A Jumbled Mess of Thoughts

Jul 23

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | 2 Comments

I’ve had trouble sleeping the past few nights. I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather (OK those of you in Vancouver, know I’m probably grabbing at strings here….) or the fact My Guy has been away all week. It’s something. I’m on the brink of some new changes in my life, and it’s as if I’m balancing on the edge of a cliff- knowing the slightest move could upset the delicate balance I’ve achieved; but yet knowing I must embrace the fall with open arms.

There is a move in my future. Soon I will have the green space I once had and again, I can flourish in a garden as I did many years ago in the Heights. I can let The Boys out to roam in the grass, and enjoy drinks on the patio…it’s been a long time coming. I’m not worried about that move. I feel in my heart it’s a great thing to do- I’ve missed being a part of a lively and active community so the fact I’m heading to an extremely funky neighborhood has me tickled pink. While it’s not my West End, it’s damn sweet…I feel there are only positive things to come from this move.

I do worry about age…I worry about never getting the opportunity to be the wonderful Mother I know I could be. I worry about not sharing my creativity and watching another human being blossom into their own person…but I can’t worry. Do I not tell people, life happens this way for a reason? We’re where we are FOR A REASON…and everything we did to get to this point, was what we NEEDED to do? Taking a dose of my own medicine is sometimes akin to getting a kick in the head. I don’t know what tomorrow has in store for me, let alone a couple of years down the road. I need to take my own advice to heart and just enjoy…

Acupuncture is helping alot with allowing my mind to slow down, and my body to heal. I have had 4 sessions now, and I truly feel refreshed once the session is over. I don’t fall asleep during the session (I can’t sleep well at the best of times) but I do feel my mind drifting and my thoughts are not the jumbled mess they usually are. I don’t know if the sessions are helping my bowels at all YET, but I do feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace- and positivity. That’s gotta count for something right?

A trip home to the Island is in my cards as well next month. I still say “home” when referring to where I grew up. I didn’t appreciate it as a teenager- I just wanted to get to the CITY- but I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I think of the journey back…

You are always welcome at home.

This post has been all over the place; but to try and sum up my thoughts I’d have to go with: It’s a season of change for me, and I must let go of my fears and worries and let life simply, run it’s course.

Love Chere Michelle

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Antioxi-what?

Jul 18

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

Antioxidants. What are they really? Sure we hear ALOT about them and how great they are for us, but do you really know why? Wikepedia describes antioxidants as ” a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation can produce free radicals….in turn these free radicals can start chain reactions that damage cells…”

Phew. OK so the main thing here in this scientific gibberish is “damage cells”. That can’t be good. Antioxidants are ‘free radical scavengers’ and could prevent damage from heart disease or cancer.

Research is ongoing in this field but it can’t be denied that antioxidants are something we should try to get enough of because simply put, it can’t hurt. Right? Vitamin E, C and A are all rich sources of antioxidants…as are dried beans…

Of course fruits and veggies are loaded with these hero scavengers (do you really need another reason to eat MORE healthy?). Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries lead the Berries in antioxidants and since it’s summer now, what better time to dig in?

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I’m a Human Pin Cushion

Jul 15

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I am trying acupuncture. Originally My Guy suggested it for my lower back because I suppose I was moaning a fair bit about how much it hurt. Then I got to thinking…wait, what’s bugging me more now? My back or all these digestive issues going on in my body? That settled it. I made an appointment at the same place I go to regularly for massage therapy.

I admit I didn’t really know what to think, or what to expect. Of course I’ve seen treatments done on TV, I’ve read about them and knew what acupuncture was…but it’s a little different to suddenly be the one having it done on your OWN body!

At the beginning of my 1st treatment, the Practitioner took a VERY thorough medical history and asked me many questions, most about the issues I wanted specifically to work on, but about other areas of my body as well. She took my pulse several times and also asked to see my tongue at least 3 times…

Then it was time to lie back on the nicely cushioned table, close my eyes and let the needling fun begin. To be honest, I barely felt those needles that went into my scalp or forehead. There was a rustling sound of the needle packages being opened, a cool swab of alcohol, followed by a firm tap into my skin and then the Practitioner wiggled or adjusted the needle to where exactly she wanted it positioned.

When she got to my hands however, I jumped a bit in my skin. The placement of the needle was fine but it was the re-positioning and adjustment that literally hit me right to the nerves. I can’t really explain it, but it was like the core of a very sensitive nerve was suddenly touched, and an immense short burst of pressure applied. I jumped. It happened on my hands, shins and feet…I hardly felt the needles go into my belly.

These sensations are normal I was told…perfectly normal. Most people mention some kind of “pressure” feeling.

Once all the needles were placed, I was covered with a light sheet, the blinds closed a bit more and left alone…I had the sounds of a fountain and some music playing in the background. I didn’t fall asleep (I was very, very relaxed) but lay there listening to my breathing and focusing on relaxing every single part of my body. I figured this was a moment that I was given to just simply be.

Thirty minutes went by and I heard the soft whoosh of the door to the room being opened. The needles were gently removed, I opened my eyes to soft lighting and the Practitioner asking me how I felt. How did I feel? Relaxed. Languid. Peaceful. Most of all though, I felt this strange sense of positivity engulf me and I felt I had something to believe in, something that may in fact give me some sort of relief. I left that 1st appointment very satisfied, and in fact, had my 2nd appointment earlier tonight.

We are working on my tummy; my bowels and digestive system together with helping me sleep more peacefully.

Do I believe in non-traditional forms of medicine? I believe there is hope and energy in whatever we seek to help ourselves with. I figure millions of people can’t be wrong in claiming acupuncture has worked for them, so I don’t have anything to lose. It’s just one more step I’m taking to gain control over my body and how it feels. I alone have the power to help myself…and I choose to try whatever I can….

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Are you eating right?

Jul 13

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | 1 Comment

I know you’ve all been there….come home from work and open the fridge and stare blankly inside. Then you shuffle over to the cupboards, open those too and stand there, unblinking and gazing at the contents. But those contents never look appetizing do they? Meal time can be a seriously stressful affair that if you’re not prepared for; it can lead you down a scary path of cereal for dinner…night after night. (OK I am a a cereal addict but I do feel like I have it under control. Really.)

I already blogged about the wonder of the Burrito. How you can make up an assembly line of wraps one weekend day and add some spicy beans, cheese and grilled veggies, roll up and pop in the freezer. Take these out the night before and chuck in your lunch bag, or the fridge for a fast snack. I’m also a fan of a pot of rice and beans in the fridge to make up wraps with. Now I vary my combinations to keep it lively; Spanish rice and black beans or Greek rice and pinto beans…it’s your choice!

Use a lazy Sunday to whip up a huge batch of homemade pasta sauce and freeze it in portions- this way you ALWAYS have a filling and nutritious pasta sauce waiting and you didn’t just crack open the lid on a jar of Ragu; you actually MADE IT! While you’re cooking that up, make up a pan of lasagna or a big pot ‘o chili and again, portion it out and freeze. Meal times are so much easier when you know you’ve got it covered and let’s face it, don’t you feel great when your tummy is satisfied?

GO NUTS. Keep nuts on hand for a quick handful as a snack or to throw on top of salads and a stir-fry!

Choose yogurt for a sweet treat after dinner, rather than fat-laden ice cream. Have you checked out all the amazing fruit flavor combo’s in the yogurt section of your supermarket lately?

Thirsty? Have water first…I had an acupuncture appointment last Thursday and what did the Acupuncturist tell me? Water is life. She seemed so shocked when I told her I didn’t drink enough water as I suspected I should…she asked me why. I replied, “Well, because I don’t really like the taste…” To which she looked at me sadly and said “Learn to love it. Water is life.” So true. I’m wondering how many times I need to be hit over the head with this snippet of valuable information before I learn to follow it.

It’s summer time (finally) and personally for me, it’s time to embrace the local fruit and veggies this amazing province I live in produces. Last week I feasted on fresh cherries and blueberries…this week it will be strawberries from the Island and new potatoes. Support the local farmers markets that are in abundance this time of year and relish in the feeling of spending next to nothing for several bags bursting full of FRESH and locally grown jewels.

Until next time, eat well and live happy.

Namaste.

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Time to Give Thanks and Rant about Fiber. Again.

Jul 6

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

Getting enough fiber in my diet is going to get the best of me! I swear. This is a full time job! OK, all kidding aside I made a list of fruits that offer the MOST fiber per serving…

- Apple (with skin of course)

- Bananas

- Berries (any and all)

- Pear (apparently this is the BIG TICKET winner at 5-6 grams per fruit)

- Kiwi

- Fresh figs

- Oranges

Of course there are more but this is a pretty good start. It’s amazing to me to find out how many women I know who are having serious digestive issues. This can encompass everything from lactose intolerance to gluten allergies to constipation. I don’t know if we’re all just talking about it more, or is this a sign of how we’re living now? Are we all sacrificing our health for convenience maybe? I’ve said it before in my blogs, I can be a little lazy when it comes to fruit. I love the stuff, don’t get me wrong, I just find it high maintenance at times. If someone were to prepare me a fruit plate I’d be all over it…but alas, nobody does that for me. Yet. I’m sure if I asked My Guy he would do this…he’s nice like that…but I digress.

I have some serious things I need to change in my life and eating better, more consistently must be a top priority. I’ve let things slide this year- 2010. I can’t say why exactly, what changed and what made me become just a tad less conscious about how much fresh fruit and veg I’m really eating. Whatever it is, it has to change. All these recent trips to the doctor, and my always churning tummy causing me pain, has made me stop and think- and be a little scared too.

We’ve got one body. One. This is it and it has to last us well into our ‘golden years’. It makes sense we look after it, no?

So I need to give some thanks to the universe for putting me where I am today…a HUGE thank you to Melissa over at Sugar Filled Emotions because she is faithfully writing the little things she is thankful for and it’s keeping me grounded. Big hug to you!

I’m thankful the sun came out finally and I can bask in it’s glory and smell the flowers…I’m thankful My Guy walks beside me each day proving harmony can exist between two people…I’m thankful my mom has fiddle camp with the girls to keep her happy…I’m thankful I can afford to eat good fresh food and my water is clean…I’m thankful finally for having free health care because I know it’s a luxury many people don’t have.

Love Chere Michelle

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Shopping that’s good for the SOUL

Jul 3

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I’m a huge fan of shopping second hand. I love a bargain for sure, but I also love the idea of reusing and recycling what others may not want…and turning into something I desire.

It’s even better when the shops proceeds go to charities or women’s groups- it’s gratifying to know my money is going somewhere other than some huge cash-cow, big-box, money-hungry corporation founded somewhere in Middle America.

Vancouver is a mecca for second hand and vintage stores. Main Street comes to mind…Gastown…thankfully I stumbled upon a site tonight that goes over this very topic! It’s called Secondhand Savvy and the author lists a ton of fabulous places to hunt for FABULOUS FINDS! If you live in Vancouver, and you know of some that aren’t listed, let me know! I’m always on the hunt for more because you honestly never know what you’ll find…

Buying second hand and supporting your community feels good. And feeling good makes me happy.

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Making Fiber First…

Jun 29

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

I’ve got a confession to make. Some recent visits to my doctor have made me realize I don’t get enough FIBER and I need to change this pronto. We all know fiber keeps things moving along, right? It’s good to be regular but sometimes we associate fiber with scary foods like *shudder* those dry bran muffins always sitting in the day old section in the cafeteria. Who ever buys those??

While fiber isn’t the answer to all my digestive issues and abdominal pain….it’s a good place to start. Of course fruits and veggies are an excellent source of fiber- but we all know that. Don’t we? If you’re not already cooking with whole wheat pasta and/or brown rice, this is yet another good reason to make the switch. I think these alternatives are much more filling than their white counterparts, and no, you DON’T sacrifice taste at all! When foods are processed, such as white pasta and white bread, the fiber is removed.

And since I’m praising the Quinoa Plant, I might as well put in yet another plug for this little pseudo-grain; yup, full of fiber!

Don’t forget nuts. I love to snack on raw almonds, pecans and walnuts, as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Just make sure you enjoy nuts in moderation since they do have some fat…but it’s a good fat, really. Throw some on top of salads, put some into 100 calorie baggies and throw in your purse for a mid-morning snack.

Beans, beans and beans. I love my legumes. I’m a Veggie so getting my beans in is easy…but even my meat-eating friends incorporate beans into their meals. A friend of mine actually purees beans into all her pasta sauces and her kids are none the wiser! To them it’s “spaghetti and red sauce” and to Mom it’s fiber and protein!

I have been playing around with a bran muffin recipe I found awhile back and have now got it where I want it. Since applesauce is used in place of fat (butter, oil etc) these muffins are practically fat free! The recipe calls for whole wheat flour and yes, some white flour but I’ve found with ALL whole wheat, the muffins just don’t rise enough and are too dense. I throw in whatever I’ve got in my house; fruit, nuts, coconut, raisins, cranberries and/or chocolate chips (for a little bit of indulgence). I hope you like them as much as me!

1 1/2 cups bran (I’ve found works equally well with oat or wheat bran)

1 cup milk

1/2 cups applesauce (prefer unsweetened)

1 egg

2/3 packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup whole wheat flour,  1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix the bran and milk together in a small bowl and let sit for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile mix the applesauce, egg, brown sugar and vanilla in a seperate bowl. Stir in the bran mixture until smooth.

In another bowl mix together the dry ingredients.

Stir in the wet bran mixture into the dry, careful not to over mix here.

Fold in whatever goodies you want to add and spoon into lightly oiled muffin tins. I found they stick to paper muffin liners so I spray my tins with Lite Pam.

Cook for 15-20 minutes…I check mine at 16 minutes!

ENJOY!

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Lost in Thought

Jun 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | 1 Comment

Since the last 5 minutes of my work day I’ve felt lost…and like I’m in a fog. It was just one of those days where an incident, after I had clocked out, really hit me hard and I can’t explain why. I was on my way out the door, ready for my weekend to begin and a Client was rushing in, holding a bundle of towels against his chest. There was a small dog amongst those towels and I suddenly felt so sad…I brought that little guy to the back into our treatment area, watched for a moment to see he was stabilized and tended to…and then made my way out…I wasn’t on shift anymore and the capable hands at the clinic would take care of him.

I can’t explain why I felt so sad and empty. I just walked to my car and thought, what would I do if I just came home and found one my pets just lying on the floor? What would I do if I had to experience a significant loss? I’ve been lucky- I’ve not dealt with alot of death personally; such as family and friends. I’ve watched so many others go through it and stood helplessly by wishing I could help. I know, in hindsight, my just being ‘there’ was help enough but at the time, it never feels good enough.

I don’t know the prognosis on that little dog; I’m sure he’s fine…I think that moment was just a catalyst for me, for something else. I have no reason to feel empty or lost…my present is wonderful and my future looks promising. I have the love of My Guy, a job I like going to every day (usually), a roof over my head, a car that runs and food in my fridge. My family is healthy…

But I can’t explain the overwhelming sadness that hit me as I drove away from work today. Perhaps it’s just the end of a work week and all the sad stories or touchy situations piled on top of one another…and the pile just crashed down. Whatever it was, its stuck with me most of the evening and turned my Friday night into a Quiet Time. A time of reflection.

My thoughts are with everyone out there; man, woman, child and animal who is struggling and/or suffering through pain…may they find their way to the top and lift their faces to the sun.

Namaste.

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A New Chocolatey Snack…100 calories….really.

Jun 24

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

So I have a co-worker to thank for introducing me to VitaTops; an amazing 100 calorie cake-like muffin “top” that is actually NOT full of crap.

I didn’t believe her when she raved about it. I thought something has to give – they must be tasteless or a weird consistency….something! I tried one today and it was so rich and chocolatey, a moist cake-like texture, dotted with a few chocolate chips. I kept looking at the package to be sure I was reading right:

- 7 grams fibre

- 1.5 grams fat

- 4 grams protein

- 28% of your DV of Calcium

- 100 calories

I am always looking for new 100 calorie snack ideas. It’s a great number of calories for a snack and people are often amazed at what I can pack into 100 calories. If it was up to me, my snacks would be so much bigger and sweeter but I have to be smart and sensible…and this is why I’m really excited with the VitaTops.

They’re a Canadian Company and I went to the website to see what else they had. Imagine my excitement when I saw you can order online AND they have 12 packs for some ridiculously crazy cheap price. So I was happily  punching in my info to see what the shipping would be and can you believe it- from Ontario to Vancouver from a CANADIAN company it was $25! I figured whatever I would have saved in their low prices was obviously over run by the unbelievable shipping cost.

I did pick some up at Superstore; they’re in the frozen dessert section and average to less than $1 per top. Not bad! I found myself very satisfied and the Chocolate Beast within me settled down to a quiet slumber once I was done (and was licking the wrapper clean!)

Go ahead and experiment with making up your own 100 calorie snacks and take them to work or school…remember fruit is always a great snack of course!

If you have any snacks you swear by, let me know- I’d love to hear it!

Snack well and live happy.

Chere Michelle

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Quinoa- What took me so long to blog about this wonder food?

Jun 22

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition, Vegetarian | No Comments

I’m a great procrastinator. In all things. This is no exception because I’ve been meaning to sing the praises of quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) for some time now. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, it was all over the news last year as a great new food to use in place of rice…well, let me tell you- it’s SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

This little gem is actually NOT a grain like many people assume. It’s not part of the grass family and has an unusually high protein content for a plant based food. This is what makes it truly unique and an absolute must for any Vegan or Vegetarian lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at 1 CUP of quinoa (or 3.5 oz) and some key facts:
** 16% of your daily value for Protein!
** Fat is 3.6 grams of 5% of daily value
** Packed with all the B Vitamins, particularly high in Folate at 19%, followed by Thiamin at 13%
** Iron is good at 15% of daily value
(REMEMBER THIS IS ALL IN 1 LITTLE CUP!)

There’s something different about the taste too; quinoa should have a little bite to it and not be all mushy. I get a bit of a nutty taste personally, NOTHING like rice…I love it in stir fry because it doesn’t soak up the sauce. I love using my leftover quinoa and making a salad; add veggies and seasoning, dressing and it holds up so well. All day.

There is a downside to all this…the price. Quinoa isn’t as affordable as I’d like but you know what? I’m going to keep stocking it because as a Veg, I need to look at alternate protein sources and I’m willing to spend a little more to get a quality food for my body.

If you haven’t tried quinoa yet, I urge you to do so. I cook it using 1 cup of quinoa (rinsed well) to 1 3/4 cup water….simmer for about 12-14 minutes UNCOVERED and stir every once in awhile. Once mine is cooked I throw in chopped green onions and some S & P…and go crazy.

Happy Eating….
Love Chere Michelle

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