I'm usually needing motivation for eating healthy for the week by mid-afternoon on Monday.   This is when I get a twinge for something junk-y washed down with a diet pepsi.

My current plans have me eating a snack around 3pm so that this doesn't happen.  I also find that if I don't plan out what to eat in advance, I will usually grab something that might be questionable in its nutritive properties. 

So bring on a smoothie....  They are healthy, versatile, quick and easy with minimal clean up, at least at my house.

I have to admit that I do tend to like the familiar, so my ingredients haven't really evolved over the years a great deal. 

I start with raw milk kefir that I make.  I'm now adding some pomegranate juice for additional nutrition as it seems to be so good for you.  I do buy a 100% juice, organic brand.

To this I add frozen blackberries and organic bananas.  As this is all a bit carb heavy for me, I balance it out with some additional protein powder.

This is just what I use, but you can add in pretty much anything that you like. 

Blend until the texture suits you, and enjoy...  just make sure that you don't over-do it and drink too much!  They maybe good calories, but you still don't want too many.  I prefer my smoothies freshly blended so to avoid having too much, I just make sure that I keep the kefir and milk at an appropriate amount.

Today was my first goal day for losing weight.  I didn't make my goal.  I barely even made half of it, but I did lose 6 pounds.  Not bad for 4 weeks, I guess.

What I think I did right was to exercise, eat whole foods, break some bad habits, and to keep a good attititude.  I didn't really starve myself.  I ate chips and salsa one night for dinner even, and I did it without feeling any guilt.

I could attempt to eat no carbs or exercise for 2 hours  day, but when I quit I would only gain back what I had lost, and where's the point in that?

I've cut back a bit, and have made some healthier life decisions that needed to be made.  For me, these were the hard things.  I think it is healthy to give myself time to realize that I can live without certain crutches in my life.

So... the opportunities for improvement are to take exercise to the next level...

Focus on eating better.  I've been reading alot on the science of eating, and there is so much to learn.  I need to watch the

Get more sleep.  I'm usually up until 1-2am and this is no good.

Continue supplements and enzymes.... I've seen a big difference with these.

My goal for this month is another 6 pounds.  I used to could slam this off in no time, but right now, I'm wanting to make sure that the changes I make are permanent and not just for the sake of a number.

I have to admit that I hate breakfast.  As much as I love food, I hate the thought of eating until close to noon-time.

I've heard all my life that you need to eat breakfast.... that it's the most important meal of the day... that it gets your metabolism going.

But that still didn't change my mind.  If I'm watching calories, and carbs, they will only be increased if I add another meal, right?

I've been looking more at the science behind eating and in meal spacing lately.  This all was actually brought on when I saw some tv thing on the science of obesity and they discussed Sumo wrestlers in Japan.

I saw way too many similarities between my eating and the diet of the Sumo.  For instance... the Sumo gets up early and then exercises and stresses his body without eating any food.  Then after exercise he overeats and then crashes for a while and then eats some more.

I was finding that despite not eating breakfast I was letting myself have a little bit more to compensate for missing it, to the point to where I was overeating.

The body needs, I've found thru my research, to eat soon after waking, and then about every 3-5 hours during the day.  I've cut out night time snacks as well....

So, what then is for breakfast?  I figure that if I'm going to have more than a cup of coffee, then it had better be good, and this is what I've recently found for inspiration....

I made some whole wheat bagels.  Spread that with some herbed cream cheese, and then topped it with some salmon that I smoked myself in my new stovetop smoker. 

It's healthy, natural, yet enjoyable enough to make breakfast interesting....

When I was in nursing school I had to take a bunch of psych classes and spend time (working) in a mental hospital.  This was not one of the better times in my life as being around the depressed and discouraged tends to be a downer.

The one thing that I got from it was the concept of guilt.   Guilt seems to be the defining characteristic in many mental illnesses.  Many people are so overburdened by guilt, while others feel none.

I actually profess to feel none on most occasions, but just so I'm not within the sociopath range for diagnosis, I will be willing to admit to a twinge of guilt for actually forgetting about blogging.

I was thinking that I have some things to post, but don't have the time or inclination.  I'm old and it's all the same, old, tired stuff anyway.  Who really cares? 

But then, after not logging on in a couple of weeks, I check it out, and for whatever reason, there are still people checking this site out.

I don't really know a whole lot, or do anything interesting, but I am constantly amazed and surprised at the world around me and how after all these years I am still learning.

So.... maybe I can find some time and inspiration to share a little bit of the randomness of my day.  Thank you, who ever you are, for stopping by.....

Couldn't find you on FB (looks like you left) and wanted to send this out to you....

The fleet foxes are interesting... very different sound......

I've said in the past that I'm really not the best cook.  I think the reason I've always said and believed that is because so much of what I've made is bland and straight-forward... not alot of frills.

That only leads to room for improvement.  I've been reading alot of cookbooks and going to some cooking classes, and I've discovered something that was new to me and has made a huge difference.

I use herbs for teas and tinctures, but alot of what I cook tends to just be seasoned with the old stand-bys.... salt, pepper, chili powder and some garlic.

These are fine, but don't always offer alot of depth and flavor.  At Breadbeckers I was introduced to seasoning blends by To Market To Market.  I thought that it was such a waste to buy packs of seasoning of dried vegetables and herbs until I tasted the difference that they made.  I was amazed!

They are essentially dip mixes that you could find at the grocery store, but these are natural and contain no chemicals, preservatives or MSG.  I get them by the pound from Breadbeckers as I haven't found a cheaper place online.  My favorites so far are Eat Your Vegetables, and Roasted Red the Pepper Spread.  These make a difference even when you add just a tablespoon or so to beans or soups, or even as an addition to cream cheese as a bagel/bread spread.

My other change is that I have to admit to just using water to make soups in the past.  Maybe it was just the old vegan in me, or just laziness at making a stock.  Who knows?

 Now I always add some kind of stock that I've made to have on hand.  I make sure that these staples are always in stock at our house.  I really just can't believe the difference that some chicken or beef stock can make, and then you add in the seasoning mixes, and it is just amazing what wonderful depths of flavors you can easily achieve.

I have to admit that while I do make salves, soap, and various potions and the like, I am also addicted to certain things like lotions and lip gloss.  I'm not talking off the shelf at walmart either, though occasionally you can find something lovely and unique there as well. 

I'm a sucker for the different and unusual.  Sometimes it doesn't matter if works, but if it brings you some kind of happiness.  These are what have been making me happy lately.

My recent new love is korres.... it is a Greek company and their lotions and soaps take me to another place.  It really is quite more than a calgon moment.  These scents are beautiful, and have a real depth.  This sampler of scents in body butters and shower gels was the perfect introduction to this company that has a focus on natural.  I can't wait to try even more of their products.

And then there is lip gloss, which for me means smashbox.  There is nothing that can brighten a cold, dreary day like lipgloss, and it also works well on sunny days as well....

Now for the cleanse. 

I hate cleaning.  It tends to stir stuff up that is all nice and settled.  It makes for the unpleasant, but right now, it is required.

I also hate to take pills, but pill/tablets seem to be about all I do in my day right now, so I guess I best get over it....

I am using NOW Easy Cleanse, which comes with an AM and PM formula in the kit.  It is a liver and intestinal cleanser that isn't harsh or explosive (and you know what I mean).  You take 2 of the AM herbal capsules with a light breakfast, followed with 2 more of the AM formula later in the morning.  At bedtime you take 4 of the PM formula.  Remember that hydration with water is a necessity.

I've said in the past that I don't usually take vitamins/minerals with a cleanse, but right now it feels like my body really needs this supplementation.  I'm taking my vitamin and essential fatty acids at this time. 

The new addition is the use of enzyme therapy.  I think that this might be a key to how blah I've been feeling lately.  As you get older your body produces fewer and fewer enzymes on its own.  Eating raw foods can help, but still, specific foods require certain enzymes for assimilation.  I'm taking NOW Super Enzymes with lunch and dinner.

During this 2 week period of cleansing I'm also using NOW's Candida Clear and probiotic, Gr8-dophillus.  It's been a while since I've done a yeast cleanse, and yeast has been linked to so many health and wellness issues. 

So this is my chemical plan to taking control back over my body.  I do already tend to eat healthy, but little things tend to sneak up and become bad habits before we know it.  Sometimes you have to just sweep it all aside and start fresh, and that, for me, is now.....

Diet.... It's an ugly word, but sometimes you just have to use it.

I'm not doing anything strange or drastic.  I really have found that to get my metabolism burning and to lose weight I need to eat, I just need to eat with a purpose.

Years ago, about 13-14, I started the Zone diet for the first time, and combined with being active, I was able to maintain a healthy weight.

Alot of people have some issues with this diet as far at it being confusing, but I've been doing it so long it really is almost second nature.  There are alot of zone resources out there and the actual book has ALOT of science in it, which I do enjoy reading, but most people just want the actual diet plan and how to do it, not the scientific details.

It really boils down to portion size along with the content of the food.  You can eat anything, but you have to realize that all foods are not created equally.

40/30/30 is the ratio of carbs/protein/fat, and it is based upon your weight and activity level.

I spread the units (it's in the book) thru out the day, and I'm eating at 9am (I don't get up early), 12, 3pm, and 6pm.  If I've done really good and not eaten all my food, I'll have a snack at 9pm as well.

I'm also making a point to get my daily water.  This is hard for me as I do like my diet pepsi, but I find that if I'm exercising and eating healthy protein I am more thirsty for water as well.

I also don't plan cheat meals, like other trainers have recommended to me in the past.  If I want a cookie, then I have the prescribed amount according to its nutritional value along with some protein.  Then I count that against my daily points.  Not necessarily easy, but it works for me.....

I have to admit that while I hate the idea of exercise, I do actually enjoy it.  Most often my issue is finding the time to add it to my day.  It's easy when we don't have school, or I'm not working as much, but with our current schedules it is very difficult to arrange sometimes.

I have had gym memberships in the past, but again, taking the time to drive 20 minutes each way made it difficult.  Instead I decided on a different path.

Have you ever seen the Biggest Loser shows?  I actually have never watched it, but I know that it is where the morbidly obese go on a weight loss program and usually lose alot of weight.

I don't have but 20 or so pounds to lose, so I don't put myself into this category.

But I was at the store, and saw some dvd's by Jillian Michaels, who is a trainer from the show.  I figured that they would be easy since she deals with obese people, and that they were meant for that audience.

I was obviously confused.

These dvds are some of the most difficult workouts I've ever done, and that includes any class I've ever had at the gym.

The 30 Day Shred was the first one I tried.  It has 3 workouts, increasing in intensity, that are only 20 minutes long.  20 minutes, HA!. 

This will be the 20 worst minutes of your life, but somehow I keep coming back.  I've not even made it to level 2 yet, and it's been a couple of weeks.  I just keep saying over in my head that it's just 20 minutes.... I can do it!  You need free weights for this workout, as it combines multiple muscle groups for a maximum effect in minimal time.

Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism is the next dvd I tried.   I initially previewed it thru Netflix and was again surprised at how difficult it was. 

When I say difficult, the moves are hard, but not impossible.  She uses alot of old-school calisthenics that are just physically demanding.  There is alot of jumping and kick boxing moves and my heart is pounding, but in a good way.

Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism has a 50 minute workout that contains circuits of 7 minutes each; no weights or equipment are needed.  You can do the entire workout (which I'm proud to say I completed the first time) or do as many circuits as you can complete.

My goal is to exercise 5 days a week for 50 minutes at a time at a minimum.  This means that the days I do the 20 minute video I will do another 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical.

Some days, like today, are just 50 minutes of cardio as I can't move from doing the workouts for the past few days.  I'm letting the muscles rest, but I'm still getting in something.

I am proud to say that even with just a week or so of consist exercise, I've seen some major changes in definition.  The fat is still there, and I know it isn't going anywhere over night, but it is nice to have some intial payoff for working out.....

My plan in life right now is to be a loser.

I've got a specific goal in mind for a specific time.  I actually don't like the stress and pressure of telling the when and what, so there won't be any of the weekly weigh ins posted here.  I guess I'm too much of a perfectionist to relish in not making a goal.

My plan has 3 parts.... exercise, diet, and cleansing.  Apart from each other, they aren't so effective.  Together they really make me into a more unpleasant person than I can already be, but hopefully a thinner and healthier version as well.

I staggered integrating them so that I wasn't bombarded all at once.  Day 1 started with exercise, day 4 with diet, with the cleanse coming in the back door.

I think what I've noticed is that getting old really stinks.  I don't like my body being old or weak or worn out, but that seems to be what I've got.  In the past year or two my body has started changing in ways that are not normal for me.

I guess my fear is that it can get worse if I don't do something about it now.  Now really seems like a pivotal point.

So my focus is on improving metabolism.  I think that all of what I'm doing really focuses on this aspect.  I was initially thinking of parts, and specific issues, but I think that the body as a whole sees it as metabolism.

So over the next few days, I will bore you with the specifics of my plan.  They are not necessarily set in stone, but seem to be pretty effective so far.

I have to admit to being somewhat naughty.  This year for Christmas I got almost exactly what I wanted.  That is because I bought the gifts myself and the wrapped them, and placed them under the tree like my family had bought them for me.

Be that good, or otherwise.....

I now have a really cool, new stove-top smoker. 

I fired it up last night, and it was wonderful.  I didn't really season the meat (porkchops) as I wanted to see what difference it might make in the real taste.

The good is that you can really taste the smokiness and flavor of the wood chips, but it doesn't brown, so you would need to not do that, or do it in advance.

Next time I will definitely season a bit more as the smoke seems to really add to the flavor, not take the place of seasonings.....

.....................

First add the wood chips....

Next add the meat or veggies.....

Then place it stovetop on medium heat until smoke starts, and  then close it tight....

Today I finally went and pulled up the collards and decided to cook them.  To some of us, Jett and I, this was a good thing..... to Shawn, not so good.  But that is besides the point....

Collards might be a bit intimidating as they can be sold in such big packages at the store, or you might remember them as being yuck, but they can be yummy and easy to prepare if you have the time.

You can buy collards, or any green, already washed and cut, but I didn't have that option.  Jett and I cut them up ourselves. 

The main thing is that they need to be cut into pieces and washed well.  Most people recommend filling up your sink with water and washing them well before you start.  This bothers me on many, germ-filled levels, so I cut mine up first. 

To prepare them you need to remove the hard, center rib.  I either slash on either side of it, or fold the leaf over and do one cut removing the rib. 

I then cut what is left into managable pieces.

Washing them is easy to me in my salad spinner.  You could also just dunk them in a bowl of cool water and then lift them out or use a strainer.  I usually rinse them a couple of times and then just let them drain.

Before cooking you might want to gather all of the left-over stems and disgarded leaves and head out to the compost pile.  You'll be thankful come time to replenish your beds if you have a good compost to add.

How I cook collards, or any green.....

2 large bunches of collards (this will be alot)

1/4 pound of bacon (4-5 strips)

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, chopped

1/4 cup basalmic vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 cups of chicken stock (may use 3 cups stock and 1 cup bourbon)

salt and pepper sauce to taste

. Cook bacon in large, heavy pot over medium heat.

. Add onion and garlic, cook until golden.

. Add the vinegar and stir to scrape any pan drippings.

. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.

. Add the collards in small batches, stirring them until all the leaves are wilted and coated in the pan juices.  They will cook down in volume very quickly and you can get alot more in the pot than you thought you could.

. Add the stock.  My recipe actually calls for the bourbon-stock combo, but I tend to like bourbon a bit too much so I won't keep it in the house.  I would recommend Southern Comfort if you are so led.

. Add salt and pepper sauce and bring to a boil.

. Reduce to simmer and cover the pot.  Cook at least 2 hours until greens are tender. 

This is one of those ideas that is just too easy and just too cool.  I wish I could say that I came up with it, but I didn't.

I have always wanted to make crackers, but I don't want to spend alot of time on something that might not work, or might taste nasty.  This was quick and painless....

I made a 'normal' whole wheat (hard white grain) bread... instead of making loaves, I made them into baguettes.  These were probably 2 or so inches in diameter.

After they were cooked like normal, I let them cool and sliced them into thin-ish slices about 1/4 inch thick.  I then brushed each side with garlic oil and put them in my food dehydrator for a couple of hours on a medium heat setting until they were crisp and crunchy.

This was just too easy! 

The garlic oil is made by combining 1/3 cup olive oil, 4-5 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp (or more) of Italian seasoning.  Put this in a pan over medium heat and stir until the garlic sizzles.  Remove from heat and store if not used.

I'm using them as a base for hummus, a cheese ball, and, of coarse, spinach dip!

One of the perks of living in Georgia is that you can still garden in the winter....  Quite frankly, I am a pretty lazy gardener.  I threw some seeds out this past fall, and it amazes me that things actually grew.  Next week I'll be picking and eating my collards along with some kale and baby spinach that are shooting up.

This recipe actually was for a pumpkin cake, but because I went nuts and bought a ton of sweet potatoes on sale and needed to use them, mine ended up this way. 

They actually substitute pretty well in place of pumpkin, and I like the taste better as well.

2-1/2 cups soft white wheat flour

2 cups sucanat or brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon (or more)

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp cloves

2 cups of pumpkin (I cooked mine in the pressure cooker and then mashed it a bit)

4 eggs

1 cup olive oil

Blend together dry ingredients, make a well, and add the remaining wet ingredients.  Beat until smooth.  Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Frost when cooled with: 8oz package of cream cheese whipped with 1/4 cup of sugar (or honey, but I like mine white and it's not that much sugar).

Sorry the picture is messy, but I wanted to show a picture and we had eaten the whole thing except for this last piece.

Does God want us to be happy?  Does He want us to be joyful?  Or does He want us to live in sadness at the sin around us?

Sorry, but I don't have any real scriptures here, and maybe that's my problem, but these are some of the honest questions I've been asking myself lately.

In my neck of the woods there seems to be a somewhat angry debate about the validity of celebrating the holiday of Christmas.  There are those who consider it to be a pagan-inspired celebration filled with idolatry.  There are other who claim it as the birth of the Saviour.

Honestly, I want to pass no judgement either way.... I really don't care what you, under the leadership of your husband, choose to celebrate, or not celebrate, as the case may be.... 

I guess what does  bug me is that there is so much anger behind those who are defending whatever side they might be on...  This is what I don't get.

My perception is that those who choose not to celebrate seem offended by those who call themselves Christians and do celebrate; that they feel that anyone well-studied enough would 'get it'.  The other side is then offended as they are called ignorant.

I'm not for tolerating sin.  But this almost seems like one of those issues like homeschool, churches, and speaking in tongues.  What might be right for one, isn't always right for us all.  We all have different convictions and roles to play in the big scheme of things.

I would just encourage everyone to really live their convictions.... whatever they may be.  Debate and discussion will only make your decisions stronger, so I'm not against that.  It's just that sometimes we have to agree to disagree, and show love and respect to our Christian brothers and sisters. 

I guess in my naivete, I would like to think that God wants us to have a joyful and happy life.  I think He knows our time here on earth is a trial, but maybe he wants us to come thru it with a smile on our faces and in our hearts.  However you choose to spend the coming weeks, this is what I wish to you and yours:  a smile on your face and in your hearts....

I think that we often seek out the meaning in what we do on a daily basis, and to be relevant seems to be the catch-phrase of the moment.  I feel like we are told that every movement should have a reason and be a part of the plan.

I guess that would depend upon what your plan really is in life.  You see, I initially thought this post was about how most of what I do in life is really irrelevant.  But I'm afraid that I was mistaken.  I'm not doing anything new, but I'm focusing on the important people in my life right now.   To me, there is nothing more relevant. 

I've not posted any because I have nothing new to say.  I've not done anything new, or stupid that was worth putting out there.  I'm in kind of a strange place right now where things just are what they are.  I'm usually a planner, but right now I'm kind of in the now of this moment, and plans seem a bit futile and self-serving...

Tom Kitten was very fat, and he had grown; several buttons burst off.

Unfortunately Tom Kitten isn't the only one....

Last week at work I was asked what I had done different to my hair, as my face looked 'so round'.  And just tonight, in vain, after watching the Duggar vow-renewal/wedding re-do thing I decided to try on my wedding gown.  You don't actually think that it fit, do you?

It did... almost, it did, but in the end the zipper didn't go all the way up.

I've been complaining about being overweight for a long while now, but nothing has seemed to really work.  Maybe it's because I'm still overeating and using exercise as an excuse to eat more?  Sounds like a possibility, doesn't it?

So for the last two weeks I've taken a different approach that seems to be actually working.  Instead of eating PERFECTLY, as I feel I should do if I am dieting, I'm eating less.  Probably around 1500 calories a day.  I'm exercising, but not to the extreme.

So often I tend to have problems finding the middle road... I don't like normalcy or mediocrity, so I feel the need to go overboard with whatever I'm doing.  Maybe the middle isn't so bad.  Maybe it will be easier to stick with something that isn't so drastic.

I'm eating 3 small meals and 2 snacks during the day and getting some form of exercise 4-5 days a week.  I've been limiting carbs after 12noon, and really sticking with veggies at that time.  In fact, I've made my own 'diet' soup that is basically beef broth, and pumpkin broth (left over from pressure cooking pumpkin) and add in a bunch of veggies like green beans, kale, greens and onions.  I also add a ton of hot sauce for flavor as I love the stuff.  This, with a touch of parmesan, has been dinner for me most every night.

I may never be able to get into the wedding dress, but I think I'm at a pivotal point at this time.... one where if I put this off any longer things will only get more out of control and worse.  I guess it's really for me just about realizing what I can accept about myself, and this isn't something I'm just willing to accept...

One must realize that I don't blog for others, but for my own sanity.... I've had way too many 'general meanderings' that I wish I hadn't said in fits of my own personal insanities, but mostly it's because I write things down here, and at least I know where I can go to find them as my 'book' is constantly lost or I forgot to write things down.  Pretty much if you are reading this, then consider yourself reading my diary.... ha!  I am pretty confused that the number of you guys reading daily has maintained, and that the countries represented have increased as well.... I really don't get it, but I have to admit that as I am way too obsessed by numbers,  I find it pretty cool.... and I'm not like obsessed with the amount, but by the number.... just to give you a glimpse into my hopefully, well-hidden in person, OCD mind.

So if you've lasted thru the last run-on sentence/paragraph... I have a lovely pumpkin recipe for you.  A wonderful friend came over yesterday with pumpkins her husband had found (sorry, but that is another story).  We pressure cooked the jack-o-lantern sized thing in a couple of batches, and this is what I made today:

Easier than you think, and better than you think it will be:

Pumpkin-Broccoli Chowder

2 tbsp butter

1 red onion chopped

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 ripe tomato, chopped/peeled, (or cheat like I did and use about 1/4 cup of canned tomatoes

4 cups of chicken stock, or an equivalent liquid

4 cups of pumpkin puree'

1 tbsp honey

1 bunch of broccoli, cut into bites

1/4 cup of cream

• Saute onion in butter for several minutes until translucent
• add the soy sauce and tomato.  Cook stirring often until the tomato's juice is evaporated
• Add the chicken stock, pumpkin, honey and salt and pepper, and stir frequently
• Steam the broccoli for about 3 minutes until bright green
• Stir int he steamed broccoli to the soup and add the cream.  Let it cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot for about 8-10 minutes.  Do NOT let it boil.
• Serve hot.