Tuesday, October 21, 2008

You will be missed Jonas!

I just received word that a foster puppy I had for a few days (I was his temporary foster) passed away from parvo. He was a doll, and so very cute! He was trapped, nearly 5 days after his siblings, and lived alone in an abandoned home. He was very skittish and untrusting, but quickly came out of his shell and was the biggest kisser of the litter. He was only around 9 weeks, and was neutered last Tuesday. He then went to his foster home, where he enjoyed rolling in the leaves and had a good appetite. He took a turn for the worse this past Saturday and was taken to the emergency vet on Sunday. I received word that he passed around 10:30 or 11 this morning.

While I only had him for a few days, he made a big paw-print on my heart.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Dr. Oz’s Cup of Fresh review and Indianapolis Marathon (and half Marathon and 5K - recipe at the bottom too!)

I decided a few months back that I would walk the Indianapolis Half Marathon. Well, a REALLY BAD case of plantar fasciitis ruined that. So, in August, I registered for the 5K. The day that I thought would take forever to get here is this Saturday! I can’t believe it. Two gals from the WW message boards are coming into town and are doing this with me. Well, they are so much more fit and strong that they are going to do the Half Marathon. I am such a proud friend!

I am so sick of foot pain. I can’t say that enough. It is VERY frustrating. I have had plantar fasciitis since August. I have some pain every day, most days pretty bad. I know I could have it much worse. Others are in much worse shape. My sympathies to all who are. I have to own the pain I am feeling. It is not fun and I am very bad, as my therapist keeps telling me. I have physical therapy twice a week now. A couple weeks down and finally I am feeling some relief. There is some, not much, but some. I am on 2 hours of a straight tightened muscle, like a Charlie horse. Ice is going on now. My therapist thinks I may not be able to do the 5K, but I am not losing my money and the chance to do something good for me! I will have ice packs at the ready for afterwards!

I also started a part time job this week at Georgetown Market. I am going to be working in the deli, so I will be on my feet all the time. Luckily, the more I move, the more blood flows to the muscles and tendons, thus reducing the pain. But, as I found in a 3.5 hour shift yesterday, they are going to get sore. But, I am looking at the bright side that this will be good for me, budget-wise and movement wise! No pain, no gain, right?

Come and see me Saturdays and Sundays. I start on my birthday, October 25th. Yes, that was a shameless plug! I have to work 8 hours on my birthday. At least I will be surrounded by lots of people on the big day and I will be making money too!

So, back to this marathon stuff! There is still room, if you would like to join in the fun Saturday. The website is www.indianapolismarathon.com.

I will post more from the Cancer Society booklet this week!

Oh, for all those interested in Dr. Oz’s Cup of Fresh Green Smoothie, it is good! I finally had it yesterday. I do NOT like ginger, so I would leave it out. One warning, you really need a juicer! I think he blended it on the show, but I don’t remember. I don’t see how it would blend easily. It is VERY refreshing.

Meg’s Marinara

8-9 tomatoes, boiled, peeled and chopped
2 T canola or olive oil
2 medium or 1 large yellow onion, chopped
Garlic to taste (I used two frozen cubes from a Trader Joe’s freezer pack – roughly 2 cloves)
1 small can Vegetable broth
Dried basil (I would say I used 1 teaspoon)
Dried Oregano (I would say I used ½ teaspoon)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 T sugar (roughly – start out with less and add more as necessary)

Boil tomatoes in water, remove when the skin cracks. Put in an ice bath to stop cooking and peel once cool. Chop and set aside.

While tomatoes are boiling, you can cut up onion and garlic and start sautéing in the oil. Cook on medium until onions are translucent. Add cut up tomatoes and all the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low-medium heat for 60 minutes. Stir often. Reduce to low and simmer another 30 minutes. I think the slow cooking really helps increase the flavor. It would be fine after 30minutes, I am sure, if you are pressed for time.

Take a potato masher and “mash” the tomatoes. I left some chunk. I just wanted to “puree” it a bit. It will not be a thick sauce before this. I like chunky marinara sauce!

I haven’t figured pts on this, but it is all core, except the sugar, which isn’t enough to make it even a half point per serving. And I haven’t measured it yet to see how much it yielded. I will do that tonight and post tomorrow!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Mini Marathon 2009

If you have considered doing the mini next year, register by November 1, 2008, to save $20.

$50 by 11/1/08

$70 after 11/1/08

Ouch! It sure has gotten expensive! But, 13.1 miles is a lot of activity pts. and the training before will certainly help your weight loss efforts!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Today is the Voter Registration Deadline!

I don't care who you vote for, I just want you to vote on November 4th. I try not to get political on here, but this is an historic election on many fronts. Why not be a part of it? If you are not registered to vote, you can access the voter registration information at this link:

http://www.in.gov/bmv/4578.htm

Voting early is an option, so if you would like to do so, you can! It will certainly be busy in November!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Ways to cut back fat and sugar

Instead of 1 C whipping cream, try:

1 C half and half and save 48 g fat
1 C evaporated whole milk and save 53 g fat
1 C evaporated skim milk and save 72 g fat

Instead of 1 C sour cream, try:
1 C reduced fat sour cream and save 12 g fat
1 C fat free sour cream and save 40 g fat

Instead of 1 C low-fat flavored yogurt, try:
1 C yogurt, unflavored or with non-sugar sweetener and save 22 g sugar

Instead of 1 pound lean ground beef, try:
1 pound ground turkey breast and save 78 g fat

Instead of 1 C nuts, try:
1/2 C toasted nuts and save 21 g fat

Instead of 2 slices bacon, cooked, try:
1 slice Canadian Bacon and save 4 g fat

Instead of 1 oz. hard cheese like cheddar, try:
1 oz. reduced fat cheese and save 4 g fat
or
2 T grated Parmesan Cheese and save 6 g fat

American Cancer Society handout