Thursday, February 3, 2011
My Life's Biggest Project: Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
My Life's Biggest Project: Healthy, Wealthy & Wise: "I went to my doctors appointment today and even though my incision site has come open the doctor said that it was alright and that I should ..."
Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
I went to my doctors appointment today and even though my incision site has come open the doctor said that it was alright and that I should be all healed up in about three weeks. That was completely agitating news to me. The doctor probably thought that I was being a drama queen, but correct me if I'm wrong is it not abnormal to have a hole in one's back. I don't feel like having an open incision is the most healthy thing in the world, but then again I'm not a doctor. So who knows he may know what he's talking about.
After getting this news I decided to go to the mall and walk around because I am sick of being cooped up in the house. My friend Chrystle and I walked around the mall for a while, then we went to Hobby Lobby and probably spent like four hours there, no lie. I found all kind of knick knacks to put in my house, but the problem is that I no longer have any wall space so I'm kind of limited on what it is that I can purchase in terms of house decor.
The ride home was interesting because there was ice all over the roads and more people felt like coming out of their houses later in the day. Once Chrystle and I got back to my house we watched the newest episode of Grey's Anatomy and then I figured it was dinner time. After heating up some grilled chicken on my George Forman grill we decided that a side of some kind would have been good, so I found one that would be great to have. The important thing to remember in a busy day we still need to make good choices. Rachel Ray posted one of her 30 minute meals that I figured I'd share with you. Read it, try it and tell me what you think.
Kale and Portobello Mushrooms
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
Show: 30 Minute MealsEpisode: Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (26)
Filed under: Vegetables, Kale, Vegetables, Mushroom, more
RECIPE RATINGS & REVIEWS(26)
Cook Time:12 minLevel: EasyYield: 4 servings
Recipe Tools:
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Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 portobello mushroom caps, sliced
1 1/4 pounds kale, stemmed and chopped
Salt and pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon
1/2 cup dry Italian red wine
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with extra-virgin olive oil. When the oil is hot, add mushrooms and cook until dark and tender. Add kale and turn with tongs to wilt. Season the mixture of mushrooms and greens with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add wine and deglaze the pan. Reduce heat to low and cook greens 5 minutes longer then serve
After getting this news I decided to go to the mall and walk around because I am sick of being cooped up in the house. My friend Chrystle and I walked around the mall for a while, then we went to Hobby Lobby and probably spent like four hours there, no lie. I found all kind of knick knacks to put in my house, but the problem is that I no longer have any wall space so I'm kind of limited on what it is that I can purchase in terms of house decor.
The ride home was interesting because there was ice all over the roads and more people felt like coming out of their houses later in the day. Once Chrystle and I got back to my house we watched the newest episode of Grey's Anatomy and then I figured it was dinner time. After heating up some grilled chicken on my George Forman grill we decided that a side of some kind would have been good, so I found one that would be great to have. The important thing to remember in a busy day we still need to make good choices. Rachel Ray posted one of her 30 minute meals that I figured I'd share with you. Read it, try it and tell me what you think.
Kale and Portobello Mushrooms
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
Show: 30 Minute MealsEpisode: Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (26)
Filed under: Vegetables, Kale, Vegetables, Mushroom, more
RECIPE RATINGS & REVIEWS(26)
Cook Time:12 minLevel: EasyYield: 4 servings
Recipe Tools:
Print Recipe
Get Card
Save Recipe
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 portobello mushroom caps, sliced
1 1/4 pounds kale, stemmed and chopped
Salt and pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon
1/2 cup dry Italian red wine
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with extra-virgin olive oil. When the oil is hot, add mushrooms and cook until dark and tender. Add kale and turn with tongs to wilt. Season the mixture of mushrooms and greens with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add wine and deglaze the pan. Reduce heat to low and cook greens 5 minutes longer then serve
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
My Life's Biggest Project: Snow Day Part Deux
My Life's Biggest Project: Snow Day Part Deux: "This weather is insane! So OU has canceled campus again for tomorrow and that would make it three days in a row as of now. We started back t..."
Snow Day Part Deux
This weather is insane! So OU has canceled campus again for tomorrow and that would make it three days in a row as of now. We started back to school on January 18 and tomorrow will mark our fourth snow day of the semester. Insane right? Well I am pretty sure that is a record for the University of Oklahoma. Sadly however the campus will probably be open on Friday which normally for me would not matter because I don't have class on Friday, but this Friday is going to be a little different. Allow me to explain. I am currently enrolled in a race gender and the media course, which is right up my ally because I really enjoy things about the media and race and gender studies. However this is a cross listed course which means it is comprised of both graduate students (three to be exact) and undergraduate students. The graduate students have some extra assignments so that it is fair for us to get credit for the course. That too is fine. We meet with the professor of the course every Wednesday after class, by we I mean the three graduate students, but due to a conflict in schedules this week we have to meet on Friday at 10 a.m.
Normally this would not be a problem, but I was really hoping to leave town tomorrow after my post op appointment and go spend time with my besty for his birthday. It can still be done, but it will just be later and I am just whining...lol. Now on the topic of whining, let me whine to you about something else. The weather...so today I made my friend Chrystle go with me to the OU men's basketball game. We played Baylor and won! This is amazing because OU's men have not been having their best season. I like to think they won because I was there. Never in my life have I attended an OU game where we lost. Football I guess is a little unfair for me to have this theory since OU just does not lose at home, but basketball that's another story all together. So yay! My sooner's won!
After the game we went to Chrystle's house so she could grab some essentials and get snowed in with me for the remainder of the snow days. It was like Alaska trying to get into her house. I now know what Sarah Palin feels like trying to get from the car to the house. Insane I tell you. Also word to the wise do not wear ankle socks when it is snowy outside, because if you step in the snow you want something higher up your leg instead of giving it a perfect place to rest. I now know this.
So yesterday I told you about my fear of snacking and it's a pretty fair fear. Well because boredom makes you think you need to be doing something and eating seems like a better option than I don't know lets say reading for class. So Tiffani messaged me some suggestions and I will share them with you. I will copy and paste her message to me. Here it is. Suggestions from Tiff:
"Almonds!- even a handful makes you feel like you ate something substantial, and they are full of good fats, go for natural unsalted ones though."
"Liquid egg whites- this has become a regular thing I buy at the grocery store, why? because it is soo easy to use and low in sodium, and calories. high in protein. you can mix in some bell pepper and onion and throw it on a whole wheat english muffin or whole wheat bread."
"Bananas and/or apples- both give you a satisfying "full" feeling. also since bananas are high in potassium they are great for post workout snack."
"I've started eating 1 tsp of Smart balance Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 banana sliced on 1 piece of whole wheat bread along with 1 cup of fat free milk."
"Skinny Cow Ice cream cups- Not to be had everyday but a GREAT alternative to regular ice cream and it taste great! :)"
"Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Cereal- 180 calories per 28 biscuits and absolutly NO sodium :) I LOVE Kashi! lol .. It has a great taste without adding sugar, however a little sweetner goes a long way if you need it to be sweeter. So the only sodium you add to this is whats in a cup of fat free milk.. usually around 150 MG. overall since its whole grain it fills you up for a while."
"Bran flakes- Lower in calories than Kashi but higher in sodium. Bran however keeps digestive stuff working right so its good to alternate."
"If your looking for something yummy to share with someone, try once of Kashi;s new pizzas. They are great. They have a veggie pizza and its my fav. Sodium is kinda high about 630MG per 1/3 of a pizza. But calories aren't bad."
"Yogurt!- Ive come to love yogurt, weight watchers has a cheesecake yogurt that is great! only 100 calories per cup, 110 MG sodium. Yoplait Whips orange cream is 140 calories per serv and only 70 mg of sodium. I love both of these."
"Salad- good ol salad ..lol,"
"String cheese and apple slices- Ive come to love this as a snack. the cheese has a lot of sodium but its a low calorie snack :)"
"Hope this gives you some ideas!! :)"
I hope you take some of Tiff's suggestions. I know I will. Enjoy your break from work or school if you get one too. Stay warm and I'll post more stuff for you tomorrow after my doctor's appointment. Maybe he can find out why he didn't fix me.
Normally this would not be a problem, but I was really hoping to leave town tomorrow after my post op appointment and go spend time with my besty for his birthday. It can still be done, but it will just be later and I am just whining...lol. Now on the topic of whining, let me whine to you about something else. The weather...so today I made my friend Chrystle go with me to the OU men's basketball game. We played Baylor and won! This is amazing because OU's men have not been having their best season. I like to think they won because I was there. Never in my life have I attended an OU game where we lost. Football I guess is a little unfair for me to have this theory since OU just does not lose at home, but basketball that's another story all together. So yay! My sooner's won!
After the game we went to Chrystle's house so she could grab some essentials and get snowed in with me for the remainder of the snow days. It was like Alaska trying to get into her house. I now know what Sarah Palin feels like trying to get from the car to the house. Insane I tell you. Also word to the wise do not wear ankle socks when it is snowy outside, because if you step in the snow you want something higher up your leg instead of giving it a perfect place to rest. I now know this.
So yesterday I told you about my fear of snacking and it's a pretty fair fear. Well because boredom makes you think you need to be doing something and eating seems like a better option than I don't know lets say reading for class. So Tiffani messaged me some suggestions and I will share them with you. I will copy and paste her message to me. Here it is. Suggestions from Tiff:
"Almonds!- even a handful makes you feel like you ate something substantial, and they are full of good fats, go for natural unsalted ones though."
"Liquid egg whites- this has become a regular thing I buy at the grocery store, why? because it is soo easy to use and low in sodium, and calories. high in protein. you can mix in some bell pepper and onion and throw it on a whole wheat english muffin or whole wheat bread."
"Bananas and/or apples- both give you a satisfying "full" feeling. also since bananas are high in potassium they are great for post workout snack."
"I've started eating 1 tsp of Smart balance Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 banana sliced on 1 piece of whole wheat bread along with 1 cup of fat free milk."
"Skinny Cow Ice cream cups- Not to be had everyday but a GREAT alternative to regular ice cream and it taste great! :)"
"Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Cereal- 180 calories per 28 biscuits and absolutly NO sodium :) I LOVE Kashi! lol .. It has a great taste without adding sugar, however a little sweetner goes a long way if you need it to be sweeter. So the only sodium you add to this is whats in a cup of fat free milk.. usually around 150 MG. overall since its whole grain it fills you up for a while."
"Bran flakes- Lower in calories than Kashi but higher in sodium. Bran however keeps digestive stuff working right so its good to alternate."
"If your looking for something yummy to share with someone, try once of Kashi;s new pizzas. They are great. They have a veggie pizza and its my fav. Sodium is kinda high about 630MG per 1/3 of a pizza. But calories aren't bad."
"Yogurt!- Ive come to love yogurt, weight watchers has a cheesecake yogurt that is great! only 100 calories per cup, 110 MG sodium. Yoplait Whips orange cream is 140 calories per serv and only 70 mg of sodium. I love both of these."
"Salad- good ol salad ..lol,"
"String cheese and apple slices- Ive come to love this as a snack. the cheese has a lot of sodium but its a low calorie snack :)"
"Hope this gives you some ideas!! :)"
I hope you take some of Tiff's suggestions. I know I will. Enjoy your break from work or school if you get one too. Stay warm and I'll post more stuff for you tomorrow after my doctor's appointment. Maybe he can find out why he didn't fix me.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My Life's Biggest Project: Snack Attack
My Life's Biggest Project: Snack Attack: "How about that severe winter weather we are having here in the Sooner state. They were so sure that the weather was going to be this bad yes..."
Snack Attack
How about that severe winter weather we are having here in the Sooner state. They were so sure that the weather was going to be this bad yesterday the university sent me a text message, a voicemessge and not one, but two e-mails around 4:30 letting me know that the campus would be closed today. The messages also let me know that if they decide to close campus tomorrow due to the weather they will let me know by 4 p.m. today. How very nice of them to keep me in the know.
I am not ever one to complain about having a day off, but people are crazy. I haven't really been grocery shopping since I've been home from Christmas break so I figured now would be a good time right, uh no wrong. Everyone was acting like the Y2K scare all over again. The isles were almost completely bare at Wal-mart and to be honest with you I didn't want to deal with the lines reaching almost all the way back to the electronics department. So what did I do? Well I bought Jurassic Park for $5 and my bff Eric's birthday present then went on my merry little way.
What about my grocery situation you may be wondering. Well once I left I ran up to campus with my friend Chrystle and thought very seriously about what I was going to live off of while I was snowed in. I decided that food was going to have to happen, so I ran to Homeland and got some milk because I have lots of Special K at the house. Everything was too picked over to be able to really shop. I try to avoid grocery shopping at two times, one pending ice storms and two the first of the month when everyone gets their food stamps. These are not good times to try to fill your pantry.
The problem with getting snowed in is boredom. It makes you want to really do nothing but lay around. I don't know about you, but when I lay around and watch TV for some reason I think that I need to snack and that is when I catch myself in what I like to call bombarded with the snack attack. Chrystle brought pretzels over and I'm pretty sure between she and I were ate about half of the bag last night. So since I was thinking about snacking I figured I would look up health araticles about it.
My friend Tiffani told me about a Web site that I should look at called http://www.livestrong.com/ so I did. One of the things I came across was an article about snacking and if done right not only will it help you maintain your weight, but if you're dieting it will also help you lose weight. By choosing the right snacks like fruits and vegetables you are giving your body some of the nutrients that it really needs. In fact according to this article, a study that was published in the Health and Education Journal in 2005 it was found that teenagers, especially teenage boys had a boost in their intake of needed nutrients such as zinc, iron and calcium. All of this just because they snacked smart during the day.
Some people, especially those who are elderly tend to have this problem called early satiety. This is where they feel full before they have met their nutritional and coloric needs. I know this is a real thing because my Papa Gene is always full pretty quick these days and it barely looks like he's touched his plate. This is odd because he's always had a pretty good appetite. Well a fix to this problem would be to eat smaller meals and snack throughout the day. Not just old people benefit from this, people who suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) also tend to suffer less severe "flareups" while eating this way.
So basically what we have learned from this article is that it is OK to snack, if you snack smart. So what I suggest to you all is that you enjoy this break of a day and feel free to snack around, but make smart decisions while doing it. I don't really feel like cooking or having to clean up on my day off so I'm probably going to snack on my Special K...lol. Enjoy your snow day and tell me what you're doing today. I need some suggestions. It's only 1 p.m. and I've been up since like 7 a.m. I'm seriously running out of things to do...lol. More to come tomorrow. I let you know what I end up doing to fill my time. Also I would like to take this moment to thank Tiffani for showing me this awesome Web site. I also encourage you all to look at it too!
I am not ever one to complain about having a day off, but people are crazy. I haven't really been grocery shopping since I've been home from Christmas break so I figured now would be a good time right, uh no wrong. Everyone was acting like the Y2K scare all over again. The isles were almost completely bare at Wal-mart and to be honest with you I didn't want to deal with the lines reaching almost all the way back to the electronics department. So what did I do? Well I bought Jurassic Park for $5 and my bff Eric's birthday present then went on my merry little way.
What about my grocery situation you may be wondering. Well once I left I ran up to campus with my friend Chrystle and thought very seriously about what I was going to live off of while I was snowed in. I decided that food was going to have to happen, so I ran to Homeland and got some milk because I have lots of Special K at the house. Everything was too picked over to be able to really shop. I try to avoid grocery shopping at two times, one pending ice storms and two the first of the month when everyone gets their food stamps. These are not good times to try to fill your pantry.
The problem with getting snowed in is boredom. It makes you want to really do nothing but lay around. I don't know about you, but when I lay around and watch TV for some reason I think that I need to snack and that is when I catch myself in what I like to call bombarded with the snack attack. Chrystle brought pretzels over and I'm pretty sure between she and I were ate about half of the bag last night. So since I was thinking about snacking I figured I would look up health araticles about it.
My friend Tiffani told me about a Web site that I should look at called http://www.livestrong.com/ so I did. One of the things I came across was an article about snacking and if done right not only will it help you maintain your weight, but if you're dieting it will also help you lose weight. By choosing the right snacks like fruits and vegetables you are giving your body some of the nutrients that it really needs. In fact according to this article, a study that was published in the Health and Education Journal in 2005 it was found that teenagers, especially teenage boys had a boost in their intake of needed nutrients such as zinc, iron and calcium. All of this just because they snacked smart during the day.
Some people, especially those who are elderly tend to have this problem called early satiety. This is where they feel full before they have met their nutritional and coloric needs. I know this is a real thing because my Papa Gene is always full pretty quick these days and it barely looks like he's touched his plate. This is odd because he's always had a pretty good appetite. Well a fix to this problem would be to eat smaller meals and snack throughout the day. Not just old people benefit from this, people who suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) also tend to suffer less severe "flareups" while eating this way.
So basically what we have learned from this article is that it is OK to snack, if you snack smart. So what I suggest to you all is that you enjoy this break of a day and feel free to snack around, but make smart decisions while doing it. I don't really feel like cooking or having to clean up on my day off so I'm probably going to snack on my Special K...lol. Enjoy your snow day and tell me what you're doing today. I need some suggestions. It's only 1 p.m. and I've been up since like 7 a.m. I'm seriously running out of things to do...lol. More to come tomorrow. I let you know what I end up doing to fill my time. Also I would like to take this moment to thank Tiffani for showing me this awesome Web site. I also encourage you all to look at it too!
Monday, January 31, 2011
My Life's Biggest Project: Walking to school helps...if you're a girl
My Life's Biggest Project: Walking to school helps...if you're a girl: "As most of you know one of the things that I have decided to do is walk to school. The good thing about this is that it helps me wake up bef..."
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