tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272957122024-03-13T15:12:23.354-04:00Discovering PescetarianismJesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-34438798744511223182012-06-06T13:36:00.002-04:002012-06-06T13:37:29.192-04:00National Running Day! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNttsLupSHyWu_xxRfmCg2bqZm157N4oF74Dk4PI1NK2dwEGytA1W7kTWgDTzp10aNFVNpC_1F5dCZOtGlrgla1emEwJokO0mgYfHY1G0Atk7ISj88AE7TeuhEEvzsUZhM1pq9yg/s1600/woman-running-at-sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNttsLupSHyWu_xxRfmCg2bqZm157N4oF74Dk4PI1NK2dwEGytA1W7kTWgDTzp10aNFVNpC_1F5dCZOtGlrgla1emEwJokO0mgYfHY1G0Atk7ISj88AE7TeuhEEvzsUZhM1pq9yg/s320/woman-running-at-sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from: </span><a href="http://www.gmrunningprograms.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.gmrunningprograms.com/</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As many of you recall, I completed a half-marathon in November 2011. Set a goal, got off the couch and made it happen. It was like my personal couch-to-13.1 miles program. It was an amazing accomplishment and I'm so proud of myself for doing it. Since then, I haven't given a second thought about doing another one. Yes, it was great, but I feel like I did it, so I don't need to do it again... until this last week or so. I got to talking about my previous experience a bit and I realized that I need another goal and why not do it again!! I'm working on a few things and planning to register for a couple events near the end of the year.<br />
<br />
Since it is National Running Day, I thought I would share a few different event options for you that might get you into running/jogging/walking. This worked for me (registering for an event and training for it), and got me motivated. I still walk regularly (at least 3-4 miles per week) and I'm looking forward to building my mileage again to train for some events!<br />
<br />
Side note: I'm a walker. I don't run. I don't like running. I have no desire to run. I will, however, walk. I very much enjoy it and did walk the entire 13.1 miles of the aforementioned half-marathon. I'd love to do a post with some training suggestions/programs that I've used/looked into/researched but we all know how flaky I am about posting (sorry!) but here is one for walkers that I just came across today. Looks to be a great resource! <a href="http://www.marathonwalking.com/" target="_blank">http://www.marathonwalking.com/</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Charity Walks:</strong> These are great! There are tons and tons all over the country that are available all year round. Usually these walks are 3-5 miles, but I've seen some that are 10 or 30 - 60 miles over several days. An wonderful way to get yourself in shape while you train, possibly raise money for a good cause, and have a great time! <br />
Example: <a href="http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/PageServer?pagename=MSABC_FY13_National_StateEventListing" target="_blank">American Cancer Society Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk events</a> - There are tons more! Check with the charity of your choice or search online. I'm looking to participate in a <a href="http://dothelocomotion.org/event/" target="_blank">local charity event</a> that is 3 days / 30 miles total in September.<br />
<br />
<strong>5K or 10K races:</strong> Once you are ready to get a little more distance or a little more speed, check local running groups / sports shops for 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) races. Many cities have races like this around holidays or festivals. You can usually get a t-shirt and sometimes a medal too (you know I love free stuff!)<br />
Check out the <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/racefinder/" target="_blank">Runner's World Race Finder</a> (lists all types of races!)<br />
<br />
<strong>Half and Full Marathons:</strong> A half-marathon will cost you 13.1 miles of your life.. double that to 26.2 for the full. Guess what? It's not that horrible. There are tons of races available all over the country for marathoners. They usually have entertainment along the course and some fun event to celebrate at the end! I found this a great way to train. 13 miles might seem like a lot, but it's so easily doable - walking or running! Do watch out for time limits when you enter these events. Know your pace per mile and understand what pace you have to keep to stay on the course. Most that I have seen are 4 hours for the half and 7 hours for the full. That means you need to keep an 18:30 minute mile for the half and 16 mins for the full. You can do that!!<br />
Example: <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/" target="_blank">Rock 'N Roll Marathon Series</a> (this is the race I did last year in Savannah - sign up today to save $20!). Haven't decided if I will do this one again or if I will do the <a href="http://womenshalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Lady's Speedstick Half</a> that some friends are also doing. Also, use the Runner's World Race finder listed above to find events.<br />
<br />
<strong>Obstacle Course Races:</strong> Need some stuff to get in your way while you run? Try an obstacle race! These races usually combine a 5K with various obstacles along the way. Obstacles are usually designed based on military training and could be a challenge. Full of dirt, mud and fun, seems like an awesome time. I've been thinking about trying one of these, but don't have the guts (yet!!). <br />
Example: <a href="http://toughmudder.com/events/" target="_blank">Tough Mudder</a> Oh and there are ones with <a href="http://runforyourlives.com/" target="_blank">zombies</a> too!<br />
<br />
<strong>Triathlons:</strong> Need more than just a run? Want to swim and bike too? You are ready for a triathlon. With various distances, the triathlon includes a swim, cycle and run portion of the race. Some are in open water near a lake, river or ocean and some are held at a pool. These take lots of training but looks like lots of fun (I've spectated / volunteered a few, but haven't done one myself). <br />
Search online for triathlons here: <a href="http://www.trifind.com/" target="_blank">TriFind</a><br />
<br />
So find a race and get registered and start training! There are tons of options online for training programs. There are APPS for that too! Check out a local running group. Oh and above all... get GOOD SHOES! Find a store that will fit you and purchase good shoes. It is totally worth investing $80-$100 for shoes that will support you and help you not get hurt! Don't slack on that part. GOOD SHOES!Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-45471893551146868082012-02-10T06:19:00.000-05:002012-02-10T06:19:00.456-05:00Friday Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt1a2CUs_RygnOswkJD56d4ByiebonzW-ACpunZfwn8ID0qFpKdImU88QvSnRo4OoC3czLTT3XVX0JyLrb2w9v1JLTN_ExzsyNXuOHTsAJevTyAYsTHUTr-qqPkPwngeWNvhXgg/s1600/friday5.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt1a2CUs_RygnOswkJD56d4ByiebonzW-ACpunZfwn8ID0qFpKdImU88QvSnRo4OoC3czLTT3XVX0JyLrb2w9v1JLTN_ExzsyNXuOHTsAJevTyAYsTHUTr-qqPkPwngeWNvhXgg/s1600/friday5.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm going to try something new this Friday that hopefully I'll be able to stick with each week (no promises, but I'll try!). I read a lot of articles every week about tons of topics like fitness and food and sustainability and technology and whatever else I might come across in a week. I always want to share this info with everyone, but it's not usually a whole-post sort of thing. So why not combine them together, right? Here is the first installment of the Friday Five.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://grist.org/sustainable-food/2012-01-11-5-packaged-foods-you-never-need-to-buy-again/" target="_blank">Five Packaged Foods You Never Need to Buy Again</a> - A great article that I came across actually last week and I made stock last week too! These are five items (soup, stock, hummus, canned beans, and cereal) that are super easy to make at home so that you will save a few dollars and lots of nutritional benefits (like less to no chemicals!). It's a great starter list for anyone that is interested in more homemade options (like me)!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/tip-save-vegetable-scraps-for-67995" target="_blank">Save Vegetable Scraps for Stock</a> - In conjunction with making homemade stock last week, I did a little more digging and research. I came across this post that has a great list of veggies and how to save scraps in the freezer. I actually went out and bought brand new veggies to make stock, but now that I learned this method, there for sure is a freezer bag in my freezer!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-natalie-coughlin-food-nutrition-20120131,0,1282984.story" target="_blank">Olympian Natalie Coughlin on food: Eat healthfully, but enjoy it</a> - So happy to find this article, and super excited that it features Natalie Coughlin. This is my take on eating in a nutshell. Am I working hard at eating right and healthy? Yes. Do I splurge sometimes and get 'bad' foods? Yes. I'm not going to restrict myself so much that I'm miserable, but I'm sure paying attention to what goes in my body always. Lots of good foods... always!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://grist.org/sustainable-food/lexicon-of-sustainability-cage-free-vs-pasture-raised/" target="_blank">Cage free vs. pasture raised</a> - A quick article that talks about eggs. We've <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2011/09/lets-talk-about-eggs.html" target="_blank">covered these options before</a> and I really like the 'pasture raised' option. Oh.. and the pictures are awesome.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/02/01/5-steps-after-failing/" target="_blank">The 5-Step Plan to Success after Failing</a> - I've recently discovered the Nerd Fitness website and it's really cool. To me, it seems like real info, with a bit of humor, but not bullshit. Straight-up, here is how it is. They have a large community base too so it might be something you will be further interested. This article is awesome. Everyone fails and everyone needs a pick-me-up. These are great tips on how to get back on track and succeed.<br />
<br />Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-66100795595988561892012-02-06T06:37:00.000-05:002012-02-06T06:37:00.242-05:00Meatless Monday: Mediterranean Chickpea Stew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZQe1tPF2MBb_pW3LN_v3gPtUYlIsjFp-wuHn1Ovd-Z6-KQ9ZBd_TmB6HsgZ6wkWkvgCCTmkRaq5DHUy7JfLopqCuNWBXEUSh3Q62HSOOXcuLC2fMXRxUQrcMT0vIwKbsSau8eA/s1600/323661_3140444876745_1433610600_33141178_645346263_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZQe1tPF2MBb_pW3LN_v3gPtUYlIsjFp-wuHn1Ovd-Z6-KQ9ZBd_TmB6HsgZ6wkWkvgCCTmkRaq5DHUy7JfLopqCuNWBXEUSh3Q62HSOOXcuLC2fMXRxUQrcMT0vIwKbsSau8eA/s320/323661_3140444876745_1433610600_33141178_645346263_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="hasCaption">Mediterranean Chickpea Stew<br /> <br /> I posted this a couple weeks ago on my personal Facebook page, and since, I'm back into the blogging world, wanted to share with you. This has become an almost weekly staple meal at our house. This is another easy, almost one pot, meal that makes enough for a feast
and only takes about 30-40 minutes. Swing by the grocery store on your way home from work and pick-up the ingredients for dinner tonight.</span><br />
<span class="hasCaption">Bonus: It's vegan!<br /> Recipe here: <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/424" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.wholefoodsmarket.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>recipes/424</a></span>Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-54716722676804201592012-02-04T06:24:00.000-05:002012-02-04T06:24:00.776-05:00Fitness Recap and Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0VPK4uqcYo6tH7hlwqmvYbSJX-zsuJVoJHQ7hD9xtpCQpHkzjlpx09YLwmnz9JLDNYG63OySjg-w5G8nHX6iFeX-L-_4j6gPMBdiyHWVLqwJ7qMzgftvoS2HMcW7aKhZrKjf_Q/s1600/1206571762111003144johnny_automatic_NPS_map_pictographs_part_89.svg.med.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0VPK4uqcYo6tH7hlwqmvYbSJX-zsuJVoJHQ7hD9xtpCQpHkzjlpx09YLwmnz9JLDNYG63OySjg-w5G8nHX6iFeX-L-_4j6gPMBdiyHWVLqwJ7qMzgftvoS2HMcW7aKhZrKjf_Q/s200/1206571762111003144johnny_automatic_NPS_map_pictographs_part_89.svg.med.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I changed my diet to pescetarianism in January 2011, it only took a few months for me to realize that there were other aspects of my life that I could change as well. Since April 2011, when I got off the couch, my fitness regime consisted of stepping and other small exercises on the Wii Fit, work outs on the iPhone app Nike Training Club (NTC), and then weekly power walks in preparation for a half-marathon. Combined with my pescetarian diet and calorie counting (thanks to the LoseIt! iPhone app), I was able to lose about 25 lbs from April through August. August through November, I didn't do too much exercise except for those weekly training walks. I still watched my calorie intake and kept mainly with the pescetarian diet, but I wasn't pushing myself physically.<br />
<br />
I mentioned a few months ago that a friend and I were going to complete the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon in November... well we did! It was an awesome experience, but torturous at the same time. We walked the entire 13.1 miles and I won't lie, it was rough. The day was great as a whole though. The race started on Bay Street downtown Savannah and at 530 am in November, it's not warm. We froze our asses off until it was our corral's turn to start (corral 25 mind you.. the last one). Then we were off. We kept our pace the entire way and finished right where we (well I at least) had expected at just under 3:30. My body for sure knew that it had never walked that far before (10 miles was the longest training walk we did in advance) but we held in there and finished! I was so proud and exhausted and hungry! Still not sure if I ever want to do it again.... but we'll see.<br />
<br />
The following week, I got back into swimming. Possibly the best decision I could have made on my continued journey for health, fitness and weight loss. I started swimming competitively at the age of 6 and did so through 18. And then I stopped. As soon as I graduated high school, I never got back into the water, until November. A friend (who happens to also be my boss) invited me along to swim with her and some other friends (all amazing women and triathletes) to swim at the US Masters swim practice one morning at 5:30 am. As soon as I got back in the water, I felt at home.<br />
<br />
Well, ok, not immediately. The work-outs are generally about 3000 yards and it took me just about a whole month to get to where I could finish them. It wasn't until the first week in January that I was finishing them successfully (watching my intervals, actually building, etc). It was that moment when I felt like I was an athlete. I've been swimming 3 days a week and just love it. I'm so glad I got back into the water. I joined the Master team and I set a personal goal for myself to swim at least 250 miles this year. My new swimming friends have also almost got me convinced to compete in a triathlon (the swimming leg of a relay) in March. Wow... never thought that I would ever be at a place in my life that I would say that.<br />
<br />
I described myself the other day as a recovering couch potato. I've also told people that I don't take for granted that there is still a fat kid inside me (I powered through two.. yes.. two.. Krispy Kreme donuts on Wednesday). Although not the most positive outlook, those too ideas keep me moving and motivated. There's no short cuts or excuses and only accountability, consequences and successes. I'm looking to beef up my workouts (more swimming and additional land training in between) in the coming weeks and hopefully make 2012 just as successful.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-52524226716755623972012-02-03T09:07:00.000-05:002012-02-03T10:05:25.729-05:00More Apps! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q3h9gDv9_2jx__wUPbWF3jtjPsiyWcw6a2sTskOkpGNZYryEu_pNQhJccvbTnc78_BODRYxesIC6RKZWgDVNG76Ezl_QhY-gcLDyCBjXWdq6Cfn4Ky5IdcPR5WjJ8JmjpB4xEA/s1600/shutterstock_53586490-520x245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q3h9gDv9_2jx__wUPbWF3jtjPsiyWcw6a2sTskOkpGNZYryEu_pNQhJccvbTnc78_BODRYxesIC6RKZWgDVNG76Ezl_QhY-gcLDyCBjXWdq6Cfn4Ky5IdcPR5WjJ8JmjpB4xEA/s320/shutterstock_53586490-520x245.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: The Next Web</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In a sort of mind reading (or blog reading) move, <a href="http://thenextweb.com/" target="_blank">The Next Web</a> published an article that goes hand in hand with my <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-app-arsenal.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>! Ohh, I'm a trend setter apparently.<br />
<br />
Sacarsm aside, the article from the Next Web covers <a href="http://tnw.to/1D91J" target="_blank">10 fitness apps that will reshape your workout</a> and shares some really great apps. They've got LoseIt and Nike Training Club and a bunch more that I'm excited to check out. Do make sure before you pay for any of these apps, that you look at the images in iTunes and read the reviews. It appears some aren't as awesome as they may initially seem (in some people's opinions). <br />
<br />
I'd love to hear your feedback on any of these apps if you have tried or when you do try them.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-78479291958251700642012-01-29T13:02:00.003-05:002012-01-29T13:02:53.538-05:00My App ArsenalSo, it's been a while, huh? Hope everyone made it through all the holidays and is back on track for an awesome 2012! To get started this year, here's a little fun post that I hope you find useful.<br />
<br />
I am absolutely addicted to my iPhone and I've been using it to my advantage as much as possible for my fitness and health goals. Below are a handful of apps that I highly recommend and use regularly. My main app that keeps me on track is Lose It! Great for logging food, weight and exercise. Most of these are free (or has limited free versions and upgraded pay versions) and many may also be available on Android (I know Lose It! is!!).<br />
<br />
The first four apps listed below are my absolutely must haves! I use then all regularly and they have really helped me through my journey over the last nine months. The others, while I don't use regularly, are also amazing and helpful for various things. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3W20SYgGcEgtrg0O92ju83LM1Yu7GWpi402Il02ie53g3-SvVc6UIMXNYnfnke3oLP6V973APKxaeqN2FrvdCLKZG-8DE14FIwFLwtESSfO9Ta8GbMV_ZTGiHZg-inXvXO0sow/s1600/icon175x175.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3W20SYgGcEgtrg0O92ju83LM1Yu7GWpi402Il02ie53g3-SvVc6UIMXNYnfnke3oLP6V973APKxaeqN2FrvdCLKZG-8DE14FIwFLwtESSfO9Ta8GbMV_ZTGiHZg-inXvXO0sow/s1600/icon175x175.png" /></a><br />
<b>Nike Training Club - FREE</b><br />
http://www.nike.com/nikewomen/features/ntc?locale=en_US<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nike-training-club/id301521403?mt=8<br />
Nike Training Club is a training app that gives you your own personal
trainer, anytime, anywhere. Get lean, toned and strong with over 60
custom-built workouts featuring audio guidance and on-demand instruction
from a Nike Professional Trainer while you earn NTC rewards like Lea
Michele's exclusive workout. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeJ_VhoTWoU6ct4LL_hPeIJvO7Fom_CIHVsN2Y7ehxEelOIR4tgbUbrgcDrfhECtrSQG_4KdpRJzC39yNACQK_yyqKsWcgUZl9imBQ7scwcClvZF_WWII6jZh0PwmvGsps00bDQ/s1600/FooducateLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeJ_VhoTWoU6ct4LL_hPeIJvO7Fom_CIHVsN2Y7ehxEelOIR4tgbUbrgcDrfhECtrSQG_4KdpRJzC39yNACQK_yyqKsWcgUZl9imBQ7scwcClvZF_WWII6jZh0PwmvGsps00bDQ/s1600/FooducateLogo.jpg" /></a><b>Fooducate - FREE</b><br />
http://www.fooducate.com/blog/<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fooducate/id398436747?mt=8<br />
Scan and choose healthy groceries. Over 200,000 unique UPCs! As featured
in USAToday, NYTimes, WSJ, Lifehacker, Gizmodo and on ABC, FOX, NBC
and more... Do you want your family to eat better food? Are you
confused by ingredient lists, nutrition labels, health claims, and
marketing hype? Get Fooducte and hurry to the supermarket. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjWQduZQasLAkTPBfuZkAEj2p4YOs52IR-mhmoy6hDATRhkBnGioWMRjwg7R397xpWWNXc3KYMaRdpn0c6k_IGGVi_VfI4I7m9K71NvmVggYpq6-6NgPheUfQehCLgNta9ApF0Q/s1600/lose+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjWQduZQasLAkTPBfuZkAEj2p4YOs52IR-mhmoy6hDATRhkBnGioWMRjwg7R397xpWWNXc3KYMaRdpn0c6k_IGGVi_VfI4I7m9K71NvmVggYpq6-6NgPheUfQehCLgNta9ApF0Q/s200/lose+it.jpg" width="195" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Lose It! - FREE</b><br />
http://www.loseit.com/<br />
<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lose-it/id297368629<br />
Succeed at weight loss with Lose It! Set goals and establish a daily
calorie budget that enables you to meet them. Stay on track each day by
recording your food and exercise and staying within your budget. The
average active Lose It! user has lost more than 12lbs and more than 85%
of our active users have lost weight. Lose It! is completely free- get
started losing weight with Lose It! today!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5l052aq78OfSpcePbbBOjmkCZXMCo6gQqbWc37YPTf8YX6y2QXNdABw1lG9jrrorbwEzvlaRoH0Tnio65VP0r6w9bEZOMGrl27C6xP4Z5P53hgSXzq3IHN0J26gcMiLj6QuZvbg/s1600/nike_gps_app.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5l052aq78OfSpcePbbBOjmkCZXMCo6gQqbWc37YPTf8YX6y2QXNdABw1lG9jrrorbwEzvlaRoH0Tnio65VP0r6w9bEZOMGrl27C6xP4Z5P53hgSXzq3IHN0J26gcMiLj6QuZvbg/s200/nike_gps_app.png" width="198" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Nike+ GPS - $1.99</b><br />
http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/what_is_nike_plus <br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nike-gps/id387771637<br />
Map your runs, track your progress and get the motivation you need to go
even further. Hear mid-run cheers every time your friends like or
comment on your run status, or outrun them in a game of Nike+ Tag.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNsLFZLXhE3SIdBEJ-bEyyfr_9DddM2xZXh9qtreQFDvGH9FXRkmgeXANrpU7wpGikOoWCXPLnfIC8kY-4vj-7nF_1mZEjE-oR9X_SmORk0AMz0aerluQPqrnY1Hu61_AKddxiQ/s1600/the-best-apps-and-sites_myfitnesspal_jpg_e_a917b4a5971209646cc31f87d166202a_0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNsLFZLXhE3SIdBEJ-bEyyfr_9DddM2xZXh9qtreQFDvGH9FXRkmgeXANrpU7wpGikOoWCXPLnfIC8kY-4vj-7nF_1mZEjE-oR9X_SmORk0AMz0aerluQPqrnY1Hu61_AKddxiQ/s200/the-best-apps-and-sites_myfitnesspal_jpg_e_a917b4a5971209646cc31f87d166202a_0.jpeg" width="181" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>MyFitnessPal - FREE</b><br />
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-diet-tracker/id341232718<br />
Lose weight with MyFitnessPal, the fastest and easiest to use calorie
counter. With the largest food database of any calorie counter (over
1,000,000 foods), and amazingly fast food and exercise entry, we’ll help
you take those extra pounds off! There is no better diet app – period.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkHelkzFnHV1fZPwdh8UkBp668TLabOc-zbjB8msWqqLg8qcjNeL3EYGP4Jz47lg6p4XKlOPIehSkDsUzY_kvJ4O6_sU06S0BhLehp9i0nXPeoHdPwAHFJLs-TdKJViGQBzFSeQ/s1600/goodguide-1289407767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkHelkzFnHV1fZPwdh8UkBp668TLabOc-zbjB8msWqqLg8qcjNeL3EYGP4Jz47lg6p4XKlOPIehSkDsUzY_kvJ4O6_sU06S0BhLehp9i0nXPeoHdPwAHFJLs-TdKJViGQBzFSeQ/s1600/goodguide-1289407767.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>GoodGuide - FREE</b><br />
http://www.goodguide.com/<br />
<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goodguide/id294447660<br />
The GoodGuide app helps you find safe, healthy, and sustainable products
while you shop. You can browse, search or simply scan a barcode to see
detailed ratings for health, environment and social responsibility for
more than 70,000 products and companies. GoodGuide provides this
information about personal care, household chemical, toy, food and paper
products for free on your iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EWC78TdEf_Hd1inejtIBA7S_ovnOHX-aAYtQx2v64texau0E-lI7_WZry2Y_rdFLBTyOmxRrVgFsjoyi-9pLhPaapomDn3I4EnE5CFyolmm2flUV0bDl3aZUfEF7f7F5-O4keQ/s1600/snackapp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EWC78TdEf_Hd1inejtIBA7S_ovnOHX-aAYtQx2v64texau0E-lI7_WZry2Y_rdFLBTyOmxRrVgFsjoyi-9pLhPaapomDn3I4EnE5CFyolmm2flUV0bDl3aZUfEF7f7F5-O4keQ/s200/snackapp.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Snack App - FREE</b><br />
http://www.everydayhealth.com/the-snack-app.aspx<br />
<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-snack-app/id394651834<br />
The Snack App sorts hundreds of snacks by calorie counts – 50, 100, or
200 – and by type of craving: salty, sweet, crunchy, cheesy, creamy, and
more. Just tell the app what you want, and you’ll get a list of tasty
snack ideas, complete with caloric and nutritional information. Feeling
guilty after your snack? The Snack App also gives you simple ways to
burn the calories you just consumed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS3Fh7YNqqPEV2hwd6qBn3-1TvqE4v9ywBzYAyzibE643iiyCcsm9tRgnJYZQfTYVhXdSNY2JKxrUoH8s2e1_aTdL6iDdepEH5CzbZbOQMoaYzU19WgTzOiLVpHDzzWO58OV6uQ/s1600/app_restnut.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS3Fh7YNqqPEV2hwd6qBn3-1TvqE4v9ywBzYAyzibE643iiyCcsm9tRgnJYZQfTYVhXdSNY2JKxrUoH8s2e1_aTdL6iDdepEH5CzbZbOQMoaYzU19WgTzOiLVpHDzzWO58OV6uQ/s1600/app_restnut.png" /></a><br />
<b>Restaurant Nutrition - FREE</b><br />
http://www.healthyandfitcommunities.com/iphone-application/restaurant-nutrition<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/restaurant-nutrition/id285180322<br />
<br />
The Restaurant Nutrition application allows a user to easily view
nutritional information about restaurant menus and track what they have
eaten<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPLx4xfzBmPvMxMbyN5obBCyIiBvcDxQ8iu-MOR-CcQRYx1mHdvFxUJIeTUhyphenhyphen7IML-mmGaPpkOK9r5ynNGIsEK_E6xdGVk2GQD4GMX7mVo6bTrEUCzK0W_w5yUyv480KAPDqyjw/s1600/whole-recipes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPLx4xfzBmPvMxMbyN5obBCyIiBvcDxQ8iu-MOR-CcQRYx1mHdvFxUJIeTUhyphenhyphen7IML-mmGaPpkOK9r5ynNGIsEK_E6xdGVk2GQD4GMX7mVo6bTrEUCzK0W_w5yUyv480KAPDqyjw/s200/whole-recipes.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Whole Foods Recipes - FREE</b><br />
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/iphone/<br />
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whole-foods-market-recipes/id320029256<br />
Looking for healthy and delicious food? Search Whole Foods Market
Recipes for recipes featuring the finest natural and organic foods. You
can search recipes by ingredients and dietary preferences such as
gluten-free, low fat, and vegetarian/vegan. Every Whole Foods Market
recipe includes nutritional information and cooking instructions. You
can also enter up to 3 items you have on hand to find recipes using
those ingredients.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5l052aq78OfSpcePbbBOjmkCZXMCo6gQqbWc37YPTf8YX6y2QXNdABw1lG9jrrorbwEzvlaRoH0Tnio65VP0r6w9bEZOMGrl27C6xP4Z5P53hgSXzq3IHN0J26gcMiLj6QuZvbg/s1600/nike_gps_app.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
I've also recently started using the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imapmyfitness-running-cycling/id298903147?mt=8" target="_blank">iMapMyFitness</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/non-gmo-project-shopping-guide/id359782606?mt=8" target="_blank">Non-GMO</a>, and <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ab-workouts-free/id420178541?mt=8" target="_blank">Ab Workouts</a> (all three FREE!!). I'm already logging exercise in Lose It so not sure if I will stick to iMapMyFitness too but I am loving the Ab Workouts app! It's simple and you can for sure feel it working!<br />
<br />
What other apps do you use? Any suggestions?<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguruI_3ZDNWEM5FXlonAZM_9OFWzCEmZmqYb4ABQwOTupLJ6lC_YXpzvYyx_2NqRsDaNYkKs3mphMeU8qLuoqZQ9U6lX7fURqsQsjJXvgUHsdDk8XD8jXL4MIT4pkFb9oNRzLqxQ/s1600/app_treehugger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-65132911658970027232011-11-01T07:33:00.004-04:002011-11-01T07:40:30.275-04:00Meatless Monday: Greek-Style Burgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fqKcLueqm9I3J9iIhstJJiDDvxXma4B3LYwdWHGg64vefo8Th_dwgu6k52OlznIOsKrU7_ycGASgz-3lbVGSogyspzKCLFiykL10EJXdh1wu8gR-x7ks4HDItOGAnz87-14Nbg/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fqKcLueqm9I3J9iIhstJJiDDvxXma4B3LYwdWHGg64vefo8Th_dwgu6k52OlznIOsKrU7_ycGASgz-3lbVGSogyspzKCLFiykL10EJXdh1wu8gR-x7ks4HDItOGAnz87-14Nbg/s320/IMG_3712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope everyone is on their way to Halloween recovery. Even with yesterday being the biggest celebration of junk food for the year, we managed to have a pretty healthy dinner that is so tasty.<br />
<br />
We started off with the recipe for <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/greek-style-quinoa-burgers-recipe">Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers</a> but I make mine with <a href="http://www.neareast.com/#products/toasted_pine_nut">boxed couscous</a> instead of quinoa. I used 3/4 of the finished amount of couscous and then add an extra egg to the mixture (so two eggs total). This makes us six burgers.<br />
I serve these burgers with homemade tzatziki, a couple slices of cucumber and on <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2011/06/grilled-zucchini-and-mushroom-sandwich.html">Flatout Fold-it Breads</a> instead of pita. I skip the recipe given with the burger recipe. My tzatziki recipe is based on the <a href="http://thecoexistcafe.com/2011/03/tzatziki/">recipe</a> shared by Stephanie at the Coexist Cafe. I use the same ingredients but I actually 1/2 the amount of yogurt. We love a strong tzatziki at our house.<br />
On the side we've got some homemade hummus and a handful of <a href="http://pretzelcrisps.com/">Pretzel Crisps</a> (Everything flavor.. my favorite with hummus).<br />
<br />
These would also be great with some grilled or steamed veggies on the side or a nice Greek Salad. I've also added other toppings onto my burger such as feta, hummus, kalamata olives. Try to mix it up with what you like.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-2941221574126270042011-10-03T21:10:00.002-04:002011-10-04T06:50:59.180-04:00Meatless Monday: Veggie Pizza<br />
Happy Meatless Monday! <br />
<br />
We've got homemade veggie pizza with bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes in the oven. What's for dinner at your house?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GZRk7dc4fd1-yYT7wJy6Ysgj185W5c3fY12X0VlzrFxH0o3IuOLYUpxfoTPwPKKhyphenhyphenQgUtcqP6QQIDUXj58eA88W5icIZ1cwt55HZ0qfAsJYL8UujgCWQG8sSSKGihbPDNmdeig/s640/blogger-image--1771464187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GZRk7dc4fd1-yYT7wJy6Ysgj185W5c3fY12X0VlzrFxH0o3IuOLYUpxfoTPwPKKhyphenhyphenQgUtcqP6QQIDUXj58eA88W5icIZ1cwt55HZ0qfAsJYL8UujgCWQG8sSSKGihbPDNmdeig/s400/blogger-image--1771464187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's links to the recipes I used for the crust and sauce:<br />
Crust: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/homemade-pizza-dough-10000001906369/ (Cook 500° for 12 mins on perforated pizza pan).<br />
Sauce: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/new-york-style-pizza-sauce-10000001906371/ (this is the best sauce!!)Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-20122480250977020312011-09-29T21:22:00.002-04:002011-09-29T21:23:30.395-04:00Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?If you read nothing else that I've ever posted, <b>please take time to this article</b> by <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/mark_bittman/index.html?inline=nyt-per">Mark Bittman</a> at New York Times: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/25/opinion/sunday/is-junk-food-really-cheaper.html?_r=1&sq=BITTMAN&st=Search&scp=2&pagewanted=all"><b>Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?</b></a> Really, I beg you.. read the article.. change your life. This isn't about not eating meat, or just eating fish, or any fancy diets. This is about eating real food AND saving yourself money. It's so simple. No tricks, no gimmicks, no lies.. real food, that is inexpensive and better for you than anything handed out a window to your car.<br />
<br />
I know many of you won't take the time to read this, so if nothing else, review the below (info)graphic. The following graphic is also included in this article. I came across this graphic today on a post from <a href="http://www.vegcoach.com/">Ellen Jaffe Jones</a> (author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570672571/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=discoverpesce-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1570672571">Eat Vegan on $4.00 a Day: A Game Plan for the Budget Conscious Cook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=discoverpesce-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1570672571&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />) and I'm so glad that she shared it. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/09/24/opinion/sunday/20110925_BITTMAN_MARSHgph/20110925_BITTMAN_MARSHgph-popup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6KC5EQd12XWHPDey4SHeXL2JsdC_Ksnk15TOwp1HkQmb0SCc1y8KAzdC2DfJrsaKGdrhTVrWh6pw4FeKr-ptkj6dgFhwqXK4wIvsPJ_BJp7iwewPSKbu6rjDx4E-w5_ALpvnDA/s640/20110925_BITTMAN_MARSHgph-popup.jpg" width="329" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click to enlarge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Also, as a reminder, feel free to come over and follow me on <a href="https://plus.google.com/104828449679821397188/">Google+</a>. I've been continuing to share quick tips, resources and other articles that you might find interesting over there. I'll been sharing other random things from real life. Stop by.. say hi... after you read the article!!Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-41680499268786662752011-09-28T22:46:00.000-04:002011-09-28T22:46:10.343-04:00Ecolabel Index<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ41OEfZEXITUp3kq2cI92MVHYC-aEBhhXXuYX33XHB6hb2Kg6S10GuvLMmabrUZmO7T2rborsEJwsFYAjlkd-eRM22rfH0viWGGxC8hhEucgVbecnzs9UNMu0Xp6RBKlJPfXDQ/s1600/EI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ41OEfZEXITUp3kq2cI92MVHYC-aEBhhXXuYX33XHB6hb2Kg6S10GuvLMmabrUZmO7T2rborsEJwsFYAjlkd-eRM22rfH0viWGGxC8hhEucgVbecnzs9UNMu0Xp6RBKlJPfXDQ/s320/EI.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I continue to educate myself and research food labels, I came across the <a href="http://www.ecolabelindex.com/">Ecolabel Index website.</a> It's super helpful in identifying labels on not just food but all sorts of products. As of the date of this post, the Ecolabel Index has 432 labels in 217 countries and 25 industry sectors. Food, computers, fabrics and other various types items are all covered. The search function works great and the descriptions of each label are not only in plain wording but they also offer a link to the organization / label's website. So if you find a label on a product and you aren't sure what it means (if anything!), check out the Ecolabel index for more info.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-19267730288325019022011-09-15T23:24:00.000-04:002011-09-15T23:24:02.792-04:00In case I forgot to mention it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLGx-hNBJAYPvMvGu3gfm7SfOiRB89ul3hc_et-YdyqoJIsAm-xNWo9b_C3aneqzrmF9bWfUhuSVNHriU8LuH0K64MOXbIj9nqMvwd7MRPds8fixA4QBf5WLRLI7LeGmVu5kbxQ/s1600/244113_208591812515002_136836716357179_577809_732453_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLGx-hNBJAYPvMvGu3gfm7SfOiRB89ul3hc_et-YdyqoJIsAm-xNWo9b_C3aneqzrmF9bWfUhuSVNHriU8LuH0K64MOXbIj9nqMvwd7MRPds8fixA4QBf5WLRLI7LeGmVu5kbxQ/s320/244113_208591812515002_136836716357179_577809_732453_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
... I registered for a half-marathon race. Me. That's right. I know! Crazy, right?<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what got into me a few weeks ago but I saw something about the <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah">Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series</a> and decided why the hell not... I was in a bit of a lull at the time with my work outs. This was a few weeks after I reached my initial weight loss goal (losing 15 lbs in 8 weeks back in April) and while I was still exercising, I wasn't going at it as whole-hearted as I could have been. So, I decided to set a new goal. A half marathon sounded like a great idea.<br />
<br />
I'm fortunate that a good friend of mine has been right by my side for a while in the fitness trenches. She says I inspired her to get fit and back into exercising. Being an inspiration to others is not something I planned on happening, but ya know what, that's pretty cool. I'm also fortunate that this friend was willing to also throw herself to the marathon wolves and register for this event.<br />
<br />
We've been training a bit over the last few weeks. We are doing regular work-out routines (as usual) on our own and then doing a Sunday 'long run' together. Here's the kicker... we're walking. Both me and my friend are pretty new at getting back into exercise and we don't come from running backgrounds, so we decided that we would start by walking. Now, don't get me wrong, we're not just lolly-gagging along and strolling down the road. No way. We are hauling ass. Averaging 3.5-4.0 mph and last week we completed 8 miles; we've got 9 scheduled for this upcoming Sunday. <br />
<br />
Neither of us have ever competed in any type of run/walk/race event so we're not setting any time goals besides finishing. We need to complete 13.1 miles in under 4 hours. Currently, the speed is not an issue as we're averaging a 16:30 mile (just walking) and the slowest we can go to not be kicked off the course is 18:32. Our main concern (well, mine for sure!) is stamina. I won't lie, last week was rough. My body definitely knew this was the farthest it had gone before. At about done at 6.5 miles it became a little bit of a struggle but I made it through all 8 at a steady pace and, although immediately after I was sore and tired and thought I might die, I felt good later that day and the following. Last week was also extraneous circumstances as not only was the longest distance we had done previously only 6 miles, but we missed the previous week's walk when I was feeling under the weather.<br />
<br />
I decided to post about this today as we are 50 days away from the event. 50. Wow. I'm nervous, that is for sure. I do consider trying to add running into the mix, but I'm afraid. We all know what happened last time I <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-tried-to-be-runner.html">tried to run</a> and I don't want to go there again. For now, I'm going to stick with walking and not getting hurt. I really think we can do this. We better do this. We're going to do this!! <br />
<br />
If you're in Savannah on November 5th, come on down and cheer us on.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0Bluffton, SC, USA32.2371465 -80.860386832.1297 -81.0183153 32.344593 -80.7024583tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-41677387921274379192011-09-13T21:19:00.000-04:002011-09-13T21:19:28.816-04:00The Downside of Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejJ8ZEnVHcHS_YPcedCVuUxsqsnNQdTbyKqrNJxnHrQuFznPM4YGaRTtw3QyWz7-CvOtAlkYvR0L9xnOV9Qk1TVqh8FRQudJHnOo4n5iY1FSWE4Es8eskuVHgbsS3nNElJqqZ9A/s1600/person-reading-book-clip-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejJ8ZEnVHcHS_YPcedCVuUxsqsnNQdTbyKqrNJxnHrQuFznPM4YGaRTtw3QyWz7-CvOtAlkYvR0L9xnOV9Qk1TVqh8FRQudJHnOo4n5iY1FSWE4Es8eskuVHgbsS3nNElJqqZ9A/s200/person-reading-book-clip-art.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I keep reading and learning and educating myself and reading and watching and listening and trying to understand all that is available about food and what is going into our bodies with each bit.<br />
It's been amazingly eye opening, but I'm learning that there is a downside to all of this learning. Fortunately, I think it is a good downside.<br />
<br />
I've got my brain wrapped around most of the produce issues (still working out changes in my purchasing habits but getting there) and I've cut out all meat so no issues there. So we move onto the next big thing. The one that I've held onto through the last eight months of life changing... fish.<br />
<br />
I've mentioned this lightly over the last few weeks or so, but I think it might have to go. Found this <a href="http://www.sustainablesushi.net/2011/08/15/4-dirty-secrets-hiding-in-your-tuna-can/">article at Sustainable Sushi</a> that was enlightening and made me want to learn more. So it might happen.... sigh... then I'll for sure have to think up a new name for this site.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-62259459145172268552011-09-11T08:15:00.000-04:002011-09-11T08:15:00.397-04:00Let's talk about Eggs<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTz5OIgK9QWefkkNlza0994Mn64ApKoV50GXGS8gMpULj-v7RtDf2e0aXLylvuuTAcD5odkJ6vRgqzeOzRtw1sl29Y6lsCas6FLfwpv1h0dNovRN9oYPYDQAkDOeeysi98-jvhg/s1600/0907px-eggs-checkerboard-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTz5OIgK9QWefkkNlza0994Mn64ApKoV50GXGS8gMpULj-v7RtDf2e0aXLylvuuTAcD5odkJ6vRgqzeOzRtw1sl29Y6lsCas6FLfwpv1h0dNovRN9oYPYDQAkDOeeysi98-jvhg/s320/0907px-eggs-checkerboard-l.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image credit: <a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/">Cooking Light</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As a pescetarian, I sometimes think of myself as a swimming lacto-ovo vegetarian. I'm still eating fish, eggs and diary so I've been trying to continue to educate myself on these animal based products. While at the grocer a few weeks ago, I spent a lot of time in the egg department. There are so many options! Cage Free, Vegetarian, Organic.... on and on! I couldn't sort out what they all meant. I knew that 'cage-free' was pretty good... so I thought. I ended up choosing the standard, store-brand, grade A, large eggs. I really didn't know any better, or worse, so I stuck with what I always buy. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhwDXDIoQx9_b7t4N84JbGXyN40aGVK6fIRi6u7S-0zMdk2KWElFY6EB38FgvRA_Yb8DCoXlAzF7_GKGtJTT92y7ybiAVwDH6giYoY2-DUHjIE0zjRMhLxJseQPBHcZqQrHrjGw/s1600/photo-739381.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641225393589376786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhwDXDIoQx9_b7t4N84JbGXyN40aGVK6fIRi6u7S-0zMdk2KWElFY6EB38FgvRA_Yb8DCoXlAzF7_GKGtJTT92y7ybiAVwDH6giYoY2-DUHjIE0zjRMhLxJseQPBHcZqQrHrjGw/s200/photo-739381.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Coincidentally, in a recent purging day where I sorted through past issues of magazines and kept only what I needed/wanted, I came across a full article in <a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/">Cooking Light</a> (<a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/magazine/july-2009-magazine-issue-00400000047759/">July 2009</a>) magazine that explains the egg labels. I was so excited! We've touched on the <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2011/08/food-labels.html">food label subject</a> a little bit previously, but I was so glad to find something more regarding eggs. Below is a brief description and reference for various labels you might find on egg cartons.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's the breakdown of what I think are the good ones:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmvQwvyH-dbge1XPHEwVt0VDF6Cc68QTDldHg1t3Iy1qFKp4wj3ffch_j8067Xd51t4441fb6fMhZBvyPRQIrZjSqTGVclBvk0hZfE6Y993_s0vIKhgP4A4d13ov680-UHA3sxw/s1600/simplegetfile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmvQwvyH-dbge1XPHEwVt0VDF6Cc68QTDldHg1t3Iy1qFKp4wj3ffch_j8067Xd51t4441fb6fMhZBvyPRQIrZjSqTGVclBvk0hZfE6Y993_s0vIKhgP4A4d13ov680-UHA3sxw/s1600/simplegetfile.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>USDA Organic</b> - Meets the USDA's standards for Organic foods - birds must be cage free with outdoor access, no antibiotics given to birds or in food and must have vegetarian diet. (more info here: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rgz0-UU4Pul-2l8ZbnzrjWj169NqiJ8sIHTYeTqG-zCuP8QHFqQglgQ0DIiISeNsv51ukgk7-8FureArL28y2yJBswuZfXoLgLDaZSZwnm4VODxmxdmfj9hx5SiIhnh4J4kxNg/s1600/certified-humane-raised-and-handled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rgz0-UU4Pul-2l8ZbnzrjWj169NqiJ8sIHTYeTqG-zCuP8QHFqQglgQ0DIiISeNsv51ukgk7-8FureArL28y2yJBswuZfXoLgLDaZSZwnm4VODxmxdmfj9hx5SiIhnh4J4kxNg/s1600/certified-humane-raised-and-handled.png" /></a><br />
<b>Certified Humane Raised & Handled</b> - This non-profit organization is audited by the USDA and endorsed by many animal welfare groups. Requires independent verification of proper treatment of animals. (more info here: http://www.certifiedhumane.org/)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8DnCJ53M5Ci0Mj6eYu6Zsh5aYO7LLkOiRbabxHjjZFwvKLJP0sfBfoNs9CpmkMFRbD5VkuBxyhPuzLymalc7C1JDUBLLHx2TTZo2CEq15jVForBXBkx_w2PjM9Bt_bLdn8KMXw/s1600/logo_main.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8DnCJ53M5Ci0Mj6eYu6Zsh5aYO7LLkOiRbabxHjjZFwvKLJP0sfBfoNs9CpmkMFRbD5VkuBxyhPuzLymalc7C1JDUBLLHx2TTZo2CEq15jVForBXBkx_w2PjM9Bt_bLdn8KMXw/s1600/logo_main.png" /></a><br />
<b>Animal Welfare Approved</b> - <span class="st">program audits and certifies family farms that utilize high-welfare methods of farming, on pasture or range. This program is applicable to smaller egg producers so it may not be that prevalent in the local big box grocery, but look for it at farmers markets and specialty groceries (more info here: http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/)</span><br />
<span class="st"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are some 'certifications' that do not, in my opinion, seem to hold much clout:<br />
<br />
The ones we have covered before and a few other labels that are thrown out there are: <br />
Cruelty free<br />
Environmentally friendly<br />
Nature’s friend<br />
No chemicals<br />
Vegetarian fed<br />
Natural<br />
Naturally Raised<br />
No Hormones<br />
No Antibiotics<br />
<br />
And a couple others that you (and I) might think are awesome, but are not. <br />
<span class="st">United Egg Producers Certified - According to NYU, this certification is gained by nearly 80% of all egg producers. It only means that the caged hens are allowed water and food. I don't think that is saying a whole lot.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Cage Free - Chickens must be out of cages with continuous access to food and water, but they may not be allowed outdoors. This one is pretty much meaningless, too.<br />
<br />
There are several more articles available from the <a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/magazine/july-2009-magazine-issue-00400000047759/">July 2009</a> issue of Cooking Light about eggs including how to save on purchasing eggs (which, again, in my opinion, might compromise the health / ethical goals of using the able labels) and several reasons to use eggs and what they do as well as a bunch of recipes. Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-11424158766126805402011-09-10T17:14:00.003-04:002011-09-10T17:14:36.752-04:00Article: Eat less meat<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGcxsokXtRSFUmN1PYLz8FSwNHwjeh3Pre8HTOSP45e_8UIoGOXLXZmz3lL8j8sPeEZk7rZBFBpMIwm0mqa8OrV26SwKV16aj_TxPdaxhG9UMQssbYgBMmS2ugGDtYQRYIDnp9g/s1600/phpThumb_generated_thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGcxsokXtRSFUmN1PYLz8FSwNHwjeh3Pre8HTOSP45e_8UIoGOXLXZmz3lL8j8sPeEZk7rZBFBpMIwm0mqa8OrV26SwKV16aj_TxPdaxhG9UMQssbYgBMmS2ugGDtYQRYIDnp9g/s1600/phpThumb_generated_thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="media mediaItem media-right" style="float: right; width: 315px;"><span class="caption">A 1942 National Livestock and Meat Board ad.</span><span class="credit"> Image: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/umpqua/">Brian Bennett</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A quick post just to share a recent article I enjoyed at over at <a href="http://www.grist.org/">Grist</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.grist.org/sustainable-food/2011-08-16-safe-organic-food-too-expensive-eat-less">Safe, organic food too expensive? Eat less meat</a></b><br />
<br />
Michele Simon hits on a number of excellent points regarding who food, especially meat, is big business in the US. She also offers her opinions and restates, as we are learning more and more each day, that we there is a continued overabundance of meat in the average American diet.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are a couple quote highlights:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
"Turns out this standard American diet of bacon and eggs for breakfast, followed by a cheeseburger for lunch and
steak for dinner, has resulted in an epidemic of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and
cancer, just to name a few."</blockquote>
<blockquote>
"Of course, there's no guarantee that even if meat becomes
too expensive, Americans will automatically switch over to fresh vegetables and
whole grains, which remain hard to find in too many areas of the country. It's
entirely possible that people will just eat more Doritos and Chips Ahoy
instead, which, sadly, are much more readily available. " </blockquote>
Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-91182353284964797992011-09-07T19:37:00.000-04:002011-09-07T19:37:31.941-04:00Souped-up Ramen<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
In celebration if the back to school season, what better to share than a recipe that includes ramen! We all love ramen-style <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant_noodles">instant noodles</a>, right? It is so easy and cheap and delicious.. but let's be honest, these aren't that good for us. The noodles themselves are loaded with salt and carbohydrates and often times fried as part processing. Let's not even get started on that powdered flavoring packet.. WOW!<br />
<br />
Well, unfortunately, I was feeling a bit under the weather this past weekend and ramen sounded really good. I knew we had one package left in the cupboard and decided to go for it. Still keeping my healthy head somewhat on my shoulders, I wanted to add flavor and a bit of real food as well as leaving out the powder seasoning all together. Traditionally, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen">ramen</a> has always been served with additional items such
as vegetables and meats. It is not just noodles in flavored salted
water. I used this principle when creating my ramen dish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kpGplMy7_sHkj8cEDh0N13WUzjeYc79JY9mSkeV5t6FrTxGyes4qhQtIyFtSYIvmqmeeSZPR3l051ZIIaTIGsyX-sgfOK3ZfVidA5yfuVk6pZDbXR5oAqeABVpZPezV7GOtzpg/s1600/photo+4-728460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649051206415169106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kpGplMy7_sHkj8cEDh0N13WUzjeYc79JY9mSkeV5t6FrTxGyes4qhQtIyFtSYIvmqmeeSZPR3l051ZIIaTIGsyX-sgfOK3ZfVidA5yfuVk6pZDbXR5oAqeABVpZPezV7GOtzpg/s320/photo+4-728460.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the run down<br />
<br />
1 package Ramen Instant Noodles (flavor doesn't matter since we are skipping the powder)<br />
1/4 cup carrot - diced (I used 2 good sized baby carrots)<br />
2 scallions - sliced (reserve a bit of green tops for garnish)<br />
1/4 cup of fresh sliced mushrooms (I used 2 medium button mushrooms as this is what I had on hand)<br />
1/2 tablespoon of Sesame Oil<br />
1/2 tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce (if desired) <br />
<br />
Boil water as per packed directions.<br />
When water simmers, add scallions and oil.<br />
Once boiling, add noodles, carrots and mushrooms.<br />
Remove from heat when noodles are done (veggies should be done too)<br />
Transfer to bowl and top with reserved scallions and soy sauce (if desired)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1YE8w5e0gG2aw-qSGYqUGfhtHbx-o-ZzSwDEBix5wVttEUhCxPvqVEoripUrRwM9E9UCFBlRvenSpyUY6yiokYfCKN4cqa3qF5c3Qv-C_IPHV0sEv64ojT0N__vXe28maXKz1w/s1600/photo+3-727764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649051204363482194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1YE8w5e0gG2aw-qSGYqUGfhtHbx-o-ZzSwDEBix5wVttEUhCxPvqVEoripUrRwM9E9UCFBlRvenSpyUY6yiokYfCKN4cqa3qF5c3Qv-C_IPHV0sEv64ojT0N__vXe28maXKz1w/s320/photo+3-727764.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, one ramen packet contains two servings, but I can't recall ever just eating half of the block of noodles. Also, I don't like the soup part and I usually drain it off and just eat the noodles (this was always part of my efforts to cut back on the sodium and modified itself into an 'I just like the noodles' enjoyment). You can do either. By adding the oil and scallions to the water, this flavor gets infused into the water before cooking the noodles. You can also add a little salt to the water, of course. The carrots and mushrooms add flavor and texture as well. Mix it up and play with what you have on hand. Feel free to add more or less than the suggested amounts of veggies above (by now I'm sure that you've figured out most of my recipes aren't rocket science). These ingredients were what I had so in they went. Oh and sesame oil should be available in the ethnic food section of your local grocery. This is an ingredient than can be a bit pricey, but I find it's really good to have on hand, lasts a while and adds a ton of flavor to Asian themed dishes that I make (and I used it to make gelato a few weeks ago too!)<br />
<br />
Wow, I just noticed that the 'suggested serving' photo on the package of ramen shows mushrooms, carrots and what might be scallions (maybe broccoli). Who knew I was so genius?!?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j_e2N2GqCn7wAHw_D1_xSnUa6j9V0QjTjOWKq8jtmWcmr708uaPcpeq72kDpjVhgQKzePsDH9b75oozFhdzMCD5fHbtMztxEkJ75i0JIPE2uTW8Veglw5vHd2nOYywUDADM-ug/s1600/photo+1-725273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649051195401903298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j_e2N2GqCn7wAHw_D1_xSnUa6j9V0QjTjOWKq8jtmWcmr708uaPcpeq72kDpjVhgQKzePsDH9b75oozFhdzMCD5fHbtMztxEkJ75i0JIPE2uTW8Veglw5vHd2nOYywUDADM-ug/s320/photo+1-725273.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-80707507850430418532011-09-06T20:48:00.000-04:002011-09-06T20:48:00.380-04:00Let's talk about.... what?!!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgbgDkF_QTS7UOyXuJ5kJ66nihyphenhyphenSRZg5RfFKH5QOs3OS9Av6dx0IayW5CRtGcYoNodKu_5pKukcKP8Bs8Pcs189vEDIUIjW5V6KGVu-BjPPtkwWk07CZuZyfzwzXKNug4p9INlA/s1600/lipstick-open-mouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgbgDkF_QTS7UOyXuJ5kJ66nihyphenhyphenSRZg5RfFKH5QOs3OS9Av6dx0IayW5CRtGcYoNodKu_5pKukcKP8Bs8Pcs189vEDIUIjW5V6KGVu-BjPPtkwWk07CZuZyfzwzXKNug4p9INlA/s200/lipstick-open-mouth.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a quickie for you (yes, yes, pun intended!)<br />
I came across this post and just had to share: <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/08/vegetarians-enjoy-oral-sex-more-says-okcupid.php">Vegetarians Enjoy Oral Sex More</a><br />
The post has this fun, and seemingly very true quote:<br />
<blockquote>
<i>While eating a vegetarian diet is good for the planet (carbon footprint
reduction) and great for you (health and it is cheaper), this could very
well be the sexiest. </i></blockquote>
There is also a lot of other info and resources regarding carbon footprints and further benefits of vegetarianism. Enjoy! <br />
<br />Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-28228621396720414112011-09-04T23:19:00.001-04:002011-09-05T09:26:15.013-04:00Chocolate Eclair CakeThis post has nothing to do with pescetarianism, vegetarianism or veganism... it's main target is dessertism. My wonderful husband forwarded me this recipe today while he was at work and asked me to make it. As per my last post, I had planned on a full out cook-and-bake-o-rama for the weekend. I did the protein / 'power' bars done yesterday (post / review to come), but plans changed, when somehow, late last night, I started not feeling very well; still not really sure what is/was going on with me. As of about 2 pm, though, I felt much improved and told Dan that if wanted to bring home the needed ingredients, that I would make this for him.<br />
<br />
I posted the below photo on my personal Facebook page and it received several comments and interest, so I thought I would share the recipe. This originated from one of Dan's co-workers and edited just a bit below for easy of preparation and explanation. It was really easy to do and very, very good!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv0HaXctJ0Wr_qdXcWco1Avt6lKMRjc-JD2vHobnQ2-TmP8VTkXyuhF9c_zrwuN4HxFceTb3OdyfaCBgAEMkkDUEK_J-ACJlE81WqZ0rqcINqwG5_UZOxYS5iO34bpz1nByW0RQ/s1600/340226_2366142079659_1433610600_32729627_5645563_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv0HaXctJ0Wr_qdXcWco1Avt6lKMRjc-JD2vHobnQ2-TmP8VTkXyuhF9c_zrwuN4HxFceTb3OdyfaCBgAEMkkDUEK_J-ACJlE81WqZ0rqcINqwG5_UZOxYS5iO34bpz1nByW0RQ/s320/340226_2366142079659_1433610600_32729627_5645563_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Eclair Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Chocolate Eclair Cake</b><br />
<br />
<br />
1 cup water<br />
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1 cup all purposes flour <br />
4 large eggs <br />
<br />
2 pkgs (3.4 oz) Vanilla Instant Pudding <br />
4 cups whole milk<span style="font-size: small;"> (to make pudding)</span> <br />
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)<br />
1 pkg (8 oz) Cool Whip topping<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">⅓ cup <span style="font-family: inherit;">Hershey's Chocolate Syrup (for drizzling - more or less as desired)</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Pre-heat over to 400<span style="color: black;">° </span><br />
Grease a 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxeHyksiTzenhQW6bLlYn5pCuKQSHisEFt0ppojttHgqT9_vMXvLWLzVgXBY82Jvnje6JXq37OcnjaEdbBvQzle5aT7ms0vFOeJVZnlCO21WGRaniN66fB_If9RxUUG7EiN0Sjg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxeHyksiTzenhQW6bLlYn5pCuKQSHisEFt0ppojttHgqT9_vMXvLWLzVgXBY82Jvnje6JXq37OcnjaEdbBvQzle5aT7ms0vFOeJVZnlCO21WGRaniN66fB_If9RxUUG7EiN0Sjg/s200/photo+1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastry before topping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In a medium sauce pan, bring water and butter to a boil. Once butter is completely melted, turn heat to low.<br />
<br />
<br />
Add flour and stir continuously until mixture forms into dough ball. Remove from heat. Add eggs, one at a time and mix thoroughly until combined with dough. Spread dough out evenly on greased pan. Bake at 400<span style="color: black;">°</span> for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Pastry will appear lumpy or bubbly. Cool completely.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBOSmD7CLtTQbk7gTlSWETEIK_EAaE52Ni16sZCYHAi2At3C1XWN-SfSg4iuTLLjHnEjxvhLjaGZ4omw9B2ezjP3vnIQyb8KREu2Kpuw6956BXXsbIQZ_NKT_wTq4veucdu5xdQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBOSmD7CLtTQbk7gTlSWETEIK_EAaE52Ni16sZCYHAi2At3C1XWN-SfSg4iuTLLjHnEjxvhLjaGZ4omw9B2ezjP3vnIQyb8KREu2Kpuw6956BXXsbIQZ_NKT_wTq4veucdu5xdQ/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of layers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While pastry cools, prepare the pudding as per package directions. Using an electric hand mixer, beat in the softened cream cheese until completely combined with the pudding. Spread pudding mixture evenly onto pastry. Stir the Cool Whip topping and then spread over the pudding. Finish by drizzling chocolate syrup over the top.<br />
<br />
<br />
Allow to set / cool for approximately 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
(side note: I'm wondering if this might not be even just a little bit more amazing with French Vanilla pudding, or adding a tiny bit of vanilla extract into the pastry.... hmmm.. maybe next time.)<span style="color: white;"> </span>Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-81907399680110655632011-09-01T23:07:00.000-04:002011-09-01T23:07:16.588-04:00Long Weekend Stock-upFor some reason I didn't realize until about noon today that this upcoming Monday is a holiday in the US, which means most businesses, including my job, are closed... YES! Free day off! I decided quickly that I'm going to take the extra time on this three day weekend and do a little cooking and baking stock-up and try out some recipes I've had on my radar for a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416548874/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=discoverpesce-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1416548874"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU29-Ykd1d41tTJFqpOAjxDwn5JpZX6cRQd3n6NqMmrIZhi3WSCa38K94X8zCHzSMJb7PdfLSVMp-ywTRfdorIsV2QYQZcjaFqlfQ3Tsl1q_Ya_ntkot4LDOAbZCMfvtYJkmJxg/s200/1120moosewoodnew.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My lovely great-aunt gifted me a copy of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416548874/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=discoverpesce-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1416548874">The Moosewood Restaurant Cooking for Health: More Than 200 New Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Nutrient-Rich Dishes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=discoverpesce-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416548874&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
a while back. I've found that it contains a couple pretty good sounding recipes for homemade veggie burgers that are freezable. We've been sort of hooked on MorningStar Farms and I'm hoping to find a homemade alternative. Going to start with Spinach-Tofu burgers and see how it goes.<br />
<br />
I also am going to try another one of <a href="http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/">Camilla's</a> awesome snack bar recipes. The <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2011/01/homemade-clif-bars.html">Clif bars</a> worked out so well that I can't wait to try <a href="http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/search/label/power%20bar">black bean power bars</a> too. <br />
<br />
We've been on a big Greek-kick lately (when I say we, I mainly mean me; I cook it and Dan eats it). Earlier this week I tried some new Greek Style Veggie burgers using couscous and made my own tzatziki sauce (with a bit of <a href="http://thecoexistcafe.com/2011/03/tzatziki/">inspiration</a> from <a href="http://thecoexistcafe.com/">Stephanie</a>) (more on both of these later, I hope, when I make them again), so building from that theme, I'm also going to try to tackle pita bread (<a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/fresh-whole-wheat-pitas-10000001880024/">Cooking Light recipe</a>) and hummus (recipe from a friend).<br />
<br />
<br />
Lastly, I made some bean and bell pepper fajitas last week.. those have been requested to make and encore appearance on our menu this weekend. Hope to have a full post on this awesome, quick, easy and so tasty recipe for you as well. <br />
<br />
<br />
I'm thinking I want to make some kind of vegan baked-good... like a
cupcake.. anyone have a good recipe for a simple vegan cupcake with
frosting? We'll see if I get that far. <br />
<br />Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-77626637515864882172011-08-23T21:46:00.000-04:002011-08-23T21:46:34.085-04:00Food Labels<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKGAsd6V619CO9ARHqxuu-AIyglDnhNoByuDvDuzvl0AcCt-sr72-arraCmcK4ZKGxcusn9oMYWtM31MjOTRFsnNk6AETnP9Jt9sk6QBbom40gh7b0yxtqvG2cW6RyZZe3UEIuA/s1600/grocery-aisle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKGAsd6V619CO9ARHqxuu-AIyglDnhNoByuDvDuzvl0AcCt-sr72-arraCmcK4ZKGxcusn9oMYWtM31MjOTRFsnNk6AETnP9Jt9sk6QBbom40gh7b0yxtqvG2cW6RyZZe3UEIuA/s320/grocery-aisle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2007/11/">image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The area that we live has several different options for grocery stores, but mostly big box stores such as Publix and Kroger. We also have Food Lion, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Harris Teeter and are lucky to have a Fresh Market, although it is about 25 miles away (but close to my office). I wish every day that we had a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's option in the area (Hilton Head Island, SC in case you wondered), but we do not and it does not appear that we will be graced with either any time soon. Therefore, I have been forced to research and review as much as possible before I buy products. Don't get me wrong, I know that I can find good, real food at the available stores in my area AND I know that every item at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's is not the perfect specimen of health food, but they would make it a lot easier. <br />
<br />
This brings me to the conundrum of food labels and the questions: What do all those labels mean?!?! With the big box grocery stores that give me 37 different options for ketchup and 14 different kinds of eggs, how do I know which is the right choice for me? When I'm looking for food that is good for my body and the environment how does one decipher between all the different claims. Do I need organic or cage free or natural or grass-fed or Fair Trade or Salmon-Safe or certified something something? With so many labels, a little research is for sure needed. Are all these labels true? Who is certifying these labels? What are the standards? Do I need to pay extra for that? My trips to the grocery store have become more like research missions than actually shopping. <br />
<br />
Fortunately, I came across a great list from <a href="http://www.grist.org/list/2011-08-18-which-eco-friendly-food-labels-are-meaningful-and-which-are-just">Grist</a> that gives a quick-and-dirty run-down of what is important and what you can ignore. Here's what they have to say:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
These labels <b>can't be used without independent verification</b>: <br />
<ul>
<li>
USDA Organic</li>
<li>
Fair Trade </li>
<li>
Rainforest Alliance</li>
<li>
Food Alliance</li>
<li>
Demeter Biodynamic</li>
<li>
Salmon-Safe</li>
<li>
Bird Friendly</li>
<li>
Certified Humane Raised and Handled</li>
<li>
FishWise </li>
<li>
Non-GMO Project Verified</li>
<li>
Healthy Grown Potatoes</li>
</ul>
These should be taken with a grain of salt -- they <b>may mean something</b>, but they don't have to:<br />
<ul>
<li>
Raised Without Antibiotics</li>
<li>
Natural</li>
<li>
Free Range</li>
<li>
Grass Fed </li>
<li>
Nutri Clean Residue Free Certification</li>
<li>
Marine Stewardship Council</li>
</ul>
These can be used by anybody at any time and are therefore basically <b>meaningless</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>
Cruelty free</li>
<li>
Cage free</li>
<li>
Environmentally friendly</li>
<li>
Nature’s friend</li>
<li>
No chemicals</li>
<li>
Vegetarian fed</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<br />
Grist's list is based on the full article by the Audubon Magazine that is available <a href="http://www.audubonmagazine.org/audubonliving/audubonliving1103.html">here</a>. They have advised that "[t]here’s a reason for all this green branding. Since 2003 U.S. organic
food sales have more than doubled, to roughly $25 billion. The booming
demand for organic foods is making greenwashing more tempting—and more
lucrative—than ever before." The Audubon article provides an explanation and description for each of the labels or (so-called) certifications listed above.<br />
<br />
And in case you need a few more references there is a great post at <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/7-food-certification-programs-you-need-to-eat-green.php">Treehugger</a> and one more from <a href="http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/09/23/food-labels-organic-fair-trade-certified-humane-what-does-it-all-mean/">Eat Drink Better</a>. Take an extra 15 minutes this week, before you go shopping, and review. Maybe even print out the list above for reference. Not only do you want to be educated on what the truth is and what you are putting in your body, but you want to make sure you aren't paying for a BS sticker that doesn't mean anything.<br />
<br />
<br />Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-42476319233027273352011-08-08T20:43:00.000-04:002011-08-08T20:43:47.360-04:00Non-GMO Project"<a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/">The Non-GMO Project</a> is a non-profit organization, created by leaders
representing all sectors of the organic and natural products industry in
the U.S. and Canada, to offer consumers a consistent non-GMO choice for
organic and natural products that are produced without genetic
engineering or recombinant DNA technologies."<br />
<br />
Looking for real food that is not genetically modified? Yes, in fact,
there is an <a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/consumers/search-participating-products/iphone-app-shopping-guide/">app</a> for that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi9naOG-jJ6vOGlObRy9gzP3z77Qur0TRnjZFMQbYDvAKVEG2evhlWyJdGGKMybTRCdx4Bqij9grpKBoIuRNCYMUUc491AVS6shRr_gDBgUxHSkGWmBdGm8VXL8AlgEjL1EfmTg/s1600/Welcome-Screen-Revised-164x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi9naOG-jJ6vOGlObRy9gzP3z77Qur0TRnjZFMQbYDvAKVEG2evhlWyJdGGKMybTRCdx4Bqij9grpKBoIuRNCYMUUc491AVS6shRr_gDBgUxHSkGWmBdGm8VXL8AlgEjL1EfmTg/s1600/Welcome-Screen-Revised-164x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: www.nongmoproject.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Check out the other information and
resources at the <a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/">Non-GMO Project</a>'s website too! Product lists, store/shopping recommendations, history, health facts and tons more about locating food that is NOT genetically modified. <br />
<br />
Wow... it's kind of sad that we have to spend all this time and effort looking for real food, when we would never have this problem if we hadn't effed it up in the first place.....Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-54225340554593003482011-08-07T06:40:00.000-04:002011-08-07T06:40:00.742-04:00Resources from the Humane Society<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3z9TuVaF0UfShWWy2xHDPmAIKAlGmCBA2rJSaKSo1CiOtB4O1MTzWKEAPTBYlz48s-kHVhSu0wkGvAF3elsny_FR6JUp7_7XXmdNZ1UZz2WzuGUYTRxgBAgFgyrxDsMDdqoWmw/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3z9TuVaF0UfShWWy2xHDPmAIKAlGmCBA2rJSaKSo1CiOtB4O1MTzWKEAPTBYlz48s-kHVhSu0wkGvAF3elsny_FR6JUp7_7XXmdNZ1UZz2WzuGUYTRxgBAgFgyrxDsMDdqoWmw/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
The internet is filled what all the information one could ever need. Obviously, I've used it at great lengths to review information and data regarding pescetarian, vegetarian, vegan and other 'flexitarian' foods, facts and information. I was pretty surprised, although I'm not sure why I was surprised, at the full suite of information available at <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/eating/meatfree-guide-2011/">The Humane Society's website</a> regarding living meat free.<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, the information from Humane Society also touches on a lot of the <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2011/08/myths-about-vegetarians-vegetarian-food.html">myths</a> that we reviewed previously. Topics such as variety (spice up your meat-free life), flexible options (you can be a flexitarian), health (protein, calcium, and vitamins.. oh my!), desserts (Crispy Peanut Butter Treats by Alicia Silverstone!) and more are covered. Here's a great quote from one of the articles:<br />
<blockquote>
"[It] doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Whether your
primary incentive is helping the environment, improving animal welfare,
or addressing health concerns, you can take a significant first step by
becoming a flexitarian. The term blends “flexible” and “vegetarian” to
describe those who take a part-time approach to avoiding meat."</blockquote>
<br />
Also, and this is my favorite part, they offer a weekly email that will deliver to you every Friday which provides a meat-free recipe that you can prepare for Meatless Monday! All the information that is provided on the Humane Society's website is also available in a convenient <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/publications/guide_to_meat-free_meals_2011.pdf">downloaded PDF</a> information packet or the provide an option to request it via mail as well.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-47014611034831506002011-08-06T07:21:00.000-04:002011-08-06T07:21:01.136-04:00Myths About Vegetarians & Vegetarian FoodEarlier this week I ran across an awesome guest blog post by <a href="http://casualkitchen.blogspot.com/">Daniel Koontz</a> over at the <a href="http://www.fooducate.com/blog">Fooducate Blog</a>. While Daniel's post, <a href="http://www.fooducate.com/blog/2010/10/22/eight-myths-about-vegetarians-and-vegetarian-food/">Eight Myths About Vegetarians & Vegetarian Food</a>, provides some amazing information that you might want to check out, I wanted to offer you my take on the myths based on the last 7 months of my meat-free life. <br />
<br />
<b>Myth #1: You can’t get enough protein eating vegetarian food.</b><br />
This has been a very large concern of mine since I have cut meat out of my diet. Come to find it, it's not hard to get protein at all. There are tons of non-meat foods such as grains, legumes (beans), nuts, vegetables and even fruits! I also recently began using a new food logging program (app) that provides me with fat, protein and carb levels and I've been in good ranges over the last several weeks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myth #2: There isn’t enough fat in a vegetarian diet.</b><br />
As mentioned above, according to my food logging program, I'm getting all the right amounts of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in my meat free diet. Additionally, if you really want, you can eat all sorts of non-meat foods that are loaded with fat like ice cream, prepared foods, cheeses, snacks and other stuff. Since I've been also targeting weight loss via my vegetarian journey, I'm more than happy to skip the fats.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myth #3: Vegetarianism has to be all or nothing.</b><br />
I've clearly proved this as I've self-proclaimed myself as a pescetarian, essentially a vegetarian that eats fish. Also, as you have read over the last several months, I've had a little nibble of meat here and there. A good way to start on a vegetarian diet is to try a few days a week, or even just a few meals. (check out <a href="http://www.meatlessmonday.com/">Meatless Monday</a>!) I am leaning more and more towards meat-free completely, but I'm still swishing the idea around. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myth #4: Vegetarian diets are limited and boring.</b><br />
No even close to true! I've cooked more exciting, fun and new dishes over the last several months than I have in ages! Previously, I'd been stuck with a handful of dishes that I would make each week for Dan and I. Now, its always something new. I've even got a Thai Curry dish planned out for dinner tonight that uses coconut milk, tofu, noodles, broccoli and all sorts of spices and excitement!! (I will admit that I haven't been cooking meals as much as I should but this is mainly due to our schedules. Sometimes like two ships passing in the early evening, it's hard to plan weeknight meals together... but really that has nothing to do with vegetarianism). You've also seen all sorts of dishes that I've posted here so you know it is not meat loaf or spaghetti night at my house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myth #5: You can’t eat junk food on a vegetarian diet.</b><br />
Uh, really? The only junk food that I've had to say no to complete is beef jerky. Chips, popcorn, candy, cookies... on and on.. all vegetarian!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myth #6: Vegetarian food never fills me up.</b><br />
This evening for dinner I cooked up a veggie burger and put that on a flat-bread with a slice of cheese, some mustard, mayo and ketchup, some sauteed onions, a couple hamburger dill pickle chips and a handful of romaine lettuce. Not only was it amazing but I was super full at the end (and this only took me about 10 minutes to make). Also, veggies are a super filler and because they are low in fat and calories (in comparison to meats), you can eat a TON without worrying too much about your intake. Drinking lots of water helps, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myth #7: Vegetarian culture is too weird. And I don’t want to wear tie-dye.</b><br />
The only culture changes I've made this year, I think, are for the better. I'm conscious of what I'm putting into my body. I'm trying to take care of myself and get fit. I'm educating myself on what is in food and where it comes from and I'm trying to look at the bigger picture of my impact on the enviorment, my community and all sorts of other good things. And no, no tie-die and no big changes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Myth #8: Vegetarians are freakish militants intent on banning all meat.</b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Not at all! We'll I'm not anyway. I can't really be a militant when the man I love and lives with me is a meat-eater. Vegetarianism and pescetarianism wasn't for him, so he's gone back to eating meat and that's OK with me (but I'm working on ensuring that it is good meat only). Don't get me wrong, I've been sharing my journey for months now and that is because it's working for me. I haven't felt this good in years and I enjoy being able to educate people on what I've learned and discovered about myself and I do hope that some of the things I say or type might help someone else too.</span> <i style="font-weight: normal;">Maybe even you?</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
**Check out more info from Daniel Koontz at his website: <b><a href="http://casualkitchen.blogspot.com/">Casual Kitchen</a> </b>"a food blog focused on food philosophy, money-saving ideas and easy and inexpensive recipes."**Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-21181243894327696092011-08-01T21:26:00.000-04:002011-08-01T21:26:31.999-04:00Could you live without animal products for a month.... or longer?Over the last several months, I've often wondered this for myself. Could I cut out all animal products from my diet and be vegan? I've already ditched the pork, beef, chicken and other meats, with the exception of seafood (which honestly might be on it's way out the door too). We've switch to soy milk (but still use regular half-half) and I'm buying more and more organic produce (while not animals, it makes me feel better).<br />
<br />
But what about everything else? Eggs, cheese, fish (omg.. including sushi!), butter, canned beans (see below), baked goods and more non-apparent animal proteins and by-products such as gelatin (please tell me that you do know what gelatin is made from, right? if not, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelatin">learn</a>.) and honey. Further? Some vitamins, medicines, soaps and tons of other everyday items contain animal by-products.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thecoexistcafe.com/category/vegan-experiment/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk4rHkYDbzAnmEjSjjgyOhXE9ofVskv7QealsvY6GLSd-O-rtpw-QtalylgeddyxpKN-epLzYpF8mZ27lmeSPCN-evB2Ytiw88kHJT5jjgjMH6NRWmDkHlTDuQApKcLf7g4F1kQ/s200/TCC-vegan-experiment.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Stephanie over at the <a href="http://thecoexistcafe.com/">Coexist Cafe</a> just completed her own vegan month long journey. She was on a full out animal-free diet for 31 days. She challenged herself and did amazing. Check out her <a href="http://thecoexistcafe.com/category/vegan-experiment/">series of posts</a> on her blog. I'm not only super proud of her and her willpower but I am very inspired!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm leaning more and more towards this path. Why? I'm
not sure yet. I'm still working out my feelings on the topic and know
that I would have a lot of work ahead of me if I was to make the vegan
switch. Shit, I haven't even been able to be fully pescetarian, let
alone vegetarian, so I have no idea what has gotten into me!<br />
<br />
One thing that I learned this weekend and that I have <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2011/02/read-label.html">mentioned previously</a> is that besides research and knowledge and understanding, I've overlooked the basics a handful of times. READ THE LABELS. I ran into another failure on this front over this past weekend. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4f6l0k_NxA-zXYJmfYjMFEI16OIFZLbEws7S-24vgPyoTMjKpn-oYVsGjIE_bOjfjLWhDkdTdidD4lru0PCFDMrMOSHeX16th1Ff6kGQOLZMgbMBLZkmoK9QVFSIP3c8UtHSQPw/s1600/Diptic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4f6l0k_NxA-zXYJmfYjMFEI16OIFZLbEws7S-24vgPyoTMjKpn-oYVsGjIE_bOjfjLWhDkdTdidD4lru0PCFDMrMOSHeX16th1Ff6kGQOLZMgbMBLZkmoK9QVFSIP3c8UtHSQPw/s320/Diptic.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken and Pig and Fat... OH MY!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one really got to me. I know in the last 7 months I have had a bit here and there of meat but this was like a big, fat slap-in-the-face fail on my part. It's not like the ingredients are in another language or that they are hidden by-products. Nope... straight up animals. I would expect that in all that I have learned this year that the last thing I would do is assume that a can of beans was vegetarian. Stupid. If I plan on moving toward full vegetarianism or especially veganism, I need to be seriously conscious all the time. The icing on the cake... I still ate some of the dish that included these beans; yes, after I read the label. I feel guilty. Again, not sure why and still working that out, but unprepared for veg*n is an understatement.Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-29272710764681061862011-08-01T06:54:00.000-04:002011-08-01T06:54:39.320-04:00Facts from Food, Inc.As a follow-up from <a href="http://secretjesi.blogspot.com/2011/07/where-is-real-food.html">yesterday's post</a> regarding the profound documentary film, <i><a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">Food, Inc.</a></i>, I wanted to share the following list of facts that was published in the <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-film.php">film's press kit</a>. I know many will not have the opportunity to view it, so there is lot of info here that is directly from the film. <br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>In the 1970s, the top five beef packers controlled about 25% of the market. Today, the top four control more than 80% of the market.</li>
<li>In the 1970s, there were thousands of slaughterhouses producing the majority of beef sold. Today, we have only 13.</li>
<li>In 1998, the USDA implemented microbial testing for salmonella and E.coli 0157h7 so that if a plant repeatedly failed these tests, the USDA could shut down the plant. After being taken to court by the meat and poultry associations, the USDA no longer has that power.</li>
<li>In 1972, the FDA conducted 50,000 food safety inspections. In 2006, the FDA conducted only 9,164.</li>
<li>During the Bush administration, the head of the FDA was the former executive VP of the National Food Processors Association.</li>
<li>During the Bush administration, the chief of staff at the USDA was the former chief lobbyist for the beef industry in Washington.</li>
<li>Prior to renaming itself an agribusiness company, Monsanto was a chemical company that produced, among other things, DDT and Agent Orange.</li>
<li>In 1996 when it introduced Round-Up Ready Soybeans, Monsanto controlled only 2% of the U.S. soybean market. Now, over 90% of soybeans in the U.S. contain Monsanto’s patented gene.</li>
<li>Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas was an attorney at Monsanto from 1976 to 1979. After his appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice Thomas wrote the majority opinion in a case that helped Monsanto enforce its seed patents.</li>
<li>The average chicken farmer invests over $500,000 and makes only $18,000 a year.</li>
<li>32,000 hogs a day are killed in Smithfield Hog Processing Plant in Tar Heel, N.C, which is the largest slaughterhouse in the world.</li>
<li>The average American eats over 200 lbs. of meat a year.</li>
<li>30% of the land in the U.S. is used for planting corn.</li>
<li>The modern supermarket now has, on average, 47,000 products, the majority of which is being produced by only a handful of food companies.</li>
<li>70% of processed foods have some genetically modified ingredient.</li>
<li>SB63 Consumer Right to Know measure requiring all food derived from cloned animals to be labeled as such passed the California state legislature before being vetoed in 2007 by Governor Schwarzenegger, who said that he couldn’t sign a bill that pre-empted federal law.</li>
<li>Corn products include: ketchup, cheese, Twinkies, batteries, peanut butter, Cheez-Its, salad dressings, Coke, jelly, Sweet & Low, syrup, juice, Kool-Aid, charcoal, diapers, Motrin, meat and fast food.</li>
<li>Corn, which is the main ingredient in animal feed, is also used as a food additive. Those products commonly include: Cellulose, Xylitol, Maltodextrin, Ethylene, Gluten, Fibersol-2, Citrus Cloud Emulsion, Inosital, Fructose, Calcium Stearate, Saccharin, Sucrose, Sorbital, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Di-glycerides, Semolina, Sorbic Acid, Alpha Tocopherol, Ethyl Lactate, Polydextrose, Xantham Gum, White Vinegar, Ethel Acetate, Fumaric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Baking Powder, Zein, Vanilla Extract, Margarine, and Starch.</li>
<li>1 in 3 Americans born after 2000 will contract early onset diabetes; Among minorities, the rate will be 1 in 2.</li>
<li>E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks have become more frequent in America, whether it be from spinach or jalapenos. In 2007, there were 73,000 people sickened from the E. coli virus.</li>
<li>Organics is the fastest growing food segment, increasing 20% annually.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Here's one more resource for you... I love lists! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/food_inc_5x7_v3.html"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68DT5Tm82uaqGSJmPebmRdUIc8VCfmulR3nHomf6LdqxLjbqAjETqzBkAVsgcbgYQxaKjvx9xwMUEuGR856fmTdFmIKdTzPeVsxSckYZXXXpNWK5RBT-AhUsyA1A5oKY4nchsng/s400/food_inc_5x7_v3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (click image to enlarge)</span></div>
<ul>
</ul>Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27295712.post-78299920358052972022011-07-31T08:05:00.000-04:002011-07-31T08:03:05.471-04:00Where is the real food?<br />
<blockquote>
<i>“You look at the labels and you see farmer this, farmer that. It’s really just<br />three or four companies that are controlling the meat. We’ve never had<br />food companies this big and this powerful in our history.”<br />– Eric Schlosser, author of “Fast Food Nation.”</i></blockquote>
<br />
As we enter August, I've come to realize how much I have not missed eating meat throughout the first seven months of 2011. As many of you know, I started a journey this year with my husband (at his urging and suggestion) to adopt a pescetarian diet. This diet is an <span class="st"><i>octo</i>-<i>lavo vegetarian</i></span> diet with the addition of fish, crustaceans and shell fish - in other words - I don't eat things with legs or wings (but technically crustaceans have legs). My husband, Dan, made it through January and decided that this form of eating was not for him. He has since gone back to a full carnivore diet while I've continued on the pescetarian path.<br />
<br />
Then April came around and I decided that since I was being conscious about what I was putting into my body already, I might as well take it step further and work on getting healthy overall. I've since been following a generally strict caloric in-take, while sticking with pescetarianism, as well as targeting at least three work-outs per week. It's been a struggle and I'm not perfect but I've lost over 20 lbs, down three pants sizes, feel amazing and actually have registered for a half-marathon coming up in November. I've got a long way to go to be as healthy as I would like, but this year has really been life-changing thus far.<br />
<br />
So why am I providing you with the most recent updates on my journey? Well, as I have changed my life, I've also tried to take the time and educate myself about food and fitness. From books to magazines to blogs to social networking... I'm utilizing several resources to gain knowledge and learn about what I'm putting in my body. During a conversation last week with a friend (who has recently adopted a vegan diet in order to naturally combat Type 2 diabetes) the documentary film, <i><a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">Food, Inc.</a> </i>came up. While I had heard of this film previously, I had never actually seen it. My friend had mentioned the a few topics that were covered in the film and I decided that I must see it. That same night (Wednesday of last week), I watched the film (thank you Netflix Instant Queue!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8CDHcGkZT54d0ue8-_kgHAgvuigbnr5am4qfXRdho09M2kdARO7iT263KsZgSiN-vrAQlxnmlAp4FkdPX0GHSgV_A4IYeOB6mwXYpuivpRYgcXpSkeHTBhf-bg0h3n-ihKYSIA/s1600/n73304591159_2057535_2427818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8CDHcGkZT54d0ue8-_kgHAgvuigbnr5am4qfXRdho09M2kdARO7iT263KsZgSiN-vrAQlxnmlAp4FkdPX0GHSgV_A4IYeOB6mwXYpuivpRYgcXpSkeHTBhf-bg0h3n-ihKYSIA/s320/n73304591159_2057535_2427818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">image source</a></span></div>
<br />
"<a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/"><i>Food, Inc.</i></a> exposes America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights." It is truly and eye opener. Now, I wouldn't say that I had previously been ignorant to some of the things that happen in the American Food Industry, but I was for sure not versed in it (nor would I say now that I am fully versed either). This documentary provides insight into chicken and beef farming, the over- and misuse of corn, industry and government cooperative corruption, waste and pollution, human rights and <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-issues.php">several other topics</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/5eKYyD14d_0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5eKYyD14d_0&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5eKYyD14d_0&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
After seeing chickens that are so pumped with hormones that their legs can not develop fast enough to carry their over-sized bodies; war-ready soybeans; cows that are forced to stand knee-high and deeper in their own waste; vegetables grown in manure that is full of bacteria and chemicals, and so many other horrible sights, the main thing that I took away from this film is that I did not want to go back to eating animals.... ever... and while I can't make that promise, I can guarantee that if I do, it will be different.<br />
<br />
As much as an animal lover as I am, the treatment of the animals (also very tough to see) was not
what hit me the hardest. The major cord of mine that was struck is that the animals that we are eating are not real animals. They are
pumped up and full of junk and genetically modified and just not real.
It's amazing science that we can make chickens with double the breast
size in half the time or cows that constantly lactate, but we are doing
that with hormones that are then being passed into the food we consume
and then into our bodies. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? This film changed me and I just don't want to do it any more. I want real
food. This goes for pretty much all food. Produce, meats,
dairy, eggs, fruits.. all of it.. I want real, natural food. No
chemicals, no hormones, no genetically modified (aka mutilated!!)
organisms (GMO). None.<br />
<br />
So that is what I'm going to do.. continue to change and grow and learn and improve me. I want to find local and real food sources and eat real food. Is it going to be easy? No way. Will I fail along the way? Hell yes. Will it be worth it? I sure as shit think so. And of course I will be keeping you updated. I haven't set any deadlines or end-all goals, but this will be an on going project. The next step in a life transformation. Oh and Dan too. I'm just as concerned about what is going into his body as mine.<br />
<br />
If you get a chance, check out Food, Inc. There are several different topics covered so I think each of us would take away something different, or maybe even nothing at all, and I would love to hear your views and opinions as well. <br />
<br />
<br />
(More information available at <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/get-involved.php">Hungry for Change</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> <a href="http://www.takepart.com/foodinc">TakePart</a>Jesihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560948965733020244noreply@blogger.com0