July 22, 2010
Supplements: Protein and Grape Seed Extract
I have become more aware that my diet is nutrient deficient. Of particular concern is the fact that I get very little protein because I don’t eat meat. My ex-bf, L, is also a vegetarian and he has been having some health issues of late related to his diet. According to him, he has the beginnings of retinal detachment because of a lack of protein consumption.
This has me VERY worried (about him and about my own nutritional needs). I have decided to get most of my protein from protein shakes. I picked a premade chocolate protein shake to start with, but next month I think I’ll be brave and try using the protein powder in my own smoothies.
I also plan to pick up a bottle of grape seed extract. This herbal supplement may help smooth skin and it protects against skin cancer. The real stuff is chalk full of antioxidants, but I may need a way to get my daily dose of proanthocyanidins even when grapes aren’t in season. An article I read stated that people should have 150-300 mg daily. I currently consume 0 mg daily. No bueno.
July 21, 2010
New Starbucks Discovery
I’ve finally found a new drink! Sweetened passion fruit iced tea 
It’s so good in this heat! I also have the gold card so after making 15 transactions, I get a free drink. At only $1.60 per tall, the tea is a more affordable way to reach my 16th freebie!
Drinking tea is also a great way to lose some weight (especially if it isn’t sweetened). I often prefer to drink my calories. In fact, in an attempt to drop some weight, I’ve decided to only have liquids after 7 P.M. for the next seven days.
July 19, 2010
Weigh In #3
Finally, I’ve managed to lose a couple of pounds! -2!
This is somewhat surprising considering how much I’ve been eating lately. Next week I’d like to try a more extreme diet since I really need to drop 8 more lbs by the end of the month!
- Liquid diet?
- No carbs?
- 4 Foods diet?
- Paleo diet?
- Slim fast?
Not sure yet, but I’ll figure it out by the end of the week.
July 12, 2010
Weigh In #2
No change again! Clearly basic exercises are not cutting it.
I did arm exercises on 7/8, 7/9, 7/12, and will do them 7/13
- 10 curls (R & L)
- 10 lifts (R & L)
- 10 triangles behind the back
- 10 knee bends x2
- 10 pushups
But I’m going to have to change something (diet and exercise) to see a difference.
Diet Change: I’ve decided to stop consuming french fries and onion rings. I tend to crave these at the end of a long evening even though I KNOW how bad they are.
Exercise Change: Jog at least twice a week!
July 11, 2010
Keep Chugging That H2O
At the hospital I encourage patients to drink as much water as possible. Even though it’s terribly hot lately, they still don’t want to drink water! They all want soda!
I have no idea how to get people interested in water. Saying, “It is GOOD for you” doesn’t seem to be enough. H2O helps you lose weight, have better skin, and helps keep the organs in good shape. Even if they know about the endless benefits of drinking water, they are locked into their soda drinking habits!
One of the few things I agreed with with in Skinny Bitch was that soda is “liquid Satan.” It makes you FAT! It’s bad for your teeth and bad for your digestive system. While I admit I do enjoy the occasional Strawberry Italian Soda or Orange Fanta, I’ve managed to avoid a sugar drink addiction. Some of my friends have become hooked on Diet Coke (or worse, Redbull or Monster Energy Drinks).
When I have children, I’m not even sure if I will keep soda in the house. That may seem crazy, but it’s like a drug for some people and I do not want to establish unhealthy habits. I’m going to serve water with every meal, pack water bottles, and tell them to keep chugging!
July 8, 2010
Beginner Chef: Cabbage Rolls
Here’s a new recipe I’m planning to try this weekend. I’ll probably modify it a bit because it seems to call for an unhealthy amount of cheese!
Ingredients:
- 1 large cabbage
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil or thyme
1. Core cabbage and place in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2. Set aside and let leaves cool.
3. Stir rice, mozzarella cheese, and herbs together in a bowl.
4. Place 3 tablespoons in the center of the leaf and roll it up (fold the edges as you roll).
5. Preheat oven to 350. Place rolls in baking dish.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
7. Dice tomato and sprinkle pieces on top.
8. Bake for 10 min and serve immediately.
July 1, 2010
Beginner Chef: Carrot Salad
This is a really simple side dish that adds some bright color to a meal!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Stir and serve! Simple!
Dietary Supplements
I remember watching a scene in the 5th Element, a futuristic scifi movie, where the girl pops a plate of pills in the microwave and removes a plate piled high with food. Well, in a sense, we’re not too far from that.
I know that it is MUCH better to get nutrients from foods we eat; however, I also know I don’t eat a well-balanced diet and I’m certainly not getting all the vitamins I need. This is where I can get a little boost from GNC.
In a previous post, I mentioned an interest in B12 and today I picked up a bottle of Spirulina. This blue-green algae is supposed to be packed with good nutrients! The label states Spirulina “promotes immune health and provides antioxidant benefits.”
In an effort to live healthier, I am going to make a real attempt to start drinking tea and taking Spirulina!
June 30, 2010
ADDICTED to Starbucks!
I have a drinking problem. A caffeine dependency! Usually, I stick to my normal white mocha in the winter and iced vanilla latte or iced caramel macchiato in the summer, but today I tried something new… an iced tuxedo (aka white and black).
Starbucks Tuxedo:
- half regular mocha &
- half white chocolate mocha
It was a nice change, but tomorrow I’m reverting back to my regular favorites.
I know this dependency isn’t good for my waistline, but unless I hit +10, I’m going to keep enjoying life one mocha at a time.
