tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47855787174938984132024-02-21T00:06:56.325+00:00Pesky RunnerHealthy tasty food for an active lifeEimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-88902167518353550292011-06-25T20:19:00.004+01:002011-06-25T20:25:22.109+01:00Signing Off......for the next while at least, and when I come back it'll be probably under a different vibe. I feel the blog was very much about my journey to finding a solution to my problems that I could live with everyday, and I'm there now, so the journey bit is done. Secondly, and more importantly, I no longer have time to blog. I'm studying for another undergrad (this time biological sciences) as well as working full time in an increasingly busy job. I'm trying to minimise commitments beyond the essential studying and earning, and blog writing will be a victim of the cull. I still have time to skim read lots of blogs most days, and try to comment when I can. I do love blogging and I really want to be out here in blogland contributing, but it's just not possible right now. Hopefully when I have a bit more of a grounding in the sciencey stuff I will come back to make a slightly more valuable contribution to all this discussion about optimum health.<div>Lots of love to all who have read here at any point:)</div><div>Eimear x<br /><div><br /></div></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-64340223536717683762011-06-06T21:41:00.003+01:002011-06-06T22:29:02.262+01:00Diminishing cravings<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpm4gFk7sNgCFedHMiB4WAkk_2qSGUOW-0eMBGeYULMtvlP81Ej3bV_h558fvCauJEoh47IlOd0RFzCw10of3BRFC2D-rmrZ7BoDJPWb01IRItse3JmXgoBJxDEGgdAUj4Wskf7zbW4w/s1600/06062011835.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnq6bkJSpqg6uHR3ECi63S35IwhFqEJctBwRO2hGxKUeBcTC0i0qOeg4FQ-HiK015MF00XB5bJoo2ch8JmH_FcWL4XVM-bcm5kROCpz1kFJayTKdfy6Fe8Y__CQEcHjoaKW7cBRTs9G8/s1600/06062011833.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFcxCuD-FuMrUvvhXE4hllJZ9KSeUUk5eTzxGVudE32eahqLE66Ck7w8zFTwRedl6ihh3_n808ArunFzFZsyF5T59ij1pd0ZeyYaJXymvyYq4rTaEVg1nDTDoGlVAcU56WN_mNv-9fcQ/s1600/04062011832.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div>It occurred to be in the last few days just how much my tendency to overeat and especially junk stuff (cake, ice-cream, chocolate. biscuits) has gone down and down over the last few weeks. While every now and again (especially if my blood sugar gets low) I do experience a hankering for something processed, most of the time now revulsion of factory food turns me away, and I've gotten better at finding healthier meals on the hoof- I now reach for a hard boiled egg, a banana, tinned (no salt) fish or a plain yogurt if I get really hungry, and most evening I don't even have dessert (I used to eat dessert pretty much every evening). The food I eat now is enjoyable enough and satisfying that I don't feel I need to eat chocolate just because it's there in case it's not tomorrow, if I don't get a bit, good. Eating whole foods, primal, ancestral, paleo, whatever you want to call it, has quietly chipped away at my tendencies to binge, crave and obsess over comfort food (not that they were very dominant tendencies, but it's good they've dropped off somewhat, and I don't turn to them for stress relief). It's like good food 'protects' me from poor choices. I have to say, though, although it may be a less rewarding diet a la Stephan Guyenet's current theorising over at <a href="http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/">Whole Health Source</a>, it's more than tasty enough for me. In fact, the junk is kind of hyper tasty (or 'hyperpalatability, as <a href="http://huntgatherlove.com/">Melissa McEwen</a> has dubbed it) and while those foods do cause a tendency to eat more of them compared with more 'plain' fare, I definitely seem to find them sickening. Finally, enough knowledge about these things cultivates intellectual disgust strong enough to overcome the 'hardwired' cravings for energy as dense as possible (originally essential for survival, but now positively dangerous in our comfortable developed world). Just some thoughts, anyway.<div>Recent plates:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFcxCuD-FuMrUvvhXE4hllJZ9KSeUUk5eTzxGVudE32eahqLE66Ck7w8zFTwRedl6ihh3_n808ArunFzFZsyF5T59ij1pd0ZeyYaJXymvyYq4rTaEVg1nDTDoGlVAcU56WN_mNv-9fcQ/s400/04062011832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615219931045613106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Lazy saturday morning: other half of friday night's sirloin steak, a bit of lip smacking cheddar and some chilli jelly</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnq6bkJSpqg6uHR3ECi63S35IwhFqEJctBwRO2hGxKUeBcTC0i0qOeg4FQ-HiK015MF00XB5bJoo2ch8JmH_FcWL4XVM-bcm5kROCpz1kFJayTKdfy6Fe8Y__CQEcHjoaKW7cBRTs9G8/s400/06062011833.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615219940415485202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Two boiled eggs for breakfast, a bit of romaine that I was chopping for lunch. I got hungry two hours later and had a banana at work.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpm4gFk7sNgCFedHMiB4WAkk_2qSGUOW-0eMBGeYULMtvlP81Ej3bV_h558fvCauJEoh47IlOd0RFzCw10of3BRFC2D-rmrZ7BoDJPWb01IRItse3JmXgoBJxDEGgdAUj4Wskf7zbW4w/s400/06062011835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615219941042773266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Tonight: beef stew- just browned off some braising steak, added into two roughly chopped onions, couple of sticks of celery, some lonely half used veg (half a green pepper and half a courgette) herbs de provence, a bit of sea salt, water (maybe 2 cups). Two hours in the oven= dinner for a wet evening, and no need for dessert.</div><div>Goodnight:)</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-9205718895192801132011-06-03T21:27:00.004+01:002011-06-03T23:04:52.712+01:00Learning<div style="text-align: left;">I've been learning so much about the paleo diet/lifestyle recently, thanks mostly to Robb Wolf and Chris Kresser's podcasts, and some more blogs I've found. It's really encouraged me to stick to the diet because it's got the most solid arguments I've found in nutrition to date. Since I started doing paleo, I suppose for about only 2 months now, I've made a few tweaks- I started off eating nuts everyday but I've cut way way back on this. I've also learnt about being more choosy with my protein sources with better omega 6:3 ratios, so I'm going to be eating less poultry and mostly organic beef and oily fish. My meals are usually eggs and/or fish for breakfast, leftover dinner or a fish salad, maybe an avocado, for lunch, and usually some beef and veggies for dinner. I try to keep fruit to a minimum; berries, apple or banana every other day.</div><div>The only problem is, every few days I give into something non-paleo, almost always chocolate or ice-cream. Anyway, I'm working on it. I wish I'd more time to expand and the whys and a bit of more info on what I've learnt, maybe there'll be some time over the weekend.</div><div>Here's a selection of this week's meals:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNqChaUciLLVZ3G5FqiIQbySD9ZnN-TfC324B9wG_6n-rFSEk0GyT3D7R4VoPUBQVl695FphSQWKuZt-miubDybpYP_vg6Nl1LxN-fC7QAb5mZWqe0JlG-oSXdEL1dtPvv_NzSA1VRbQ/s400/02062011827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614106691301160178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turkey breast and collard scramble (breakfast). Coffee in a cut mug my mum bought me:)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-IKyEdW1z9psKMRF1moFN4fdpImaBcmjRoOYx1ZafCOYjlABa9et5ic3WbWrEdjd4aSdygRhvQ2VjUfXc33C53uFS6x_YFkop2K2yE3cDsdnyOugPrno5N9tkG2QkpRUfS4Yod91Mdg/s400/01062011827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614106682269360642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turkey breast salad with avocado. Yum, finally I've come to love them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXJZ2_vCYnvc2q4T9920_-QqQtOIJON9XOAFOY84I79wM6n4thZe7NlU5esmDKsWYMdln2rfbLt-DVFWqS-LE0M-5Wm790fKUWejcVoJfCshYnRGw4xyZf_g2FmV8P7joVtp_JGW4Hpo/s400/02062011829.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614106701310415090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">More turkey, a salmon fishcake (homemade, with tinned salmon and some leftover boiled potato) and top of courgette ribbons in tomato sauce (onion, garlic, oregano, chilli powder and passata).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyt1L9sVwwm1eR35xXcmtC8mMyH7GNIFwClsCTiqy03SBwrrkH5YD_6d-Yu5D1QOhuDVeF-BCamTnr3sWRIdOebn25CeFfnNRHXxOZp2q80DuNZEuJrSqaEp1ICp2_zVzhuH55rsAfzY/s400/03062011830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614106710407539730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Half a sirloin steak, a big pile of butterhead lettuce with olive oil and balsamic, and a big spoon of Dijon mustard with herbs de provence.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI05kFA35kvbgWwt8ET1EpjbwxoeEBm4ahQCyMgqN9eSK8KODMIFIoaFG7rmmI59Q3unNgUC7r6ZgQpX0n97BjFMBSZ19tPnwz-0gfkYd_xU-UnftIPFkOuPuYTdgpmthuLUUefQMRBo/s400/03062011832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614106711534012786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">And after that, I had this delicious concoction for dessert: two very ripe bananas mushed up and vanilla extract stirred into a tub of Fage yogurt and frozen.</div><div><br /></div><div> So delicious, and satisfied my ice-cream cravings far better than any actual ice-cream, much creamier, tart and less sweet. I'm trying to keep dairy low, but this makes a nice treat and is healthier than regular ice-cream, which is by far my biggest weakness!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and before I go, a final piece of news- starting in the autumn, I'm starting another degree, this time in biology. It'll be by distance learning while I work, and I thought it would be the most enjoyable way to begin training for a career related to nutrition. I almost began a nutrition course a while ago, until I found out the organisation running it were quacks. I feel a strong scientific foundation will be the most insightful and give me a broad base and range of choices as to what direction to pursue after the course.</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-3101668317104050052011-05-27T20:45:00.004+01:002011-05-27T22:21:42.184+01:00The Sizzle<div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Niall and Kelly at the lovely Belfast food blog <a href="http://www.chilliandchocolate.com/">Chilli and Chocolate</a>, I won tickets to the May Bank holiday food festival in Botanic Gardens, called <a href="http://www.thesizzlebelfast.com/">The Sizzle</a>. We walk through Botanic going to and from work everyday so we decided to go to the festival straight after work. It was another weary week so cooking was not going to be on the agenda tonight anyway!</div><div>Unfortunately, it really wasn't a pleasant evening for sitting around outside, and consequently it was very quiet at the festival, but it was only the first evening, so hopefully it will get busier over the course of the weekend, because of the food was excellent. Rather selfish of me I know, but it was quite nice not having to queue for ages for the food and had our choice of seats so we kept out of the rain. We started at the <a href="http://www.balloohouse.com/">Balloo House stand</a>- I had pork and celeriac slaw 'bruschetta' and my boyfriend had the salmon and guacamole tortilla.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNr0V5LWetkxe6ad_LSwPiBp38ukAgDxhGaBAP5D8Dg4Dq3vjTT6Kp0rxTsmfRP1lQ5suO5MnJOoZEg-lMsdRSI-8-BvcwVVbs43MOZGlT-UuN5prWAu1GWCL7vQNBTrwmgsNaNwfkrU/s400/27052011801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611506978822924402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwUpOZB1f-RWt7nPJUJ5uDrRRAHktWUt6P2raEuCE9dCv9QcmfRpeFdEsXpDtP3egyyCSHwbv5eomy_lzxqHaMoCBzvzsZAgstezq98gl7coSHgkR-xqqT8PygcAjM3vV4CCHiJgMbto/s400/27052011800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611507438415587650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>I then tried BBQ chicken with curry mayo and cucumber on pitta from <a href="http://www.lostsocietybelfast.com/">The Lost Society</a> and the Mr tried the halloumi and veggie skewer with bean salad from <a href="http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Uluru-Bistro-Armagh-P9091">Uluru</a>.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s9x6dQnEdy3uGUKcYuIq7uycm4abUD0NTyXMZKS0N8-5l_TVAunczNIA76I2VHmE9paqgrbFPk5LuLEugdYcX7FXlSac5yiffn9igtIiACPMQjTRUt666gLrkT49wRbG9MW9c1gasas/s400/27052011803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611506988489436962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Dessert was a sugar feast of of butterscotch cupcake and ice-cream from The Loft in Moygashel (we used the last of our 'food vouchers' to take home a chocolate cupcake each), his was a delicious rhubarb and custard cheesecake from <a href="http://www.barkingdogbelfast.com/">The Barking Dog</a>- we also got a very nice 10% off voucher, so hopefully we'll get to go there again soon- it's always been really tasty.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FmzRO5nxufbIgHKHOm6-u-I0dv_RmdAmNcutqdtrnHHyncywmq9WcnaxTqOcc7LgOXZfsKZb4P6kaDiQne1PvdZ-MHpfFb6FhwMz8UYsRdgmOH6Wwho3r0I1lUBna4O0QqszvhSqeWk/s400/27052011804.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611506989166542994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>We finished up with a hot drink (coffee for me, hot chocolate for him) as it was getting pretty chilly! We had a fun evening and for marquee found it was really delicious. It was actually sad to see such a small turnout because the chefs had obviously put a lot of thought into the food and I'd hoped more people would come out to support Northern Irish food producers and chefs, maybe over the rest of the weekend.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_5x2OiVps9adG99DjpoydJbDkrnj2qq-8gkaO87W7ftPZdIaBpMYC4BTM3-VB6vpzEhiFG4baQNqAyMErx3jQYOEntkrL0K43ALRHBUrLyKd_xh5FTQiMPRASsQwj-kdSKO29F8Y7kg/s400/27052011802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611506980432888162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>So if you're in Belfast over the weekend, grab a warm fleece, a raincoat and wellies and head to the The Sizzle!</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-81483411987393489052011-05-24T19:56:00.008+01:002011-05-24T20:34:08.412+01:00Not Dead!<div style="text-align: left;">I've just been so busy this month, every time I had 'free' time I used it to work out, cook nice food or curl up with a book or in front of the TV. Yeh, I've been too busy living to blog, but I miss blogging:( I especially miss having time to comment on everyone's blogs, but I've been keeping up to date with a speed read while sipping my coffee and drying my hair in the am.</div><div><div>Workout wise, I'm walking an hour a day, running twice a week just to switch it up (about 3 miles at a go) and of course following <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/">Bodyrock.tv</a>. My diet has remained paleo-style, but I've had more cheat meals/desserts this month, probably because I've been so stressed with work. It hasn't relly affected me too much, other than I skip the odd meal because I'm still full from the last dessert, and then end up a bit shakey because I didn't eat when I had time to eat. The last couple of days I've sorted it out by eating a healthy meat or eggs and veggies breakfast as soon as I get into work to keep me going through the first part of the day. A high protein breakfast keeps me going so long, sometimes I'm not even remotely hungry when lunchtime rolls round, but I eat anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a selection of recent eats:</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWZyFQ5aj-khY8goXKvbTbsZdwSTKLhRcJKHe0mS8q1UU9Nskz2kKR4kL_aF9XRqM6E-YqTPzVvoH8jA4lIuLEWh-FOh27P1ofXhTBBRwKdvtvq-lMiJS-ZiAu0dKcldQ0FXgPZEOxGg/s1600/11052011787.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWZyFQ5aj-khY8goXKvbTbsZdwSTKLhRcJKHe0mS8q1UU9Nskz2kKR4kL_aF9XRqM6E-YqTPzVvoH8jA4lIuLEWh-FOh27P1ofXhTBBRwKdvtvq-lMiJS-ZiAu0dKcldQ0FXgPZEOxGg/s400/11052011787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610363080675232850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Turkey, goat cheese, avocado and romaine lettuce salad</div><div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hi_O7YLqYRrUPjNy2TsmscboL85k2h25HjEPCJqavhs8AeFQNtWMnDRaA5G7mz7uNPwZHriOzZBN5d1XiresqNM86xiDjkJlMMiJIzdtgDjdman3FdTUCv1jMDbqvWu4jfRHdlEn960/s1600/14052011789.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hi_O7YLqYRrUPjNy2TsmscboL85k2h25HjEPCJqavhs8AeFQNtWMnDRaA5G7mz7uNPwZHriOzZBN5d1XiresqNM86xiDjkJlMMiJIzdtgDjdman3FdTUCv1jMDbqvWu4jfRHdlEn960/s400/14052011789.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610363074089766354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Pastrami, apple, olive and rocket salad with chilli aioli (eaten as a late saturday morning breakfast)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfbd0A3f48t8QUpYsXVZ795lMOwc5lUiWQCuwYOUdkzex8sBrFn099fEhEXbXp-qb0vEfwDXB-AB6Mjp6HxZIgBCZgVz3jpUQc9Iio8pfTacv07vBdYE3MpaqC6ATxqaUXvs9HtCAMro/s1600/08052011787.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfbd0A3f48t8QUpYsXVZ795lMOwc5lUiWQCuwYOUdkzex8sBrFn099fEhEXbXp-qb0vEfwDXB-AB6Mjp6HxZIgBCZgVz3jpUQc9Iio8pfTacv07vBdYE3MpaqC6ATxqaUXvs9HtCAMro/s400/08052011787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610362699170761218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sauteed peppers and collards with roast tomato chicken breast (chicken breast smeared with tomato paste, chilli powder and a little cheese before baking)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Pi9UCRuYK8TMXybJtUXQuIjg_jcXuFy204vuXch0OszkT8WB94-5lvWdYzB35wWLpIbhr_HmJyXszQSiuXu0R3xy5kO0NE-piaqJjIlBEy8iKXGI78ZlitUeEc5QoMAvjNUFlBYD10/s1600/12052011788.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Pi9UCRuYK8TMXybJtUXQuIjg_jcXuFy204vuXch0OszkT8WB94-5lvWdYzB35wWLpIbhr_HmJyXszQSiuXu0R3xy5kO0NE-piaqJjIlBEy8iKXGI78ZlitUeEc5QoMAvjNUFlBYD10/s400/12052011788.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610362690425658130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My current quick meal: ground meat (lamb this time, with za'atar) on a bed of greens. Topped with some grated hard goat cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4157RzEMPX2RtbaAtYUmKtUYjNv_Z-g_Gz15k9I9wWFXLqpR7AhMVXajQ3cKs39Ff-R4Zw9wiKtxVUiBk4UpihF2U0535L5yIhG_8aA1QpvkJaTAZekgIUX_nI-zO8it7OGzORmXp8Q/s1600/14052011790.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8EsD1XJsj383VQilZnSsh9Y8-xMKVjkkSYBJjHEsb3aY9h2pnEb1gSSeyZBKsg7x6CweTgyZ9lf2iSshuIOnkIwAIZUAWcOyjN6lktaeeeicDApSQQyv1hIBrWAB38JsRMmdbArRhOw/s1600/14052011791.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8EsD1XJsj383VQilZnSsh9Y8-xMKVjkkSYBJjHEsb3aY9h2pnEb1gSSeyZBKsg7x6CweTgyZ9lf2iSshuIOnkIwAIZUAWcOyjN6lktaeeeicDApSQQyv1hIBrWAB38JsRMmdbArRhOw/s400/14052011791.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610361863616152946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Pastrami again: this time with romaine lettuce and some onion and pepper scramble and hot sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbSek5C6HtmzG0HB9BFO4e4Hm7dAh7A0qoW__P-H4drDsflTZIn4eS4ONzSRokYeMZd3TkjGRrUuzmtZe_GXlgJU4P7p0CpPhC1FBRzXOAuu4RujskzR_-UB6lX_npFUjmJgQ754N_fA/s1600/19052011792.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbSek5C6HtmzG0HB9BFO4e4Hm7dAh7A0qoW__P-H4drDsflTZIn4eS4ONzSRokYeMZd3TkjGRrUuzmtZe_GXlgJU4P7p0CpPhC1FBRzXOAuu4RujskzR_-UB6lX_npFUjmJgQ754N_fA/s400/19052011792.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610361857414998354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Smoked mackerel, mixed with a little natural yogurt, a heap of romaine, a few roasty potatoes and some grated organic double gloucester cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vl6-kWdIggHmSh4l9Uqu3jYCbNEbYggCGkwYpt6EXAh_5o32zu1512U22U51bMokYKfohaej5xFw0DBniNiASyE0iPAOMueZoveFm4boHxFJAlqXgzjJC5KqUGefB54AqHknZTDcuLI/s1600/20052011793.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vl6-kWdIggHmSh4l9Uqu3jYCbNEbYggCGkwYpt6EXAh_5o32zu1512U22U51bMokYKfohaej5xFw0DBniNiASyE0iPAOMueZoveFm4boHxFJAlqXgzjJC5KqUGefB54AqHknZTDcuLI/s400/20052011793.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610361497205998082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">An unadulterated mackerel fillet and an egg- a fairly typical at home breakfast these days</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFtfFvua96Gy-ulNyJjjtLmoUaD_BRMRtO-7KOUFpDbZOEdYUV-vrM208iYa-PZq2dUTxHiMPTXwBhbvJGlxwKGidv7Gcp1fS9zUtlUlg9PlzpBMLufRNse3ahARRp0lt6m96W84-hr8/s1600/20052011794.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_sYsUW6XH_x0CnYgjORd9OnmKpHXp1ObsV9MJICJVWS8IzsPaf3gLQVN7hsGpLIzSjasszfAQf-87SPSP0WP54DzxTNmdYe3b4LXi-HxhfjV8lnfYyAM1rC21MnWUtBBIXpvjnlR95U/s400/20052011794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610366240430466674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Collards topped with ground pork and pepper chilli</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6IZ-CR6d0MH6bOBf-U5oigq_7ji3P4o-lhvLYdUupX4NDm2ovjgWtbVbYajXpTdzi_QaXsIT-0b5wIS9Xs6eCKDT1ShyphenhyphenNVVG7bsieF8BWx73aYUuwVXr18iod_HPoIvpy3GnTD0_E8I/s1600/21052011795.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6IZ-CR6d0MH6bOBf-U5oigq_7ji3P4o-lhvLYdUupX4NDm2ovjgWtbVbYajXpTdzi_QaXsIT-0b5wIS9Xs6eCKDT1ShyphenhyphenNVVG7bsieF8BWx73aYUuwVXr18iod_HPoIvpy3GnTD0_E8I/s400/21052011795.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610361485834653426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another pastrami and apple salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXp4DViSR8JKGzmorGANHhEOi3p_JRDdctxE1wqbyUeM1bClV03xMaqnNmJLtMTAnOfbn-_X9qNCAfahHiB16R0kDf1USR9LEbbGVE8P3-zCaBxpdmqJ7rsygL9qw7IsCucUUfmYcLk0/s1600/23052011795.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXp4DViSR8JKGzmorGANHhEOi3p_JRDdctxE1wqbyUeM1bClV03xMaqnNmJLtMTAnOfbn-_X9qNCAfahHiB16R0kDf1USR9LEbbGVE8P3-zCaBxpdmqJ7rsygL9qw7IsCucUUfmYcLk0/s400/23052011795.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610361116440805922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More ground meat (beef this time, with onion, peppers and collards and herbs de provence)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeDGsGNH4XJsqNgLbnarmwkNHlTwKYfeZxnhfYGLCslpcNZDft28BIqAQsebW5W1syO1hU8uWCDGkXi2Zs9vZLlf9nONci_EF70ooCeysnUMW7edGu2rRzdGysZyIS470j2wbb0wRacs/s1600/24052011798.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeDGsGNH4XJsqNgLbnarmwkNHlTwKYfeZxnhfYGLCslpcNZDft28BIqAQsebW5W1syO1hU8uWCDGkXi2Zs9vZLlf9nONci_EF70ooCeysnUMW7edGu2rRzdGysZyIS470j2wbb0wRacs/s400/24052011798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610361110070653074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The last of the above ground beef veggies mix, scrambled up with 2 beaten eggs and some grated very mature cheddar yum yum)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div>The best bits of this month's munching have been:</div><div>Apple in my salads</div><div>Paprika coated pastrami</div><div>Za'atar + lamb</div><div>Guilt free but admittedly gluttonous ice-cream consumption...!</div></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-7245958055607065702011-05-05T21:18:00.004+01:002011-05-05T21:58:21.845+01:00Efficient cooking<div>This week I started off by roasting a big butternut squash, 'steamfrying' onion, a couple of red peppers and a massive bunch of collard greens. I then fried some steak pieces and stuck them in the oven covered in tomato passata for an hour, while I baked some salmon fillets spread with tomato paste in foil. The oven was on for about an hour, and I had a couple of meals good to go. I had one of the salmon fillets and some of the veggies for dinner that evening, along with some peeled, boiled and crushed potatoes (mash, but without anything added to the potatoes).</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzPwuOaj2ux5-ZDaYXoNR3a3iMmrfwNAnPo_3r-_2gihdpu7Qg6z7Py2n_mryYKryFmtAcpBODmoKvQ9KQqolcJTpBikkLofz_D5UbSURz7lYV_jG-lCMA8bM6U-y3elxgjlYjEz__Yw/s1600/03052011787.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzPwuOaj2ux5-ZDaYXoNR3a3iMmrfwNAnPo_3r-_2gihdpu7Qg6z7Py2n_mryYKryFmtAcpBODmoKvQ9KQqolcJTpBikkLofz_D5UbSURz7lYV_jG-lCMA8bM6U-y3elxgjlYjEz__Yw/s400/03052011787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603331333312889570" /></a>The next morning I had another salmon fillet for breakfast with the veggies and ate two small helpings with the tomatoey steak pieces and baked butternut for lunch and dinner. One evening, I had this little helping for supper:<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsldBCe_0qF77enOBIpaPFXxJEpf2G_p0R4sjeGyVjmuOU8H9WSn8Eprj7GMzVlYxOmCIcDPYxyrypAwwSGIPld8NDBX9TGpYtiFFT9EbJs4FiUKepAXRVWovqfix_w7c5J6SlLZNigRk/s1600/02052011787.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsldBCe_0qF77enOBIpaPFXxJEpf2G_p0R4sjeGyVjmuOU8H9WSn8Eprj7GMzVlYxOmCIcDPYxyrypAwwSGIPld8NDBX9TGpYtiFFT9EbJs4FiUKepAXRVWovqfix_w7c5J6SlLZNigRk/s400/02052011787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603331321872653026" /></a>Plain yogurt, frozen blueberries, a sprinkling of nuts and seeds and shredded coconut.<div><br /></div><div>Yesterday evening I mixed some ground organic beef with spices and an egg and shaped into little meatballs, which I had with the squash for dinner last night, lunch today with salad, and reheated for an hour in the oven tonight with tomato passata and the last of the squash mashed up and spread on top, like a mini shepherds pie. And this morning I had the last of the collards and peppers in a breakfast scramble. Three days of meals from one hour's oven cooking has meant much short prep time (although without a microwave reheating in the oven takes a while, but with much less active cooking time and even better, less dishes).</div><div><br /></div><div>Before the epic cooking session, I made a broth with leek and carrot and had it on top of chopped up baked chicken thighs.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDmMGrm7JhH1mnrTfRQlPDVTfbLUTGnwarZ0hjlZ7WR2Qm_hHZqEm1t3Hp2x792ERGs-qVCjHSt1dToksDAZ4M0sQwjK56O-bfh-THEEW_FGcvHIfyoX3doLokSWTDg1ykyCFUIwMPmA/s1600/02052011785.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDmMGrm7JhH1mnrTfRQlPDVTfbLUTGnwarZ0hjlZ7WR2Qm_hHZqEm1t3Hp2x792ERGs-qVCjHSt1dToksDAZ4M0sQwjK56O-bfh-THEEW_FGcvHIfyoX3doLokSWTDg1ykyCFUIwMPmA/s400/02052011785.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603331316795584594" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Another bfast scramble: onion, red pepper, 2 eggs, topped with half an avocado and hot sauce.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV2e6z0-iQLC43f5W4I5mqZRca_bdNUjlYW3qL2zpNxJXfMICelhdatij5velfhy_AHAUfp9aRrbcB58rVi4UoujYRuN58PVjYOvptRY6QX0fBuzr6uLOGP0521dnST-LnZ-a3NKZ1e4/s1600/02052011785.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ7csY2-7xj3SE4_PMCcDuWEoNMWgyCx-vD3diDd3l0Qb2SZlz5ZYXSJtFj-lm5EO4ks7XmIIN62VOP-wQ7R8BdedhQFYqSs6ivmV8-seYf4MbvdAcM7xlfGCACTL1NfmojdWhq1OCcc/s1600/02052011784.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ7csY2-7xj3SE4_PMCcDuWEoNMWgyCx-vD3diDd3l0Qb2SZlz5ZYXSJtFj-lm5EO4ks7XmIIN62VOP-wQ7R8BdedhQFYqSs6ivmV8-seYf4MbvdAcM7xlfGCACTL1NfmojdWhq1OCcc/s400/02052011784.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603329825034102914" /></a>It's been another hideously busy week in work, so I was glad I had the foresight to do a little prep on Monday. I must get into the habit more often:)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh, by the way, steamfrying is when I heat up a little oil in a skillet, add the veggies and then add a little hot water from the kettle (very small amount, at most about 1/3 cup).</span></div></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-69193144277148050692011-04-28T20:26:00.005+01:002011-04-28T21:20:39.653+01:00Morning Salads<div style="text-align: left;">I have recovered from my chocolate binge, with a little help from these beauties- morning salads (breakfast doesn't sound right?):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTM1nEr9RDij_JACAgwQKbDKrv8rmQNPPVpiVD3ND4EXEssNf0_hrxmrKwVVttCe-Y1tPeDdbpAS3Rk8erL7XBVFU67nw8Dohd5HZGhlpndNZZqCzLU4Xxzl4FrR59m0nrl44fJMasq4/s400/26042011773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600724615419475778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div>Turkey, walnut, green pepper and apple salad with a delicious drizzle of evoo. Nothing like protein+veggies to keep nasty carb cravings at bay.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnOWmJLb_0QnPzaHuKsl9Fy_1vOXsFXuXhuApJZeMtOC64AQ4iyE3n9CojMtXhGtBr9faEqka2SfT-6Tz2Gaatlt8ZzthRdl5qAxJKGwIwI0-48GgZlfJ5Br7B7AeZJK7QgukzFgsH5Q/s400/26042011774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600724620978056658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Trout, leek and cheddar salad</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqmQafCWf8B6jWmcSqduEynNENpiCWnJX3tnx4WpagZ6p6Pv-nh7725KF901TXK7c4W86lI2sGJXzUPl8TwyQmjPcQIRjh2kdXUDtaO_1GTCBHhtAIPpNeqno7PumXzzdBMu25BWeV9U/s400/25042011771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600724006443453746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Soft boiled egg and walnut salad- super hot sauce to boot, love it in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ3mPVTJIl1AmnheNsk9F-iDkZSFHO0_2K3u8uPBkC3N9mbEdNWWgjXBAj3CQfRM-IM6JRjNcMJ_TjJZEdY_K5LlWRfMeBQQPg7N-QfmIpaRQ27u4ygtcryDAFKfGHPgrJKA_5y5VX-k/s400/23042011770.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600723994273578962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVuuhsLcAVYP1P9A0lzsn7MvaHf6mQCXk8GSKtWVaV83Cgl3AFBSY4mALiz5-5G7nZRiefQdMfqmrOnbB8uA8bna9s523VVd-299fQDXhOA4j-Q51kgb09ueC6XWfrBHELe20r0tAA2M/s400/23042011771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600723999424629042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>And a non salad morning meal of leftover roast beef in spinach 'flatbread' (steamed spinach blended with 2 eggs and herbes de provence and sauteed in coconut oil, then put in the oven)</div><div><br /></div><div>Two fish suppers (in the UK, a fish supper is deep fried fish and chips, yuk);</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpuAdACCc3JeKYFEwpEmYFP0h9C3-nqJzmLQ5anetOii3tchZUlSwoBbdQjj_H_98jLz6q5rzVAHHjuIsTnFEmGrY1jWspQ9qeE3bYWG9T9Lp1VO9Ntu5FMZnlwLa6b6QgYpZGMeTaf0/s400/26042011777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600724626733375602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Trout, tarragon and leeks (put in a foil parcel and baked in the oven for 25 mins), tomato passata, turnip mashed with rehydrated dessicated coconut, thai spice mix, cabbage, leek and smoked paprika.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pc-SQZGTXceeaDsBubHJt2wL3bD8P5ueOt6QkOM1hXGo7xBk7JnRg5KZgm01bCSN9cic-d_YtyrIxT9T2y-vySAP8B-HWSmmBrdclXIsKo1NUM0A458yLeFQdErsVysJfdlTPtJ4mZY/s400/27042011778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600724631283597474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Foil parcel cooked salmon with leek and tarragon, big pile of broccoli and a rooster potato. Mmm, love salmon. I cooked four salmon fillets so there was leftovers enough for the both of us for lunch today.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNhA93anZz7NmAj9VSijLpbHT6Bz9_7KgJTT6KELmWJzIFq1Muz5IUqbzef2qylgOIL8H5kQ5SWU6Ro8sgEg9zwiuF6Bnr2BrTOHPpWgW1QMkokSH-vufH_wQmF2-MNxt5peZzX6fuXw/s400/27042011779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600724634111940514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Evening treat- tablespoon of coconut cream (like super thick coconut milk) blended with a teaspoon of cocoa and a cup of hot water. 'Paleo' cocoa!</div><div><br /></div><div>And a supper salad:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-bzlQ_kZO1ue9YDbCKftMf9l77hjS76XaUH8BcGtwwGGl0LzxShSVjLOiylG9DVmAI6UxsjA7MxoNRhW4pT1_sWwanWcapC2yS03L6B5Hrj0g9InsS_g-twZwC4cyN7c6gJppkLq-JQ/s400/28042011779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600724750150751730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Chicken thigh fillets, orange, a little splodge of hummus (first bit in *months*), salad leaves (and a few carrot sticks)</div><div>The other two chicken thigh fillets will be brunch tomorrow with an avocado and an orange, I'm planning on one decent sized mid morning meal rather than breakfast and lunch to get myself really hungry for a big feast tomorrow night- I'm going away for the weekend with my family! So excited:)</div><div><br /></div><div>Then my strict paleo challenge starts- in May I'll be completely cutting sugar (for me this will really mean no chocolate and ice-cream, as they're the only things I currently eat with sugar in 'em), salt, alcohol, dairy, grains and legumes. Grains and legumes won't be a challenge, at the moment I eat something with grain and pulses maybe once a month. I suppose the only real change I'll see there is making up my own hot sauce as the current one contains corn starch. Dairy might be tough, I currently eat yogurt and cheese a few times of week, but I intend to sub with coconut and avocado when I want something creamy. At the moment I'm looking forward to the month ahead as much as the weekend, but I'm sure there will be hard parts! Still, I need to break my attachment to the last unhealthy bits of my diet, with the intention of continuing to enjoy them in the future, but less frequently.</div></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-45175494513060592972011-04-25T10:33:00.005+01:002011-04-25T10:58:29.109+01:00Whole30?<div style="text-align: left;">What an earth would make me want to inflict a month of strict paleo on myself?</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYLVYiG6v_VnICyyS5-FRBRqvQwPP3qkKxSIg5ZBqGkrZIw2vjjYCU8hPHZnLRIrVCgKYv56QT-D59yZycUQODMuMsy13hZg8bt03wmlwgJIrAI3Wm4jqhMAi888Bic7be0xdxQMJD6k/s400/04042010718.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599456963849138498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Possibly eating one of those in one day, right? (last year's pic, I ate this year's bunny before I had a chance to snap him..)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74HvnDmNyZqe4R3bgllGmRXuYqhI2sZnLLY9m1shij5FoGvWMxhubilHTUFl2kYQW1PeeCot5EAs2vj2HyPvtujUn-QzM_e-f6HRs-N8MVBHAfRb26yW6WhCBD9ZQWCstxoOXoZicdc0/s400/10022011621.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599457690555344386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Really ever since the 10k two weeks ago, my 'treats' have gotten a little out of control, with ice-cream or chocolate almost every day. I'm going away next weekend, so strict paleo (no sugar, dairy etc) would be tricky. For that reason, I won't be doing anything drastic until 2nd May. I need a wee bit of a recalibration but I haven't decided yet how far this is going to go. Certainly it will mean no grains, legumes, no sugar, no alcohol, no chocolate, and while my dairy consumption has been going down since earlier in the year, I'm not sure yet how much I'm going to restrict it. If I cut it completely for a month, then I'll be doing Whole30. However, I'm clinging on to cheese at the moment. It is only 30 days though, it's not like I'd suffer that much, there are people out there with a lot more pressing concerns. So, I will think about it a few days and then blog next sunday about what I'm going to be giving up food wise.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I did see on the Whole9 site that I loved and thought I need to do, is the 30 day no TV challenge. I waste way too much time watching TV in the evenings, and May is such a nice month here, so I'm going to forego TV, cut way back on my internet time and spend the month of evenings outside reading in the park, getting to bed at a more reasonable hour, and keeping on top of the housework during the week. It probably means I won't be blogging much, but I will check in on my favourite blogs and sites (Bodyrock of course) and do essential stuff (online banking), restricting my total online time to no more than half an hour a day. I'm going to keep an offline diary and will blog the 'highlights' when the month is up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love challenging myself- I need to feel like I'm improving myself. And I just started to feel a bit uncomfortable with the amount of time I was wasting and the amount of sugar I'm eating again- I felt so horrible after eating that entire bunny over the course of the day. I think this coming month is going to have its tough moments, but I've chosen a pretty easy time of year to do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you like challenging yourself and making lots of resolutions? Do you periodically go 'cold turkey' on certain things?</div><div>Or do you prefer to implement changes gradually?</div></div><div>Should I do Whole30 properly or be a bit less strict with dairy (i.e., yogurt and cheese twice a week at most or something similar)?</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-12868957843688330742011-04-23T16:16:00.002+01:002011-04-23T17:44:19.393+01:00How I Overcame IBSFinding a way to manage IBS was actually the reason I started this blog. And over the last few months I've more or less got there. I know there are a lot of people our there who struggle terribly with IBS, so I thought I'd just put it out there what has worked for me, but will just say now that the main thing that worked for me was experimenting, and that what I found that worked mightn't necessarily work for you, but it might be worth trying. Only you can decide that.<div><br /><div>The Golden Three</div><div><br /></div><div>1. First and foremost- get your stress levels sorted. Last year, I didn't really think emotions and stress were involved in my IBS, when any doctor suggested it, I was offended, thinking he/she was suggesting I was a bit flaky, or that it was all in my mind, and I was just making a fus. But I've come to terms with the fact I'm a sensitive soul, and stress does affect my guts. So in the last few months I've made a really conscious effort to get less stressed at work, I don't succeed all the time, but it's a lot better and I'm sure it's made as big a difference as the dietary changes.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Don't overeat- especially things like breakfast cereals, chocolate, nut butter, trail mix, or anything beany, like hummus. These foods are often 'moreish' but aren't very nutrient dense, but fairly high in fat and/or carbs and refined at that. If you can't go easy on them, keep them out of the house. For me, the foods I could eat until the cows come home were ice-cream and breakfast cereals. I completely avoid breakfast cereals, and don't even eat sugar free muesli these days, but I do have ice-cream. I avoid overeating it by only buying it by the portion rather than by the pint (or more). Although I adore chocolate, I find it quite easy to limit myself. Instead, have plenty of fruit, vegetables and lean protein- these foods are hard to overeat, you simply get too full. Oh, and don't undereat- it'll probably make you overeat later on anyway, and you're depriving yourself of important vitamins and minerals.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Eat slowly. Slow waaay down and chew thoroughly. Nothing is as guaranteed to cause me major discomfort as a rushed meal. If you don't have time to eat slowly, you might need to look at squeezing other constraints on your time instead, because while a skipped meal isn't the end of the world, making time for proper meals will save you so much grief because your IBS will improve drastically. Eat slowly is not just good because your digestive system has less breaking down to do, slower eating also means your stomach has time to tell your head it's full, so you're less likely to overeat as well, which only makes it worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now for the finer points, and the stuff that mightn't necessarily work for you:</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a good look at the type of carbs you eat- I think this holds the answer to a lot of IBS issues. Personally, I found the idea of cutting out large groups of these sorts of foods too daunting, and it was only really in the last few months that I started to implement all the stuff I'd read about <a href="http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/">SCD</a>, paleo diet and <a href="http://shepherdworks.com.au/disease-information/low-fodmap-diet">FODMAP</a> diet, even though I'd known about them for nearly a year. It's so worth it- my symptoms are non existent when I'm strict and the little bit on inconvenience and expense is worth it to rid yourself of the bloat, discomfort, gas, constipation and/or diarrhoea. I think these diets are all fairly similar, although I now follow a paleo/primal diet, most of what I eat conforms to the SCD and low FODMAP diet too. I believe we all eat too much sugar, even natural sugar, and far too much starch from grains, and everyone, not just IBS sufferers, should go easy on starchy things. Going primal/paleo is basically the dietary solution I found that keeps me IBS free, but it's not for everyone- it's very reliant on animal protein (basically half animal protein, half plants). That said, I think if you're serious about getting your IBS under control, you need to take low FODMAP/SCD seriously. Cutting out grains, pulses and sugar and uncultured dairy worked for me, but you *will* need to experiment with these things. Even if this all sounds just a bit too much- here's a list of things you should try eliminating (one at a time) for a while to see if it helps- pulses, sugar, grains, dairy.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a related vein, make sure you're not eating too many harsh fibres. The human gut can handle a fair bit of the stuff, but we don't have the guts of herbivores, so go easy. That doesn't mean you can't be vegetarian and IBS free. Just make sure you're not eating massive salads followed up with a couple of apples and lots of rye bread. I'd also suggest giving a low fibre diet a try for a short while (a month or two) and eating very plainly- mashed potato, cooked oats, skinned apples and pears (gently cooked would be even better), banana, yogurt if you can handle dairy, white rice and very little in the way of high fat foods, pulses, fibrous vegetables or whole grains. It's good way to give your gut a rest. I'm not saying it's a healthy diet, but it's only a temporary 'holiday' for your gut. If you get really constipated, try some ground linseeds, and if that doesn't work, then just start adding fibre back very slowly. I did this under the supervision of a dietician last autumn and it made a huge difference, although at the beginning I was really against it because it seemed so low in fibre and vitamins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Avoid fried foods- I think trans fat is seriously bad, but it's also really harsh on your guts. Give it up completely- there are always better choices when eating out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Better still, ditch processed food altogether. Clear your cupboards/larder or manufactured factory foods and keep plenty of whole foods instead. These type of foods require you to chew them more and they're very hard to overeat, they have far higher amounts of vitamin and minerals and you won't be hungry an hour later.</div><div><br /></div><div>What my diet looks like:</div><div>I now eat mostly animal protein (meat, fish eggs), vegetables (either raw or lightly cooked), nuts, seeds, some fruit and fermented dairy. I avoid pulses, grains and most added sugar (I eat 85%+ dark chocolate and ice-cream once or twice a week and honey even less frequently). I eat yogurt, fresh goat's and hard cheese but don't drink milk. I do have a weakness for ice-cream, so treat myself once a week, but it does make me bloated. I'm working on this one- I want to get into the way of making my own frozen yogurt or coconut milk ice-cream.</div><div> </div><div>Breakfast is usually eggs or leftover meat from dinner and some salad leaves, or maybe a spinach and pepper omelette. When I want something lighter I have fruit salad (mostly berries) and some plain yogurt.</div><div>I snack mostly on nuts- walnuts and almonds or the odd bit of fruit, but not everyday.</div><div>Lunch is a big salad- leaves, grated carrot, pepper, cucumber etc and some sort of protein, usually salmon, hard boiled eggs or cold roast chicken. Dressed with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.</div><div>Dinner almost always has cooked greens (collards, kale, broccoli or cabbage, that sort of thing) and some meat or fish or something like a prawn coconut curry with kale instead of rice. Every now and again I have something a bit starchier, like some mashed turnip or potato/sweet potato in the skin. A lot of primal/paleo/crossfit/bodyrock people have these sort of starches after a workout, and although I usually have these foods on a day I've worked out hard, I don't have them after every hard work out, and my recovery is always fine.</div><div>I used to have dessert every.single.evening but that's less frequent now. I might have some frozen berries, a little yogurt, maybe some cocoa powder on it and for a treat, a square of dark chocolate (once or twice a week).</div><div><br /></div><div>To give you an idea of where I've come from, a typical day's food in my IBS days was more like:</div><div>porridge with berries or muesli and soya milk for breakfast, snack of cereal bar, apple or banana, hummus and salad sandwich for lunch, chickpea curry with brown rice for dinner, chocolate soya pudding or fruit crumble for dessert. All pretty 'healthy' food, but really uncomfortable for my gut.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope somewhere in this jungle of words there are a few things that will help. In summary I'd say: eat more mindfully, try to overcome comfort eating, sort out your stress levels, and try eliminating pulses, grains, sugar and dairy to see if that helps.</div><div>Best of luck!</div></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-21224351480770602462011-04-23T11:54:00.006+01:002011-04-23T13:12:08.626+01:00Busy enjoying spring<div style="text-align: left;">At least that's my excuse for not posting for two weeks!</div><div>Last time, I was just about to do my first 10k, which was an absolute scorcher of a day. I did the race in 51:29 which I was pretty pleased with in that heat. We have no photos, sorry!</div><div><br /></div><div>This week has been a bit crazy food wise, too much ice-cream and chocolate! I have had some tasty, healthy food in between.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pre race dinner:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzojAKgqG2qENA5FE-XMscsFtY_XKfcTkHfoxX1SPsGF83_NdeklrqTfDMBpWZSZwVHjpOQE710bTsRs_BI_dR61HycdVB4UOXRYGE1LR9RahRcESGkjch0xO2RNDsFukcYmybm89Ea6E/s400/09042011760.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598744424493079426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Salmon, kale, potatoes</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwGL76PezNygdZIUv6T6G8Sc0y_HfU247DeMb3SS60xJlMK4SnagR3SYOm1e5PG6wsaRHWeQbshBgLAayT-bXCBG5i6lvd3O01Twllbl4F07H0tq3L1RRVoBfFddSiMdK1FoqZwugdKg/s400/09042011761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598744733639427730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Italian desserts made by our friends and sold at the farmer's market (flourless chocolate and rum for me, blueberry olive oil cake for him, plain yogurt)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJvRaf9QOQIexq_Nw0P2ilUSwW21_eQHCJmat1wVGnx0F9Vr4jhom7CXevvZjZSf8pf95dU75p7AZOR5TCgxG8S6hnsQU-6aZ-zGT2gEJV3mwlEBvWdeYdLuZJ7wSFNwYwZEN95Ai-SQ/s400/10042011761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598744736577895650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Pre race brunch- organic sausages, leftover potatoes and kale</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGJ4UtHXxrMF19LpT0YhHdCUeDd4NeKMc43qoB7joPlUUPXXp0TF8A-KIr4Z3f526s71qHMSKCp5_VYnIl6Mx8_6Fba8OHTrZEI6ttm32Qaz6suyKzRG-cuQkRHg2hPVNlqbt59OEeFU/s400/10042011762.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598744734363576450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Dinner- organic ham hock soup</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-lNtSIP3jNwNuOAGH58jQ868E4Tr5EwzvWmibMhybnXsQ5fgJfFMt_n6THKVjN1HqqrjRPkvfRHPS2QYIftfAZwaez94HX24eQm8-zdTghfjvCwWKdj2e9xyDRYcalMYbMIXB2Bm8_k/s400/12042011762.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598747424471446914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Roast lemony chicken, turnip mashed with kale and some coconut milk</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouJjmKMdf9uxEd-vRqGsSmsuMM_iUPkJfruC9qDsAdY0I-RO1cqUII8GnioctF0N_G_PgQyPcsdyRPBO7iVpmb4kfJzhGx84OMQs7TptjANPQlswyzQxqUEXa0ersFa0JbE_6Pq_qHYE/s400/14042011763.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598747427469906178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Salmon and parsley en papillotte with roasty potatoes and steamed cabbage</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6pecm9GUlPOoNDEoKNk9NeMSsYou9mlyc4wsKxE2z9kVzRjAG2SvN6P1Q-omHwBKu1AcsnhJd_blkWqUM7OyNdnKeuFkgY-6KlrlVG7HEQzU9i1PElJ4M3uPt__bki5K3lVQcuqVzu0/s400/18042011764.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598747432739668258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Goat cheese duck egg omelette with roast broccoli</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqrd534EYXiHoNSeQEQUCgzjtpg85Vqn5sgeI9sKw4rdGxaberkXVPqv1JKIRVi6ttft_CwmN-qzIkHQP93p7f4qcX5eRPuFTPdlnhZydr9PSX2EJNCOSHfGa_tTPFO4Hkkh1wyYr9gM/s400/21042011768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598747653007105986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Homemade organic garlicky herby lamb burgers with collards in balsamic and soy sauce, lots of yummy black olives</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpBCe1U866zyk-pCDCxqQOc0qWN0yku-GOp8hgm4j8Yk_760vZCFSlytUkK44SRS-IrqWpkSuGVxWR-XcvbvkZNoIeNJ5mmhMAI9Peg6NTcDq9_ONSFz8rVz472hr0gvVp4SC5tsvCaY/s400/19042011767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598747437397663250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Organic rump steak, onion and collard stirfry with the same balsamic+soy sauce combo</div><div><br /></div><div>We have had lovely weather here, really very warm, like a summer's day in mainland Europe! Speaking of mainland Europe, we've organised our holiday, we're going to Andalucia in Spain for 11 days, but not until early September. Anyway, something to look forward to, and the weather's great here at the moment.</div><div>As well as walking, I've been doing lots of bodyrock, and this week I managed my first ever regular chin up! So happy:)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be back later this weekend with a post about IBS and how I got around mine.</div><div>I'm away out for a walk in the sun!</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-11921232701366112222011-04-09T13:13:00.005+01:002011-04-09T16:09:52.868+01:00Summer is here<div style="text-align: left;">We are having our summer here in Northern Ireland! Last year, April was lovely too (although more towards the end of the month). I took yesterday afternoon off work, and spent the entire afternoon out walking along the Lagan river valley. I detoured to pick up our race packs for sunday and to get a wee bit of coconut ice-cream, yum. It's about 20C/68F here from about 11am, so I went out in my running skirt and light technical shirt. Hopefully it will last a good few weeks, although our 'summer' is usually over by July, when the rain comes back!</div><div>Today, after an early <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/04/08/if-you-really-want-more-workout/">bodyrock sess</a>, a quick crab cake breakfast:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AmNreLUiVZehhgSeq6lfJvAUfJ_R8ALyvCICgRNemXVbcGFS4oWKjocUHfp-HpV6MgdZ9X6Mfn2vDABtVtdHpCo-XYTlvbiqvQcgjtkhP_BQFZqmGaabfmRVG4YlsOBfOcuzMam7BxQ/s400/09042011753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593597299615493314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>(tinned crab, an egg, a garlic clove, hot sauce, blitzed and sauteed, osmanthus tea on the side) and feeding our friends' cats (we're keeping an eye on them while they're away for birthday celebrations) we walked into town for the farmer's market, and a bought a beautiful bottle of newly harvested olive oil from Foggia in Italy, the guy told me the olives were still on the tree 8 weeks ago! It's grassy, herby and peppery but not a hint of bitterness (which is what normally makes me avoid grassy olive oils). It's far too good for cooking, but it's going to transform my salads and will make a lovely simple dressing for lightly steamed greens.</div><div>I also got some other treats, our friends make Italian desserts so we got a slice each- blueberry olive oil cake for the Mr, flourless chocolate run cake for me.</div><div>I also got some salmon fillets for tonight's dinner, a beautiful big bunch of flat leaf parsley,</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL18e5HYuy5kjJ-5-WE7o6lAjeS4MaVi32CD023sz4Y0r4CN3kdxpokCpNtdqzm8ITfPSN00xOrxP2yLmFQpBKXpJSr1jaiv9XfLSk5ycUfCVMJWjfSLojUJIoNHijpAMY7UfQk9bSbeU/s400/09042011758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593596370256171650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>duck eggs, chicken eggs and a meat deal from a rare breeds farm called Pheasant's Hill Farm out in Comber, Co. Down. They breed Dexters, little tiny cattle. I got a ham hock, dexter steak pieces, mince (ground beef) and natural Tamworth pork sausages all for £10. Let's not forget the veggies, I got a January King cabbage and a big bag of curly kale.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weekday meals:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS5ZuLqVcd3yINoUUDHDuS5ekdiwVrqFp6NnxnwpgSlUsTyvIg42-TCxhOnCj6h6-Vjqkt6wa69HbrYRz89ieSbq24TqTYoArYytB80PK_pq49m8OBcYXcmqrP-bWvNJMwZeY0CluBCA/s400/05042011748.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593596861220507714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kale, bell pepper and quorn in passata with some pesto and olives</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyculvNXZgH8TFhLz6eQdAcPRGAN4olwHDUW35NSE2HAPkYqLmX08tfYlgIhcnSirzB4G1dg8mY5USUtyZgRRRyskbCm0emwI3xHMAW6YH1gAGDs0ohk4tTV-NaWtelFNsAu8OqoauSo4/s400/06042011749.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593596868511679570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roast chicken breast on the bone with lots of herbs de provence, sweet potato, onion, carrot and steamed broccoli</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1K0y2pxYNuEKpwkMAzcc1cJg4LhyphenhyphenAJehkWWNyIRurMCJNhGBGwsajxvimv8fgwCt-aQZ4n9l00KRsB6EnxkFy9OZRPLTJfCPUmsr65W1oZAg3dHDTKWJIkuTBBW4gh9Ct2kG3pPkeXz4/s400/05042011747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593596373672914210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Salmon, egg and goat cheese salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkMJqSY0Er6g2KC0eZq_Z-Ui6kefoWufZXzJv1Rpnh2nXC_4kupoykZLwgP8_H-Szn7x9bY3xAITYWhuB_djy8hk6PxmGWihwFWBiLLIMPWN2xbi26PKkYuHimgZ2vPwlq_a4LO8OZqI/s400/08042011753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593597295358698082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roast chicken salad (I got four meals out of the one roasting pot)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw8Z18QAxW6Q1PqGxQT3Sx3pvw9A4gvqFOJ_L_-GJ7gmRqvp8QG-Lt9pwmMaW4M4QN-JUIhAjPzI47bek68qWQr68jqjSBz-eKxBzwMRLcR5hVlNHP6OnKfzfaDOcaqwf8Y06ODfbJY0/s400/05042011749.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593596866427525186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fage yogurt with heated up raspberries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZa6LR7bW8vUOpVHTYD2fx7vpg5G0FMbJocGWRIkyuGs5yebjyvMIwAgOH8v8IwQ7CaRTQr-jj7N5qWfrzGuBx5QNKV-FPCZqlvU4j4cixSrxouM3aNiyk1Il__zOxs2pSkI9XSl77g0/s400/09042011754.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593596366363156434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today's lunch: mushroom, spinach and quorn-slices-that-needed-used-up three egg omelette. With oregano, fresh parsley, a little goat cheese and some leftover tomato passata.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePfRZvUWzGXqpHYvn-R5V4G5rp76TIMkI3rOtPVMFpzQxpKLCd33cNyk-77Ld0zUVi2t5p9MXTXs__bbhpAgqErrO2S0iMj97J_yaBq7NRJMxP0ZW5ZW4tftp96PI4FbLYDXXC6LdPOg/s400/09042011756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593596361684614226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>It was a pretty huge (and messy once folded over) dish, just want I needed after yesterday's 12 mile walk and before tomorrow's race.</div><div>Today we are taking it easy before the race, in fact MrPeskyRunner is a big horse racing fan so we're going to be watching the Grand National. Then it's off to pick up a few groceries (read: carbs and Quorn for Mr, and a few householdy things) and a nice stroll in the sun to wake up an appetite for tonight's salmon and dessert.</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-52707027662162616782011-04-05T10:16:00.005+01:002011-04-05T10:58:43.329+01:00My ever evolving diet and workout routine...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjKU16-DblYFXf1T6wo-rS1vLZhVQJyCX6ci4RzkcV6OU3GG4aEgAfLyF8SPNzqXS_yKsLGmbi9wCfnv-P0rnnoMpyGeNZnf09HST24nTPLe9exway9AGBZ6xizUbo_UabIwNrr7jJqs/s1600/05042011746.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tXUV0FRDMhF-BYu5tSG1PdtDAC4iNf_X4teSdhtrcwVzQ1wavW5hjW1kiHvtN5FooPfPPiFZYaPDUQIKpxEI_5J-rYRUS5mqSItjodhYCENRd9am40VOujMekPlxMQJyQWq9vkMOFeQ/s1600/04042011746.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xj38NFkLO6xwp2YaGoW8gYlELAiFRoP8k6xk1di8cYMnNmb83EdR3nzZioht_M7YT7uIoOee1c34qlGUtUbhofBq_A8CgZa2BY-xPZmxSybwYmQk0d6arWqD2ZcKcDWvkRuDhdSzY2M/s1600/04042011745.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgve5v-MguhHhiQIcV_O9aMkW6TdSIev1OQEc2GdfU9_uK1StP49WyiFK8bTOB8L2eYsQ-ha8XYIO1NtvHDLPUIymSZ6Smc2JI6zX961boBEKuLsbqwTdFvJfiPpjuCl8Fbc4PfqQi3AeY/s1600/04042011744.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ4yZVMRth7bJW2YjqLdYw5JVVD2O7VGxlenLRDd1MLMYHR9hhcJ9ugP4SLNeNxHrEnVNwD2TuEsiie4eIO3t3fy6dRtA_CoyLjU_Sj974yjfrUCFyq07rGM9nWVv0LqPvQG8J213dAE/s1600/03042011743.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFbZnD41UidUI2C8UId8NLkHRm-2QDIA_EqKs912gxz04pAjulYg0QRYtfz4eVfutlLSuDarL1fZ591tbeotYRd1WcoyMXC0TPx8OCNqMfLZnaZEGJvsJE4KcWJic_anaS7RapKvOdYI/s1600/03042011742.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdvHbG74yUKVAqtWGGDfajYFon93gGd5qrMCRI65Iw0R-Jo7Xy6gqVbBxlym5c_MlyY6spS7u_C7yC3HF1CCoetxctEixjV5ClVbiD8ZoqRZ6DRPMrr3E1z7pXrH_bkJyIbe_x1YQGDQ/s1600/02042011742.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IiUxJQdECyhxH-HUpYGOcOrfkfApaaQaSd8EmmTbOBahnabMkoviVsiuhtgpwlc2OEAPgkU5K7Twz-Tz7da02aB3jzKPZoSQGgewH-itrRIvOxXgoXCSdnPF5cpm_znu0mDR3F9rUEQ/s1600/02042011741.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: left;">Health update and diet experimenting:</div><div style="text-align: left;">I started this blog to document my commitment to getting my health on track at the start of 2010. I had hormonal issues, IBS, dry, prone to breakout skin, poor circulation and stubborn fat around my butt and legs. I thought a vegan diet and running would be the answer, so I blogged about my commitment to this new way of life. About 8 months into this experiment, my health wasn't much better (I'd lost over 7lb though), and in fact, got worse, and I had to spend a few days in hospital because of pancreatitis. Since then, I've been experimenting. I went to see a dietician, and cut down big time of whole grain foods and pulses, and that helped the IBS for the most part, but I still had dry skin and amenorrhea. In January this year, I added yogurt, eggs and fish back and since then I've been reading a lot about paleo/primal diets and have been gradually aligning my diet along these lines. The thing is, apart from a spell of about a year when I was 19/20, I haven't eaten meat since I was 12. And meat is a big part of the primal/paleo diet...and when you give up rice, bread, wheat etc you need something to fill you up besides lots of veggies...<i>and</i> there's kind of only so much fish and eggs you can eat. So I'm toying with the idea of adding some organic meat in once a week, to mix things up and to up my iron intake, because despite eating brassicas every day, my intake is a little below the RDA and I had low serum ferritin diagnosed a few months back and refused to take the iron tablets. I still have amenorrhea and dry, pale skin so maybe a little iron boost might help. This is all still part of the experimenting to find something that works for me. I will say though that the most amazing transformation in my energy levels has been ditching sugar and grains. I have held on to things like brown rice and the occasional slice of bread but I haven't eaten any grain based foods for 2 weeks now and I now seem to be free of the post prandial bloat and discomfort I would get. I'm still a little constipated but I think that's because I need to ramp up my greens intake some more, but I've been doing this gradually because of my intolerance of some types of fibre. In fact, I eat more vegetables since I started eating eggs and fish than I did when I was vegan! I've also put weight back on on the scales (I'm now 125 lbs) but I'm two inches smaller around the butt than I was when I weiged 117lb!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Here are some of my recent meals:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSVG6C0k3Gd5A34yDE5dE1vXIysuJcL3Wp1y_Ymhopb0vfY8GN8j0y6sC-9G31jYBAWOj7Umuj4_bd24Tm5Yvu-yrxvr6XspDq4pGEIrNTWuG2cESqhLsQy0FuhXHdwhWVI6hDalvDDQ/s400/01042011736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592031487675256002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Still eating yogurt most days: berries and quark for breakfast</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT34RXSGPfa8nqpcolE6OUk16ng5MLKavWcsSIPyr2cbV-uFEhqiCRB-TvRcMHTfGRpGh8zQQNErnh9uIVMZoNovJbJ92ZdHsrCPPbcmzrKwtyTou0iVoDRKjsP2894yslG8f2YXYnuJk/s400/01042011737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592031491610999922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Quorn pieces chilli with lots of bell peppers, topped with plain organic yogurt</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp6Y3PX473_IA-PQ-tOdir6HUFfctqOoSoAdz_UeXeOWd8HoaiO6tABfYo660Tjlu7qpnl1jD1erXsARhh0fl76v0yRUq7rpr6HNE0F9QS2bUGJBZRFnDeIUEzVeruX-93ZWM5Cy7itg/s400/01042011738.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592031496939263666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Experimenting with protein powder: unflavoured whey, cocoa, peanut butter and plain yogurt, I ate some straight up, but the PB made it sickeningly rich, so I baked the rest for 20 mins and it was easier to eat:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GAvY-B5qGal4oWX92HCinQgrvDfoNCkPxLFtTWU46lSzV6iZ_Va8EF3gG1HW_cZiD2nYPEb9P-TYyzawBEOX35mQ_lEUARz79lXZ4PljHUsgAQBCegfSqBpJM_WPM83FIJakzIWvkBs/s400/01042011739.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592031494678132290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Voila- chocolate PB protein cake. I actually find the unflavoured whey quite sweet.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5xtKnjm_Avg0rms4kMXRx1F5Lm-gQETB0HjQ0OjirNexGEv2DBmkAM3hcPHOVGv3-w2WOEDMMeWomU7PNEf8QEuBwM-2NR5ZNVawIqXBhZl8M99TW8vXeAKCEiTdXk5QP028r0BCBH0/s400/02042011739.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592031497975288162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>After saturday's run, I breakfasted on a berry, banana and protein shake (just using water) and it was pretty good- not too sweet, thick and really voluminous! Half a banana, half a cup of berries, 30g scoop of powder and a cup of water made 3 cups of shake (that's only 2/3 of the batch in that glass)!</div><div>I had the shake because the rest of the week breakfast was usually eggs or fish: lovely but you do need to switch it up a bit.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IiUxJQdECyhxH-HUpYGOcOrfkfApaaQaSd8EmmTbOBahnabMkoviVsiuhtgpwlc2OEAPgkU5K7Twz-Tz7da02aB3jzKPZoSQGgewH-itrRIvOxXgoXCSdnPF5cpm_znu0mDR3F9rUEQ/s400/02042011741.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592033112641984242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Saturday lunch: panfried salmon, pesto and 1/2 a cabbage each(!)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdvHbG74yUKVAqtWGGDfajYFon93gGd5qrMCRI65Iw0R-Jo7Xy6gqVbBxlym5c_MlyY6spS7u_C7yC3HF1CCoetxctEixjV5ClVbiD8ZoqRZ6DRPMrr3E1z7pXrH_bkJyIbe_x1YQGDQ/s400/02042011742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592033113509798322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>So good, the salmon was a beautiful colour</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFbZnD41UidUI2C8UId8NLkHRm-2QDIA_EqKs912gxz04pAjulYg0QRYtfz4eVfutlLSuDarL1fZ591tbeotYRd1WcoyMXC0TPx8OCNqMfLZnaZEGJvsJE4KcWJic_anaS7RapKvOdYI/s400/03042011742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592033121328593058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>For Mother' Day lunch, I made a provencale prawn stew (red onion, garlic, orange pepper, mushrooms, collards, smoked paprika, herbs de provence, tomato passata, lots of parsley and lemon juice) and fried some organic lamb steaks my Dad got half price. The prawns were a gift from one of my Dad's patients who is a fisherman. I cooked rice for my family too. I had half of one of the steaks, my </div><div>first taste of meat in four years(!) </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ4yZVMRth7bJW2YjqLdYw5JVVD2O7VGxlenLRDd1MLMYHR9hhcJ9ugP4SLNeNxHrEnVNwD2TuEsiie4eIO3t3fy6dRtA_CoyLjU_Sj974yjfrUCFyq07rGM9nWVv0LqPvQG8J213dAE/s400/03042011743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592033122585299346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>The stew is a bit like paella without the rice.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgve5v-MguhHhiQIcV_O9aMkW6TdSIev1OQEc2GdfU9_uK1StP49WyiFK8bTOB8L2eYsQ-ha8XYIO1NtvHDLPUIymSZ6Smc2JI6zX961boBEKuLsbqwTdFvJfiPpjuCl8Fbc4PfqQi3AeY/s400/04042011744.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592033122657188322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Last night's dinner: veg omelette (an onion, 1/2 red cabbage, a huuuge courgette, 2 carrots, 6 eggs, smoked paprika and some mature goat's cheese), topped with super hot hot sauce and Quorn sausage.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xj38NFkLO6xwp2YaGoW8gYlELAiFRoP8k6xk1di8cYMnNmb83EdR3nzZioht_M7YT7uIoOee1c34qlGUtUbhofBq_A8CgZa2BY-xPZmxSybwYmQk0d6arWqD2ZcKcDWvkRuDhdSzY2M/s400/04042011745.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592034600652440338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tXUV0FRDMhF-BYu5tSG1PdtDAC4iNf_X4teSdhtrcwVzQ1wavW5hjW1kiHvtN5FooPfPPiFZYaPDUQIKpxEI_5J-rYRUS5mqSItjodhYCENRd9am40VOujMekPlxMQJyQWq9vkMOFeQ/s400/04042011746.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592034607334898882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>Monday evening treat: glass of red wine and two squares of dark hazelnutty chocolate (plus some new paleo/primal reading).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjKU16-DblYFXf1T6wo-rS1vLZhVQJyCX6ci4RzkcV6OU3GG4aEgAfLyF8SPNzqXS_yKsLGmbi9wCfnv-P0rnnoMpyGeNZnf09HST24nTPLe9exway9AGBZ6xizUbo_UabIwNrr7jJqs/s400/05042011746.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592034608648626722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Today's breakfast: canteloupe melon, yogurt, half a tin of salmon.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the workout front:</div><div>I'm still a little jaded with running, but I did take MrPeskyRunner out on saturday morning for an easy prebreakfast 5k. He really struggles to have energy without a big dose of carbs so he found this tough but didn't feel too bad after it was over.</div><div>On sunday I went for a walk with my sister, and we did 10mins of on/off 30 sec hard running/walking near the end.</div><div>Other than that, I have been following <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/">Bodyrock</a>, usually a day or two behind the schedule as I usually rest on mondays. I've been doing some weight lifting as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm off work today to go to the opticians and MrPeskyRunner is having dental work done (nothing serious). We're going to go for a nice long walk in the afternoon and then do a bodyrock workout. I did the Abs for Christmas this morning, ouch, lots of squats, but other than that, probably the 'easiest' bodyrock I've done so far (I don't know if you can really use 'easy' and 'bodyrock' in one sentence, haha). In any case, I'm up for yesterday's workout later this afternoon.</div><div>That's all for now, folks!</div><div><br /></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-42993845558376825982011-03-31T21:27:00.005+01:002011-03-31T21:54:12.920+01:00Helloo Vitality<div style="text-align: left;">I can't say for certain what it is, but I feel fantastic the last few days. Some of the possible contributing factors:</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbowtOLBFO2-zk9rNBGSDT2lTr4GrZdIB6QO7DgDGfnax0K0K7nUiLgU4C9xl9foKLbsfB8sEcbiLPObWQB5FjsGgaWLBo3OwpsuCmibs7xxx3fX2yfzq8IzzstQR1yKugbrLFLY6HG38/s400/31032011735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590345880614510002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Setting up a <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/standing-at-work/">standing workstation </a>(instead of sitting at work)</div><div><br /></div><div>Doing <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-grok-hang/">dead hangs</a>, deep squats and <a href="http://www.mobilitywod.com/2010/08/dont-go-in-pain-cave.html">couch stretches</a> (hip flexor) after work</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/03/29/hot-warrior-workout-2/">Bodyrock</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not running</div><div><br /></div><div>Paleo diet (although I'm doing a pescetarian version with a little dairy still everyday)</div><div><br /></div><div>My cravings seem to be melting away! The first day I was a bit hungry, especially in the afternoon, but my hunger seems much more normal now. I don't crave sugar/dessert after my dinner, I don't stuff breakfast into me if I wake up ravenous, but take time to drink some warm water, and then dabble in the fridge, and just eat to sate me. I started this month giving up refined sugar, and I got hooked- now I've taken it a step further, and I'm committing to a sugar *and* grain free diet for now- I think perhaps going grain free seems a bit radical but my tummy has been so well behaved this week, not a whisper of bloat, gas, discomfort. It's amazing really, that I can eat so much veg and not be full of gas!</div><div><br /></div><div>Some recent meals:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHq0cbeVd8fQKV6kkwTjQmFlCe9-41DgmXlh-8FqYh9dUulbgBRR2iZzNTBg4Uep-winBFxLlTPD0mJRSR5R1Ey10itHjPlTzRKd-FegSgBB9ATQ_8ubZIdA6TT4TPjKaJxOGIJqS8wTA/s400/30032011732.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590345858353163010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Last night's dinner and today's lunch (today with grated raw carrot rather than kale)-quorn and pepper coconut curry</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r0hTk4uTdGLMUreISpaZ2ntj_rvAgCPqpFDJQWY2vHcIophj-On5CpxIXO-rQOoAVpK122fq95c-TlehWiRM2xqa3PrbYFWWWzNxVfFyTcoIPRodNRGDUSpmyGUTVoloap_oyZDgnEE/s400/30032011733.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590345867189485490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Treated myself to dessert to use up some grown rhubarb (stewed with some honey to take the bitterness off), whipped heavy cream</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlZM8wfhb8VlVGtTQ4I8rjWLjTbE0yYQOvsviaKE4X94tybypl25pXRNywtQqhXCsz3-ET1p6sT6Np7orLlTNWmkJjAPzaBcTVgaLvCIv6wa-Jt4OpMa3QO6Hfrhztf-mZfzqxXfUWzM/s400/31032011733.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590345869858944674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Breakfast- grapefruit, leftover whipped cream, tinned salmon (I ended up keeping the egg for later as I was already full)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKFHdIJCiecjQ4dejMEPhTcvs1mt4X0kgN_kn_j8poFHbMzugDfwVSnM4Ji9eLjnMHD5mOrOj5oMhfeVIB3v7e-RZYcdGauY18_qXlPK_SePAoIgbL3w02lt5eKor8uHpJHAE7GrE4MU/s400/31032011736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590345884287140802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Dinner- grated zucchini, sauteed in olive oil, topped with a beaten egg and chilli powder and left it set up in the oven, with my breakfast egg, some mature goat cheese and hot sauce</div><div><br /></div><div>A bite of 90% choco to finish the day:)</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been snacking on almonds, berries and the odd banana. My caloric ratios are about 50fat:27carb:23protein (I'd get the carb a bit lower if I ate a little less fruit but I'm rather attached to my breakfast fruit dose and daily banana).</div><div><br /></div><div>My two most visited sites at the moment:</div><div><a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv">Bodyrock tv</a></div><div><a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com">Mark's Daily Apple</a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>That's all for now folks! I'll keep you updated with my paleo/primal experiment and increasing my bodyrocking instead of running so much.</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-3490395632128295012011-03-29T21:19:00.003+01:002011-03-29T22:28:07.651+01:00Pesky goes 'Primal'<div style="text-align: left;">Here is a day's sample of my newly tweaked diet following my little analysis last week:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjePJ8LdV4iX_Ii89zN57jTMFjAzI6l8H02SChV_sheWBgnZtLHJ9XDrs8vZLiUBDUbyTC1vhzxv4d6jr_jKIJu3-NzYqkWr2XHqWbSsfZ_L5hG0cA4GuMv08gqofubqY1h12tJKxYCao/s400/29032011727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589615932753271714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Breakfast: spinach, two eggs cooked in a tablespoon of olive oil, topped with an ounce of mature goat cheese and some hot sauce, some raspberries (I didn't have time to finish the berries, so stuck them in my lunch bag for later)</div><div><br /></div><div>Snack: handful of almonds, banana</div><div><br /></div><div>Lunch wasn't pictured, but it was two grated carrots, 1/4 small red cabbage, 1/2 red pepper, some Quorn slices, another ounce of cheese, a tablespoon of olive oil. I ate half my lunch at normal lunchtime, had to leave the rest, but got peckish again at 3:30pm and finished it off.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a few more almonds before making dinner (soo good).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pil1rCbL-sStHRO839YHXVWn1t5ZlqgweFGOXbaOuCfook8E51kaKVoeTEn5bSJpBDxtNo5P2MdJtGY3SEQ1sYFB-Jg2nN-s1hI3__utbaGXeZfdnak5LsdMCm1nSHNn9zRmnxYRpug/s400/29032011728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589615938468365570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Dinner: prawn, kale, pepper stirfry with passata, garlic and lime juice.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrZQ6h6XuwsoZQc4LbjyY5Eb90Y4o9LcBmUIYMw9lpcjRjuDkeYROYzHqPcbSKTgS69vhH-LQFF6jp3iFoNZYNq71ZeqAJ4LV5b-hVfGrVQwcBZaePGKu2WHmv3rFiQiuh7Vy1L0IzII/s400/29032011730.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589615945094806642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Dessert: plain organic yogurt, leftover breakfast raspberries, two squares 90% Lindt.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><b>Some things I noticed:</b></div><div>Despite all that veg, I had no bloat or gas <i>whatsoever</i>. And it was much more filling and satisfying than rice or pasta (so much so I couldn't finish my lunch in one sitting).</div><div>I didn't realise how little fat I was eating, and how little oil I was cooking with until I measured it- today I had almost 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 30g of almonds:)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The stats:</b></div><div>Just under 1600 cals, 53% from fat, 26% from carbs, 21% from protein.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What I have to hand this week to make my meals:</b></div><div>Fridge:</div><div>Kale, collards, red cabbage, garlic, ginger, onions, chillis, carrots, black olives, courgettes, lots of eggs, goat's cheese, fromage frais, quark, plain low fat yogurt, tahini, apples, lemons and limes</div><div>Cupboards:</div><div>Olive oil, coconut oil, passata, coconut milk, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, tinned grapefruit and pears, bananas, lots of tinned salmon, cocoa powder, dessicated coconut</div><div>Freezer:</div><div>Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, quorn pieces, prawns, maca, ground coffee, hemp seeds</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems everyone is thinking of spring cleans and resolutions! I think the spring is a far better time for it than New Year:)</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-30404285747008604582011-03-28T21:34:00.004+01:002011-03-28T22:42:07.885+01:00Diet Analysis<div style="text-align: left;">When I was off last week, I took the time to put everything I was eating into <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/">NutritionData</a> to see what came out.</div><div><br /><div><b>The main observations:</b></div><div>Calorie-wise, I am eating pretty much what I thought I was (slightly less even) but:</div><div>I eat a lot more carbs than I thought</div><div>I eat less protein than I thought</div><div>I don't eat enough fat</div><div>I'm consistently way under my RDA for Vitamin E, and iron, zinc and calcium are a little lower than I'd like.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Do I think this has anything to do with my current health niggles?</b></div><div>Probably.</div><div>My skin is really dry and I've had amenorrhea for over a year (two periods since I stopped taking the pill in December 2009) despite being within the normal weight range for my height. I quite like not having to deal with periods but for a woman of my age I should be at the peak of my fertility and if I'm not capable of getting pregnant at all (also kinda like this bit), then that's not a great indicator of my overall health, I'd say.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>So, what's the plan?</b></div><div>I'd really rather not take a supplement, but I haven't ruled this out. Any opinions?</div></div><div>What I am going to do, is try eating 'primal'. I have been reading a lot about this, and when I stuck a sample Eimearified 'primal' eating day into nutrition data, it corrected my nutrient deficiencies. Fat was making up about half of my calories, and a quarter each of protein and carbs. It means three meals made up of generous quantities of leafy greens and colourful veg plus a protein source usually eggs, fish or quorn, cooking with more oil than I have been, snacking on nuts, seeds (especially those high in Vitamin E, i.e. almonds and sunflower seeds) and the odd bit of low sugar fruit (berries, citrus, and a banana post workout). For now I intend to keep eating some fermented/cultured dairy (yogurt, quark, goat cheese) even though it's not terribly 'primal' and the odd bit of legume in the form of socca and unsweetened soya milk. I've already spent this month cutting processed sugar out of my diet and now it's time to try moving grains out for more vegetables and nuts.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sample meals:</b></div><div><b>Breakfast</b></div><div>Kale and bell pepper omelette, berries on the side, or</div><div>Fruit smoothie with hemp seeds or whey protein, or</div><div>Quorn and salad</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Snacks</b></div><div>Almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, nut butter, pumpkin seeds, tahini, apple, pear, grapefruit, dried fruit, cocoa powder in yogurt</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Post (intense) workout</b></div><div>Dried fruit, banana, piece of socca, glass of unsweetened soya milk, yogurt</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Lunch/dinner</b></div><div>Big heap of veggies, salmon/quorn/homemade nut burger</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Treats</b></div><div>Really dark chocolate, full fat yogurt, coconut, avocado pudding, glass of red wine</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight's dinner:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDk_s0iYZgzrFXgwsiHinpoykb6B4LrMRl_08MRKQxkQ8dIY4iIZsJtIQoEdHUueZk1ylYhTk3z5BA0AJ9TUZZ_PPvWUGQeLVz0G9VZ2yefFel2_1zHJKZqp3tYxVQsJlZpO3XU2W5ZA/s400/28032011725.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589246117445340978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Collards, red pepper, garlic, two eggs, couple of slices of Quorn 'ham', hot sauce</div><div><br /></div><div>And two treats...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJc0iYszwtjHapsEbWc-ZoYxUka8JH8X0w01H06esSP4RRatDI3sa-24Gd3ZPgSoDWihPa3c0uRcUR-VioglUL708JT0pZpsImpdAoiZXfdEvK6gua71azEkKaW6QuYQIGnnEKDr4n0U/s400/28032011727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589246124163826610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Yes, my Gymboss timer arrived today!! So excited. Also, some quark, cocoa and berries.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the spirit of self-analysis, I'm still super stressed. While exercise seems to help, training for this 10k is just feeding my stress, I get so fixated on the target. So when it's over, I'm going to switch to the fun of Bodyrock, weights, and a weekly sprint session and a weekly long SLOW run. </div><div>I'm also going to give up my pool membership in a bid to simplify my routine (and save a little bit of money for pampering treats like a nice bathbomb or a manicure).</div><div>Another stress reliever I want to bring back in my life is doing yoga for 15 minutes first thing, followed by my walk to work through the park. I'm hoping this will be an approach to exercise that brings me the stress relief I need- rather than <i>increase</i> my stress levels. I enjoy running, but I just can't train for a specific goal without pushing myself way too hard. I also need to get more sleep, so without further ado, I'm away to bed!</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-11325520799173411112011-03-27T20:58:00.003+01:002011-03-27T21:33:40.363+01:00Medicine Soup and Sunshine<div style="text-align: left;">When I got home from work and then my run on friday, I needed some relief from my cold symptoms, and MrPeskyRunner had also been smitten. I brewed up some gingery, chilli, garlicky broth with shredded collards. Spices+green=medicine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZJWCwiCowtC3qZoqdWW_kdiy8w39JIkbhZssKdpDxw4F_NcgcNqpAm_g7__Sy940nBk4BdYSPdDjvqYNjVsqj6W_N2UCmtejwRl_yR95zL97wwUUX9729E_SkyzMEx7e4qNzaYyFpFo/s400/25032011719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588858529843514994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I then had curry socca and a bean burger topped with homemade mango chutney (chopped up mango simmered for ages with curry powder) and cottage cheese for dinner- was pretty hungry by this stage.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLNYXo7Cm0l-zxNN0xiUVzI24LQXW_2vYmhdtQ28Sehgwz5RGXNgynrcYqndVIb15pyn0-02BwD3eF9llHw8Ooo-A5WnSK2KmY1H0uIE-9wnnHpxIdCnB0bkvoF_IBgKAUfOZfN5NEcQ/s400/25032011721.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588858534100978466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I repeated last weekend's banana pancakes, but used oat flour this time rather than wheat flour (2 bananas, 2 eggs, 1 cup of oats, ground, 1/2 cup unsweetened soya milk, 1/2 tsp baking powder, cooked on the skillet with coconut oil and eaten with yogurt). They were tastier but softer and a little trickier to flip.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5R5zCkdtXLLr4xu0LPoOF8vODX-Ho_dIOcgSki1NRkbDSv-U3Qij2ywdiYmOiTWCndkB9_57qd3CPkppf05lZO6JpQmUxwGWyxyneoMElAszY7EciXuyX0MC6mNptX-JS8iTGbDKdDI/s400/26032011722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588858538465089202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I have been doing plenty of <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/">Bodyrock</a>- the Hot Mess Workout on thursday and again today and the 300 Rep Workout yesterday. I had already run four times this week so did none over the weekend. Tomorrow's supposed to be a break, unless I feel super energetic (probably not).</div><div><br /></div><div>Today was so nice, I did my bodyrock workout outside, I really was a hot mess at the end with the lovely spring sun beating down on me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you all had a nice weekend:)</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-11285522671138785372011-03-23T22:12:00.005+00:002011-03-23T22:35:53.427+00:00Pizza fuelled pacing run<div style="text-align: left;">Phew, I am tired today. I was back at work after two days off this week, and two last, so lots of catching up and we're short staffed. Not only that, when I got home I was determined to pace myself over 5k. I looped the park around the corner from me twice, exactly 5k and did it in 22:10min, 7:20min/mile pace and it was hard going- I stopped for a bit after the first loop just to let my heart rate drop a wee bit. Into the last kilometer I really struggled to keep the pace up, and I know I started too fast. Next time I pace, I'm going to start much slower! I used a poster tube as a substitute for a foam roller after my run as my calves felt really leaden, and they're fine now. No running tomorrow though, just some light strength training.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did start my day well though, with a take on <a href="http://edibleperspective.com/2011/03/chocolate-cherry-slurp-sensation/">Ashley's choc cherry smoothie</a>- mine was a small banana, 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1 cup unsweetened soya milk, 1T cocoa powder and 1T oat bran.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I5Ly2z5oBxdHWFecBtvJHzdr7RgGhfrAz6U45q7mxQuA0VPW5hi6ZD4KcSnOjCu3FBvKrfxClLTSOimWu4Ly9FxLeXA_J-5Ufg1GUUt6xbT70Df3AtsShN2peiT9Bk_KIjM8RnB6vpc/s400/23032011719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587406381848683586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">In MrPeskyRunner's Grand National glass.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I snacked on an apple and a small slice of seeded toast with PB, and lunch was a repeat of yesterday but I hadn't as much rice left. I snacked on a PB stuffed banana in the afternoon, and tonight was a lazy Quorn fillet and a hummus topped baked potato. Oh, and half a jam doughnut...yeh, there was sugar in there. It was a treat from my boyfriend so I didn't want to be rude.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrB7vmrGXCYejzwx6SOF3IGHJGFmv84OKhTb4U4l2uwlLmFZWz_jKm97Gxk3eTOhlOUdXO5nOXvp-Wkikddk5nxiEculHDX_UtRhdNeMWvL2jU6QDF0SOUYzWlQ2piaCYino0jXYXh6c/s400/22032011718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587406389231259810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Oh, I forgot to say, we had socca pizza last night- socca baked (lots of oregano in the batter), then flipped onto a baking tray, topped with tomato passta with garlic, Quorn pieces, green pepper and cheddar cheese. Sooo goood. Even nicer with arugula and goat's cheese though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I am off to my bed! </div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-74938720457024146952011-03-22T17:08:00.005+00:002011-03-22T17:44:49.988+00:00Pacing<div style="text-align: left;">Good afternoon!</div><div>We have been enjoying our day off. We've spent the time tidying the house and taking advantage of the time to make lots of nutritious food. We have been doing a little experimenting with our diets and we're tracking our intake (by putting everything into <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/">NutritionData</a> at the end of the day) for a couple of days to check for any obvious deficiencies/excesses and then tweak accordingly. I'll post about the results, but so far my Vitamin E seems to come out rather low, and we're both eating more carbs than we though, even though we're trying to eat more protein.</div><div>Today's run was to determine MrPeskyRunner's pace for the 10k we're doing in April. We ran exactly 10k in 59:50 so he is hoping to maintain this and keep his time around an hour for the race on April 10. I am still aiming for sub-45; going on last year's results, this will probably mean I'll finish in the top 20 women! I only have two proper week's of training left, the week of the race I'm just going to do a bit of aquajogging. I'll probably run another 3 times this week and 3 times next week, with plenty of pacing work and two long slows.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today's munches:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsFzB2cb2SFPamzAXEUSCCJrq3Btu2Q7vejV-9Qwb2OVq5Q22RnxcRvW-RTGUO1kFy60MIEoPi18QVn6nOk08EiK_ed7TYs1HU4XLG7UmUVmxkn49uPlZT5Z_K29mswHWc6S1HWjheBY/s1600/22032011710.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsFzB2cb2SFPamzAXEUSCCJrq3Btu2Q7vejV-9Qwb2OVq5Q22RnxcRvW-RTGUO1kFy60MIEoPi18QVn6nOk08EiK_ed7TYs1HU4XLG7UmUVmxkn49uPlZT5Z_K29mswHWc6S1HWjheBY/s400/22032011710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586952952123012466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div>Breakfast- banana stuffed with PB, set yogurt with oat bran and cinnamon. + coffee, obvs.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd04SeYqi3IriIam2to8T3xMrwMFtw5jbl1jL1x9yAEo3ZDXLqEsM2oY9TyNigR1KspAN7QTThbcK1cfZ0aajXPaGPrU-an1YytiFmhGCmHajyKjKjCcp9_sUmyph7jwWmLFfb7HTfwKI/s400/22032011711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586952963067512066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div>Lunch- leftover brown rice with Quorn, spinach, pepper and a few olives, a spoonful of yogurt. I mixed it all up to eat. Mr PeskyRunner had extra rice, some mango chutney and a slice of bread with sunflower spread.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI9hXc_GhqzQNIXGRWTGzVWzmuFI2oJPjAg9QeYFS5eE1KJuyIvSnpWXgGcQ4AEyMd4y7l_1-z2ROb_71581mWlggVwZXkLUOCmiJYGLNQCC8wxaUVQ1VfUB3uCy7vk6mTBVKR8R44y0/s400/22032011715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586952965883268754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div>Afternoon snack: low fat plain yogurt, 1/2 cup raspberries, 1 T cocoa powder. So yummy! I love cocoa powder:D I only really started eating with without sweetener this month. I'm quite happy with sugar free eating and don't think it should be too hard to keep it quite occasional in my diet. I'm going to treat myself to a bucket of ice-cream if I finish in the top 20 women on April 10 though!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm away to do the last of the tidying, maybe some <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/">Bodyrock</a> (although I don't know if I can be bothered with a second shower) and then fix dinner. I'm thinking socca pizza...</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-76930511530125329792011-03-21T22:40:00.003+00:002011-03-21T22:59:11.504+00:00<div style="text-align: left;">Woohoo, dip station! I can't wait to use it for a <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv">Bodyrock</a> workout...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5-GRLUg-pffOWGyd97FZtuS8tGVxgmVzv0E6FbB7oGmqypf16tYn_jq3ok1c_NdM6xN5fsO-BtltAFE3ZM73fP9GGYYefMuPmtGE4AMw76MAJbluIDOYgXWirqM_WwrrBTEL6wiWg7s/s1600/21032011710.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlazMSvIO_jDYARPEg5Ur2dCzUXOm9MiGDnvJHxSOI4mGYPtK6NRn9qhISCsJaqUaPJkXEM3ErI0UJ-l__999nnDUqK5qSmyzlRtohLWCC3_ooBVbzjKYLooKC8thNMIk0thZkEbnJT0/s1600/21032011706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlazMSvIO_jDYARPEg5Ur2dCzUXOm9MiGDnvJHxSOI4mGYPtK6NRn9qhISCsJaqUaPJkXEM3ErI0UJ-l__999nnDUqK5qSmyzlRtohLWCC3_ooBVbzjKYLooKC8thNMIk0thZkEbnJT0/s400/21032011706.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586667351382661074" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And pull up bar and rings</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz4WHE-rugj555lEBy9qT4fUSnMi1B2rQ0nnlIMB6LCgV6rXOa1bRe4Uk2OeiwCmRJKsq08otpCnCUMwFCZTTRZfBpP5x4dGmAt8p6XFaxbDfVXbjs2uDOrnuurqjxTiz7cneIrRWuDU/s1600/21032011705.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SeTIIFUqpdde6XeWz0YEB0k1F1q6sCuDYe1V_a8xcoZmGGenrb9x7eZa4MrCe70rhYgz6tkhFGwduSyZkfKz12k4_y_5cH3rUt0hF3QscWSsznVlTSx7XJLBF1UAaSn1AG2CVmmr66A/s1600/21032011709.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SeTIIFUqpdde6XeWz0YEB0k1F1q6sCuDYe1V_a8xcoZmGGenrb9x7eZa4MrCe70rhYgz6tkhFGwduSyZkfKz12k4_y_5cH3rUt0hF3QscWSsznVlTSx7XJLBF1UAaSn1AG2CVmmr66A/s400/21032011709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586667356239819746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SeTIIFUqpdde6XeWz0YEB0k1F1q6sCuDYe1V_a8xcoZmGGenrb9x7eZa4MrCe70rhYgz6tkhFGwduSyZkfKz12k4_y_5cH3rUt0hF3QscWSsznVlTSx7XJLBF1UAaSn1AG2CVmmr66A/s1600/21032011709.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGb-h_g7UySUBeepAZULvDQSuQXkdRdCBEout3QkgU5inQQf6HjvTyE-spspQ2A3SXF-Av_9QBDOaASbDTt82OynZoSdFeGjlYeCn0CmCSNEZIRTsxrS6f09e5Z05X2zhXbItqxvnXV0A/s1600/21032011703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGb-h_g7UySUBeepAZULvDQSuQXkdRdCBEout3QkgU5inQQf6HjvTyE-spspQ2A3SXF-Av_9QBDOaASbDTt82OynZoSdFeGjlYeCn0CmCSNEZIRTsxrS6f09e5Z05X2zhXbItqxvnXV0A/s400/21032011703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586667345693453250" /></a></div><div>Lunch today was salmon salad on a seeded bagel with an apple. I made the salmon salad with 1 tin salmon, 1 tsp tahini, 1T yogurt, some chilli, cup of chopped spinach and 1/3 big yellow pepper. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGb-h_g7UySUBeepAZULvDQSuQXkdRdCBEout3QkgU5inQQf6HjvTyE-spspQ2A3SXF-Av_9QBDOaASbDTt82OynZoSdFeGjlYeCn0CmCSNEZIRTsxrS6f09e5Z05X2zhXbItqxvnXV0A/s1600/21032011703.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5-GRLUg-pffOWGyd97FZtuS8tGVxgmVzv0E6FbB7oGmqypf16tYn_jq3ok1c_NdM6xN5fsO-BtltAFE3ZM73fP9GGYYefMuPmtGE4AMw76MAJbluIDOYgXWirqM_WwrrBTEL6wiWg7s/s1600/21032011710.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5-GRLUg-pffOWGyd97FZtuS8tGVxgmVzv0E6FbB7oGmqypf16tYn_jq3ok1c_NdM6xN5fsO-BtltAFE3ZM73fP9GGYYefMuPmtGE4AMw76MAJbluIDOYgXWirqM_WwrrBTEL6wiWg7s/s400/21032011710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586667360587992002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SeTIIFUqpdde6XeWz0YEB0k1F1q6sCuDYe1V_a8xcoZmGGenrb9x7eZa4MrCe70rhYgz6tkhFGwduSyZkfKz12k4_y_5cH3rUt0hF3QscWSsznVlTSx7XJLBF1UAaSn1AG2CVmmr66A/s1600/21032011709.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;">Dinner was an old favourite- coconut curry- this time with Quorn, collards and red pepper. With full fat coconut milk and a cup of brown rice, this beast comes in at about 850 calories! Needless to say, there was no need for dessert tonight;)</div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">MrPeskyRunner decided to join me in the salmon eating at lunch time, AND he had scrambled eggs for breakfast (as well as his usual cup of muesli). He used to think eggs were really unhealthy and never really liked fish. He's trying to put some weight on so I have been helping him with suggestions for plenty of protein. Today he got to over 3300 calories (128g protein), although when we're at home this is much easier. We also did an upper body workout with the new dip station and pull up bar:)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I ran for the first time since last Wednesday, and despite the hacking cough, I banged out a paced run (I'm aiming for at least 7:20 min/mile for the 10k in three weeks)- today's pace over 3.8 miles was 6:49min/mile. So proud! I've been looking finishing times for last year, I would need to get 40 minutes to be in the top 10 women, don't think it's going to happen, although with 43-44ish minutes, I will probably finish in top 20, which is pretty good for my first real 10k.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pretty good day!!</div><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm off again tomorrow. We are running around the race course in the morning to get a feel for it and to try and work out MrPeskyRunner's target time.</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-4828483814700391692011-03-20T12:43:00.005+00:002011-03-20T13:15:05.418+00:00Banana Bread Pancakes<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BIDfgTmQ9kZpKZ1Jsqu3FeAidslMoCEDKFvjMj3FIOEzukDBGf1eDKm17GzPt0uFkBc1Jfy5wCBk4Dd8QAyud913zo2C5Ol-HdoMDdmM0lvl94oziKbCaqEbtmP7o2qS8GBGwOsZuYc/s1600/20032011702.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbOwfKB_z_mr0VWS0kqohtcTHh-N4LwcFX_puPMPWn-9zV6guh1Jf5W0Q6zMcLVfDAYI0ST55cwoM1ORxzvbuoiE0_aDYa7IELcYixnm1yYh0AwYatOEKm2y2pfIgrGi_i4kBsMngP_I/s1600/20032011701.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jDmLdEHMN5c3uMlVoWuW9C4aecfi1lYTl7DdOpjpbRmnCOONKKezfgzCmd-vmk1JaoJOXHvNn2ov9J41h5mRtGRD2zXaW1cey-nUtxB1u3jTkLlylqVlCsvnOMfrcNyCYKmxxZaiV6Y/s1600/19032011699.JPG"></a>I had two really black bananas that needed used up and pancakes on the brain! Really ripe bananas are so sweet that all blended up I would say you can do with no other added sweetener.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbOwfKB_z_mr0VWS0kqohtcTHh-N4LwcFX_puPMPWn-9zV6guh1Jf5W0Q6zMcLVfDAYI0ST55cwoM1ORxzvbuoiE0_aDYa7IELcYixnm1yYh0AwYatOEKm2y2pfIgrGi_i4kBsMngP_I/s400/20032011701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586146486832751410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><b>The recipe:</b></div><div>2 very ripe bananas, smooshed with a stick blender</div><div>2 eggs</div><div>1 cup flour of your choice (not tightly packed)- I used organic self raising</div><div>1/4 tsp baking powder, maybe 1/2 tsp if you use flour without raising agent</div><div>1 tsp vanilla extract</div><div>1/2 cup unsweetened soya (or other) milk</div><div><br /></div><div>Blend it up, either with a stick blender or in the food processor. I think I fused my food processor after making a banana berry smoothie yesterday:( Need to get that fixed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spoon the batter onto a hot skillet/frying pan, using the oil of your choice. I used a total of a tablespoon of coconut oil for the batch.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The stats:</b></div><div>This made 6 good sized pancakes- a very generous breakfast for two (comes out at 450 calories before toppings for half the batch) but it would happily stretch to serve 3.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had mine with a spoonful of set plain yogurt, sugar free raspberry jam and cinnamon.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BIDfgTmQ9kZpKZ1Jsqu3FeAidslMoCEDKFvjMj3FIOEzukDBGf1eDKm17GzPt0uFkBc1Jfy5wCBk4Dd8QAyud913zo2C5Ol-HdoMDdmM0lvl94oziKbCaqEbtmP7o2qS8GBGwOsZuYc/s400/20032011702.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586146492364272610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>This would be a far more ideal breakfast after some sweaty cardio but I haven't done any since thursday as this cold is pretty bad. I've just done a few sets of strength training stuff here and there. Still, you've got to treat yourself when you're sick! I would like to make a slightly healthier version next time- use a combo of oat flour and protein powder instead of the self raising flour and eat 1/3 of the recipe (as it would be much more filling with those modifications). They would be nice with brown rice flour, buckwheat, almond, whatever you fancy:)</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been sneaking chilli in where I can to drive the cold out of me, as well as munching away of protein.</div><div>Yesterday's lunch:</div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jDmLdEHMN5c3uMlVoWuW9C4aecfi1lYTl7DdOpjpbRmnCOONKKezfgzCmd-vmk1JaoJOXHvNn2ov9J41h5mRtGRD2zXaW1cey-nUtxB1u3jTkLlylqVlCsvnOMfrcNyCYKmxxZaiV6Y/s400/19032011699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586146483313264962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Multiseed bagel topped with Quorn slices, pineapple cottage cheese, very hot hot sauce and two carrots chopped up (went to grate them but the food processor isn't working). I had two clementines to start for some vit C :)</div><div><br /></div><div>On the training front, I had been thinking of topping up my swimming package at the gym so I could use the weight room, but we are probably going to invest in a barbell/dumbell set and a bench to use at home so we can both weight train and not have to stand around waiting for free space. We are both really loving doing as much as we can with what we have at the moment; for me it will be a great way to build strength and muscle to support my running, for MrPeskyRunner, he wants to regain some lost muscle. Although he used to run marathons, running isn't great for him as he just loses mass- he has, like, no body fat. He loves his carbs but he is coming round to the idea of shooting for a higher protein (vegetarian) diet. I will keep you updated with our first steps into weight training!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-8052918623530964312011-03-17T20:21:00.004+00:002011-03-17T22:09:22.607+00:00First Snuffles of the Winter<div style="text-align: left;">I thought I'd got through all this winter without a cold! But a sore throat started on monday, hung out in my chest and now I'm a bit bunged up. I have a really chesty cough which sounds dreadful, but I haven't been feeling too awful- I've been going about my normal routine. I did find my HIIT session today a bit tougher than normal though. I haven't taken anything for it other than hot lemon water first thing in the morning, and upped my daily water intake by an extra 500ml.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbkH3_Lro1XOq_oJ51b01grQSDliTQRi7DOztmE_iGAS9Bco4PwfHNozq5-87oBEnUsUd0uFbVM3QS29P4z_0rlakP26zZI439fOo4nm8wYy2UxmDMABkCjwjhy5z-5I2se_HdAhla6A/s400/17032011698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585171918595780674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>After my HIIT aquajogging (15 min at my 'running effort', 15 mins of alternating 30 sec high intensity, 30 sec recovery, then another 15 min 'running effort'), I had a quick brekkie of pear, yogurt and some muesli. I then spent the morning tidying up and trying to get my wireless router sorted! I didn't actually manage to get it sorted until this evening. After my toings and froings I stepped out into the lovely day to meet up with my friend. We had lunch her parents then spent the afternoon hanging out at a coffee shop. The only thing was, by the time we were leaving, the streets were teeming with gangs of drunken people! It was actually a little scary...but I got home ok!</div><div><br /></div><div>I had some veggie sausages and stirfry for dinner, before I broke out the sweet potato 'brownies'. They are very moist, so much so that I don't think they'll keep very long. Not going to be a problem, since I've already eaten half the batch:D</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQwzmfWHb0lR9XBbnajVyLfTRFc66k0L0aP8Xj-ewIES-1ZjyRC82hTqnewqxtTbg_ME4ZnfVpXP67oM7hSVHMh9oOhLcgaaDmVAFIK2EbCFvv7d7slQ6nXX1orD31hHOMoIfNPnHYvg/s400/17032011699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585171920735001426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>With some pear and set yogurt tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night I made <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/foolproof-tofu-burgers-and-phone-meltdowns/">Gena's lovely foolproof tofu burgers</a> for dinner- I love coating them in oats. I also add a good handful into the mix. This version was simply a block of tofu, leftover grated carrot and pepper, curry powder and oats. I didn't bother with tahini, nooch or soy sauce this time, and they were lovely just as they were:) I ate mine with crispy socca and a heap of spinach.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3f1uV0WV-qhKCnXlIM4ApbvAgdLa5xSQDkT28LRGOr1_EPtXJVfVi1rrdlJ4uc-uSDkCBG6tL_TLii3oaYn_ErMkVBSU1EQ1BR9SdGAWLDjglsW2MBsPQgMEsBHR7CtcVhcR5yuCkcY/s400/16032011698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585171911797979874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I am really enjoying eating less sugar. I prefer my own simple treats:) I intend to keep this diet 'challenge' going after March (although that was always the long term intention) and introduce a few more little tweaks next month. This will mostly centre around coordinating my workouts and meals to get into really good shape (I want to decrease BF and increase my lean mass).</div><div>Back to work tomorrow, but only for a day, then I'm off again until next wednesday! Just what I need to get well again.</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-24259396130135071592011-03-16T14:29:00.003+00:002011-03-16T15:21:36.015+00:00(Socca) Pizza and (Sweet Potato) Brownies for lunch!If I told my friends or work colleagues that I regularly ate pizza and cake, they wouldn't believe me. "But I thought you were really into healthy food" would be the reply. Well, if it wasn't for all the great blogs I read, I wouldn't have been able to imagine healthy versions of all my favourite treats either! Today's lunch is just such a meal:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpdest_xM2nUajv5MG8nYyTU_iaDAkXxZ9-iwIiU0Xh9AUL_Qgn0jeRbkgsWFBzyIENY21e6tN-vPoNeS0O4BCEQr7m1k_c9qsBHLEHsbU5SeVc6QPDTGcHgffungeU2SfRatuyLDwSk/s1600/16032011695.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpdest_xM2nUajv5MG8nYyTU_iaDAkXxZ9-iwIiU0Xh9AUL_Qgn0jeRbkgsWFBzyIENY21e6tN-vPoNeS0O4BCEQr7m1k_c9qsBHLEHsbU5SeVc6QPDTGcHgffungeU2SfRatuyLDwSk/s400/16032011695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584687286466690354" /></a>Leftover oaty socca topped with passata, goat cheese and chilli spice mix, baked for 10 mins or so. Served with traffic light salad (rocket, carrot, red pepper, mustardy dressing- just mustard, EVOO and ACV). I love twice baked socca!! (<a href="http://www.pure2raw.com">Thanks Twins</a>)<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DmjbkN3YL3x1xeXWZ-v3VL8AHRS2hJ_qYg_v-rVGU9Hxz_oMyGTl4dWENJNRE1ZXM63kKboxnIfKLhv9kruV4Nr4mcIsxSoqt_TQoI4HIAz_9bRLiPkJda6SRvlFPClwRxTpJ4XPg64/s1600/16032011696.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DmjbkN3YL3x1xeXWZ-v3VL8AHRS2hJ_qYg_v-rVGU9Hxz_oMyGTl4dWENJNRE1ZXM63kKboxnIfKLhv9kruV4Nr4mcIsxSoqt_TQoI4HIAz_9bRLiPkJda6SRvlFPClwRxTpJ4XPg64/s400/16032011696.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584687281621957778" /></a>Dessert was two little orangey sweet potato cocoa muffins (thanks <a href="http://spoonfulofsugarfree.wordpress.com">Alex</a> and <a href="http://www.heathereatsalmondbutter.com">Heather</a>), sitting comfortably on a bed of organic plain yogurt.</div><div>A delicious plant based meal full of veggies, protein, healthy fat, fibre, calcium, iron and vitamins galore. It's all very minimally processed as well as refined carb, gluten and sugar free.</div><div>As well as being healthy, that sort of food is so satisfying. I know many women who eat nothing but cup a soup and <s>cardboard</s> rye crackers, maybe a banana, for lunch, while chatting about their latest diet or last week's disappointing Weightwatcher's weigh in. An hour later I see them buying a candy bar from the vending machine. Unfortunately so many of these women sabotage their own health plans by eating as low calorie as possible at meals, but end up ravenous and totally powerless before the vending machine/biscuit tin/wine rack (and depressed, possibly due to the lack of important vitamins and minerals more than disappointed at failed attempts at dieting). I guess I'm lucky to have found such a wealth of information and ideas from other bloggers to make healthy AND delicious food:) What I've learnt over the last year and a bit is that to maintain good health, if you eat nutrient dense and minimally processed foods in reasonable sized portions, you don't need to worry about calories or percentages or anything like that, and you won't feel deprived either.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Do you enjoy healthy treats? Do you find they help you stick to a healthy lifestyle? What's your favourite treat, and do you enjoy it as is, or do you either avoid or always make healthy versions?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd say I usually go with a healthy version but I think occasional indulgence is just as important as part of a healthy <i>lifestyle</i> (as opposed to "diet") if that's what it takes to stick with it- that said these days I actually prefer the healthy version, because I get no 'junk food hangover' that way:)</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-13705239484897870542011-03-16T11:00:00.012+00:002011-03-16T12:10:54.385+00:00Healthy Baking and Craving Busters<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FmnFnwOvIfZA7ybo6DamObswZ6MJEZD4wyoXZ45ZGeu8slKrpS_US2nvuv1FqcFPz5rOTuLPTbxMAEWU7f5sF8B3tJWLBzush5HzowS5o3O84FybkG-RTw1UuYvLsvWDOi20lM5FB6Q/s1600/16032011688.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;">Although I am doing a sugar free month, straight up sugar has no appeal to me, so sweets/candies aren't something I've tried to find a healthy solution for, I normally go for fruit or dried fruit when I need a 'kick'.</div><div>What I do love, though, is cake. Mmm, mm! Especially warm. The thing is, cake is basically sugar, other refined carbs and (usually saturated, or worse, trans) fat. The fat+refined carb combo is impossible to resist for a lot of people, and I am one of them! So when I want a treat, I want cake, but I want it healthy.</div><div><br /><div>Here's what I've found:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>You won't miss sugar if there's plenty of flavour going on; think vanilla extract, citrus juices/zests, peppermint or other extracts, coffee, coconut, fruit, COCOA!</li><li>You can add bulk and sweetness with fruit- notably apple and banana, but also coconut (as flour, or you can mill shredded stuff a bit finer, half way to homemade coconut butter), squash and sweet potato.</li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39Ph3iNQCYg_OxQqV6D10BJDdsx1IhoJ6gTlOi9pGKuQegh7HnsRzm4LfKjOs8sYUgJ7PA2oY3bB6cqcSaRz13KNM5O2-zPTgQ-LKcRPzsWIup89mlSUsg4dElktyvZtHj2dQKJ4fivg/s400/06122010447.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584641951720518674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></li><li>Nuts are a good sub for flour too- ground almonds or even other nuts. It's usually easier to chop the nuts up a bit first, then add to the food processor, unless you've got a Vitamix.</li><li>Plenty of fibre will replace the satiety you would have got from the fat- oats, oat bran, nuts again, coconut, and any of the carby fruits or vegetables mentioned above (banana, sweet potato).</li><li>Cocoa powder in baked goods is so rich and flavourful, I find when baked there's no real need for chocolate chips.</li><li>Eggs and protein powder are another great way to add satiety and body to sugar free/refined carb free desserts.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, if you have no time to bake, look no further than the humble banana when you are desperate for a fix:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwzaPrHrY3SuApDtGioE_DzObN_DNLZ6i1Miclv3ZTiIHq3ALA1cP5NPTZBd8ivn8JTitBC7gJai2cTIngdujSDorB-wNywQumcYPHj5m7zXXUqIopRJNnCn8-OjJ_1jlE9xunwR_NkM/s400/08032011679.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584640079008983970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Stuffed with PB, this simple combo constantly amazes me with its tastiness and craving quashing superpowers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Banana softserve for ice-cream cravings (pink variety pictured, but I know other people have found it good with nut butter, coconut and cocoa)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0D8T9_0n0lPXXO5NLQUqen2uSVz3nrL2RCmC4egV2QyZ-NKQjnUeQbx3cMJXgvsJCtI79eu2neu43NOcSMcTSrjhUIXgCAJNZWnQ0mjUALOeXJZYGmCzxZt8c2Iz7O_KnE3I3TqQsAU/s400/12072010050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584643090656026770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>What if you don't like banana?</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAPyBjJbu0lAsLJbYYldD23hOi0XOJg6Vb3wFZW9nDQCnI89JF64qsQAZ-6c_YjxVBZSBw0eyXwJmA8Xq0EG7i9qX2jCSWYKLPm4HGh30vPTdfw9EapwIBJy_wOyc3EeXEu3zbxzhKvE/s400/24082010170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584641446068410994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>A really lovely apple with PB or just straight up is a good way to hold off cravings.</div><div><br /></div><div>If it has to be warm, a small bowl of oat bran or oatmeal is a great way to snack if you are peckish before bedtime, right <a href="http://www.heathereatsalmondbutter.com/">Heather</a>?</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSk1hyphenhyphencTPSStSeKvfL47hMb2qkDD4jmCqxbg-VPnKHIVZeJdhdJDwOaLkWZuySzwPiELLEm-L9dYGgi6nY9sKvZd1clSmR_A9lLN1Hcf9XLZO0BwHyIuFKhGUp1EGQgtSXzwaDCHlq1zI/s400/08032011675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584643589083753746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Not to everyone's tastes, but I find strained yogurt or cottage cheese a very filling and satisfying treat. Especially with a teaspoon of cocoa powder and/or a sliced banana.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJV5wOJGxF_bFAEnblXwnNylt09jDWU7Qill4AwnleqL-qtB0pr8-Nn0CSu4TOl8xHizoaNApCk6UuYzKiHPo7IxD59zbNRujIVdwMJwSjLkDEMBovPKZXiuQb69DIhUT62gA3X4MvSiw/s400/10032011683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584643901332907170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>And of course, last but not least, you can't beat a smoothie. Try adding guar and xanthan gums for a creamier drink.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7PlmsIqf_qWt8M_bH6kHK53xUvEG62ohSvokuB5sDZBlKii9YHqKicrfxT4AwhazNJLcH_9b5aOpvtpVS59RqJNV5svdxyXZPA7e54usFs_RYTB9Jp5B63rj0YVG1O65Q9X8fXp-Ndc/s400/04022010549.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584644378111438978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Recipes to try:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.thedaintypig.com/2011/03/it-happened-again.html">Dainty Pig's Rice Cooker Chocolate Hazelnut Cake</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.pure2raw.com/2011/03/sugar-free-nut-free-candida-friendly-coconut-lemon-bar-dessert/comment-page-1/#comment-23454">Pure2Raw's Lemon Coconut Bars</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://spoonfulofsugarfree.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/a-bitter-christmas/">A Spoonful of Sugar Free's Grain Free Bitter Chocolate Cake</a></div><div>I doubled the recipe as I had a whole sweet potato and two eggs to use, I add a teaspoon of orange extract.</div><div>Look at the lovely silky batter:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWekVbmQseNBGanWu4zgXKDtEx9GApYSRx4LFwNzrx5dcX_CK1qbvuCUOFp8-01nK4I-NYGy7IMZjAnaGC1-GALs-em4gSXIXpOJVBr56tydqtcbqyqSLL82K3Bn0EZMcXA8WC80UleDI/s400/16032011689.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584646825857828562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Before going into the oven:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJlIXERZ9pigKdbomJzWgBCgtlapPczkUwy3xVIrYhu6nkFpoIg3XTACuHudJdqcMvwr5iomIcliAyjiNqYBJnxlAV9WRlJEN9jfQDC5VUMS_6Qek3CwcSjZPwyKVUHDUV71TUFIxBPk/s400/16032011690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584646831353607842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>After:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEHZ1I74WZZ2Yg4MfPvGykeFhImq0EreYTxSUQV1hUKBzKlwaYPWlYfCWmkYoapC4KnCgAWgDbakKJUHK9PeGtYXdhPBiAvrw1y_slmlNcTnSJCItrC8iBgWxh2zD9Tw5tLMRcpUqOCw/s400/16032011692.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584646836137837874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>One little cake:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCtw29f5OvFmLCl6CheNspIwEiCUxngb_PM3cpRQ_URVc-QFuEF8ZOWRDxT_UZxsiKJhMofdTtTeJ9btF4KdzqJNdnDHciEeerPI50VLWy0crtVeElPyoenB4r_3o9DwYpCvmsWQwHZI/s400/16032011693.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584646842516595154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2010/04/27/fudge-you-high-protein-chocolate-cake/">Chocolate Covered Katie's High Protein Chocolate Cake</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://thymebombe.com/2011/03/08/raw-vegan-orange-pistachio-bars/">Thyme Bombe's Raw Vegan Orange Pistachio Bars</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://chilimiriss.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/wild-blueberry-chocolate-cake/">Chiliflake's WILD Blueberry Chocolate Cake</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2011/03/02/unsweetened-chocolate-ideas/">Heather Eats Almond Butter's Compendium of Sugar Free Chocolate Delights</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://peskyrunner.blogspot.com/2011/03/sugar-free-rhubarb-crumble.html">My low sugar rhubarb crumble (contains honey)</a></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAfBa5tIadoluZixMPjOqSqi8mQEEFBIFYVhpO4V7-UCAEp3Y0QPuHEaDjXEdIJh3qlf9uFJ6C3g3MVVxmqbl7rslWZqnk2urePiPuSVYespcQ6kJ1XJf9vK1Z6y5VxNeCNPLBVMUrxI/s400/06032011667.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584644376571243970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I am off today, woohoo! And again tomorrow for St Patrick's Day. I'm waiting for my dip station to be delivered then it's out into the lovely clear sunny day for a run.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FmnFnwOvIfZA7ybo6DamObswZ6MJEZD4wyoXZ45ZGeu8slKrpS_US2nvuv1FqcFPz5rOTuLPTbxMAEWU7f5sF8B3tJWLBzush5HzowS5o3O84FybkG-RTw1UuYvLsvWDOi20lM5FB6Q/s400/16032011688.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584648976778229122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I made 'nutella' for my oatbran this morning (1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, 1 T coconut oil, 1/4 cup cocoa, splash of hazelnut liquer). Much better than the original, although it could have done with more coconut or hazelnut oil as it's a bit thick. But it has a wonderful intense flavour. Actually it was a bit rich for me, even at 9:30 in the morning. My boyfriend loved it on toast though:)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-35921881629454170332011-03-15T20:19:00.006+00:002011-03-15T21:16:29.387+00:00Today I learned...<div style="text-align: left;">...that hand whisking socca batter after Bodyrock and then another 40 min of weights is not very easy! I gave up and got out the stick blender, haha.</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yi9q2F4HFDILvgne7evlYhd_qPUh2J7hyffqBErmD_itYIUUAp2IhE5Rj3_tNV1TNDxe0KL_B_lyMXOfmsFewYnwvoXLjMDzNYR8GNZhV35an03k7TYpr0xvhJk4pEpTSJlLIkBruhU/s400/15032011686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584416369629388546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I threw a handful of oats into the socca batter to give it a bit more body and a little sweetness.</div><div>Topped with a heap of spinach, chopped wheaty sausages and very spicey passata, yum!</div><div><br /></div><div>I did the <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/02/25/you-push-me-workout/">You Push Me workout</a>, with the beginner variation for the reptile push up and I did knee raises holding the couch and the radiator while I wait for my dip station to arrive, excited! Yes, I ordered a pull up bar, dip station and Gymboss! When I was doing this workout, the clock I had propped up on the mantelpiece fell over and broke...can't wait for my Gymboss to make Bodyrockin' easier and I can't wait to use it for HIIT running and aquajogging (in a waterproof case of course). The workout was great, tough but not impossible with the variations. My left arm is a lot weaker than my right so I find full push ups impossible. I am doing more reps on the left arm when I lift to try and equalise things. After a 5 minute cool down, I did stability ball chest flies, LOADS of sit ups, stability ball push ups, bicep curls and lunges and squats with the dumbells, as well as mixing it up with high knees and sumo squats, about 40 mins of that. Swwwweatee!</div><div><br /></div><div>The no sugar challenge is going well, banana stuffed with PB is my saviour snack when I'm craving something sweet!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuq6A9SN_IMCq4UNcQ4uCUlyuZfXbWx00EqXwuzQ11SJMFBWktaGmUTaKwjToIM5ucw_T-r6uAEljTR_Tby5mIay8p0nwyuoeJ29B-I358lHplHc3esN5sSLq1fxqtM7hYJCGNbksZOc/s400/08032011679.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584416699845703634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Other sugar free desserts:</div><div><br /></div><div>Toast topped with cocoa powder blended with PB:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_apovEflRbsf3s1k-OZiclV4hQysa4RDBXSxK9TUHV77QlwBMljpujZmd5UltQ3k28Xb9FczrMTR3gUejnAqKwQdU88T3CFStNosQ03aH10ylrARqdzLxkGsfD6mbR69nY-aaIJNu47Y/s400/14032011686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584415920093899714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Fage yogurt, banana and cocoa powder:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYXVvOYJjzaix4kzkKTX4nLSQ0Uz80Eyk1vwYw2rLdqpkyjQlZQYyadHEBUeb8zdAQizXheZske7qsX8DF-7N1HeLmCZtqpbV6F9O8OxM3karpsair-Mgw7UO426dtMmTa2n1JM-DFbI/s400/10032011683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584415913932085986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I am loving cocoa powder right now:)</div><div><br /></div><div>I had this yummy breakfast at the weekend:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q6FiLpbT4GyQP5Y63Gm3j5ahlog4xWQ2SKq8CvBpc4jCY-XzyNpRFZlsstpC8u5kjUXNCLZpNTJW4g5vJUT7g2WJWhQKn6diJ0FNyk7LCiXhMVnMVTSQ5cr89yvipVJGBr2DqcbvyQA/s400/12032011685.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584415918525963042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Sugar free cereal soaked in OJ, a clementine, a banana and a heap of set yogurt. *Love* banana+orange.</div><div><br /></div><div> I will be a better blogger with week because I'm off tomorrow and thursday. I intend to bake <a href="http://spoonfulofsugarfree.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/a-bitter-christmas/">grain free bitter chocolate cake</a> with a sweet potato I baked on sunday night and also the <a href="http://www.pure2raw.com/2011/03/sugar-free-nut-free-candida-friendly-coconut-lemon-bar-dessert/comment-page-1/#comment-23454">Twins Lemon Coconut bar</a>.</div></div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785578717493898413.post-73387537287117170552011-03-09T22:00:00.003+00:002011-03-09T22:08:48.594+00:00Imprizza<div style="text-align: left;">...or that's what my boyfriend called tonight's 'impromptu pizza' i.e. sexed up cheese on toast. I had another horrendous day at work, so I had no energy left to cook tonight. I topped some bread with passata, pesto, olives and cheese and we had our 'pizza' along with some soup. I can't believe it, but I ate 6 slices of bread today, two at every meal!! Banana and PB on toast for breakfast, fake ham, lettuce and tahini sandwich at lunch. Usually I go days, a week or more even, without eating bread. It really told a tale- that I had no time for interesting eats today. Oh well.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IXW5t-lwCcppbR_Etpt5oUFT60hm3dlckdrb9ImTMwwJ_xMUJ-X4LlUSxd3iuyhLENeWA1EIyVVSUcMqnaY2bibT3KqzjAy-GBTBjyYb4do6W_0twKMVthPnuV2NQe6BZ9IXYEd-mmA/s400/09032011682.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582204996517660290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Later on, while hooked to The Killing, I had plain yogurt with apple sweetened raspberry jam...and salted peanuts and cashews. Weird, but good.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRFt2iKs8-viDQ7mgI9PsBrUyKbNlFdrp_X7wk2hFW3SJAUFADladw5bYgeBHHZG0BsN5SE_eTgQVfSJUofKocdNQMLE90GncyYn5Gwt3wOYcP74OKQHg1mLDpfYvDIfDJeDqzk1fjAI/s400/09032011683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582204975300478354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Needless to say, I was too zonked to run tonight. Although running in the pitch black, in pouring rain and heavy winds, was unlikely to happen whatever my energy levels!</div><div><br /></div><div>G'night:)</div>Eimearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359759824747897158noreply@blogger.com3