Eating...We're All In This Together

Eating better,
  different,
Finding new ways to
fill our bellies,
   nourish our bodies,
fuel our brains, bones, and beings!

A plethora of information
webbed and weaved together,
  wisdom shared
recipes,
ideas,
pictures that spark passion,
inspiration to live, grow, and cultivate,
   a healthier
Me
and
You.

My lunch today.  No, I do not eat like this every day.  I want to.  I'm trying.  I'm learning.  And I'm so glad I have you to help me learn!  

No matter how you say it or think of it, we really are what we eat.  I don't know about you but I find myself always saying "Ah, I need to eat better.  I need some ideas of what to cook.  I really should start cooking like that again."  Somewhere along my many attempts and roads to eating better and changing my bad habits, I've gotten off track again and find myself back to the point of wanting to change things up again and start fueling my body more efficiently.  I don't have the worst diet but I don't have the best diet either.  As with everything else in life, I'm learning. I'm tweeking things here and there and I'm gradually growing into a more healthier me.  I've been so inspired by so many blogs, magazines, documentaries, and friends to live a healthier life.  I've been inspired to eat better, try new exercises, taste new foods that I might never have heard of, and experiment with new ways of training so I can be a better runner.  


This blog has been such a blessing to me in that it has helped me grow through my writing by reflecting, having an outlet to express my feelings, findings, dreams, accomplishments and so much more.  But the biggest blessing has been my readers and the blogs I've found to be a reader of.  I've learned so much and I feel like I can ask questions and instantly have more feedback and wisdom shared than I would have ever imagined....about eating, exercise, motherhood, ideas for this and that. And not to mention, I get some really good laughs from all the good senses of humor out there!  Love that my favorite bloggers don't take themselves or life too seriously.  Huge smiles from you. 


Recently, I had one of blog readers and friends, Leah ask me a question about protein sources other than meat. Since I am definitely not the most knowledgeable about this, I asked my mom and a friend Martha to help me out.  I also know that many of the blogs I read, are great sources of information on this topic.  Since I learn so much from you, I plan on using the rest of this blog to share some of what I've learned, as well as mention some blogs that I find inspiration from.   Here is her question:

" Hoping all the changes my family has taken on with food will continue to not be fought... will eventually start weaning from as much meat as they like.. I do have one question. How do you deal with the soy issues in young children? What protein do you use instead if you are vegetarian or vegan? I know eggs, but those get old fast if that's all your eating for protein... Thanks!"


I (me, runninghood) also asked a question about soy.  Seems like so much controversy these days. As with anything, I'm a big believer in moderation.  We do drink some soy milk in our coffee and we eat tofu pretty regularly.  I do plan on doing more research on this but I think it is a little ridiculous just how much people are freaking out over this.  Every time I tell one of my friends that I drink soy milk she about has is so shocked and can't believe I'm drinking something she thinks is so harmful.  What?  Please share any useful sites or sources that have information on this topic.  Kate, from Run With Kate  Tales of a SoCal Veg Runner mentioned a podcast about soy that I'll get more information about and include in this comments on here.  Many of you also had useful information in your comments about this in my blog Date With Matt Fitzgerald. In the meantime, I will continue to eat small amounts of soy:
*  soy milk in my coffee
*  Tofu once a week


Here is an e-mail from my mom about Leah's question and a bit about the soy issue too.  I really wish she would write a blog...she's got so much knowledge on SO Much.  You are welcome to e-mail her with any questions fitness, health, or nutrition related:  chertheart@aol.com


First of all a word about soy.  We all know it contains plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens.)  Consumed in small amounts the phytoestrogens have a positive effect.  They are helpful for postmenopausal women, and are protective against breast cancer.  The key is moderation.  As with anything else, humans tend to think that if a little bit is good for us then copious amounts must surely be even better.  As we all know, it doesn't ever work that way.  In Asian countries, where soybeans or tofu has been used for decades with no ill effects, their breast cancer rates and problems with menopause are a lot lower than ours.  Soybeans lower cholesterol, help prevent osteoporosis and can alleviate problems associated with diabetes.  Again, the rule of thumb is moderation.  There is nothing wrong with consuming tofu and other related soy products  a couple times a week or so.

I know a lot of people are concerned about the issue of getting enough protein if they switch to a vegetarian diet.  To make a complete protein you can combine beans with brown rice, corn, nuts, seeds, wheat.  You can also combine brown rice with beans, nuts, seeds and wheat.  You can eat nut butters on your bread, add nuts and seeds to salads and veggie casseroles.  You don't even need to worry about combining as long as you eat a variety of what I just mentioned every couple of days.  Your body knows what to do, and will use what you've eaten to make a complete protein when it needs it.  I think we make it far more difficult as it really needs to be.:)

My friend Martha is another great resource.  Please check out her new blog:  On Going Vegan...But Not Just Vegan  Here is what Martha wrote to Leah:  

@ Leah: RE Protein. There is a protein shake, Designer Whey, which is a milk product. http://www.designerwhey.com/
Amanda already mentioned tofu, which is of course a soy product if you are concerned about soy. Beware, especially with children, of anything that's sugared up, like most yogurts, when you are looking for alternatives for protein. There are an amazing number of types of beans with zillions of possibilities there, as well as whole grains. And do remember, there is protein in practically EVERYTHING you eat! Broccoli is GREAT! Anything dark green is GREAT! All of us who are vegan are confident that we get all the protein we need. Email me if you have more questions. I'm happy to reply. marthaeo@gmail.com

@Leah: Try this recipe. Your family will love it!
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/12/mini-crustless-tofu-quiches.html
Martha

Some protein and non-protein foods I purchased today on my trip to New Seasons:

*  Flax seeds 

* Almonds

* Avocado

* Blueberries

* Basamati Rice

* Tomatoes

* Tangerines

* Bananas

* Sunflower Seeds

* Eggs

* Red Bell Pepper (A STAPLE for us!)

* Cucumber

Dinner tonight:

*  Salmon with Basamati Rice

*  Spinach with veggies of all kinds of colors

Here are some of the many blogs that I have found to be good sources for food and health related inspiration:  

On Going Vegan...But Not Just Vegan (new blog...please go check her out, follower her and support her as she starts this blog about something she is so very passionate about)

Run With Kate  Tales of a SoCal Veg Runner

SuperFoodsMama
Hungry Runner Girl (she's super fun about most things but has some yummy food pictures  that make me just want to eat, have fun with food and be fit!)  

Thorns Have Roses
Muncher Cruncher
Great Blog Food, Made BETTER

 As always feel free to answer one or none of these questions but I'd love to hear from you!

1.  Since I want this blog to be about sharing information and learning more from each other, growing together, and finding inspiration and encouragement, please share a blog that you find helpful or full of knowledge about healthy eating and living.  


2.  Please share a vegetarian or vegan dinner recipe with me that is easy and kid friendly!


3.  What are your favorite sources of protein?


Thank you for helping me learn, live healthier, and be a better ME!  
Amanda

Wake Up Americans! Obesity, Diet, and Inactivity is Killing US!

I usually try to keep this blog pretty positive.  I try to write about things that are motivational, loving, and inspirational.  I try to share the parts of my life that make me happy and I like to read things that make me happy.  But allow me spend just this one blog as a vent.  We all need a good vent once and awhile right?  


I just spent an hour in the waiting room for the nurse to give my kid her vaccinations that she has to have in order to continue at preschool.  I've always had my kids on a slower schedule for vaccines so we are a little behind but trying to slowly catch up.  


Vaccines are not the issue that I write about today.  During my long wait in the waiting room my time was spent trying to keep my little ones to a confined area so they didn't get exposed to every. single. nasty. germ there was with the sick people hacking and wiping their snot on the chairs.  Of course my 18 month old insisted on trying to play with every handle, lick every object that was tongue level and then suck on his fingers that he stuck in the water fountain.  I'm sure we brought home some germ friends with us today.  Hopefully they won't stay long.  


As I was standing there waiting for my name to be called, I looked around me.  I watched the people walk past me every few minutes.  I noticed the people sitting in chairs and standing.  And I noticed how terribly overweight every. single. person in that waiting room was.  Now, let me say that I know perfectly well that some people have health issues that they can't help.  I know that some people are overweight because of issues beyond their control.  I also know that I don't know what these people face in their life.  But I also know that the lady in the wheel chair who was 100 lbs overweight was eating Lays potato chips with her coke and I know that the other lady who was probably 3-350lbs came in from her lunch break with her McDonald's bag in hand as she slowly moved from one side of the room to the other.  And I know that I felt disgusted.  


I feel disgusted because these people in the waiting room are not alone in their eating habits and obesity. This is the norm in our country.  Try it.  Go sit in a mall somewhere or a populated area (other than your country clubs or ski resorts in Aspen).  Go sit somewhere where the average American might be.  And just watch.  Look.  Notice.  Observe.  And you will see.  Overweight, overindulgent, and inactive people.  This is something that needs to be changed.  How much money is being spent on health care?  How many health problems can be avoided just through diet and exercise??  A lot. 


Yes, I know, genetics plays a role in health issues and disease.  But wake up People!  What can you do with this one life you live?  What can you do differently with your diet so that you might not need that medication that costs so much money?  What EXERCISE are you adding to your life to keep your heart, bones, and muscles healthy?  What is happening to our country?  


For a long time I always said how sad it was that it costs so much more money to eat the best foods and that people with low incomes probably have a harder time affording good food.  But I'm done with that bullshit excuse.  It is time Americans.  Time to educate our own.  Time to start teaching our population how to eat.  Ramen noodles is not a healthy food source!  Mac n'Cheese (tasty, yes.  And yes, my kids eat it)  is not substantial food to serve your kid for every. single. meal with a side of Wonder Bread and American cheese.  Yes, it costs a lot to eat all organic fruits and veggies but you can eat decently at a pretty good budget.  But so many Americans don't know how to eat!!  We don't know how to eat something that doesn't come in a box with 3 simple directions and 3 different ways to prepare:  microwave, oven, or stove top. 


When I went to Thailand for the first couple times I was amazed at how normally sized everyone was.  And happy.  And Active.  No cheese.  No Milk.  Very little, if any, red meat.  So different.  My first visit in 2002 I was a little confused.  I had always been taught in school that you had to have your food groups....you know?  Where was your cheese and Beef?  What?!  No milk?  Damn, your entire country must have the weakest bones in the world and all the woman must have osteoporosis, right?  Wrong.  Now a little disclaimer here:  I don't claim to know much about the health care or diseases in Thailand and I'm not saying that it is better or worse.  I'm not saying anything except that there are entire countries, worlds, communities out there that are very healthy and happy and fit that don't eat like the average American Food Pyramid tells them to eat and they are better for it.  I think.  


Beth from SUAR just sent me a DVD called Eating to watch.  I have not had a chance do this yet but hope to soon.  A quote on the back of it:  "A compelling and often shocking look at the standard American diet.  Asserts that following federal nutrition guidelines can kill you."  American Library Association.  


I'm not quite sure any if this has even made sense but I sure feel better.  It just really bothers me to see so many obese, inactive, unmotivated people out there that are chowing down on their french fries, Big Macs and slurping down their Dr. Pepper.  


So, I think this is officially the longest and most boring blog post I've ever written.  Not to mention, the most negative and grammatically incorrect one I'm sure.  The positive Amanda will be back in a couple hours to do a few tags from blog friends.  Thanks for letting me vent.  





Amanda

Food For Thought Thursday

Interesting video that got me pumped to start looking at my diet more closely.  I eat a lot of dairy..at least cheese.  Thinking of things I can take out and add.  


Random question for today.  Do you have any opinions about the Girl Scout organization?  If so, what do you think about the Girl Scouts?  Would you have your daughter in the program?  I'm a mixed bag of feelings.  I like the idea of her going to a group and learning about ways she can give back to her society, improve on character traits, etc. but in part, it seems like it is kind of an exclusive-like do goody club that really kind of seems like a glorified craft time where the kids sit around talking about how good they are and eating starchy, sugary and snacky foods (just my first impression).  Please share anything you know about this organization to help me gain some better perspective.  I doubt many of you will have much to say but who knows with blog land!  


What is something you'd like to change about your diet? 


Amanda

32!

Having a weekend away in Napa with my girlfriends was a great way to celebrate the end of my days as a thirty-one year old.  I had time away from my crazy but wonderful life as a mother and had the perfect setting to reconnect with my girlfriends.  I had more wine than I usually have in two weeks, ate way different from my usual diet, and didn't exercise nearly as much as normal.  As most people with a running problem can relate, I came home feeling like I need a good solid workout to get my endorphins going and the sweat flowing!  In light of turning thirty-two, I thought I'd give my workout a little twist:

*  3.2 miles on the elliptical in just under 32 minutes
*  1.32 miles of running on the treadmill (the last .5 was at 8 minute mile pace which is a huge step in my recovery!  Seeing light at the end of the tunnel!)  Felt Incredible!
*  32 lunges
* 32 squats without weight
*  32 push ups (2 sets of 16)
* 3.2 minutes of stretching (okay, might have been a bit longer but that ruins the 32 theme)

Now in light of motherhood, running and life in general, here is a list of random things on my mind.

1.  Coming home to my husband and kids after a weekend away was absolutely wonderful!  I missed them so much and from the love they gave me, I know they missed me too.  Even though I feel crazy and unraveled many days, it is days like today that I remember how much I love motherhood and being a wife.

2.  This is one of the gifts my husband and kids had for me for my birthday and to welcome me home.

3.  And these:

4.  Here is another one of my birthday presents and  a book I'll be starting this week.  And here is the link to the official Born To Run fan site: http://borntorun.org/



5. I'm also starting this new book called When Did I Get Like This? by Amy Wilson.  I can already tell that it will be a book I will enjoy and can relate to as a mother with three kids under the age of six.  I also enjoy reading her blog.  She is real and makes me feel normal about my crazy mom moments. 



6.  The girls thought I could use some magic wands too.  I think these might come in handy this week when I'm needing down time.  They'll help to remind me to focus on the positives and be in the present with my children. 

7.  My appointment with my sports chiropractor today was awesome.  Dr. Forcum was so excited to see the progress I've made and how great my hamstring is looking compared to last time!  This makes my runner heart happy!

8.  Sticking your head out of a moving limo in beautiful Napa Valley is a MUST.  Really makes you feel like a kid again.  Or a dog.

9. Life is too short to always be second guessing myself.  I'm really hoping to work more on loving myself for all that I am and not trying so hard to please others.  Every year of life I get a little better at this.

10.  Life is so much better with daily exercise.  Everything is more enjoyable: food, drink, family, body image.  And if the exercise is running...Even Better for me!

11.  Note to self:  When getting together with a group of women for a girl trip, try not to talk the entire time and  let the quiet and more reserved girls have enough wait time to get a word in too! Getting a break from kids was exciting and I could not shut up! 

12  Fresh veggies and fruits are a must to have in my body every day!  I just feel blah without it and really hope to be better about making good food choices.  Vacation doesn't count.

13.  Since I'm speaking of fruit, and just so nobody thinks we take ourselves too seriously around here:

What is something you get better at with age? or What is something you hope to be better at in your next year of life?

Amanda