tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061938560551577572024-02-18T17:57:32.130-08:00A Peace of PiePeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-65972406046643008372013-04-26T08:50:00.001-07:002013-04-26T08:53:34.606-07:00My Experience with Dr. Oz's 3 Day Detox Cleanse<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2dnJFanl6cCNa-bOooSmUiFLlGfREgGGHJNpFIAzY8WHqyETS0jFh0QfGd29T_OdiARLMxSbrDtLt2lMBCHgOTo6EmKZYbfxhyphenhyphenr92haj5-xx9Xcds0hjhH0PE1kCFEjE-rD5UUYu5D-K/s1600/177329304049391591_aDb5z6mj_c.jpg" /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">A recap of all three days:</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u>Day one:</u></b> Honestly, day one was the easiest day for me to get through. I was still excited, motivated, and all about this detox. I felt pretty good at the end of day one, I had a slight headache and was a little fatigued by bedtime but nothing crazy. I also slept like a rock and had an easier than normal time getting out of bed the next day. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Day two:</u> Day two was rough for me, and I mean rough! Headaches, cloudiness, and fatigue set in right around breakfast and lasted the duration of the day. I'm lucky because my fiance did this with me, if I would have seen him eating pizza, pasta, or pretty much anything other than the smoothie for dinner I probably would have caved come time for my dinner smoothie. By the end of the day my head was killing me! The bath really helped, and I fell asleep earlier than normal and slept great!<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Day three:</u> Day three was about a million times better than day two, if you decide to give this a go don't give up! I woke up feeling well rested, clear headed, and alert. I still had a hard time getting the lunch smoothie down but I made it! Dinner was a little tough too, I was more than ready to chew something. Who knew how important chewing would be. I also fell asleep early, slept extremely well, and felt well rested in the morning. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The smoothies:</u></b> </span><br />
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The breakfast smoothie was pretty good, I'm not a huge fan of banana but I still liked it enough to get through all three days without any issues. I did this detox with a few coworkers and my fiance, and most people seemed to this this smoothie best. <br />
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The lunch smoothie was enormous and probably my least favorite. I do green juices and smoothies so I'm pretty use to the taste of cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, etc.. mixed with fruit but the texture gave me a little bit of trouble. Adding a little bit of water to thin it out seemed to help a bit, but it was still a thick smoothie. This was the least favorite of the group. <br />
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The dinner smoothie has a pretty good kick to it because of the cayenne pepper, but overall it wasn't too bad. I personally liked this smoothie best. <br />
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I didn't do the snack smoothies, in part because I wasn't hungry but also because I was working, and running around during all three days and didn't have the time. The timing wasn't exactly ideal to do a detox, but with a little planning I was able to make it work. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">At the end....</u> </span><br />
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<ul>
<li>I honestly felt better, more clear headed, and lighter...much much lighter</li>
<li>For my first meal post-detox I wanted something simple and easy to digest. This surprised me, I thought for sure I was going to want an extra large cheese pizza</li>
<li>I could see a major difference in the way my skin looked</li>
<li>My stomach was noticeably flatter and less bloated</li>
<li>I slept like a rock all three nights</li>
<li>I lost 4lbs (really the icing on the cake). I'm curious to see if it stays off or not. Assuming I maintain good eating and exercise habits I imagine it should.</li>
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PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-69178799818074899872013-01-01T12:59:00.000-08:002013-01-01T12:59:15.238-08:00New Year, New Rules, New Years Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiU2yjls5_kB9BtP5lTHv6c0e2Q8YTk6Al6-YjI89G1H6UNFBMKmLNYM8WKntPZqDJX7sbt9ZeHaEbwaAKjj7rK_gbKaJr_J8Sn_O7ve9zSYPo6DhFmNOEWh0DRGXSYRfOnHQUFAimez2/s1600/Free-New-Years-Clip-Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiU2yjls5_kB9BtP5lTHv6c0e2Q8YTk6Al6-YjI89G1H6UNFBMKmLNYM8WKntPZqDJX7sbt9ZeHaEbwaAKjj7rK_gbKaJr_J8Sn_O7ve9zSYPo6DhFmNOEWh0DRGXSYRfOnHQUFAimez2/s1600/Free-New-Years-Clip-Art.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Good news friends, I've recently finished reading a wonderful book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Happy-Inspirational-Fullest/dp/1452555419/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356539392&sr=8-1&keywords=find+your+happy">Find Your Happy: An Inspirational Guide to Loving Life to Its Fullest</a> </i>By Shannon Kaiser. This was the first time in a long time (probably since college) I actually jotted down notes in the margins. This book really made me think about what I want my 2013 to look like and what positive changes I can make to encourage more happiness into my life.<br />
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<i>1) <b><u>Do what you love every single day</u></b>-</i> I'll be doing one thing every single day that I love to do! Some of these lovely things include:<br />
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-Running<br />
-Yoga<br />
-Cooking<br />
-Meditating<br />
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I believe that doing something I enjoy on a daily basis will help to bring more joy into my life!<br />
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<i>2) <u><b>All you need is less</b></u>-</i> I'm getting realistic about what I need versus what I want. This year I will cut back on the things I don't need and de-clutter my life. This includes everything from clothing to household goods to relationships. <br />
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<i>3) <u style="font-weight: bold;">Give thanks</u>-</i> In 2013 I'll be keeping a daily gratitude journal, to help keep things in perspective It's important to remember that there is always something to be thankful for!<br />
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Happy New Year and here's to 2013!<br />
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<br />PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-55943966402026187312012-12-19T14:33:00.002-08:002012-12-19T14:50:03.656-08:00The 5 Books that Inspired my Positive and Healthy Lifestyle<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf65E4n8PE7-kH6jfmPN4lq8-OgKh02KbcErv6un7ZHUn7jyxFMnyrZuZulUvKnlbiLnI51GEEwXn34ROPVxHv_wvO_ISWs6GlKOaevpnerBVAZjVWGSzltBKpbn1LiQwYLPnL5EkCC1P/s1600/Crazy_Sexy_Diet-333x400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf65E4n8PE7-kH6jfmPN4lq8-OgKh02KbcErv6un7ZHUn7jyxFMnyrZuZulUvKnlbiLnI51GEEwXn34ROPVxHv_wvO_ISWs6GlKOaevpnerBVAZjVWGSzltBKpbn1LiQwYLPnL5EkCC1P/s1600/Crazy_Sexy_Diet-333x400.jpeg" height="200" width="166" /></a></div>
1) <a href="http://kriscarr.com/products/crazy-sexy-diet/">Crazy, Sexy, Diet</a> by: Kris Carr<br />
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I think it's important that I just put out there how much I adore Kris Carr. I adore her so much that I'm constantly forcing my friends to check out her website, purchase her cookbook, and watch her hilarious videos online. <br />
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<i>Crazy, Sexy, Diet</i> is honestly the book that changed the way I think about what it is I'm putting into my body. It was first food and health-focused book I was able to get through in no time because I honestly enjoyed reading it. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">This book might be for you if:</u> You're interested in a plant-based or vegan diet, you're interested in learning more about the link between nutrition and disease, you like to laugh, you're interested in wellness as a whole.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BBxGYkXAkmD9L8rd8KGOjm1FnNwa72Fwx2bAWyiV6hIvXiqvm4v7M9599zj4rlkbtnQ1v1BL7uNzbcDP1k0ze_rabwpWe3C3O9RBys0TrI1OJkVOLzvNBJVZM2MS0CO1XcY2bsWnJzO6/s1600/ResizeImageHandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BBxGYkXAkmD9L8rd8KGOjm1FnNwa72Fwx2bAWyiV6hIvXiqvm4v7M9599zj4rlkbtnQ1v1BL7uNzbcDP1k0ze_rabwpWe3C3O9RBys0TrI1OJkVOLzvNBJVZM2MS0CO1XcY2bsWnJzO6/s1600/ResizeImageHandler.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
2) <a href="http://www.playwiththeworld.com/">Find Your Happy</a> by: Shannon Kaiser<br />
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A good friend gave me this book for Christmas, and it's awesome! I've enjoyed reading it from start to finish and got through it in no time at all. The book focuses a lot on the Law of Attraction and encourages to reader to put their faith and their thoughts into the universe, to do what makes you happy on a daily basis, and how to really, <i>Find Your Happy</i>. My favorite section of this book focused on money, and why it's important to spend as well as save, how to view your bank account, and how you mindset impacts your spending.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">This book might be for you if:</u> You feel like you're in a rut, you need a happiness makeover, you feel like you're at a crossroads, you're interested in the law of attraction. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB5Vi06t8JTC3bpXgo5k3LTO1GqTgpICuenTWADAN5xxVzadqBGyY_h8Hgv9TbsiTKeKKSatAhxzoEdc1K-dAIdCdR2zyl5kefi2rmn3okGAVWos_hq7am5-lAKmnJ6TOl54oSCQG0VWP/s1600/Picture-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB5Vi06t8JTC3bpXgo5k3LTO1GqTgpICuenTWADAN5xxVzadqBGyY_h8Hgv9TbsiTKeKKSatAhxzoEdc1K-dAIdCdR2zyl5kefi2rmn3okGAVWos_hq7am5-lAKmnJ6TOl54oSCQG0VWP/s1600/Picture-2.png" height="200" width="136" /></a></div>
3) <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/books/in-defense-of-food/">In Defense of Food</a> by: Michael Pollan<br />
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Need a reason to clean up your diet? Read this book. This book encourages the reader to look at food in a whole different way. It provides an overview and history of Western diet and how it contributes to our decreasing health. This book isn't as "fun" to read as some of the others on this list, but I enjoyed it, and learned a lot for reading it. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">This book might be for you if:</u> You're interested in food, nutrition, the correlation between food and disease, or you're just interested in finding out where your "food" comes from. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GDjYbs6eFT2dyTRc_XkMSkiVfuTI49iJehTpICSBDGWaxQi3ixIEYBfSXExtYoh1H1Ne51JROzeu1BKgh6PwVTsIuLbApI4HM8zsyKUckEevocbF6X4a7aN_E2gGFQYqm7UEVDjYM1Kf/s1600/LOABasicsBook-3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GDjYbs6eFT2dyTRc_XkMSkiVfuTI49iJehTpICSBDGWaxQi3ixIEYBfSXExtYoh1H1Ne51JROzeu1BKgh6PwVTsIuLbApI4HM8zsyKUckEevocbF6X4a7aN_E2gGFQYqm7UEVDjYM1Kf/s1600/LOABasicsBook-3D.jpg" height="200" width="139" /></a></div>
4) <a href="http://www.abraham-hicks.com/lawofattractionsource/index.php">The Law of Attraction</a> by: Jerry Hicks<br />
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About three years ago everyone I knew was pressuring me into read <a href="http://thesecret.tv/">The Secret</a>. They all swore up and down that this was the kind of book that changed your life. After several conversations like this I finally gave in. I bought the book, sat down, and read the thing in one sitting. After I finished I felt frustrated and confused. I loved the concept of the book, but I found myself left with more questions that answers. After expressing my frustrations to my fiance and loaned me his copy of <i>The Law of Attraction</i> by Jerry Hicks. This it the book that actually changed my life. It encouraged me to be aware of the thoughts I was putting out into the universe, give gratitude on a daily basis, and for the first time in many years I really truly felt like I had a sense of control over the direction of my life. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">This book might be for you if:</u> Your interested in learning more about the Law of Attraction, You're feeling overwhelmed or like your life is getting a little out of control, you feel you might benefit from an attitude makeover, you want to bring more joy into your life but you're not sure where to start. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lwz2I4hNSXdqmnr2JJs5U3R5hyphenhyphenJz9Om3unJSTC7OsDzuQlySP049ILkbcbySZnLHvuQsi0vr44cJnCxPxCVIwTN41Ajeu2L3L9WO38RyuwmjKLJzCaILQGECCrqRGxoqEaxiGss1NqQW/s1600/paulo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lwz2I4hNSXdqmnr2JJs5U3R5hyphenhyphenJz9Om3unJSTC7OsDzuQlySP049ILkbcbySZnLHvuQsi0vr44cJnCxPxCVIwTN41Ajeu2L3L9WO38RyuwmjKLJzCaILQGECCrqRGxoqEaxiGss1NqQW/s1600/paulo2.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a></div>
5) <a href="http://paulocoelho.com/en/store.php">Anything Written by Paulo Coelho</a><br />
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Okay, so this isn't really a book, it's an author, but in my defense it's my most favorite author EVER. Whenever I feel lost, down, confused, I'm traveling, or I just want to read something that will make me feel instantly better I pick up a Paulo Coelho book. Each book takes place in a different location, results in a new lesson learned. His books have been published into a number of different languages, are adored by millions, and I swear will change your life. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">This book might be for you if:</u> You love to finish a book and feel inspired!PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-56221076142041376122012-11-17T16:02:00.002-08:002012-11-17T16:11:35.834-08:004 Ways to Keep it Healthy at Work <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvw23wbjoz4zb4tXMe61Nlz0IH0SbGRiFWeEHIhVoJ1IbS1QP1WEqIdlryNHUcD-pD9-oY6fx9Dzt15bHGns3L-LlNfLesrs_LRbI5xaxN50MStYM04_RGR-byd2XYTR8mBV25NXL26Gs/s1600/bc22c822311211e2a57122000a1fbe0e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvw23wbjoz4zb4tXMe61Nlz0IH0SbGRiFWeEHIhVoJ1IbS1QP1WEqIdlryNHUcD-pD9-oY6fx9Dzt15bHGns3L-LlNfLesrs_LRbI5xaxN50MStYM04_RGR-byd2XYTR8mBV25NXL26Gs/s1600/bc22c822311211e2a57122000a1fbe0e_7.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s 8am and I’m sitting at my desk sipping on my coffee and
checking my voicemail when an email pops up, “doughnuts in the staff lounge!” My
first thought, “Man, a doughnut would go pretty good with this cup of coffee
right about now.” At 11am another email pops up, “want to grab lunch today? I
was thinking something fast and cheap, maybe a slice of pizza.” My next thought, “That sounds so much better
than spinach salad I brought. I also wouldn't mind getting out of the office for while.” Once again at 3pm an email
pops up “birthday cake and ice cream on the third floor, help yourself.” Does
this all sound a little too familiar? If it does, your office might be
sabotaging your health. The good news, it doesn't have to be this way. So grab
your coworkers, enjoy the tips below, and before you know it you’ll be on your
way to making your workplace a healthy place!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Start a lunch
club:</u></b> Starting a lunch club in your office is a great way to enjoy a
quick and healthy meal, save a little dough, and catch up with coworkers. What
is a lunch club you ask let me fill you in. A lunch club is basically a group
of folks who take turns bringing in enough lunch fair to feed all club members. How
amazing would be to have chili for lunch Monday, a giant quinoa salad for lunch
Tuesday, whole grain spaghetti with veggies for lunch Wednesday, etc…and you
only have to spend one evening a week cooking? Before starting, make sure
everyone is on the same page regarding dietary guidelines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Keep fresh produce
on hand:</u></b> Every Monday a giant box of fresh, organic, locally grown
produce is delivered to our office. Having fresh produce on hand ensures that
there is always something healthy within reach. When someone brings in a box of
doughnuts, chocolate chip cookies, or birthday cake and it sounds pretty tasty,
an apple is available as a healthy and sweet alternative. Or when breakfast was
hours ago and it’s not quite lunch time a handful of grapes is only a few steps
away. With a quick internet search you can find out if a similar delivery
service exists in your area. If no such service exists, take turns with your
coworkers bringing in fresh, healthy, snacks.
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Get out of the
office:</u></b> Many days just wanting to get out of the office is a good
enough reason to trade in your packed lunch for a restaurant or fast food
lunch. This can be avoided by identifying a few places outside of the office
where a brownbag lunch can be enjoyed. Is there a park close by with picnic
tables or benches? An employee lounge with tables, chairs, and microwaves close
by? Maybe you’re crunched for time, take a five or ten minute walk then enjoy
your packed lunch at your desk after you've had some fresh air and a chance to
stretch your legs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Keep water close
by:</u></b> Are you someone who doesn't drink enough water? Keeping a reusable
water bottle close by can help change that.
Find a fun reusable water bottle to keep at your desk. Set a goal, for
example one bottle before lunch, one bottle during lunch, and one bottle after
lunch, and do your best to stick to it. Does filling your water bottle up in
the bathroom or at the drinking fountain freak you out? Grab a few coworkers and pitch for a water
cooler. If you’re paying for it, you’re more likely to use it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no reason why your workplace has to sabotage your
good health. By collaborating with your coworkers and incorporating the tips
above you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier workplace in no time!</span></div>
PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-18479100972510770032012-11-11T20:08:00.001-08:002012-11-11T20:08:05.859-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c6mAaY8ZBZeW0qu3igD2n7QYItwfMmkuDfhEZX6BYy0zJeIxM3id6XdpuR05DtmpyHzAX7p_gniyvW-2j_mfucSwlTOe1zPniZeB2mpYbgcr7nlbr5AZEymFT88UyIiS6limgd1L0vLs/s1600/400307_10100221862048892_1837156190_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c6mAaY8ZBZeW0qu3igD2n7QYItwfMmkuDfhEZX6BYy0zJeIxM3id6XdpuR05DtmpyHzAX7p_gniyvW-2j_mfucSwlTOe1zPniZeB2mpYbgcr7nlbr5AZEymFT88UyIiS6limgd1L0vLs/s1600/400307_10100221862048892_1837156190_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<u><b><br /></b></u>I've been working on make a cheese "bread" sticks out of a cauliflower crust for a while now, and I think I've finally got it down! I brought a batch to work and everyone was surprised to learn what they were made out of. If you're following a low carb or gluten free diet these guys are a must! <br />
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**One head of cauliflower will yield two batches-This is reflected in the ingredient list below<br />
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<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><br />
One Head of Fresh Cauliflower<br />
2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (I used Cheddar Jack)<br />
4-5 Cloves of Garlic cut into small pieces<br />
4 Tbs Olive Oil<br />
2 Eggs<br />
2 tsp Oregano<br />
2 tsp Garlic Salt<br />
2 tsp Parsley<br />
Salt and Pepper to taste<br />
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<b><u>Directions:</u></b><br />
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<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 450 degrees</li>
<li>Cut cauliflower in florets</li>
<li>Place florets into boiling water for 15 minutes or until soft</li>
<li>Place cooked florets into a colander and mash with hands until you get a rice-like texture (it's important to get out as much water as possible)</li>
<li>Place half of mashed cauliflower into a large mixing bowl and add 1 cup of shredded cheese, 2-3 pieces of garlic, 1 egg, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp parsley, and salt and pepper to taste, and mix well with hands</li>
<li>Place mixture onto a prepared baking sheet and press into a rectangle shape</li>
<li>Bake for 15 minutes or until edges start to brown</li>
<li>In a small bowl mix together 2 Tsp olive oil and 1 clove of garlic</li>
<li>Brush olive oil and garlic mixture onto baked cauliflower crust</li>
<li>Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese onto crust and place back into oven until cheese melts-about 1-2 minutes</li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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<u><b>Notes:</b></u></div>
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*Don't forget to prepare your baking sheeting! If you don't these guys will stick and burn. If you have parchment (NOT wax) paper around I recommend using it.<br />
*It's easier to cut the "bread" sticks with a pizza cutter while they're still on the cookie sheet then pull them off a few at a time. <br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-17078231825478848952012-11-04T17:51:00.002-08:002012-11-04T17:51:44.499-08:00The 13 Healthy Foods I Always Keep on Hand <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWixH-s_uBHdYZ4iYdid-rJQBftfGx7s1M4QPXk_bAG7QraMd5t5z2Uo-odnel2qvcsLHHpVGsrcf2B0KpcijRxwoZu9rvQBl5XnV5Ykwvy6JAofi9dXQ-dXmrxBc4rvHKAbbGuk8MSSj/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWixH-s_uBHdYZ4iYdid-rJQBftfGx7s1M4QPXk_bAG7QraMd5t5z2Uo-odnel2qvcsLHHpVGsrcf2B0KpcijRxwoZu9rvQBl5XnV5Ykwvy6JAofi9dXQ-dXmrxBc4rvHKAbbGuk8MSSj/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
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1) <b>Quinoa</b>- If you haven't noticed yet I LOVE quinoa! It's become such a versatile staple in our home. I like to cook some up over the weekend and use it all week long. I usually will throw it in a cold salad, add it to chili, toast a little and use it for a yogurt topping, add it to a casserole, etc...I think you get my drift. Quinoa is high in protein and gluten free which makes it an accessible food for all! <br />
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2) <b>Beans, Beans, and more Bean</b>s- I seriously have an entire shelf in our kitchen dedicated to beans. Black beans, pinto beans, chili beans, vegetarian re-fried beans, canned beans, dried beans...okay, okay you get the idea, we eat a lot of beans in this house! Beans have become a major staple after giving up meat. When I'm feeling a little lazy I'll often times just dump a washed can of black beans into a bowl with some lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion and avocado and go to town. When I'm feeling slightly more ambitious I'll pull out the slow cooker to cook my dried beans overnight. <br />
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3) <b>Sweet Potatoes</b>- I'm a little sad that I waited until I was 25 to start eating sweet potatoes, what I was thinking?!?! These guys are delicious! Like beans, we eat sweet potatoes like their going out of style. I'll add them to chili, salads, or just mix em' up with some honey, olive oil, and rosemary and throw them in the oven. They add such great texture and taste to all sorts of meals, plus they're good for you!<br />
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4) <b>Lemons and Limes</b>- When you get a chance walk over to your fridge, pull out your salad dressing and read the ingredient list, you might be surprised. I like to use lemons and limes with a little bit of cumin or cayenne pepper to season my salads (both hot and cold). This way I know exactly what I'm putting on my salad and can avoid funky ingredients and empty calories. I also have a cup of warm water with lemon first thing the morning and I can't do that without a lemon now can I. <br />
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5) <b>Veggie Broth</b>- I've learned that veggie broth can make almost anything taste just a little bit better. I like to keep it around to make soups, stews, and to cook quinoa and rice in. As long as I have a box of veggie broth, fresh veggies, and beans around I can always make a soup!<br />
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6) <b>Almond & Coconut Milk</b>- We use to keep a lot of low-fat milk on hand at home. We used in it cereal oatmeal, baking, etc.. Today we never buy dairy milk, we've opted for almond milk instead. If you've never had almond milk you're seriously missing out, it's amazing! Oatmeal with vanilla almond milk might be one of my most favorite things to eat ever, it's delicious! I also love to keep a little coconut milk on hand for thai dishes and for deserts, coconut milk mouse anyone?<br />
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7) <b>Canned Tomatoes</b>- I'll admit it, I HATE tomatoes...like a lot. I've been trying for the last three years to overcome my dislike for tomatoes, but it just isn't working as well as I'd like. The good news is I'll eat them as long as they're mixed into something, enter canned tomatoes. <br />
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8) <b>Cucumbers</b>- This one might seem super weird but it's not I swear! Besides being my fav juicing base, they're also one of my fav snacks. Every morning before I leave for work I slice up one of these bad boys and throw it in my bag. I keep a small container of hummus at work so when I start to get hungry around 10am I pull out my cucumber slices and hummus and get crunching. Because cucumbers contain so much water and are low in calories they make a great healthy snack!<br />
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9) <b>Hummus</b>- Making hummus at home is on my current to-do list. Until then I keep store bought hummus at home and at the office. Hummus tastes great on wraps, as a veggie dip, in salad, as an alternative to mayo on sandwiches,etc...<br />
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10) <b>Garlic</b>- So, I use to buy those small clear jars of pre-diced garlic. I thought this made sense, it was easier than cutting up a clove of garlic and it lasted longer, plus I thought it would produce the same taste as fresh garlic...so wrong...so very wrong. Fresh garlic tastes (and smells) so much better! Today we use garlic in soups, salads, pastas, sauces, with sauteed with veggies and olive oil. After cooking with fresh garlic I'll never go back, you just can beat the taste! Plus garlic is such an easy way to add flavor and health benefits to any meal. <br />
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11) <b>Coconut Oil</b>- Coconut oil is a wonderful cooking oil and healthy fat. And believe it or not it does not actually make your foods taste like coconut. I use coconut oil when making granola, sauteing up some veggies, and throw a spoonful of it into my morning green smoothies. <br />
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12) <b>Frozen Spinach</b>- For the most part I prefer to keep fresh not frozen foods on hand, but spinach is one exception. I've discovered spinach is one of those random veggies that I love so much I'll just sort of throw it into anything, eggs, pasta, grilled cheese, or even just eat it with a little garlic and olive oil. You can buy a giant bag of this stuff for fairly cheap and it's a great way to fit a few extra veggies into your regular meals. <br />
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13) <b>Tea- </b>I love sweets and there are days when all I want is a giant piece of cake or a chocolate bar the size of my face. These type of cravings usually hit me in the evening and I'v learned that a cup of tea is a great way to combat cravings. I keep several types of tea at home and at the office so I'm prepared when cravings strike, or if I need a pick me up but I've already had a cup of coffee.<br />
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<br />PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-16606111481428883182012-11-04T17:14:00.001-08:002012-11-04T17:29:48.290-08:00Easy and Delicious Veggie Bake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoEP5zX9gVlUek-_oszofLe1IPGDUm9HkL6bZ6bVguFeKMF9gCiiR7D5Ba5lBvRmW5JUJAeEmvm7j1rpRsAqYVOsSLquHPNAixZn-XcAUgFV9PWEMDKlnOD_SxTN4LwwcmLMxwEqilGRd/s1600/Veggie+Bake+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoEP5zX9gVlUek-_oszofLe1IPGDUm9HkL6bZ6bVguFeKMF9gCiiR7D5Ba5lBvRmW5JUJAeEmvm7j1rpRsAqYVOsSLquHPNAixZn-XcAUgFV9PWEMDKlnOD_SxTN4LwwcmLMxwEqilGRd/s1600/Veggie+Bake+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
I have a ton of random veggies hanging out in my fridge right now so I figured that for lunch today I'd put them to good use. I ended up making an easy and delicious veggie bake! Want to make a veggie bake of your own? Here's what you need:<br />
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<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><br />
2-3 Zucchini Cubed<br />
1 lb Red Potatoes (or potato of your choice) Cubed<br />
1 Red Bell Pepper Sliced<br />
2-3 Garlic Cloves Diced<br />
1/4 Cup Olive Oil<br />
1/2 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs<br />
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese<br />
Salt and Pepper to Taste<br />
1 tsp Paprika<br />
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
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<ol>
<li>Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees</li>
<li>Place zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, and garlic into a large mixing </li>
<li>Pour in olive oil and bread crumbs and mix everything together</li>
<li>Place mixture in a single layer onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle with paprika, salt and pepper</li>
<li>Bake for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally</li>
<li>About two-three minutes before mixture is done sprinkle on parmesan cheese to melt </li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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<b><u>Notes:</u></b></div>
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*Feel free to add any additional veggies you might have on had, I imagine onions would be a nice addition</div>
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*Depending on the volume of veggies adjust the amount of olive oil, you want to make sure you don't use too much or you'll have squishy veggies</div>
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PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-55427851386927703442012-10-29T18:29:00.001-07:002012-11-04T17:34:48.764-08:00Best Ever Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLpJh4VS8Vef9v_mbhyphenhyphenmTbwGa7fjYFnhPTwoVkXyV0n3LoA8dP6Jusww2K_1Z9FCNYEL2DDNOT-3i4CNh2RGHrscRWb78Tun6PLIQN8B02kMI0MPYAIVLAaldSUuTYZZfAJCIaGOXIG23/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLpJh4VS8Vef9v_mbhyphenhyphenmTbwGa7fjYFnhPTwoVkXyV0n3LoA8dP6Jusww2K_1Z9FCNYEL2DDNOT-3i4CNh2RGHrscRWb78Tun6PLIQN8B02kMI0MPYAIVLAaldSUuTYZZfAJCIaGOXIG23/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that the leaves have started to fall from the trees and the temperature has started to drop it's officially time to make my first batch of pumpkin bread! If you're someone who has known me for a while you probably already have this recipe because it's just too delicious and too easy not to share! If you're looking for an easy and delicious pumpkin bread recipe (or perfect holiday gift) this recipe is for you!</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredient List:</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3 1/3 Cups of Flour (I use whole wheat or gluten free)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2 tsp Baking Soda</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1.5 tsp Salt</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1 tsp Cinnamon</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1 tsp Nutmeg</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3 Cups Sugar (you can also use stevia) </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">1/2 Cup Oil (I use vegetable) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 Cup Applesauce (if you don't have applesauce you can use a full cup of oil)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">4 Eggs</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2/3 Cup Water</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1 Can Pumpkin Puree (15oz) **Make sure you get Pumpkin Puree, NOT Pumpkin Pie Filling**</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1 Bag of your choice of Chocolate Chips (11.5 oz)</span></span><br />
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<u><b>Directions:</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOed9Lc1uVXdjG0yp6tn4vOcKY040JGVzxukKbEu-A1lkRcr3oEJ7qrbgz-Y7AmmvX5-vaviIGMdp24fmvyJeOXNbOpC8w9YV1wMJM9dAeODVQ2IKHKwuqOGz7y9mOUt0X_PzGrU9CSIB-/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOed9Lc1uVXdjG0yp6tn4vOcKY040JGVzxukKbEu-A1lkRcr3oEJ7qrbgz-Y7AmmvX5-vaviIGMdp24fmvyJeOXNbOpC8w9YV1wMJM9dAeODVQ2IKHKwuqOGz7y9mOUt0X_PzGrU9CSIB-/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees</li>
<li>Grease and flour three loaf pans</li>
<li>In a large mixing bowl (using an electric mixer) mix together all ingredients except for the chocolate chips. </li>
<li>Once everything is good and mixed fold in the chocolate chips</li>
<li>Pour mix evenly among the three prepared loaf pans</li>
<li>Bake for 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean</li>
<li>Enjoy!<br />
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</li>
</ol>
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<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Notes:</b></div>
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*If you only want one loaf (trust me you won't) cut the recipe in half</div>
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*I usually wrap my loafs in both wax paper and foil</div>
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*This bread freezes great, just remove from the freezer and place in the fridge the night before you plan on eating it</div>
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PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-80745889838145989112012-10-25T19:06:00.001-07:002012-10-25T19:10:34.404-07:003 Ways to Make Your Office Awesome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0QhepUz06j9DV0QsHfwygK5cBGPqhuEYzu0-afih-3-4KwQjiNAG0FWY_YYZeKAWw3hqIJj3dfPwlXFC9HELgXJavfYxxypR6BrPmQLnseeHfNf_cf0hM5vHlvnesoAFsrkGcTCUgEif/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0QhepUz06j9DV0QsHfwygK5cBGPqhuEYzu0-afih-3-4KwQjiNAG0FWY_YYZeKAWw3hqIJj3dfPwlXFC9HELgXJavfYxxypR6BrPmQLnseeHfNf_cf0hM5vHlvnesoAFsrkGcTCUgEif/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are some weeks when I feel like I spend significantly more time sitting in my office than I do sitting (or even sleeping) at home. I've come to terms with the fact that if I plan on paying my bills, I'm going to have to work...from my office...at least 40 hours a week. Over the past year I've embraced the idea that my office is what I make of it, so I've decided that I clearly have to make it awesome! <br />
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Turning my work-space into a cozy, comfortable, well organized place has made it easier to walk into five days a week. Below I've outlined three of the small things I've done that have provided big paybacks.<br />
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1) <b><u>Get organized:</u></b> I hate to admit it, but I keep my office more organized than I keep my apartment. I'm not sure if it's because there is a steady stream of people in and out of my office, or because I'd lose all of my paperwork if I didn't constantly put it back in the same place. You know that feeling you get when you're off work for a week and when you come back you have 50 new voicemails, 115 new emails, and your desk looks like an Office Max exploded all over the place? Keeping your space organized can cut back on this type of chaotic stress. Walking into an organized office produces better feeling than walking into a mess, and if you happen to come back from vacation and find your space a mess, having a system of organization can help you get the chaos under control in record time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyvprmi6Tg6ANF193bZP9kx_cYkd49_6ukxQKvDIQrGvLv8vtb-axWmU_i30JPHJeMETy6CL8eUM1ju_uDz0-640P72e1cykoCLiS1g4AvxnSe3-3y1d8xmP8j6fU9L-3tUpY2pthhwtp/s1600/Bboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyvprmi6Tg6ANF193bZP9kx_cYkd49_6ukxQKvDIQrGvLv8vtb-axWmU_i30JPHJeMETy6CL8eUM1ju_uDz0-640P72e1cykoCLiS1g4AvxnSe3-3y1d8xmP8j6fU9L-3tUpY2pthhwtp/s200/Bboard.JPG" width="200" /></a>2) <b style="text-decoration: underline;">Get a little personal:</b> The key to this is getting only a <i>little</i> personal, with little being the key word. It's nice to add small personal touches (within policy) to your work space. For example, I have a huge bulletin board behind my desk that I've covered with cards, photographs, and quotes that I really love. I've also enjoyed using bright and happy colors, and hanging up framed postcards from my travels. If you're able to, it can be nice to incorporate pictures of loved ones into your office, in a place where only you can see them. Remember it's <i>your</i> office, you should feel at home in it.<br />
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3) <b style="text-decoration: underline;">Add calming touches:</b> On Monday around lunch I became totally overwhelmed and needed to just get out of the office for a little bit. I took a quick stroll over to <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=11226124&cm_sp=FO-_-Spa+%26+Skin-_-Stress+Relief&cp=12587010.4431583">Bath and Body Works</a> and bought a bottle of stress relief aromatherapy lotion. When I got back to my office I put a little on my hands and before I knew it my whole office smelled great! Candle warmers are another wonderful, safe, and affordable (usually around $10) way to add lovely smells to your space. If you're not into smelly lotions and candles the good news is smell isn't the only sense you can tap into to create a tranquil environment. Most offices are equipped with harsh florescent lighting, by bringing in a freestanding lamp you can control the amount and type of light in your office, creating the mood you want. Plants are also a great way to bring a little color, life (and oxygen) into your space.<br />
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Regardless of how much we love or hate our jobs, there are steps we can take to make our time in the office as comfortable as possible. Getting organized and adding calming and personal touches are simple ways to improve your work experience <br />
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PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-24140588050451393242012-10-15T15:38:00.004-07:002012-11-04T18:15:31.810-08:00Love to Travel, but Hate to Fly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB59yZlAgs8L9q7UdGC97LTz6L2ZMNvHHEWr_9w97kL5U_kUlbKDlG2zqBmBvR-_Aup4DqqXzBT3QXZw0UoJMLxgfwkP8inMNSiPqQCSRfDNB49NJODjSd1kzZHOyRSxo2YTEKphMHGzl/s1600/seattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB59yZlAgs8L9q7UdGC97LTz6L2ZMNvHHEWr_9w97kL5U_kUlbKDlG2zqBmBvR-_Aup4DqqXzBT3QXZw0UoJMLxgfwkP8inMNSiPqQCSRfDNB49NJODjSd1kzZHOyRSxo2YTEKphMHGzl/s1600/seattle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Something you should know about me is, I love to travel but I hate to fly. When I say I hate to fly I don't mean I hate crowded airports, paying to check luggage, or spending several hours stuck between to strangers, I mean I hate the actual act of flying . I'm totally one of those people who spends the 24 hours leading up to my flight losing sleep while preforming endless google searches on "how safe is flying," and forcing my friends and family to assure me everything will be okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This weekend I took an awesome impulse trip to Seattle with a couple of my girlfriends, and I had to put my ass on a plane in order to get there. Before I left, I decided this was the perfect opportunity to spend sometime looking at my fear of flying and trying out techniques I thought might help make the experience as pleasant as possible. Here is it, what I did, how I did it, what worked great, what didn't work so well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>Before I even set foot on the plane</b></u> I spent a fair amount of time time reading articles written by folks who also fear(ed) flying. I read about when they became uncomfortable, some could pinpoint the exact moment, the when, the why, the how. Others had no idea why there were so afraid, they simply got on the plane one day and found themselves afraid. I fell into the second group, I had gone years getting on and off of planes like it was nothing, but simply got on a plane one day and felt afraid. Reading about all these folks made me feel better immediately, I wasn't alone, I wasn't the only person on the face of the planet who feels afraid to fly. I knew this of course, by the reassurance was nice. I also looked up flying safety stats simply to entertain the rational part of my brain. We all know that flying is safer than driving but if you're still a little freaked out take a good long look at the stats I think you'll be surprised with what you find (and I mean that in a good way). Next, I talked with friends and coworkers who are also afraid to fly about what works for them, they suggested: sitting with someone you know talking the whole time, a good book, wine...lots and lots of wine. Armed with ideas and information I made a list of what I thought I might work for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>This Was My List</b></u></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Start a new book, but read only enough to be interested so I'll look forward to reading more on the plane</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Arm myself with several trashy, mindless, gossip magazines</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk, Talk, Talk (my poor friend flying with me)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bring along a notebook and pen and jot down ideas for my blog</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Take long, slow, deep breaths, counting down from 100</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If all else fails, wine, wine, wine</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Armed with my list I felt a little bit better <u><b>after boarding the plane</b></u>. Because I was flying <a href="http://www.southwest.com/">Southwest </a>I was able to grab a seat next to my friend up towards the front. My first real test came during takeoff, the turbulence and the adrenalin pumping through my veins lead to anxious feelings. I attempted to talk to my friend, making jokes and small talk, but this did not work. I pulled out a magazine, but I couldn't focus, so I closed my eyes, got as comfortable as I could and started taking deep breaths and counting down from 100. To be 100% honest this was the last thing on my list I expected to work, but it did, and in that moment it was exactly what I needed. By the time I got down to 1 the turbulence had stopped and my breathing was normal, I felt totally calm. Next, I pulled out my book and started to read. I used this calm moment to re-frame how I felt about the situation, I chose to feel thankful that I had two quiet hours to simply read. I told myself I was not about to start feeling stressed out and anxious that I was floating up in the air, everything out of my control. I read until it was time to prepare for our descent, at that point I was feeling calm and happy and used the last 20 minutes to chat with my friend about our wonderful trip keeping my mind occupied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It took a little preparation, an open mind, some deep breathing (this still helped more than anything else), and re-framing of the situation but I left the airport feeling better about flying than I had in years. I know that I can expect some of these same anxious feeling to reappear on my next flight, but there is something very soothing about knowing I have the tools to deal with my feelings in a very nice, calming, way. </span></div>
PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-27062619337674793462012-10-09T20:06:00.001-07:002012-10-15T15:47:46.179-07:004 Steps For Dealing with Uncomfortable Emotions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are moments in all our lives where we feel anxious, terrified, confused, stressed, etc... Just last weekend I had a near melt down over driving through the narrow, winding, Colorado mountain roads. I make this same drive every fall with my friends, fiance, or parents to check out the beautiful changing colors and to enjoy the lovely crisp, clean air. Usually a passenger along for the ride, this year I found myself behind the wheel, and it terrified me. In this moment of terror I had a choice to make, I could either recognize how I was feeling and take control, or I could remain frightened and let this uncomfortable emotion control me. Like it or not there are moments in our life, both big and small, where we're going to experience uncomfortable emotions and like it or not we're going to have to deal with these emotions in one way or another. The good news is, with a little prep work we can better equip ourselves with the tools we need to take control of our uncomfortable emotions.</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">1) Write down what works, what doesn't work, and what might work for you:</u> How do you normally react when faced with uncomfortable emotions? Do you take a couple of deep breaths, go for a walk, cry (not that I ever do this one or anything...), grab the first candy bar in sight, lash out at the first person you see? We all have tools for dealing with our feelings and some are healthier than other. Spend sometime making a list of the tools you currently use, once that's done, spend sometime identifying the tools you want to continue to use and the ones you might be better off without. This is also a good time to identify three or four new tools you'd like to add to your toolbox, meditation anyone?<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b><u style="font-weight: bold;">2) Give it A-Go:</u> Once you've established which tools you feel best fit you, give em a go. It's going to take a little bit of time to figure out which tool fits best which each situation. Maybe try out going for a walk and deep breathing when feeling overwhelmed at work, or try out doing yoga and chatting with a friend after a fight with your significant other. The idea is to try out different tools in different situations to help you identify what works best for you. It's not one size fits all so feel free to be creative and experiment. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">3) Articulate what you need from those around you:</u> Sometimes the best thing to do is to reach out to those around us for support and guidance. It can be incredibly valuable to express out loud how we are feeling and what we need. While I was making my scary drive back down the mountain I expressed to my friends how I was feeling, they simply reassured me that we would be fine and that I could drive as quickly as I felt comfortable, there was no rush. Knowing that there are people in our corner can make all the difference in the world. <br />
<b><u><br /></u></b><u style="font-weight: bold;">4) Practice, Practice, Practice:</u> Just like with anything else in order to get into the habit of using your new tools, practice is key. The more you practice implementing your new tools, the easier it will become and before you know it you'll be controlling your uncomfortable emotions instead of letting them control you. <br />
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<br />PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-7931698858248326672012-10-07T21:39:00.000-07:002012-10-15T15:46:37.432-07:00Life Might be a Little Too Sweet- 30 Days Without Processed Foods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Friday afternoon I was rushing around work, filling out
paperwork, meeting with clients, all while attempting to make it to a staff
meeting on time. When I finally took a second to break from the several
things I was attempting to do at once I felt my stomach start to rumble and
realized I was hungry. Due to poor planning on my part I opted for a
Snickers bar....Terrible, Terrible idea. An hour later I found myself
sitting in a crowded courtroom (for work), tired, irritated, and with a
headache. I wish I could tell you that
this is an infrequent occurrence with me, but it’s not as much as I’d like to
let on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While I no longer
eat meat or drink soda I still manage to eat more than my fair share of
"junk." I've finally developed the mindset that I’m simply
someone who does not eat meat, drink soda and spends her evenings drinking tea
and doing yoga; the problem is this does not make me healthy. I can avoid meat all I want but if I’m
filling up on doughnuts and ice cream then I’m not accomplishing what I've set
out to accomplish. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After
a weekend with friends up in Breckenridge, drinking lattes with whipped cream
and eating giant frosting filled cookies I realized that it really truly is
time to cool it with all the sugar. That being said I'm getting ready to
begin a new challenge, 30 days without sugary, processed foods. Goodbye ice cream, goodbye
cookies, goodbye taunting doughnuts sitting outside my office, it’s been fun,
but it’s time we part ways. This is the plan I'll be sticking too, <a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/october-unprocessed-2012/">OCTOBER UNPROCESSED 2012</a>. The fun starts on Monday 10/15/2012 If you’re
interested in getting in on all the anti sugar action let me know!<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-31656623079866083492012-09-22T20:58:00.000-07:002012-10-30T11:24:26.243-07:00Why I Love Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Until last week there was a bright pink
yoga mat sitting in the trunk of my car. Poor thing had been sitting back
there for well over a year collecting dust and feeling neglected. I
thought about my bright pink yoga mat from time to time reminiscing about
all the good times we use to have together. Until recently those days
were long gone. I moved, cancelled my gym membership, and got back into
distance running. Last week at work I attended a training that inspired
to me to rescue my yoga mat from the trunk and put it to good use. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The training was
on secondary trauma. Turns out when you spend 40+ hours a week working
with the same folks you see on the nightly news you absorb a few things and if
you don't have good self care you'll make yourself sick and crazy. For
a long time running has been my biggest coping tool, but recently I've been
burnt out on it, which is basically a nice way of staying It's been a while
since I put any miles on my Nike's. Which brings me to my yoga mat. After
the training I walked away and really thought to myself, "um, self, you
have really inappropriate coping skills right now. Drinking
wine while watching Project Runway does not count as a coping exercise.
You can eat a whole lotta leafy greens, drink gallons of tea, and walk
all over the damn place, but if you're stressed out beyond belief you're not
going to feel as awesome as you want to." So I went to my
car rescued my mat and subscribed to <a href="http://www.myyogaonline.com/">My Yoga Online</a>. That evening I
unrolled my mat, did a 45 minute practice while my fiance looked at
me like I had lost my mind, and then went to bed where I slept like a baby.
Turns out this whole yoga thing really ties in well to my new nightly routine,
which has been incredibly valuable by the way. A weird thing happened the
next day, I woke up on time and I felt great. When I got to work I was happy
focused, and best of all calm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I've done some
cool things in the last couple of months, changed my diet, upped my movement,
and developed valuable routines, but I have a feeling this whole yoga thing
might trump everything in awesomeness. I've been doing yoga every night
for the last five nights, and friends, if you haven't tried yoga you're missing
out. I still have a long way to go if I want to do some the beautifully
scary looking poses but I know that with time, patience, and practice,
it'll come. Who knows, maybe I'll actually join a real class again.<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">
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PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-30784134829273162132012-09-16T21:32:00.001-07:002012-10-30T11:24:45.308-07:00Building a Better Bedtime Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Thursday morning I was sitting in my office bright and early at 7am, tired, groggy, and in a fog. I spent the first 30 minutes attempting to wake up, walking around the office, drinking a strong cup of coffee, and staring at my healthy breakfast thinking about how I should eat it, but how much better the doughnuts across the hall looked. I may have watched one too many episodes of Mad Men on Netflix pushing my bedtime back a little too much, and now, when I needed to be productive and alert I was seriously paying for it. I work in criminal justice so it's important that when I walk into the office in the morning I'm ready to go. If a Judge asks you a question in court you need to be able to answer it on the spot. Turns out responding with "huh, what?!" is frowned upon, not that I'd know or anything.... Thursday night I vowed to get a goodnight sleep, I couldn't have a repeat of Thursday again it was just too ridiculous. <br />
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Thursday night I took the time to unwind relax and get to bed at a reasonable hour and as a result Friday was amazing. I was awake, alert, and productive, it was great. I've decided that having a bedtime routine is totally underrated, making this my next 30 day challenge!<br />
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<b><u>30 Day Challenge #4: Gettin Some Zzzzzz's</u></b><br />
For the next 30 days Weekends or not I'll be following a bedtime routine and here's what it looks like it:<br />
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<li>Turn the technology off! At least 30 minutes before bed. I'm embarrassed to admit how hard this truly is for me. I'll use my laptop, while watching TV, and sending texts from my phone. Right now I might or might not be watching Family Guy and flipping through Instagram while writing this....yeah I know. The good news is, we have one TV in our apartment and it's not in the bedroom.</li>
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<li>Drink up! Tea that is. Over the last couple of years I've learned that drinking tea at night will prevent me from eating something sweet or drinking wine (it also helps to just keep these out of the house all together). Like I love a good cup of coffee in the morning, especially in the fall, I love a warm cup of tea in the evening. I also love that there is a tea for everything, digestion, detox, sleep, calm, awake, etc... I personally love <a href="http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/sleepytime-teas">Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Teas</a>, Peppermint, or Chamomile before bed. Personally I just find the sensation of holding something warm and very soothing. I drank a ton of tea when I was living in Ireland so I have a happy association with drinking tea anyway. </li>
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<li>Quiet the mind with meditation. When I can't fall asleep the reason is usually that my mind is racing and I just can't turn it off. I've been wanting to give meditation a try for while now but I keep coming up with reasons not to do it, the biggest one is I think I'll look and feel silly, although no one is watching. I like to play Just Dance on the Wii and I'm pretty sure I look much sillier doing that. I've been using a guided meditation from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> to help me do this. I've come to terms with the fact that I'm going to have to put in the time and practice if I want to better at meditation, but for me, the benefits of being able to meditate totally outweigh the frustrations of learning how to do it.</li>
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I know that changing my evening pattern will lead to a sounder sleep, which will lead to a better morning, which will lead to a more productive day! </div>
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PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-2182172725940748342012-09-04T20:48:00.003-07:002012-10-28T11:41:39.391-07:0010 Weird Healthy Foods In my last blog I talked about healthy eating and how I've expanded my food horizons. I thought it might be fun to make a list of some of the "weird" things I keep around the kitchen now, and what exactly I do with them. I've also included links to my favorite recipes and where you can pick up these goodies! <br />
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1) <b>Kale</b>-I use this healthy leafy green in a number of different ways; green smoothies, salads, soups, and I love to throw it on a cookie sheet with a little bit of olive oil, chili powder, and salt and roast up some yummy kale chips. <br />
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You can pick up kale at basically any grocery store, it's usually with all the other leafy greens. I always buy organic when it comes to kale.<br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baked-kale-chips/">Kale Chips</a><br />
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2) <b>Garbanzo Beans</b>- Like the kale, garbanzo beans tossed with olive oil, garlic salt, and chili powder (or really any combo of oil and spices) toasted in the oven make a popcorn like snack, soooo good! Garbanzo beans are great when added to soups, salads, turned into veggie-like burgers, and are used to make hummus.<br />
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Garbanzo beans, also called chickpeas can be found at any grocery store next to the black, pinto, and kidney beans. <br />
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<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/08/03/easy-salt-vinegar-roasted-chick-peas/">Roasted Garbanzo Beans</a><br />
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3) <b>Chia Seeds</b>- These little guys are packed full of fiber, omega 3s, and protein. Add a teaspoon on top of whole grain toast with almond butter for a little extra flavor and texture, or add to cooked granola. My favorite way to use chia seeds, pudding. If you combine 1 cup of almond milk (I use vanilla) with 3 teaspoons of chia seeds stir together and let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours stirring occasionally the chia seeds will absorb the liquid are create a thick pudding texture. I usually add in some agave nectar, cinnamon, or vanilla. <br />
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Rumor has it you can find this stuff at Walmart and honestly I haven't really looked there. I've always purchased these little guys from Whole Foods or Sunflower Market, you can also find them online. I'm not gonna lie, they're a little expensive but they last for a long time. Last time I found them in the baking aisle next to the flours (not flowers).<br />
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<a href="http://www.anediblemosaic.com/?p=10130">Chia Seed Pudding</a><br />
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4) <b>Quinoa</b>- I talked a little bit about this in my last post. I like to use quinoa when I need a break from brown rice. It's great when used in casseroles, in salads (of all kinds), and baked and used as a topping. If you're interested in giving quinoa a try the casserole recipe I've linked below is AMAZING, I promise you'll love it!<br />
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Quinoa can be found at just about any grocery store, usually with the rice on one of the lower shelves. Many stores (including Target) have their own brand now. Like the Chia Seeds this stuff can be a little pricey but you really do get a lot of nutrition bang for your buck. <br />
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<a href="http://eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com/">Broccoli Quinoa Casserole</a><br />
<a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/quinoa-fruit-salad-with-honey-lime-dressing/">Quinoa Fruit Salad</a><br />
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5) <b>Agava Nectar</b>- This is my all natural go-to sweetener. I use it in tea, add it to oatmeal, and as on of my main wet ingredients when making granola, and in smoothies. Basically, I use it in place of sugar (I also keep <a href="http://www.stevia.com/">Stevia</a> on hand for baking)<br />
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This is another one of those things I've always purchased at health foods stores. It's usually located with the syrups. It's another one of those things where a little bit goes a looong way so it'll last you a while. <br />
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6) <b>Almond Milk</b>- I keep both unsweetened vanilla and regular almond milk on hand and use it for anything calling for milk. Cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, smoothies, breads, etc... I honestly think that almond milk tastes soo much better than regular milk and it lasts a lot longer, plus it is lower in calories and a great alternative for folks that can't drink or don't like the taste of milk. <br />
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Almond Milk can be found at any grocery store next to all the other milk. Most grocery chains have their own brand of Almond Milk making it more affordable and easier to find. <br />
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7) <b>Ginger</b>- If someone would have told me two years ago that I'd be buying ginger root on a regular basis I would have told them they were nuts. When eating sushi I'm the person that pushed the ginger right of the edge of my plate confused about what I'm supposed to do with it and why it looks so scary. Turns out, ginger isn't so scary after all! I add ginger to many of my stews and to almost all of my stir fry sauces. Believe it or not it's also excellent when added to smoothies, adds a nice punch. Plus, ginger is said to help calm an upset stomach and help kick that cold a little bit faster.<br />
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You know that area where they keep the green beans, bagged salads, and fresh mint? Good, that's where you'll find ginger root. Don't get crazy, you only need one root, a little goes a long way.<br />
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<a href="http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/fresh-ginger-smoothie-recipe-ideas/">Fresh Ginger Smoothies</a><br />
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8) <b>Flaxseed</b>- Ground Flaxseed is pretty fantastic and I'll tell you why. You can seriously add this stuff to everything, I mean everything! Add it to cereal, throw it in oatmeal, add to breads, muffins, pancakes, cookies, smoothies, the list goes on and on. It's a great substitute for eggs and oils in certain recipes. Also, like pretty much everything on this list flaxseed is high in omega 3s and fiber. <br />
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Flaxseed can be found at pretty much any grocery store. It can usually be found in the healthy/ organic, baking, or cereal aisle. <br />
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9) <b>Seaweed</b>- I bet you were not expecting to see this one were ya? It's okay, a few weeks ago I would have been surprised too, seaweed is a very new addition. I originally bough seaweed because I read that adding to to beans while soaking aids with digestion so I figured it was worth a try. Turns out you can actually buy seaweed to snack on (or add to beans, salads, etc..) and it tastes pretty darn good, oh! and it's good for you! Seaweed is full of good stuff like potassium, iron, calcium, and soluble fiber.<br />
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If you want to get crazy and give seaweed a try best to check out your local health food store in the Asian cooking section. I've had terrible luck finding this stuff at my local grocery store. <br />
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<a href="http://www.anniechun.com/our-food/seaweed">Seaweed Snacks</a><br />
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10) <b>Lentils</b>- I avoided recipes that called for lentils for a long time because I couldn't figure out where to buy them and what they were exactly. Lentils are a legume high in protein and fiber and can usually found next the dried beans in most grocery stores. I usually use lentils in soups and stews. The recipe I've linked below is amazing and includes some other fun and fabulous ingredients like coconut milk, sweet potatoes, and ginger! <br />
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<a href="http://pinchofyum.com/creamy-thai-sweet-potatoes-and-lentil">Creamy Thai Sweet Potatoes and Lentils</a><br />
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<br />PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-18622882761886196222012-08-30T23:25:00.001-07:002012-10-15T15:50:57.915-07:005 Little Changes with Big RewardsI've always read that making small changes equals big rewards over time. I honestly thought this was kind of silly. I'm more of a big changes lead to big rewards kind of gal. What I'm learning is that this whole bit about small changes is totally true. That's pretty much the whole point of this blog anyway, taking things one manageable step at a time. You might be curious to know what other "small" changes I've incorporated into my life that are providing a big payback.<br />
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<u><b>1) Water, Water, Water!</b></u><br />
We all know what we should be drinking more of it, and I'm doing my best to do just that. When I get up in the morning one of the first things I do is drink either cup of <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4769/Why-You-Should-Drink-Warm-Water-Lemon.html">warm water with lemon</a> or a glass of chilled lemon, cucumber, mint water. Both the hot water with lemon and chilled water are supposed to aid with detoxing and digestion, they both also taste great! <br />
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I'm careful to make sure I have a couple of glasses of water first thing in the morning before I even start on the coffee since my body just went 8 hours without water and is feeling a little dehydrated. I also keep a large water bottle on my desk at work at all times and make sure to get through at least one bottle before and after lunch. Now that I'm no longer drinking soda this is a lot easier.<br />
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<b><u>2) Creative Cooking</u></b><br />
It's no secret that cooking at home can be a healthier option then eating out. Assuming of course you're eating the right foods. I've made an effort over the last few years to learn how to cook, I've also made an effort over the last couple of months to learn how to cook healthy meals at home. A big part of this has been working with foods that I normally wouldn't. This was a little overwhelming at first...how long do I have to cook <a href="http://steelcutoats.org/">steel cuts oats</a>?!! How on Earth do I pronounce <a href="http://www.quinoa.net/106.html">Quinoa</a>?!?!?! I should actually eat the seeds that go along with my <a href="http://www.getchia.com/default.aspx">chia</a> pet?!<br />
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Taking the time to learn where to buy and how to cook these new (to me) foods has really paid off. For example, as it turns out Quinoa is incredibly versatile. I've used it in salads, as a breakfast topping, and in casseroles. And those lovely steel cut oats are really lovely, they can be cooked in the crock pot overnight for an easy breakfast throughout the week. Steel cut oats are also high in fiber, low in calories, and a great source of complex carbs. Oh! I've also been happy to learn that dried beans are useful for something other than teaching 2nd graders how to count, you can actually eat them and they taste great and are lower in sodium than their canned friends! <br />
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I get the majority of my meal ideas from blogs, so I've included links to a few of my favorites!<br />
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/recipes/">Oh She Glows</a><br />
<a href="http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/">Eat Yourself Skinny</a><br />
<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/">100 Days of Real Food</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/">Skinny Taste</a><br />
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<b><u>3) Epsom Salt</u></b><br />
So this one is a strange one but a good one. Who knew that <a href="http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/">epsom salt</a> could be so versatile! A couple months ago when I was doing a lot of long runs I bought some as suggested by a friend. She told me that soaking my feet in a mixture of epsom salt and warm water would help sooth my feet, and she was right. I still like to soak my feet after a long run, or just a long week, but now I also like to add epsom salt to my baths. It's said that when added to a bath, epsom salt, helps flush toxins from the body. If nothing else it makes my skin super soft. If you needed another reason to go out and and buy some epsom salt it helps relieve constipation, so yes, there's that too. <br />
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<b><u>4) Grocery Shopping</u></b></div>
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We use to live by a <a href="http://www.sunflowermarkets.com/Default.aspx">Sunflower Marke</a>t and a <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/">Whole Foods</a>, but for whatever reason we never actually shopped there. We'd walk and/or drive by all the time admiring the produce stands and chipper looking shoppers on our way to Walmart where I would bitch and moan about the lack of quality produce the second we walked in the door. Today we don't live so close to these little gems, but we make the drive at least once a week to ensure we're getting the fresh delicious produce we want. For us, it's worth the trip to Sunflower Market (we do this over Whole Food since it's a tad cheaper) to get the goods. Because I've branched out in my cooking many of the items on my list can be harder to find in a traditional grocery store and would require the drive anyway. I also like that Sunflower Market isn't as littered with tempting treats and has more produce options as well.</div>
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<b><u>5) Wake Up!!!!</u></b></div>
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A couple of weeks ago a coworker was talking about she likes to get up just a little earlier than she needs to in order to relax and have a cup of coffee with a side of quiet. I gave this a try and she was really on to something! For me, getting up just 30 minutes earlier has allowed me to take a nice longer shower, prepare my juice and clean my juicer, pack my lunch, and guzzle some water without breaking a sweat. In the past I'd hit the snooze button (on both my alarms...yeah I know, I know...) about three times, take the fastest most efficient shower possible, attempt to brush my teeth while packing my lunch and run out the door with my hair still wet in a ball of chaos. Now, with this new routine I'm calm and collected when I walk into my office my mind isn't still trying to process how I got from bed to work, and my hair is nice and dry. I promise, just a little bit of time in the morning makes a world of difference. </div>
<br />PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706193856055157757.post-46047435471541965612012-08-26T10:58:00.002-07:002012-10-15T15:52:42.214-07:00Trading in Wine for Green Drinks I'm a fan of a glass of wine. The problem is sometimes I'm a fan for more than just one glass and that's a problem. This morning I work up with a headache as a result of one too many glasses of wine. It wasn't a bad headache, but it was an annoying one (as all headaches usually are). As a result of my annoying headache I stared down the half bottle of wine still on the counter, opened it up and poured it down the drain. Bye-bye wine, I think I might need a break from you. <br />
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I recently picked up the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Sexy-Diet-Veggies-Ignite/dp/0762777931/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345907981&sr=8-1&keywords=crazy+sexy+diet">Crazy Sexy Diet</a> by Kris Carr. If you're interested in learning more about a plant based diet this book is a really interesting and fun read. The book suggests taking in green drinks and smoothies on a daily basis. Lucky for me we have both a juicer and blender at home. I'll admit that it's been a while since I've used our juicer so I spent the better part of my morning trying to figure out how to put it together. Once together I juiced up a cucumber, celery, and an apple and drank it all in. Notice how I put it in a beer glass, classy right?<br />
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I'm going to attempt to add green drinks into my daily diet. I still eat veggies in their whole form, but I know I'm not getting enough. Plus, I imagine green drinks are probably a better bet than a sugary coffee drink or a doughnut in the morning. Small steps. </div>
PeaceandPieinDenverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04147260713922248795noreply@blogger.com0