Health and Nutrition

Last Child on the Farm

farm Alfalfa field Whenever I pass a freshly plowed field it gives me the same thrill as an unopened book. Full of potential, surprise, pleasure. And just like that book that beckons me to peek beneath its cover, the sight of that rich, dark earth beckons me to curl my feet into the freshly tilled layers. As a child, I lived on a dairy and had a childhood surrounded with animals—cows, dogs, cats, hamsters and the occasional jack-rabbit my father found orphaned when cutting alfalfa. farm Farm dog Fresh, clean air and the farm provided a plentiful playground. I scampered through alfalfa fields and hay barns. I… Read More

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating can definitely be a challenge, especially after I've worked all day and have nothing planned for dinner. But a recent blog post by Diane Carbonell, author of 150 Pounds Gone Forever reminded me that a nutritious meal doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can even be faster than preparing a TV dinner.

Nutritious and Filling

Chicken and salad or shrimp and salad is standard fare in the in the summer when it’s hot and heating the kitchen isn’t appealing. It's a fast, easy meal that is nutritious nutritious and filling. But now that fall is in the air, I want something heartier—stews, soups, casseroles. These meals are my friend because I don’t just make a single… Read More

Weight Loss Struggles and Successes

I blogged a few weeks ago about how where I eat is directly related to the amount I eat and my ability to judge fullness. I have used the table more, but even with good intentions, I’ve slipped back into old habits and still eat in front of the television a lot.successes

Struggles

The truth is, I like eating in front of the television. It’s a reward after a long day of work, and when I force myself to sit at the table, I feel deprived. I don't have the same reaction eating on the patio or at a restaurant . I also continue to struggle with late evening snacks. Sometimes I’m hungry, sometimes I just want the snack. Last night… Read More

Snack Time—Choose Wisely

It’s snack time and it’s important to choose wisely. I want to grab something fast and easy. Generally, I eat in front of the computer while working, and whatever I’m eating disappears in an instant. I’m not even certain what I’ve eaten! In my ongoing quest for healthy eating, I have stopped eating snacks in front of the computer to avoid mindless eating. I also try to look for lean protein snacks. snack Crabmeat and grapes

Lean Protein Snacks

Rebecca Clark, author of the Checklist Diet and says, “Having a good protein snack will help stabilize your moods, your blood sugar and your energy levels.” I’ve started choosing lean protein snacks when I’m working because it takes… Read More

Exercise Challenge

Exercise Challenge

challenge Mt. Fernie, Canada In one of my first blogs, I wrote about obesity and I threw out an exercise challenge. I said that since I was motivated to exercise and eat right, I would be support and encouragement for those of you who can’t. I promised I’d do double time—extra sit ups, run or swim an extra lap, ride another mile—all in honor of you. I’d be your helping hand, your lift up until you could take the torch and do it yourself. challenge Mountain biking Spense Mountain, Oregon So I took up the challenge, and since July 14, 2015 when I posted that… Read More

Mindful Eating and Meal Presentation

Meal Presentation

Does meal presentation make a difference? I’ve always thought it doesn’t, but I’ve had a change of heart. I’m learning that how my food looks, tastes, smells and even where I sit can make a huge difference in weight control.eating For years, our table has been a clutter collector. Everything gets tossed there. About the only thing that doesn’t happen at the table is eating.

Mindful Eating

When I had young children at home, we ate at the table because anyone who’s had toddlers knows they are incredibly messy eaters. But as our children got older, it seemed we were always on the go and mealtimes became grab and run. And after the kids went off to college, we evolved… Read More

Is That All I Get?

Portion size

portion I wanted this much portion I chose this much Every time I look at my plate I think, is that all I get? Logically, I know the portion size is right for me, but I want more. My struggle is, how do I match up with what I want versus what my body really needs? This has been a constant struggle for me, and I’ve tried all the tricks. Use a smaller plate, eat slower, savor my food. They do work, but there’s still that little voice taunting me—more, more, more. Why do I see a normal portion and feel it’s not nearly enough? I… Read More

Shaking Up My Workout Routine

Shake it up is the theme to my workout routine. If it gets boring—shake it up. If it gets too easy—shake it up. If the weather is bad—shake it up. workout Crater Lake, Oregon

Changing my workout routine

I’ve found doing the same workout again and again has pitfalls. First, I’ll get bored, and if I’m bored I’ll be looking for any excuse to postpone or avoid doing it at workoutall. Second, I’ve improved and now I can do the exercises easily. Once this happens, my aerobics instructor tells me I’m not getting the most from my workout. This means it’s either time to push myself a little harder or try something… Read More

Fitness At Any Age

I’ve exercised all of my life, but I haven’t always been physically fit. In my late 30’s I was out of shape. I didn’t do much aerobic exercise, and it showed. After hiking short distances, I was winded and exhausted. It wasn’t until my mid-40s that I really got serious about exercise, and it was for two reasons. First, I found losing weight was not as easy as it was in my 30s. In fact, it was darn near impossible without exercise. fit Mountain biking at Mt. Shasta California Second, I was losing muscle tone and didn’t like what I saw. Since I’ve always been an avid bicycle rider, I started riding more. At the same time, I began… Read More

Fall Recipes

recipe Leaves turning colors It’s the end of summer, so I’m starting to think about heartier meals and fall and winter recipes. When it’s 115 degrees outside I don’t want to cook,  and just the idea of adding more heat by turning on the oven isn’t appealing. But with fall and winter on the way, I've been browsing for new recipes, and I came across some winners I want to share. The first is a new twist on mac and cheese from Cooking Light magazine called One Pan Broccoli Mac and Cheese. recipes One pan broccoli mac and cheese I have to say I was a little… Read More