I met with the dietitian again an I learned how to read food labels. Especially when it comes to sugar. I am a sugar addict, as with most of Americans. We eat way too much of it and it’s added to prettying everything we eat. So, this is one of my goals is to lower the amount of sugar in my diet.
It’s tricky to decipher sugars, because it goes by so many different names and it can be in so many different forms. There’s cane juice, fructose and more. But you also have to determine that there’s milk sugar and fruit sugar. This is when it becomes imperative to read the ingredients to look for ADDED sugar. Yogurt with fruit for example is high in sugar. But, before you blow past it, look at the ingredient list. Is there are form of added sugar in it? If not the sugar is derived from the lactose and the fruit and it’s safe eat. Nothing beats plain Greek yogurt and fresh fruit though. But, if you need prepared, READ THE LABELS!
For illustration purposes, I measured out some brown sugar. We are only supposed to eat 6.5 tsp (25 grams) of sugar a day. One can of Coca-cola contains 40 grams of sugar or about 10.3 tsp of sugar!! Pop really is terrible for you. (Even the diet stuff.)
Next time you really want a pop, think about eating the 10 tsp of sugar and how nasty that is! It’s really gross when you have a visual, isn’t it?
I have to get creative when I dress for work. I work where there’s a lot of suits, but my personality is a little too quirky for black. However, I don’t make the big bucks so I always shop at Target, Old Navy and such. I also buy a lot of basics so I can mix and match.
I keep up with fashion through fashion magazines, the run way reports and other bloggers. But, I always adapt trends to match my style. I don’t like to take trends literally. Color blocking bright colors is all the rage, but I always dress feminine and professional, so here’s my take.
Dress: Old Navy (belt is the tie from the dress)
Cardi: New York & Company
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: creation from a craft show
This was super cute and I felt a bit like a flower. But I didn’t care! I felt RAWRsome.
I found a recipe for egg frittatas somewhere on the web. It was something like 8 eggs and veggies mixed into muffin pans.
I sautéd onions, peppers and broccoli in some olive oil with some salt and pepper. I divided them evenly into muffin tins.
Then I whisked 8 eggs with salt and pepper and poured it evenly into the muffin tins and gave them all a quick little swirl. Then I put fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top (use the kind in the bottle, I KILL YOU).
I popped them in the over for about 25 minutes. They came out fluffy and then settled into nice little delicious cups of eggy goodness.
Eat up kids!!!
I really need to stop crafting. I always make stuff, but for some reason I don’t know if I’m too hasty or what, but everything always comes out just ok or ridiculous.
I pinned a bracelet tutorial on pinterest and I actually tried to make something.
I bought my beads/charms from Hooby Looby (Hobby Lobby really, I just like to say it funny). The rope I used to braid was from Michaels. So I got it all set up and gave it a shot.
Then I began braiding. That wasn’t the hard part.
So then, here’s the finished product.
So I didn’t loooove this combo, so I tried to make this black one. It came along quite nicely.
So it looks pretty, right? Well the tutorial tells you to burn the edges to help “seal” them. Well I took my torch to them and quickly realized that he cording I had bought is HIGHLY flammable. It caught on fire and I dropped it in the sink before it crumbled into ashes.
Note to self – buy different cording. I’ll definitely try again with less flammable materials!
Body mass index showing that typical Okinawans at 18 or 22 are under or normal weight (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Through my employer, we have access to a very inexpensive program that allows employees to meet with a Registered Dietitian for just $2 per week. Plus, I get a free water bottle and veggie/fruit per week. This week I get a free mango! What what! Hahaha.
Anyway, most of you that know me know that I’m far from being overweight. However, that’s not the case. According to their BMI scale and their body fat scale, I’m still in the normal range, but on the high side and on the brink of unhealthy. So, I joined this program to do something about it.
First off, I learned that I’m very healthy. I have a small waist and hip to waist circumference ratio – this means that I carry my weight in a healthier way. I’m pear-shaped, and it’s healthier to carry your weight that way than to be apple shaped. Being apple shaped (meaning you carry your weight in your stomach, waist and sides) puts you at greater risk for heart disease. My cholesterol is at exceptional levels too. That’s the good news.
Like I said, the bad news is that my body fat normal, but I’m on the brink of being considered overweight for my height and age. I described what my normal eating habits are, and surprisingly enough, I don’t eat too badly.
Yes, I need to cut out the restaurant foods, fried stuff and the rich desserts. But, other than that, I don’t drink my calories – which she recommends. Don’t drink the coffees, pop (even diet which is just as terrible for you – don’t get me started on this) and juices. Water is your best friend. I’ve always been a good water drinker. I made a new years resolution to drink more water 5 years ago and it stuck. My skin is clearer, I get less headaches and I feel better.
So what’s the problem? I suspected that I probably eat too much and I have no clue as to how many calories I should be eating. I told her I had lost 30 lbs on Weight Watchers, but I tried it again and it didn’t work. She explained how since I’m in the “normal” range that the WW program is much too restrictive for my weight. So, that theory is definitely part of the problem.
The other part is that ironically, everything links back to stress. Between being full of anxiety all the time and working a stressful job, I am…drumroll…a Factory of Fat. Basically, when you’re so stressed, you create insulin. When that insulin isn’t used, it goes straight to fat – thus a Factory of Fat. Also, She explained that I’m not eating the right combinations of fat to protein to carbs. This making you blood sugar unstable and it spikes and drops causing stress on your body – thus a Factory of Fat. Sugar spikes cause inflammation, achey joints and etc. Hence why I’ve been feeling so tired and going for rich sweets and fatty foods to get my brain working and instant energy.
How to stop this: More fiber to keep blood sugar stable and adding more protein to my carb heavy diet.
Stay tuned for more, when I meet again with her next Monday.
I like to RAWR some of my fave tunes once in awhile. I share my favorite old and new music based on what I feel like listening to at the moment. The whole goal of this is t necessarily to help you find NEW music, but to discover something new to you or rediscover something you may have forgotten about.
Holocene – by Bon Iver
I don’t know, this song just puts me in the moment, which I need lately. I have no idea what he’s saying but I feel present when in listen to it.
B Minor – by Lantera
This song is a minor key, but it’s hot no words and a driving beat. I love to listen to this when I need to focus. It’s also good for me to listen to before meditation because the repetition keeps me focused without letting me drift off too much. It’s not for everyone.
Thank U – by Alanis Morissette
This song looks really depressing if you read the lyrics, but I think it’s surprisingly hopeful.
Boy with a Coin – by Iron & Wine
I love the music to this song. It’s not happy, but not sad either. It’s very serious, but makes you feel driven to change the world.
Angel Dance – by Robert Plant
Just uplifting happy folky music to liven up your day.
Windows Are Rolled Down – by Amos Lee
Literally, you should be listening to this with the windows rolled down.
Peaceful World – by John Mellencamp and India Arie
Uplifting. Happy. Summer driving music.
Only the Young – Bradon Flowers
This song almost makes me feel goosebumps. My favorite line is “Lost when the wind blows…” it just reminds me that we’re all going to feel like we were lost as young people and we feel like we might be too old to make change, but it’s not true. You’ll always remember when you were 10, 20, 30…looking back you are always younger than you were now.
So, FYI, for those of you who stalk my blog – I know who you are since I’m a magical web person and I have my ways. (Hi in-laws! Thanks for taking a look at my blog and my photos!) 
I’m doing much better. Apparently all my anxiety has just compounded and is causing acid-reflux. That’s all it was. Funny how that can cause all of those problems.
So thank you for all my wonderful friends who supported me even though there’s nothing more wrong with me than a little acid reflux and stress.
As you know, I’m a Glambassador for Glamour Magazine. So for full disclosure, I was sent these items for free. However, these opinions are my own and I did not receive compensation for the review – just the free product!
So now that that mumbo jumbo is out of the way, ere they are:
From left to right:
We have a Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle which is waterproof and is for bikini trimming. It creeps me out a little, but the razor looks good!
Rating: 3 RAWRS out of 5
Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray is supposed to mimic that saltwater spray in your hair. My friend swears by it, but she has nice wavy hair already. I have super curly Italian hair, so I already have a lot of texture and volume. It didn’t look so hot on me, but if you have fine or wavy hair – this stuff is for you! And according to my friend Beth, don’t buy the cheap immitation, it’s no where near as good.
Rating: 2 RAWRS out of 5 (you may like it better with a different hair type)
Playtex Sport Body Wipes are designed for on the go women. I am always goon from a work out to my next destination. These are nice to throw in your purse or gym bag to freshen up. I could see taking these with you to an all day summer party to keep you feeling fresh. The nice thing about them is they have a nice light scent to them so you don’t have to smell like baby wipe or wet nap.
Rating: 4 RAWRS out of 5 (wish there were more in the package)
Skintimate Strawberry Tangerine shave cream smells so good. I always forget to buy shave cream. When I do remember I always forget that it makes my skin soft and I get less nicks.
Rating: 5 RAWRS out of 5
Playtex Sport Tampons are made for the athlete in all of us…who wants to let their period slow them down? I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m a tennis player and these might come I handy.
Rating: 4 RAWRS out of 5
Schick Quattro for Women disposable razors have a scented handle. I kept wondering why my shower smelled like strawberries. These provide a really close shave and my legs stayed smooth for a few days – even a full day longer than my cheap 1 use razors I steal from my husband. These have me switched. I will continue to buy these!
Rating: 5 RAWRS out of 5
Hawaiian Tropic Silk hydration provides 12 hour moisture and comes in SPF 12, 30 and 50. I always though sunscreen was too greasy to wear daily like derms recommend. But this went on like a lotion and smelled amazing but not overpowering. I could see myself wearing this daily. The only thing you have to be careful of is that is does keep you skin moist for 12 hours, but you should probably reapply every couple of hours if you’re outside. I’m not sure I would use this on vacation to the beach, but as an everyday sunblock!
Rating: 5 RAWRS out of 5
…and of course, I must leave you with a little humor.
All the strawberries are whole on the Skintimate label, except for this one…it’s like the one “cut” you always get while shaving. I don’t know, I found it a little weird! It’s all out there by its lonesome all cut up!
I feel bad as I have been neglecting my blog. I’ve been off of work for a very log 2 weeks. I’m not feeling all so well.
Here’s the story:
I had been have heart palpitations at night (you know, where you can feel your heart beating in your chest). I usually would feel a bit panicky and think I was having a panic attack. I have been under a ton of stress with work lately and I would just breathe through it and I’d eventually fall asleep. Sometimes I’d fall asleep at night and wake up in a panic right out being asleep for two hours.
One night I was feeling particularly fine and had dinner out with my friends up in little italy. We stayed out until midnight (that’s late when you hit 30 and are married hahah). I laid down in bed and had the palpitations again. I just laid their trying to ignore them. But after two hours I got up and sat on the couch and tried to distract myself with a game.
Strangely I still felt jittery and couldnt sleep. Like I had 3 cups of black coffee in 5 minutes. I could only guess what that might feel little since I don’t drink coffee. So I went into the bathroom to try my back up method of relaxation…a hot shower.
By the time I had gotten up the stairs my heart was pounding so hard and I felt a little out of breath. I started I panic which made all my symptoms worse and I convinced myself I must be having a heart attack.
I woke my husband and we decided to hit up the ER. By now I was feeling better but still jittery with heart palps. Long story short, they ran an EKG monitored me, ran some lab and did a chest X-ray. Everything was fine with the exception of my labs.
My TSH (or thyroid hormones) were up to 6.65. This is considered hypothyroid. So he said that may be a sign of that and I should follow up with my doc.
I did follow up a few days later and was still having the palps. The doctor prescribed levothyroxine at a small dose and sent me on my way. OMG. I had multiple panic attacks day and night and felt like complete crap. Wired but tired and I lost 4 lbs in three days.
Back to the doctor. We did a full blood workup and I also was fitted with a Holter monitor for 24 hours to check my heart. Nothing like having your skin scrubbed off to make the electrodes stick better – ouch. There were wires everywhere and they were uncomfortable. Plus I couldn’t even do what I love most – hot showers!!! I counted down the hours until I could shower again.
Slightly after the hospital visit to get the monitor on (mind you I had a male assistant placing the electrodes and I happened to be wearing a very fancy Victorias Secret Bra…poor guy had to keep his eyes straight. Hahahha), I heard from my doctor that my full blood work had not come back but the initial reading said that my TSH was at 2 again, which matches where it had been 3 years ago. So that’s probably why I felt like I was on speed on the thyroid meds. So I’m just waiting on the results from the blood work and the holter monitor.
I am thankful for the outpouring from my friends, family and coworkers…and am thankful for the amazingly compassionate healthcare I’ve received from the doctor and health system I am proud to work for.
While I don’t have an answer yet what’s wrong with me, I’m confident that it’s nothing too serious and can be fixed. I have a lot of anxiety waiting, but I’m not in a hospital and I’ve taken a lovely two weeks off of work.
I’m thankful that I still feel good enough to get around, go to work and be slightly active right now.
I’m just thankful.
If you remember my last kitchen fail, you’ll know that I don’t always post perfect (here and here) and carefully sculpted confectionary creations. I want to show you, that like the rest of the population, I’m incredibly normal.
I saw a recipe for these little quick cakes much like those “warm delights” you see in the store (minus all the nasty preservatives). I was craving something sweet and I didn’t want to bake an entire cake, because lets face it, I don’t need it seeing how I’ve been trying to lose the same 10 lbs for the last year and a half. Here’s the recipe for Nutella Mug Cake.
I start gathering the materials and I realize that I have no nutella (blasphemous, I know). But I figure I cant make it anyway since I have everything else. So, I begin mixing all the ingredients carefully, while my husband circled like a hawk to clean up after. I’d be scared too. I have a tendency to blow up the kitchen.
Once everything was mixed, it looked like a lumpy hot chocolate. Maybe gravy. Beef gravy.
Exhibit A:
I shoved it in the microwave (After pulling te cornbread out of the microwave. Hey, you got to hide your food when you have a carb-loving cat). Two-and-a-half minutes later, it came out steaming hot, looking quite…freaky.
Exhibit B:
Uh….yeah. Maybe it’ll taste better than it looks? No. No. No.
It taste like scrambled eggs with hot chocolate powder mixed in.
Look! There’s a turd in my trash can! I can’t eat anything that resembles something from my cats’ litter box.
Yup. That’s ultimately where it ended up. I guess the Nutella would’ve made the difference?
Either way, RAWR!
1 Comment