Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.)

I recently read this article: http://www.thedailymeal.com/why-healthy-food-deemed-elitist, which talked about why eating properly has become synonymous with an elitist attitude.  The author opens the with a story about a friend rolling her eyes when the author pulled a kale smoothie out of her refrigerator.  I can completely relate to the things the author said in this article.  I have often said when did it become necessary for my to apologize for eating the way we should all be eating?
The author reminds readers that junk food isn't always cheaper.  And people who have access to good food that is reasonably priced will buy it.  However, marketing has turned eating well into the trendy thing to do.  I couldn't agree more.
Here's my deal: I started eating healthier when Hannah was a baby.  My tastes slowly began to change.  I began eating more and more healthy.  My tastes continue to change.

 And you know, I actually like, really like, eating the food I choose.  I like kale.




  I winter squash, it goes great with Quinoa. 



 I love soy nuts, they're good on salads. 


 I genuinely think that greek yogurt spread on a bagel is just as good as cream cheese.



  Keep in mind, however, that I eat greek yogurt 2 or 3 times a week.  I eat cream cheese 2 or 3 times a year.  My taste buds have changed.  Don't misunderstand me, I'll eat all the other stuff but when given a choice, I will choose "healthy food."  And I'll choose the "healthy" option not because it's trendy or not because I'm watching my waistline but because it is what my taste buds prefer.  Anyways, the article is a good read.  Check it out.  

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Nutrition 5k



Last Saturday, I ran in my first organized race since my half marathon last October.  It is amazing to me how excited I still get at 5k's.  I get butterflies in my tummy.  I love it!  Initally, I signed up for it with thoughts of placing, at least for my age group.  The population is smaller here than any other place I've raced.  From a statistical standpoint, it's more possible here than anywhere else.  I certainly won't be placing in Chicago races!  Unless become super speedy in the near future.  Anyways, something came up with Amy and Tom, causing them to drive up to Chicago the day before my race.  At first I didn't think I'd be able to run at all, but the neighbor, Rachel, came through for me and offered to watch Hannah while I pushed Riley.  As soon as I knew I had to push Riley, I knew I wouldn't place.  Pushing the jogging stroller adds a minute to my mile time.  Anyways, I get out there and am so excited and anxious.  The route was beautiful and flat, an easy course to run.  I had not one, but TWO stroller malfunctions that were all my fault.  I was rushing to get to check in and forgot to latch the front wheel in place.  I realized this on my second stop and fixed it quickly but the stops still cost me 30 seconds.  I crossed the finish at 28:36.  Not only is this the fasted I've run pushing the stroller, but that's counting to stops!  When you factor out the stops, I was running roughly a 9:08 pace, pushing the stroller.  I am super proud of myself and now I really wonder how I would've done if I hadn't been pushing Riley.  There's always a next time though.  One lady came up to me after the race and complimented me on how well I did, even with my stops.  Another guy, the only stroller/parent combo that finished before me, complimented me too.  I'm off to find my next 5k here in Carbondale!


Sunday, April 15, 2012

New Ventures: Art Class

I signed Hannah up for a series of art classes that last 6 weeks.  Her first class was last Monday and a huge success.  It was only $40 and to be honest, I'm not concerned about her learning a lot.  I wanted more of the socialization experience than anything else.  The cherry on top was that she loved it.  

For the first class they used crayons and colored pencils.  


For the majority of her class, I was gone.  I used the time to go for a jog.  


But I did sneak back in for the last 15 minutes or so and tried to stay out of sight.



This is the gnome she drew.  The teacher set down a picture outline for the kids to copy from.  This is Hannah's rendition of the gnome.  


Next week, I think they're painting.