Everything but the Kitchen Sink Muffin

I was wandering around the house tonight wanting to snack and/or bake…but also so aware NONE of my summer clothes fit me properly. I pulled out my faithful recipe book and turned to all my muffin recipes. There was one in there, probably about 6 or 7 years old and I’ve never made it but the ingredient list always intrigued me. I thought “there is way too much stuff in this recipe for it to cook properly!” I simply ignored the recipe until tonight. Tonight it spoke to me. I didn’t have all the ingredients, as usual; I always tend to ‘tweak’ a recipe and put my own touch on it. It’s a chunky muffin to say the least, jam-packed with good ‘stuff’ and it may seem like not alot of batter. Throw common sense out the window for this one folks and try it. Oh and they’re practically fat free too.

For those recipe-purists out there I will post the recipe as it was given to me, but I’ll put my changes in parentheses beside.

1 cup grated zucchini or a mix of carrot and zucchini (I opted for the mix)

1/2 cup Applesauce

1/4 cup raisins

1 14 oz tin of mandarin oranges, drained and cut finely (I had none, so used pineapple tidbits!)

1 cup of a flaked cereal (author used Special K, I used bran flakes)

1/4 cup oil (I chose NOT to use this, subbed applesauce instead for all but 2 tbsp and that I did use oil for)

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/3 cup sugar (*UPDATE: Just had a 2nd one and very sweet. I would say you don’t need a full 1/3 cup. I’m just sayin’…)

3/4 cup WW flour

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

dash nutmeg

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 chopped walnuts (I didn’t have any so I used pecans instead)

1/4 soy milk or regular milk (I didn’t even need this!)

3 tbsp coconut for topping (I didn’t have any so used pumpkin seeds!)

- PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES F

-I used 12 regular sized muffin cups, or could use 6 large if you had them. Will need to be greased or non-stick paper liners used.

-In large bowl mix zucchini (and carrot), raisins, oranges, applesauce and cereal. Set aside.

-Stir in oil if using and vanilla

-In separate bowl add dry: flours, sugar, spices, BP, BS and salt

-Add dry to the wet and fold in nuts. This would be when you would add in the milk if the batter is not moist enough but I found I didn’t need it.

-Divide evenly into muffin cups and top with coconut (or pumpkin seeds in my case)

-Bake 20 mins or until toothpick comes out clean. I had to do 30 minutes…oh and just because I always need a little chocolate a threw in a few chocolate chips too!

 I know this seems a little un-traditional in the mixing and not at all like a normal muffin recipe…I thought so too and perhaps that’s why I ignored it for so long. I’m not disappointed though. I find them sweet, hearty and healthy.

It gets increasingly difficult to exercise outside when the rain keeps falling. I want to be out on my bike but I don’t relish riding in the rain- unless I absolutely have to. Like a matter of life & death…Many people I talk to are dragging their asses lately. I don’t know if it’s from the weather, or the countless cold and flu bugs running rampant through our workplaces. All I do know for a fact is, the sun NEEDS to come out and shine it’s life-giving, energy-laden beams down on us.

Unless my scale is broken, and  it very well could be, I *think* I’ve lost a few lbs. I’m glad there’s finally some movement; I felt I was on this plateau of sorts and no matter what I did, I wasn’t getting anywhere. My Guy and I don’t eat much junk food- I guess if we have a vice it would be good wine and micro-brews! But even those are enjoyed in moderation. I think I personally have to admit that I’m (oh god I can’t believe it) getting older – gasp- and weight just seems to go on faster and take twice as long to get off. My metabolism is different now…everything is different now. I need to embrace the change in my life and body but I’m not ready. I’m so not ready!! There’s more I want, more I thought I’d be! But alas, I’m just panicking…point of this story is, I’m not the spring chicken I used to be and have to work a little (alot) harder!

I came across this article and even though it’s from 2010, since it’s about weight loss for summer I thought it applicable for the time. It’s  Celeb-Doc Dr. Oz telling us his 16 Tips for Summer Weight Loss. I like the first one: See Yourself Looking Fabulous. I used to have what I called a Dream Board. It was basically a glorified cork board on the wall but it was where I put things I hoped to acquire, or things I hoped to aspire to…it was where I put my hopes and dreams. But it was VISUAL. I looked at it every day. So this first one of Dr. Oz reminds me of that- picture yourself in what you want to be. How you want to be. Where you want to be. The mind is a powerful thing. I’ll let you all read through the rest of the article and you can decide if the tips are right for you…or if it’s a bunch of malarkey.

I’ll end this post with a little video to warm the heart. Animals never cease to amaze me and this just proves that they do have beautiful, curious souls!! Watch it here.

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.

She held her own fairly well, wasn’t breaking a sweat but then again she wasn’t running either. When she finally did increase her speed, damned if I was going to let her beat me! I kept going past my time, feeling my legs burn and my chest begin to burn but I was determined to go farther and longer than this girl in a school girl uniform! Immature I know. She floundered just when I thought I might pass out, grasping at the bars on the treadmill to hold herself up…and I slowed down, as if I meant to stop soon after her. Sigh. Just a little friendly competition at the gym.

But this post is meant to be serious in the sense, I don’t understand people who choose to work out in what looks like uncomfortable clothing to me. I couldn’t imagine sweating up a storm in jeans and a sweatshirt! I also need proper footwear; it just makes everything go smoother if your feet and legs are happy. I’m not saying go out and buy expensive gear and top of the line yoga pants etc, it is possible to find exercise clothing for reasonable prices. The more comfortable you feel, the more apt you are to keep at it and return for your next work out. Ach, call me crazy.

My new goal is still what I posted last time, getting to the gym MORE but in those visits it’s to build up endurance. I’m so pleased with how my knee feels; how I sometimes don’t feel any twinges of pain AT ALL! And if I do, I stop…I don’t push it.

Another goal? My Guy and I are eating more fruit. We said we needed to eat more but both of us struggled with how high maintenance fruit can be…really. It seems like such a chore sometimes! We’ve been preparing up fruit salad to bring to work and we’re loving not only the awesome mid-morning snack but the way it’s making us feel too. It’s a little change but we really do notice a difference…I have to say in all honesty though, we eat very well. There’s no junk food in the house but we do keep some digestive biscuits around for a sweet fix with tea…or I’ll have a handful of raisins, chocolate chips and almonds.

Perhaps our biggest indulgence is beer and wine. Of course these are loaded with calories! My Guys current fave? Howe Sound Brewery’s Rail Ale Nut Brown. We first discovered this beer before Christmas and his eyes still light up whenever we pick some up. One of my favourites? Stanley Park Brewery’s 1897 Belgian Style Amber. Mmmm, so crisp and clean I can taste it now! I do love my wine still, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes a cold beer really hits the spot. So maybe this is where we indulge…where do YOU indulge? Oh and indulge responsibly. Of course.

I saw the numbers and I instantly wanted to be home. I wanted to be surrounded with my stuff, My Guy, the Boys, you name it. I should have been driven to go work out by those numbers. I should have had the mind-set that I “AM GOING TO MAKE THOSE NUMBERS LOWER DAMMIT! IF IT’S THE LAST THING I DO!” But I did the opposite. I retreated into myself, let myself feel all blue and fled. I did go to Kins and buy a ton of produce though, if that counts for anything. I didn’t drown my sorrows in a Dairy Queen Blizzard or some greasy fries at the food court…

I know My Guy is disappointed and I don’t blame him. Just the other night he told me ‘persistence is the only thing that will pay off.’ Persistence. When I trudged in tonight he showed me a quote he had seen at work and brought it home because it was so relevant to how he felt:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

I have no idea who said it- perhaps one of his colleagues, I don’t know…I didn’t ask yet because I was letting words sink in, and trying to not be too disappointed in myself. This was ONE day I didn’t work out and walked out of the gym…I worked out at the beginning of the week, and last week…so I need to remember that this was ONE time. I also need to realize only I can change this situation I am in and make my body as healthy as it used to be. I don’t have an excessive amount of weight to lose, my road isn’t that long, but it’s one that feels uphill to me right now. I understand and sympathize with those of you who struggle on this journey to lose weight; I know it’s hard and can seem impossible at times.

I want you to read that above quote though, whenever you want to quit. Think about persistence and understand yes, it IS important and only if we continue to better ourselves will we get to where we want to be. We do have that power and I thank My Guy for shoving it in my face…(not literally, he’s a lovely man, really…)

As it stands, I’ll be bringing home about 60 cookies this Friday. If you’ve never done a cookie exchange, it’s a GREAT way to have a ton of variety in your holiday baking and plus (huge bonus) if you don’t tell people you were in an exchange, you could like like a Domestic Goddess who spent hours slaving away in the kitchen and STILL LOOK FABULOUS. The standard rules say each person makes 1 dozen cookies per person in the exchange, then you all meet up and take home 1 dozen of each bakers delights…can you say Cookie Bonanza??

Kiss this cookie

I love cookies. Love, love, love. My cookie of choice is a simple one. The Peanut Butter Kiss. It’s soft peanut-buttery goodness topped off with a chocolate kiss….*smooch*. I just hope these turned out because I need 60 cookies and I’m short….quite a few, so no sampling allowed!

A cookie exchange may seem like alot of work, or alot of calories you don’t need but guess what? Tis the Season. Don’t eat them all…give some away as gifts…got a few dinner parties to go to this season? Show up bearing tasty HOME-BAKED cookies and trust me, you will be adored. Completely.

I personally love the variety and seeing what others come up with…the flavour combinations and smells.

I now need to figure out why I have 54 cookies when I need 60. Looks like more baking tomorrow night!

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!

Is this even the same man??

Yes folks, Drew Carey, host of The Price is Right, lost almost 80 lbs the old fashioned way- through diet & exercise. WAY TO GO. Of course I only know what I read online, see on TV and glimpse on the tabloids…maybe he DID have surgery but I’m going with the information I have. He did this the hard way and look how amazing the results are. I know there are real people every day losing weight and I salute them from the bottom of my heart; but I don’t have access to their stories, and I do to Hollywood’s. So a HUGE SHOUT out to Mr. Carey and his svelte new look. Doesn’t it make you just want to get up and go to the gym? My Guy and I are headed there tonight…

This site can give you an idea of how many calories you burn on an average day; so what your body needs to function at the level you are accustomed to. If you take the amount and eat LESS calories, along with a regular exercise regime, you WILL lose weight.

Did you know 3500 calories make up a pound? Think about the calorie dense foods/drinks you may indulge in on a daily basis, and then eliminate them. How about soda? Drink alot of that? One can of Coke  has 140 calories approximately. Are you someone who has 3 Cokes a day, 7 days a week? If you cut those out you would see a savings of almost 2800 calories a week! It’s the little things people! How about a little treat with your morning cuppa coffee at Starbucks? Personally I love the Banana Nut Bread but at almost 600 calories a (teeny) slice, I have learned to pass it up. Imagine one of those bad boys 5 days a week? Saying no to that bread is equivalent to a pound of fat. Chew on that.

It’s common sense living. Take the initiative and look at what you’re eating every day. If you’re struggling to lose weight than make a few simple changes with your diet…baby steps…