More or Less

More or Less

More or Less

Posted by Lorrie in About Me on December 31, 2011 | 5 responses

Focus on Food: Cashews

I have always loved cashews as a satisfying snack, especially around Christmas time when my Dad would keep bowls of cashews around the house. I would eat TONS and TONS of them. But, since I started exploring more with vegetarian cooking and non-cooking over the past two years, I have found that cashews are one of the most versatile foods. Read on for more info about cashews and gets lots of tips for how to include them in your diet.

Finding My Groove

Today marks week four, day two of consistent exercise with Insanity. That is, 6.5 workouts, most of them are 40 minutes long. And I'm reminding myself that I've been here before. In the spring, I made it 14 weeks. I was seeing improvement and then it stopped. I don't remember why exactly (something to go back and read) but I'm telling myself that this doesn't stop when the calendar fills up or when 60 days are over. If I'm being honest, it will take a full year of consistent exercise for me to really be in a better place physically. Probably two. And then for the rest of my life.

In the past three weeks, my food intake has been hit or miss. I've been experimenting with different calorie counts, and I think I've found one that will work for me. On myfitnesspal (lorriebee) you work with net calories. This means if your net calorie goal is 1,400 and you burn 500 calories, you can eat 1,900 calories in a day. I think this is a great tool, but for some reason I've been struggling with the notion of eating all of my burned calories.

Myfitnesspal gives you an estimated calories burned, but I'm not convinced it's accurate. I think I'm burning 400-600 calories during Insanity. But when I log it in, it's usually more. And then I'd see this insane amount of food I could still eat. And for some reason that triggered me to eat beyond hunger.

So to calm my tender brain I've decided, which some research and calculating, that I will consume 1,600 calories a day regardless of how much I burn during exercise. Of course there will be some ups and downs with that number, but I feel good with that. I'm burning about 400 calories, six days a week, so that is a net of about 1,100-1,300 calories which is totally in the weight loss zone for me.

I also feel like 1,600 calories is a very reasonable amount of food for me. I can wrap my head around it and not be obsessive. I can move the numbers around easily to accommodate my day. It feels flexible to me.

If I know I'm going out to dinner or to an event in the evening. I can still have a 200 calorie breakfast and 400 calorie lunch with 1,000 calories to work with in the evening. Or if I'm in the mood for a bigger, 500-600 calorie breakfast/brunch sort of thing. I can make that happen too. It goes with my new mantra "I can have what I want, but I can't have everything I want" which simply means that yes, if I want to go out to dinner with my husband, I can do that. But, it doesn't mean I need to go out to eat twice in a day and then snack all day and have dessert after every meal. I just don't need that much food.

Yesterday was my first day trying out my new set calorie count and it went so well. I even showed a two pound loss on the scale this morning from it. I woke up and had a serving of mexican chili for breakfast, and again for lunch. I measured it and estimated the calories. I hate two teas with milk and sugar. A small treat. And dinner was teriyaki chicken. I didn't feel obsessive about anything and when I hit the 1,600 calorie mark I felt comfortable and done for the day.

I know this probably sounds like the ramblings of a man-woman, but I needed to share. Mainly to work through these fears I have of sharing and acting. I'm trying to change my inner dialogue and making this a positive journey. Not one of self defeating agony. Last night I was in that bed staring at my clothes hanging in the closet and I visualized what it would be like to fit in all of them, effortlessly. And then I visualized them being too big. I imagined that the sweaters looked like deflated balloons where my arms used to go. I realized in that moment that I can make all of these things happen, there is nothing stopping me.

Finding My Groove

Finding My Groove

Posted by Lorrie in About Me, Losing Weight on December 13, 2011 | 16 responses

Today marks week four, day two of consistent exercise with Insanity. That is, 6.5 workouts, most of them are 40 minutes long. And I'm reminding myself that I've been here before. In the spring, I made it 14 weeks. I was seeing improvement and then it stopped. I don't remember why exactly (something to go back and read) but I'm telling myself that this doesn't stop when the calendar fills up or when 60 days are over. If I'm being honest, it will take a full year of consistent exercise for me to really be in a better place physically. Probably two. And then for the rest of my life.

In the past three weeks, my food intake has been hit or miss. I've been experimenting with different calorie counts, and I think I've found one that will work for me. On myfitnesspal (lorriebee) you work with net calories. This means if your net calorie goal is 1,400 and you burn 500 calories, you can eat 1,900 calories in a day. I think this is a great tool, but for some reason I've been struggling with the notion of eating all of my burned calories.

Myfitnesspal gives you an estimated calories burned, but I'm not convinced it's accurate. I think I'm burning 400-600 calories during Insanity. But when I log it in, it's usually more. And then I'd see this insane amount of food I could still eat. And for some reason that triggered me to eat beyond hunger.

So to calm my tender brain I've decided, which some research and calculating, that I will consume 1,600 calories a day regardless of how much I burn during exercise. Of course there will be some ups and downs with that number, but I feel good with that. I'm burning about 400 calories, six days a week, so that is a net of about 1,100-1,300 calories which is totally in the weight loss zone for me.

I also feel like 1,600 calories is a very reasonable amount of food for me. I can wrap my head around it and not be obsessive. I can move the numbers around easily to accommodate my day. It feels flexible to me.

If I know I'm going out to dinner or to an event in the evening. I can still have a 200 calorie breakfast and 400 calorie lunch with 1,000 calories to work with in the evening. Or if I'm in the mood for a bigger, 500-600 calorie breakfast/brunch sort of thing. I can make that happen too. It goes with my new mantra "I can have what I want, but I can't have everything I want" which simply means that yes, if I want to go out to dinner with my husband, I can do that. But, it doesn't mean I need to go out to eat twice in a day and then snack all day and have dessert after every meal. I just don't need that much food.

Yesterday was my first day trying out my new set calorie count and it went so well. I even showed a two pound loss on the scale this morning from it. I woke up and had a serving of mexican chili for breakfast, and again for lunch. I measured it and estimated the calories. I hate two teas with milk and sugar. A small treat. And dinner was teriyaki chicken. I didn't feel obsessive about anything and when I hit the 1,600 calorie mark I felt comfortable and done for the day.

I know this probably sounds like the ramblings of a man-woman, but I needed to share. Mainly to work through these fears I have of sharing and acting. I'm trying to change my inner dialogue and making this a positive journey. Not one of self defeating agony. Last night I was in that bed staring at my clothes hanging in the closet and I visualized what it would be like to fit in all of them, effortlessly. And then I visualized them being too big. I imagined that the sweaters looked like deflated balloons where my arms used to go. I realized in that moment that I can make all of these things happen, there is nothing stopping me.

Resound11 Prompt 11: Best Meal

What is the best meal or best food that you have eaten all year? Did you make it? Did you get it at a restaurant? Do your best to describe the food and the experience with us.

How will you resound?

This one is really hard. I had so many good meals while traveling this year. From jerk chicken in the caribbean, to lamb burgers with tzatziki sauce here in Floyd or fire cheese in DC with the ladies. I ate really well this year.

My favorite home cooked meal is this:

Resound11 Prompt 11: Best Meal

Resound11 Prompt 11: Best Meal

Posted by Lorrie in About Me, Food on December 12, 2011 | 4 responses

What is the best meal or best food that you have eaten all year? Did you make it? Did you get it at a restaurant? Do your best to describe the food and the experience with us.

How will you resound?

This one is really hard. I had so many good meals while traveling this year. From jerk chicken in the caribbean, to lamb burgers with tzatziki sauce here in Floyd or fire cheese in DC with the ladies. I ate really well this year.

My favorite home cooked meal is this:

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Resound11 Prompt 08: Catch Phrase

What's your trademark phrase? Not sure? How about a quote or saying that you repeat often? Bonus points if it's new for 2011, but we won't be upset if it's been around longer than that. Try to put it in context for us if it's a little abstract

How will you resound? Follow along here.

This is easy: Bless.

Or blessings, or bless his heart or praise be. Tongue in cheek, of course. I think most ridiculous situations or people in life can benefit from a good, old-fashioned, southern, bless. You know when you're talking about someone and their crazy antics with another person and you really want to say "have they lost their ever loving mind!??! what in the hell were they thinking?!!?" but instead, I find that all I ever really need to say is "bless their heart" and the other person gets it. It also acknowledges the fact that we all screw up and sometimes we just need the blessings and forgiveness of others to move on.

Resound11 Prompt 08: Catch Phrase

Resound11 Prompt 08: Catch Phrase

Posted by Lorrie in About Me on December 8, 2011 | 3 responses

What's your trademark phrase? Not sure? How about a quote or saying that you repeat often? Bonus points if it's new for 2011, but we won't be upset if it's been around longer than that. Try to put it in context for us if it's a little abstract

How will you resound? Follow along here.

This is easy: Bless.

Or blessings, or bless his heart or praise be. Tongue in cheek, of course. I think most ridiculous situations or people in life can benefit from a good, old-fashioned, southern, bless. You know when you're talking about someone and their crazy antics with another person and you really want to say "have they lost their ever loving mind!??! what in the hell were they thinking?!!?" but instead, I find that all I ever really need to say is "bless their heart" and the other person gets it. It also acknowledges the fact that we all screw up and sometimes we just need the blessings and forgiveness of others to move on.

Resound11 Prompt 06: Thelma & Louise

So far you've summed up the year in one word, admitted your vices, touted your virtues, revealed your superpower, and let us in on your theme song, but no superhero does it alone ...

Who is the Thelma to your Louise? Who is your partner in crime? Did you reacquaint yourself with an old friend? Did you make a new friend? Or, perhaps, you are a lone ranger?

Take some time today to look back on how you spent your year and give a shout out to anyone that helped to make it special. If you don't have any close friends that fit the bill, think about who you spend your time with on a regular basis, who is the bright spot in your day? Maybe you joke around with a coworker just to get through the day. Maybe the barista who serves your coffee knows your order by heart and/or knows when to suggest you mix it up. Who makes your life just a little bit better just by being themselves?

How will you resound? Follow along here. 

I think those mentioned in the virtues prompt, best fit in this section. Would it be horrible to call Josh, my Thelma? ha! He is my partner in crime most days.

For women, I'd have to go with my creative ladies group, more specifically Carly and Sarah. Who I over share with on a regular basis. They are my creative partners in crime.

Resound11 Prompt 06: Thelma & Louise

Resound11 Prompt 06: Thelma & Louise

Posted by Lorrie in About Me on December 8, 2011 | no responses

So far you've summed up the year in one word, admitted your vices, touted your virtues, revealed your superpower, and let us in on your theme song, but no superhero does it alone ...

Who is the Thelma to your Louise? Who is your partner in crime? Did you reacquaint yourself with an old friend? Did you make a new friend? Or, perhaps, you are a lone ranger?

Take some time today to look back on how you spent your year and give a shout out to anyone that helped to make it special. If you don't have any close friends that fit the bill, think about who you spend your time with on a regular basis, who is the bright spot in your day? Maybe you joke around with a coworker just to get through the day. Maybe the barista who serves your coffee knows your order by heart and/or knows when to suggest you mix it up. Who makes your life just a little bit better just by being themselves?

How will you resound? Follow along here. 

I think those mentioned in the virtues prompt, best fit in this section. Would it be horrible to call Josh, my Thelma? ha! He is my partner in crime most days.

For women, I'd have to go with my creative ladies group, more specifically Carly and Sarah. Who I over share with on a regular basis. They are my creative partners in crime.

Resound11 Prompt 04: Superpower

Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound ... we know you've got one. What's your 2011 superpower?

For those of you going what the what ... stop. Think about it for a moment: what have you learned that you can do better than anyone you know this year? What can you do that no one else can? Don't be shy!How will you resound? Follow along here. 

This one is difficult for me. I have a hard time seeing my strengths, but this year saying yes was my superpower. I said yes to my big ideas, to failure, to trying new things, to traveling when it made me nervous, to giving new friendships a chance, to new projects and businesses, hard exercise and sweat, to getting up again, to embarrassing myself and exposing parts of myself. I said yes to a lot of equally bad and good ideas.

Resound11 Prompt 04: Superpower

Resound11 Prompt 04: Superpower

Posted by Lorrie in About Me on December 8, 2011 | no responses

Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound ... we know you've got one. What's your 2011 superpower?

For those of you going what the what ... stop. Think about it for a moment: what have you learned that you can do better than anyone you know this year? What can you do that no one else can? Don't be shy!How will you resound? Follow along here. 

This one is difficult for me. I have a hard time seeing my strengths, but this year saying yes was my superpower. I said yes to my big ideas, to failure, to trying new things, to traveling when it made me nervous, to giving new friendships a chance, to new projects and businesses, hard exercise and sweat, to getting up again, to embarrassing myself and exposing parts of myself. I said yes to a lot of equally bad and good ideas.

Resound11 Prompt 02: Vices

Did you slip back into any old habits that you wish you hadn't? Did you gain any new habits that you wish you would have walked away from? Did you discover the evils of Nutella? 'Fess up ... we won't tell.

This prompt may sound dark and dreary, but we'll be back to our sunshine selves tomorrow. Take today to reflect on a vice (or two or twelve) that you'd like to give up in the new year.

How will you resound? Follow along here. 

My biggest vice this year was watching TV and going to the movies. I love watching (good) tv. I'm watching Mad Men (again), I'm in season four of Parks and Recreation. I go to the movies with my husband at least once or twice a month. I love snuggling on the couch with him and kitties. I love going to the movies. I love every thing about it, the popcorn, previews and stories. Movies give me hope, inspiration and ideas. They have the ability to change my perspective. I saw Hugo last weekend and the artistry and story of that movie was astounding to me.

I don't see letting go of a movie date night, but I would like to cut back watching so much TV, especially bad TV. Watching Whitney instead of being creative isn't how I'd like to spend my time next year. I don't want to use TV as an escape.

Resound11 Prompt 02: Vices

Resound11 Prompt 02: Vices

Posted by Lorrie in About Me on December 8, 2011 | no responses

Did you slip back into any old habits that you wish you hadn't? Did you gain any new habits that you wish you would have walked away from? Did you discover the evils of Nutella? 'Fess up ... we won't tell.

This prompt may sound dark and dreary, but we'll be back to our sunshine selves tomorrow. Take today to reflect on a vice (or two or twelve) that you'd like to give up in the new year.

How will you resound? Follow along here. 

My biggest vice this year was watching TV and going to the movies. I love watching (good) tv. I'm watching Mad Men (again), I'm in season four of Parks and Recreation. I go to the movies with my husband at least once or twice a month. I love snuggling on the couch with him and kitties. I love going to the movies. I love every thing about it, the popcorn, previews and stories. Movies give me hope, inspiration and ideas. They have the ability to change my perspective. I saw Hugo last weekend and the artistry and story of that movie was astounding to me.

I don't see letting go of a movie date night, but I would like to cut back watching so much TV, especially bad TV. Watching Whitney instead of being creative isn't how I'd like to spend my time next year. I don't want to use TV as an escape.

Healthy Holiday Gifts 2011

Some of us still have some holiday shopping left to do (ahem…ME), so I put together this list of healthy holiday gift ideas for everyone who is procrastinating. Leave me a comment if you have healthy holiday gift ideas of your own. Let’s share!

Laurel’s 2011 Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

Organic Royal Riviera Pears – Harry & David’s boxes of Royal Riviera pears have always been a favorite of mine. The pears are divinely juicy and super sweet. They really are a special treat for the holidays.

Amazon Kindle E-books or Gift Cards – Know anyone who reads most of their books on their iPhone like me? Amazon e-books or e-book gift cards are a great gift, especially if you need something last minute. Speaking of e-books, here’s a great $5.00 bargain book written by my friend Suzanne Boothby called The After Cancer Diet.

Colorful Porcelain Tea Cups – These small tea cups make drinking tea more special and they come in such pretty colors.

Rondo Teapot with Stainless Steel Handle – Again, this makes tea drinking something special…and again the colors are oh-so-pretty.

Spicy Wine Mustard – This Whole Foods recipe sounds amazing and the comments people left indicate that it makes a great holiday present. I’m thinking of making batches of this for my family/friends. Sorry to spoil the secret, but this one is too good to share!

Cooks Herb Wreath - Give this pretty herb tree as a nice gift for a chef that doubles as a festive decoration. Rosemary trees are also a great idea.

Cast Iron Skillet – This is a good idea for a new homeowner or new apartment renter. It’s always nice to have extra cast iron skillets on hand.

Massage or Acupuncture Sessions – Buy a package of massages for your favorite stressed-out buddy. This gift keeps on giving.

Organic/Vegan Treats for Dogs – Snag these up for the dog owner in your life.

Bamboo Cat/Dog Nap Mat – Another great one for your favorite pet owner.

Indian Spice Kit – For the chef who loves exotic foods.

Handmade Soaps – If you’re not a master soap maker, try DeShawn Marie’s Etsy shop for gorgeous vegan soaps that make beautiful stocking stuffers.

Gifts for Charity – Check out these charity gifts from the International Rescue Committee.

Gnosis Chocolate – The “most nutritious chocolate on earth” is also the tastiest (in my opinion). Rock someone’s world by slipping one of these in a Christmas stocking. Simplicity and Sacred Feminine are my favorite flavors.

Mavea Water Filtration Pitcher – I got one of these Mavea pitchers this year and have been loving it ever since. The pour-through lid makes it easy to refill and the water tastes great. The filters are also pretty inexpensive if you order them on Amazon.

Babycakes’ Vegan Bakery Treats - I loooove this vegan bakery. If you’re not near one of the locations in NYC or LA, you can get their goodies shipped by FedEx to your door.

Forks Over Knives Movie – I keep hearing great things about this film. It’s on my wish list.

I hope you enjoyed my list! Happy holidays everyone!

Cookbooks Giveaway!

It’s the season of giving and I’m giving away 3 cookbooks to my readers! Read below for details on the books and instructions for how to enter my giveaway contest.

Miracle Juices by Charmaine Yabsley and Amanda Cross – Drinking fresh vegetable and fruit juices is one of the easiest ways to improve your health every day. This colorful paperback includes over 40 fresh juice recipes designed for specific health issues such as diabetes, low fertility, bronchitis, etc.

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Posted by Lorrie in Uncategorized on December 3, 2011 | no responses

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I Will Wear Anything

The day started with an Insanity workout, which was insane. I skipped Thursday's workout meaning that I will have to exercise tomorrow, my usual day off , to make up for it. I've learned that morning exercise is the way to go for me, especially in the winter and Thursday just didn't happen.

You Can Have What You Want,

...but you can't have everything you want.

That has been my food mantra from the past several days. I'm trying to replace old habits with new habits and it's hard. It's hard because my old ones are so close. There are many days when I know that my habit to overeat is in a closet just a few steps away ready to be opened to rescue me from whatever uncomfortable situation I'm dealing with. Often that situation is telling myself "no" when so often I've said yes.

I know in the back of my mind that I can overeat whenever I want,  that option is always there.  I can throw in the towel and just eat more. When this happens my brain shuts off. There are few rational thoughts that happen when I transfer  food to my mouth. Often while the TV is on and I'm alone. These are habits that I've cultivated, rationalized, and made sense of in some way for many years. And now I'm left to immerse myself in other behaviors that are less self-destructive and bring me closer to my goals.

This is the hard part.

I've realized that action is not difficult for me. Counting calories isn't the bear I've made it out to be. Making time for exercise everyday is possible, even enjoyable. But it's often my head and my old habits that get in the way.

Right now, the lengths I have to go to prevent overeating may seem extreme to other people. So much so, that I don't share. I don't  starve myself, purge, or punish myself in any way, but I have to become someone I'm naturally not. Someone who plans.

My life  has become a game of chess. I know the next five to ten moves I'm going to make. I know what will trigger me and what I can handle. I can handle baking if I have a plan. Brush teeth, chew gum, clean bowl, put it away or in the freezer. I can handle having trigger foods in the house (which for me, is pretty much all food that is delicious) if I've had enough to eat, a plan, and positive actions throughout the day.

I know that if I don't have a plan for my day, I overeat. I know that if my plan is to eat one cookie, and I eat two instead, I will eventually find myself full from and justifying my tenth cookie.

Interestingly enough my most productive days are easiest for me not to overeat. Overeating is not an isolated event. It's my default when I don't know what to do. When I feel lost, I eat. When I feel lost, I am sad. When I am sad, I eat. When I eat too much I become unproductive. When I become unproductive, I become sad and then I eat.

My days are filled, because making things happen distracts me. It gives me direction. It keeps my hands and my mind busy and happy.

There is a part of me that worries that I cannot sustain being so mapped out forever, and I don't disagree. I'm using busy as a distraction for now. I have my still moments, writing this for example is stillness for me. Creating is stillness. My grand hope is that the more I create and cultivate these habits of not turning to food, the easier it will become. I will have created a new neurological pathway. I don't need to coddle or protect myself as much as I think I do. I can be uncomfortable. Yes, I need to value and cherish myself. Take time for myself. Figure myself out. But, pushing myself to be better and healthier does not have to be unnatural or punishing. It's okay for me to tell myself "no". It's okay to plan and give myself the best possible outcome everyday.

I've always believed, on some level, that not giving in to my every whim or desire was in some way self punishing. In some way against who I am. That I would lose myself if I tried to be different or tried to be better. But I'm realizing that the opposite is true. Who I am, at my core, cannot be found in destructive behaviors. I am not my depression. I am not too much food. I am not someone who doesn't make things happen for herself.  I am not tomorrow, or next week, or next year. I am not procrastination. I am not my need to be comfortable.