FYI: I'm on Vacation

And it's great! Mikaela is on Fall Break this week and Alex took the week off work as well. We have been sleeping a lot and doing fun stuff together. I'll be back next week with some fun Halloween pics, I'm sure!

Some Recent Meals

I've finally been good about taking pictures of my food, but then I forget to blog about it!

We hardly ever make pancakes any more, but we had them the other morning for Mikaela's birthday sleepover breakfast.

Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes


1 C whole wheat pastry flour
1t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2T oil (I use canola or olive)
1 egg
Buttermilk to right consistency (About 1 pint, I think. I doubled the recipe this time and used just over half a quart.)

Mix everything together and then pour about 1/4 C batter onto hot nonstick griddle. I topped mine with butter and a teaspoon each of "just fruit" preserves - no added sugar.

With scrambled eggs for protein. Delish!

Another recent breakfast: Half a sprouted grain bagel and some scrambled eggs with spinach.

Broccoli Fritters

My friend found this recipe in Healthy Cooking Magazine and they were so good. You can find the recipe HERE. I used whole wheat pastry flour where it called for all purpose flour. 

Zucchini-Carrot Muffins (From Cathe's Kitchen)

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
*1/4 cup natural granulated sugar
*1/4 cup packed brown sugar
**1 cup oil (safflower, canola, etc.)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup grated carrots (about 2 carrots)
3/4 - 1 cup grated zucchini (about 2 zucchini)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*I used 1/2 C applesauce and 1/2 C agave to replace both the white and brown sugar.

**I used 3/4 C coconut oil.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Oil a 12-cup muffin pan. Sift together flour, baking powder and soda, salt, and spices. In a large mixing bowl, whisk sugars, oil, and eggs together until smooth. Stir in zucchini and carrots. Stir in flour mixture just until combined. Divide batter into the 12 muffin cups. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until tester inserted in center comes out dry. Let cool 10 minutes. Using a table knife, gently remove muffins from tin and place on a wire rack to cool.

I didn't get a picture but these were awesome, and they freeze great. I would have one as my carb option with breakfast or lunch. 

There is a Season

For everything, including Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!

My eldest daughter turned 12 today. So bittersweet for the mama, but very exciting for her.

We went to dinner at Beau Jo's Pizza (I did eat some crust dipped in honey. I confess. It was yummy.)

Alex brought home a dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts because even though Mikaela has had them all of 3 or 4 times in her life she says they are her favorite thing in the world. I'm a horrible mother and the only candle I could find was the number '6' so we had her blow it out twice. She couldn't wait to take a bite of her doughnut before I could get the candle on and sing to her. Silly girl.

I did not indulge in doughnuts. I knew I would get a sugar rush of unknown proportions only to crash and burn in a couple of hours. Not worth it. I'm having a cup of chai with a little agave - that's plenty sweet for me!

Then we were off to the shop where I got my tattoo so she could get her ears pierced. I was so happy for her. She decided long ago that she wanted to get them pierced when she turned 12. She did great, and they look beautiful.

My baby isn't a baby any more!

Mindful Mondays: Keep on Keepin' On

I've been thinking about the cycle I was stuck in (for years) before I finally found success on my current plan. It went something like this:

- I would think how much I hate my weight and body and decide that I needed to get in shape.
- I would find a book or magazine article that looked like a plan I could accomplish and get all my ducks in a row to get started.
- I would start.
- I would do great for anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months.
- I would lose very little weight even when being extremely faithful to my plan.
- I would get discouraged.
- I would give into temptation and eat something that I wasn't "supposed" to.
- I would think, "Well, I ate that, so I might as well eat this too."
- I would think, "F*&# this!" and just go back to "normal," totally disappointed with myself.

Sound familiar? The vicious cycle can be so damaging, both physically and emotionally. Trust me, I remember.


What changed for me this time around? I think knowing what I was up against (PCOS/Insulin Resistance) was a big part of it, but I think doing the internal work of reframing my relationship with food was the biggest part. I wrote about it early on but here's a link: Redefining Your Relationship With Food.

This is the most important part of that post:

"I'm not messing up, falling off the wagon, failing, etc. I'm making an informed choice to eat this food, because I know the effect it is going to have on my body, but I really want the taste so I'm willing to face the consequences." 

I was reading both Jenn and Julia's blogs this week and I totally related to their posts about wanting to find a healthy balance and have a healthy relationship with food. 


I'm so not perfect, but I want people to know that it IS possible. You CAN do it. I totally "cheat" on my plan, but the thing is, I no longer think of it that way. I just think, "I want that. What are the possible consequences? Am I willing to accept those consequences?" And if the answer is yes, I EAT IT AND ENJOY IT. It's a risk/benefit analysis. 


I dipped my finger in buttercream frosting that I was making for the kids' cooking class the other day. It was good, but not nearly as good as I thought it was going to be. I really savored it, and thought, "Geez that's SWEET." Then I didn't need to eat any more. I didn't beat myself up for wanting it or for eating it. 


Some days I eat too many carbs. I've eaten white crust pizza several times. I've cut back on the amount of alcohol I consume, but when I do drink I drink too much. 


The other day I had a little dark chocolate and then thought, "I could eat the whole bar." And then I laughed at myself and thought, "Yeah, you could." I can eat whatever I want. I just have to decide if it's worth it. 

Even now, having reached my goal weight range, I go through phases. Last week I didn't exercise and I had more carbs than I should have. This week I'm back on track. And that's okay. I'm just going to keep on keepin' on, and I hope you will too.

Childhood Obesity, Part I

This is a much talked about subject lately and I just wanted to add my two cents to the discussion. I wrote a post recently about Cooking With Kids, and I wanted to share some of my other strategies that I use with my own children.

The Mayo Clinic states:

Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.

One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the diet and exercise habits of your entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect the health of your child now and in the future.

As I stated in my post about cooking with kids, my family's health has really improved since I changed my lifestyle. My older daughter's asthma symptoms have decreased dramatically, both girls are more active, they get sick less often, and they are learning about nutrition and trying a variety of healthy, whole foods. 

There was definitely a little whining or refusal to try stuff along the way, but I just kept at it and kept introducing new things even if they rejected them. I am amazed at how willing they are to try new foods now. They have learned through experience that often it tastes pretty good! 

I remember one day in particular, about a year ago. Sofia goes through phases where she will eat the same food all the time, and she was in a breakfast burrito phase at the time. Pretty healthy - scrambled egg, a little cheese, and a little hot sauce rolled up in a tortilla. But one day I used a whole wheat tortilla. She looked at it, looked at me, and whined, "This tortilla is BROWN!" 

"Yep," I replied, "We're out of the white ones."

She cried. She whined. She pouted and said, "I'm NOT eating it." 

"That's fine. You don't have to." 

I left her and the burrito and went about my day. Half an hour later I came back and most of the burrito had disappeared. I didn't say a word but she suddenly piped up, "You were right. That tortilla was good. I'll eat brown tortillas now." 

And that's how it goes. I don't ever fight with her. I just present the food. I don't tell her she has to eat it. I do tell her I'd like her to try it, but that she doesn't have to. Luckily she has a great role model in her older sister, who is more willing to try new things. The other day I had to giggle when Sofia tried yet another new thing after lots of whining and said, "You were right, Mama. Things are always good." 

So here are my tips about changing kids' eating habits and helping them form a healthy relationship with food:

1. GO FOR GRADUAL CHANGE (OR START WELL FROM THE BEGINNING)

It's okay to take it slow, and change one thing at a time. Little did Sofia know on that "day of the brown tortilla" that she had been eating half white/half whole wheat tortillas for several weeks. I had been gradually tapering her off the white ones. 

There was also a day that I realized we really don't eat fast food any more. It happened so gradually that I (and the kids) hadn't really noticed. I don't think they even miss it. If we're going out to eat they often ask to go to Chipotle, and the fast food joints aren't even on their radar any more. 

Set small, attainable goals. If you're kids aren't getting enough fruits and vegetables, focus on just that for as long as it takes. Don't try to change everything at once or everybody will get frustrated and overwhelmed. Building good habits takes time and consistency. 

Don't think you have to be super sneaky, though, unless that is the best method for your kids (you do know them best, after all.) I've definitely made some stealthy changes without making a big deal of it, but we also talk about nutrition and health and why we are making changes and eating the way we do. 

2. LET THEM HAVE SOME CONTROL

While I don't eat sugar at all (except for the little bit in dark chocolate), the kids are allowed to have three "sugars" a day. The thing is, anything with sugar in it counts, and we have decided on portion sizes in advance. So, a juice box or glass of chocolate milk is a sugar, three squares of dark chocolate is a sugar (which is 1/6th of the chocolate bars that we buy), a popsicle is a sugar (which are often homemade and don't actually have sugar in them but they don't know that), a small ramekin of ice cream is a sugar (about 1/2 C), sweet cereal even counts as a sugar. 

I decided to go this route so that they can decide what treats they want and when to eat them. Sofia often has had all three of her sugars by midday, but she knows that's it and not to ask for any more. I'll even let her have a "sugar" for breakfast because I know that it's limited and she is so stubborn I don't want to fight with her first thing in the morning. She's actually eating a dark chocolate Sun Cup before breakfast right now. 

Another aspect of letting them have some control is only having healthy options available. That way they are still choosing, but there's not a "bad" option. Gradually replace any junk food with healthier options. Start buying chocolate with a higher cocoa content, buy organic processed food that doesn't have all the chemical junk in it, and eventually don't buy it at all. Start eating fruit for dessert. 

3. COOK WITH YOUR KIDS AND EAT TOGETHER

Kids are way more likely to try things that they have helped prepare. I am finding with Sofia that this is very, very true. When you feel that you own something you are more invested in it. I know schedules can be crazy, but as much as possible try to eat together at least once a day and cook together as often as possible. I have been using my slow cooker a lot and it is such a time saver! I can put the main part of our dinner in the slow cooker in the morning, and then have Sofia and Mikaela help me with vegetables right before we eat. Doing the grocery shopping together is really fun and educational as well. Sofia loves to help, and I love explaining where the food came from before it got to the store, and teaching her about fruits and vegetables that she's not familiar with. 

I hope these tips are helpful! In the next part I'll talk about exercise and being active with your kids. 

Size 8, Baby!

I went shopping yesterday with my mama. We closed down a mall - it's been AGES since we've done that. I found some cute stuff. I've been trying to stick to the budget, but I had store credit at TJMaxx and Old Navy, and my sweet mama bought me a pair of jeans at Ross, where I didn't have any credit. Calvin Klein, size 8, fit like a glove!!!!!

I was smiling at Mom trying to get out of the picture and Sofia trying to get in.

Found this cute dress at TJMaxx, but I tried it on again last night and it might be going back. That cute detailing is a bit itchy on the inside.

And a pair of skinny jeans, also size 8. Can't wait to pair them with boots!

I recently had Alex get a decent picture of my tattoo that I got in June:

It's a triple goddess symbol and represents the three stages of life: maiden, mother, crone, and the triskelion in the center represents life, death, and rebirth. It has a lot of special meaning for me in many different ways. It even represents my journey to health. For years I said I would get a tattoo when I had lost enough weight - I finally did!

Old Navy was having an awesome clearance sale - 40% off the lowest price! I used my store credit and got a PJ tank top, a long cotton cardigan (turquoise - my fave color), a white cami with lace trim, and two shirts for Sofia. And I did spend money at Gap - three new pair of panties (mine are all getting too big) and a green tank top (size S.)

Oh, and I weighed in at 154 yesterday. One more pound gone. High five!

Mindful Mondays: Listening to Your Body

This a really important aspect of any journey towards health; really becoming in tune with your body and listening to its cues. This weekend I ate a lot of carbs, but I was listening to what my body needed. I was feeling really down and out of sorts and I ate sweet potatoes, oatmeal with milk and raisins, a sprouted wheat bagel with a lot of cream cheese, broccoli fritters, whole wheat spaghetti with organic ground beef, a spinach salad, a bit of dark chocolate...

When you have a craving it often means that your body needs some nutrient contained in that particular food. I had a miscarriage two years ago and afterward ate a sweet potato pretty much daily for two weeks. I didn't even realize at the time that sweet potatoes contained all the nutrients my body needed to replenish after all that bleeding, and they have vitamin B6, which helps with red blood cell production, hormone balancing and mood. I just saw them at the grocery store and they looked GOOD so I bought a few, then a few days later went back and bought more.

It's important to listen to your body when it comes to exercise as well. Certainly you want to challenge yourself and work towards increasing the intensity and duration of workouts, but it's okay to increase gradually and to slow down or stop when your body starts giving you cues. Doing too much too fast will result in burnout and possibly injury. I tend to take a break from exercise when I am sick, and just give my body the time it needs to recuperate. Sometimes that's really hard, because I don't want to take a break, but I've learned the hard way that if I don't I'll end up out of commission for even longer than if I had just taken a short break.

How do you do at listening to your body? Are you really in tune with yourself?

My Favorite Month

It's October!!!!! Happy dance!!! The month of pumpkin patch outings, great weather, pretty leaves, soup, and Halloween!

I was planning on being Betty Page for Halloween this year, but have decided I don't have the money or courage to pull it off. My kids were in the car yesterday talking about their various ideas, and one said vampire and one said fairy, so I decided I want to be a Vampfairy! We went to Target and I found inexpensive wings and a black tutu. Here's a preview:

I'll have better makeup and get vampire teeth. If we go out the Saturday night before Halloween I'll likely do a different (sexier) top. I might just get a tank top and cut holes in the back that I can put the wing straps through so they don't show. I also want to get stick-on jewels to put around my eyes and I'll do really dramatic eyeshadow and fake eyelashes. Should be fun!

What are you going to be this year??