What’s up?
Health and fitness are on my mind today. I have a half-marathon that I am scheduled to run with Erika in less than two weeks. Since ushering in the new year, I have gotten serious.
I’ve been exercising almost every day — even if it’s for a 20-minute jog. And I have been eating much better: more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and more green tea than coffee. To incorporate more fruits and veggies in my diet, I’ve been partly leaning on recipes from Jennifer Cornbleet’s Raw Food Made Easy for 1 or 2 People. DH has joined me for it, although we are by no means purists. I still eat the occasional serving of meat and he can’t stay away from breads.
I will say though that Cornbleet’s recipes are delicious, filling and have given me renewed energy to stick to my workouts. An example of a meal we ate with a salad was stuffed red bell pepper with “Non-Tune Pate”.
Non-Tuna Pate
*Make sure to soak nuts and seeds for at least 6 hours.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup soaked sunflower seeds
1/4 cup soaked almonds
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1.5 teaspoons of minced celery
1 tablespoon of minced onion
1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley
Directions: Blend in a food processor and refrigerate. That’s it!
While I alternate my lunches and dinners between the raw food and other home-cooked meals or takeout, I’ve been consistent with breakfast: peeled and cored apple slices with almond butter and raisins. It’s not only good for a morning workout, but — Yum! What are your favorite fruit and veggie-laden meals?
In related health news: you could say I was sucked into this Women’s Day article, “10 common fruits and vegetables myths”. Here were some eye-opening factoids for me:
Myth: No matter the color, all cauliflower tastes the same and is equally nutritious.
White cauliflower is oh-so-good for you, but there are benefits to branching out. Orange cauliflower has 25 times more beta-carotene than white; purple has anthocynanis (also found in blueberries), which have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and diabetes. And green cauliflower, aka broccoflower, has slightly more vitamin A and vitamin C than its white brethren—not to mention a milder taste and faster cook time. You’ll have to look harder for the colored varieties, but the nutritional pluses and incredible flavors make them worth the search, says Ranno….
Myth: Iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value.
These days, iceberg gets short shrift in most healthy-eating circles. While it’s not the nutritional powerhouse that spinach or arugula is, it’s chockfull of vitamins A, C, K and B6. “Iceberg stands up well to the other leafy greens in terms of nutrient density per calorie. And it’s high in water content and low in calories so you can fill up without filling out,” says Jepson. “Iceberg is also a great way to introduce kids to vegetables,” since it’s milder and lighter than the other lettuces, she adds.
Finally, the Biggest Loser is back — as is Jillian Michaels! Michaels returned after missing two seasons and having two children with partner Heidi Rhoades.
Feel free to use this space as a health and fitness diary — as we haven’t had one in a while. What else is on your mind?