I'm winding up my three week cleanse.
It's been easy on some days, hard on other days, I cheated with one or two meals in the 21 day process (adding dairy or gluten, never meat).
Then I decided something.
I'm never going to stop cleansing.
I really like how I feel when I'm eating this clean and refined. I'm never hungry, I'm getting all the nutrients I need and yes, it takes planning and cooking and planning ahead, but it's worth it for this energy and sense of clarity I'm getting while doing it.
I'm up at 5 to hit the gym, getting my to do lists done, and just feel better.
That's not to say that I won't cheat occasionally. A girl needs a little gluten now and then, but 95% of the time I'm going to stick to this.
I feel all zen and shit.
.
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Changes
I've had to reevaluate some of my diet decisions in the last few weeks.
I've been vegetarian for the last 3 years, mainly because the lack of the hormones in the meat and the increase in eating non-processed foods was supposed to be good for my autoimmune disease.
But, it's no longer the case. Well it's kind of the case, but it's causing a worse side effect with my weird blood.
My platelets are OK. Not great, not dangerously low. My blood is still too thin and my immune system is still overworked fighting my body. So I'm usually tired and cold and can't get shot or in a car wreck or bad things will happen. Like a brain hemorrhage, that is the actual example my doctor once gave me.
FYI- I was going to link to a WebMD page about my disease here. But it doesn't have a WebMD page.
Here's more info from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Sometimes, my body just decides to say fuck it and I get anemic. Like really anemic and nothing I can do helps. None of the supplements, iron pills, spinach, soy, beans, nothing helps. So I get more tired and more worn out and my blood gets even thinner.
You should see how blue my veins are, so gross.
So, I'm adding meat back into my diet. My body is calling out for more protein and iron and adding one to two meals of meat to my diet will hopefully help me get everything back on track.
My diet emphasis will still be vegetables and fruits. I'll still get a majority of my protein from alternative sources, but I'll also add organic, hormone free meats to the diet plan a couple times a week until I get my blood back under a modicum of control.
Having a stupid immune system is such a bitch.
I've been vegetarian for the last 3 years, mainly because the lack of the hormones in the meat and the increase in eating non-processed foods was supposed to be good for my autoimmune disease.
But, it's no longer the case. Well it's kind of the case, but it's causing a worse side effect with my weird blood.
My platelets are OK. Not great, not dangerously low. My blood is still too thin and my immune system is still overworked fighting my body. So I'm usually tired and cold and can't get shot or in a car wreck or bad things will happen. Like a brain hemorrhage, that is the actual example my doctor once gave me.
FYI- I was going to link to a WebMD page about my disease here. But it doesn't have a WebMD page.
Here's more info from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Sometimes, my body just decides to say fuck it and I get anemic. Like really anemic and nothing I can do helps. None of the supplements, iron pills, spinach, soy, beans, nothing helps. So I get more tired and more worn out and my blood gets even thinner.
You should see how blue my veins are, so gross.
So, I'm adding meat back into my diet. My body is calling out for more protein and iron and adding one to two meals of meat to my diet will hopefully help me get everything back on track.
My diet emphasis will still be vegetables and fruits. I'll still get a majority of my protein from alternative sources, but I'll also add organic, hormone free meats to the diet plan a couple times a week until I get my blood back under a modicum of control.
Having a stupid immune system is such a bitch.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Overcoming the plague and Eat to Live
So I caught the plague. Or as my doctor calls it, a severe chest cold.
It's taken almost three weeks for me to kick the cough and feel more like a human. I'm finally feeling more functioning, less like my head is in a sickness induced fog. So, I'm getting serious about getting uber healthy right now.
I'm two days into the 'Eat to Live' plan by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. I saw him on Dr. Oz a few weeks ago and ordered his book. He specifically addresses the impact diet can have on autoimmune diseases and encourages a no animal products, no gluten, diet to help your immune system re-train and repair itself over time. So I'm trying his plan.
The first six weeks is really strict, mainly fruit and veggie diet, he encourages people to eat so much fruits and veggies that I haven't been hungry at all from not eating the dairy or grain I typically eat. We'll see if that lasts after I start working out again.
Speaking of, with the plague I haven't worked out in almost three weeks. I went to Hot Yoga on Sunday and it was really great to get back at it, but I'm a little anxious about my first run. Going to attempt tonight.
How do you get back into a workout mode after sickness?
It's taken almost three weeks for me to kick the cough and feel more like a human. I'm finally feeling more functioning, less like my head is in a sickness induced fog. So, I'm getting serious about getting uber healthy right now.
I'm two days into the 'Eat to Live' plan by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. I saw him on Dr. Oz a few weeks ago and ordered his book. He specifically addresses the impact diet can have on autoimmune diseases and encourages a no animal products, no gluten, diet to help your immune system re-train and repair itself over time. So I'm trying his plan.
The first six weeks is really strict, mainly fruit and veggie diet, he encourages people to eat so much fruits and veggies that I haven't been hungry at all from not eating the dairy or grain I typically eat. We'll see if that lasts after I start working out again.
Speaking of, with the plague I haven't worked out in almost three weeks. I went to Hot Yoga on Sunday and it was really great to get back at it, but I'm a little anxious about my first run. Going to attempt tonight.
How do you get back into a workout mode after sickness?
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Cleansing and Yoga-ing
I started the Quantum Cleanse today.
This is the 3rd year I've started my January with a cleanse. I really enjoying the chance it gives me to take control of my diet and health again. It helps me get back on track and push my boundaries.
I'm a big believer in semi-elimination diets. I used to think they were bullshit, till the first time I did this cleanse.
I literally did it the first time just to prove I could, Mems thought I'd fail and I was pretty sure I'd cave, but I made it the whole 21 days. I felt so much better it was crazy. I felt clearer, my platelets were better than they'd been in a long time. I ended up staying vegan about a year after that first cleanse, eventually I gave myself back dairy.
Cutting out the alcohol, animal products, caffeine, gluten and sugar really did help my body heal itself from the damage I'd done with my too processed diet and helped my immune system get a little bit more under control.
My ITP has become infinitely more manageable since I started avoiding processed foods and meat. That in turn has given me a feeling of more control over my health. In fact, I went most of the year without getting sick until the end of the year when I started splurging more on my diet.
My goal with this year's cleanse is two-fold. I am of course excited about the health benefits, but I also want to focus more on my emotional health in 2013.
I jokingly posted that 2012 was the year of empowered Kate. I went to numerous events by myself, I enjoy my own company, almost to a fault. My facade of independence has helped me reinforce the wall I use to close my self off from challenges, from risks, from life at a times.
So, while my body goes through the 21 days of cleansing and healing my heart is going to go through some self imposed cleansing.
What are your resolutions or goals this year?
This is the 3rd year I've started my January with a cleanse. I really enjoying the chance it gives me to take control of my diet and health again. It helps me get back on track and push my boundaries.
I'm a big believer in semi-elimination diets. I used to think they were bullshit, till the first time I did this cleanse.
I literally did it the first time just to prove I could, Mems thought I'd fail and I was pretty sure I'd cave, but I made it the whole 21 days. I felt so much better it was crazy. I felt clearer, my platelets were better than they'd been in a long time. I ended up staying vegan about a year after that first cleanse, eventually I gave myself back dairy.
Cutting out the alcohol, animal products, caffeine, gluten and sugar really did help my body heal itself from the damage I'd done with my too processed diet and helped my immune system get a little bit more under control.
My ITP has become infinitely more manageable since I started avoiding processed foods and meat. That in turn has given me a feeling of more control over my health. In fact, I went most of the year without getting sick until the end of the year when I started splurging more on my diet.
My goal with this year's cleanse is two-fold. I am of course excited about the health benefits, but I also want to focus more on my emotional health in 2013.
I jokingly posted that 2012 was the year of empowered Kate. I went to numerous events by myself, I enjoy my own company, almost to a fault. My facade of independence has helped me reinforce the wall I use to close my self off from challenges, from risks, from life at a times.
So, while my body goes through the 21 days of cleansing and healing my heart is going to go through some self imposed cleansing.
What are your resolutions or goals this year?
Friday, January 21, 2011
Maybe I'm Crazy....
But I think I'm staying vegan when the cleanse is over.
The diet isn't as hard as I thought it would be... I'm used to cooking and snacking healthy... and I feel like a new person.
I know. Shoot me now. But I promise not to be one of those people.
But this new diet has really helped me get rid of the grogginess... exhaustion and short temperedness I used to feel all the time.
Plus... I've lost 5 pounsd per week since the big switch... I like to say it's because the sludge is falling away from my body.
I'm just hoping the veggie/meth face goes away soon.
The diet isn't as hard as I thought it would be... I'm used to cooking and snacking healthy... and I feel like a new person.
I know. Shoot me now. But I promise not to be one of those people.
But this new diet has really helped me get rid of the grogginess... exhaustion and short temperedness I used to feel all the time.
Plus... I've lost 5 pounsd per week since the big switch... I like to say it's because the sludge is falling away from my body.
I'm just hoping the veggie/meth face goes away soon.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Food I Haven't Eaten
This is my official cleanse pay myself on the back post.
You see the last few weeks at work we've been doing HD rehearsals, which means long days and working on the weekends... so the bosses have been bringing in food for those of us staying late.
Much of the time it was food I couldn't eat, I didn't really care just brought my own food. But some nights it was uberhard to skip out.
SO here's what I DIDN'T eat-
Food For Ann's Goodbye- Papa John's, Chick-Fil-A and 2 cakes.
Donuts at least 3 days for breakfast
Cracker Barrel
Lennie's Subs
Brownie's Burgers
Pizza
Barbecue
Brats/Hot Dogs
Fassler Hall Pretzels
Taco Stand tacos
Rex's Chicken
Whataburger Breakfast
So way to go me!
In all seriousness I'm pretty awesome.
You see the last few weeks at work we've been doing HD rehearsals, which means long days and working on the weekends... so the bosses have been bringing in food for those of us staying late.
Much of the time it was food I couldn't eat, I didn't really care just brought my own food. But some nights it was uberhard to skip out.
SO here's what I DIDN'T eat-
Food For Ann's Goodbye- Papa John's, Chick-Fil-A and 2 cakes.
Donuts at least 3 days for breakfast
Cracker Barrel
Lennie's Subs
Brownie's Burgers
Pizza
Barbecue
Brats/Hot Dogs
Fassler Hall Pretzels
Taco Stand tacos
Rex's Chicken
Whataburger Breakfast
So way to go me!
In all seriousness I'm pretty awesome.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Feeling The Difference...
So I never bought into all that mumbo jumbo about sugar being the devil and making us all feel worse without us realizing it... until now.
I've been off Sugar, Alcohol, Caffeine, Gluten and Animal Products for a week now and I feel completely different. Seriously. I'm not going to get all cliche and say it's "like the wool has been pulled from my eyes"... but I feel like a new person.
I have more energy even without caffeine or sugar... I get more done... I feel better. Of course a lot of it is probably that I'm not as hung over... eating more vitamins and actually putting real food in my mouth instead of the crap I was eating before... even my attempts at eating healthy were laden with sugar and I still drank soda daily.
Yes, I've seen some negative aspects of this cleanse- my skin is breaking out like crazy... and my digestive system is confused by the new diet I think.... but they're minimal in comparison to how I feel right now.
It's like I'm on meth. A veggie high that still fucks with your skin. 2 weeks to go.
I've been off Sugar, Alcohol, Caffeine, Gluten and Animal Products for a week now and I feel completely different. Seriously. I'm not going to get all cliche and say it's "like the wool has been pulled from my eyes"... but I feel like a new person.
I have more energy even without caffeine or sugar... I get more done... I feel better. Of course a lot of it is probably that I'm not as hung over... eating more vitamins and actually putting real food in my mouth instead of the crap I was eating before... even my attempts at eating healthy were laden with sugar and I still drank soda daily.
Yes, I've seen some negative aspects of this cleanse- my skin is breaking out like crazy... and my digestive system is confused by the new diet I think.... but they're minimal in comparison to how I feel right now.
It's like I'm on meth. A veggie high that still fucks with your skin. 2 weeks to go.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Cleansing On The Run
This month is the most insane for me to be doing a cleanse. I'm pretty much running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Glued to work 6 days a week, working longer more hectic shifts... all in the name of progress... but it's tough on my diet.
Like today- we had a lunch meeting at work and it was catered in and I knew I wasn't going to be able to eat it, we usually get sub sandwiches from a nearby spot. So I packed some soup, carrots, hummus and an apple up and was good to go. While everyone else made their sandwiches I also snagged some tomatoes from the "fixin" table.
Dinner was another story. Tacos from a nearby taco truck... no options for me. So I had to improvise. Luckily there's a mexican restaurant in the strip with the station so I ordered a side of rice and beans and got some delicious mexian rice, refried beans (a little bit of animal products- beans were made in lard) and some salsa. It wasn't totally on the cleanse but it was as close as I could get in a pinch.
On top of that this schedule is super crazy.. I really wanted a damn soda tonight... but I stayed strong.
If I can make it past this month without breaking then I can conquer the world.
Like today- we had a lunch meeting at work and it was catered in and I knew I wasn't going to be able to eat it, we usually get sub sandwiches from a nearby spot. So I packed some soup, carrots, hummus and an apple up and was good to go. While everyone else made their sandwiches I also snagged some tomatoes from the "fixin" table.
Dinner was another story. Tacos from a nearby taco truck... no options for me. So I had to improvise. Luckily there's a mexican restaurant in the strip with the station so I ordered a side of rice and beans and got some delicious mexian rice, refried beans (a little bit of animal products- beans were made in lard) and some salsa. It wasn't totally on the cleanse but it was as close as I could get in a pinch.
On top of that this schedule is super crazy.. I really wanted a damn soda tonight... but I stayed strong.
If I can make it past this month without breaking then I can conquer the world.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Cleanse Continues.
So I'm on day 3 of the cleanse. For the most part I've stuck to it really well. A little bit of caffeine in my green tea and a little bit of sugar in my stir fry sauce... but no dairy or meat or gluten or alcohol.
It really hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be, I'm eating yummy foods and planning ahead to keep myself from getting hungry. I do wake up starving, but my oatmeal or smoothie helps and I've been eating fruits and veggies till lunch time.
Physically I feel the same- half a headache that I'm sure is just caffeine withdrawal and indigestion... which is probably from the increase in green tea I'm drinking.
Let's see if I can keep it up.
Oops-- here's today's meals
Green Smoothie breakfast
apple snack
hummus, falafel, zucchini soup lunch
popcorn cake with peanut butter snack
roasted veggie dinner.
It really hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be, I'm eating yummy foods and planning ahead to keep myself from getting hungry. I do wake up starving, but my oatmeal or smoothie helps and I've been eating fruits and veggies till lunch time.
Physically I feel the same- half a headache that I'm sure is just caffeine withdrawal and indigestion... which is probably from the increase in green tea I'm drinking.
Let's see if I can keep it up.
Oops-- here's today's meals
Green Smoothie breakfast
apple snack
hummus, falafel, zucchini soup lunch
popcorn cake with peanut butter snack
roasted veggie dinner.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Boosting Metabolism
My metabolism sucks. Like really sucks.
I blame my horribly unhealthy high school and college eating habits. Going days at a time on nothing by Diet Coke, saltines and carrots may keep you thin in the moment... but eventually it will catch up. I'm proof.
So, now I'm doing everything I can to get it back on track.
I spotted this article on Health.com and found some things I'm already doing... and new things to add in to my routine.
Like- Intervals- I already do this with my running. I'm working on increasing my speed so I run in interval sprints already. Now I also know this will "will help you consume more oxygen and make your cell powerhouses, the mitochondria, work harder to burn energy."
Omega Three I get in a supplement because I'm not really a fish eater at all.
Muscles- We all know about my obsession with Body Pump. Turns out the more muscle the more fat you burn. So I'll keep at the weights.
Green Tea- Totally addicted. I even have this adorable mug I got at Old Navy I use for my daily 3pm Tea Break. I'm currently drinking green tea with lemongrass. I don't come close to drinking the suggested amount... but drinking it at 3 keeps me from hitting the vending machine for my Twix addiction.
Eating Breakfast- this is hard for me because I HATE eating breakfast. I've found a smoothie or half a serving of oatmeal work best for me. Both are filling and nutritious but not too heavy. But it's really hard for me to eat before I workout in the morning so sometimes I'll just start with some stringcheese to get the metabolism going.
Going organic- I've talked about this before... I started eating cleaner because of my autoimmune disease and now I can't imagine going any other way. It helps me eat more veggies and my platelets are still good (knock on wood.)
Eat more protein- I'm addicted to string cheese, peanut butter, falafel and hummus. If I snack it's a protein snack. Turns out it could burn more calories to digest protein than other foods. So win!
So I'm hoping all the stuff I've been doing is going to keep boosting up my metabolism... we'll see if the gut keeps shrinking.
I blame my horribly unhealthy high school and college eating habits. Going days at a time on nothing by Diet Coke, saltines and carrots may keep you thin in the moment... but eventually it will catch up. I'm proof.
So, now I'm doing everything I can to get it back on track.
I spotted this article on Health.com and found some things I'm already doing... and new things to add in to my routine.
Like- Intervals- I already do this with my running. I'm working on increasing my speed so I run in interval sprints already. Now I also know this will "will help you consume more oxygen and make your cell powerhouses, the mitochondria, work harder to burn energy."
Omega Three I get in a supplement because I'm not really a fish eater at all.
Muscles- We all know about my obsession with Body Pump. Turns out the more muscle the more fat you burn. So I'll keep at the weights.
Green Tea- Totally addicted. I even have this adorable mug I got at Old Navy I use for my daily 3pm Tea Break. I'm currently drinking green tea with lemongrass. I don't come close to drinking the suggested amount... but drinking it at 3 keeps me from hitting the vending machine for my Twix addiction.
Eating Breakfast- this is hard for me because I HATE eating breakfast. I've found a smoothie or half a serving of oatmeal work best for me. Both are filling and nutritious but not too heavy. But it's really hard for me to eat before I workout in the morning so sometimes I'll just start with some stringcheese to get the metabolism going.
Going organic- I've talked about this before... I started eating cleaner because of my autoimmune disease and now I can't imagine going any other way. It helps me eat more veggies and my platelets are still good (knock on wood.)
Eat more protein- I'm addicted to string cheese, peanut butter, falafel and hummus. If I snack it's a protein snack. Turns out it could burn more calories to digest protein than other foods. So win!
So I'm hoping all the stuff I've been doing is going to keep boosting up my metabolism... we'll see if the gut keeps shrinking.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Looking Good Naked
I read a great article the other day, about the pressure on women to work out to look thin, to look good naked, fit into a smaller dress... be thinner and be happier, etc.
Here it is from one of my fave sites, Jezebel.com.
Just days after reading it I got this Cosmo in the mail-
It doesn't just have Ashley Greene's boobs preacariously close to falling out of her shirt... but promises a workout that will help you look leaner naked in just 14 days!
It is irksome to see so many women's magazines pandering to our insecurities to sell magazines. Hell, I'm guilty b/c of my Cosmo subscription (it ends next month and I didn't renew) but it still annoys.
I mean, yes, I don't have completely altruistic purposes behind getting in shape. I want to be healthy of course and I want to be thinner, look better naked, all that jazz. But to boil all women's rationale down to being more attractive to possible love matches is insulting.
So I'm going to keep hitting the gym and the treadmill and keep at it for my own reasons.
And eventually it will probably make me look better naked too.
Here it is from one of my fave sites, Jezebel.com.
Just days after reading it I got this Cosmo in the mail-
It doesn't just have Ashley Greene's boobs preacariously close to falling out of her shirt... but promises a workout that will help you look leaner naked in just 14 days!
It is irksome to see so many women's magazines pandering to our insecurities to sell magazines. Hell, I'm guilty b/c of my Cosmo subscription (it ends next month and I didn't renew) but it still annoys.
I mean, yes, I don't have completely altruistic purposes behind getting in shape. I want to be healthy of course and I want to be thinner, look better naked, all that jazz. But to boil all women's rationale down to being more attractive to possible love matches is insulting.
So I'm going to keep hitting the gym and the treadmill and keep at it for my own reasons.
And eventually it will probably make me look better naked too.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Project Update
So... my event was over the weekend and I managed to tighten up all over and tighten my legs to help enhance my sexy Mad Men Dress... here's how it turned out that night... photo by Mems.
Yes, I'm in the middle of telling her how to take the picture when she took it.
Cutting back on carbs, salt and sugar really helped me feel a little more confident and have a ton of fun at Divas.
Now to find another occasion to wear my fancy dress.
Yes, I'm in the middle of telling her how to take the picture when she took it.
Now to find another occasion to wear my fancy dress.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Project
First... lets talk about this dress:
It's cute right? Black with black lace overlay, lace sleeves and just enough shape that I don't look like I'm wearing a black potato sack.
It's got a 60's Mad Men feel that I can't wait to accessorize up for the DIVAS concert this Saturday.
Wait... you don't know what DIVAS is? Go here and buy a ticket: H.O.P.E.
Now... back to the dress. It fits, could be a bit looser and my legs could be a bit more toned to make the mini-aspect of it look better. So I'm giving myself a project. Let's put all those "Lose Weight Fast" articles to the test and see if I can look a little sleeker while schmoozing.
So I read up and these are the general notes on dropping a few pounds quickly...
1- cut carbs: recommended for a short time, not a lifestyle change. I'm already off white flour and bread... so no rice or quinoa pasta this week.
2- Limit salt... I should probably be doing this all the time. I don't know if I eat lots of salty foods or my body is just sensitive to it, but I can feel the salt bloat as soon as I eat something salty.
3- No Soda- Been there, done that
4- Up the cardio. Hit the gym today for 45 on the elliptical... treadmill tomorrow... basically I'm planning at least 45 of cardio every day till show time.
Let's see if I can get model-hot by Saturday.
Also, who knows what kind of shoes I wear with my Joan Holloway dress?
Friday, July 23, 2010
New Horizons
In my list of 28 things to do while I'm 28 I mentioned being a more adventurous eater. My immune system had a bipolar breakdown and I'm on a fairly restrictive diet. Perfect timing right?
But I'm trying not to let it keep me from going for it... taking a cue from my bulldog... I'm pretty tenacious when I set a goal. out.
So the other day I hit up the crepe place downtown (www.modscrepes.com) and ate crepes and gelato for the first time ever. Both were delicious. I'm a sucker for anything made with artichoke hearts. I could eat them all day everyday.
In fact the new diet is kind of forcing me to branch out more... and cook a lot. I like to think of myself as a hybrid of Martha Stewart and Chelsea Handler... I cook and curse liberally. Plus I love vodka.
But while I think that... my experience in the kitchen not so great.
A few years ago my best friend at the time and I were having a Gilmore Girls watching party and I decided to make a Gilmore themed meal for us. So I consulted Mems' cookbook and whipped up some homemade macaroni and cheese along with some crispy bacon and a dessert of mallowmars. Best intentions... not the best results.
As we sit down to eat and watch our favorite fast talking mother/daughter team I took a bite of the mac and cheese and promptly spit it out. My pal persevered and kept eating, telling me with a smile plastered on her face that it was good. She had food poisoning for days. As far as I know I've improved since then... at least I've never made anyone else sick.
Now, my pantry is full of quinoa and millet (yes, I eat birdseed-it's good for your spleen) and my recipe book is full of daring macrobiotic recipies... and my friends and family are under strict orders not to eat it. I only want to sicken myself... no more victims.
But I'm trying not to let it keep me from going for it... taking a cue from my bulldog... I'm pretty tenacious when I set a goal. out.
So the other day I hit up the crepe place downtown (www.modscrepes.com) and ate crepes and gelato for the first time ever. Both were delicious. I'm a sucker for anything made with artichoke hearts. I could eat them all day everyday.
In fact the new diet is kind of forcing me to branch out more... and cook a lot. I like to think of myself as a hybrid of Martha Stewart and Chelsea Handler... I cook and curse liberally. Plus I love vodka.
But while I think that... my experience in the kitchen not so great.
A few years ago my best friend at the time and I were having a Gilmore Girls watching party and I decided to make a Gilmore themed meal for us. So I consulted Mems' cookbook and whipped up some homemade macaroni and cheese along with some crispy bacon and a dessert of mallowmars. Best intentions... not the best results.
As we sit down to eat and watch our favorite fast talking mother/daughter team I took a bite of the mac and cheese and promptly spit it out. My pal persevered and kept eating, telling me with a smile plastered on her face that it was good. She had food poisoning for days. As far as I know I've improved since then... at least I've never made anyone else sick.
Now, my pantry is full of quinoa and millet (yes, I eat birdseed-it's good for your spleen) and my recipe book is full of daring macrobiotic recipies... and my friends and family are under strict orders not to eat it. I only want to sicken myself... no more victims.
Friday, July 9, 2010
It's time...
The time has come for me to say farewell to meat and dairy. Come Sunday both will reside in the "forbidden" zone along with white bread and flour.
It is the final phase of Macrobiotics. The phase that will allegedly control my immune system and supposedly melt away pounds. While the weight thing will be an added benefit, I'm more concerned with my platelets for you know wanting to feel normal and not at risk to bleed to death.
So, one more weekend of eating my fave foods then strictly rice, quinoa, millet and beans and veggies. I'm not too worried about it. I just know I will miss cheese.
I love cheese like a fat kid likes cake. I'll just have to think of all the things I'll be able to do when I have platelets when I feel especially hungry for dairy or meat.
Like maybe a ceremonial tattoo? Or a dangerous rock climbing excursion when a bump on the head is no longer lethal.
Or maybe a pint of vodka to drink when my blood isn't too thin for alcohol.
It is the final phase of Macrobiotics. The phase that will allegedly control my immune system and supposedly melt away pounds. While the weight thing will be an added benefit, I'm more concerned with my platelets for you know wanting to feel normal and not at risk to bleed to death.
So, one more weekend of eating my fave foods then strictly rice, quinoa, millet and beans and veggies. I'm not too worried about it. I just know I will miss cheese.
I love cheese like a fat kid likes cake. I'll just have to think of all the things I'll be able to do when I have platelets when I feel especially hungry for dairy or meat.
Like maybe a ceremonial tattoo? Or a dangerous rock climbing excursion when a bump on the head is no longer lethal.
Or maybe a pint of vodka to drink when my blood isn't too thin for alcohol.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Going Macro 2: brown rice boogaloo
So... I'm about 10 days away from phase 2 of going Macrobiotic. That means in addition to the no flour or processed grain I will be adding Dairy and potatoes to the list.
I've been going through my pantry and cookbooks and getting things ready. This has meant some trips to the grocery store... some new jars for storage in the cabinet and some adorable labels. I'm like Martha Stewart if she said fuck a lot.
I've also broken out my wok again, made some delicious stir fry the other night. It's much easier to get back into the macrobiotic eating now that I've done it again. It's really just a matter of looking up recipes and remembering what I can and can't eat. I think it helps that I've been cooking more too.
On the plus side, the diet is putting me in line to being the next Gwyneth Paltrow... minus the pretentious accents and the weird kid names. Basically just blonde and a wierd eater.
Maybe macrobiotics will help me land a rock star?
I've been going through my pantry and cookbooks and getting things ready. This has meant some trips to the grocery store... some new jars for storage in the cabinet and some adorable labels. I'm like Martha Stewart if she said fuck a lot.
I've also broken out my wok again, made some delicious stir fry the other night. It's much easier to get back into the macrobiotic eating now that I've done it again. It's really just a matter of looking up recipes and remembering what I can and can't eat. I think it helps that I've been cooking more too.
On the plus side, the diet is putting me in line to being the next Gwyneth Paltrow... minus the pretentious accents and the weird kid names. Basically just blonde and a wierd eater.
Maybe macrobiotics will help me land a rock star?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Signs of Progress
So the platelets are up a bit... and I'm on day 3 of phase 1 of Macrobiotics.
I miss bread and flour based foods... but I cheated today for one of Emily Sinovic's amazing brownies. I'm sure I'll pay for it later.
Homemade veggie soup with brown rice for dinner. I'm also slowly working my way through the food I have that I won't be able to eat when I go to phase two of macrobiotics.
I'm also doing well with the new mindframe "Looking good is feeling good." I've worn make up and non-sweats to work everyday this week and I haven't snapped at anyone or made them cry. So that's a win.
Also working on getting more organized and managing time better. It's not good to keep being distracted by shiny objects.
Taking it easy tonight... setting the alarm early to get back on my morning workout schedule.
I've found working out early makes me less bitchy. It's that or hit the Vodka with breakfast.
I miss bread and flour based foods... but I cheated today for one of Emily Sinovic's amazing brownies. I'm sure I'll pay for it later.
Homemade veggie soup with brown rice for dinner. I'm also slowly working my way through the food I have that I won't be able to eat when I go to phase two of macrobiotics.
I'm also doing well with the new mindframe "Looking good is feeling good." I've worn make up and non-sweats to work everyday this week and I haven't snapped at anyone or made them cry. So that's a win.
Also working on getting more organized and managing time better. It's not good to keep being distracted by shiny objects.
Taking it easy tonight... setting the alarm early to get back on my morning workout schedule.
I've found working out early makes me less bitchy. It's that or hit the Vodka with breakfast.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Flour Power
Have you ever read the ingredients of everything you eat before you eat it?
I'm in that zone this week. It's day one of flour free in the macrobiotic zone. No white or wheat flour, no baked grain. The bulk of my diet is now rice, quinoa and millet. I have rice soaking now to cook tomorrow night for dinner.
Dinner tonight was some roast and fresh peas and corn. Tomorrow it's rice and black beans and veggies. Gotta get used to planning meals and cooking ahead. I'm getting there.
I'm also starting now to incorporate more macrobiotic recipes and foods into my diet. I had Polenta for dinner last night, whcih was interesting. Holly and Brigid gave me some other polenta suggestions so I'm going to try it again this week.
I will say just in one day of not eating flour or processed breads I feel a difference... it's weird. The book warned me about different detox through every phase of making the macrobiotic switch.
Also... jumped back on the treadmill tonight. Got a good run in, got really sweaty and gross.
I know, I'm making you all jealous of my sweaty beauty.
Back to the doctor tomorrow for more lab work... so they can take vials of blood and see if my platelets are back.
Think good thoughts dearies.
I'm in that zone this week. It's day one of flour free in the macrobiotic zone. No white or wheat flour, no baked grain. The bulk of my diet is now rice, quinoa and millet. I have rice soaking now to cook tomorrow night for dinner.
Dinner tonight was some roast and fresh peas and corn. Tomorrow it's rice and black beans and veggies. Gotta get used to planning meals and cooking ahead. I'm getting there.
I'm also starting now to incorporate more macrobiotic recipes and foods into my diet. I had Polenta for dinner last night, whcih was interesting. Holly and Brigid gave me some other polenta suggestions so I'm going to try it again this week.
I will say just in one day of not eating flour or processed breads I feel a difference... it's weird. The book warned me about different detox through every phase of making the macrobiotic switch.
Also... jumped back on the treadmill tonight. Got a good run in, got really sweaty and gross.
I know, I'm making you all jealous of my sweaty beauty.
Back to the doctor tomorrow for more lab work... so they can take vials of blood and see if my platelets are back.
Think good thoughts dearies.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
First Steps
Broke out my "Hip Chicks Guide to Macrobiotics" to get preparations underway for the big switch.
So the first step starts tomorrow with the changing of the grain. So I've dug out the rice cooker and my bags of brown rice; and started digging through recipes. Hit the grocery store and got my supplies.
Tonight I had an almost entirely macrobiotic dinner. Italian herb polenta, steamed broccoli and spinach salad. My ranch dressing was the only non-macro food item. It was pretty yummy, but I'm going to have to get used to the polenta texture.
Tomorrow I'm off the feeling sorry for myself parade and hitting the gym, ditching the sweats and raiding my own closet to look good, I'm a firm believe that if you look good, you'll feel good.
So the first step starts tomorrow with the changing of the grain. So I've dug out the rice cooker and my bags of brown rice; and started digging through recipes. Hit the grocery store and got my supplies.
Tonight I had an almost entirely macrobiotic dinner. Italian herb polenta, steamed broccoli and spinach salad. My ranch dressing was the only non-macro food item. It was pretty yummy, but I'm going to have to get used to the polenta texture.
Tomorrow I'm off the feeling sorry for myself parade and hitting the gym, ditching the sweats and raiding my own closet to look good, I'm a firm believe that if you look good, you'll feel good.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Clean, Schmlean
My love affair with summer continues. Lots of locally grown fruits and veggies, organic meats and water... it's yummy and full of flavor without much cooking effort.
You see, I am not a good cook. Just the other day I was chopping tomatoes for my dogs and I chopped off part of my thumb. This just shows that I can't do the simplest task in the kitchen... and that my dogs love tomatoes.
So in my quest to get fit I'm also attempting to get more comfy in the kitchen and with a bigger variety of foods.
Last week I ate my first mango, it was delightful. My goal is to try a new food a week... something from the Farmer's market or even out at a restaurant. I need to be more daring.
That could be said for life and my eating habits I suppose.
Another reason I've been doing it is to eat more clean. I've been doing it a few weeks and I can tell a huge difference in how I feel and my energy.
Here's an interesting article that has a little more about cutting back on processed foods: http://bit.ly/bMvXYl
Now, my food is clean... but my house is a pit. I can only be so clean.
You see, I am not a good cook. Just the other day I was chopping tomatoes for my dogs and I chopped off part of my thumb. This just shows that I can't do the simplest task in the kitchen... and that my dogs love tomatoes.
So in my quest to get fit I'm also attempting to get more comfy in the kitchen and with a bigger variety of foods.
Last week I ate my first mango, it was delightful. My goal is to try a new food a week... something from the Farmer's market or even out at a restaurant. I need to be more daring.
That could be said for life and my eating habits I suppose.
Another reason I've been doing it is to eat more clean. I've been doing it a few weeks and I can tell a huge difference in how I feel and my energy.
Here's an interesting article that has a little more about cutting back on processed foods: http://bit.ly/bMvXYl
Now, my food is clean... but my house is a pit. I can only be so clean.
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