Fresh juice and lots of sugar

Wow, I knew it wasn't low, but seeing this in writing really makes me confident that my decision to limit sweet juices to an occasional treat is a valid one. Normally I would have used cucumbers to lower the sugar content this morning but I am out. I did add celery, but didn't want it to overpower the taste so I added the red grapes and my blend came out really nice; refreshing, a bit of gingery spice, and I am sure my brain will love the sugar infusion. And lets not forget all of the wonderful micro nutrients! My skin will be happy too.

Bottle in bag, decaf in hand, I will be off to work in just a bit, but had to take the time to look up the nutritional values of the juices; carrot, apple, celery and red grape. The ginger is so minimal I didn't add in the calorie, but all in all I made 8 cups of juice which filled three and a half bottles - so that is my serving size above. Three days worth of sugar in a single serving, but it's from whole foods, not refined cane, so I am not sure how to count it. Besides being a LOT.
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I guess I am stressed by work, or the commute to get there I should say, and ended up driving through for a sausage biscuit this morning. Yes, I eat when I am bored. This meant having my juice for lunch with a handful or two of whole unsalted cashews and it worked out great. A veggie stew for dinner with bisquick lite dumplings completed the day's meals. And then M showed up with a bag of homemade oatmeal cookies. My guess is butterscotch chips were in them and so that is how I calculated the nutritional value. All in all my three days are spot on ratio wise, but way too high in sugar and sodium. Damn processed foods. But averaging about 1649 calories per day is great.

As those numbers glare up at my from their boxes on the spreadsheet I imagine I will eat more and more whole foods to get the sugar and sodium numbers down. I feel better this evening than I have been lately, not so bloated and a little less stiff; this is exactly the encouragement I need to keep going. 

"Doing nothing seldom accomplishes anything."

It's a retro morning, my old original Gameboy DS, newly charged, is in the small capable hands of a six year old. She can read the instructions, has figured out all of the buttons, and is zooming through Crash Bandicoot like an old friend. Meanwhile I have spent a productive hour in the kitchen which was begging for attention after being ignored all week. The cleaning part, not the cooking, the cooking part we rocked. But sloth is one of the deadly sins, and while I don't think of dirty dishes as deadly, they are certainly a mood damper and must go.

Another beachy morning with clouds holding in the humidity and the promise of a warm beautiful day ahead. Apple pie for breakfast notwithstanding I have healthy intentions for the day. I will move, eat greens, and maybe juice some carrots. No more sugar, my daily allotment is more than gone with breakfast (at least it was a real pie from Sprouts without artificial ingredients) at about 5 tsp in my slice. But at least I am aware of what I have eaten and will take it into consideration when making decisions the rest of the day. Really...or I suppose I should say Hopefully.

Now A is on to Zelda, probably my first real personal digital addiction. I had maps, I had notes, I had hours and hours of mindless (well not quite) diversion and fun and a false sense of accomplishment. Okay, not so false, and not so mindless, but I would definitely disappear into the game just as I would a book. A living story if you will. Just hearing the theme music in the background makes me feel happy. Time to dress and work and take ibuprofen!
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The idea of leftover spaghetti for lunch and having filled 3/4 of the green waste bin I am ready for a hydration break. An episode of Dark Matter is calling my name and the act of eating and watching tv remains a horribly bad habit. Eating and listening to a book is never enough, I have to be engaged three ways for it to work; eating, listening and driving or eating and watching tv (ears engaged) are the usual ways for me to take meals. Of course given a choice eating dinner at the table with the family is preferred but not often in the offering. Lately it's me and A in front of the tv for dinner, and while I know I am teaching her a bad habit, not even for her can I seem to stop. Not to say I'm a bad grama - I don't load her full of sugar and then get mad at her for acting out like some may do with their grandchildren.  We're all graded on someone else's scale, either in our mind or at the pearly gates, no?

That sugar film

Unable to sleep last night I ordered a movie on demand and for $8, about the cost of a fast food dinner that I rarely indulge in anymore, I was reminded about why I no longer add sugar to anything and avoid processed foods. The information gleaned from That Sugar Film was not new, but presented in a way I hadn't considered before. Showing the effects in our body of how excess sugar contributes to a fatty liver, triglycerides in our blood stream, and a foggy brain was just the scientific data that I needed last night. It would have been nice to have seen it before I indulged in a lemon yogurt that has 7.5 tsp of sugar. It's no wonder I love this treat that tastes like lemon meringue pie. As an aside, the new guidelines for a woman in the US is six tsp of sugar daily to maintain health. Look at these ingredients, sugar in the fruit puree as well as a stand alone ingredient plus honey. Whew.

Especially pertinent to me in the file was the data on fruit juice, and of course I thought about using fruit in my juicing, and why the ratio of veggie's to fruit is so vital. No more Sunday morning rainbow juices of oranges and apples except on very special occasions. It's a liver killer. I vow to myself here and now that the fruit will always be used sparingly as an accent to the veggies that predominate my juices. I mean, I do know that food in it's natural state is always a better choice, but somewhere along the line (think fat sick and nearly dead) I started thinking of juicing as a way out of my own personal hell. And I am sure that those who can abstain from all other choices and only intake juice for six weeks or more would benefit from all the streamlined nutrition. But I don't think I am (and therefore am not) one of those people. Not right now anyway. And while I do need the nutritional blast I enjoy from juicing while I am in this cooking slump, eventually I need to use it as mostly a vegetable supplement and occasional treat that I mix into a life of whole foods.

This film reminds me of how important it is for me to look outside myself for nutritional support from those I admire and look to for guidance. The three years I spent eating for nutrition I would google something everyday, or read from a Fuhrman book, or use a favorite McDougal recipe. This was my way of creating a supportive atmosphere in a hostile environment, and I need to get back to that survival practice.

I don't expect tonight meeting to deal with nutrition, but hopefully it will be support for my addictive nature. Attack on two fronts - it seems logical, and I seem ready.
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No, no and no. I may be ready for something to change, but it is NOT going to be attending OA meetings. I left so depressed by all the negative vibes, but on my way out I also knew that my path forward would have to include laughter and camaraderie, not phone calls to let a sponsor know I had or hadn't eaten something. So at least I learned something. Not to disparage anyone who chooses this path, but I knew within five minutes I was in the wrong room. Rather than feeling a connection it was more like I was planning my escape from the moment I walked in. I stayed for the hour, took my turn reading, and listened thoughtfully trying to find some morsel of hope or inspiration. There was none, not felt by me anyway, just painful memories of Al Anon meetings rising up to haunt me from my past. Visions of empty vodka bottles stacked under the bed are a memory I could live without - at least they weren't under my bed, but in another bedroom of the house we were sharing with outlaws.  Those days are reserved for an especially psychotic section of my imaginary scrap book - I so loved taking care of the two little girls while at the same time dealing with the three adult addicts in the house. Four if you count me - I wasn't long in that atmosphere before I was doing shots of gin before noon and sewing with large glasses of red wine as my companion in the evenings. But I wasn't drunk, just stressed out and coping. How I digress!

So back to the present (okay, I typed future and then replaced it with present) and the current challenges. The sugar film really opened my eyes to the fact that sugary food really does have the same impact on our brain chemistry as love - so how does one get around that? I'll tell you how - greens and omega 3's. The challenge for me is to get started, which is why I went searching for support. But it looks like I need to ..excuse the phrase.. just do it.

Monday Monday....

I loved the Mamas & the Papas when I was a little girl. Visiting my Aunt Beth who lived next door I was enchanted by her records, and loved any excuse to spend time with her. For some reason listening to this particular album with her carved a lasting memory into my brain and to this day I love the songs.(Monday Monday: listen here). I also think about spending a seventh of our lives on Monday and usually resist the urge to contribute any additional stress or moodiness to the day. Today's strategy was  working through lunch and heading home early; the traffic was still tiresome but the cool breeze that awaited me at home was lovely and brushed aside the slight irritation of the commute.

Now it's almost eight and I am berating myself for not making it out back to do some more work; there is some more deadwood from the tree to fit into the greenwaste bin. The reality is that I obviously needed a day to recoup after working hard yesterday. Most daily chores I can moderate my work, but outside I forget I need to do that and just go for it. My Bad.

I am so grateful for the cool air coming in through my bedroom window, for the sounds of a disney movie drifting back from the living room where A is watching while her Mom (I am guessing) is browsing away on her phone while keeping her company. A quiet domestic evening - a simple pleasure but the kind I especially love being of a mostly quiet nature.

I had yesterday's leftover juice today, and there is a bottle left for tomorrow. I'm thinking carrot juice  on Wednesday for the next base as I picked up a huge bag of organic juicing carrots not long ago and want to use them while they are fresh. I'm thinking spinach, apples and ginger will be wonderful additions. Just keep it simple and use up what I have.

As I have noted before I recently discovered and became hooked on Mike & Molly. On a whim I searched locally for an OA meeting and found one not too far away; it's tomorrow evening at seven and if I remember I am going to drive over just to give it a once over. If there is anyone or anything I connect with, even just an inkling, I will give it a try. Years and years ago I searched and the one meeting listed at that time had been closed down, but this looks active and has a posted topic so I am a little hopeful. Some support in a social setting would be nice without having a specific eating program attached to it. And now I am shushing the bratty little voice in my head suggesting I am above this sort of thing - because obviously I am not.

Time to find something to fill an hour so I am not in bed too early; I want to sleep well and dream sweet.

Pineapple Grapefruit Juice

Yesterday was a typical reboot day; laundry, dishes, picking up, too much tv in between loads. Today I filled up the green waste bin again after chainsawing off a couple of more limbs, this time from the privet tree at the back of the yard.

Juice today was spinach, pineapple, grapefruit, ginger, lemon, sweet potato, carrot & cucumber. The grapefruit is dominant, with a slightly sweet back taming all the citrus. The kind of juice you think, oh, too tangy, but then can't help going back for sip after sip until your bottle is gone.

Breakfast was homemade wild blueberry pancakes by R and lunch was a banana with peanut butter. I want to get cleaned up and have something nice for dinner but I suspect I will be too tired for the 2nd part after accomplishing the 1st objective. Showers are tiring, especially after sweating away in the back yard.

Looks like it will be back down in the 80's for the week, so hopefully I will get some more work done out back. That's my goal, to keep chipping away at it until I actually want to be out there. To have my morning coffee on weekends and a drink come friday prevening. It's a shame I have let it go so long, but it is what it is and I'm making progress. Of course I will do practically anything in lieu of cleaning the bathroom.

Speaking of which, it's time to go wash all these tiny flowers and sawdust out of my hair.

Helping out

I made dinner for the kids a third night in a row just because I love them that much. They are both busy right now, and A is a handful in the evenings, so this is my way of helping. I'm also doing laundry mid-week just so I won't have to do it on the weekend. We're in another heat wave after our brief dip into the 80's so it  makes more sense to run the machines at night anyway.

I've been tired again in the mornings and driving through for breakfast served with a heaping side of guilt. I know I have to make good decisions to feel good about myself but it's too exhausting to think about just now for some reason. This is probably the dip after my energetic weekend; but I am thankful I am just tired and not out for the count and lost deep in a pity pool somewhere.

I plan on juicing pineapple and grapefruit in the morning, but we'll see how it goes. I love even the idea of those flavours together and wonder that I haven't done this before. It's nice that juicing has settled into a regular part of my eating regime without any big goals; just a shot of nutrition a couple or few times each week.

So in other words, same old same old, nothing new to report here. Speaking of which it is time to reenact my nighttime ritual of tea and a movie in bed.

Status: Brain set to normal, Body on go go go

Waking up to a very special and rare feeling of normalcy I was happy about everything. Optimistic about eating well, moving all day, accomplishing tasks, I dressed in cut off blue jeans and a white t-shirt and headed to the kitchen where I made my decaf and cleaned the juicer.

Heading out back I picked a dozen small oranges from my Valencia Orange tree and coming in I proceeded to rinse and skin them in preparation of juicing later. Later because A was up and I was helping her with her hair. She is doing a better job of detangling all the time, but I like to give it a once over when she is through battling. Back to the kitchen to skin the last lime and half a lemon, chop up cucumbers, one small beet and one green apple, and a thumb of ginger. A box of baby kale and power greens went in the juicer first, followed by everything else, mixing the harder veggies and the squishy fruit to get an optimal amount of juice.

Dark purple (mix magenta and brown to visualize) and tangy I ended up with two large pickle jars and one med jar of juice to last me the day; I will save a jar for R as a pick me up when she returns later.

Exhausted I sat and watched the end of a movie, during which I found myself eating a small bowl of pumpkin granola, diced fresh banana and almond milk. TV is NOT my friend when it comes to eating habits. But there was nothing wrong with what I had, and it provided the energy for what came next. An hour of pruning and shaping trees, and cutting up small branches to maximize space in the green waste cart. Sweaty and loose from the mornings work I am afraid to sit down for very long and let my muscles tighten up. I'm going to gulp some water, take a swig of juice, and head back up to finish the crepe myrtle tree out front after I finish up here. Oh, and the trees were all given a drink from the hose. I am so loving this day; a nice breeze and 73 outside on it's way up to 82. Perfect weather. For anything. And a match to my normal brain. I love feeling this happiness, this lack of bitter, this can do attitude. And my usual prayer goes up to heaven - please let this last, please.

Maybe it's all the Chia I've been adding to my juices.
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Wow, who knew I could still climb half way up an eight foot ladder and cut a dead branch off one of the privet trees using my limb saver chainsaw??? I Rock. A helped me break up all of the small dead branches and load them into the cart. It was already 3/4 full from the morning's work and now it is full - for the moment - if I am not disabled in the morning I'll pack it down and do another branch. Because of course now that the large dead branch is gone I can see three more live ones that need to go in order for the tree to have a pleasing shape again. God that felt good. I am soaked with sweat, sawdust and a small patch of blood on my ankle from when I accidentally knocked the saw from where I had balanced it on the top of the fence. Yes I was up that high. And if I can do this then maybe I can get on the roof and do the back gutters. But not today. A month of days like this and I could have the back yard in good shape again. If only.

I had a large chopped salad with seeds and chick peas for lunch while watching the rest of the Pacifier with A, and I'll finish my juice this afternoon. There is fresh organic pasta in the fridge and marinara sauce from TJ's in the cupboard if i need something solid later. But for now I am calling it a good day, and once I cool down I'm heading for the shower and some clean comfy clothes assuming I can find something loose to wear.

Did I already say I Rock? Because today I definitely do.

Princess Meatball or On being addicted to Mike & Molly

It has been a challenging week, between trying to catch the house up, helping with A, and getting everything done at work I have been fairly exhausted. In the middle of it all I had an ocular migraine adding another special layer of tired over everything else.

Guilty Pleasure: I have recently discovered Mike & Molly, and while part of me can't stand the Mike half, I am laughing so much at the Molly half that I keep going back for more; like watching a train wreck. So during this trying week I discovered that I could set the series to record at any time, any day, new or re-runs, and since I never watched the original airings they are all new to me. Years worth of episodes. Sometimes I am lucky and get them in order, but mostly it doesn't matter. Each day I have two or three episodes to watch and I am immediately relaxed and usually laugh sometime during the twenty minutes or so of the actual show time. Laughter is still the best medicine, and Molly calling herself Princess Meatball after winning a leg wrestling contest with Kathy Bates did the trick for me today. (In the episode Mike had been called Meatball by the Bates character when he was a child.)

I made the pineapple juice again this week with limes, baby spinach, cucumbers and ginger. Simple, light, delicious. We've been juicing often enough that the eczema that was threatening my ears has backed off, and I've been able to cut back on both my Immune and Alfalfa Complex in the treatment of my allergies. And my nails are still strong from the thyroid meds, even though I don't seem to be eating less or having more energy yet. So even as I remain mostly the same there are changes to take note of, and I will count them as progress.

That being said, I'm in here typing because I want to jump in the car and go get some coffee ice cream. It's Friday evening and I don't want to be tired. I don't want to be old and cranky and I am shutting off the whining right now.

It should be gorgeous weather this weekend, and I am looking forward to being home, puttering away at whatever strikes my fancy outside, and sleeping as much as I want in between tasks. I'll finish up juicing anything left in the kitchen that can be processed over the next couple of days, and make a batch of roasted veggies since it is supposed to be a little cooler earlier in the evenings for a change. Sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, red onions - yum.

And maybe some more pumpkin pancakes to go in the freezer for easy weekday breakfasts. I love the crisp outside layer of a pancake heated up in the toaster.

Yaaaaaaaawn. That's about it. For now.

Broccoli in my juice

Feeling the need for more veg in my juice this morning I added in a large stalk of broccoli (no flowerets just the thick and woody stem) and it gave just a hint of something new; nice. I saved my juice for the drive home, drinking my decaf on the way to work and then driving through CJ's for a morning biscuit with butter and jam to eat at my desk. Yum. Then a chopped kale salad for lunch with added brussels sprouts, green onions and half an avocado.

Dinner was...whatever I could get my hands on that was ready. In this case it was a left over pumpkin pancake from the freezer, crisped up in the toaster then coated with peanut butter and jam. Followed by a pineapple Noosa yogurt, and several handfuls of salted roasted peanuts. I will regret this in the morning but that doesn't ever seem to stop me from grabbing something salty. Water, water, water!

Spent part of the evening waiting on A who has sprained her ankle while jumping around to Dance Party on the wii. R got an ice pack around it right away and propped her foot up on pillows; oh the sobs coming out of that six year old. But she will recover fast; the hard part will be slowing her down for a couple of days and letting it heal.

My room is growing around me again. How does this happen so quickly, all this stuff multiplying like it has a life of it's own and is bent on burying me. I will have to spend some time organizing again this weekend. I think it's time to pack up the books I left out - they are all such good friends, but I can't hold them and have no plans to read them anytime soon. I'll have to google the best way to store them so I can have someone read them to me when I am old and feeble. Ha.

Note to self: take better care of yourself.

Vacation 3/10 :: Foxtails 3/3

R made juice this morning, a dark purple full of strawberries and cabbage, kale and cucumber, ginger and beets, an apple, a couple of kiwis - maybe the kitchen sink too but I lost track. Whatever, I surely did enjoy it. I am taking it easy in my room after a rude awakening in the middle of the night, my hand a hot cramping mess, and then a morning of stiffness, my hand swollen and uncooperative. After many questions and answers with the advice nurse we determined I could wait to see my regular physician tomorrow. So our trip is delayed, by how  much only tomorrow will tell, but I definitely cannot drive with my hand as it is.

I am too young to be old and frail, and a little pissed off about it this morning. I know that the anger will pass, but what I don't know is if I have finally had a loud enough wake up call to take care of myself. Another story to be told by time.
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I rested much of the day, icing my hand a few time. Then there was a little puttering a little in the back yard, putting away dishes, a quick trip to the grocery store to see how my hand felt on the steering wheel. Not bad, not good. I don't know if there is anything the Dr. will be able to tell me tomorrow morning, and our road trip is still undecided. A is the optimist and she has packed. I'll throw some things together before going to bed tonight, and can finish up tomorrow if I decide we are going.

And if we go I'll be leaving Kaylee here, having A along will be plenty in the company and responsibility departments. I just wish I felt better, I wish I felt like going.

Vacation 1/10 :: Foxtails 1/3

After Kaylee's foray into the world of dental infections due to impacted foxtails I am focusing on clearing out the back yard in order to thwart a repeat performance. Damn this drought and my laziness and my penchant for afternoon naps. But the timing is good, the weather down in the 80's, and vacation time to spend on the project. But First - the kitchen. After two longer than usual days at work preparing for my absence I could not find it in my to do anything in there other than prepare snacks and\or dinner for A since R is also having long work days. I'm giving myself a break, a long day at work followed by a six year old is not conducive to cleaning at night if you're doing it right.

I am trying not to 'plan' how this is going to go. I know from experience that I will wander from one thing to another until they are all done; laundry, dishes & foxtails. I have three days until leaving to visit Mom, and it is vacation time after all - no pressure, no perfection, just progress. The fact that I am already dressed and have had my coffee before 8am on a 'sleep in' day is a good sign. And I am looking forward to NOT sitting at my desk for eight hours; just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I must say I am missing the juice, I may have to take time to add that in ~~~~~~~

The back yard along the right fence is weeded and trimmed, the wild tangle of jasmine, privet and roses cut away to reveal a path to behind the garage. The green waste is full for the time being, after it sits overnight I will force it down to make room for tomorrow's contribution.

Two loads of laundry - done. One rotation of dishes - done. Errands with the child - done. A healthy dinner - not so much. I swear this is my last dinner of popcorn, I can't stand the morning swelling, but I am tired after the day's exertions and can't face the kitchen yet.

Progress, not perfection. All is well.

Day 5/5 - juicing for nutrition

Juice: kale, sweet potato, carrots, cucumber, orange, lemon, apple. We were out of ginger and I missed the spicy back our juice usually sports. But it was good, and I drank mine for lunch. Drinking juice is an art made up of mostly sipping over the course of an hour or so. This way your body can work on digesting and absorbing absolutely all of the nutrition in every little drink; you want to savour, not gulp, your way through a freshly squeezed juice.

Another eight hours without a break, working one short from our team and lots to be done. Then home to rest and colour for a bit before picking up A and running an errand to pick up fish food for her Beta, Fire Breather. The first time home I found the old bottle of pellets chewed up and empty on the couch. Damn those dogs. After making three trips to two different pet stores we finally had the best of the choices; hopefully it will suffice and I am sure the fish thinks it is better than nothing.

For me it was organic noodles freshly cooked and stirred up with some microwaved veggies and a liberal splashing of sesame oil, tamari, and some szechuan stir fry sauce. I know, salt and sugar, but also warm and comforting and easy. And real food, lets not forget that part.

The kitchen has taken on a life of it's own, so tomorrow I will clean instead of juicing. I hate that it's been over ten years and my back is still pinching. Another weight thing? Maybe someday I will find out. But in the meantime I am still moderating how much I do each day so that I am not crotchety with the pain.

Time to cuddle and relax and call it a day.

Day 4/4 - juicing for nutrition

Beets were the star of this day's juice, with kiwi and apple, spinach and cucumber, lemon and ginger. It was earthy and spicy and delicious. And I needed the energy as the day became the longest one I have had in a long time.

First there was the prepping & juicing before work, then six hours without a break because I was leaving early to take Kaylee to have her teeth cleaned. A 45 minute appt. at 3:15 became a 2 hour ordeal during which she was given antibiotics, had four extractions, and had to be sedated for the last half hour of it all. She had foxtails in the back of her jaw that had become impacted around two of her molars on one side and then infected. (At least now we know why her breath had become so bad, and her little kisses are once again sweet.)

Arriving home I rushed off with M and A to meet R for dinner at Simply Fondue to celebrate M's birthday. Who knew dinner could take two hours in the US of A! Once home I discovered that Kaylee's antibiotics were missing and had to trek back down to the restaurant to retrieve them, having discovered they had fallen out of my purse during A's rummaging through my purse.

And dinner wasn't relaxing, it is a do it yourself affair which I didn't realize was impacting my back until driving home the second time around. By then it was after 8pm and I was dead on my feet. I was in bed by 9pm and slept through until 5:30am straight - I haven't done that in probably years!

I may have to skip juicing tomorrow - the dishes are piling up and I apparently can't do both.

Day 3/3 - juicing for nutrition

This morning I did not rush out of the house, nor did I arrive at work on time. But that's okay. Because I did take the time to juice for myself and R (and rinse out the juicer) before packing up and hitting the road.

And such a delicious juice! Pineapple, Kale, lemon,cucumbers and ginger. In other terms, the holy trinity of juices plus pineapple and kale. Because googling juicing is like seeing cucumbers, lemon & ginger over and over and over again. Change up the greens & herbs you use and the fruit to sweeten your concoction (because who wants to drink dirt) and there you have a basic juicing recipe. Lemon & ginger can balance any other strong flavour while the cucumber seems to act as a mediator, making everyone place nice together in your glass.

I feel better. Yes I ate crap during the past three days, but this infusion of nutrients has made a difference in my mood and energy. Or maybe the juicing just synched up with my natural bio-rhythms and I would have felt better anyway. It doesn't matter. Feeling this way is incentive to juice at least a few times every week in place of a regular meal. Besides, once I have spent the energy to clean, chop and juice and then later clean up afterwards, it makes it easier to say no to the next bad thing that comes to mind.

Also, the reality is that this morning I wouldn't have taken the time had I not been juicing for R too. I awoke late, had to shower, and it was time to leave. But I basically work flex hours as managers do so I made myself follow through, which is overstating it because there was no way I was going to disappoint R.

Yesterday R made pizza dough, and I had saved mine for today since we had sandwiches for lunch and that was enough bread for one day. A helped me make my pizza this evening and while I didn't get the crust thin enough it was fresh and delicious. Sauce, mozzarella, red onion, kalamata olives, garden tomatoes and artichoke hearts. I was hoping there would be some feta left in the fridge but it was gone. No matter, the pizza was great.

So moderation - once again that ideaology crops up as a way to manage food, and life. Maybe people too. I will say that it felt like I was pumping my body full of sugar, and my future juices will be back to the normal ratio of less fruit and more veg. But these are my new normals; juicing, no added sugar, no meat, and limited dairy. Oh, and DRINK MY WATER! Better go tap that.

Day 2/3 - juicing for nutrition

Yesterday's juice was wonderful, the arugula a nice surprise. Today's surprise ingredient is Mint! Fresh mint, oranges, carrots, green apples. Definitely a different type of juice with more fruit than veg, and utterly enjoyable. My first impression was of an orange mojito. Yum. I also picked a few extra oranges and juiced them afterwards to flavour the water today. You know, just change things up a little bit.

Last night was the recently typical fourth of July; big banks & shaking dogs. I have had so many awesome 4ths, and so many filled with drama, I am happy to sit them out for a bit. Next year I will be ordering doggie downers for the event - it's just too hard on them.

As for me, I was absorbed in the shows and movies I had taped in preparation and indulged in some chips and onion dip. And two Applegate hot dogs; one with tomatoes, red onions & jalapeno and one just plain with ketchup. Before dark I had driven though for an oreo blast and that was my last indulgence for the day. I am regretting the chips this morning, my hands swollen and my trigger finger annoying me no end.  If M keeps working I will be able to save up to have the surgery later this year.

It's going to dip back into the 80's for the next few days, thank heavens, and I am looking forward to getting some fresh air. It was so lovely in the back yard this morning picking oranges; I am inspired to keep working back there to get it cleared out and have a nice place to hang out in the mornings and evenings.

There is always something beautiful and positive offered by the earth each day, no matter how small or fleeting, and I am thankful for them all. Oh, which reminds me, the moon was amazing last night. It was about 11:30 and I poked my head out the door to see what the temperature was and there she was, shining like a harvest moon all orange and golden and glamorous. After adoring her for a bit more I took my frantic panting dog and headed to bed, to keep her company until the booming ceased for the night.

ps  the juices are from here; a free download for glowing skin.

Day 1/3 - juicing for nutrition

R was planning a three day skin regime of juicing, fruit and smoothies, so  I jumped on the bandwagon. She wrote out a long grocery list yesterday and while she shopped I wiped down the fridge. (We had already tossed anything old earlier.) Then A and I went swimming, returning two hours later calm and hungry as swimming tends to make one.

This morning we made our first juice:
Arugula, purple grapes, red cabbage, lemon, cucumber & green apple. So very delicious. A beginner to juices might have found the arugula overpowering, but the sweet grape back accented the green loveliness of it IMHO. Our snack later is fruit of our choice. I have Fuhrman's list of most nutritionally dense foods on the fridge and I will choose my fruit from there; berries being at the top of the list.

It is fun to do this with someone, even if for different reasons. I need to get rid of my stomach which has begun feeling like a sixth appendage. She is wanting to give her skin a nutritional boost. Really it all amounts to the same thing; feeding our bodies the nutrients they are lacking.  We ate well yesterday (ok, except for my ice cream bar - Friday is dessert day around here) and kept busy all morning around the house before setting off on our mutually beneficial tasks (shopping & swimming.) The evening ended with a game of Life with A (which I finally won) before heading off to our rooms to finally relax.

We agree that we need to keep our home free from sugar, bread & dairy. I do have my little exceptions. There is a small container of sour cream to finish off, and some grated parmesan. Those were my two exceptions the years I was loosing weight so I don't mind them hanging around.

This morning I cleared off cobwebs from the patio (drought decorations) and cleared away all the dead and dried up bits of plants. While pots empty of everything but dirt are not the most appealing landscape they are better than pots overflowing with brown and scraggly remnants of the  previous summers colours and scents.

There will be some laundry and more swimming today. A macaroni salad to make for the kids to take with them to a BBQ. Then keeping close to the dogs as they shiver and whine when the M80's are going off. Damn those neighborhood  kids (ok, probably in their 20's & 30's). I have recorded several things on the DVR to keep myself diverted for the evening, and will probably drive through for a hot dog later. A small salute to memories past. And I will certainly be craving junk food by then. Maybe. We'll see.

I'm already feeling better mentally and physically and it may just be that I don't want to rock this particular boat.

So many things to do, Happy Fourth!

Sugar Detox - Day 10/14

I'm enjoying my decaf and cream in the mornings, not tempted to add sugar, but still struggling a little in the afternoons. Big crunchy salads for lunch and my rice\veggie dish for dinner make me feel like I am finally getting enough servings of healthy foods during each day. Plus I am back to traveling with an apple in my bag so I have something to eat on the way home, removing the impulse to stop.

My urges to eat are a bit less I think, and I'm snacking less in the evenings.

I had A tonight and we did some reading together and then threw her in the shower; lord that child can get filthy - a testament to how much fun she has for sure.

Thank heavens tomorrow is the weekend again already, I am exhausted. I think I need to juice for a day; green and spicy sounds really good right now. Maybe Saturday; I can pick up cucumbers and ginger at the local produce stand tomorrow. Yes, good idea!

Time for bed, I can't stand here a minute longer.

Hobbit meals and staying busy

It seems as though I have Hobbit blood coursing through my veins and compelling me to have seconds, not just helpings but whole meals. Yesterday I attributed my overeating to how tired I am, and again today it's all I can do to keep moving between sneezes. I left my asthma meds in my drawer at work, and I'm wondering if I should go pick up an over the counter nasal spray or detox over the weekend to see what happens. Am I really trading allergies and energy for meds and comatose energy levels? I keep reminding myself that if I don't treat these allergies I could trigger the asthma and be back on steroids. Again I think I would rather be tired than coughing, I think I will go with that.

Beginning my day with mostly carbs after berating myself for overindulging yesterday feels a lot like hair of the dog that bit me. I've already had my coffee and just want a shot of...OMG. I will NOT go down that road. Addicts in recovery do not joke about needing shots. Of anything.

Back to work! The first of the laundry is in, the vacuuming done, A's bed is changed and her floor picked up; mine not so much. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.....

Lunch! After rotating the dishes I juiced all of the lemons we got on sale this past week. From experience we know a sale means on their way out and we didn't wan to lose any as we did with the last large bag. There are now two ice cube trays full of freshly squeezed lemon juice in the freezer for recipes, water bottles and lemonade. There was a jar leftover and I decided on juicing as a way to clear out some of the fridge - it's a little out of control in there - and a good option for lunch after the mornings bad choices. Celery, cucumber, green apple, fresh pineapple, carrots, ginger & kale stalks. Then I added the fresh lemon juice until the celery wasn't overpowering. Very delicious and glad I took the time and energy to prepare it. There are three glass bottles in the fridge, maybe I'll just keep drinking some every time I'm hungry and maybe my allergies will calm down a little with the infusion of nutrients. A good intention that will not last, I am already full of doubt this will happen.

I have spent most of the day on my feet, and I know once I sit down they will tighten up and be painful once I try to stand again. But I am tired, and need a break.Oh the dilemmas of a fat woman!

A little time with A reading, a Saturday afternoon nap, a movie, and now some solitaire and mortal instruments before bed.

breakfast: decaf coffee, buttered toast with the last of the left over corned beef
2nd breakfast:last two slices of thin crust veggie pizza
snack: eight ritz crackers and 1 thin slice of cheddar shared between them
lunch: freshly squeezed juice
dinner: left over pasta, sauce and a meatball, two slices of bread, parmesan cheese
dessert: vanilla ice cream

How sweet is this

I must begin my blog with arriving home from work. Here is a pic of my greeting in front of the door mat. (You may thank the wind storms for the debris - the landscapers come Wednesday.)

A's reading is coming along very quickly, and her writing skills are following closely; not knowing how to spell something doesn't slow her up at all. She either sounds it out or asks. I love it, I think we all do. I am thinking she wrote this for me because they were leaving for softball practice and knew I would be coming home to a house of hungry dogs and no people. I may be reading a lot into this, but I can think what i want until I find out otherwise.That's my sweetie*

I forgot my salad for lunch on the coffee table, but had taken a bottle of juice to drink on the way home. So I drank my lunch after inhaling 600 calories of shortbread cookies (link below.) Typical year; dieting and girl scout cookies arrive around the same time.

I'm off to kitchen duty while listening to my latest book while it is quiet up front.

Breakfast: Decaf, sausage muffin

Lunch:  home made juice

Snack: one sleeve of girl scout Trefoil cookies 

Dinner:  SALAD

Saturday's Juice

8:30 am
I don't want to write my intentions, for fear they will not materialize. I want to flow through the day letting my actions guide me without thought or mental battles; I would like a day without crazy.

9:38 am
Juicing done, enough for the weekend I think.




4 cucumbers          2 sm oranges
3 lg carrots           1 lg lemon
1 med red beet     3 small kiwis
2" sliced ginger     1 can coconut water

A little bit too much fruit, but better in me than wasted in the recycling bin? Maybe. But it's delicious, and I feel the need to 'cleanse' after yesterday, and the past week. The glass bottles we save come in very handy for mornings like this, and I will probably drink three today and two tomorrow. Not that it matters, just getting in all the nutrients, that is what matters. I will make a bean soup at some point this weekend, after cleaning out the fridge. I know I have spinach to use up, and a butternut squash. I do love having left overs to have for lunches all week.

Laundry in, audio book in ear, time to rest my back then get on with the weekend chores. Oh, and taxes, that. Ugh, maybe later this evening in lieu of snacking after dark. Maybe.


2:03 pm
Us girls ran to the tea shoppe and Walmart this afternoon, and now I am puttering with more laundry and some solitaire while they watch a good movie. I am tired and just want to lay down and watch another taped show. Maybe I will. I am guessing I will have more energy tomorrow. Or hoping I will, something like that.

5:46 pm
R baked up some delicious home made brownies, and while still baking the smell drove me down to pick up a pint of vanilla ice cream. I also chopped and pan toasted some pecans finishing them with brown sugar. Chewey and the perfect foil for the warm brownies. Yum. A fun treat on a rainy day.

9:43 pm
Long afternoon of TV, and mostly laying around. But I do feel rested now, and calm. I have new nighttime tea freshly brewed, and the relief that comes from the day being over. Sad that, but sleep has always been my friend, my escape at the end of the day.

 Breakfast: fresh juice

Lunch:  potato, sauteed mushrooms, sour cream

Snack: banana, peanut butter (organic, just peanuts and salt)

Dinner:   tossed salad, blue cheese vinaigrette 

Dessert: home made brownie, B&J vanilla ice cream, toasted pecans w\ brown sugar

Late bite: one wing stop chicken nugget