Back on Track!

Hiya Tamales!

So my first "Sunday Start" was a success! After work, I slept for most of the day... but as soon as I got up- I went to the gym for my run.

Granted, that's all I did... my run, but I did do the 2 miles I set out to do in my weekly plan! It was at an easy pace (as outlined in Planet Running's schedule) - 5 miles an hour. Warm up was .25 miles at 3.5 miles an hour. As promised, here's the pic... as proof!

So I felt like a bit of a dweeb taking this pic, but let's be honest- IT'S A GYM- everyone is there to work on THEMSELVES, so that's what they're focused on... not me.

My knee started hurting around the 1.25 mile mark, but I'm not sure it's from Stairgate or just regular old age related dilapidation! I was tempted to stop and look for someones treadmill to photograph... but damn it! I kept on. I know, I know... it seems ridiculous (it's only 2 miles for God's Sake!), but I am, I think, by nature a quitter. Anyway- on the Even More Ridiculous front- I am looking forward to tomorrow's run because it's the short one of the week! I know... pretty sad.

Anyway- dinner will be the same as a few nights earlier (sans Indian feast)... the roasted cauliflower steak with some broccoli florets in balsamic...

Again, not the most interesting dinner in the world, but as I am heading to the gym in the morning, right after work- I think it's best to keep it light. Although, it just occurred to me that both of these cruciferae are PRETTY gaseous... not so ideal for the whole jumping up and down business involved in running... Screw it.

Green Monster today was brought to you by the following ingredients:

I thought you might like to know the caloric value of one of these anytime shakes!

2 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (Blue Diamond Almond Breeze): 80 cals

2 cups Baby Spinach: 10 cals

2 tbsp (1 serving) Ground Flaxseed: 90 cals

2.5 tbsp (1 serving) Organic Black Chia Seeds: 77 cals

1 tsp (1 serving) Spirulina Powder: 0 cals

1 cup Mixed Fruit (Caribbean Medley): 60 cals

1 tbsp Bee Pollen: 15 cals

Total Value: 323 cals- This is easily 2 servings! You can, of course, switch this up in a million ways!

Lunch- was one cup and a half of vegetable soup (seen a few blogs ago) with some Sriracha, a whole wheat bagel and a pear. I added WAY too much hot sauce to the soup, and ended up tearing up the bagel and soaking it like chewy croutons... now if only there was a pound of Gruyere on top! Lol..

Wanted to tell you guys about Nuval- it's a new nutritional system that ranks food on a system of 1-100 points. I first heard about it on the Carrot's n' Cake blog, Tina (the author) has started a new blog called Trading Up Downtown. According to their website: "Nuval Scores summarize comprehensive nutritional information in one simple number between 1 and 100. Each Nuval Score takes into account more than just the nutrition fact panel. It considers 30-plus nutrients and nutrition factors – the good (protein, calcium, vitamins) and the not-so-good (sugar, sodium, cholesterol). And then it boils it down into a simple, easy-to-use number; a number you can trust to make better decisions about nutrition in just a few seconds."

Food and nutrition trends change so often, wonder nutrients hit the shelves all the time- I wonder if this system will be able to keep up? Or does it make it redundant, and allow us to ignore fads and stick to the basics of food rather than let us get mislead and carried away by added ingredients/promoted features? After all of the reading I've been doing on the politics of food, I wonder if the assorted lobbying powers in the US will even allow this to develop to it's full potential? I mean, if you were buying a food based just on it's Nuval score- would you be inclined to disregard the ***Added Fibre*** or ***Now! With Omega 3s!*** splashes that we see so often on labelling? Would you even pay attention to the Nuval score if you were seeking out an ingredient or property of a food source? Are the consumers who are concerned about nutrition able to let someone else decide FOR THEM the value of a food? Can people (and lets be honest- I mean women, the one's who read lables and do most household shopping) get over calorie counting? Most importantly.... What will the Nuval score be for champies?

I guess time will tell, and maybe only the border hopping Canadians will ever have to consider the option!

It seems like an interesting idea to me... but so far is only available in the states. Price Chopper is one of the chains carrying the system, so maybe that's a good sign for us Canucks!

I'm on the waiting list for Micheal Pollan's new book Food Rules, and am really looking forward to another read by this author! He's a really excellent writer, with a pretty simple outlook on food: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants. Seems basic, right? Well, his previous books have detailed his principles on this topic- primarily the first part: Eat food. Pollan argues that many of the foods we consume now are 'food-like substances' (or something like that). That through the processing and manufacturing of food sources and the industrialization of the late 20th century- we have thwarted natures design and morphed perfectly fit foods into polymer laced tummy fillers. One of the authors key points (which was mentioned in In Defense of Food, 2008) was: If your grandmother wouldn't recognize it as food, don't eat it. I imagine Food Rules will add to that tenet other simple, easy to live by axioms. Pollan was on Oprah a few days ago (should have had the whole show as far as I'm concerned) promoting the book and he was as eloquent and articulate as ever.

I could go on and on about him, Eric Schlosser and most of the NY Times food writers, but I'll pace myself... this blogging thing could last a while!

Here's an intro article to Food Rules, as seen in Pollan's home publication, the NY Times.

Have you read any of Pollan's books? Do you have any books you'd recommend on food and it's associated issues? For that matter- any great recipe (vegetarian only pls) books that I should check out?

Are food politics something you're interested in generally?

Slainte!

Amanda

(Incidentally- wordpress seems to be screwing with my spacing in the latter half of MOST of my posts. Not sure why this is, and obviously, I have yet to fix this... please don't think I've had a stroke or just given up on the 'enter' key. It's just a weird error I'm trying to correct- I know it makes it tough to read!)

She's a Chia!

Hiya Punkies!

I had a little "talking to" from my friend Suz.. and I must admit I have been slacking. She knows it and I know it. Even some of the days I go to the gym, I just flake out. I know for me, it's an internal mechanism that sets me off on the motivation train... but not doing anything externally to trigger that is not only foolish, it's lazy. I do know, at least, that the last month has been MUCH cleaner than the previous 3 and that I have definitely set some ground work, upon which February will be built!

So, on this last day of the month, I'm going to change my usual pattern and start the plan on Sunday! No point in waiting!

First thing I'm tweaking is my workout and run plan. While I was "going by" the Planet Running schedule, I confess I hardly glanced at it after setting my goals, at the beginning of the month. This obviously lead to being aimless at the gym and running just enough to validate my time there. That is not what this is about and THAT sort of attitude and output is not going to help me reach my goals. THIS has to change!

In an effort to get more organized, I've taken Suz's cue and gone back to our old system of treating the gym time like any other appointment! I organized my Google calendar tonight and synced it with my Blackberry. Aside from existing social plans and my work schedule of course; I've entered a time block and mileage goal for each day I've planned for the gym this week.

In following with Running Planet's schedule (starting again at wk 1- I have enough time before 5k race);

Sunday: 2 miles
Monday: Rest ( Will do my Tues 1 mile due to work on Wed)
Tuesday: 1 mile ( Will do Wed 2 mile)
Wednesday: 2 miles (Rest day)
Thursday: Rest/ Xtrain (Hoping to do 2 mile outdoor run, no time to get to gym)
Friday: 2 miles
Saturday: 2 miles (Will rest if Thursday run is complete)
Sunday: 2 miles

At this point I'm doing an 11 min mile... working on endurance rather than speed. As the week progresses, I'll let you know if that improves. I think I might even be dopey enough to take pics of the treadmill display, so I can't fudge to you guys- or myself! I figure if the cast of Brampton Shore at my gym can load up weight benches with Blackberries and laptops and hair gel- no one will notice my wee camera in the water bottle slot on the treadmill!

Speaking of the Brampton Shore... I just KNOW how pleased you must be to see that Jersey Shore has been renewed! Warms my heart... although I'm still holding out for Snookin' for Love.

I've got a new addition for the Green Monster!


Finally I can include these little bullets into my morning shake! They don't add to the taste at all... just add even more goodness!

Chia seeds have become pretty popular lately, with more and more publicity every day. While I'd hate to say I fall for fads... I do, but this one seems to be substantiated by more than
QVC and a before and after layout of an airbrushed bombshell!

Apparently, the Chia grain was so valued by the Aztecs, it was used as currency!

According to the CTV article HERE, 3.5 ounces contains:

• the same amount of omega-3's as 28 ounces of salmon
• as much calcium as 3 cups of milk
• as much iron as five cups of raw spinach

Chia seeds typically contain 20% protein, 34% oil, 25% dietary fiber (mostly soluble with high molecular weight), and significant levels of antioxidants (chlorogenic and caffeic acids, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol flavonols). The oil from chia seeds contains a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid — approximately 64%.[4] Chia seeds contain no gluten and trace levels of sodium.[5] (Wikipedia)

Other than getting a little stuck in your teeth, chia seeds are little gems and dissolve quickly in any shake or yogurt or liquid.

On to solid food, as I sometimes like to do... I finally made 'cauliflower steaks' yesterday. Disappointing. I saw this recipe on It's Just Food, and thought it sounded pretty good (although I did not see the final results).

Cutting a cauliflower from the centre of the head, vertically, you slice 2 or 3 'chops'. Marinate these slabs in milk (I used soy) and some seasoning salt, garlic and hot sauce ( I used Sriracha). Let those veggie clouds soak for a few hours. Next step called for these to be pan fried (which I think MAY be an essential part of this recipe), but I baked them because I was at work. At 400 degrees for 30 mins- at around 25 mins, I topped the slices with about a teaspoon of parmesan cheese each.

It absolutely tasted good... I think I was just expecting the milk marinade to turn this into a vegetable I really like. Or a steak I could eat in good conscience. Ever take a picture of a star to the hairdressers and ask for that haircut and secretly think/hope you'll look like said celebrity when the cut is complete? Same effect

What goes better with a fractal... than a fractal? Topping off the plate was some roasted broccoli.

Next on the red carpet was some excellent Indian from Shan-E-Dabar. I ordered the Mattar Paneer and Malai Kofta with steamed rice and a plain naan.

It was delicious and it was the first time I'd ordered both the Kofta and Mattar Paneer. The mattar sauce was much more creamier than I expected, which was very tasty, but not so

healthy. It came with a spicy tikka-like sauce with peas. The Malai Koftas- as I read in the menu, sounded like little falafels, but as I perused some recipes during dinner- I see now they're made with potato and nuts and mixed veg. Again, very good, but not what I was expecting. Good thing I can roll with pretty much ANY good food!

Not sure what's on the menu tomorrow... because I have an APPOINTMENT at the gym, so less time to cook. Either way, it'll involve a green monster and something. Probably just some soup... maybe something incredibly exciting!

Do you find making appointments, or formalizing obligations to yourself helps to stick with the program?

Slainte!

Amanda

New Years... No beers!

"Happiness is too many things these days for anyone to wish it on anyone lightly. So let's just wish each other a bileless New Year and leave it at that". Judith Crist


Happy New Year Fireants!

While all of you lucky ducks were out cavorting last night... Ms. Champies n' Splints was working tirelessly away at the airport, ringing in the New Year with phones a ringin' and alarms a dingin'. We planned a little pot luck of munchies, to ease the pain of left-outedness... and toasted the birth of Baby New Year with some Ikea sparkling lingonberry juice! (thanks to Allison)

The afternoon shift was a calvacade of carbs...


Mozza Sticks could be one of the better things in this galaxy!









And then the sweets came out!




I annoyed the frick out of my colleagues as I ponced around taking pics of the food. I almost had my fingers bitten off a few times trying to feign off hungry men from cheesy appetizers... and all for the perfect shot! (I kid, I kid)

Needless to say, this whole photo thing is still VERY new to me. I hope you guys notice some improvements in the next while. I want to turn my Canon skills into Canon SKILLZ... (also, any comments or critiques of pics/settings/surroundings would be really helpful)

After eight hours of nought but food and chit chat... it was time for the midnight shift to begin! Thanks to CeeFlo and Allison, there were EVEN more treats for us poor plebes!





Looks pretty healthy right?

Wrong... This fruit plate was accompanied by some PRETTY AWESOME choco dipping sauce! It was also flanked by some Ketchup chips (my all-time fave), BBQ wings, cheese and crackers and various dips, spreads and goodies!

I know what you're thinking! This chick is SO full of it! Healthy Schmealthy! Yeah I know, I'm feeling the hypocrisy too! BUT... that was the last hoorah! It was just enough to push you over the edge... you know what I mean... that "I actually WANT a salad now" feeling. So as I sat in my best Al Bundy pose, surveying the remnants of all the unlucky vittle soldiers that were unfortunate enough to get in my way... I was surprised to receive a gift!



As if the Healthy Eating Gods themselves had smiled upon me! Allison brought an Organic Pea Shoot plant in for me! These came from Planet Organic, in Port Credit. I haven't been yet, but by all accounts, it's just as much a ShangriLa as Whole Foods! I am really looking forward to visiting!


While these precious little things only served as palate cleansers on this fateful night... they're going to make some awesome salad toppers and wrap fillers! With any luck, I can keep the plant going and keep them as a renewable treat!

So home for 5 hours sleep with this handsome man...

And it's been a healthier day already!

Breakfast was a broccoli soup w/ 1.5 cups of baby spinach




Dinner was some roasted veggies and rice from Mr. Greek (no pic- but I have witnesses LOL).

I hope you all had a fab New Year's Eve and are not feeling too dreadful today! I guess the ONE good thing about working over the party night of the year is: while so much of the world is wallowing in dens of Advil and greasy breakfasts while watching The Joy of Painting... I, er... I, um... I'd rather be doing that. Never mind.

Look forward to an ACTUAL running update in the next few days... training starts on the 5th! My training partner, Suz, and I are going to be using the Running Planet 5k plan to start... if anyone wants to play along! Its similar to the Hal Higdon plan, but at the culmination of the 12 weeks (which I think we'll shorten), you've covered a farther distance (5.4 k)


So... I want to know. Did anyone make any resolutions?

Slainte!
Amanda