Nonsequitur Saturday: Creativity, TBL, and Cake

For those new to the blog, posts titled or tagged “nonsequitur”  usually have mostly non-food content. I got the idea from a blogger, who got it from another blogger, who… (you see where I’m going with this). By the time it’s gotten to me, the concept has been reduced to “random stuff off of the top of my head”. I find it’s good to release the pressure valve every once in a while. If you are the sort of person who likes a glimpse of the person behind the food, welcome. If not, we’ll catch up with the next food post.

On Creativity: I saw Tangled when it first came out. I just rented it for the first time since then, and remembered how much the witch reminded me of Bernadette Peters. I thought maybe I wasn’t the only one, and yes, it turns out, there are more than a few people who think they ripped off her Into the Woods interpretation of Gothel. Between this and the mess with the genie, color me unimpressed.

On Into the Woods: While I was aware of the musical before now, I had no recollection of the details. I rented this after Tangled, and absolutely loved it. I like musicals, but haven’t seen a ton of them. Thank goodness for Hollywood filming some of the most famous ones, otherwise I’d know even fewer.

On Cake: I think I will always love cake.

On Coffee: My first cup of coffee after being sick was probably the most delicious cup I’ve ever tasted.

More random TBL observations:
1. Trust no one. …Not surprised, but disappointed Jeff betrayed his best buddy for his future gf.

2. I was a little surprised that the wrap with nachos was carbier than the double burger, but I was happy I guessed that correctly.

3. Parkour is insane but fun to watch.

4. I still can’t believe these people who are all larger than me (for now) are as athletic as they’ve become.

5. I thought it was cool that Danni exercised during the temptation, because when the blue team was locked in the game room, all I kept thinking was “what’s stopping you from exercising?”.

6. I do not like reality show sensationalism. The thing is, I know better. I can tell that this is all set up to make good tv. Yet, I watch it anyway. So, it’s a bit of a struggle, but at this point, I’m rooting for all of them.

That’s all for now. Have a great week!

10 Minutes A Day

Have you heard about this 10 minutes a day exercise craze? Apparently, it’s the new thing. And, for once, this is a “thing” I can get into. Who doesn’t have 10 minutes a day? Maybe people with children, or those in the medical profession, or line workers, or…

Ok, I’m sure there are plenty of people without a moment to spare. I didn’t really think I had 10 minutes, either, to be honest. So, I started with 5, and am now moving towards my 10.

What do you do with your 10? Some people do more in 10 than I do in my week. But, we’re all in different places, and without shame, I position myself quite squarely in the “beginners” column, thank you very much!

This is what I’ve been doing with my non-expert-informed, no clue what I’m doing, don’t try this at home, self every morning. I’m not a doctor, so please consult one before attempting any kind of exercise. My personal challenge will be to maintain this pace, or something close, when that special (every 28 day) visitor arrives this month.

.

Working Towards 10 Workout:

1. Basic Hatha Sun Salutation

2. Ankle strengthening exercise.

3. Weights: 5 pounds each arm. 10 Butterfly.

4. Same: 10 Curls.

5. Same: 10 Open the door and look at my chest.

6. Asanas: Current/Tree

.

And that’s about all I have time for right now. After this, I make breakfast. Usually, I make something protein-rich. I still need to regain my beforehand breakfast rhythm to get more protein-rich breakfasts in, but it’s going well. I feel stronger already, which feels so good. I really think the 10 minute plan is great for those just getting started. It’s tough to commit to a sustained time period, but 10 minutes each morning really seems to start my day off on the right foot.

Obviously, no one would pay for the opinion of someone with no credentials, who is only blogging for fun. But in the interest of full disclosure, no compensation was received for my opinion.

.

Enjoy your week!

Update

Thank you for your kind thoughts! Plenty of delicious meals have been made in the past week. That transitory pasta found new life as leftovers, with a little help from some balsamic vinegar and additional seasoning/ingredients. I went shopping and only shopped from the periphery (minus the rice milk).  I made that yummy salad, which I photographed dry, but ended up eating with oil & balsamic vinegar & some Italian seasoning. I made a ton of it. There’s still a teeny bit in the fridge. I liked it so much, I hate to see it go! For dinner, veggies and pasta or veggies and rice. For breakfast, eggs when I had the time, with flavorful tomatoes and seasoning. I seriously felt the difference after the first meal, so by the end of the week, I was feeling/am feeling pretty great!

I don’t want to get too vocal about this, because the pressure I then put on myself can be a bit overwhelming, but I successfully managed to exercise every morning this week. I can’t promise myself, or anyone reading this, that I will be able to keep this momentum, but it feels good. It just feels good. My weight did drop a little after cleaning my system via the fresh food, but it’s within my fluctuating range, so I hesitate to accept congratulations just yet. Also, I’m really only at about 1/10 of I see my favorite bloggers doing, so there is still plenty of room to grow.

What I’ve been doing instead of blogging has been the stuff of life. I’m working on a somewhat-surprise birthday bash (not my own- my birthday isn’t for a while yet!). It’s so much easier for me to write, rather than speak to people on the phone or in person. I am good at speaking and coordinating. I just don’t like it. Yet, here I am, planning my little heart out.

I’m also working, like many other bloggers. The reason I don’t blog about my work is the same reason everyone has- I want to keep my job. But, I’m sure you can relate when I tell you it’s not for lack of entertaining material! I also interviewed recently, and the same thing applies!

So, if it’s just pictures for a little while, until things settle down, it’s not that I’ve suddenly gotten lazy on my readers. I just figure something nice to look at is better than nothing at all. Also: due to the wackiness of the internet, I only can see links to bloggers who comment or like posts. So, if I haven’t been by your blog recently, it’s only because I lost your link. I most likely would still love to read what you have to say, if I followed you several months ago. Please remind me you’re out there if I already follow you, but haven’t visited in a while!

Enjoy your week!

What Now Where Now?

I’m still here. Currently, I’m running on about 3 hours’ sleep, but I’m here. In real life, I’m trying to be a brave little toaster, but the truth is, I’m a little worried. I’ve had two incidences of 3am painful wakeups in the past week or so. I looked it up, and it could be anything from pms, to basic heartburn, to omghowareyouevenwritingthis? getyourselftothehospitalrightaway!

So, you know, grain of salt and all that. Once I’ve managed to actually get some sleep, I will see what the professionals have to say.

But, before that, as in yesterday, I went to the park and played foot-catch with the soccer ball, and was totally fine, so go figure. Also did a little shopping, which was nice. Did you know Field Roast makes Mushroom Slices? I didn’t.

*Also, I really want some seitan bacon without soy in it. Got any ideas? *

Before that, I went camping for the first time in a thousand years and had a wonderful time.

Before that, I went on vacation and had this thing on autopilot, because when I’m on, I’m really on, and I write a ton all at once, and then I have cool comments to read when I return.

I ate food in the time I’ve been gone, of course. Though, I took pictures of everything *but* the food, it seems!

Enjoy!

Thursday Thoughts: Foundations

Too many times on the road to self-improvement, people don’t take the time to stop and smell the roses. We are pressured into believing that instantly we are a new person, when the reality may be that we are just in the process of becoming.

I’ve been thinking about weight loss, and how it can be like other forms of physical change- putting on makeup, trying new clothes, or getting your hair done. When you get a new haircut, there is almost always that ritualistic take-down of your former self that I have seen happen in weight loss contexts as well. Tearing someone down until they must continue on to feel worthwhile creates a kind of dependancy that can motivate an individual. But, not this individual.

What I’ve found is that knowing and loving yourself can be just as powerful a motivator. Too many people want to tear you down in this world. Signing up for something you hate doing just seems like masochism. Why not choose an activity that fulfills your heart and mind, as well as your body?

While I deeply admire those people who can kick it, I prefer to remember every step, every motion, every minor change. For me to make lasting change, I must enjoy the process. I know this about myself, and working with that energy instead of against it has brought me tangible changes that I can be proud of.

.

*For starters, although I ultimately decided not to pursue it, I did speak with a nutritionist. Learning that the most beneficial help was closer than I thought was my takeaway from that experience.

*I made room for exercise in my life by creating a space large enough to exercise in and dusting off my equipment. This was mostly in preparation for winter.

*I dusted off my rollerblades, and while goodness knows, I can’t skate as well as I used to, the fact that I can consider this for the future is a minor miracle.

*I started incorporating high-protein foods such as quinoa, seitan, eggs, and Greek yogurt into my diet. While I haven’t completely eliminated processed foods, I have dramatically decreased my intake. This has helped me with available energy, apparent muscle mass, and physical structure.

.

The nice thing about this is that while I haven’t lost any weight, people keep coming up to me, telling me how great I look!

.

With fall just around the corner, I am thinking about how to maintain this momentum, which has always been a struggle for me during the colder months. Once I come up with something, I’ll be sure to share, but suggestions and advice are always welcome!

Mini Product Reviews: Coconut Yogurt, Workout Powders, and Antihistamine

Here are some short but sweet product reviews. I did not receive any compensation, not even free samples, for doing this. These aren’t “real” reviews in the sense that I wrote these up out of a need to share/commiserate/express my opinion more than anything else. Sample-fed reviews, should they ever appear, will contain more details and will be clearly marked.

.

1. First up, So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt/Chocolate:

Why? I learned of this on another blogger’s site & just had to try it.

Thoughts: It was good. Delicious, even. But, because it’s coconut-based, there is minimal protein (duh). This makes it a good dessert/snack, more than anything else. Probably great if you were already big on yogurt. I was not.

In summary: Liked it, won’t be making any special trips to get more.

.

2. Next, Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer:

Why? Recommended by a vegan guru at a health-food store. I’ve never tried this sort of thing before my workouts, but figured why not.

Thoughts: Pretty good, wish it came in different flavors. I tend to avoid lemon-lime drinks, because I’m not crazy about them in general, but this was ok. Strange color. I was happier about the fact that I felt pretty energetic after drinking only half the glass.

In summary: Liked it, might get more if in the store for something else.

.

3. Next, Vega Sport Performance Protein:

Why? Also recommended. I tend to feel hungry and exhausted after workouts, plus, this has protein, which I’ve been actively trying to incorporate into my diet.

Thoughts: Tasted great, smelled great. I’m allergic to it. I read and re-read the label, enjoyed the shake, but then started having a reaction. Such a bummer… I really wanted to like this.  I won’t know if it did anything because I had to take an antihistamine afterwards. Now, I’m all sleepy. This leaves me wondering if there are some unlisted allergens, or if it’s me.

In summary: Food allergies suck. This is probably a good product, too, but I’ll never know.

.

4. Finally, Benadryl Allergy Strips:

Why? When I have a reaction, it sucks, but has thankfully been OTC-treatable. I saw these in the store one day and thought it was an excellent idea. The sooner I can get medication in my body when I’m having a reaction, the better off I am. Easy-dissolving strips seemed perfect. No glass of water needed.

Thoughts: This would be a great idea, if you could actually get the darn things to open. Supposedly, you can tear these open. Not my box. I cut and tore and origami-ed the packet until it finally opened. Totally defeats the purpose.

In summary: I think I’m going to stick with the regular kind. Either that, or perforate them ahead of time. Also, really, Benadryl, please work on a non-drowsy formula. Love that your products work, hate that they put me to sleep.

.

Want to learn more about Vega Products? Check out The Cruelty-Free Review for a comprehensive review of their nutritional shakes and The Veggie Nook for her thoughts on the Workout Recovery Accelerator.

Thursday Thoughts: Productive Slackerdom

Eventually, I will run out of things to clean. But, until then…

.

Things I have done instead of walking:

.

1. Emptied a bookshelf, moved the bookshelf, emptied it again, and moved it again.

2. Moved a different bookshelf with books in it across a room. Don’t do this. It is stupid and painful and you will get bruised.

3. Vacuumed countless dust bunnies.

4. Cleaned the bathroom. All day. With a sponge. On my knees.

5. Cleaned the fridge.

6. Moved more furniture around.

7. Reorganized the closet.

8. Rode a stationary bike.

9. Lifted dumbbells.

10. Leg lifts & sit ups.

.