Eating Right Can Save the Planet

Mark Bittman, the author of Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating was interviewed on NPR's Morning Edition last week.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99268166&sc=nl&cc=bn-20090125

Simple until Six

The author of this article was a vegetarian until 6 pm each day. Over the course of four months he lost over 35 pounds. Interesting concept.

Everything pointed to a simpler style of eating. I started following a diet that was nearly "vegan until six." Until dinner, I ate almost no animal products and no simple carbs (no white-flour products, junk food, or sugar-heavy snacks). At dinner, I ate as I always had, sometimes a sizable meal including animal products, bread, dessert, wine -- you name it -- or sometimes a salad and a bowl of soup. I also took several long walks each week (my bad knees couldn't handle more).

Full article:
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/simple-till-six-weight-loss-diet-an-eating-plan-for-busy-people/article109150.html

Seeking Solace's Famous Pasta Salad

This is a summertime favorite at my house. It is also great to take for a picnic or a summer pot luck dinner. It never tastes the same way twice. And, you get a fill ov veggies!!! Feel free to experiment with other veggies, herbs or whatever!

Ingredients:

• One box bow-tie pasta (You can also use spring or penne)
• 1-2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1-2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1-2 cups chopped green pepper (You can use red or yellow too.)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• I cup chopped basil
• Mrs Dash
• Parmasian cheese
• Newman's light Italian dressing

Cook pasta until it is al-dente. Drain. Rinse in cool water while still in the strainer. Place half of pasta in a bowl. Add half of the veggies garlic and basil. Sprinkle with Mrs Dash to taste. Toss together. Add Parmesan cheese to taste and toss. Add remaining veggies, garlic and basil and toss. Add additional cheese and Mrs. Dash and toss. Then, add dressing to taste and toss.

Fruit Smoothie

This is my own creation.

3-4 ice cubes
1 cup orange juice (no pulp)
1 container Yoplait strawberry yogurt (or any other berry flavor)
8-10 strawberries, cut in half (You can use any kind of berry you wish.)

In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend for 30-40 seconds.

To make this a great breakfast treat, add bananas and/or protein powder.

Delish and refreshing, especially on a hot day!!!

Strive for Five

It's the beginning of the month. Time for a new challenge.

Your mom told you to eat your vegetables for a reason. They are really good for you. Fruits and vegetables In addition to the obvious health benefits including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers . But did you also know that eating a diet rich with fruits and veggies can also help one lose and maintain weight? Unlike some foods, fruits and veggies do not contain empty calories that leave you hungry later. Plus, many fruits contain water, which can not only fill you up, but help you get your water intake for the day.

Another benefit of fruits and veggies is that you can pack them in your purse or briefcase for a great snack. And, they can be a great meal when it is too hot to cook.

So your challenge for July is to strive for five servings of fruits and/or veggies a day.

OK. I know...food prices are through the roof right now. All the more reason to enjoy fruits and veggies. They are a little cheaper, particularly if you purchase what is in season. Consider heading to a local farmer's market for fresh produce. It's usually cheaper. Plus, you will be supporting the local economy. Berries are in season and there are plenty of U-Pick farms out there. It's fun, plus you can get your fill as you eat! You can also get goodness from friends who grow their own. My husband and I have a vegetable garden every year, and we always give some of our "harvest" to friends.

Worried about tomatoes? Here are a few tips.

• The salmonella scare is limited to a few varieties.
• Do not purchase tomatoes, or any produce for that matter, that is bruised, moldy or otherwise questionable.
• Thoroughly wash all produce.

What if you hate the stuff? Start slowly, say strive for 1-2 servings a day for a week. Get creative. Incorporate fruits or veggies into a favorite recipe.

Feel free to share some of your favorite recipes!

W. W. Woes

I love Florine Mark; her most excellent plan has allowed me to lose weight and improve my overall health. I've been a bona fide Weight Watchers member for eight months now, and I firmly believe that the plan works. I partied too hard over Christmas and gained back four of the pounds that I had lost, but I have subsequently lost that again. Good things.

However, for the past month, I've been beyond frustrated. One week, down half a pound. The next week, up half a pound. Next week, down. Next week up. Gah! I'm staying within my points, not exhausting my flex points, and earning about 30 points per week in activity. I'm doing everything right, right? Right. Talk about frustrating!

I talked to my leader this weekend, and she said that my body is getting lazy. It's used to all the fruits and veggies, and it's growing complacent. So, I need to mix it up. Beginning Saturday, I did just that. While still staying within my points, I'm eating all different things -- and I'm kind of weirded out by it. I've focused on fewer veggies and instead am doing low-fat dairy and meats. Y'all, it's working. I weighed myself this morning and was down two pounds in two days.

We'll have to see if this holds up on the scale this weekend, but I'm hopeful. Of course, the strange thing is that I miss my salads, fruits, etc. I'm hoping to return to my normal later this week.

In the meantime, 'tis passing strange to eat this stuff. Such a creature of habit, I am.

RussianViolets

Cross-posted at RussianViolets.

Post on Her Active Life

I saw this post on Her Active Life and thought I would share it here:

When One Cookie Becomes Five: Holiday Health

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with it comes food, family, good
cheer and…oh yeah. About ten pounds. Although grandma’s apple pie is often too
good to resist a second piece, chances are you’ll see the needle creeping up on
the scale. While some people brush it off, vowing to lose weight after the New
Year, there are ways to keep the weight from piling on, so you can concentrate
on more important things, like spending time with loved ones. Considering
statistics show less then 30% of people stick with their New Year’s resolutions
of making exercise a regular routine, I strongly suggest the following tips to
help yourself get on track now and stay on track through the holiday season.

Selct link for full article. It is well worth it!

Still here

I've been meaning to post, but I feel guilty doing so when I'm so far behind at work!!

This semester I am taking a ten week "course." Monday I take Pilates. It might be the last time I take it. I'm kind of bored, the instructor is good but starts each new 10/8 week session all over for beginners. Husband and I would both like to learn more and be challenged. Wednesday I take "cardio pump." It is a combination of step aerobics and light weight work. I like it, I would like more cardio though. I heard the person who teaches it on T/R does more cardio so I might try that next time. I took step in college so I am fairly comfortable with the moves, even though I mess up the routine. I like this class the most because I feel like it's doing the most for me right now and let's face it: it's nice being a student and not responsible for anything but yourself for an hour. I really just try to enjoy it.

Last Monday I took the two classes back to back. If you miss a session you're allowed to make up (and come to any class so you can try something new even). I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal doing Pilates and then step. I was SO sore Tues and Wed!! Bending down to feed the cats, walking up stairs...Moving! At least I know it shocked my system!!

The classes go til the end of November, then I'll need to find something else to keep me moving : especially around Christmas.

Oh, before I go: I'm tired of cottage cheese, I hate yogurt and I'm stuck with easy lunch ideas. Suggestions?