Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Paleo pizza
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Stinson Beach–Running Trails
So, been pretty stressed out lately and I really needed to get the energy out. So, me and Rachael hit the trails for a 7.5 mile hike in Stinson Beach. We hooked up with a hiking group in Sacramento. Left the house early where the sun wasn’t quiet shining yet, with our loaded backpacks and cameras ready to take pictures of the views. (I brought my Holga btw)
The drive to Stinson has always been a rough one. The windy roads hugging the
mountain and each turn exposing the steep cliffs dropping down to a rough ocean hitting the sharp rocks at the bottom. Finally about 10 am about 45+ of us met in the parking lot of the beach and we all looked, all with rays reflecting off our sunglasses, towards the face of a steep mountain and began our trek.
The heat seemed to kick in very quickly early in the hike. The day ended being 79 degrees in the middle of January (been having a very very mild winter in Cali, ve
ry). In the beginning, the path seemed pretty mild with a gradual slope and a wide trail on gravel. Well, I thought the trail was going to be mostly this. Wrong. It didn’t take long for the trail to become challenging. Soon we were in what seemed like the Rainforest of Fern Gully (that was for all my friends born in the eighties 
)
We hiked for miles ducking our heads and squatting underneath fallen trees, climbing up newly built ladders to stay on track of the trail all while listening to the trickle of the creek besides us. There were times the path was so narrow and the fall down the ravine so steep that you took it just a little slower. Funny. The main trail was called Steep Ravine Trail. Well that makes sense now.
It was awesome. It was a challenge for sure and it would be interesting to try and see how it would be for a run, but the views were gorgeous and there is nothing better than accomplishing a hike such as that. Next time I’ll bring you !
The drive to Stinson has always been a rough one. The windy roads hugging the
mountain and each turn exposing the steep cliffs dropping down to a rough ocean hitting the sharp rocks at the bottom. Finally about 10 am about 45+ of us met in the parking lot of the beach and we all looked, all with rays reflecting off our sunglasses, towards the face of a steep mountain and began our trek. The heat seemed to kick in very quickly early in the hike. The day ended being 79 degrees in the middle of January (been having a very very mild winter in Cali, ve
ry). In the beginning, the path seemed pretty mild with a gradual slope and a wide trail on gravel. Well, I thought the trail was going to be mostly this. Wrong. It didn’t take long for the trail to become challenging. Soon we were in what seemed like the Rainforest of Fern Gully (that was for all my friends born in the eighties )We hiked for miles ducking our heads and squatting underneath fallen trees, climbing up newly built ladders to stay on track of the trail all while listening to the trickle of the creek besides us. There were times the path was so narrow and the fall down the ravine so steep that you took it just a little slower. Funny. The main trail was called Steep Ravine Trail. Well that makes sense now.
It was awesome. It was a challenge for sure and it would be interesting to try and see how it would be for a run, but the views were gorgeous and there is nothing better than accomplishing a hike such as that. Next time I’ll bring you !
Thursday, January 16, 2014
This One is for You Dad
So wasn’t really sure what I wanted to talk about today, and then I went to the cemetery and the idea became easy. I wanted to explain the inspiration behind my dramatic (and if you look at the changes in the last two weeks here it has been very dramatic) transformation. From buying organic products, to cutting out all processed foods completely, and including exercising and activity to my daily routine, things have been very different lately. I even bought Vegan cheese today and all natural shampoo and cosmetics. Yup Crazy huh.
Well the inspiration for all this comes from the loss of my dad. I lost my dad 2 years ago this very day. Still the hardest thing I have ever lived through. My dad was an amazing man. Loved and gave so much of himself to everyone who ever had contact with him. There was no surprise why he had so many friends. He truly is the one I inspire to be. However, with giving so much of himself, he rarely took time for himself and eventually leading to his untimely death; although the family lineage was nothing to pride yourself on.
My dad’s grandfather, my great grandfather, died in 1943 from a heart attack at the age 49. My dad’s dad, my grandfather, suffered a massive at the age of 54. Half of his heart had died. And then my dad, the best dad/grandfather ever, died at 56 in 2012. I’m the first girl out of the last three generations, and even though I’m a half-marathoner (13.1 miles BABY) and for the most part ate a little more fruits and veggies than most Americans, I was still feeling pretty bad.
I would wake up in the morning feeling like I had a hangover, and slowly get myself out of bed and drag myself to the coffee shop and get an enormous size mocha with whip cream that looked like little pillows of heaven, along with a bagel big enough to be a dinner plate with thick, smooth cream cheese dripping from it. The rest of my day wasn’t much better. Some sandwich shop with big crunchy bread for lunch, and maybe pizza or spaghetti for dinner. Pretty bad. I knew if I kept going down this path, an early death would be in my future just like the last three before me.
Then came along paleo and the new year. I knew this had to be the year I changed, because if I didn’t do it now it would be much much worse later for and for my kids. My family history is so bad, that the pediatrician recommended that
all my kids be tested by the time they are five years old for cholesterol and other levels to ever indicate any heart/health issues. So I knew this had to happen.
Although, every day I regret my dad not being with us, I know that this gave me a new perspective for my future. Its only been 16 days of this new change, but it was the best change I could have made. My weight keeps dropping (109.8 today) and my skin is clearing up. My sugar levels are balanced and not getting shaky when I need to eat. All the food has been fresh and now organic.
Today has been hard, but dad thank you so much to give me the courage I need to do this. You still are my role model in life. I want to learn to give more freely like you, give people more of my time like you, and be surrounded by so many people like you. I love you so much and so many of us down here miss you. RIP dad.
Well the inspiration for all this comes from the loss of my dad. I lost my dad 2 years ago this very day. Still the hardest thing I have ever lived through. My dad was an amazing man. Loved and gave so much of himself to everyone who ever had contact with him. There was no surprise why he had so many friends. He truly is the one I inspire to be. However, with giving so much of himself, he rarely took time for himself and eventually leading to his untimely death; although the family lineage was nothing to pride yourself on.
My dad’s grandfather, my great grandfather, died in 1943 from a heart attack at the age 49. My dad’s dad, my grandfather, suffered a massive at the age of 54. Half of his heart had died. And then my dad, the best dad/grandfather ever, died at 56 in 2012. I’m the first girl out of the last three generations, and even though I’m a half-marathoner (13.1 miles BABY) and for the most part ate a little more fruits and veggies than most Americans, I was still feeling pretty bad.
I would wake up in the morning feeling like I had a hangover, and slowly get myself out of bed and drag myself to the coffee shop and get an enormous size mocha with whip cream that looked like little pillows of heaven, along with a bagel big enough to be a dinner plate with thick, smooth cream cheese dripping from it. The rest of my day wasn’t much better. Some sandwich shop with big crunchy bread for lunch, and maybe pizza or spaghetti for dinner. Pretty bad. I knew if I kept going down this path, an early death would be in my future just like the last three before me.
Then came along paleo and the new year. I knew this had to be the year I changed, because if I didn’t do it now it would be much much worse later for and for my kids. My family history is so bad, that the pediatrician recommended that
all my kids be tested by the time they are five years old for cholesterol and other levels to ever indicate any heart/health issues. So I knew this had to happen. Although, every day I regret my dad not being with us, I know that this gave me a new perspective for my future. Its only been 16 days of this new change, but it was the best change I could have made. My weight keeps dropping (109.8 today) and my skin is clearing up. My sugar levels are balanced and not getting shaky when I need to eat. All the food has been fresh and now organic.
Today has been hard, but dad thank you so much to give me the courage I need to do this. You still are my role model in life. I want to learn to give more freely like you, give people more of my time like you, and be surrounded by so many people like you. I love you so much and so many of us down here miss you. RIP dad.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Day–I am starting to lose count so I went to Whole Foods
So I went to Whole Foods today, the prestige of all grocery stores. The fresh produce glistening with drops of water from their hourly shower. The crackling sound of baked bread being slipped into brown bags for customers to grab fresh (although no bread for me) And then there is the meat department – each piece of meat all neatly organized in a refrigerator. They aren’t prepackaged and you have to tell the guy at the counter that is following you as you look behind the cool glass what you want.
Starting with chicken ending with lamb at the other end, each of the meats had a rating. I was very curious what this animal welfare rating was. I’ve never seen it at any grocery store I shopped at, but now it definitely sparked my interest.
After I picked up some fresh fruit and some hard boiled eggs I sat down to read the Animal Welfare pamphlet that Whole Foods provided. The program is supposed to encourage meat producers to improve the welfare practices of their animals and to attain higher steps (ratings), therefore striving for a better quality of life for the animals.
In the 12 pages it is broken down by each kind of meat they serve with a rating: chicken, pigs, beef cattle, and turkey. There are 5 steps, and each shows the requirements of the rating. It starts at 1, a bright orange box and works its way up to 5 in a crisp green box (I don’t know about you, but it reminds me of the terrorist threat ratings you see at the airport). So for example, a 5 Green plus rating for pigs would mean no castration of pigs, and pigs remain with litter mates for entire lives. Other requirements per step is limited number of transportation hours and it goes on and on.
I know I would be willing to pay a higher price for my meat knowing the animal had some dignity in the cycle of their life. There is no reason to have cattle and pigs and chickens cooped in unlivable pens just to be sent on a long miserable ride to their end. I think in my future I’ll be spending a lot more time buying my meat this way and shopping for my family in a way that is responsible to nature.
Starting with chicken ending with lamb at the other end, each of the meats had a rating. I was very curious what this animal welfare rating was. I’ve never seen it at any grocery store I shopped at, but now it definitely sparked my interest.
After I picked up some fresh fruit and some hard boiled eggs I sat down to read the Animal Welfare pamphlet that Whole Foods provided. The program is supposed to encourage meat producers to improve the welfare practices of their animals and to attain higher steps (ratings), therefore striving for a better quality of life for the animals.
In the 12 pages it is broken down by each kind of meat they serve with a rating: chicken, pigs, beef cattle, and turkey. There are 5 steps, and each shows the requirements of the rating. It starts at 1, a bright orange box and works its way up to 5 in a crisp green box (I don’t know about you, but it reminds me of the terrorist threat ratings you see at the airport). So for example, a 5 Green plus rating for pigs would mean no castration of pigs, and pigs remain with litter mates for entire lives. Other requirements per step is limited number of transportation hours and it goes on and on.
I know I would be willing to pay a higher price for my meat knowing the animal had some dignity in the cycle of their life. There is no reason to have cattle and pigs and chickens cooped in unlivable pens just to be sent on a long miserable ride to their end. I think in my future I’ll be spending a lot more time buying my meat this way and shopping for my family in a way that is responsible to nature.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Another Day
So last night my skinny brother, who eats whatever he wants, wanted McDonalds for dinner. He got 2 double cheeseburgers and a small fry. We added up all the calories and it was over 1200. That’s without a soda which most people would have got with their meal.
I’ve noticed since going paleo my calorie intake is considerably lower than when I was eating carbs all day. On a regular basis I was eating 2400 calories a day. That was how much I was eating every single day!!!! And it didn’t take long for me to get to 2400. I would eat a bagel and a mocha every morning which was over 700 calories. I would have a few snacks during the day for at least 300 calories. For lunch I would get a sandwich with a bag of chips for another 700 calories. Then for dinner I would consume close to 500 calories at least and if the dish was really cheesy I would go for seconds so possibly more. Than treat myself to a candy bar for desert. Wow that is probably more than 2400 calories.
Anyhow…. I sorta been tracking how much I’m taking in now I’m doing paloe just more out of curiosity and I’ve been close to 1200-1300 calories. Not because I am restricting calories but because I’m eating until I’m satisfied and am much more satisfied sooner.
This is all good. No one needs 2400 calories a day.
I’ve noticed since going paleo my calorie intake is considerably lower than when I was eating carbs all day. On a regular basis I was eating 2400 calories a day. That was how much I was eating every single day!!!! And it didn’t take long for me to get to 2400. I would eat a bagel and a mocha every morning which was over 700 calories. I would have a few snacks during the day for at least 300 calories. For lunch I would get a sandwich with a bag of chips for another 700 calories. Then for dinner I would consume close to 500 calories at least and if the dish was really cheesy I would go for seconds so possibly more. Than treat myself to a candy bar for desert. Wow that is probably more than 2400 calories.
Anyhow…. I sorta been tracking how much I’m taking in now I’m doing paloe just more out of curiosity and I’ve been close to 1200-1300 calories. Not because I am restricting calories but because I’m eating until I’m satisfied and am much more satisfied sooner.
This is all good. No one needs 2400 calories a day.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Day 9–Coconut aminos
So finished day 9 and had the best meal ever. I made a stir fry. It was so good. Can’t wait to make it again. So here is the recipe:
But here to really talk about coconut aminos. It is great. Great Great Great. It’s basically a soy sauce substitute. We got ours at Elliots, natural food store close to home since it wasn’t at our local Safeway. However you could probably find it at Whole Foods or any other health food store. It is a little expensive but it is worth it for us to buy it.
The coconut aminos has 5 more calories per tablespoon than Kikkoman soy sauce at 10 calories per tablespoon. However coconut aminos has considerably less sodium than soy sauce. Soy sauce has over 900 mg of sodium per tablespoon while coconut aminos is almost a third less with a little over 300 mg per tablespoon. So it is a much healthier option than soy sauce.
We found our dish less strong and less salty than if we used soy sauce. But definitely did not lack any flavor. We love it as a paleo, soy-free, gluten free option for our Asian dishes.
- some coconut oil to oil the pan
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into cubes
- 6 cloves of garlic
- broccoli
- mushrooms
- 3/4 cup coconut aminos
- shredded carrots
- 2 eggs
But here to really talk about coconut aminos. It is great. Great Great Great. It’s basically a soy sauce substitute. We got ours at Elliots, natural food store close to home since it wasn’t at our local Safeway. However you could probably find it at Whole Foods or any other health food store. It is a little expensive but it is worth it for us to buy it.
The coconut aminos has 5 more calories per tablespoon than Kikkoman soy sauce at 10 calories per tablespoon. However coconut aminos has considerably less sodium than soy sauce. Soy sauce has over 900 mg of sodium per tablespoon while coconut aminos is almost a third less with a little over 300 mg per tablespoon. So it is a much healthier option than soy sauce.
We found our dish less strong and less salty than if we used soy sauce. But definitely did not lack any flavor. We love it as a paleo, soy-free, gluten free option for our Asian dishes.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Day 8
So Day 8 is done. Weight is now officially 111. So from last Wednesday I lost 2 pounds. I ate pretty freely and never felt restricted. Had some time constraints today so exercise went on the back burner. Although its not an excuse and I still need to make exercise a larger priority even if that means I do things a little later in the day. Need to focus on running again (looking to get the perfect GPS watch). And to do my weight training 3 days a week – one thing that most Americans don’t do enough of.
Got a Mickey waffle maker from my honey. So, I will start including paleo waffles into our breakfast. So there are lots of great meal options for me and my family.
Noticed I’m not as hungry and most of my cravings are now gone. Although if you took me into a bread shop I could have some problems.
My mind is feeling clearer and I feel more focused. Although, once I include exercise every day I imagine results would be more significant.
Thought I would include my measurements today to keep it as a note and check back later on my progress. So drum roll please……. they are 32-26-37 and 1/2. So maybe in a month I’ll check those measurements again.
One thing I would be curious to know, which a simple trip to the doctor would tell me, is what my cholesterol levels are, triglycerides, blood sugar and whether my anemia has improved. Yes, I do have anemia which contributes to a very lethargic state for me, but lately since I’ve been doing this I’ve noticed a large improvement of me being tired.
Well anyway. Till tomorrow
Thanks to the ones who have encouraged this journey for me. I know it’s a little extreme but totally worth it. And to my husband who thinks I can do anything.
Got a Mickey waffle maker from my honey. So, I will start including paleo waffles into our breakfast. So there are lots of great meal options for me and my family.
Noticed I’m not as hungry and most of my cravings are now gone. Although if you took me into a bread shop I could have some problems.
My mind is feeling clearer and I feel more focused. Although, once I include exercise every day I imagine results would be more significant. Thought I would include my measurements today to keep it as a note and check back later on my progress. So drum roll please……. they are 32-26-37 and 1/2. So maybe in a month I’ll check those measurements again.
One thing I would be curious to know, which a simple trip to the doctor would tell me, is what my cholesterol levels are, triglycerides, blood sugar and whether my anemia has improved. Yes, I do have anemia which contributes to a very lethargic state for me, but lately since I’ve been doing this I’ve noticed a large improvement of me being tired.
Well anyway. Till tomorrow
Thanks to the ones who have encouraged this journey for me. I know it’s a little extreme but totally worth it. And to my husband who thinks I can do anything.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Paleo Day 7
So I made it a whole week. And I’m feeling a lot better. Tummy starting to feel better. Skin feels better. Not having crazy cravings etc etc.
But I thought I would talk about a more serious reason on why everyone should consider lowering their carb intake. Many of my friends and family have type 2 diabetes, which is when not enough insulin is produced in the body. As you may know it is onset usually though a poor diet, and before the obesity epidemic took off and all our children became commonly overweight, it used to be called adult-onset diabetes. But so many kids are now overweight and have poor nutrition they are developing type 2 diabetes in their youth. Sad. Wake up people. This is a serious problem. I could talk forever about this.
Back to why we need to lower our carbs and its relationship with diabetes. So, along with our children eating more processed junk and nothing but white breads and mac and cheese, we are also becoming lazier. Our kids aren’t outside playing ball during the summer, not riding their bikes to the park, or even playing in their own backyard. What are they doing? They are watching tv all day or playing video games. I’m not saying quiet time isn’t good or having some downtime during the day isn’t helpful, but they need more exercise. Exercise is what helps use glucose in the body.
So the lack of exercise paired with a higher sugar loaded diet equals lots and lots of health problems including diabetes. If we consume too many carbs and aren’t burning them off through physical exercise than all the carbs turns into fat. Unused energy turning into fat.
What does paleo have to do with this? Well, the lifestyle is a lower carb diet. No processed junk. No artificial sugars or sweeteners. All whole foods. You will have more protein to your diet, but will also be eating more veggies than you have before. And really a lot less sugar. Also, it gives you the energy you need to be more active. Win Win.
I don’t want type 2 diabetes and I don’t want my children too either or my significant other (and if by chance you are reading this, yes I’m talking about you and I always worry about your health). Just time for us all to have a lifestyle change. Ready for it .
But I thought I would talk about a more serious reason on why everyone should consider lowering their carb intake. Many of my friends and family have type 2 diabetes, which is when not enough insulin is produced in the body. As you may know it is onset usually though a poor diet, and before the obesity epidemic took off and all our children became commonly overweight, it used to be called adult-onset diabetes. But so many kids are now overweight and have poor nutrition they are developing type 2 diabetes in their youth. Sad. Wake up people. This is a serious problem. I could talk forever about this.
Back to why we need to lower our carbs and its relationship with diabetes. So, along with our children eating more processed junk and nothing but white breads and mac and cheese, we are also becoming lazier. Our kids aren’t outside playing ball during the summer, not riding their bikes to the park, or even playing in their own backyard. What are they doing? They are watching tv all day or playing video games. I’m not saying quiet time isn’t good or having some downtime during the day isn’t helpful, but they need more exercise. Exercise is what helps use glucose in the body.
So the lack of exercise paired with a higher sugar loaded diet equals lots and lots of health problems including diabetes. If we consume too many carbs and aren’t burning them off through physical exercise than all the carbs turns into fat. Unused energy turning into fat.
What does paleo have to do with this? Well, the lifestyle is a lower carb diet. No processed junk. No artificial sugars or sweeteners. All whole foods. You will have more protein to your diet, but will also be eating more veggies than you have before. And really a lot less sugar. Also, it gives you the energy you need to be more active. Win Win.
I don’t want type 2 diabetes and I don’t want my children too either or my significant other (and if by chance you are reading this, yes I’m talking about you and I always worry about your health). Just time for us all to have a lifestyle change. Ready for it .
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Day 4
Didn’t blog yesterday. Pretty busy day. Trying to keep myself occupied with work and crafting like always. The better I’m eating the more productive I’ve been – chores, work, finishing craft projects. Still making it to the gym every day. Today was a day off from weights which is good because I’m sore. Had a few birthday parties last few days so its been crazy. Had to work around what other people were eating and it wasn’t that bad. It was easy knowing I wouldn’t feel physically bad later if I avoided what I was supposed to. Checked out Whole Foods today to get an idea of some of the things I will need to keep this year going for me. The coconut flour and almond flour is much cheaper than if I buy it prepackaged at the grocery store. And I was able to find paleo friendly cheese made of almonds (saving grace). My cookbooks have been a lifesaver, also. Tomorrow I will share which ones I have.
Results day 4: Feeling much more alert and less cold. Weight dropped down to 111.2 from 112.6 in a few days. Not feeling bloated. Still cranky but I’m starting to realize that I was born with that attitude
For all that know me that one was for you
Results day 4: Feeling much more alert and less cold. Weight dropped down to 111.2 from 112.6 in a few days. Not feeling bloated. Still cranky but I’m starting to realize that I was born with that attitude
For all that know me that one was for you
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Day 2 paleo
So I’ve reached the second day of my new lifestyle and you know what I did it, so can’t complain about that. Today I got to spend my lunch with these lovey ladies 
I was able to resist temptation of ice cream and french fries at Leatherbys (yummiest ice cream and diner food around). The smell made me want to grab a fry and shove it in my mouth.
Dinner was easier. My best friend wanted me to cook her favorite Mexican dish that I make. It has chips layered with meat, sour cream, a whole bag of cheese, and lots of other good things. I made myself a paleo friendly version. Lots of veggies with some meat. It was tasty enough and I was satisfied.
Oh and my bff got me to the gym again. My saving grace and my sanity in life. You inspire me every day to be the best I can be and this will be my year.
So results after two days: Feeling a little better. Some of those extreme hunger sensations are gone and my need for sugar is a little better. My weight is still 112.5 so will be interesting to see if my weight will go up because of weight lifting and maybe my size goes down or if my weight will drop. Although I’m not doing this to lose weight. This is strictly to feel better and hopefully won’t be as lethargic during the day.
Anyway down 2 days. Only 363 days to go.
I was able to resist temptation of ice cream and french fries at Leatherbys (yummiest ice cream and diner food around). The smell made me want to grab a fry and shove it in my mouth. Dinner was easier. My best friend wanted me to cook her favorite Mexican dish that I make. It has chips layered with meat, sour cream, a whole bag of cheese, and lots of other good things. I made myself a paleo friendly version. Lots of veggies with some meat. It was tasty enough and I was satisfied.
Oh and my bff got me to the gym again. My saving grace and my sanity in life. You inspire me every day to be the best I can be and this will be my year.
So results after two days: Feeling a little better. Some of those extreme hunger sensations are gone and my need for sugar is a little better. My weight is still 112.5 so will be interesting to see if my weight will go up because of weight lifting and maybe my size goes down or if my weight will drop. Although I’m not doing this to lose weight. This is strictly to feel better and hopefully won’t be as lethargic during the day.
Anyway down 2 days. Only 363 days to go.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
A new year, a new goal
So, many of you know I gave up shopping for the whole 2013 year. Of course there were rules like I could buy running gear and socks, but clothes and new outfits I couldn’t. And guess what? I actually did it. It was a great way to prove to myself that I really could do anything I wanted. Today is 2014 and I felt no need to run out and buy a bunch of clothes. Yeah me 
Impressed with my great year, my BFF encouraged me to change my diet and exercise for the whole 2014. And you know what I am. What does this entail? Well, I will be following the Paleo diet for a whole year and following a very strict exercise regimen. After this year I know I can do it.
I will start posting my progress, how I’m feeling, great recipes and tips, etc. My bestie is also taking this journey with me. This year will be great and I’m glad I’m finally putting my health first.
Impressed with my great year, my BFF encouraged me to change my diet and exercise for the whole 2014. And you know what I am. What does this entail? Well, I will be following the Paleo diet for a whole year and following a very strict exercise regimen. After this year I know I can do it.
I will start posting my progress, how I’m feeling, great recipes and tips, etc. My bestie is also taking this journey with me. This year will be great and I’m glad I’m finally putting my health first.
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