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impromptu fast

Posted in God, Weight-loss/Nutrition on February 28, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

Yes, you read that right.  The girl who once balked at the idea of giving up a couple Dove chocolates about a year ago (right, Emily?!) just gave up lunch today.

On a whim, essentially.

(I think I’m on a roll, folks.  First dessert for Lent and now skipping meals? What has gotten into this girl?!)

A deep, from-almost-out-of-nowhere desire to please God through my eating habits is what.

So, this morning as I sat at 6 a.m. with my coffee and a granola bar while doing my devotion, today’s particular reading focused on distractions.

Distractions, like ‘incessant thoughts of food,‘ for example.

Lysa challenged her readers to ‘fast’ from whatever it is that distracts us from putting our full attention on God, whether it be food, or an addiction or just something that takes up our time and energy.  And she offered that the fast needn’t be all day; even one to two hours would be fine.

The first thought that popped into my head was, ‘I could fast for lunch.’  And then I panicked.  Today, my friends, was no ordinary day.  Today was the day of my first interview to get into the coordinated program at school.  (It went well, by the way.)  That being said, I’d already planned my day down to the minute, and my packed gym bag was by the door, my swimsuit laying out and both my breakfast and lunch were packed and in the fridge.  I knew how today was going to go.

So, the sudden thought of skipping lunch struck fear in my heart and these thoughts and questions ran through my mind, almost instantaneously:

-’Well, I guess all that time I spent packing my lunch last night was a waste.’

-’What about that tuna salad I just made–it won’t last for than a day or two.  If I don’t eat it today, when will I eat it?’

-’Tomorrow is my weigh-in day, skipping a meal would certainly help that…’

-’It would be nice to NOT have to carry much lunch bag around all day at school.’

-’How in the world am I going to go seven hours without lunch–without coffee?!?!

So, as you can see, highly virtuous thoughts from me this morning.  Or not.

Despite all those doubts and thoughts I wasn’t proud of, I couldn’t shake the thought that if I DIDN’T honor my first inclination, it would be due to a fear of…well, I don’t even know.

So, long story short–I quickly exchanged my packed lunch for a smaller snack (for approx. 3:30 p.m. after my lab) and beefed up my packed breakfast, then headed off to the gym for swim practice.  I texted and called by two besties (I don’t think I’ve EVER said that in my life) to ask for their prayers during the day.

I didn’t eat anything after my post-swim breakfast, and after my interview ended at 10:30, all I wanted was a coffee.  Yes, I was a bit tired, but it was more of a ‘comfort’ than anything.  I wanted to relax for a few moments, enjoying warm sips of a yummy beverage, and blow off some steam after the interview.  But, I pushed through and headed to the library for studying.  I did, at some point around lunchtime, text my friends whining about an impending caffeine headache (yes, I admit, I did), but they motivated me to keep going.

Miraculously, I made it until 1:40 when sweet distraction came: biochem lab.  I was much less hungry than I thought I’d be; in fact, I really wasn’t hungry at all!  And I DEFINITELY got more studying done than I would have had I fit my lunch in there, too.  (Not that I’ll be giving up lunch regularly, but it’s food for thought.  Ha!  I’m so punny.)

Anyway, by the time I was driving home at 3:30 I didn’t even want the snack I’d packed.  It just felt wrong to wolf food down in the car after a fast.  Once home and settled, I had a sensible snack of applesauce, crackers, ham and cheese–and said a prayer of thanks beforehand.  Every time I had a thought of food, I asked God to push it from my mind, and he did.  My prayer today–all morning and all afternoon–was that he would sustain me.  And he did.

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Lent Update #1

Posted in bible study, Food, God, Lent, Weight-loss/Nutrition on February 27, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Has it been two weeks already?!  Yes, yes it has, and I’ve been meaning to write this post for the past 1.5 of them.  Life just keeps getting in the way…

Well, I’m not really sure how to begin this, so I guess I’ll just jump right in.  I think I’m doing quite well!!!  (She said, with a smile on her face.)

So, to recap, I gave up dessert six days a week for Lent.  I also wanted to incorporate more measuring back into my daily routine and cut out the mindless munching.  Here’s how I think I’ve done:

Dessert (or lack thereof): 2 for 2!  In the two weeks that have passed since Lent began, I can honestly say I have only had dessert twice.  The Thursday after Lent began I made an angel food cake for Andrew for Valentine’s Day, so I had a bit of that.  (Since when has angel food cake ever been classified as ‘indulgent,’ anyway??)  So, that was it for week 1.  Last week (I’m doing calendar weeks–Sun to Sat) I saved my dessert for the big Moog Bash this past Saturday night, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist the smorgasbord of treats they’d have out.  I was not disappointed, although I might have overdone it a bit.  I had two TINY plates of small samples of things and a cookie on the way out the door.  Probably less than I would have had if I hadn’t been watching what I was eating, but I might have given in too much.  I mean, there were like, A THOUSAND desserts there, what was I supposed to do??

Measuring Cups:  This one hasn’t really materialized as much as I would like it to, but I’ve made concerted efforts to portion items out (triscuits, pita chips) at home and when I pack my lunches for school.  After all the calorie-counting and everything, I have a pretty good idea on portion sizes, anyway.

Mindless Munching: …has all but stopped!  Seriously.  It’s like I have a fresh resolve (like when I’m counting) to NOT eat extra things I hadn’t planned on.  I’ve even avoided many, MANY of the tiny chocolates that I keep stocked in my bookbag for school.  I think I’ve had two Hershey Kisses in two weeks, and that is because I had to sit in a car while ANDREW WENT THROUGH THE DRIVE-THRU AT WENDY’S FOR A FROSTY.  Yes, he did.  Can you believe him?!

So, while I haven’t been perfect every moment of every day, I feel like I’m still going strong when it comes to the intent of my sacrifice.

And now I can get to what I REALLY wanted this post to be about: what I’ve learned.  I’m so enjoying going through Made to Crave with Regina.  She and I are learning so much and finding so much truth in what Lysa (the author) write.  I can also say that in the month since school started, there has been only ONE weekday I haven’t done my devotions promptly after awaking at 5:45.  (And it was the morning I got up at 5 a.m. to write a very important essay, so I think I get a pass.)

Perhaps the neatest thing to point out was the verse that happened to be the devotional for February 13 (the first day of Lent), which was Day 13 in the book:

“Be diligent in these matters, devote yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Tim. 4:15

Talk about a mantra for what Regina and I were about to do!  I quickly wrote it on a 3×5 card and stuck it to our pinboard in the kitchen.

I think the biggest (and most unexpected) thing I noticed was RELIEF.  As soon as I made the commitment to give up dessert, it was as if the burden of thinking about/deciding upon/eating/feeling guilty was immediately lifted.  I just couldn’t even believe how much effort I put into thinking about food.  Lysa writes on Day 20, “…incessant thoughts of food can crowd out thoughts of God.”  Amen, sister!

I’ve really only had ONE major ‘sacrifice’ thus far; Andrew called wanting to surprise me with a special dessert the night before the Moog Bash and I begged him not to.  After explaining how I felt about holding out for the big party, he totally understood and we’ll just have to plan a dessert date for another time.  So, despite the sheer panic that was rising in my throat as he suggested the treat on the phone, I feel like I made a wise decision in the face of temptation.  Now, if he’d actually brought the treat home, I might not have been able to resist…

For the most part, I’ve been surprised at how easy it’s been to not want/think about/crave sweets and desserts.  It’s like I’ve turned off that area of the brain or something.  (Except that since having the dessert buffet I did at the Bash, I’ve wanted sweets EVERY DAY SINCE.  Bummer.  Obviously need to wean myself off again.)

Along the way, Regina and I have read about topics in the devotional like being intentional about worship, not letting the inputs of others affect the way we think about ourselves, and that God is already well pleased with us.  I particularly liked these anecdotes:

-”To be in the center of God’s will is to be a woman who is joyful, prayerful, and thankful.”

-”…breaking old habits creates space for new growth.”

-”…we can’t expect one serving of truth to feed us for a lifetime.”

-”And somehow becoming a woman of self-discipline honors God and helps me lives the godly characteristic of self-control.”

-”Each mini-goal you accomplish today is a moment of victory.”

-”God knows when your strength ends and that is the exact point where his strength begins.”

I can also report that I’ve lost two pounds (and Regina has lost a whopping FIVE! Yay!) since we began the devotional four weeks ago.  Again, we aren’t doing this primarily to lose weight, but the number on the scale is an outward reflection of our inward motivation and whether or not we’ve had victories or not.

I can say that I’ve never been so happy Andrew doesn’t have a sweet tooth…  I think if he was getting himself a bowl of ice cream every night, this would be MUCH harder!

Until next time, keep on prayin’ for us!

 

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on what I’m giving up for Lent

Posted in Dessert, eating issues, God, healthy, Weight-loss/Nutrition on February 12, 2013 | 1 Comment »

What?!

Yes, Lent.  Never observed it before in my life.  (And, actually, I’ve always kind-of regarded it with a bit of a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude as if to say, “Don’t you know giving up soda doesn’t get you anywhere with God?” Confession #1 of the evening right there.)

Anyway.  I am, in fact, giving something up for Lent this year.

DESSERT…

Six days a week.

I realize that giving up sweets/dessert entirely would have been so much more, well, climactic, but it would also be setting myself up for almost immediate failure.  Setting realistic goals is a no-brainer, and this three-times-a-day sweets girl going cold-turkey would have disastrous ramifications.  And I also realize that for some of you out there, giving up dessert 6 days a week is nothing.  (My husband included.)

But let’s get to the heart of the matter.  (Because that’s really where it all starts.)

I’m halfway through week three in my Made to Crave devotional, and have been sensing that I need a change.  I’ve been so dedicated to waking up early, putting my devotional time first, yet the scale isn’t going in the right direction.  I realize it isn’t about the number on the scale, but it is an outward reflection of my inner obedience to God.  High scale numbers = mindless munching and emotional eating I’m not supposed to be doing.

So, when I realized that Ash Wednesday was a matter of days away, I figured sacrificing something I hold near and dear (and have always been so hesitant to give up, right Emily!?) like dessert was just what this girl’s heart needed.  I’ve been indulging in too many sweets all over the place, and it needed to stop.  However, the thought of giving up EVERYT SWEET THING FOR SIX WEEKS terrified me.  Like, seriously.  It wasn’t until my friend, Regina, and I discussed over coffee (and, OK, some treats) and came up with our plan:

-Limit dessert (TRUE dessert) to ONCE a week–this turns dessert into what it should be: an occasional indulgence, not an every-night-because-I-want-it thing.  And it will give me something to look forward to each week, perhaps even a dessert date with Andrew

-Bring back the measuring cups! Regina said her mom always told her to introduce something new while giving something up during Lent.  We’re getting back to portion control as a way to be obedient to God in our eating habits.  It’s hard to mindlessly munch if you have to measure it all out ahead of time.

-Stick to structured meals and snacks.  This isn’t exactly something we put on paper, but it’s a good rule of thumb: If it isn’t part of a regular meal or pre-planned snack, avoid it.  It’s fine (good, even) to snack on an apple and cheese stick on the way home from school, but really, Holly, do you need the extra Wheat Thins while prepping dinner, too?

So, that’s the plan.  Six weeks of putting God first over our cravings for sweets, comfort foods and boredom eating.

What do I hope to gain?

-A deeper relationship with my God, who I’ve been seeking half-heartedly for awhile now.  Despite my diligence with Made to Crave, I feel like it’s going in one ear and out the other.  These ‘checks’ are a way for me to demonstrate his power in my life.

-Control over my diet.  I talk a big talk about healthy eating, but I have some deep-seated eating issues I need to deal with before it’s ever going to be under control.  If I want to one day help others be healthy, I need to be healthy, too–and that includes my head and heart.

-Perhaps I’d like to LOSE a few things, too….  I’d be lying if I didn’t hope this six-week sacrifice also helped me lighten up a little.  Again, the number on the scale is a reflection of how much I’ve let God fill me and not food; shedding a few pounds is an indication that I’ve sacrificed.  KEEPING THEM OFF IS AN INDICATION I’VE CHANGED.

I appreciate your prayers (and I’m sure Regina would, too!) as I embark on a journey that could truly be difficult for me.  I’ll keep you posted every once in awhile :)

 

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family visit

Posted in books, Buffalo, chocolate, church, ethnic food, Exercise, Family, God, House, Ice Cream, New York, school, teal, wings on July 9, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Mom and Josh are here visiting!

(So happy to have them here, but I swear!  I can’t catch a break this summer…it’s just one crazy day after another!  When am I supposed to have that ‘down time’ I’ve been waiting for?)

We picked them up at the airport at 9:30 and went straight to church, where we heard Jim and Jill Kelly talk about her new book and their struggles and faith–very neat to see them and loved hearing their testimonies.

Then we headed to Elmwood to get some Saigon Cafe Thai for lunch before walking around and popping into different shops.  Scored a major find at reimagine, a trendy consignment home-goods place–some small retro Pyrex/Corning saucers that match the teal-rimmed ones I found at Goodwill in Ohio!  We also started eyeing this amazing black-and-wood two-tone long table for our new house…

We (well, more like Josh and I) wanted some ice cream and after seeing the wait at Watson’s, Andrew announced that he was taking us to Condrell’s, a local long-established ice cream and chocolate shop.  We enjoyed sundaes and sodas before heading home to rescue the puppy (who’d been cooped up for 7 hours–thank you to Mom and Dad Layer for giving him a comfort break once during that time!) and start marinating dinner.

After a walk and a quick female-only trip to Target, we all settled in to watch This Means War (cute, but super predictable and a bit more risque than I anticipated), before turning in after midnight…

Andrew’s already off to work, I’ve been up since 5:30 working on an article and doing my morning thing, and our two visitors are still asleep!  Although Josh did open his eyes and speak coherently for a bit while I was up putzing in the kitchen.

We’re off to the gym later this morning, then meeting Andrew for lunch at the Bar Bill for wings, then seeing our new house (!), followed by an afternoon in East Aurora.  Sigh…I’m happy.

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what’s new around here

Posted in Andrew, bible study, chocolate, coffee, eating issues, God, hadrian, Ice Cream, Lists, school on May 13, 2012 | 4 Comments »

I know, I’ve been slacking.

Well, maybe with the blog, but everything else just seems to find its way into my already packed schedule.  In addition to the massive amounts of chemistry studying that has been going on for the past week or so (and will continue until 10:59 Monday morning), I’ve been able to fit in a batch of yogurt, Mother’s Day cards/gifts/trips to the post office, multiple hairball clean-ups (eeewww) and some Big Bang-watching.  Thank you, Andrew, for doing my dishes and folding laundry.  I know I whine and complain and can be a bit of a perfectionist; thank you for being patient.

It will all be over after by 1 p.m. Monday–hurray!  I can already taste the margarita I’m ordering afterward…

Anyway, here’s something of a re-cap:

1. Starbucks has had half-price fraps since last Friday, and I didn’t get one until Tuesday, which I think showed great restraint.  The kicker?  I tried their new ‘mocha cookie crumble’ flavor and I was so not that impressed.  Oh well, guess that’s what I get for obsessing over it.  I even brought some of my own sweet potato tortilla chips for snacking along with the drink (I love salty with chocolate!), and they are the same kind you can BUY at Starbucks.  Ha!  Bonus: I’ve been looking for one of their ‘city/state’ mugs that either said ‘Buffalo’ or ‘New York’ that I liked–loved this green one featuring the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline.  Would love to find one that’s more local to Western NY, but until then, this will have to do.

Side note: I’ve visited more coffee shops in the past week studying for the final than I care to admit.  However, I have a post going on my coffee preferences, so I suppose I could chalk them all up to research…

2. We recently received a giant box in the mail–it contained FOUR bags of Julio’s tortilla chips that Andrew mailed back from Texas. He even included a giant bottle of their seasoning blend–think he’s trying to tell me something??

Please note the first ingredient is MSG…  Really?  Like I’m really going to feel good about shaking THAT all over my organic sweet potato fries…  I swear, you guys, it’s like I’m sleeping with the enemy, sometimes.

3.  I made Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip ice cream from Pioneer Woman’s new cookbook awhile ago, and I still have a little in the freezer.  Here are a couple photos:

All the blackberries I used turned into this leftover pulp–what a waste!  I tried it, just out of curiosity.  Big mistake–all it needed was cobbler on top with some vanilla ice cream!  I had to stop myself after two spoonfuls.

While the ice cream flavor was pretty spot-on, the chocolate I put in left something to be desired….  Instead of melting INSTANTLY in your mouth like real Graeter’s, these chunks of chocolate were crunchy and almost flavorless…almost no melting whatsoever.  At first, I thought it was the kind of chocolate I used: bittersweet vs. semi-sweet, or milk vs. dark.  However, upon further research into their methods (yes, I googled for their ingredients), I realized it’s all about the melting point and temperature…!  Duh, Holly, did you not just learn about this in Chemistry?  Basically, because ice cream is frozen, there is no way the chocolate can ‘melt in your mouth’ very quickly, unless you change the chocolate itself.  Graater’s actually adds oil to their premium chocolate to lower the melting point…  Now, all I need is their ratio of chocolate to oil…

4. So there is this long piece of carpet scrap we keep near the front door to help minimize mess on the carpet from coming in and out the door.  Obviously, it’s not nailed down or anything, so EVERY TIME Hadrian gets in one of his “zoomies” moods, he kicks it up into a wad under the dining room table.  Heck, even just normal walking moves the thing around.  THIS. MAKES. ME. INSANE.  I must bend over 900 times a day to fix the thing.  Yet another reason our forever home will not have carpet.

5. I ate sardines the other day for the first time!  Yes, I said sardines.  Honestly, they taste just like chicken.  Ha!  No, they don’t…but they do taste just like tuna.  Kath made a video of herself making a sardine salad and I was intrigued.  I bought a can of them last time we were in Ohio at Trader Joe’s and finally gave them a whirl.  Not bad at all!  Seriously, just like tuna.  I used her basic recipe and added some relish for a little more moisture.

6. Emily and I are plowing through Made to Crave and loving every moment!  We both agree that these last couple weeks have been really neat and there just seems to be so much ‘synergy’ going on with everything we’re learning.  For example, the beginning of the study focused more on simple principles of emotional eating, whereas now we’re moving into self-control (which was my first major break-through) and obedience to God.  The other night, I had a little bowl of ice cream (small, self-controlled and completely permissible for me), but afterward I realized I had eaten it ‘just because I wanted it.’  A perfect example of giving in and meeting a need–even with something permissible–when I should have been strong.

And another example: yesterday, Andrew and I ate a late lunch, so we didn’t want dinner before going to see The Avengers with the Layers.  It was about 5:45 p.m. and I’d just gotten a 100% on my final Chem quiz and was craving a walk and some fresh air, so we decided to walk to Vincenzo’s to get some water ice with our Groupon.  Anyway (I have a point here, I promise), we indulged a little in some liquid sugar (smalls!) before the movie, but passed on popcorn at the theater, which was easy since the line was long and we were already late.  However, by the time the movie ended we were both a bit hungry and Andrew suggested Kone King.  Now, I tell you what, I LOVE Kone King–their custard is just wonderful!  But you know what my first thought was:  ”I’ve already had my dessert for today–I don’t need any more.”  VICTORY!!!  Despite it being 9 p.m., I felt I needed some ‘real food,’ so we opted for subs, where I chose a turkey on wheat.  VICTORY!

7.  My friend, Regina, took me to the local Yogen Fruz here at the mall.  Big mistake; it’s just another thing to crave.  At least it’s (pseudo) healthy, right?

8. I’ve come to the conclusion that Hadrian and I are on some sort of weird circadian rhythm…  Nine times out of ten, I wake up–moments before my alarm–only to hear him start getting up (his collar jingling, a familiar whine/yawn and stretch from the living room, followed by the clacking of his nails on our wood bedroom floor), also moments before my alarm… As long as I can switch him from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. while I’m on summer break, we’ll be alright.

9.  Speaking of Hadrian…  I’m the worst dog-mom EVER.  I went out on a study break tonight to grab a Starbucks and run a few errands, one of which being to buy dog food–he’s dangerously low.  Well, I was apparently more concerned with getting to Ulta before they closed on Sunday than PetSmart…  Between that preoccupation and the onset of a sudden “shopping mood”  (probably more like procrastination, in this case), needless to say, I arrived to PetSmart too late.  Reason #536 that we don’t have (real) children yet.

Guess I’m going in the morning…  (Which really just means an excuse to get Starbucks before school, but who’s asking??)

10.  Hours to final exam: 12!

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the mice, they are a-playin’

Posted in Andrew, baking, bible study, bread, breakfast, busy, cheese, church, Co-op, cookbooks, cooking, EA Advertiser, eating issues, eggs, Exercise, Food Network, Friends, gifts, ginger, God, hadrian, hummus, King Arthur Flour, nut butters, oatmeal, peanut butter, pear, pineapples, Pioneer Woman, soup/stew, sweet potato, talking, thai, trader joe's, wine on April 30, 2012 | 2 Comments »

At least this one has been…  Playing, and school-working, and running and cooking…   I have been a BUSY girl these last few days, filling my extra free time to the max!  So busy, I haven’t even had time to BLOG-gasp!

Let’s see…where did I leave off?

Well, Andrew’s long gone, but I can’t not post about the fantastic dinner we had Wednesday.  Foreign!

I pulled this recipe for Banh Mi sandwiches out of a Food Network magazine back in 2008 or 2009.  It has, literally, been sitting in my “to try” recipe binder (in the fish section), waiting for such a time as this.  Well, the stars aligned last week and I finally made them…

You can see the fish peeking out from under the watercress and carrot.  The seasoning for the fish was super easy and really good–I just sauteed coconut oil (which is solid at room temperature) for a minute or two, added some Thai red curry paste and cooked it a little longer, then slathered it all over the fish before broiling.  It smelled SO GOOD.  I’m keeping the recipe because I think it’s such a unique flavoring, and the asian sauce you make to go with it was a winner, too.

Andrew left Thursday, which was the night I made my hawaiian pizza.  Check out my solo dinner set-up:

Disclaimer: About a minute after I took the photo, I traded the magazines for the laptop and perused my usual: Kath’s blog, Facebook and People.com.  I call them my guilty pleasures.

Check out that perfectly browned cheese!  With a good red sauce, hawaiian pizza cannot be beat.  Although I don’t know that I’ll be using fresh mozzarella next time for pizza; it’s best reserved for caprese salad.

Thursday night was also the night I chose to clean the WHOLE house…kind of like a mini-spring cleaning.  I always clean when Andrew leaves…  The way I see it: the earlier I get the place cleaned up, I longer I get to experience a clean house without having to pick up after anyone else!  It’s been glorious…

The next morning, at 6:30 a.m. no less(!), Emily and I did one of our Made to Crave discussion dates over the phone.

Is it bad that I was eating at the same time I was discussing a Bible study about CONTROLLING eating???  I suppose I should fess up and admit I printed out TWO cookie recipes from King Arthur Flour’s ‘best cookie line-up’ just moments before this shot was taken…

Also, note the “cookie-like” object on my plate…  They’re called “Anytime Cookies” and they’re from an online site called Nourished Kitchen.  I made them a day or so before Andrew left and WOW.  Loved them!  Super easy, SUPER healthy (no added sweeteners–just sweet from dried fruit) and the texture was great.  They’re kind of like a mini-muffin more than a cookie.  But at only 127 calories, they’re easier to have as a snack with some fruit or yogurt (or both) than something bigger or heavier.  I’ve shared them with some local loved ones (and Susy in her pre-half-marathon care package–tell me what you think!) and they raved.

Recipe is linked.  They use coconut flour and unsweetened, shredded coconut.  Coconut flour is higher in protein and fiber than regular flour.  Most grocery stores with a ‘natural/organic’ section should have coconut flour there, or in their gluten-free section.  That’s also where you’ll find the unsweetened, shredded coconut–the kind in the baking aisle is (heavily) sweetened.  If you absolutely can’t find the unsweetened kind, use the regular and perhaps decrease some of the fruit.  Or you’ll just have sweeter cookies, which if you’re not used to things like plain yogurt and unsweetened applesauce, might be a good transition for you, anyway.

OK, now that I’ve COMPLETELY digressed from my weekend re-cap…

I made this recipe for sweet potato and coconut soup, the recipe for which has been hanging on the fridge forever…  I knew I’d have leftover fish from the Banh Mi, and I thought a coconut-flavored soup would be perfect. PCC Natural Markets is a ‘chain’ of co-ops in Washington State and a friend from the co-op here sent me a link to the soup awhile ago.  Thanks Mary!

I roasted the sweet potatoes instead of steaming like the recipe called for–check out these babies!  Like dessert, I tell you.

Friday was filled with school-working, since I cleaned all night Thursday…  Chem lab to finish, two Micro labs to finish, Chem practice quizzes to prep for the actual quiz, Stats homework… Not to mention paying bills, random emailing and phone-calling, co-op blogging…

Friday night I enjoyed my soup topped with a dollop (I love that word, don’t you?) of plain lowfat yogurt (to sub for sour cream, of course!), cilantro and chopped peanuts, paired with leftover fish, edamame and white wine.  As my friend Regina said when she saw the photo (I sent her a photo of my food–I AM that weird)…”Def not an Andrew meal!”  Nope, not an Andrew meal, although he does eat all of these things (points for him), he does LOVE any of them.

Saturday morning, I read the paper!  What a relaxing pastime…  Now I know why people sit and read the paper on Saturday mornings…  I’m usually up and going early on Saturdays, either the gym or early-morning shopping at Wegmans to beat the crowds (I like shopping so much I’d rather get up EARLY and go to enjoy myself than be rushed and crowded–grocery shopping, to me, is an EVENT).

If you look close enough, you can see yours’ truly’s byline on the front page, ABOVE the fold…(!)

I did hit the gym later that morning and tried a “punk rope” class.  It’s basically a circuit-training class with jump ropes, and while it wasn’t as high-intensity as it could have been, it was a nice change and a great time slot (8:30 to 9:15) for a Saturday morning workout.

I spent the afternoon with Carolyn bridesmaid-dress shopping…

…and we found a winner!  She’s liked this one from the beginning, and was finally ready to declare that this was it.  Ours will be black with a black ribbon, and Abigail’s will be black with a hot pink ribbon.  If you’re reading this and you know Abigail, you know that that is SO her.

I’d made plans with Regina for later that night (when was I supposed to get any of my Chemistry done, you ask?  I was asking myself the same thing…), but we didn’t know if we were going to stay in, or go out, so I decided to have something ready just in case.  Enter Triple Ginger Biscotti.

Yet another recipe that’s been hanging around for awhile… Not even sure who sent it to me…?  Susy, was that you?  They turned out well, but the recipe made A TON.  Should have halved it.

Regina and I stayed in and enjoyed out biscotti and tea after walking Hadrian.  So glad she was up for a walk despite the chilly temps; I’ve been thinking a lot lately (because of Made to Crave) about how EVERYTHING we do (socially, at least) is centered around food–meeting for drinks, dessert, coffee, lunch–the list goes on.  Now that the weather is getting nicer, it will be easier to meet up for more active activities like walks or runs.  Just something I’m trying to start doing to decrease foods’ ever-present status in my life…

(STILL chastising myself for not getting a photo of dear Regina…I’m such a terrible blogger!)

Sunday mornings are normally my run mornings, since it’s easier to run outside around the house than get to and from the gym before church.  Despite my late bedtime Saturday night–Regina and I were talking until at least 10:30–Hadrian got me up at 5:45 and I decided to go with it.  After polishing off some coffee, biscotti, the last Anytime Cookie and a banana, I headed out with Hadrian for our 3.4 mile loop.  I’d decided to do a long run (a.k.a. something in the 9+mile range for me), so after dropping him back off at home, I set out for my 7.4 mile loop around Orchard Park.  The stop at home was perfect; I was able to shed a pair of gloves (I wear two!) and add my sunglasses.  And since no one wants to run 10.8 miles, I added a 3-minute loop near the house, which upped it to more than 11.1.  Not an even number, but at least 11.  I was tired, but satisfied.  I hadn’t run more than 7 miles in a LONG time, so busting this out was good for me.

All that running done by 8:45 a.m.!  Still plenty of time to refuel and meet Andrew’s family for church.  I read my friend, Emily’s blog (a fellow RD-in-training here in Buffalo, not to be confused with the oft-mentioned Emily with whom I’m doing M2C) a couple days ago and she had a ‘toasted marshmallow cheesecake‘ oatmeal that I HAD TO TRY.  I knew it would be perfect post-run.

Yes, that is Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter melting on the top.  Deliciousness, and pure indulgence.  At least with peanut butter one gets a little protein; cookie butter is just dessert, people.  Also, I had to leave out the ‘mallows, I was fresh out!  But, since I’m not a huge marshmallow fan, anyway, (love ‘smores!), it wasn’t a big deal.  SO GOOD, I could have liked the bowl.  In fact, I might have.

After church and lunch at Panera with everyone, Carolyn and Ben and I headed to Target for some errand-running.  So fun to see what they registered for!  I treated myself to some new gym towels–mine were getting pretty ‘tired,’ for lack of a gross-er word–and some other things I needed.

LOOK!  The pineapple in action!

I packaged up every last piece of that biscotti!  Had to get it out of the house for my waistline’s own protection.  Note: this photo was taken at about 4 p.m. Sunday, at which time I had YET to start any Chemistry…  I had completely one practice quiz the night before, but still had two to go.  My procrastination drugs of choice: 1.) baking 2.) cleaning 3.) anything else that needs to be done around the house.  That way, I still feel productive while ‘wasting time.’

Oh, and I also changed out my purses for spring!  Goodbye my lovely green leather (but ridiculously heavy!) bag, hello Paris purse!  The blue striped bag was a Target purchase to corral all my giftcards and coupons, since the red bag is a bottomless pit.  Not a single pocket to be found inside…

Biscotti packed up…now on to Chemistry! I did a practice quiz, followed by leftover sweet potato soup and veggies and hummus for dinner, then another practice quiz.

After taking the dog for a brief, and chilly, walk, I sat down for the real thing.  Deep breaths abounded…

And I was handsomely, and shockingly, rewarded with a 100%!  Holy smokes!!  Seriously, I know I whine and complain about Chemistry, and while I have an A in the class, it’s still super hard and I never quite know what’s really going on with all those electrons and ions and things swimming around in solution…  Anyway, I’ve NEVER gotten a 100% on a quiz in either semester of Chem so far, so this was huge.

Except that it wasn’t.  The quiz took all of 15 minutes since EVERY SINGLE PROBLEM WAS ONE THAT HAD BEEN ON THE PRACTICE QUIZZES.  I repeat: I had the answers in front of me.  Seriously. I mean, on all the past quizzes there have been a handful (maybe 5 or 6) problems that matched up with practice quizzes, but never ALL of them.  My theory?  Dr. Barton rewards those who do the practice quizzes, because that’s the kind of guy he is.  Let’s just say I was in total shock and had to keep checking to make sure I’d taken an ACTUAL quiz and not another practice quiz.  And for fear that you think I exaggerate about how bad Chemistry is, this 100% will allow me to drop the 72% I got on the last quiz…

And it was a HUGE blessing, too!  The extra time I gained by finished the quiz so early allowed me to prep my breakfast:

Pioneer Woman’s Breakfast Bread Pudding.  It’s essentially a ‘breakfast casserole’ but less egg and assembled like a bread pudding.

I order to lighten it up a bit (and it is just me by my lonesome), I halved the amount of sausage.

I am, as I type this, enjoying a bowl of this and a pear for breakfast.  YUM.

Signing off now–whew, this was a long one!

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food = reward

Posted in coffee, eating issues, Food, God on April 21, 2012 | 3 Comments »

I’ve been learning a lot doing the Made to Crave Bible Study with Emily.

I’ve definitely had eating issues my whole life.  No, I was never bulimic or anorexic or over-exercised or anything; I just started out as kind of a “chubby” kid and learned to find comfort in food.  Despite losing the extra pounds as I progressed into puberty and became more active, I always saw that ‘big kid’ in the mirror.  Even now, as a phenomenally healthy and active (if I do say so myself) woman pushing 30 (gasp!), I still struggle–so much–with food.  After my weight loss last summer, I’ve finally found a peace, if you can call it that, with my body that I’ve never felt before.  As a kid, I always thought to myself, “If I was thinner, I’d be happier.”  Well, we all know that life doesn’t magically become perfect or anything, and it’s ridiculous to think that something like losing a few pounds can change everything.  But, as I tell Andrew, now that I AM thinner, I’m happier, but it isn’t because I weigh less; it’s because I FINALLY met a life-long goal of losing those extra pounds and becoming confident in my body.

Anyway, this isn’t about weight-loss or body issues (but don’t we all have a ton!); this post is about how this Bible study is changing my life, one chapter at a time.

One thing I’ve realized is that I view food as a reward.  All the time.  For everything.  I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with going out for ice cream after your team wins the tournament, or celebrating with a nice dinner, but people, I went out for an ice cream sundae to celebrate my weight-loss!  Is that not insane?  (It WAS good, I can tell you that!)

Anyway, I tend to think of food first when I want to celebrate, or do something fun, or meet up with people, or anything, really.  And it goes past just a ‘reward’ sometimes; it becomes something I ‘deserve.’ And it’s not just me.  Just the other day, I was at Wegmans to grocery shop–my ‘reward’ after my stats test–and I stopped in the cafe for a coffee.  As I deliberated between a regular cup of joe (to which I could add just a bit of cream and sugar and get by with minimal calorie damage), and that “candy bar latte” I’d been eyeing on my past few shopping trips, the lady behind the counter was patient enough to wait for me.  I ordered the regular coffee and mused that ‘it wouldn’t be such a calorie bomb, like the latte I was salivating over,’ when the cashier offered to put fewer pumps of flavor in it for me.  Realizing what I truly wanted was a “fun” coffee drink, I decided to go ahead with that.

Side note: I actually do that ALL. THE. TIME.  So much so, in fact, that Andrew’s sisters think it’s this huge joke and tease me that I always want ” half the pumps” when we go to Starbucks.  I just, for some reason, didn’t feel like it that day.

Anyway, back to the story.  While the barista was making my drink, I mentioned off-hand that I had just come from school, where I aced a test.  She quickly responded, “See? You DESERVE this drink!”

Just hearing those words come out of her mouth gave me a bad taste in mine.  Food–especially decadent food–has become such a comfort to us that we feel like we ‘deserve’ it after some arduous task.  Or triumph.  Or defeat.

Her comment definitely stopped me dead in my tracks and immediately made me think of what I was learning in the study.  I need to think of food LESS and God MORE.  That’s really all it boils down to, people.

I’ve been learning so much about myself, and in different areas of my life, through this study…more revelations to come.

MUST. CRAVE. GOD.

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OAIJ x 2 …and other matters

Posted in baking, bible study, coffee, Dayton/Ohio, Faith, Family, Friends, God, Lists, maple, Miscellaneous, nut butters, oatmeal, Oats, peanut butter, school, traveling, Uncategorized, writing on April 4, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Before I get too far (well, before I get anywhere at all), let me just tell you all how HORRIBLE I feel about not blogging in like, FOREVER.  It’s not that I’m wracked with guilt (except that I am), but I just enjoy blogging, and I miss it.  What can I say?  I’m a writer.  Alas, time is not my friend these days…  I honestly don’t know how Kath does it…three times a day!  I know her posts aren’t long or eloquent, but it still takes time to take, download and upload photos, in addition to writing a snippet here and there.  I find myself saying, “I don’t have time for (fill in the blank), and I don’t even have kids yet!”  Seriously, how does one fit them in?!?!  I suppose children are just like any other top-priority item; you just do.

All that to say, I’m sorry I haven’t blogged in awhile.  No, I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth (although it sometimes feels like I have) and yes, it’s good to be back.

And, as usual, I have lots to say!

(I’ll use bullet points to avoid the number-conundrum…my OCD tendencies make it hard to end on anything other than 10.)

-Check out my Maple Syrup post for the co-op.  The maple-bacon cupcakes (muffins if you want to sound “healthier”) are the perfect brunch item and will send the eyeballs of everyone to whom you serve them rolling into the backs of their skulls.  Make them this weekend!

-We went to Ohio this weekend to visit our friends, Emily and Dan, and Dave and Jen, and their new baby, Aiden.  I also got to see Susy, another dear friend and running-mate.  We had a fabulous time, although I didn’t take enough pictures (I never do).  I’ll be posting about our trip soon.

-I’m officially on “Easter Break” right now.  Except that I still get up at 0-dark-30 to drink coffee/eat breakfast/workout.  And I have school work to finish.  In fact, I’m going to the chem tutor this morning.  Oh, and I have tests in all my classes when I get back next week.  Not to mention the mile-long list I’ve made of stuff to bake.  So, really, I’m not taking a break at all–I just don’t have to go to class.

-A miraculous thing happened the other day:  I finished off not one, but TWO jars of nut butters!  If you don’t know already, this means I get to enjoy a rare treat TWICE–OIAJ!

-I made oats in the Smucker’s jar (left) yesterday for lunch: oats, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, flax seeds, a splash of strawberry kefir, dehydrated strawberries, cottage cheese and granola on top.  (Thanks for the granola, Susy!)  Of course, all that with a little peanut butter swirled in.  This baby filled me up for hours! Yay for having another one (Crunchy Barney Butter) in the fridge.

-Andrew and I fasted last night while praying for some friends who are going through a rough time.  I’ve never fasted before.  I’ll be honest, food is kind of a big thing for me (as I’m learning through the Made to Crave Bible study–more on that later–I’m doing with Emily), so when Andrew first proposed the fasting idea last week, I was pretty against it.  But, God totally changed my heart and by yesterday morning I was pumped and ready to go!  I had my last snack at about 4:45 (we haven’t been eating until 7:30, so snacking at that time is normal for me) and we prayed together in two sessions.  God totally provided (I thought I would be in agony; my tummy was growling, but I–obviously–made it through) and not only was it a great time of prayer and bonding with Andrew, but it also helped get me off my sugar-kick from this weekend and take one step further in my journey of leaving my food issues behind me.

-Speaking of food:  I made Pioneer Woman’s Simple Sesame Noodle salad with Beef the other night and it was wonderful!  This is something I saw on her blog ages ago and is included in her new cookbook.  Andrew also really liked it, but I thought it was way too oily, so I’ll be reducing that next time.  I added the beef to make it more of a meal (it’s a variation in her cookbook, not sure if it’s in the online recipe) and bell peppers for more color and nutrition.  Topped with chopped peanuts–yum!

-I’ve come to the (sad) conclusion that I need a cup of coffee to get me through my T/Th Statistics class (1-3 p.m. yikes!) without my eyes uncontrollably closing on me.  Guess that’s what happens with a 5 a.m. wake-up time and swim practice.  I’ve done recent “taste tests” and I’m not a huge fan of Tim Horton’s (unfortunate since they are EVERYWHERE around here) or the cute little local place here in the Orchard Park village, Orchard Perk, (although they may have more than one roast…).  I’d make some at home, but at the moment have no good coffee thermos with which to actually transport the coffee.  To-do for this weekend: find one!

-Easter is this weekend and Andrew’s grandma is coming for a visit!  SO EXCITED!  I’m running in the Bunny Hop 5K, which goes right by their house (neat!  I might have a cheering section), and I’m hoping to spend as much time with everyone this weekend as possible = get as much work done as possible before Friday night, and what in the world do we do with Hadrian??

-Did I tell you all I’ve officially gotten into the Dietetics Program at Buffalo State?  Well, I have.  I have one summer class before I start full-time in the fall.  I’m a little anxious about scheduling my fall classes since I schedule last (as a new transfer student) and the classes I need are small with only 1 or 2 sections.  I think the professors will provide an ‘override’ if I can’t get into something I must have, but I’m still nervous.

-I’m making steakhouse mac and cheese today from Cooking Light. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

Whew!  I think that’s about it… Or at least a good start getting caught-up!

Alright, sun’s coming up and I have dishes to put away and a hubby to wake up! Happy Wednesday/first day of Easter Break/day I get to bake :)

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change of plans…

Posted in coffee, Faith, God, Photography, rain, writing on August 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Well, I didn’t get to much of ANYTHING on my afternoon to-do list…all on account of some darn rain!

After touring some houses with Andrew and our realtor, I headed back into the village to snap a few shots of the co-op mural (blog post coming soon, I promise!).  I took a couple pictures and realized I was STARVING and that it was already after 1 p.m. and I still had an errand to run, so I decided to break from my planned lunch at home (leftover southwestern barley) and get something at Taste.  Yay for working on being spontaneous!

I’d been drooling over Taste’s new “Bohemian Salad” since I’d seen it pop up on their “specials” board and figured it would be a great time to give it a try.  I threw the camera in the car and ignored the voice in my head that told me to throw my umbrella in my purse as I peered up at the sunny sky overhead.  Since I needed to stop in at Fowler’s to visit Abigail and for some chocolates (some for us, some for a special someone with a birthday coming up), I ordered my salad to go.  Before my salad was even finished the skies OPENED UP and it began to pour.  And pour.  And pour.

I lamented the fact that I HAD BEEN the most prepared individual on the planet, up until I left  both my raincoat and umbrella in the car.  Lots of good they would do me now.

I got my salad and by this time it was 1:45, so I decided to settle in at the bar that looks out the front window and eat until the rain stopped.  Well, it didn’t.

But, I struck up a conversation with the girl next to me (also umbrella-less and nursing a coffee) and was able to network a little and meet someone new.  It turns out she works at RedFish Art Studios, which is the one the artist who is painting the mural at the co-op owns, and her boyfriend writes for the East Aurora Advertiser and also just launched a website that has more of a creative-writing focus.  AND she’s in a Beth Moore Bible Study.  AND a bunch of her girlfriends in said Bible study attend a church we’d been thinking of trying out (Renovation Church in Buffalo) and LOVE it.  What a small world!

It never did clear up like I thought it might, but I’m pretty sure there was a reason God was urging me to strike up a conversation with my table-mate who was waiting out the rain next to me.

 

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