Idleness and the Devil

Yes, I strongly believe idleness can become the devil's playground in one way or another. What we begin to do infrequently can certainly become the norm versus the exception to the rule and eventually cause problems if they are NOT productive. Lately, I have been engaging in idleness while still very preoccupied. Think about it! It's highly possible when you have a laundry list of things to do yet you're steady watching i.e television, on social networks, mindlessly relaxing, chatting about nothing on the phone or simply staring at the wall. 

Well, being the result driven, over achieving person I am said to be, I was idle as it relates to several things and on last Wednesday, that idleness struck me in the gut as I received unwanted news about changes outside of my control which downright made me sick to my stomach, sad, upset at myself for wasting irreplaceable time and left with plenty to get done ASAP. I attended a class called Energy For Life and the message complimented my inner voice~~where are you putting your energy? 

The class lasted one and a half days and upon its completion, everything changed. A slew of emotions hit me dead in my face and I immediately unplugged from everything and everyone. It was so bad that I fell off of the earth and concerned emails, text messages, phone calls and inbox messages were left even on social networks but I did not want to deal with anything. For a few days, I was emotionless while trying to compile everything that needed to be done while developing an execution plan. The class was extremely invaluable; the knowledge learned will be with me forever.

After a few days, I finally touched base with a few folks and the word got out that I was alive and kicking. Today makes a week since the breakdown really got ugly and I'm still working that laundry list and moving right along with life. I have gotten a great deal accomplished in a short time. Not watching television, staying off of the social media network and being intentional with my time helped immensely. Having balance and funneling my energy to the correct things in life is imperative. 

I had a silent breakdown that allowed me to break through, experience painful life lessons and pull myself up with my veggie straps. 

What are you leaving home with?

This picture was taken the night of December 30, 2011. It was my last evening in Fort Lauderdale (sad) and I was getting my food bag together for my 700 mile journey back to North Carolina. My other foods not shown above were Cream of Wheat, Jamaican veggie patties and water. During my last few days there, I pondered what changes should be made to my food selection for a healthier "me" in 2012. 

 Well, I did admit to myself that increasing raw veggies and decreasing processed foods to below ten percent was imperative to obtain further improvements in every area. The best way to achieve this goal of mine was to pre-pack my fresh veggies, replace my favorite "healthy" processed foods with fresh ones and remember to leave everything else in the store (smile). 

As I'm on this new and sometimes challenging journey (no bread, crackers or chips in 2012), I've often wondered what changes others vowed to make in 2012 as it relates to foods. Did you make any? If so, what are they and how is the journey thus far? As you're about to leave home, do you every stop and think about carrying food (snacks etc) with you? 

Your Money, Their Eatery!!!

So, the first quarter will be closed out in another ten days and I'm wondering how many folks have already over spent when it comes to eating out. Finances and Food goes hand in hand in our society; it has become apart of life for millions to buy something daily while outside of the home. However, I'm wondering if anyone has made an eatery budget and kept to it.

I had a conversation last night with one of my most favorite people and of course she laughed at me, and I laughed at myself as well because the when, where and how much of me eating out for 2012 could be quickly rattled off my tongue without any hesitation. That's right!! I've eaten out for a friend's birthday dinner on Jan. 28 and for my Cooper River Bridge's practice run on March 10th. On both occasions, I ate just before arriving and opted for a salad (it was the only choice on the menu). My post run salad was the best I have ever paid for (it was complimented by my two homemade veggie burgers).

To the more important questions now!!! Did you make an eatery budget? Are you sticking with it? If so, what has helped you to be successful? If not, what are some of your challenges?

Quinoa Salad

I do not ever recall having a quinoa salad despite the delicious recipes I have seen online. Well recently, I made homemade veggie burgers, quinoa and steamed broccoli/sweet peas to enjoy and take to Charleston, SC for a practice run of the Cooper River Bridge. Naturally I was tempted to sample all the freshly cooked foods in front of me; so I turned my regular salad into a quinoa salad and loved every fork full of it. In that moment, I finally understood why so many people rave about quinoa salads. That quinoa simply took my very versatile nightly salad to the next level. Hence moving forward, it will be a wonderful way to get in good carbs after one of my evening runs or other activity. For those new to quinoa, you can use the rice to water ratio to make it a success.

After my experience, I urge you to take a food that you like and enjoy it in a different way; and when you do please share it with me.

Happy Concocting!!

Savory "End of week" Treat

Getting creative with your food is one way to staying on track with whatever your dietary goals may be. For me, stopping by a side joint to pick something up is not an option, and I'm actually thankful for many reasons (cost, quality of ingredients, food cross contamination etc). So, as my aunt and I chatted at the close of a long work week, I settled on homemade sweet potatoe fries since she raved about how great they were. Well based on my appetite, I knew that would not be enough so I decided to grill squash and zucchini for the first time. Also sweet potatoes alone are not a balanced dinner even though many may think it is (hence the combination). The sauce is simply Ragu's veggie pasta sauce with some vegenaise (vegan mayo). It's so delicious that the next day, I was late for an engagement because I had to have the last of this dish prior to leaving the house. Don't judge me!! I love great concoctions.

Are you a concoction junkie like myself or do you cook primarily from recipes? Tell the truth now!! LoL

Yummy Power Punchers!!!

By now you have gathered I enjoy cooking;  and more importantly, eating as clean as possible. Well, this dish is packed with protein and fiber amongst other things. Quinoa is very versatile; many consider it to be a grain but it's actually a seed. It's loaded with protein which is one of the main reasons it replaced brown rice (I would eat it out but no longer cook it) in my home. Lentils is also high in fiber and protein; many are surprised to discover it has as much protein as chicken. Yes it does, and I'm glad since it is one of my favorite legumes to eat. Steamed mixed veggies are the next best thing outside of eating veggies raw. And last but not least, there is the infamous chick peas again; I told you to expect to see it often. I LOVE chick peas;)!

For this meal, dried chick peas were cooked in my Wolf Gang Puck Gourmet Bistro with spices, onions, garlic and olive oil. The quinoa and lentils were also cooked with the same things in it as the chick peas. Finally, the mixed veggies were steamed with nothing added to them. Actually, veggies are tastier when steamed since you actually taste the food's natural flavor more. This was a lunch meal that left me light, comfortable and loaded with goodness.

Let me know if you try it in any variation or have questions. Happy, Healthy Eating!