Life with Chere Michelle

Inspirational Rambles by one Veggie girl trying to live happy & healthy.

Posts Tagged lose weight

Kale Chip Chaos and More…

Sep 6

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Vegetarian | 2 Comments

I finally did it. We had some kale in the fridge so I thought, ‘fine, I’ll see what all this fuss is about and make some kale chips.’ I followed the directions online, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F, lightly tossed the bite sized pieces of kale (minus the tough stems) in olive oil, added some salt….and threw in for 10 minutes or so. This site had over 600 reviews, sounds positive right?

First bite? NASTY. I got a very enthusiastic thumbs down from My Guy upon his first taste. He proclaimed they needed more seasoning salt. I countered with, ‘I didn’t use any seasoning salt! We don’t have any!’ But I highly doubt seasoning salt would have made that much of a difference. I had about 5 ‘chips’ in total before I gave up and near my last one, I did sort of see the possibility when I got a completely crunchy one…but with it I got a mouthful of disintegrated kale-dust coating my gums and a bitter flavour. What did I do wrong my faithful readers?? Does anyone know why kale chips get all these amazing reviews online? Are these reviews planted by fakes? Someone tell me! We want to eat more kale, we know we should eat more kale…but I don’t see it happening in the form of ‘chips’ again anytime soon.

Second thing I want to talk about is Holy Crap Cereal. For the umpteenth time I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS STUFF! I simply can’t justify paying over $10 for what looks like maybe 2 cups of product in an inflated bag. If I was to be sent some, I’d surely try it because I’m curious, just like the people writing to me asking me about the cereal! But folks it’s simply not in my budget at this time, and I’m not sure it ever will be. I’ve looked at the ingredient list and think I can maybe come up with something similar on my own…Alas, I’m proud of their story and proud they’re Canadian but unless it comes down about 50% in cost, it won’t be on my breakfast menu.

We’ve been partaking in a few cold brews this summer in the back yard. To shake things up a bit, I started buying mingler or sampler packs. Some have been great and others, well, have been forgettable. I want to give a shout to a local tried-and-true-never-disappointed brew made right here in my little ‘ol town. Granville Island Brewery is a treasured establishment here in Van City that continuously produces top-notch ales that make the craft brewing industry proud. My current fave is the Brockton IPA.

I also want to make sure I give a proper shout out as well to the other hometown brew of choice hailing from the Okanagan: Okanagan Spring Brewery. I’m currently digging the 1516 Lager. There are alot of choices when it comes to craft beers and sometimes it can be overwhelming. If you want something great, want something local…for a reasonable price, then don’t overlook these 2 breweries! Trust me. I’m thirsty just thinking about it…

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All Over the Place

Aug 14

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living | 4 Comments

My mission tonight was to blog. I tried to say “It’s too late…” but My Guy said “Bollocks! That’s just an excuse. Sit down at that computer and write. And it better be good ’cause I’m checking it out tomorrow.” Sigh. The pressure!

One thing I do want to talk about is this great article I stumbled upon entitled Meat Alternatives Explained. It compares tofu, tempeh and seitan from calories to nutrients and everything in between. This is great information for veteran Veggies like myself, but also pretty invaluable for newbies or those who are thinking about becoming a Vegetarian. Of the 3 mentioned, I have never tried tempeh- I can’t believe it myself but it’s true. I’ve seen it at the stores but thought, ‘another processed mock meat. Do I really need ANOTHER one?’ and I turned the other way. This article though really explains it and almost makes me want to try it…After all, it’s basically just like tofu but the soybeans are fermented.

I recently entered the 21st Century and traded in my cell phone for an iPhone. Yeah, seriously. I was one of those people without one. How did I survive you ask? I never thought I wanted one…never thought I needed one! Now that I have the damn thing, I can’t seem to stop playing with it. What I’m most curious (and excited) about is the world of ‘apps’ and all that we can now see and do with the touch on the screen. For those of us trying to live healthy and happy, the possibilities for apps to help with that are endless. I’m still wading through many available but welcome suggestions on iPhone apps you have tried and love- that help you in every day life. Now I don’t mean the games…I mean a seriously helpful or handy app you think has somehow improved your life or helped in a significant way. I’d love to know! So far I’ve found calorie counting apps, pedometers, blood type diets and yoga to name a few! How is a person to choose what are really the good apps vs the junk apps?

So while I play around with my iPhone I’m also thinking of a friend of mine, Rebecca and her recent Gratitude Challenge. Each day I’m reading her inspirational posts on Facebook about the simple things in life she gives thanks for. It reminds me I haven’t sat down and looked at what I’m grateful in a very, very long time. It’s a sad fact I have to stop and think about this; instead of rejoicing daily on the ‘little things’. I was reminded of this the other day at work; one of our long-time Clients was talking to me and she passed on some advice: “Don’t sleep too much because life passes you by!”. She is 73 years old and commented that sometimes she wakes up late in the day and is sad she lost time because she doesn’t have much left…I personally think she’s 73 years YOUNG and has so much damn energy and fire in her, she will outlive me!

But her comment reminds me to stop and savour each moment, each day. I’m thankful I have a home and clean water to drink…I’m thankful I have treasured friends who all may not live close to me but are with me in spirit each and every day…I’m thankful I have My Guy to give me a hug when I need one and thankful I in turn, can brighten someone else’s day too…I’m thankful I have a job that pays the bills and allows me freedom to keep my options open…I’m thankful my parents are healthy and the sun shone today.

It’s the little things that make up the whole picture. One day at a time is all we can do, and all we can expect others to do as well. Don’t look too far ahead that you lose sight of today.

Love the ones you’re with and love them like there is no tomorrow.

Be strong and healthy. Make good choices in everything you do.

And finally, sleep well Dream big.

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Lions, Tigers and….Wolves? Oh My.

May 25

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

It’s almost the end of May and it’s raining. Again. Or still? No, that’s not fair because we did have a few lovely days last week. Well one comes to mind actually- last Friday. It was clear and sunny….warm even. It’s summer in less than one month and if the sun doesn’t hurry up and hit this city I…I…um, well I don’t know what I’ll do but it won’t be pretty dammit! I. Need. Sun. OK, enough about what I need though and let me tell you what’s been going on lately…

We had a wolf drop by the clinic today. No, not a “pet” wolf- it was a wild one from the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife  who needed some medical attention. He came heavily sedated with his OWN Veterinarian and several others standing guard. I have to admit I was expecting this lithe grey coloured wolf like the ones recently featured in a National Geographic article I read…not the HUGE furry white beast that was carried in. His sheer size surprised me- he was massive. Had I familiarized myself with the Grouse Mountain website, I would have known what to expect! Weighing in at only 100 lbs though, it was pretty clear his coat was quite thick and dense thus attributing to that weight. For a ‘small animal practice’ it was pretty exciting to have a wild animal of that kind in our humble little clinic!

Last night, as My Guy and I sat through the most intense, nail-biter of a hockey game he said, “I can’t wait for hockey to be over so we can go for a bike ride again.” As much as we love our dear Canucks and the fact we’re in the Stanley Cup Finals, I don’t think we’ve even so much as glanced at our bikes for the past 3 weeks. Some may say it’s a sad excuse for hockey isn’t on EVERY night after all…but it’s our story and we’re sticking with it. We do have several days ahead of us however before the next game…so really there isn’t a valid reason I can’t get out and ride. Oh wait, yeah I forgot: IT’S POURING RAIN OUTSIDE!! Summer is creeping up on us and I’m not bikini-ready…

 I bought a big jug of OJ at my last grocery shop with the intent of getting back into taking my Greens. I used to take this stuff faithfully and felt great while doing it…and then I let life get in the way and I stopped. I started out using the Greens + Extra Energy and then with all the bowel and intestinal issues I had, I thought perhaps the Greens + Daily Detox might be a better product. I really did notice a difference on the Extra Energy but I got lazy. That’s all there is to it. This product doesn’t come super cheap but I truly feel like it’s money well spent because it’s so good for my body. I had some last night and will again tonight. If you haven’t tried the Greens products from Genuine Health I suggest you look into them and give them a try. Plus the website is jam-packed with info so that alone is a great place to start! Personally I’m happy and I’ve only tried 2 of them! Oh if only I could afford more! 

Coming soon will be some new recipes and reviews so check back often!

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Another Wednesday…

May 18

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

I’m sitting here with the game on and Moops on the other computer playing Mario. I’ve just disappointed her because yet again, I can’t make the damn Wii work. I have been shown how to hook it up (because we’ve got a different than normal set up) several times, but when I went to do it tonight, nothing was as it should be. I know it’s because we watched a DVD the other night, and the settings are different…I just feel like such an idiot. I’ve disappointed Moops who wanted to play Boom Blox and now I’m mad at myself for a) not getting it and b) wondering why I can’t seem to understand these extra steps to go through when I want to do something with the Wii or Netflix. I’m feeling stupid and sorry for myself right now…My Guy isn’t home, obviously…or else we would be ‘up and running’ smoothly. Thankfully Moops is a good kid (and no doubt has already forgotten I couldn’t hook up our game) and can amuse herself…but I’m feeling kinda bummed!

I think later tonight I’ll take a little walk or a bike ride. These past couple of weeks with the non-stop rain that has hit the city, really took a toll on me. I was struggling to stay awake; it’s amazing what a little sun can do for my spirit though. It shone today in a perfectly cloudless blue sky. Heaven. I was inside the clinic working, but I did manage to find little reasons to wander around outside and soak up some precious (and much needed) Vitamin D. It feels as though Vancouver never really got Spring, and now summer is a month away! I have so many hopes and plans for the summer; we’re not going anywhere, but my goal is for us to be outside in the garden or out on our bikes making the most of it.

Hopefully this warm weather is here to stay because it’s so much easier to get, and stay, motivated to exercise. We all know exercise is crucial to our well being, our self esteem and our outlook on life- and when we forget to do it the effects can be debilitating. Isn’t it so much easier to go for a walk after work in the sun, rather than to trudge through the rain? When it’s sunny maybe you want to walk to work, but if it’s raining? Not so much. I’m not making excuses, I’m just being real. Sunshine and warm weather makes me want to get outside, and if I’m out there I will exercise. I can’t stress how important exercise is. We all have to make an effort to get out each day and move our bodies. One of my ideas was to go out for a bike ride BEFORE work. I thought it might be a nice way to begin the morning with the fresh air and few cars on the road. Part of me isn’t quite ready to ride to work, only because I’m having trouble overcoming my fear of riding in busy traffic and since I’d have to go through the downtown core…I couldn’t possibly avoid the traffic! I got dinged by a truck 2 weeks ago on a ride and I’m having trouble shaking that…

I’m feeling very thankful these days. I absolutely love My Guy and when I look at him I think, “I waited years to meet you, but I’m so glad I found you.” Do you know that feeling? I get a little thrill when I receive a silly text message from him…or when he rubs my shoulders for no reason. I don’t need a man in my life for it to be complete- but it’s certainly a lovely life to have when you’re with someone you love. The only thing that is missing is a job that pays me what I’m worth for what I do, and for the care we all put into animals. It’s a shame Animal Health pays so little…we all do it for the LOVE and the desire to help those who can’t ask for it…but it’s sometimes a thankless job. I love what I do, I truly do…but it doesn’t pay the bills necessarily every month. I wrestle with that; the need to move on in order to survive. I’m just weighing the pros and cons…

Are you happy where you are? Are you doing what you love and surviving? If so, my heart is happy. There’s no better feeling.  Hold on to it.

That’s it tonight. No reviews and no “things I’m curious about” etc. Sorry to disappoint! Just me and my evening rambles and I thank each of you, as always, for reading.

Now go pull your bike out of the garage or storage area, clean it up and make it road worthy…and join me in MOVING YOUR BODY.

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Stuff I’m Excited About #5

Apr 18

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

Today at work wasn’t the best…I mean it IS work and all…but after work is another story. I drove home with the sun shining and barely a cloud in the sky. I rounded the corner to the back door of my house and noticed My Guy’s motorcycle was gone. I immediately texted him, thinking he better be ON his bike or else it’s stolen. The reason I was surprised it was gone is because it’s not been insured all winter, sitting under the patio looking cold and lonely. I know My Guy was waiting and wishing for the sun to come out so he could get it back on the road…and looks like today was THE DAY. He texted me back and said “Wanna go for a ride?” I got ready in a flash, met him at the door, helmet in hand…

Once we got back from the ride, I traded the motorcycle helmet for MY KICK ASS NUTCASE bike helmet and took off for a ride. I thought I’d take a new route and basically, well, got lost. I went farther into the East side and then turned south…but couldn’t find a bike street to take me back west so ended up almost down by the river…but it was an awesome ride nevertheless! I was actually HOT with the sun beating  down on me, and as I cruised around taking it all in I wondered at the amazing vehicle a pedal-bike truly is. I felt like my legs would take me anywhere I wanted. It was all in my power, I could go anywhere…

The helmet rocks by the way. Totally unobtrusive. Fits like a glove- not too tight and not too loose of course. The strap is wide and comfortable- it’s very light weight…and hell it looks good.

Something else I’m pretty excited about? Netflix. We finally got it. We stopped our cable TV a few weeks ago because honestly, the prices you are expected to pay here by the one major cable provider…starts with an S….ends in a W….are outrageous. Plus we have little choice here in Vancouver…so we decided we’re not going to pay those prices and besides, maybe cancelling cable TV will get us out more. And there is Moops to think of…we all need to BIKE MORE! Anyway I digress. (So excited I  forgot my train of thought…) Netflix. $7.99 a month. Movies. Good TV shows…movies…$7.99 a month. We’re stoked about it and this next month will be a test since it’s the FREE TRIAL and if all goes well, we like it….hey $7.99 is the cost one bloody new release almost at the video store! My Guy is seriously pumped about the documentary selection available…

If you’re like me, the Seal Hunt makes you sick and disgusted. Please check out this amazingly cute, and informative video about the Canadian Seal hunt. Yeah so I’m personally invested a little in it, but put that aside, and watch it because you support those who are against the Seal Hunt. Watch it because you think, and feel, that animals should be the only ones wearing their OWN FUR. Watch it because all life is precious. My heart thanks you…

Now that Spring is really here, get out and ENJOY IT. Seize each day like it’s the dawn of a new beginning. Feel the wind in your hair, get your legs pumping and don’t forget to EAT FRUIT. (oh and your veggies.)

Now go out there. Enjoy. Be. Move. Live.

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What I’m Excited About #4

Apr 1

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

It’s been awhile since I sat down and told you all about what’s getting me excited lately in the world of health and veggies! Ever since my email program (Outlook) decided to NOT let me click on any html links, I’m having trouble accessing all my google alerts and that my friends, is where the really exciting stuff is. The alerts are delivered to my inbox several times a day about all the things I love…but for reasons I can’t explain, I simply can’t open any email links….*sigh* I’ve tried to fix it but to no avail…So, I’ll bring you the info on some stuff I do remember and hope you like it as much as I do!

First things first- cereal. I recently read about this company, Ambrosial Granola Cereals and my first thought was ‘Wow. This is granola at it’s finest.” The ingredients are all ones I can not only pronounce, but ones I know…this is a huge plus. I don’t want a cereal with a bunch of crap in it! Cereal is meant to be savoured…and this product looks amazing. I’m still holding out for Holy Crap cereal; I seriously want to give this stuff I try but the price point at my local IGA just isn’t feasible right now. I’ll content myself with reading product reviews…

I’m about to embark, again, on making seitan. For those not familiar with this “wheat meat”, it’s basically just that, a meat-sub made from vital wheat gluten. I’ve had it in so many tasty dishes at Chinese and Thai Buddhist restaurants in Vancouver and love the versatility of it. I tried my hand at making it a couple of years ago, but it was so tough it was inedible. I’m not sure what I did wrong because I followed the recipe exactly and was so crushed at all the wasted product…I’m determined to try it again. With the rising prices of groceries and the constant high price of vegetarian items like gardein and tofu products, I feel I have to try again. I’ll keep everyone posted! If you have a tried and true recipe, I’d love to see it…(personally speaking the mock duck stuff makes my stomach turn…)

I was away last week and got the opportunity to visit with a dear old friend. We took a stroll through an old town filled with stone houses and a covered bridge catching up on time gone by. My friend is a photographer and insisted on snapping some pics of me against backdrops of antique doors…I realized when I saw these pictures how old I look! Maybe it was because I was wearing my glasses and hadn’t yet seen any pics of me in them (I’m usually in contacts)…or maybe it’s because my hair is a boring mousy-brown. Whatever the deal is, I look old. And it’s my birthday in 2 weeks. 15 days to be exact. I’m not really looking forward to it this year; I think as more years go by the idea of another birthday loses the charm it once had. I’m not ready to be approaching the year I’m approaching- I feel I’m too old now to achieve my desires and wants. The rational part of me KNOWS this is silly; women are achieving so much later in life these days but to say I’m not scared, would be a lie. I think it’s time to find the money in the ‘ol budget to colour my hair again and maybe cut off about 4 inches or so while I’m at it. Of course this is only a temporary, physical fix but sometimes that little push is all we need…

My friend and I also discussed some website and blog ideas as well. I got excited from his enthusiasm and felt the first twinges of hope again, over what I wanted this blog to truly be. So stay tuned for some really exciting changes and developments in the very near future. Really.

Right now Moops and My Guy are watching my favourite movie of all time: Imitation of Life with Lana Turner and Juanita Moore. I have loved this movie since I was 12 years old and first saw it on TV. I’m not sure why it made such a deep impression on me, but it did. I still cry every time I see it…Juanita Moore’s character “Annie” is of such a pure spirit that it makes my heart ache. Her face and eyes smile even through the roughest moments of the movie when all the odds are against her; she never loses faith. An added bonus? The adorable Sandra Dee plays 16 year old Suzie. If you haven’t seen the movie, check it out.

Home is where my heart is. When things at work get my down and I wonder why I am where I am there…I think of those who love me and realize I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Sure this post was supposed to be about what was getting me excited but looks like I went in a slightly different direction…

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So Close, But Yet So Far

Mar 6

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

Can you believe NEXT WEEKEND we spring ahead and set our clocks forward ONE HOUR? That means, yes, it will be light after say 6 pm! This happens next week, so Spring really is close by- right? It’s been a long winter for me personally and I’m blessed with living somewhere that doesn’t traditionally get a ‘white winter’ or temperatures too cold. But this past winter seemed to stretch on especially long and we did get show and we did go below freezing!! So I’m ready for Spring to be sprung upon us; I don’t care what those pesky little groundhogs had to say. I say BRING SPRING ON.

While we wait though, this last little stretch can seem unbearable. It’s important to keep your spirits up during the colder months because it’s easy to let depression and the blues creep in. I’m my own worst enemy in this one, but you gotta exercise. It’s vital. I realize that, I know it, and I’m trying…I really do feel better when I leave the gym but it’s the getting there part that can be a challenge.

Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. With fruit we can bring in a little ‘sunshine’- I saw whole pineapples on sale last week at a local grocer. When was the last time you bought a pineapple? And lets be honest, fresh pineapple tastes a world better than canned tidbits doesn’t it?

Have some quiet time. Just because you spend part of Saturday lounging in bed reading doesn’t mean your lazy…it means your giving your body a break and a little treat. If we’re not good to ourselves, who will be? Don’t be afraid to indulge and have a lazy day. It’s when those lazy days turn into weeks and months that a problem will arise…

Pull out your recipe books or ask friends/coworkers for some new dishes to try. I’ve got a few recipes from coworkers I’m excited about but haven’t yet tried…one is Low Fat Pumpkin Muffins and then I picked up on Facebook on the gardein page for ‘Chick’n Pot Pie’. I love experimenting in the kitchen and used to do it so much more. I’d like to get back to that as it always made me smile…

Take a walk. Or better yet, does your city have some botanical or tropical gardens under cover? My Guy, Moops and I went to some here in QE Park awhile back and the heady, wet smell of fresh earth mixed with the vibrant colours made my head spin. While it was cold outside, inside was warm….(the pics above at beginning of this post is from there…)

Embrace this time before Spring and try to keep your head up. It can be tough but we’re ALMOST THERE! Tell me your ideas at keeping the winter blues at bay…

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No Blog Storm Here

Dec 6

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

So My Guy says, “Jeez I thought you’d be blogging up a storm by now…” Meaning, I got my laptop fixed, and he knows it’s super-comfy for me to type on. I think he expected the posts to be flying out of my head. That’s the problem sometimes with blogging; with HAVINGa blog. You are expected to put out stuff regularly and even if you’re having an off day, someone, somewhere is waiting on your words. He’s right though. I should have posted a bit more regularly than I have as of late. I *should* be doing alot of things more regularly to be honest (exercise, Christmas prep, etc).  As I’m trying to write this now, I’m staring blindly at the TV. PBS is on, advertising Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughn compilations…I’m not interested but I am strangely attracted to the screen and what’s going on…Seems to always be a distraction around if you want it, doesn’t there? Right now,  my contacts are all squishy in my left eye…it’s really bothering me, but I continue to squint at the TV, blinking furiously and cursing the damn lenses…and still stressing about ‘what to blog about.’

But really what else is there to do tonight, really? It’s after 9 pm, lunches are made for tomorrow, the dinner dishes are done, freshly baked cookies cooling (yes really, I am a Domestic Goddess at times…I did bake tonight…)…But it’s not all perfect. There is laundry piling up in the hamper, the bathroom could probably use a clean…the Boys litter box a scoop or two…but vegging the couch next to My Guy seems to the “right” spot for me now. The Sweet Spot to be.

Life is good. Indulge in a distraction or two.

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It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas…

Nov 22

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Weight Loss | No Comments

Yes folks, it’s THAT  time of year again. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas but it brings with it all the temptations of abundant food & drink. This is a tough time for “dieters” and those of us just trying to stay healthy, one day at a time. I honestly believe with a little willpower and a good dose of positive AND realistic thinking, the Holidays can be enjoyed by all of us. First things first: Christmas DOESN’T mean you stop exercising. It’s not a ‘get out of going to the gym or walking etc’ pass. Remember, you can indulge in those Xmas treats but you HAVE TO BURN OFF THE EXCESS CALORIES YOU PUT IN. It’s simple.

Second, don’t deny yourself this season. Don’t put unrealistic expectations like, “I will not eat any chocolate this Christmas” because as devoted as you may be, this is only asking for trouble. It’s OK to indulge, just choose the occasions wisely and make it the best damn indulgence you possibly can. I was cruising the Web tonight looking for articles to quote and found this one from The Today Show. I know we’ve all probably heard these tips before, but the average person has to hear something at least 8 times before it sinks in…so why not give these tips another quick go?

Third, for all your holiday baking, why not experiment with lower fat recipes? Cooking Light is a great starter-site for this because it not only has a ton of recipes but also articles and straight talk on eating less fat and calories. I refer to this site often for my own cooking and baking…remember it’s OK to have Christmas baking, just put realistic expectations on yourself and if you can’t get to the gym, WALK IT OFF. Get moving any way you can and get your heart pumping…

I work in the health care industry and this time of year we are given endless amounts of chocolate and baking by our Clients. In fact the first tin of cookies arrived today by one of our oldest and dearest Clients….suddenly, I was face to face with CHOCOLATE and you know what? It was so damn busy at the clinic, I had time for ONE chocolate and I was OK with that. I savoured it as I walked out the door at the end of my shift and it was bloody marvelous.

I have a Cookie Exchange to participate in this year and need to come up with a suitable recipe that is equal parts YUMMY and health-smart. I’ve already poured through my cookbooks with no luck so I now turn my attention to the Internet and it’s vast array of information. If you have any recipes you swear by for tasty holiday treats, send ‘em on in!

Christmas shouldn’t be about guilt or negativity. It also shouldn’t be a time we throw our health to the wayside. All it takes is a little planning and responsibility and you CAN enjoy all the season has to offer.

I know I will!

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Being Smart About it…

Nov 6

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Nutrition, Weight Loss | No Comments

Ok yes, it’s Kelly Osbourne BUT she did lose some weight and looks fantastic! I don’t know if she did it all on her own, or had a mess of personal trainers and crap we regular folks can’t afford, but in this this article she tells us some simple (translation: common sense) tips on how she did it. I don’t care who you are; if you’ve got a weight loss story and your tricks could be helpful, I’m gonna listen. You know? So go Kelly!

I know it’s “Hollywood” and no doubt she’s touched up, but I’ve seen the other pics and this girl, no matter how much we love to hate her, LOOKS good. In the article she mentions one way to cut out calories is soda. As North Americans we love our damn soda…and those are empty calories folks. Personally, if ‘m going to drink my calories I’ll save them for the Honey Brown Ale when I have a burger or a glass of our current fave red (see wine blog)…save them for when it counts I say….

But back to Kelly…another great tip I thought- get rid of your microwave. It’s too easy to fill your freezer with those less-than-good-for-you frozen meals that say they’re healthy (when really they pack a whollop in calories AND fat). Sure it’s easy to pop something in the microwave for 3 minutes but answer me honestly- are those meals remotely satisfying to you?

I look for inspiration where I can find it…I don’t care who is inspiring me or what they look like. If they’re doing something I think is great and can maybe teach us something, then I’m going to lean in closer for a 2nd look.

My struggle continues. I lost myself this past year and gained some weight back. I’m looking for ideas in all corner…and within. Choose your calories well.

Be well.

Namaste.

CM

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