Never underestimate the value of a home cooked meal

I like to think of myself as a grown up.  I can get myself ready in the morning and get myself to work, feed myself, and pay bills.  Yesterday I planned on grabbing a salad at home and then something quick while I was out grocery shopping.  I felt like I had a million thins to do in 3 hours and I had to get all of it done!
As soon as I walked in the door I heard my mother-in-law, "yoo-hoo!"
"What?" I thought to myself.  "Who?  Oh, Roseann!
She had come to our house as a surprise and had a whole home-cooked meal ready for us. Lasagna with veggies and meatballs, salad, wine, the whole nine yards!  It was so delicious.
My point in sharing this story is that in the midst of all of our rushing around and keeping ourselves busy, is that sometimes we forget to nourish ourselves.  Don't get me wrong, I wasn't going to just grab a box of cookies for dinner and call it good, but sitting down and enjoying my family's company is something I find nourishing on a different level. 
I know that not everyone is close to family, but I think we should all have someone; be it a friend or relative or someone you meet at the grocery store, to sit down with and enjoy a meal.  Slow down!  People are interesting, so take the time to open up to others.  I highly recommend it!

Anything is possible

Anything is possible

Really great outlook on human movement.  After seeing Frank Forencich speak at NPTI, I have been inspired by his ideas of simplicity.  We have attached so many rules of form, frequency and direction to physical activity that it's no wonder people don't want to get out there.
Please read some of his work from his book Exuberant Animal or follow the link above to his blog.  I hope it inspires you as it has for me.

Good thing to remember...

If you're looking for motivation, listen or read the article on this link: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/motivation-master-your-fear

The above link summarizes a major shift I went through when I was in high school. 
I saw a cool car with a for-sale sign on it when I was riding around with my friends.  We were pulling out of the cul-de-sac and I said 'how sweet it would be to have that ride!'  Steve said,"I'll turn around so we can get the phone number." I resisted and said that I would just come back with my dad later.  He turned and looked at me and said very plainly, "why don't we just get the number now so you don't have to come back?" 
This was such an easy answer, how come I'd never thought of it before? Maybe I didn't want to inconvenience my friends, or maybe I just hadn't thought it through.  But I am glad he said that to me because a week later I was tuning up that very car.
Learning to take action in life serves us well.  Especially if we apply it to our health as the article linked above alludes to.

Protein shakes. Love 'em or hate'em?

I really try to JERF, but it's hard to get enough protein in my diet that way.  I don't eat a whole lot of meat.  Sometimes I'll supplement with a whey protein powder, but I know it in no way resembles whole food.  Stuck in a health/moral bind...

What's your take?

Who knew being responsible could be so fashionable?

I finally ordered a medical ID bracelet.  Something I should have done a couple of years ago.  Having a serious allergy or disease can have its scary moments.  Hopefully I won't have to go through any ever again, but this is life and it happens!

Too Many Omegas?

Last week Dustin was reading something on his iphone and then said to me, "I think I'm going to try this Bulletproof coffee thing."

My eyebrow raised a little.

"It's low-toxin coffee with butter and coconut oil in it."

Okay, now I raised both of my eyebrows.  I was thinking, what? and why mess with a good thing? Cafe au lait is a good thing!

Upon explanation I learned the reasoning behind it.  Anyone familiar with the 'Warrior Diet?'  Basically it's fasting until early afternoon, doing an exerting workout in a fasted state, then eating for the remainder of the evening.  It's based on the idea that our ancestors had to hunt for food and then fight to kill it, then brought it to homebase and feasted in the evening.

Another diet, I say.  Not one I should try considering my recent hypoglycemic episode in Vegas (ask me later if you really want the details).  Good for those who don't like choking down a cup of oatmeal and raisins first thing in the morning.  The coffee drink still has a meal's worth of calories in it, but will not feel like it. 

Alas, we are now buying grassfed cow's butter from Trader Joes that's $6/lb., plus extra virgin expeller pressed organic coconut oil for D's coffee.  The claims are that the omega 3 to omega-6 amounts in this butter is a 1-1; which is supposedly the perfect balance.  I think we're advised not to have too many omega-6's (think vegetable oils or margerine) in our diet.   I will admit that I really like this butter for its flavor and it's really yellow!  Remember old pictures of butter?  We put the Kerrygold butter on the dish next to the generic store-brand butter and wow!  The difference in hue is great, and if it offers some health benefit.
So this raises the question; how much is too much omega?  Fish oil, flax seeds, cultured butter.  Where does it end and what constitutes too much?  What can I say?  We are trying to nourish our bodies the best way we know how.   And... the coffee tastes fine.  I had to try it!!  Has the mouthfeel of a creamy cup of coffee, but is still rich in roasted flavor.  Definitely worth the experience if you are a coffee lover.  I still prefer my whipping cream in coffee :P