thanks so much everyone!! just tried to run, but there are thunderstorms brewing, so will try later. ed and I are going to the health food store, and then two doctors appts, one with his general doc and the other with his hematologist. we will know how well the coumadin works today. his doc has a tester in his office.
forgot to take a picture, but made almond encrusted turkey cutlets-I used a penzey's spice on them called mural of flavor--shallots, orange rind, lemon rind, other yummies. convection roasted pattypan squash, wild/brown rice combo, appetizer was portabello mushroom caps with basil, balsamic glaze and mozzarella
Good to hear things are getting back on an even keel for the two of you, and oh my god that sounds delicious. I used Mural of Flavor myself on some beef yesterday. I love Penzey's spices. No matter how few calories I have left in a day, spices are one thing I never have to limit.
__________________
"Time and patience are the 2 elements that most people don't include in their plans."
-Alan Aragon
"The scale simply tells you how much the earth loves you on a particular day."
-Ogedei (Keith)
am putting my GWF back on and will be resuming the calorie counting, now that things are somewhat back to normal in my house.
have been doing a spa meal delivery service which saved my sanity during ed's hospitalization. now I am back to cooking meals for him and teaching him healthy culinary skills. he is soaking it up, and it is really fun to watch. he has never been this motivated about health ever.
he will be off work for a month on leave, and I will be posting all of his culinary creations soon! he is starting to appreciate how good food tastes--prior to this crisis, he would sometimes eat my cooking, but alot of the times he wanted to make his own processed food laden, high sodium crap.
This has been really hard for me on so many levels. I look back and wonder if somehow I didn't do a good enough job of convincing him to eat healthy. we talked many times about the dangers of obesity, and intellectually he would get it. but his ties to unhealthy foods were really strong. he would sometimes eat what I would cook and then add junk later.
about a month ago, I had a conversation with my weight watchers leader about how do you inspire someone you love to be healthy. we came to the conclusion that, at least regarding adults, they have to decide for themselves to make these changes. my parents are in their late 60's. they both are obese and refuse to make changes. one of my brothers is making healthy changes, but the other one isn't.
I feel very sad that I have successfully inspired so many people to change their lives, but I wasn't able to do that for my own husband, parents, brother. but in the end, it really isn't about me or my abilities or lack of abilities. inspiration is the seed. you can receive it from someone, and you can dream about how wonderful the fruit will be at the peak of perfection. but until you prepare the soil, plant the seed, fertilize the plant, provide enough sun and water, protect it from other critters that want it, you won't ever get to enjoy the fruit. other people can do these steps for you, I suppose, but in the end, feeding yourself is really an adult behavior. others can't do that part for you.
for me, things like daily scale weight, periodic calipers and bioimpedance, tracking in the daily plate, protecting my exercise time, these are those steps that I take to ensure that I will enjoy the fruits of my labors. and I have to tell you, sometimes I get annoyed at having to do these steps. they seem tedious, mundane. it doesn't seem fair. I know people who maintain healthy bodies without having to do all of these things. why me? call the whambulance.
but these things seem to be a small price to pay to enjoy the vibrant health that I enjoy. my wellness won't protect me from everything that can go wrong in life. but I am convinced that my wellness was a major reason why I was able to weather this recent storm and come out of it stronger and healthier, with an even greater passion to spread the word of health.
This has been really hard for me on so many levels. I look back and wonder if somehow I didn't do a good enough job of convincing him to eat healthy. we talked many times about the dangers of obesity, and intellectually he would get it. but his ties to unhealthy foods were really strong. he would sometimes eat what I would cook and then add junk later.
Finding the right balance between trying to impress upon someone its about their health and that you care vs. the "nagging" wife is so hard. I see little changes in my husband since I have started eating better, but he still reaches for the same junk. He has no consequences though. I sometimes think in his mind he feels like an invincible 20 year old. I don't say anything for the most part and like you, try to lead by example. Sometimes I feel that something bad has to happen for him to change though. My words and actions are not enough.
I am sorry that it had to come to a health scare for your husband. I know you are grateful that you can now be on your journey together. Sounds like you both are in a great place and motivated to be healthy together - the most important thing.
I am looking forward to some delicious food ideas and inspiration in here!
latest inspiration, healthy vegetarian chili. it is simmering in my oven now. I do things a bit different--I sautee the veggies in olive oil, then add all the yumminess and bake in a dutch oven at 250 degrees for several hours. I add things like good quality aged balsamic vinegar and agave syrup. freshly roasted chili peppers. raw cacao powder. I tasted it before putting in the oven, and even without the slow cooking, it tastes really good. and low sodium, which is important, because ed has high blood pressure. I used pinto beans instead of kidney to minimize the vitamin K impact, which is critical for coumadin patients. I will likely serve this with some fresh cheddar curd that I have from our local specialty market--just a half ounce or so per serving. the flavor of this cheese is unreal. from vermont. brown rice would also be good in this chili. it freezes well and is a great baked potato topper. also really easy to add diced free range chicken, or some grass fed ground beef. ed specifically asked for the vegetarian version. I used to make this all the time when we were starving students (minus the high end ingredients.....)!!!
oh, sorry about lack of recipes. I randomly throw things together. it is a big joke in my house to really savor whatever I cook, because often I forget exactly what I put in. no two meals are exactly alike, lol
[quote=fengshway;683045]I feel very sad that I have successfully inspired so many people to change their lives, but I wasn't able to do that for my own husband, parents, brother. but in the end, it really isn't about me or my abilities or lack of abilities. inspiration is the seed. you can receive it from someone, and you can dream about how wonderful the fruit will be at the peak of perfection. but until you prepare the soil, plant the seed, fertilize the plant, provide enough sun and water, protect it from other critters that want it, you won't ever get to enjoy the fruit. other people can do these steps for you, I suppose, but in the end, feeding yourself is really an adult behavior. others can't do that part for you. [quote]
It is sad, but in the end the individual has to want it enough to create their own inspiration and/or motivation. I think we all can struggle with that from time to time. I'm glad that his scare was a motivator, but sorry that he had to experience it. In the end though it might be what he needed to go through in order to join you with your lifestyle changes. Anyway, glad to hear that you're both doing well.
Wendy, others have already said it too, but it can't be emphasized enough. You can provide support and inspiration, but until someone is ready, inside, for their own reasons, you cannot make someone change.
I am lucky in that my H changed his lifestyle when I changed mine - but so many here haven't had a similar experience with a spouse, friend, relative... it's not about what you did or didn't do. It wasn't that I did something different or special with my H. It was just plain old random luck or coincidence that he was ready too.
BUT, if you were living an unhealthy lifestyle, where would Ed (and you) turn now to learn how to change? Now that he's ready, he's blessed to have you right there to guide him towards health.
latest inspiration, healthy vegetarian chili. it is simmering in my oven now. I do things a bit different--I sautee the veggies in olive oil, then add all the yumminess and bake in a dutch oven at 250 degrees for several hours. I add things like good quality aged balsamic vinegar and agave syrup. freshly roasted chili peppers. raw cacao powder. I tasted it before putting in the oven, and even without the slow cooking, it tastes really good. and low sodium, which is important, because ed has high blood pressure. I used pinto beans instead of kidney to minimize the vitamin K impact, which is critical for coumadin patients. I will likely serve this with some fresh cheddar curd that I have from our local specialty market--just a half ounce or so per serving. the flavor of this cheese is unreal. from vermont. brown rice would also be good in this chili. it freezes well and is a great baked potato topper. also really easy to add diced free range chicken, or some grass fed ground beef. ed specifically asked for the vegetarian version. I used to make this all the time when we were starving students (minus the high end ingredients.....)!!!
oh, sorry about lack of recipes. I randomly throw things together. it is a big joke in my house to really savor whatever I cook, because often I forget exactly what I put in. no two meals are exactly alike, lol
I am glad things are getting more normal. Damn, I want some of that chili!
thanks anne and bytsi, beating myself up much less today. I saw my primary care doctor today, ed saw his doctor. am feeling way better.
greg, the chili was heavenly. just the right spicy and sweet balance. we added the fresh cheddar curd from vermont and a bit of fat free greek yogurt.
used the rest of the greek yogurt to do the same dessert we had yesterday--added agave syrup, raw cacao powder, raw ground vanilla beans. used this to fill strawberries cut into florets. a few slivered almonds on top. simple and tasty. oh yeah, and healthy!
today we are doing a thai peanut chicken stirfry. I have a fried quinoia in the freezer already to serve on the side.
sipping espresso and going to the gym. need to get back at my routine. will run 3 miles on the treadmill. then lift. then off to see this guy who ran track for FSU and owns a gym. am contemplating doing running specific weight training with him.
ed is ready for me to quit hovering so much and get back at my fitness goals!
oh, I am BBAAAACK!!! did a treadmill run (5k), 1 % incline. between 6.2 and 6.4 mph. heartrate was SOOO low, so for the last quarter, bumped up to 7.0 and barely got anaerobic. so it seems like I haven't lost running fitness, at least at the 5k distance.
weights were a different matter, particularly the bench. but hey, I am back in the gym and that is what matters. thinking about a 6-7 miler tomorrow morning. so psyched to be running again!
Just catching up on your log and so sorry about your husband. Glad he is on the mend. Clots are very scary. I had one when I was 22, unfortuntaly mine went to the brain and I had a stroke. Yep at 22. Luckly for me it I was young and rebounded quite well and have no remaining effects from it (except less active brain matter...) I had to go thru many tests to figure out why the hell I had it. Guess what - Birth Control Pill was only risk factor.
Anyways glad to see your able get back to something like a normal life and hope the DH has a speedy and full recovery!
jen, thank you for stopping by and sharing your story. I am glad you made a full recovery too!
ed is doing really really well. we are having a blast cooking together. I am simply loving the look on his face as he discovers new culinary skills--he is a quick study in everything he tries! he is off work for the next 4 weeks, so I will have my own personal live in chef with benefits
ed is doing really really well. we are having a blast cooking together. I am simply loving the look on his face as he discovers new culinary skills--he is a quick study in everything he tries! he is off work for the next 4 weeks, so I will have my own personal live in chef with benefits
jen, thank you for stopping by and sharing your story. I am glad you made a full recovery too!
ed is doing really really well. we are having a blast cooking together. I am simply loving the look on his face as he discovers new culinary skills--he is a quick study in everything he tries! he is off work for the next 4 weeks, so I will have my own personal live in chef with benefits
Wendy, I'm so glad to hear things are looking up at your house. I would love a personal chef!!!
(((((hugs forum friends))))) but I ain't sharin my personal chef with none a y'all.
ran 5 great miles (9:20 pace) but heartrate was nice and easy, controlled. going to try to meet with the local gym owner who ran track for FSU. I'm thinking he is the one to help me reach my running goals, now that arnold pump and run 5k is on indefinite hold (not comfortable flying out of state away from chef ed for any length of time). my strength coach was incredible at helping my bench press strength. shocking how fast that goes with no training. but I think it is time to work with someone who understands the weight lifting needs of runners specifically.
because there isn't a doubt that I am a runner! I missed it so much!
today was GGGGReat!!! and I shopped some too. found hudson jeans on sale.
ed is doing superfine. walked on the beach and did fab. finally starting to feel normal again, and I am so grateful.
Mmmmmm....Greek yogurt is my absolute fave. Whenever I buy my weekly supply at Trader Joes, the cashier always asks me about it. Usually if I eat it plain, if its all for me, etc.
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