muscle in my body. I am glad I didn't procrastinate adding this move to the routine any longer.

The challenge of Pilate's and yoga for strengthening my core has been good for me (hi, mom). The combination moves my sister teaches add variety, but I like these power moves. The Pilates, yoga, and combination moves would be for variety and recovery and not the end it self. I'd love a yoga class this morning to stretch me out.

It's a perfect day for the beach and think I will head there!

Officially Finished Dress Your Truth for my Type 3

2011-02-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

I finished the Dress Your Truth Course for my type this afternoon. I have always hated shopping. I have always hated getting dressed in the morning and picking out the right clothes for me. I got interested as I watched two Raw friends (both natural beauties) go through the course and I saw two natural beauties become even more stunning.

As I watched the DYT videos on youtube, I like how the founder Carol Tuttle, debunks a lot of fashion industry myths out there. I have always been concerned about how industry negatively affects mothers on the way we breastfeeding, birth and the way we raise our children. Carol has comparable thoughts on how the fashion industry hurts woman's overall self esteems. That spoke to me. The other thing that spoke to me is how woman will pay thousands for plastic surgery fixing features that are their unique traits, but she applies it in a way that with the right outward expression (clothes) those flaws become beauty marks, so to speak. I pray that as I age, my vanity doesn't cave in to the plastic surgeons.

From what I learned, I feel like I may be able to pick out clothes that will last me a long time, look good on me, and go with the the wardrobe I am building. Carol teaches if you are dressing your truth your clothes will empower your natural inner energy and movement.

I found a peacock blue shirt at Chico's, last week, before I finished the course. I KNEW it was me. It's a color only my type can wear. The compliments I got were amazing: radiating, eye candy. Yes, someone very animated called ME, eye candy. haha. John noticed how it matched my eyes. Although eye matching is not an element in this course, John went out and matched his eye color and found some stunning jade green for him (him doing that was a huge compliment).

Anyway, I felt really good in that color. It got me thinking of a previous time in my life I felt VERY empowered. I was wearing (and I purposely chose to wear it knowing it suit me, but not aware of the full extent of how it suit me) a peacock blue textured cover-up while I labored and birthed my breech son at home. Without a doubt that shade of blue is MY blue (could I have birth him in a undermining hospital gown, or a granny gown? Makes you wonder how important clothes are.). Fortunately I never threw the top out. I still wear it around the house a lot. My birth analogy makes me think how effective what we wear is. I am encouraged to pursue the fashion lessons I have learned.

I put my black office clothes away. I'd rather wear clothes that exagerat my eye color, highlights, and angles of my face and minimize my "beauty marks."

My house interior is done in rich dynamic colors. In hindsight, we decorated way before DYT, I am glad it worked that way, although, I had no clue what I was doing. I could wear almost all my upolstry or my paint colors, which is great! There is very little black or silver in my house. The metals are the right metals.The cherry wood is perfect.

I've been shopping over the past few weeks as I have watched the videos, but I will confidently continue to combine clothes I have as dress now that I am official.

I am trying to figure out my boys. John, Scott, and William, are all much slower in movement than me. John and Scott insist they don't fit in a category of personality types. But I am leaning them towards 4/2 because of that claim. Black/white, all/none, happy go lucky/raged. On the good side the type 4 student is an easy student. Motivated by grades. Finally Scott has something academic on his side to ease my home school burden. William not sure yet. 2 maybe? David ?? I am realizing why I have to nag everyone to get things done.

A fashion test? Yes.
Personality test? Yes.
Relationship Insight? Definately.
I'm looking forward to more DYT videos and on-line classes and learning.

Today's Edible Garden

2011-02-06T19:26:00.000-05:00

It may not look like much, but I am pretty proud of my container garden this winter. This is the first time, I've accomplished this much growing. It's on my porch near my front door and very accessible.

Fennel, brocolli, celery, dandelion, cilantro, arugula, cherry tomatao, kale,

(chard and ginger hidden in back)

A few ornamental flowers

collard, aloe, flowering kale (dark) hanging strawberry, dill

Rosemary, lettuce varieties, oregeno

lots of kale!

mint (and something that should have been cropped)

I turned the boys train table upside down and have a square foot garden, too!

Tomato, kale, chard, lactino kale, flowering kale

Do I still believe in the Brewer Diet for Pregnancy?

2011-02-05T20:38:00.002-05:00

I was just thinking about where my diet was at when I turned in Permission to Mother to the publisher. I knew I needed to do something. I was way too heavy and sedentary. Nutrition is perhaps the area I have become quite opinionated on since publication. I had already started eating organic produce, but that wasn't enough. The only nutrition plan I knew at the time for pregnancy was the Brewer diet.

If I got pregnant now, I would stick with a raw/green smoothie diet. I'd continue with 4 cups of green smoothies daily. I'd have plenty of green veggies daily especially spinach, broccoli, kale which all have plenty of protein.

I'd probably get a variety of grains such as spelt, quinoa, millet, barley, brown rice, including fresh sprouts and beans (dry not can) and nuts. I would continue sprouting as much as I can.

I have significantly reduced the amount of eggs (but I currently I have access to local eggs at a friends), dairy, chicken and fish in my diet since publication and I would not plan to consume more animal products than I do now if I was pregnant. I actually eat very little animal products currently. I am not eating the eggs raw.

I've never been a red meat or pork eater.

When I wrote that post, I had not run into GSG or raw food yet. I wholeheartedly believe the GS/raw diet super cedes the Brewer diet.

The reason the Brewer diet works is because it probably got people off of TV dinners and boxed food and fast food. In essence his patients were shifting towards a much better diet.

Brewer includes a Vegetarian and Vegan diet option. I don't know how many of his patients did actually follow the plant-based options.

As far a salt goes, I mostly use pristine sea salt and try the various sea salts depending on what I am making. I've rid my house of table salt. I do believe that table salt is bad for us and sea salt has a purpose in flavoring our food with the added minerals. When Obstetricians tell woman "no salt" I don't think they appreciate the difference between sea salt and table salt. I know I didn't until I started preparing foods from more wholesome recipes.

I would use a lot of hemp, chia, flax.

I would use chocolate bliss and other super foods from sunfire foods and healthforce.com.

That said, I know in pregnancy woman get lots of cravings. This would be my intentions. I can fully support a woman in pregnancy who chose to eat vegan or vegetarian. I can support a meat eater in pregnancy, too, with choices to keep away from processed foods.

Addendum: I also would recommend fermented food. I have to remind myself now to do that!

Any Lurkers?

2011-01-28T23:27:00.000-05:00

I know this is a very small blog, but since it's personal blog

I am curious if I have any lurkers! I'm honored and glad you are here. Please come out of hiding if you haven't let me know yet you are following.

Does attempting to feed your family Raw mean that the kids never have the pleasure of licking out bowls. This guy who won't let me get a photo of him, loves licking out my blender after I make cheezy sauce for kale chips. If I have enough left-over, he asks for celery to get down into the BlendTec. He licked out my banana bread bowl this afternoon (post tomorrow hopefully). He has the opportunity to lick plenty of bowls, but lately is camera shy.

He also LOVES peaking in my dehydrator to see what's in there and snacking from the trays.

Raw food diets CAN bring traditional small pleasures to children.

No Whey!

2011-01-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

I like benchpressing. And I am good at it. That's what I get for being born with big arms. My arms are certainly not over developed, just big. No, I don't use they whey protein they market at the gym. I am not on anabolic steriods either. Most of my proteins are raw vegan and some locally raised chicken eggs (that eat my scraps!) I have my best gym perfomances with something light in my stomach like Bliss. I am able to bench 135 twice in one evening, but I have to take a small break in between my two- one rep wonders. Just a month ago, I was struggling to get 135 once. My strength is increasing fast. The ladies in the spinning class tonight were talking about the whey protein tonight. It got me thinking no whey for me.

After reading about Trish's experiences with chocolate bliss on her blog and researching it further at radicalhealth.com, I decided I wanted to try it and I ordered some from her.

Already convinced without a doubt, that raw is the way to go for optimal health, what appealed to me about Chocolate Bliss especially was the convenience of raw ingredients and that my kids would like this.

I've been using Bliss since the end of May. I drink approx 2 cups a day. It's delicious! ( I heard the whey is not unless it's mixed with ice cream. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of working out and taking whey?) I didn't have to give up cocao and sweetness. I still drink 4 cups of green smoothie on most days. With a salad (a green smoothie, and the greens in my Bliss) that adds up to lots of raw greens per day. I have further learned that Bliss is very easy to make with any blender. Mixed, it stores well in the refrigerator, so it something I can leave for my kids on days I am away.

It also travels well and I can take it with me to work or on over-nighters. Chocolate Bliss disguises greens in powder form. My kids are getting super greens (alfalfa, dandelion), blue-green algae, adaptogens and have no idea. Have you seen William, how he is trimming down?

Everyone I share it with in my home and office has enjoyed it. It's given me something to offer house guests that they will like ( I've never liked cooking.) and I know they will be better off for.

With all the upcoming company at my house, I decided that Bliss and other Sunfire Superfoods will be available at my house (and you'll get to try it.). I want to continue to teach people about Raw food. If you're overweight, diabetic, on coumadin, have colitis, diverticulitis, food sensitivities, arthritis, head aches, etc, etc... we need to talk more. :) If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you can benefit from Raw foods and Superfoods.

My friends and patients ask me what vitamins, vegan proteins, and supplements I recommend. I decided to partner with radicalhealth.com so we (C and P) can provide locals access to the products. I've had mixed feelings about promoting nutritional products. I feel like I found a good one. I want it for myself and my family. I like that it is good for me.

More Style Makeover

2011-01-22T17:27:00.001-05:00

I am plugging along with my high-raw eating. I haven't really tried any new recipes lately. I am staying in the comfort zones of recipes and ingredients I am familiar with. It's easy now, I've been doing it long enough to keep the momentum going.

It feels good to be able to experiment with my clothing now that I am at a comfortable weight. (Not that being over-weight and unconditioned should mean I don't dress well, it just added another layer of challenge.)

I am a little biased thinking that a baby in a sling is the BEST and most feminine accessory. With all the testosterone in my house, and no babies, the only feminine "space" I have is what I am wearing on my body.

I have tried pulling together more styles and grab a co-operative semi-professional photographer on the spot. This first shirt, I got in the fall at Stein-mart. I thought it looked a little Halloween-y (Can you find the jack-o-lanterns?). But I keep getting compliments on the color, especially when I found the matching shoes (below). My mom is the photographer here. The yard is hers.

In this photo my mom helped me pick out the shirt and (earth-tone) bead necklace. I wore it with brown slacks. David is my photographer (on our dock) and he couldn't hold the camera straight which I think worked to the photo's advantage. The shirt and necklace are from Chico's. I was in Chico's finding clothes for the boy's upcoming Bar Mitzvah celebration. It was a successful mission as I found clothes, I will be able to wear again and again. (No "formal" dress wear selected, yeah, that I owuld never wear again!) But I am keeping my weekend clothes safe on hangers till then. :)

The denim shirt below is an old one. I haven't worn it in years. I am wearing it with new Chico's pants and a necklace and belt from Stein-mart. Scott is the photographer here. In place of a baby, I have a dog to match my accessories.

You've noticed that dogs and owners seem to match? Max must be my type.

To John's disappointment, I may ask my hair stylist how she would change my hair if I give her more lee-way. I have an upcoming appointment. John likes me to grow my hair long, but my hair gets straggly, not long. John may have to deal with me getting 3-4 inches cut off. Trust me on how straggly my hair is this length. It stayed in place a minute for a picture.

My glasses are actually broken and I have to deal with picking out new frames too. "Taped-together" frames is the ultimate fashion accessory-not. And I confess, I am wearing a drop of make-up. I've always hated wearing make-up, but my mom finally dragged me into Ulta kicking and resisting to get a few basics for zitty day coverage. I much prefer skin cleansing from the inside out, but it isn't always enough.

Now that I got some momentum going with this, I am eager to match up some more clothes from my closet in ways I wouldn't have thought to before.

It's interesting for me to see all my "profile" photos in one album on facebook, to see what colors I am drawn to or see how one color stands out amongst the rest as a fave or not.

Wardrobe Make-over

2011-01-08T00:03:00.003-05:00

This past August most everything in my closet was too big on me and I had a few occasions to be dressed up to look forward too. I always dressed plain and practical as a mother of three boys. It has to be easy to wash. I like modest at the office, (skirts below the knees, sensible neck line, 3/4 sleeves. Also sleeves because its often cold in the office). I am able to wear any color, but it's style that hard to deal with when you are over-weight. So I ended up with mostly baggy tents. Being overweight made it impossible for me to find descent things. A lot of "fashion" clothes IMO is sleazy and not sensible for the office.

I went shopping with my mother who has much more fashion sense then me. Quite by accident the shopping, started when I tried on two simple yoga skirts on Sport Authority. One gray, one black. Simple lines. The right length. Nothing bulky. When I looked in the mirror I couldn't believe it was me and that I actually fit in something! My mom was taken back also with my delight. Recently I hadn't been shopping with her. She's too skinny. I did need to find suitable blouses to wear with the skirts. We headed off to Steinmart to find co-ordinating tops.
My mother could be a personal shopper. She pulled so much off the racks and quickly for me to try on. She knows how to make coupons work. It's the first time in a long time, I liked how I looked in almost everything. What we liked the most for the office, was still in my modest comfort zone, but with more layers (vests) and embellishments (studs and beads), a hint of animal skin in the background (note the vest and the skirt below), but not bold animal print. I picked up a few pants. For home I like to be comfortable and sleeveless. I am fine with tanks, shorts and, pants at home, the gym, and when I am with John. I picked out a few fashionable tanks that looked like more than gym clothes or yard clothes.

She also picked out wedge heels for me! At my heaviest I couldn't even fit in a woman's shoe and was buying flat sandals and men shoes at Dillards. I wore men's sandals for about 3-4 years. I was almost nervous to report to work with such a shift. I am loving it. I feel so much more confident. Getting a new wardrobe as you trim down and tone up is a big deal. Getting used to yourself isn't always easy.

Not to long after my wardrobe make-over, my blog mentors Green Smoothie Girl and Trish both had Dress your Truth make-overs. The DYT program is about identifying your energy style and subsequently knowing what kind of clothes suit you. I've actually done personality profiling long before and could spot what I am and what I am not in fashion languague. I am not soft and subtle (2) and I am not pretty girlie (1). In college I called type 1's sorority girls. I could never wear bows and ruffles. That leaves me a (3) professional or (4) bold. My disclaimer is that with all due respect, I've not done the DYT course yet, but my friends' post and make-overs came at such a time I could identify so much. IMO opinion I lean towards a 3, but could make 4 work for me as well. I can wear pastels as an accessory piece with the other clothing professional or bold. I do look forward to learning more about DYT in time.

My mother had even gone through my closet when we got home and paired up shirts, belts, vests, in ways I didn't think would work. Without her knowing these types (she has never heard of DYT), she is more of a fashion expert than me. With all this information, I am able to make the clothes in my closet work for me now. But also now I am seeing how a busy print can be toned down with a solid vest, for example.

My friends' make-overs included hair and make-up and more. At that time I had let all my bleach blond highlights grow out to the straggly light brown natural color. Now, I have a few very soft highlights in the front. I like the more natural look with just a few highlights. I am not planning to go back to all over highlights. I go to an experienced hair stylist and have always had an expert opinion on my hair if I kept it up.

I don't wear (much) make-up. I struggle with being all natural vs the make-up thing. I would like to go for a make-over some where to at least know the options for making my skin tones even, maybe a little neutral blush, eye shadow, and gloss. I know I would never wear more than those. I haven't had time to look into it. I know if someone puts eyeliner and mascara on me, I would hate it. I hate black streaks under my eyes all day. That holds me back from a learning about any make-over because I have a feeling once you start, you can't stop.

I hardly wear jewelry. Mostly it breaks, so I keep it simple. (only a star-of- David necklace, and I haven't changed my small earrings in 100 years, sometimes I don't wear earring's.) Big necklaces like suggested to my friends would be in my way. I don't have scarves-- in my way and too hot. We bought some big belts and stylish neck lines. As I am writing this, I am thinking about getting one of my Grandmother's rings fixed. Whoo hooo. Maybe I'll even get another star-of david necklace so I have options.

I have always tended to get solid brown and solid black skirts or shirts if I found one I liked and then it would be practical if I ever found a print to wear with it. That line of thinking still seems sensible and true to my style as long as there is one prominent other color. I am always cold at the office and I have always told myself I want more sweaters. Now I have another reason, is that layers suit me! The photo above is what I wore to the office today. I was cold. I would like a 3/4 sleeve fitted T for under the vest. (Now I have muscles, I am kind of modest about my tremendous arms. ) That's my gray yoga skirt. This below picture is the day my mother helped me in my closet. Old skirt with knew cowl neck. Previously I was wearing the skirt with a solid black top with a shine to it. Much better now. I have an outer sweater for that, and the belt goes well with both outfits. I love it and wore it earlier this week.

January 1, 2011

2011-01-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

I like filling my plate up with greens.

I like how I feel when I eat greens

I like picking greens and fruit out of my own and grandma's garden and yard (so does David).

I find it filling and satisfying eating a plate of greens.

I am regularly soaking seeds and nuts.

In one year my access to greens and superfoods has increased enormously. I thought it was great before.

Green smoothies, vitamineral greens (and many healthforce.com products), Chocolate bliss, Sun Warrior Protein Shakes, hemp, chia, flax, and raw leafy greens are all a significant part of my nutritional intake on a regular basis. I am stocked on raw almonds, raw walnuts, hemp, cashew, and sesame and sunflower seeds. We are making our own mylks (and treats) out of all these nuts and ingredients. Scott's favorite is coconut mylk from organic flakes.

I might even over-indulge on all this good stuff (b/c like everyone else, I think I should be fitter, leaner, all much more quickly). I have learned how to make many delicious things right in my own BlendTec and dehydrator. My husband jokes that to use the stove he has to turn the circuit breaker back on.

Today I've juiced oranges and grapefruit together and added banana, vitamineral greens and sunwarrior proteinfor a total of 4 cups. I clipped mixed greens from my garden and added tomatoes and my own "sun dried" and sunflower seeds. John had this, too. But also had a Cuban.

I thought I was doing pretty good when I started last year. I am really set now. And I still have plenty of ideas to keep my eating variety going. I have to keep reminding myself of my progress. And be honest.

Last year at this time I just started going to the gym for cardio and I didn't even pick up a weight till May. I like bench press, as you know. I mixed the rest up my weight work out with machines and dumbbells, and my own body resistance. I do low weight high reps some days. I max out other days. I lift three times a week. I try to rotate the muscle group I emphasize, although I work each muscle group each time. Bench is the only one I really measure my progress. I am starting this year with being able to bench 100 pounds x 8 times, and 135 x1 time. I look forward to tracking my continued progress.

I look forward to repeating an intracellular vitamin analysis sometime soon. I am thinking it should look pretty good. I had a few viral episodes just before getting my test results back earlier this year. I have been well since. I had one rash... shingles... as soon as I realized what it was, I made sure I had greens and it was looking better the next day. I thought it was a strange virus for someone as "healthy" as me to get, but a week before my Grandma died and I was definitely out of my routine and had spent 6 nights away from my kids in two weeks.

Speaking of progress, I am 2 sizes in dress and pants than I was this time last year. I think my feet are smaller too. :)

So I really like what I am doing. I don't feel like I am suffering or missing out on anything. I do try new things. I tasted most everything prepared in my house over the holidays unless it had mammal meat in it, but I do really like the New Year when the overindulgent holidays are behind and many people are open to change. I should enjoy January a lot.

Rawnola

2010-12-30T17:41:00.000-05:00

I gave up making granola years ago. It burnt in the oven at a low temperature before I could get it dry. The kids didn't eat it either. I assumed since I did not add sugar to the granola, I was not going to get anything satisfactory. At the time it wasn't worth pursuing anymore. Sometimes (ok- often) I would settle for some store bought, but higher quality sweetened granola. The task of making my own raw granola seemed daunting to get all the ingredients and soak and dehydrate.

Recently, I mastered making my own mylks and thought how nice to have a cereal to go with it.

Then more recently, I picked up Rawnola at the Farmer's Market in Fernandina beach by Blue Planet in St. Augustine. It tasted better than any store bought. Now that I have been soaking and dehydrating nuts and seeds for over 2 years the task didn't seem to overwhelming. I am pretty much stocked up on what I would need. I thought if they could make this, I could!

Their ingredients:

spouted almonds ( I already had soaked and dehydrated)
walnuts ( I already had soaked and dehydrated)
sunflower seeds ( I already had soaked and dehydrated)
pumkin - could get from Publix and soak, but I never did
oats- not sure if these are truly raw, I used Red Bob's this time. I have pressed the grain through the mill with Danette, but didn 't have immediate access to the grain mill this time.
coconut flakes- I have the organic flakes from GSG annual group buy
apricots- did not have
golden raisins - have dark raisins
agave- I have raw vanilla agave
safflower oil- I don't know where to get this oil. I used coconut oil. I placed my jar in warm water and liquified.
Cinnamon -have

I took a look at the Granola Recipe I have from GSG to get more ideas

oat grouts
wheat germ-- didn't use
shredded coconut
ground flax seed
sesame seed
1 1/2 cup combination nuts- walnuts, pecans, cashews, and/or almonds
Cinnamon

For liquid GSG used warmed honey, molasses, water, coconut oil, and optional vanilla or maple flavoring

So I finally used

8 cups oat groats
1 1/2, plus cup combination nuts- walnuts, and almonds
1cup flax
1 cup sesame
1 cup shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds
cinnamon

In my BlendTec, I pureed 1 cup coconut oil and vanilla agave
I mixed it with dry ingredients until coated and put it all in my dehydrator for days and days :) at a low setting. I added raisins to the final mixture before storing in my refrigerator in ziplock bags. I like adding fresh blue berries or bananas when I am serving.

I could have used sprouted buckwheat and I am sure there are other nuts and dried fruit you can incorporate. Gogi berries would be an excellent choice. I may be hardcore to many of my readers in transition, but some of the real long term hard core raw foodist may have issues with this not being technically all raw getting caught up in the oats, raisins, sesame seeds, but pleeeeze, chill.

I do think this type of recipe is one you grow into as you become accustomed to storing nuts. It would be very labor intensive just to decide to do it as your first raw project. But I finally reached a place where this is what I do.

I usually do start my day with a green smoothie, so keep in mind if this is your breakfast, don't forget to get your greens in. A handful of nuts, even if they are activated, does not replace your greens!

Back on track after holidays...

2010-12-27T23:23:00.000-05:00

The indulgent holidays are almost done. Whew. There is a lot to be said for other holidays that are about sacrifice and giving up luxuries... like food... materialism.... I stuck to my guns through the first part of the month, but I knew the good cooks were coming to my house and it would be near impossible to resist temptation. I had a plan.

All in all, I had my two handfuls of greens every day (even on the days I planned to indulge), usually one in smoothie form, one in salad form. Sometimes my smoothies include spinach greens, but I am going through a phase enjoying the various super green powdered mixes available for smoothies. Most days I had some chocolate bliss. I never had soda, ham/pork(gag), red meat, store bought cookies/chocolate or alcohol. I did pretty good. Most indulgent foods I ate were still from ingredients I picked out. I started every day this month with 4 cups of citrus-y green smoothie. It certainly controls my appetite. I had big salads with each meal. With company gone, which I really did enjoy, and having my kitchen stocked up with so much superfood and citrus (it is citrus season), I set myself up to get right back on track. I had placed a big healthforce order and I am eager to try recipes and smoothies including their products. I had made plenty of seasons nuts and I successfully made my own rawnola. My mom actually liked it and took some home! By the way, this was a good chance to share green smoothies, banana/hemp/maca smoothies, nuts, rawnola, with lots of people.

One day, I didn't feel too great after eating. It quickly reminds me to go back to my healthful ways. I am quick to put on weight. I think I held my own this time. I may have gained some weight, but John says I am building muscle and will gain weight, I posted on my facebook that I finally benched 135 pounds on the day that I did. One would conclude you do build muscle to move that much weight.???. Since I am wearing "winter" clothes, it's hard to say... maybe I need to slip on my shorts (that I wore last month) and get honest with myself. This week, I can plan some extra days in my schedule to do cardio. I like being around people this upcoming season who are especially centered on fitness and nutrition because it (being self-centered), really helps me out a lot.

Travel Prepared

2010-12-16T21:20:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since John and I gone out of town and not just to visit relatives. This time it was a required conference and some things have changed as far as our food requirements. John had always researched the restaurants in an area to find out who was known regionally for their food. We made sure we went there and you made made sure you went to as many as possible. Good food= Good time. Infact he didn't really care if he did anything else but eat. That won't work for us anymore unless we want to weigh 500 pounds combined.

First, I had packed a good bit of fruit, salad, sprouted nuts and seeds. I mixed chocolate bliss ahead of time. It stays well. I brought along 1/2 gallon of local orange juice to mix with my super greens and/or protein powder in my shaker container (David calls it my no-electric blender).

I downloaded files from healthforce.com to listen to superfood lectures on the way.

We planned ahead to get a mini-suite with fridge to store our food.

We stopped at Harris Teeter and picked up Earthbound Organic herb salad mix. It was a delicious mix. We wanted to bring some home.

We looked for the Farmer's Market on Saturday and left our meeting to catch the end of the market. I looked for things that would be new to me. I found sprouted sunflower seeds. The kind done on soil. The sprouts made a wonderful addition to our herb salad. I had brought my own salad dressing. I have never had these kind of sunflower sprouts and they are sooooo good, I must learn how to do it myself. Any ideas? Also John liked it. I thought they looked like purslane and perhaps now I can sneak some on to our salads at home. I got some rawnola for my mylk when I get home from Organic Planet in St. Augustine who e set up at the market.

The downtown area of Fernandina Beach has flowering kale all over as ornamental. I got to get a few mature purple plants at the market which will probably be eaten soon after I get home.

All this and all I had to do was to agree to go out once to eat a good restaurant. AND I plan to thoroughly enjoy it. But get this. John asked for a big salad in our room before we went to the restaurant. He KNEW there was no way he would get a salad as big as the ones we make!

Fortunately our conference provided lots of fresh fruit and the hotel had some continental (yuck) breakfast choices for John.

We made it a point to walk each day and go to the gym once.

That Pie Recipe

2010-12-07T22:15:00.000-05:00

The crust is easy 1 part Nuts:1 part Dates. Easy! Press it in a pie dish. Freezing helps set it! This time I use activated almonds and, dates.

The pie has a million variations. I made chocolate bliss. Per gallon of bliss I used 1 1/2 cups Chocolate bliss and I cup of Sunfire foods Vanilla Agave. I probably added tocos. Doesn't matter. I did not add any super green powder to this mixture like I usually add to my bliss drink.

I separated out 2 cups of chocolate bliss from the gallon and added 2/3 cup chia. This particular batch of pie filling I added organic coconut flakes to the mix, but I think I prefer it without the coconut. The chia absorbs the liquid and turns it into pudding consistency. I never have a reason to buy instant pudding ever again. This is the best. Also on another page someone asked me where to get chia flour and a lucky taster commented on the seedy consistency of the pudding. I suppose if I ground the chia seed in my BlendTec, and added it as flour I would have a smooth pudding/filling. Probably worth this step if I am serving it to newbies, but for my boys and me I wouldn't bother. The rest of the bliss we enjoyed as a filling healthy beverage. The pie and pudding is as healthy as can be with hemp, raw cacao, carob, and a bunch of other superfoods in the bliss mix.

After the liquid has firmed to pudding. Poor it into your crust. I topped my pie with with coconut flakes and raspberries, but you can top it with anything.

In a "nut"shell:

Crust- 1 part nuts/ 1 part dates
Filling- chocolate bliss pudding
Toppings- anything you want

The beautiful pie never got served on the holiday dessert table. As you probably know by now after Thanksgiving dinner we packed and went to the hospital. The pie went with me to Orlando and became a mess. But it made a quick healthy treat during breaks from hospital visits while I was out of town.

Don't tell them it's Raw.

2010-12-07T21:16:00.001-05:00

Some things I have enjoyed over the past few days with Irma and our Tia(from Peru).

Aloe water. I have cut small spears off my tiny aloe plant and thrown it in my smoothie. This week I've tried something new. Irma, John's mother, took much bigger spears of aloe, cut the skin off, like a fillet, blend it in filtered water, and local honey. After watching a few youtube videos on preparing aloe, this morning I decided to do more. I took freshly squeezed local orange (from one of my employees) and grapefruit (from Irma's house), one banana, 1 T of vitamineral greens, 1 T of Sunwarrior Protein Powder. Very refreshing.

Around here Aloe grows easily year round. It's easy for me to grow or obtain from the boy's grannies:) if I kill mine.

Irma makes awesome chimichurri sauce: parsley, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, and salt & pepper. I wanted to pour it on everything. It's a lot like pesto, but without the cheese.

Irma and Tia also keep us stocked in marinated onions: Mixture of onions, Red wine vinegar, olive oil (or any good oil), pepper, lemon.

Purple Ribbon Salad : Shredded purple cabbage, vinegar, apples, walnuts, seasoning(?).

John tops his meat with the sauces. I added it to my salads and veggies.

Yum. Don't tell them its Raw!

Fitting Raw Food on My Families Thanksgiving Table

2010-11-30T20:37:00.002-05:00

The Raw Menu

"Turkey" Salad, Holiday Grapes, with Lentil Sprouts on a bed of Greens

Avocado Dressing

It's not Stuffing (but tasted like it)

Fiesta Mole Walnuts

Chocolate Bliss Chia Hemp Pie with Sprouted Almond Crust

I pulled this off. I made all this stuff and it was a success. To me at least. My mother made turkey, steamed greens, and the requested casseroles for the boys, but I had so much to eat from my own planning, I was set. I never got around to making the string bean salad, but I have that to look forward to making soon. John had store bought pies. I made this healthy pie in the photo.

Unfortunately the meal wasn't fully enjoyed because my grandmothers health had declined overnight. She was fine Wednesday then her nurses called on Thursday morning and asked if us if she could go to the hospital. When the ER doctor called us three times, we decided it must be serious and we'd clean up after our meal and go to Orlando. I can't say I fully enjoyed my food knowing I was headed out.

We packed coolers with our left overs making split second decisions on how I would stay high raw for an unknown length of time being out of town. Thankfully, I had made so much, I could pack good choices. Despite being totally stressed out and out of sorts, I fed myself exceptionally well. I packed chocolate bliss also which stays good for several days.

I have been doing this raw-thing for so long now and it seems to be getting easier each time I leave town. I took the left over salad and sprouts, the pie, my green beans, my shaker bottle to mix green powder and protein powder smoothies. I managed quite well. The rest of the weekend there was no need to focus on food and prep, but I had plenty of left overs and access to the farm stand. My food was good. As far as other people enjoying my food, I think it would pass on an ordinary day, but for those who expect a turkey, it was a bit of a change. The photo shows my salad and "It's not stuffing."

When I looked at the original mix of the "stuffing." I thought it was a flop, but after putting it in the dehydrator a few hours the flavors blended. I basically use my mothers recipe for traditional stuffing, but I replaced bread crumbs for soaked walnuts, almonds and flax. I didn't use butter and it went in to the dehydrator until I was satisfied.

I owe you some recipes or at least some guidelines on how I did this.

My Favorite GREEN Smoothie

2010-11-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

I use the base recipe mostly from GSG with this variation
-1 cup water
-Up to 2 cups spinach, if I have chard, kale, purslane, bok choy, I will replace 1 cup of Spinach with the other green or a combination
-1 frozen banana ( I peel and freeze ripe bananas.)
-1 apple or mango (these are my two favorites, but I will put almost any seasonal fruit in it . I use frozen berries too.)
-Additional protein- GSG shows flax in her video because it is relatively practical for most people to get. I have added flax, hemp seeds, hemp powder, Sunwarrior sprouted brown rice powder, or *Sunfire Superfoods Tocotrienols. (NOT all of these, one or the other).

I mix it in my BlendTec. It makes 4 cups. I drink all 4 cups.

_____________

Now, with oranges and grapefruit in season instead of the GS, I may juice a combination of oranges and grapejuice. I like the mix flavors. Not to sweet. Not to sour. Add one of the protein powders listed above and a green powder like vitamineral greens, greener grasses, *rainforest rush, etc... 2 cups of this is more than plenty. It surprisingly is very refreshing.

I like to drink a Green Smoothie in the morning. It "sets" me right. A good start helps get rid of cravings before they start. It's an easy breakfast. If I don't finish it at home, I often carry it to the office with me. I don't ever add dairy (cow's milk or yogurt) to my smoothie. With these to basic smoothies, I don't add any sweeteners. I've been drinking Green Smoothies for over 3 years!

Playing with my Nuts

2010-11-19T23:05:00.000-05:00

My bulk order of nuts from the group buy on Green Smoothie Girl came this week. I am more than loaded up with almonds, walnuts, and cashews. All raw. I also got organic coconut flakes I gave up on climbing the local coconut trees.) and oat covered figs (A great alternative to candy.).

First experiment was making the almond milk. Yum. Yum. I added *Vanilla Agave to my activated nut liquid after blending and straining. Out of this world. I had some store bought Silk Almond milk. Home made is sooooooooooo much better. I probably prefer it to the coconut milk we made the day before,. I am looking forward to using my fresh batch of coconut flakes and having choices in milks between coconut, vanilla, and chocolate bliss (with hemp base). I could probably get fat off of all this delicious beverages.

I used the almond pulp to make pulp cookies as featured in GSG 12 steps program. They take a long time to dehydrate and are still in the dehydrator.

I made a batch of Fiesta Mole cover Walnuts, and Teriakyi Almonds. These also are still in my dehydrator, BUT someone has been coming by and nibbling. I don't know if these will ever fully dry because they may be eaten sooner by the nibblers. There are a few of them at my house.

I am planning on making chocolate covered almonds next week and also using my cashews in a similar type recipe. I like having the cashews on hand for sauces like for kale chips. I tended to avoid walnut recipes because raw walnuts are so hard to find. I am set now.

To be honest, my personal favorite "flavor" for coated nuts may turn out to be soaked and dehydrated without any added flavor (it's simpler too). I've tried this with sunflower seeds, too. I like keeping them plain. We'll see how I feel about it after I try the chocolate next week.

These flavors would be great treats to share with guests IF they make it out of the dehydrator alive.

Scott and I tried making "cheeze" out of the almonds. I think I am on the right track and I will try again.

I did all this, this week.

There was once upon a time, I thought there was no way to avoid frequent visits to the grocery store. Amazing amount of my food now comes from co-ops, group buys, a little from the garden, and the raw community.

I've added two new pages to my blog. See above. These pages are going to be for products I want to stick with in my Raw vegan nutrition plan (and for my family) and also have an excellent reputation long before me in the Raw community.

As you can tell I didn't really spend a whole lot of time making designer pages. :) But I do want to lead you to better health whether or not I am in the mood to spend a whole lot of time on blog-creativity. I've spent a lot of time trying to find these products and research them. The pages may be a work-in-progress as I add the hyperlinks and more detail. Please check back. And if you have questions about the new pages, you can leave comments here.

Also, I love when you add yourself as a follower. It's nice to know who is getting some entertaiment out of my obsession with Raw food and weightlifting. :)

Nut Milks

2010-11-11T20:17:00.000-05:00

I've never been to ambitious about making nut milks. I was intimidated by straining and what to do with the left over pulp. After watching Robyn's new video on making almond and coconut milk, I was really intrigued to use up some coconut flakes. I sweetened it with Sunfire Vanilla Agave*.

My boys loved this, especially Scott. I couldn't keep making it fast enough. I feel a renewed surge of interest coming on to make almond, sesame, and hemp milk. It was tasty and different. I have never really found a good source of coconut milk and I have not tried to many recipes calling for coconut milk. This opens up a lot of possibilities.

Coconuts grow around here (but I don't have a tree), but there must be some varieties better suited than others or I crack them open wrong when I do get them.

Raw Day

2010-11-10T22:58:00.001-05:00

I am glad grapefruits are in season. How do you know when they are ready to be picked? Yes, I have a tree.

In the meantime, I got some local grapefruit and oranges which I love juicing together with a citrus juicer. They blend together well. This morning I added my green powder (I used Field of Greens this am, but I also have Vitamineral Greens and a few others.) to it and blended. I expected it to be gross, but wanted the benefits. It really wasn't too bad. I actually found myself wanting more and made another batch for me and John this evening.

I also made my first mock tuna fish out of almonds. The recipe called for typical things that one would add to chicken or tuna salad: celery, onions, garlic, cayenne (or paprika), sea salt, (and nori) and mock mayo. I will be doing this again! I soaked 3 cups of almonds and it became four cups as the recipe called for.

John thought I shouldn't call it tuna because it changes the expectations. He liked it, but just calling it organic salad or something like that would be better. I agree. It did look like a super healthy salad on a spinach bed. I think it would do well as a stuffing for a chard or Romaine wrap.

I strayed away from making mock tuna a while back because at one point it looked hard. I am so used to soaking and chopping, now I just found it to be a part of my routine. The ingrediants are staples at my house now (or readily available). I have a good amount of left over tuna and plan to make more mayo for tomorrow.

So I have had a very healthy eating day (and gym day). I picked up other ripe fruit from Nelson's this am. As soon as I got home divided the papaya, grapes, persimmons amongst me and the boys. I snacked on fruit through the day. I've also had a cup or two of chocolate bliss.

Tomorrow, we get more produce from co-op (and the boys want more from Nelson's!). I got some recipes ready for my arugula, cilantro, avocado. I am looking forward to getting stocked up. I've always had a hard time planning and prepping ahead, but I've got it ounder control this time. Yay.

So How Did I Gain Weight?

2010-11-06T22:17:00.000-04:00

So how did I gain weight?
I'd say it got out of control sometime between Scott and David (2nd and 3rd pregnancy). My weight varied up and down during all my school years. Never obese, but mostly chunky. John recalls that I looked good when we met. I do recall being ok then. The comfort of a relationship and eating out with less days at the gym, put me back up. Finishing residency, no after hour call responsibilities, I got down to my best all-time adult weight, 155 pounds, a size 9/10. If I find a photo of that time, I will post it. I was happy. I looked good and I got myself pregnant with William. I lost all but 5 pounds after his birth. Started the next pregnancy at 160 pounds. After birth, with an active metabolism producing milk for a toddler and newborn nursing I lost weight. BUT, then I managed to gain weight over the next five years of tandem nursing and being a sedentary busy working as a mother of two young ones. I don't recall the details of what I ate. Probably anything in sight except meat, mushrooms, and peppers. Probably anything people prepared for me that made it easy for me.

I was disgusted with my weight when I got pregnant with David, approx 200. Fortunately during that pregnancy, I didn't gain, much.With so much reserve and "eating healthy," I do feel like my fat turned to baby. I felt my arms and thighs got thinner. I was looking forward to my high postpartum and tandem nursing metabolism to help me burn off more fat. Then I twisted my ankle. I couldn't walk and I didn't bear weight on it for a few weeks. This sedentary time took away an opportunity to get rid of postpartum weight. It also demolished my efforts to prepare healthy food. Weight issues became more difficult.

Opening up my practice wasn't helpful. I didn't focus on food, as my mind was on establishing a successful practice. More or less, I let John bring home food: a lot of take out and deli food AND ICE CREAM. Besides some recreational walking, I didn't find the time to exercise. (The childcare usually called me out of spinning class, to take care of a crying William or Scott.)

I really wasn't enjoying food, not even the ice cream. I actually craved food that tasted good and wanted home made food. I wanted to look healthy for my own professional credibility. I didn't know where to start. Even my out of shape muscles seemed to crave resistance, especially my flabby arms. Although, I knew I had to change my lifestyle, it was when I found out about my sugar sensitivity that scared and pushed me to effective change.

Sweet Tooth

2010-11-02T14:50:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have a sweet tooth and I like to eat. I usually satisfy my sweet tooth without sugar or artificial sweeteners. It can be done! If there is any salt in these its pristine sea salt and very minmum. This time of year, it is really hard to avoid sweets. Over the past three years I've accumulated recipes off the net that I've really enjoyed that have no sugar or artificial sweeteners in them, I thought I'd compile my favorites. I've made most of these numerous times. Variations and substitutions are endless. So if you don't have a particular ingredient, but have a reasonable substitute go for it or omit it. Like carob and cacao are interchangable, local honey or raw agave, more of one fruit or protein powder or less, ratio of the various nuts in a recipe can be modified. Seasonings can be easily adjusted to taste.

I make sure my 'fridge is stocked with one or two of these so when someone in my house is pulling out processed desserts I have something even better to satisfy me or have a tasty treat to offer.

Raw Apple Crisp --great substitute for apple pie
No Bake Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Bliss * Also scroll down to see recipe for chia pudding (much better than instant pudding, taste and nutritionally) and see the recipe for walnuts with fiesta mole.
Hemp Banana Chocolate Smoothie -- John's favorite from this list. Sliced frozen bananas blended make a great base for dairy-free icecream.
Cherry Bomb or Here -- a cherry smoothie is a real treat
Mint Squares --it's cool to use my own mint that I grow at home for this
Kale Chips -- savory, not sweet, my kids love these and sneak them before they are done

Popcorn with fiesta mole seasoning and nutritional yeast sprinkled on top. (Popcorn, I make it on the stove top with a little oil, is not raw, it's a big, huge improvement over microwave popcorn or movie theatre popcorn. Nutitional Yeast isn't raw either, but vegan and used frequently by raw vegans.)

Sometimes I might hear concerns about the fat content of nuts, coconut or oils. While it is possible to go overboard with everything the nutritional quality of plant based raw ingrediants much superior to processed foods and animal fats.

*My office will be placing an order on Chocolate Bliss ingredients and Sunfirefood products the first week of December. If anyone local, who can pick up at the office, would like to get in on the order (or learn more) without paying for shipping, let me know.

Produce Share

2010-10-29T23:13:00.001-04:00

I love this share with 3 leafy greens, kale, spinach, and lettuce and a nice variety of fruit. I also ordered sundrechers salad dressing from greensmoothiegirl.com which was perfect timing with this share. I used the Asian dressing on a cabbage (not from this share) salad recipe off the website. I've been paying special attention this week to washing my salad greens and chilling it again to have a nice cold salad. A lot of detail, but John seems to be appreciating the chilled salad. Here is what I've done so far with my most recent produce! Keeping these lists really do help to remind me of what I have to eat and helps me plan.

Carrots and Cauliflower- dip into sundrechers salad dressing
Lacinato Kale --Kale chips, my kids love this!
Red Butter Lettuce -- raw Waldorf salad
Cremini Mushrooms --
Russet Potatoes --
Spinach Bunches -- salads and smoothies
Delicata Squash -- Squash with Herbs not raw, but my kids loved it. They thought it tasted like
apple pie. Not bad! I used coconut oil instead of butter.
Roma Tomatoes --
Garlic --
Granny Smith Apples --
Bananas -- kids eating with PB
Green Kiwi --
Anjou Pears --
Pomegranates -- my kids love this
Black Plums – Freebie from Organic Produce Buying Club with Love!
Fruit Share:
Golden Pineapple
Persimmons -- This is a wonderful fall treat.
Starfruit -- this is not my favorite fruit, and may just wash it and toss it in my smoothie.

My Max Bench on Oct 29th--130 pounds. I couldn't get it on my first or 2nd try today, but the third try I drove it on through (persistence!). It was a nice quiet gym this afternoon to do my own thing with John.

Simple dinner, max bench

2010-10-18T22:15:00.001-04:00

I wanted something simple to eat tonight. I put 2 cups of packed spinach and ice cubes in to my BlendTec. I poured my usual recipe of chocolate bliss to cover spinach and ice. Easy and still tastes chocolately.

I benched my max, 125 lbs tonight. I always use a spotter- John - who IS always there for me. I don't have a real life personal trainer for several reasons. I have done this before and I don't lack motivation. My sister is a trainer and answers A LOT of questions for me long distance. I search around you tube for work out vids and I pick the brains of the owner. My goal of 135 is getting VERY close. John's max is 200. If you've never done this I highly recommend getting a personal trainer.

I also wanted just a simple post, so that's all. Go exercise now and eat your raw greens!

How did you lose weight?

2010-10-12T22:47:00.000-04:00

Someone asked how I lost weight. In a nutshell:

I went sugar-free (cane sugar) cold turkey after food sensitivity testing three years ago. I received my lab results which served as a wake up call and started reading EVERY label. If it said sugar, I didn't eat it. I felt very deprived, since I only knew processed food, but began to lose weight. I also got rid of some bothersome symptoms, coughing and ankle swelling. My acne also improved. Painful acne on my back that totally cleared. I was once bothered with tics (and took medication for a short time) that I barely think about now.

Several months my elimination, I found greensmoothiegirl.com and incorporated green smoothies and the 12 steps into my lifestyle. Finally I didn't feel deprived. My 40 pound weight loss plateaued at 180 lbs. Early in January of this year, desiring to lose some holiday weight gain and get below the plateau, I did raw vegan for about 3 weeks and l lost a noticeable chunk of weight in that time down to about 167.

I continue to do a high raw diet. I am am not always vegan or vegetarian although I eat very little animal products. I never eat meat, even before all this. Poultry once a month or less, fish much less than once a month. I haven't had shellfish in years, but don't recall when I ended that. I eat occasional eggs. I don't add dairy to my food, but I know it's usually in there when I eat bread or veggies someone else prepared. I don't use artificial sweeteners. My body has always rejected alcohol so I don't miss those calories. I eat little refined soy products. I don't eat fakin' bacon or other imitation meats. I don't like the real thing, so except for satisfying my curiosity, I don't find much pleasure in the fake kind and don't miss it.

I am exercising nearly daily now. Even though I often walked, I got serious in January with cardio. I added weight lifting at the end of April. I actually haven't lost anymore weight since I got to 167. I know...muscle weighs more... Adding the weights made a big impact on how I feel. I lifted weights in college and didn't fully appreciate the benefit then, but I do now. Maybe because I am older now, the impact of my effort is much greater.

A typical day now includes 4 cups of green smoothie with raw vegan protein powder and vitamin supplements. I have chocolate bliss and/or raw desserts. I eat raw salad and veggies everyday. Sprouts often include one or a combination of almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils. The vegan protein powder is also sprouted.

I do love food. I usually have a daily meal that resembles something most people would recognize. It's not always all raw. I like cooking quinoa and brown rice, and beans for variety and satiation. I like eating food I prepare. If I eat a few meals in a row of foods that regular people recognize, I can feel it. I am not spontaneously eating these kind of meals. It's usually planned out ahead if I can't bring enough of my own along and preceded with special attention to raw food. I am usually more accountable on working weekdays and a bit more relaxed on the weekends.

I don't count calories, fats grams, or carbs. I feel like what I am doing is maintainable. More and more people over the past 3 years are interested in what I do and sharing smoothies and that makes it way easier for me. Overall its gotten easier over time. I am in a routine that may seem like a lot of effort, but it is worth it. I have a full life and need all the energy available in a healthy lifestyle.

That's what it has taken to lose weight over three years and definitely worth it.

Fresh Basil Pesto

2010-10-03T22:11:00.002-04:00

I like making fresh pesto. I just don't like adding cheese to it. I also found a cilantro pesto recipe without cheese (brazil nuts, pumkin seeds and cashews), but it seems I never have access to the nuts they suggest. It's worth making because it's delicious.

With my basil growing like weeds in my containers, I decided to take a chance. I soaked raw sunflower seeds and raw almonds. Soaking activated them and helped soften them for the creaminess. I loved it and want to do it again.

2 cups fresh basil with stems ( I am too lazy to pull leaves off.)
3 garlic cloves
1 lime
Olive oil. Mine happend to be Organic. About 1/2-3/4 cup.
Soaked sunflower seeds
Soaked almonds
pine nuts -Should have measured or paid closer attention to the amount of nuts I used. Probably about 3/4
cup total of all nuts
3/4 teaspoon Sunfire Sea Salt

Put it all in blender and adjust to taste. It's tasty and you would never miss the cheese.

This was a great dip for carrots and celery. I brought it out on the boat with me and stayed raw while out all day. Some other things I brought with me were greem smoothie (1/2 greens were spinach, other 1/2 was fresh- meaning, I picked it myself- chard, fresh purslane, fresh stalk of aloe, vitamineral greens, banana and mango), clemintines, grapes, activated almonds, water (of course), and chocolate bliss which I never go to.

I stayed raw when I got home with salads and fruits and veggies and the bliss. Snce I had a VERY relaxed previous week, I really needed a good day to make sure I stay on track.

Our First Dragon Fruit Treat

2010-09-22T00:42:00.001-04:00

Dragon Fruit is from a cactus. It is quick to grow. The flower opens at night, only once, and depends on night pollinators like bats. In our case when we saw the bloom in the early morning we attempted self-pollinating. From about 6 blooms this was so far the only one to become fruit. It was small and I divided it into 4ths for me and each boy (not very filling). I suspected it was ripe because it had turned red on the outer leaves. We all like the fruit. I see more blooms coming. Hopefully they pollinate sucessfully and we get to eat them. Our production may be slow at first, but I am pretty sure once we really know what we are doing, we'll keep getting more and more.

I thought I took some photos of the insde after I cut it. I guess we gobbled up too fast. :)

Kids coming around

2010-09-08T22:35:00.000-04:00

My kids ask me if I ever kept a diary. Who needs a diary wen you have a blog to pour your heart into? ( But I did once keep a paper diary).

I was reading a facebook thread. A friend of mine made raw (?) corn chowder. The older girls who appreciate nutritious eating appreciated the treat and the young ones not so much.

My kids weaned from breastmilk to McDonalds, hotdogs, Kraft singles, mac and cheese, before I woke up to realize how bad this kind of eating was. I score big points in the breastfeeding section, and lost all my points for the junk they ate. I thought my kids would never come around. I vented many times to my friend Tam about how stubborn my kids are.

They still eat lots of junk, but I must share with you two things they said today.

William at Sam's Club: "Don't buy Taquitos. They are greasy. I gain three pounds every time you buy them because I eat too many." YES! William said that. He is the most stubborn. Does it mean he eats healthy all the time. Nope. But that is amazing progress.

Tonight when we came home, David, just about 7 years old, went to the refridge and took out spinach. He said, "We are having salad tonight, " and brought it to the table with feta for him. He asked for the oil and balsamic. David as you know likes kale salad and kale chips. He thinks its no big deal to eat salad as long as it has tasty dressing.

Who knew three plus years ago when I started making changes I'd ever get to this point. It takes a long time and I have had to try many different things and often try them many times over.

All my kids like chocolate bliss. Scott has been on board for a while. So no new insights from him today. They all eat fruit with almost every meal.

I remember when I made the first nutritious move in my house. I asked John for one simple compromise. "Let's not get any more Kraft Singles." He agreed. We bought other cheese, but at least we got that kind of processed cheese out of our diet.

Another early trick I pulled, John made ribs, which I don't eat and never have. The boys were drooling. In order to get the ribs, they had to eat the salads. They did.

Although the boys get plenty of junk food. It's worth mentioning that I am not aware of them having McDonald's or Burger King in a long time. No more Steak and Shake or Dominoes. Who could eat those things when you get use to being away from it?

It's best to breastfeed as long as you can (breastmilk is raw and has what a kids still need as they begin (and continues) to eat solid food) and go straight to healthy nutritious eating, but if you didn't feed them well, kids can come around. It may take a lot of time.

Bench Press Update and Medical Weight Loss Supervision

2010-09-07T23:57:00.000-04:00

So my mom came for the weekend and updated my bench press photo. Probably doesn't look much different than the photo below. I pressed 115 pounds which is an additional 20 pounds on each side of the bar from the last photo. I am well on my way to my goal of 45 x 45. ( The 35 pound plate is on the bar and the 45 pound plate is leaning on the equipment, bottom left) If for some reason I can't do it on my birthday, I know I am not to far off. Thanks to John who is at the gym every time with me to spot me and make sure I am safe. I do not do heavy weights without a spotter.

It is a very small part of my medical practice to prescribe weight loss medication. Many of my fit and conditioned patients juice and or make smoothies. But many people aren't there yet. I have supervised weight loss programs using adipex and sub lingual and indictable hcg (from a trusted source). When I say supervise I often get base line labs and provide some motivation and direction, but most of my patients are fairly independent once started.

One FAQ is if I used these products. No I have not. You can imagine I think about incorporating them into my regimen. Especially to get past the 167 plateau. When I first started my sugar-free regimen, the weight loss per say wasn't the issue. It was just the sugar issue I was having. I never really believed I could lose weight. It didn't matter either, at the time, I barely was aware that anything out there was available to assist weight loss. And as I lost weight, I got more inquiries for weight loss assistance and finally "gave in " with the adipex prescription. Then my established patients learned about HCG and asked if I would provide a script for that and I had to learn about it. FAQ (or a different twist to the same Q)- Would I ever take one of these weight loss products? For me, the reason I don't take either is because I am in an established and very comfortable pattern with my nutrition and exercise and feel like I can continue doing what I am doing successfully. I am not suffering with hunger or sugar cravings. I am not in a rush to lose the weight for a big event. Nor do I have any medical problems.

But not everyone is me and many people don't know where to start. People have different needs and different support systems and I will look at each persons situation individually. Medication alone without good nutrition or exercise won't be helpful, but if it does get one past the cravings, it can be very useful. For many Weight Watchers is good support system. I have had many patients with gastric by-pass or banding. When I do provide medical assistance for weight loss, the biggest long term impact I can make is with education by teaching people how to incorporate healthy delicious raw nutrition into their diet for long term success. Even if incorporating lifestyle changes is slow (as it should be), it gives time to develop sound healthy habits. Finally, I don't ever tell anyone they have to eat all raw. I barely can myself. You wouldn't believe how many people have told me they haven't had a fresh fruit or vegetable in weeks. Weeks!!!!! Finding out where someone is at and and adding fresh fruit salads, smoothie or juice and any whole plant-based food is my approach. Many people can't exercise. Bad knees, Too overweight. No matter how you jump start your weight loss and nutrition program, the end goals will be the same. I like when people come to me for Medical Weight Loss Supervision because it gives me the opportunity to get them to a healthy place. I know no other supervised weight loss will do the same service.

In the garden, gym, kitchen...

2010-09-02T22:56:00.001-04:00

Some other things going on in the garden: We have an established avocado tree that gave us 2 large Florida Avocados (whoowhoo-2!!). They are sitting on my counter to ripen. They will probably be ready tomorrow night . I sure am so curious to taste them. John and I planted two younger avocado tress, but they did not make it. My bananas did not produce much at all either. It was a cold, dry winter. I harvested the small bunch today. Our irrigation and water was off while we remodeled. The plants weren't nurtured like they should. Hopefully we'll have more next year. Basil, Cuban oregano, chives, sage, rosemary, and chocolate mint are doing well. And mostly by accident. I don't have huge amounts of any, but enough to season with. I am glad they like to grow without much attention. Minimal care is my favorite way. I also have a big bunch of lemon grass doing well and we brew tea often. BTW- people ask me all the time what I drink and this tea is one of the things I drink that I probably haven't mentioned before. Much better than sweetened drinks from the store.

Some of the things we are eating: Scott and David are troopers. I've been putting mangoes in my green smoothies. For them I made frozen banana, mango smoothie with sprouted almond mylk (which I made with dates). Their frosty comes out icy and a pretty soft-orange color. I put the left overs in a Popsicle mold for later which they told me was good. These frozen treats will probably never be two alike as I vary the amounts of fruit and mylk or just water depending on what's available. Ever read the labels on store purchased ice pops. It is scarier. Personally, I think much worse than ice cream in most cases.

At the gym: I am working on 45 x45. I benched 135 twice last night. I am way ahead of my goal. That's with the 35 pound plate on each side of a 45 pound bar. I need an updated gym photo. I am glad mom is coming to visit this weekend. She's a great photographer in the gym.

In my kitchen: If I don't cook, why is my kitchen always a mess. Today was pick up day for our organic produce. This is what we got. And it's been a long time since I've told you what I did or plan on tell you what I did with my bounty.

Baby Bok Choy
Broccoli Chinese style food I found this basic recipe works well for many vegetables including carrots onions added to the mix. I have varied the seasoning in the sauce.
Carrots
Rainbow Chard - perfect for wraps
Cucumber
Red Lettuce
Cremini Mushrooms -hide them in blender recipes, might put a few in with the broccoli
Yellow Onions
Yukon Potatoes
Roma Tomatoes
Bananas
Cantaloupe
Red Seedless Grapes - boys and John ate these up.
Golden Kiwi - only 4. I will be selfish. They are all mine.
Black Plums

Fruit Share: Honeydew, Bartlett Pears, Yellow peaches.

I use to be really good at posting each share and how I used it up on my permissiontomother blog. I see lots of salads and fruits for snacking.

Purslane and Mango

2010-08-30T22:54:00.000-04:00

My older boys begged for fried chicken from Publix (not Scott, he wouldn't touch it). I decided to get them a junk food meal. I told them it would be a teaching lesson. I expected they would be sick and complaining through Karate. I didn't touch the junk food, but I felt pretty sick and they didn't (yet). Go figure. Can just smelling grease make you sick?

I am glad I have this blog. I am definitely not an expert on Raw food and I am not all Raw, but it serves the purpose of keeping my mind focused (just like the exercises chart, I wrote about in my previous post) on nutrition. I continue to re-evaluate what I eat, my goals, and my progress. I like looking back at my posts to keep previous good ideas and resources in the front line.

Last weekend, I pulled many more mangoes off my special organically fertilized tree. Scott eats one or two a day. David is little and eats a little. And John talked William into never eating eating them. Mangoes was one fruit, I could get William to eat if we purchased them. I have been slicing and freezing. I think I have enough frozen mango to last until the fruit ripens next year. I will not have to buy any frozen fruit for a long time. I have been making smoothies with frozen mango and banana and spinach (less fruit, more spinach) and adding various vegan protein and vitamin powders. I am pretty satisfied with the taste. I'm sure I will be drinking this recipe for a long time. We have fresh fruit from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Robyn posted on greensmoothiegirl.com about an edible weed. I immediately identified the purslane from the photo. I have it growing all over. I was intrigued by the weed(?) when I first noticed it at my house months ago. It had a pretty flower and it was in an overgrown pot from previous owner. I couldn't tell if it was intended or not intended and moved some of it to another container and continued to be interested at what a beautiful weed(?) it is. After Robyn's post I decided to taste it. Actually it does taste good. When I googled it, there are many recipes for salads using its leaves. I am going to dedicate a bigger container for it and let it grow where I know its safe to eat. I'll probably pick leaves off to snack as I walk around my yard each day. I am sure John will love it in his smoothies and salads, too.

We have a dragon fruit cactus growing and blossoming in the yard. I like the idea of no maintainence edibles like my mango and purslane. We are hand fertilizing the blossoms. Hope we see some results.

If John reads this post, he would probably leave a comment that my organic mangoes and wild weeds are making me sick (not the smell of fried chicken). I know he's wrong.

45 x 45

2010-08-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

I added weight training into my work out at the end of April.

I did free weights in college and got strong and found that even after all this time, it came easy to me. Don't misunderstand. I am not saying I am or was a body builder or competitive. Simply building strength and setting personal goals in the gym is what came easy. Back in college, I was able to bench the 45 pound bar with 45 pound plates on both sides (Total 135 pounds). I am not sure why I stopped. (Probably met John and got side tracked.) I often felt some regret for quitting. Through obesity, I never thought I would be able to lift significant weights again. My mom went to the gym with John and I early July and took this photo. I was pressing the 45 pound bar with a 10 and 5 pound bar on each side. Seventy Pounds. Maxed out.

Quickly I noticed each time I came back to the gym, I was able to do more weight on the press. I began wondering if I could ever bench the 45 pound plates again. I went home and made a chart. I noticed my pattern. I extended my chart out for 2 months. If I continue to go to the gym three times a week and add weights and and reps. I should be able to bench the 45 pound plates by my 45th birthday, hence 45 x 45.

It looked far fetched on paper, however, I am sticking with my chart and meet my goals each time I go to the gym. I missed one gym day last week, yet today, I benched my goal for this upcoming Friday. 110 pounds, 2 reps, 2 sets. Actually just doing it twice was my goal. I felt strong and went for the extra short set. That was 25 pound, 5 and 2.5 plates on each side of the bar. I am totally amazed how quickly my strength is coming back.

Perhaps as I get to higher weights, my strength won't increase so fast. Who knows what life interference may come my way, but I think I am going to be able to make my goal. Ihave about 6 weeks. I was telling a Weight Watchers leader my gym routine today and she had a name for plotting out work-out goals as an important motivator for sticking to a weight loss/fitness/ lifestyle plan. I see how it is helping me stay committed and motivated to going to the gym. I also want to consume healthy food and beverages before the gym so I optimize my potential. Lots of people make goals like training for a race or triathlon which is a similar motivator. ( I know lots of people in WW. I did it high school, but I don't do WW, now.) this leader happens to tell me I am doing it the best way with exercise and raw whole food. She says too many in her class want microwavable packaged meals.

My sister directed me to exercise blogs with videos, that have helped me with my form and give me exercise ideas.

Trainer Mom

Live the Fit Life ( I could not do this circuit when she shared it with me, but I am much better at it now!)

I also like watching the videos from the local

Sampson's Gym ( I am not much for classes, but one day I want to do the ladies get-fit boot camp).

Super Simple Sprouting

2010-08-19T10:30:00.001-04:00

There are many seeds and nuts that can be sprouted and eaten. Sprouting activates the seed or nut and awakens the the dormant enzymes which gives the seed the full potential to become a plant. For us, this means the seed has full nutrient potential. Sprouting is simply soaking the seed in water a couple of hours to activate it. Most of us eating cooked, dead food are deficient in the enzymes obtained from sprouting. I've tried sprouting several varieties of seeds. For now, I prefer, seeds that activate in a short time.

The few seeds and nuts I've had great success with is:

Raw sunflower seeds-- I soak raw sunflower seeds 6-8 hours in filtered water. At this point you get the nutritional benefit and can eat them or use them in recipes. Often, I do rinse them well and put the seeds in my dehydrator (<115 degrees)and make them nice and crispy. The dry very quickly. I store them in a glass jar. My favorite way to use them is on salads.

Raw almonds-- soaked 8-12 hours in filtered water and they are activate. Sometimes I use them as is. Sometimes I put them in my dehydrator to make them crispy and they go on to other recipes. Crispy, sprouted almonds makes a nice trail mix with spouted sunflower seeds and raisins.

Lentils are also activated after 8-12 hours. There are several varieties of lentils you can use to make colorful batches. My favorite use is to add them to a salad with sunflower seeds. If I soak mung and adzuki beans, the mixture is even more colorful and makes a beautiful salad topping. The latter two seeds, need a little more soaking time to get soft.

With soaking times under 12 hours, nothing gets moldy or nasty. I do like to rinse often. Actually I cover the above seeds with water for a few hours before rinsing and draining. You will not see a "sprout" or "tail" with such short soaking times. But the seed is still activated.

I've sprouted alfalfa and clover, but prefer the short soaker fore ease. I've never done any sprouting with soil trays. I haven't had much luck with quinoa sprouts, but I keep trying.

Addendum Sun Warrior Raw Vegan Protein Powder is sprouted brown rice. I don't have to do any soaking! I have been adding it to some of my smoothies. PLUS, there is no soy or whey based proteins in it.

Random Thoughts

2010-08-08T22:26:00.000-04:00

It's cool that two of my followers with googleconnect are using photos I took of them! Can you guess which two? The pregnant one and the breastfeeding one. The later photo should look very familiar. :) Thank you all for letting me know you are following.

I changed the header. No more BBQ grill. Now you get another view of the river with the bird feeder. Some days I feel like all I eat is bird seed. :). My mother took this great photo. All the times I've been out there with my camera, I never thought to go to the other side and look back.

I also uploaded the chili photo in the post below. I served the left over chili over barely steamed green beans and cooked spaghetti squash. I made a leek marinade per Kristen's Raw. Topped the rest with leeks. John enjoyed it all and said I can make this again. Don't be fooled. He ate almost everything else processed in sight, too.

I keep lots of fruits on the counter. Right now I am having a fruit fly problem. I really don't know how to get rid of them. Any suggestions?. Will burning a candle help? I did light one and it seems to help today. Not sure if the success will last.

I have not wanted to contract with a bug control service. I don't want spray on the inside or outside of house. What do other people do? Ants, spiders, cockroaches, and mosquitoes are problems around here.

One of the reasons I moved this topic to a new blog, is because I found it very hard to take care of small babies, work, exercise and concentrate on nutrition and finding good food.I really don't want to create unrealistic expectations for anyone with small babes. One BIG difference now since William was a baby was how fast we can obtain information via Internet especially good sources of nutrition.

One of thing, I have been thinking about. Just about all friends coming to my house have enjoyed the smoothies and raw concoctions I make. I only have one or two guests at a time. I want to figure out how to handle larger crowds and at least keep raw options open. The occasion I have in mind is when the boys have their double Bar Mitzvah in February. I have plenty of time to think about it. Catering and putting someone else in charge would be ideal. I wouldn't think pot luck would work for this kind of event. I'll have people in my house for celebration for the weekend. Thoughts?

Sprouted Raw Chili

2010-08-06T23:05:00.006-04:00

I came up with an interesting lunch today. I got this idea from Eating without Heating by Sergei and Vayla Boutenko and followed their basic recipe with my subtle and improved substitutions.

I happen to sprout way too many lentils, adzuki, and mung for my salads. I like them with under 3 days old and knew on my own I couldn't finish them. Disguising them in this recipe for my family was a perfect solution.

In the Blendtech (since I got my 96 ounce container I use it--and fill it--nearly every time)...

1 cup water
Fresh tomatoes ( I did not have/use 1/2 sun-dried tomato as in recipe )
1/2 cup dates
1/2 cup grapeola oil
handful mushrooms (they suggested dehydrated mushrooms)
center of a celery and leaves that may have otherwise been wasted
Sunfire salt (instead of Bragg's)
2 plus TBSP of fiesta mole (instead of spaghetti seasoning)
squeezed lemon
Rita's Hot Pepper (can't think of what kind Rita gave me from her garden, it's been sitting drying for a while now)
3 cloves garlic
Basil from my containers

Blended and poured over a bowl of spouts. Served with dry parsley that recipe suggested and I had available. If I had cilantro, I would have liked that even better.

The amazing thing about this recipe, is that I've been wanting to come up with a Raw tomato based sauce. Now I have this and the tomato soup, I posted about before. I have a pretty good feel for how this versatile soup/sauce comes out and a pretty good idea how to improvise depending on what I have on hand. This could have easily been soup on its own had I not had spouts. In fact I tried to keep some liquid hidden for me to slurp on later, but John asked for more liquid.

John said it was better than expected (he liked the pepper in it). He licked his bowl literally. Still, I know he was dreaming about a hunk of pepperoni to it.
Scott and David did ok with it. Scott said he'd of liked more liquid, too.
William wouldn't touch it.
4/5 ain't bad.

I am going to serve the little bit that's left over some more veggies tomorrow.

Vital Stats

2010-08-05T14:41:00.001-04:00

I feel super silly posting photos of progress over at the sidebar because I knew I hadn't lost any weight. In any case I am glad I did. I wouldn't have believed I made any progress if I didn't look at the photos side-by-side. I KNOW to put the scale away and look at other measurements. But I seemed to have put the tape measure way, also. Nor did I get around to cutting a piece of string to mark my waist, hip, etc.... size. I am still hovering 167. I must admit, I do notice the difference in myself in the photo from May 2 compared to today's photo. With John being more eager to have smoothies first thing of the day and last thing, it's going to help me a lot.

Besides photos other measurements and vital signs to note.

One big difference between May 2 and now is the weight lifting. From Jan to May, I was doing heavy cardio. After my (end of April) Age Management conference, I came back eager to do more intense intervals and weight lifting. Some weeks I only did two days of weights. Now I am doing 3 days. I consider bench pressing a vital sign. Yesterday I was able to lift the 45 pound with 25 pound plates on each side 5 times. Total 95 pounds pressed. It really didn't take me that long to build up to that weight. In college I could do more. :) I expect to see my strength increase fast. John and I enjoy working out together. William is going to come with us to the gym when he is not in karate.

I noticed at my highest weight, I had trouble fitting into flattering shoes. I have a big and wide foot, but now it hasn't been as difficult. I notice it in my wedding ring also. I did have it sized up at one point. I am almost ready to get it fitted again.

Another measurement I will have soon -- John wants to renew my insurance (life/health) policies. With a new physical and labs I can get the current rate extended. I am certain, my chol, blood pressure, sugar, etc.... will all be normal. I am certain my weight is less than when they came by last time.

Since last photo, I started taking the extra vitamins. I have also added some variety to my nutrition with sunfire foods (chocolate bliss, fiesta mole, pristine sea salt) which all happen to be quick and easy to prepare! Rawkin' Trish is having a give-away on the sea salt.

Let me end with a funny story (not nutrition related) about the shorts I am wearing in both photos. I like the style of shorts ALOT. I am not often comfortable in pants and shorts. I like the length on these-covering my thighs. I originally bought them in two colors: Grey and Black. I kept going back to the store in May looking for another color. One day, I didn't see them, next time, in a rush... Last week I am looking through my closet and I see the khaki pants (in the photo). I thought, "I don't remember buying those. I guess I did and put them away."

Remember, I've been going through test preparation brain-fry or is it Alzheimer's?

I get dressed with my new pants and go about my day. My friend Mary who helps with the boys and a million other things calls me and asks me if I noticed anything different in the closet. I am thinking, she sorted belts or organized with the boys. I go to the closet and am looking all around while she is on the phone. I seem to not be noticing anything new. I am not getting "hotter." She tells me to look where my pants hang. I see nothing new. She finally gives and asks me if I see the khaki shorts. I AM WEARING THEM. duh...She liked my original shorts. She said she bought herself shorts and decided she didn't like them on her as much as on me and she hung them up in my closet when she had the boys. Well, Mary, I love my new shorts. Blush.....

Back to Basics

2010-08-04T22:38:00.004-04:00

It's amazing how mentally relieved, I feel after an exam compared to before. These past few weeks have been so busy, for the first time in a long time, I feel like my plate is relatively clean (no pun intended). Typically in the past, exam time would be a time of snacking and binging. Food would be the source of entertainment to keep me in the books.

Today a patient commented that I am disappearing. Fortunately (for the patient) the last 10 pounds takes as long to lose as everything before it, so I am not vanishing that quickly. I certainly stuck to a sensible eating program most of the time before exam and did not gain weight. I continued to work out in the gym while my boys attended karate class and see my strength improving. But I want to get back to the basics.

From the Green Smoothie Girl 12 step manual:

At the conclusion of 12 months, you should find this daily diet easy:
1. 2 lbs of vegetables, 60-80% raw, half of them above the ground green
2. 3- 5 raw fruits
3. 1 cup whole grains (cooked and/or sprouted)
4. 1 cup legumes (cooked and or sprouted)
5. 3-6 T of fats found in vegetables, seeds, and the highest quality oils that are antioxidant- and lignan- rich with Omega fats (3, 6, 9) and essential fatty acids
6. Organic, free range animal products minimized to 5 % or less of the daily diet, with processed refined foods and concentrated sweeteners minimized or eliminated.

This past week, I've been taking mental notes,noting if I eat this way. This is what I've come up.

1. I eat a lot of vegetables, but I am not sure I eat a whole pound of green leafy's everyday. This week, I've made sure I've had a big salad and packed with green's smoothie. I've been using Vitamineral Green to get more greens.

2. I probably have waaaay more fruit than 5 servings a day. Do I really need to cut back?

3 & 4. I may have been slacking in this department. Of course this week, I've made sure I kept fresh batches of fresh lentils, mung, adzuki, sunflower, and almonds. I've got sprouted brown rice protein powder to add to smoothies. Being sure I get my 2 cups worth may help with my B vitamins. I eat a lot of chick peas, both cooked and sprouted. Occasionally we have cooked brown rice or barley. These, I have listed are the easiest for me and I'd like to increase my variety. The toco's in my chocolate bliss contain a grain (right Trish?). While I am thinking of the bliss, where does bliss fall into this, fruit, grain, any veggies?

5. Fats and oils. I probably go way overboard here, too. Do spouted sunflower seeds and almonds count as 3 & 4 or 5. 5--that's what I thought. Leaves no room for coconut oil, EVO, nut oils, avacodo which I enjoy all to frequently. Hemp goes in this group too? No wonder I don't lose weight faster!!!

6. No problem for me. I love the flexibility of the goals of GSG program, but I also love that she teaches you to do more Raw if inclined. I am inclined, but there are certain situations (<5%) I'd rather not challenge. Perhaps with more experience at this Raw thing, these times will be less and less.

My! How times change. Most people who come to visit me at my house, love trying smoothies and chocolate bliss. MY HUSBAND IS EVEN ASKING FOR THEM NOW!!! I also had a wonderful chance to make green smoothies (spinach, frozen banana, strawberry, hemp powder, and toco's from Rawkin' Trish.) for a group at my office. I wanted 2 proteins. I chose the toco's for my demo because they are a bit sweet and wanted to make sure it would be palatable and I chose the hemp for the novelty of "Dr. Punger gave us hemp."

One other chock bliss question for Trish. Do you know how it and the ingredients would count on a weight watchers program? I am not doing ww, but I would like to properly counsel others who are successfully making their transitions through ww.

July Raw Update

2010-07-22T12:03:00.000-04:00

I am asked if I am feeling better with the supplements. In all fairness it's not fair to ask me if I feel better about anything before an exam (which is on on Monday). I was hoping I wouldn't go into pre-test panic mode, but I am anyway. My days have been solid. I've been hauling my kids to camp involving 6 days of the week for the past month. Scott (and David) continue their evening participation in karate after camp. Scott is maintaining his other studies. I keep a hectic schedule. Perhaps that's an indication that keeping honest with my nutrition and exercise is allowing me to manage the craziness in my life.

I have been faithfully taking the vitamins and supplements I told myself (B's and glutathione) I would. I am maintaining a simple high raw diet. I don't have time for lots of prepping and new ideas right now. I mostly make salads and blend things. David, this past week, decided he liked Raw Kale Toss; cucumber, onion, dill in O & V; beans & rice (not raw) mixed with bok choy, cilantro, raisins, apple (raw). Pretty impressive for a 6 year old! Gives you an idea what I've been eating, too. Scott is totally on board with eating health food. He eats other things, too, becoming more selective on his own, but I don't have to fight with him to eat the good stuff.

We've been eating lots of mangoes from our tree. I got golden kiwi from co-op and enjoy them throughout the day. I cut the kiwi in half and scoop the halves with a spoon. I've got corn chips in my dehydrator now (Trish, I shucked the corn right off the cob).

I've made a variety of tomato soups (below) depending on what herbs and seasonings I have. I've been drinking chocolate bliss. Last time I took a test, I brought along green smoothies. I don't like how they travel overnight, so this test time, I will make and travel with the bliss to keep me hydrated, along with nuts and fruit.

John has lost about 30 pounds since January. He has been a good sport about drinking the chocolate bliss and other hemp drinks I serve him.

William ask me to make pasta alfredo. Just to make something quick and easy last night, I made up the butter, heavy whipping cream, parmesan, cream cheese an served it to them over pasta. They said it tasted good. I reminded them just because *I* made it, didn't mean it was healthy. ((How they wish I could make healthy, tasty alfredo sauce.)) Scott didn't finish his. The rest were all sick. Score. Next time they may think twice about asking for this kind of sauce. While I am not perfect in eating, I didn't take one bite of this, not even to taste it while cooking it.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers often ask me about green smoothies and high raw diets. Totally compatible. Of course the more anyone can incorporate fresh fruits, veggies, and sprouts, into their diet the better. Just don't deprive if you don't know where to start. Two woman on my blog roll are bf and high (if not totally) raw and document frequently on their blogs. I suppose technically I am still nurturing at the breast too.

I am looking forward to posting more after the exam, providing hyper links, and responding to some of the questions I've been asked in the comments.
Than you for following and patiently waiting for an update.

Yummy Tomato Soup

2010-06-20T11:20:00.001-04:00

I dare you to get your Campbell's soup out now.

I've tried several times to make a raw tomato base soup. Finally I found one that I love. Tomato soup is not something that I particularly cared for "before." Not Campbell"s anyway. Sure I would love some homemade creamy Tomato soup, but I would know it's not particularly good for me (ei... heavy whipping cream and table salt). The idea of being able to make tomato soup quickly in a blender with all healthy ingredients appealed to me.

Wanting to add some variety to my meal planning, I was eyeing Fiesta Mole over at Rawkin with Trish, and finally got some from her store when I placed an order for Live B viamins (and ordered other things you'll hear about, soon). I just had a feeling I would love the soup made with this special seasoning (an understatement). I had my tomatoes ready-to-go the day I expected my package to arrive.

I filled my Blendtec with about 4-5 big tomatoes, a clove a garlic, a small piece of pepper, somewhere between 1/4-1/3 cup raw cashews, and a handful of tomatoes, lots of fresh basil and cuban oregano (both home grown). Of course, 2 heaping Tablespoons of Fiesta Mole and 2 teaspoons of Sunfire Salt. After it was blended I added an additional tomato to the blender and put it on pulse to have a little texture. This was delicious!

John was so impressed how fast I made dinner! I didn't call it raw. I told him it was one of the soups you can do in a blender. It takes the focus off of preparation and puts it back on the flavor.

Some of you know I don't care for pepper that much. I've been trying to "grow up" and eat more raw vegetables and just a hint of a little pepper went well with this.

Did I say I could scoop up and lick Fiesta Mole right off the spoon. It's kind of like what I always wanted my "taco seasoning" to taste like, but could never seem to achieve the right blend. What's also great is there are many variations to the way this soup can be made. I am looking forward to putting this seasoning with flavor, antioxidents, adaptogens, and more on many more foods.

Our ORGANIC Homegrown Mangoes

2010-06-19T20:19:00.001-04:00

It's Mango season. The mangoes are big and juicy, finally, and they are the sweetest most juiciest mangoes ever. Right on my own tree. In my own yard. Everyone's dream to have an over productive fruit bearing tree right in their own back yard. In my area many of the neighbors have thriving mango trees.

But, John won't touch ours. Ironically he always loved mangoes and I'd let him eat all the ones we get from co-op. I never cared as much for mangoes. Some of you who read PTM and know John knows he has his superstitions. Maybe you'll agree with him on this one.

Our tree is well nourished in part because we feel like the roots found there way to the under ground septic system. Yep, they are fertilized by nature. Animal wastes nourish the plant kingdom. Plants and their waste products nourish us. We keep each other healthy.

After we bought the house, I did my research to see if John had any valid concerns. My conclusion was that what I grow in my own yard is better than any fresh fruit I can import. Who knows what is sprayed directly on the fields elsewhere? Who knows how any fruit has been handled? Also, I've discussed on my PTM blog how mangoes are heat treated when they are imported and not really raw.

John acts like I go out and literally rub soiled diapers right onto the fruit. He thinks the rest of the world is sterile. Maybe you will think I am the most disgusting thing on earth because I eat this fruit. Or maybe you'll want to run over and have some with me. I never know if I should share them because John has poisoned the minds of everyone he can think of that I might share them with more then the fruit ever could. Oh, and if John hasn't scared you, he has trained one of the boys to fill in in his absence. Just before you take a bite of my delicious mango slices at my raw bar, a little peep will chime up.

In comes John's mother to the Raw bar (AKA-our buffet line). John has not caught up yet. She takes a bite. He comes around the corner. "Mami, you know where that's from????" She laughed. "Yes, Johnny, I know, It's organic!"

I'm like the wicked old lady but with a basket of mangoes. They are most definitely ORGANIC.

Sadly, John won't eat any mangoes anymore. Not even the ones from co-op. The mangoes are distinctly different but he thinks I am tricking him somehow.

_____

I have discovered I like them room temperature best when they are soft. They ripen on the counter. I check for the falling ones first. But when I pick them of the tree, I take them with part of the branch because the sap at the break point will rot the skin and fruit. Taking part of the branch will avoid that problem. I have cut some up and froze them in baggies for smoothies

Yes, I have a flourishing tree, but has to be with a story.

Kristen's Raw Frozen Banana Smoothie

2010-06-14T14:10:00.002-04:00

I've been promising most of you I'd share this link with you for Banana Hemp Smoothie.

This is the one smoothie my husband asks for. In fact he almost wants it daily.

I love the taste, texture, and temperature. Frozen bananas make good Raw desserts especially when combined with chocolate/carob.

I love that it does not need any added sweeteners to be delicious. The frozen bananas are plenty sweet. I cut up six bananas ahead of time and freeze so we'll have enough for my family. Scott and David will have some. William is finicky with this one, too.

I've been big on green smoothies, but this has been a great way for me to get protein and totally satisfy my need for frozen dessert.

I make it with choc nibs, or choc or carob powder. I've also added mint (making it a green smoothie). I haven't made it with chocolate bliss yet, but, I will be.

If I there is any left over I can pour it into a (Tupperware-type) Popsicle maker and have a pop later. :)

It's easy! Bananas are available year round and store well. The rest of the ingredients are out of the pantry. I like it with cinammon as well.

Random Thoughts Since Repleting my Vitamins

2010-06-12T19:49:00.004-04:00

I must admit, I do feel better a few weeks since taking getting my results. I have had B12 shots twice a week. I started on the glutathione as soon as it came. Before I received the orders for my my raw and living vitamins, I used up some of the Vitamins around the house.

Some other reasons I've been hesitant to take vitamins is because if I juice and eat wholefood to avoid preservatives and additives, I don't want them in my daily vitamins. I've found out a lot of other people who don't take vitamins and supplements feel the same way. Despite ingredients, I felt it better to just get started on nourishing my body.

I am slowly starting to incorporate some of the newer supplements as they arrive. Just want to be sure I understand proper use of the supplements to get the most benefit and not take everything all at once. My body is probably going through quite an adjustment as I am replenishing all the B's and glutathione I've been needing. I have full intentions of sharing what supplements are successful for me.

I've had no mystery conjunctivitis or sinus problems, etc... in the past few weeks. I am usually not sick. It was really unusual for me to have these things just prior to getting my test results. I've had no significant acne. Acne is something I've dealt with monthly. I am feeling like that is under control. With such a busy schedule busy, I accepted that feeling panicky with so many things to do and unfinished tasks list was a way of life. I have felt much more relaxed. I may have just as much to do, but dealing with it more calmly. A few have asked if I feel any negative detox from replenishing my vitamins. No adverse reactions so far. :) I feel cleansed. :) My thoughts are racing a little, but one thing I attribute that to is not getting them "down on blog." I really want to blog more frequently and share and ask questions. I just don't have time to sit. My family life (at home) is absolutely full. My time allotted to see patients in the office has been unseasonably busy and packed for this time of year (Actually, I have been super busy since February, but I expected it in February.). On many days, I just get seconds to peak at my reader and updates and barely time to compose thoughts and download photos. )

I've been noticing how there is various styles of raw. Some make gourmet raw meals, some juice and some live off smoothies. Some avoid dried and dehydrated food and some do eat packaged raw food. Some eat superfoods that grow near the equator in South America (I married a South American from the equator!) and some want only local. Some won't touch honey and others are exclusively vegan. Some are high raw and some claim to have not had heated food for years. I find the variety intriguing. I am glad that so many are willing to share their experiences via the Internet. I like trying a bit of everything. I have even eating a few mushrooms and peppers lately.

I can't help but wonder who else has checked their intracellular micronutrient levels or who gets serum vitamin levels checked. I'd love to know how vegan and raw foodist do. Well, actually I find it interesting that most of my patients who get checked have deficiencies no matter what their diet. Most being Standard American diet to "low fat" animal products diet. I've paid more attention this week to what vitamins people who's food blogs I read are using.

"We" are taught in school that excess vitamins get peed out. I am really thinking that our society is chronically multivitamin deficient.

Thoughts, please?

Vitamin Test Profile Results

2010-05-31T20:48:00.001-04:00

After I atttended the Age Management Conference last month, I was all fired up to check some of my own blood work. I don't do blood work often because it's always good and since I am doing EVERYTHING I would do anyway, it didn't seem to make much sense. Being in an environment with healthy physicians who monitor themselves for wellness parameters spurred on my curiosity, big-time. I checked my micronutrient levels (Vitamin Test Profile) a few years ago, which became the impetus for me to eat healthier. Being that processed food is out of my diet and I am eating HUGE amounts of greens, sprouts, fruits and banans, beans and nuts daily, nutritonal yeast, I didn't think it was that important to check my vitamin levels again (it involves a simple blood draw). Although this is a Raw blog, I find it impossible to eat Raw everyday, so I eat some cooked grains and beans, popcorn, and rare cheese, often when someone else prepped the food.

Well... I am glad I did check my levels.

My B's are inadequate, many are much lower than they should, and my Glutathione level is low.

Glutathione is from animal sources. Not surprising it would be low, but it knocked down my overall anti-oxidant scores.

I take monthly B12 shots and have for years, so why is that low?

I am glad I checked, but not totally sure where to go from here.

I've taken a few extra B12 shots this week. Obviously I am going to need more than monthly. I really didn't think I needed vitamins because of how I eat, but I probably need vitmins for the rest of my life no matter how good I eat. It bothers me thinking I can't acheive good vitamin levels from food alone. I lot of my readers talk about how pharma companies biases physicians and all the marketing and money in pharma, but that's what bothers me in vitamins in supplement industry-- the hype, the sales force, the direct pyramid marketing. If I ate more food to get the vitamins, it would be way too much caloric intake. People think of vitamin deficiencies like Vit C--->scurvy, Vit D--> Rickets, but it just got me wondering if we as a society are chronically suffering multiple lifelong vitamin deficiency. I am not that impressed that my good eating helped my vitamin levels as I compare my results to two years ago. Yes, I am hard on myself, and yes, eating healthy has helped me achieve weight loss, better fitness, better cholesterol and blood pressure, but not help my vitamin deficiencies. I think my Reliv Vitamins from 2 years ago might have done me good. I stopped them when my eating improved. Well, since I have plenty of powdered Reliv and whole food based Rainbow lite in my closet, I've been making sure I get B's every time I have Green's this week. Spirul-tein which a I have but don't use much has B's and I have been using that in my smoothies this week. I do use Nutritional yeast a lot which is high in B's. In fact I thought I used it way too much. I guess I won't back off.

Am I absorbing it if I ingest it? Don't know.

I've ordered two sources of glutathione, one from a Raw source and one from a local friend who just happened to start promoting it before I retested. I've got a Raw B complex on its way, too, to add or replace to the vitamins I have handy.

I am going to review the basic green smoothie diet and make sure I haven't unknowingly deviated or leaving something out.

I am going to review the nuts, beans, sprouts, and other veggies I eat to make sure they do represent the vitamins I think they represent.

In hind site, since I drew my blood three weeks ago (And I was fine), but since the blood draw it was weird, I got a pink eye, I stomach bug, and a sinusitis all in a row. That kind of let me know everything was probably not ok. The days before the blood draw included the long days at conference and jury duty. The test reflects 6 months, not just the current day. My mentor to interpret the test results tells me my results are a stress profile. No kidding!!

A lot of people associate B's with hair and nails. I have no nails. I had noticed my hair looked frail a year ago, not falling out, just frail and it was one reason I stopped coloring it, but I hadn't noticed improvement. Maybe now I will notice improvement?

One other thing, I am going to do, is check for repletion in 6 months. I'm not going to wait 2 years this time!

Spirulina

2010-05-31T20:02:00.001-04:00

I don't have lots of readers here, but I have a question for you... What is Spirulina and What is Spiru-tein? Is the later a brand of the former?

Work Out Progress

2010-05-26T21:46:00.004-04:00

I am not good at logging individual work-outs to monitor progress, but I thought tonight's work-out was worth noting because I could feel my progress. John and I went to the gym tonight. Going to the gym is turning out to be good together time, even though we often do things separate, he is there to spot me if needed.

Tonight I started with abdominal. 1) Leg lifts- I can't fully extend my legs, but I could do 2 strong sets of 10 with knees bent. 2) decline board sit up, 2 sets of 10. 3) pron incline board 4) crunch machines 5) Using dumbbells and twisting my torso

Upper body-- warm up set of bench press, 1 set with 5 pound weights on each side, 10 reps. 1 set with 10 pound weights on each side. The goal is that by the last rep I should be at failure. I think I can handle more weight next time. :) I did a set on the decline bench press and incline bench press. Bar only. Side note: In college when I bench pressed I got strong fast. I expect now, I will continue to add weight quickly to the bar now that I've established a routine.

For back, I did the pull down machine and used a bent bar. 2 sets, 10 reps each.

Bicep curls with bent bar and (10 pound) dumbbells 2 sets each 10 reps.

Triceps curls with dumbbells and pull down rope. ( I know my settings, don't remember weight).

Cardio was strong tonight. I feel my improvement and in no way would I have been able to do this when we joined the gym in January.

25 minutes total with a 3 1/3 minute warm up and cool down walking. I did 6 intervals, approx. 1 1/2 minutes each at 6 mph. Three intervals in the middle were on a .5 incline. Recovery walking intervals in between. The goal was to get where I am huffing and puffing so anaerobic metabolism kicks in. I got there, no doubt. The treadmill records heart rate but not at 6 mph. When I quickly brought the speed to 3.8 mph all 6 times I was at 165 beats per minute which is way above 85% of my target heart rate (a great thing). I hope to continue building my way up.

The recent conference I attended really emphasized how important interval training 2-3 x week is to improve cardiovascular fitness and fat burning. However if you are not exercising much, to start you just need to establish a routine of walking daily (or whatever) before you start intervals. Wherever you are at feel great that you are establishing a pattern.

John's looking good these days! I told him I was going to post his photo. He said, ok... I hope he meant it!!!

Blood Pressure

2010-05-22T19:51:00.004-04:00

My blood pressure usually is about 120 /80 all my adult life, fat or not fat, pregnant or not pregnant. I've never taken blood pressure medication. I don't often check it because it never changes. Whatever made me check it today, I am not sure, but it was 102/59!! I am almost in disbelief, how good it is. My resting pulse is 60. This is more reason to keep up what I am doing.

Exercise Routine

2010-05-20T16:40:00.004-04:00

My exercise routine has been quite regular since January when I joined the gym. I switched things around after my seminar I attended a month ago. At conference they emphasized how important interval training is. Two lectures discussed how woman especially think that the longer (or more miles) the better. They really emphasized the importance of huffing and puffing to build lung capacity, burn fat, and speed up metabolism beyond the exercise session. For example 20 minutes with 4-5 intervals (2-3 x/week) would be a lot more productive than a slow and steady jog everyday. I've actually noticed, I've burned more calories with intervals than I longer paced session on the same machine.

From a time standpoint I feel relief knowing the importance of intervals because I don't have time to jog long miles everyday, but I do have time to do 2-3 intervals a week with activity in between.

When my boys are in karate 2-3 x/week that's when I've been doing my intervals either on the treadmill or on the spinning bike at the gym. It doesn't take me more than 20 minutes, so now I have time for sit-ups each time and an upper or lower body work out with weights. I've alternated upper or lower body. I have a few dumbbells at home, so with 4 sessions (1 at home), I can do upper twice a week and lower twice a week.

Scott (and sometimes friends) have made it a point to go kayaking once a week. Each trip varies depending on who we are with. This can be my longer more recreational and fun thing to do.

I still like walking, swimming, biking, and yard work (well, I do yard work, don't like it). I fill in the rest of the days with those activities.

I sure do think the intervals have made a difference. I notice in just a month, I am more toned and fitting into clothes better. Since I posted the 167 photo, I am 164. yeah.

Cheezy Sauce

2010-05-13T21:43:00.004-04:00

Now that I have 6 wonderful followers and haven't posted in years, it's time to start sharing.

I made this yummy dip, Cheezy Sauce today.

It's one of Tam's recipes. I've tried many recipes from her sight (and like many of them!)and my lack of taste for red peppers may have held me back on trying this one. With so many dipping veggies on hand and my love for the flavor of nutrional yeast, I thought I'd give it a try. Everyone in my house loved it. (William took out nachos to dip in.) I added extra lemon so the pepper wouldn't dominate. It was perfect.

Around the plate there is broccoli, carrots, and celery from my co-op. The yellow squash was locally grown. I found them at Nelson's Market. The tomatoes were dehydrated in my Excalibur. I was never big on the flaver of sundried tomatoes. But now that I can make them on my own, I love them. By making my own I avoid the oil that comes with the oily ones and I avoid the preservatives "to retain" color. As you can see, they retained their color despite no additives.

Before and Now Photos

2010-05-02T20:11:00.004-04:00

I have been trying to get a recent descent photo of me to help me monitor my progress and share with you in the side bar.
The problems
--My kids are not always co-operative in taking photos
--Although I don't manipulate photos in photo shop there are techniques for flattering heavy people and techniques to make people look worse or better (depending on what you want to show) and I would not intentionally take and post a really bad photo. ( I can certainly find much more contrasting photos than these two.)
--I may have distorted body image and poor judgement as to what constitutes a before and now photo.

In any case I posted a photo from about 2 1/2 years ago and a current.

Although the purpose of eating raw is not all about weight, it does remind me of my progress and most people can relate to before and after.

I still have a long way to go and this conversation put it into a new perspective. This afternoon I met a kayaker while out at a celebration. I had never seen him before and I told him how I'd been out paddling this AM (and yesterday). His response: "That's why you look as fit as you do and shouldn't have been a couch potato," pointing to his gut. I don't think I've EVER been recognized as fit.:)

Locally Grown Dinner

2010-04-21T21:35:00.004-04:00

Thanks to the co-operative efforts of Gerry, Gail, and Lauren, I am stocked with our local greens. I made beautiful salads tonight for dinner with our lettuces, chard, and spinach which was topped with grated golden beat and carrot, pepper, and Canadian cucumber and scallions from co-op).

Tomorrow morning I have plenty of local chard for my smoothie which I will be taking on the road with me. And I have local kale for a kale salad for lunch. I'll be at conference tomorrow and should I give in to temptations, it won't be without consuming about 30 servings of greens first! Gerrie is also sharing with me Nastrurtium flowers which are edible and a few are going into my smoothie tomorrow. I'll be packing plenty of fruit also and sprouted sunflower seed also.

My cardio work-outs are going well. On Monday and Wed (tonight), I have finally run 2 miles. I need a long warm up before I run. I am going on the eliptical first (works upper body) and then another stepper type machine. I ran the 3 miles on a treadmill at about 13:45 min miles. I start slowly and increase my speed. I also put it on a .5 incline for a few short intervals. Then Max And I walk a block back to meet the boys at karate. There is a 5 k fun run at the conference. Perhaps it will be the first "race" for me since before William.

Funky Rooster Farm

2010-04-17T21:19:00.004-04:00

Back in the fall Lauren started a veggie garden, which has done very well! You can see her established rows in the background. She offered me some space and I purchased pots and seeds and started two rows which is in the foreground of this photo.Another view of the rows I contributed to the garden after transplanting young plants to our pots.Lauren took this photo after a few weeks of growth. Lauren did a lot of background research before setting up the initial garden which I am very grateful for and her initial rows served as the "guinea pig." I enjoyed the herbs and kale that she shared with me so much that I couldn't resist getting in on it. I hesitated a bit because the garden is not in my own yard and I wondered if I would have access to it when I needed it, but what cinched it for me is that my new neighbor the other person in this co-operative also. For me that means my veggie share isn't dependent on me going back and forth to get it. When Gail and Lauren visit each other my veggies can hitch a ride! What more could I ask for?! When I go out there I can recipricate and bring back some for Gail.This is John's mother with one of the first bundles they brought to me: kale, dill, chard, purple lettuce, spinach, mint are a few of the things you see laying out. Having access to such fresh tasty produce makes the Raw adventure much more easy. This produce is on top of what I get from co-op which I have blogged about at Permission to Mother. Why Funk Rooster Farm? Lauren is building chicken coops. The name of her farm comes from the funky variety of eggs she will have. When I asked what I should call her garden when I write about it, we decided to use the Funky Rooster Farm.

The Eat-Nothing-Diet

2010-04-15T23:26:00.004-04:00

One of my associates is struggling with her diabetes and weight. She has tried every diabetic pill out there including all the new shots with the exception of insulin. As many diabetics do, she "thinks" she is on a low sugar diet, but since we work together, I often see what she eats. It's not low sugar. Mostly its processed box food or fast food (like I used to eat). After suffering with an ulcer with her latest medication regimen, I suggested as a last resort with a happy face that she try my food. She replied,
"Oh, the-eat-nothing diet. No way. "

This post isn't about her success or lack of success. But it is about her response to my choices. When I was eating a SAD diet, my perception of other high raw foodists was that they eat barely nothing. I PROMISE you, I eat and I know no portion control. I don't count calories or ounces. I don't count raisins or seeds (I eat them by the big handful.) I don't count kale and collard chips. I try to beat my kids to the dehydrator. :) But I can see how to the SAD eater, I probably seem to eat nothing. The truth is, I feel satisfied most of the time when I consistently eat fresh, raw food. I feel cleansed and light. I don't feel the same way with heavily cooked food. I don't necessarily feel awful at the first bite, but it's not quite the same cleansed feeling.

Here is what I remember eating today from the eat nothing diet.

3 ounces of smoothie with chard stems (from my mom's garden), apple, strawberry,
blueberry, Cinnamon
Scott juiced me oranges
Handfuls of sprouted sunflower seeds
Lauren made me a salad with fresh greens and purple-greens from her garden. cucumber, grated daikon radish (better than I thought), grated carrot and other veggies. Her husband had made a tasty salad from celeraic root with yogurt. I do love trying new things.
Scott made me more juice.
Home made Macroon. Only one. Because it was the last one. :(
I prepped the sauce for more collard chips and licked the bowl clean. I am about to go get some partially dehydrated chips out of the dehydrator for a midnight snack.
Carrot/ginger salad (yummmm) on more freshly picked greens.
A few plums, strawberries, oh and some hard-boiled eggs (these were real eggs, not imitation vegan eggs).

So you see I ate nothing today (and no cane sugar). But I don't have diabetes, I am at a healthful weight and I enjoyed my food immmensly and companionship.

Salad from today's harvest

2010-04-12T23:42:00.005-04:00

I had a good Raw day today. I started with watermelon slices and collard chips. I brought a kale salad and 1 quart of green smoothie to the office with me. When I got home I opened a recently harvest coconut and drank about 1 cup of coconut milk. The boys and I walked around the house after the rain cleared and nibbled on fennel sprigs. I have an amazing co-operative garden at another location. I made the above salad with several varieties of greens that were harvested and freshly delivered to my door (thanks Lauren and Gail). The yellow is grated golden beets from our garden. There is also snips of garlic chives that are from one of my containers (thank you Jyl!). I was still sipping my smoothie when I was finishing my salad. After dinner, Scott juiced tangerines. The great news is I am full and happy. I am not hungry!!

Everyone asks what kind of protein is in that meal. Avocado (from Sam's), alfalfa sprouts that I grow in my kitchen, few spinach and chard leaves, sprouted sunflower seeds. My smoothie today has chia seeds in it (thanks Carrie, for the idea). The earlier collard chip seasoning has raw cashews in it. I am happy with my protein sources. Vegan proteins have an unexpected benefit of leaving a kitchen with no grease to clean up. That means no grease in me either.

This raw day follows two days of nearly, probably all raw, and I wasn't even in my own kitchen the day before last. Can you believe this? I was a 1/2 gallon a day of Breyer's Mint for many years. I haven't had Breyer's in 2 1/2 years (maybe just once or twice). I certainly didn't harvest my dinner, either, ever. Having fresh produce was not even something that came to my mind.

I plan on telling you in future posts how I like to make dehydrated kale and collard chips, about my fruit trees and container garden on the river, my co-operative garden, sprouting, and more. I hope you'll follow me.

I don't think David had one bite of that salad. :(

One more thing, why is there a grill in my header photo? It keeps John's meat out of my kitchen.

Coconuts

2010-04-04T20:32:00.001-04:00

I want some coconut trees on my property, but for now we are lucky to have coconuts the neighbors share. We've had quite a hard time breaking through the husk without cracking the inner shell before we get the milk. We are learning to recognize young coconut with soft easily scoopable meat. Some coconuts are sour on the inside. After all the hard work getting one open it's disappointing. Leads to lots of questions. If I get a tree, is there a particular kind I should get? Is some coconut good for milk and others good for the meat? What is the best way to crack through the husk? Is there a way to tell if it will be sour before trying to get into it?

With the measly few I managed to get any milk out of it, I made a tropical smoothie with the milk, pineapple, mango, strawberry, and banana, (and a little bit of chard!). It was delicious and a change from my usual smoothie recipe. This got today started on the right raw-track. I resisted the matzo. I resisted the cooked food Grandma Irma made. I had green salad and a delicious beet salad from the book, Eating without Heating. (4 large grated beets, 5 cloves grated garlic, 1/4 cup evoo, 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh parsley garnish, and 1 teaspoon salt.)I think everyone in the house had some tropical smoothie and some beet salad and liked it.

Later I snacked on some left over dehydrated flax crackers dipped in sunflower "cheese" sauce mixed with dill. And I had a big serving of banana hemp smoothie. Also snacked on 1 or 2 (or 3) homemade macaroons. I am probably going to make some more salad with a huge cucumber later. I was out in the kayak twice. Once with Scott, later with John. I got a good upper arm work out today!

I am thinking about what to have tomorrow to keep Raw. Let's see, I can juice oranges, have green smoothie, have more beet salad and green salad. There is plenty of macaroons left for my sweet tooth. I have lots of greens, apples and berries. I should have a second green smoothie if I can't think of anything else. But I usually don't make a second one. I'll probably have all my meals at home this week or I will be where I can easily bring my own food for the next few days.

I've got green cabbage to do something with and I also have leek from co-op. Any new raw-ideas for these veggies?

Food Diary March 25

2010-03-25T20:59:00.000-04:00

I went to the grocery store and found that matzoh and matzoh meal can be purchased whole wheat. (see yesterdays post)

Today isn't over, but its been all Raw Vegan.
Smoothie with chard and kale stems, blueberries, strawberries, banana and apple.

Dried apricot, fresh rasberries
Left over tabouleh salad

Kale and chard chips. The chives were from my container garden. All my kids ate this.

Big salad with avacado, cucumber, tomato, balsamic and evoo dressing. A few bites out of my nasty flax crackers.

Brewed Lemon tai grass tea. I clipped the tea from my yard.

Doesn't look like I ate much, does it? If I eat something else I'll add it. I've been superbusy today with contractor meeting, running errands, going to place we moved out of and still taking things out and unpacking.

Scott and I walked three miles around the park behind SLMC. We walked the 1 1/2 mile loop twice.

Daily Food

2010-03-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

Today I had wild papaya, squeezed orange and grapefruit juice, and a Spring Cleaning smoothie. I wish I had time to post all the links.

For lunch the kids and I had a vegan version of Mac n Cheese (used spelt spiral pasta), from Simple Healthy Tasty and Dinner had a soup and simple salad (bok choy, red leaf, cilantro, romaine). The soup was a cream soup, also from Simple, Healthy Tasty.

I had sprouted sunflower seeds and organic raisins as a snack.

We were at the gym tonight. 30 minutes on elliptical, 15 minutes on arc trainer, and 20 minutes jogging on treadmill at 4.2 mph.

Not a raw day, but a 100% vegan day. I feel good. Let me ask you, have you eaten ANYTHING raw today? Yesterday? Last week? You'd be surprised at how many people tell me they have not in weeks.

Passover is coming up. I used to think of it as a time of self-control by eliminating wheat, oat, spelt, and barley. Interesting that I've barely had any wheat in the past few weeks. I've had oat and not too much of the other grains. Shouldn't be too hard for me to press on (even if not for the exact reasons others are). I've also thought about how I am avoiding refined flour. What's matzoh made out of? Kosher for Passover flour. Isn't that refined? I think there is a SAD version of kosher also. Especially when I consider that coke is kosher (and some foods with gmo's are certified kosher). Hello, coke isn't even food. It's fake. Shouldn't by definition kosher only include whole foods? It's interesting that Passover doesn't seem to be a time of self-control this year.

Despite not having much spelt and barley, I do buy these in bulk. I like how Food Storage is tought by the Mormons, but in Passover tradition you'd have to get rid of the grains out of your house in prep for the holiday. Lots of stuff for me to think through.

Food Diary March 23

2010-03-23T09:22:00.001-04:00

Breakfast:

Wildly grown and local papaya (as Scott calls it). Grows near us on the river. No watering, attention or fertilizer. Scott and his friend climbed the tall tree and shook the papayas down. I sat them on my counter to ripen.

Smoothie: Bok Choy, frozen unsweetened blueberries, apple, banana, sipped on it till noon.

Snack: tangerine

Lunch:
3 Kiwi and salad (red leaf, romaine, sprouted sunflower seeds, activated almonds slivered, dehydrated tomatoes I dried them in my dehydrator and they are better than sun dried! and sugar snap peas.)

Dinner:
Tabouleh Salad from Raw Love
Banana hemp shake with fresh mint from Kristen's Raw
Dehyrated flax crackers. Second time I made these. I didn't like them either time.

Scott and I walked for three miles in our previous neighborhood after doing some house cleaning there.

Food Diary March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T21:50:00.000-04:00

Breakfast :
Big Chunk Watermelon
4 cups smoothie, green chard, apple, Dekker farms (local, I picked)strawberries, frozen blue berries

Lunch:
salad greens, red leaf spinach, romaine, sprouted and dehydrated sunflower seeds, sprouted lentils. Clemintine orange

Snack(s):
kale chips-lots of them, no portion control :) The boys eat these too!
3 cups banana hemp smoothie from Kristen's raw. Filling a delicious. Much better than a frosty. Scott had three cups also.

Dinner:
Snacking was late, so I made a similar salad as earlier and left over raw cole slaw while my family had pasta and jarred sauce. I did not eat any of that. I don't feel hungry. I feel quite satisfied. I suppose this blog kept me accountable for today.:)

Excercise: I did the cybec arc trainer for 30 minutes, Ran a mile and then went on the eliptical for another 15 minutes, walked back to the karate building from the gym.

Why a new blog?

2010-03-21T11:47:00.000-04:00

I've been toying with the idea of creating a food-- exercise journal sort of blog. If I can't post daily on Permission to Mother, I rationalized that I don't have time for another blog.

Why Raw? I started my sugar-free elimination over 2 1/2 years ago. I lost weight while depriving myself of commercial foods without sugar, but did not feel that I was being nourished. In search of sugar-free breakfasts I found out about green smoothies which changed my life. I found green smoothies filling and satisfying and began to appreciate how important every bite of food is to our health. As my energy and well-being improved I realized we have more control over our health than as consumers we are lead to believe. The search for the most nourishing foods always seems to take me back to Raw. I read on the Internet how people are eating high raw and exclusively raw (often all vegan) diets. I am fascinated. That means no preservatives, no additives, no casein, no gluten, no white flour, no refined sugars or meat. Amazing. Whatever dietary restrictions you are challenged, looking into Raw options will expand, not eliminate your choices.

All Raw is not easy. At this point on my journey I often have a smoothie and/or fresh citrus juice to start my day. I have huge salads and marinades for a second meal. I have Raw treats around the house to snack on. I am very comfortable incorporating these lifestyle meal choices. The third meal often is partly Raw (and partly not so great) and is where I am challenged (well, there are other challenges, too, but special circumstances, not daily). For a few weeks in January the third meal was all Raw (except spice and seasonings, perhaps). I felt great. I want to maintain what I am doing and organize my Raw resources. I am motivated by not only how I feel, by but by how easy it has been to get under 180 pounds. Even with sugar-free, I could not get past 180. Now I am at 170 since January, not to mention I gained some holiday weight and was above 180 that too came off easily in the past two months. Doing what I am doing, I am certain, I will see 165 soon. A few years ago and 50 pounds more ago, I wouldn't of bothered making that a goal. I thought there was no chance of seeing 165 ever again. Really my goal is optimal nutrition and fitness and not to focus on my weight (or calories) so much, although I am delighted to see the weight fall off and most readers "new" to eating helathy can identify with weight loss.

Now that I am in a new house on the River, with a new kitchen, fruit trees, veggie garden, gym membership, I decided to start my Journal, Raw on the River, to focus on me, keeping me at my goals, while Permission to Mother continues to focus on my kids and attachment parenting.