magic weight loss seeds

I've just recently tried chia seeds in a smoothie. The seeds added a nice nutty flavor and some fiber. I was unaware of the weight loss claims. Well, it turns out the seeds have not been found to have weight loss properties.

The Claim: Chia Seeds Can Help You Lose Weight

Another magical weight loss food bites the dust.

~♥~

every good thing

My husband's mother is nearing the end of her life. Has me feeling reflective about what's really important in this journey.

~♥~

friday five

• I may have found my special purpose (not a reference to "The Jerk"). I've been testing smoothie recipes. Yesterday, the Spinach Raspberry and today, the Classic Green Monster. Both were yummy and I like the way I felt after drinking them. The Spinach Raspberry makes enough for two people or to put aside some for later. The Classic Green Monster had me trying Chia seeds for the first time. I also used peanut butter as the nut butter but wonder if this is what the Green Monster goddess had in mind since technically peanuts are not nuts. I may pick up a small jar of almond butter for the future. I'd also like to try PB2. I don't like that there is added sugar but the fat reduction is appealing. PB2 seems like it would be ideal to add to smoothies. I almost ordered some online but couldn't bring myself to pay the shipping charge. Good grief, it was almost the same as the price of 4 bottles of the product. The nearest retailer that carries PB2 is not near. So, for now, PB2 is on the back burner.

• I've been feeling much more back to normal (by which I mean having some energy), since I've started taking probiotics. Discovered yesterday that Raley's Sunnyside yogurt is now available with probiotics. It comes in a variety of good flavors too, including pomegranate. I'm a suckafool for anything pomegranate.

• Here's one of those quick list type articles that actually has some valuable information: 7 Pains to never, ever ignore.

• Learned about a new super supplement promoted by Joe Mercola via the Dr. Oz website: ASTAXANTHIN. It is purported to have antioxident and anti-inflamatory properties. Have you heard of it? Tried it?

• Did you notice something different in the sidebar? I've taken down the weight information. I am truly shifting my focus away from the scale. Still about ten pounds more than where I'd like to be but I think taking a break from "weight watching" is the way to go right now.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

~♥~

send in the good guys

Probiotics - the good guys.

After two rounds of antibiotics to fight the nefarious Puff Tooth, it seems a good idea to try some probiotics. Maybe psychological, but after only one day I feel much better.

~♥~

keep your eyes on the prize

Insist on the destination, Lee, not on how you'll get there. ~ the Universe

I haven't been able to exercise for a while now because of my concern that I might have a stress fracture. Haven't made an appointment yet to get that resolved (an MRI I expect) but I have moved forward with Puff Tooth.

We're at the end of the road with my poor mother-in-law. Dealing with end of life issues is very challenging and I'm afraid my eating has been pretty bad in addition to not exercising. So, I'm on a detour in my fitness journey at the moment. But, I do know this is only temporary and that's OK.

~♥~

one little word

Here's an idea that makes sense to me. Instead of making resolutions for the year ahead, choose a guiding word. My word this year is...

simplify

~♥~

forks over knives

Coming in March 2011

Interesting interview with The China Study's Dr. Campbell via NYT's Tara Parker-Pope.

~♥~

friday five

• Courtroom drama will never be the same.
• You've heard of "That Girl" but what about "That Guy (at the gym)?"
• Joanna reveals 7 lessons she's learned this year. [Number 7 is not just a lesson, it's a universal law.]
• Dogs do the darnedest things.
• I'm looking to get serious about protein shakes and smoothies. Any recipes to share?
  Do you have a smoothie maker to recommend? The Magic Bullet?

~♥~

the myth of invincible me

I've had a tendancy to believe I can do just about anything if I set my mind to it. But, today I feel stuck in an inertia kind of funk. I have two health issues going on. Either one by itself wouldn't seem bad, but having them at the same time has made me feel stuck. One is the root canal redo I had a couple months ago. Well, on Christmas Eve it started to look and feel infected. It progressed to a full on absess. I've been on antibiotics that I got from my NPA and the swelling and pain has diminished a bit. I'm just stuck not wanting to call the endodontist and find out what's next. What's next is probably losing this damn expensive tooth.

The other issue is my right hip. Ever since working out in Austin while visiting my daughter in early November, my right hip has been uncomfortable. I thought it was probably arthritis because I recently developed it in my right pinky knuckle and have had degenerative joint disease in my neck for a few years. I've been doing a lot of walking lately since the weather hasn't been conducive to bike riding. The hip discomfort/pain is getting worse -- interfering with sleep. Now I'm wondering if I have a stress fracture. I don't want to make the arrangements to have this checked out because it scares me that I might need surgery or be on crutches for a while.

Bottom line is I feel like I'm breaking down. Not so invincible after all.

~♥~

fever

A favorite little tune "Fever" by Takka Takka and a cute video.

~♥~

in praise of roasted brussels sprouts

There was a time (most of my life, actually) when I believed that brussels sprouts belonged in the same category as lima beans and liver. Sisters and brothers, I'm here today to share with you that I've since seen the light! Brussels sprouts are good; dang good. Whipped up Ina Garten's simple recipe for roasted brussels sprouts last night. The only thing I did differently was to srinkle a bit of finely shredded aged parmesan cheese before serving. Leftover sprouts will be sliced very thinly and added to egg beaters for breakfast. Oh, yes, they will.

~♥~

Hey kids!

Just picked this up at the supermarket. Getting healthy is fun. Gender stereotyping, not so much. Healthy for male fruits and veggies (broccoli & banana, naturally) means muscles. Healthy for female fruits (tomatoes & pineapples) must mean impossibly long eyelashes and big-come-smootch-me-now lips.

* No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. [Where are coloring contests prohibited?]

~♥~

Mmmm, soupy

For dinner last night, I tried a new recipe for Winter Squash and Red Pepper Soup. We liked it but would not be in any hurry to have it again. John, while liking the overall taste of the soup was disappointed that he couldn't taste the red peppers more. This was probably my fault as I didn't measure the amount of squash I used and may have used more than the recipe suggested. When I have a cup of leftover soup for lunch today, think I'll add some thyme.

~♥~

getting gleeful

Know what's working for me while using the ol' treadmill? Watching Glee.

~♥~

Quotable

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
-- Carl Rogers

~♥~

a new year - a new start

~♥~