Numbers.

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Two years ago I dropped a bit of weight and had to get new work pants the next size down.  Even though I regularly wear the “smaller” size, I never got rid of the other pants.

Lo and behold earlier this year, my “smaller” size pants … seemed….shall we say, “snug”?  AKA “too tight”?

I pulled out the larger size pants and as I zipped them up–and they were tight–my heart sank.

Not long after that,  I had blood work done to check my thyroid level.

I was anxiously awaiting blood work results to see what my thyroid # was and if it was finally in the “optimal” category, after months of lingering at the sub-optimal level.

When I received the results and saw the number was not even close, I was deflated.

Immediately to myself: Why?  What.  Was.  I.  Doing.  Wrong?  Was it the cauliflower?  Was it the coffee?  My Dr. was the voice of perspective :  “Nina, you are telling me you feel fantastic [after a long series of questions on symptoms] and your symptoms are gone.”  “I treat the patient not a piece of paper.  How do we know when you took your med later that day, the number wasn’t up in the optimal category?”

Pant sizes.  Lab results.  The Scale.  Dear lord, the scale.  How many times have we got on and had a lousy day because of the number we saw?  As I am writing this, it is unbelievable that I would let these “numbers” dictate the way I feel about my body and ultimately my self-worth.  Is this toxic message one I need to be sending myself? Duck, no!

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Where did this obsession come from having  beauty and worth tied to a low number?  Isn’t the most important thing for any of us to feel is vibrant and alive?

We are bombarded by it everyday in social media.  How many “likes” , how many friends, how many “followers”.

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“The number of “followers” you have does not make you better than anyone else. Hitler had millions.  Jesus had 12.”
- Unknown

We are not numbers, whether its weight, skirt size, grades, social stats, bank account – you get the idea.  These are not measurements of our worth.  If we ask the question, ” Am I doing my best in this area?”  If answer is yes, then excellent!  If the answer is no, then all that is needed is a re-evaulation of our priorities … not our self-worth.  xo

~

To Begin Again.

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Five years ago almost to the day, in Apt 2J, I read a book that changed my life and put me on a path to health and wellness.  The book was Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s “Eat to Live“.  It was the first (of many) books I read on nutrition and health.  After reading it, I became a raw vegan.  [Sidenote: the raw was really more because of circumstance - small Manhattan studio -  used oven for storage].  I lost alot of weight and my energy levels sky-rocketed.

In 2011, when Dr. Fuhrman came out with a new book “Super Immunity“,  I had my “know-it-all” pants on. I thought it was probably a re-hash of same info, so I didn’t read it.  By then, I had read about every book on nutrition I could get my hands on.

Last year, I went to a Functional Medicine Doctor and became brutally aware of the health issues that came up for me from my mostly-fruit, raw, high sugar (post on this soon) diet.   I slowly incorporated some organic, ethically-sourced animal protein and more vegetables – mostly cooked.  I dropped the raw and even periods with no salads.  Here we are a year later and I have watched my weight increase (grain and gluten-free) and my energy levels go down with a feeling of overall “heaviness”.

Last week, I made Gwyneth Paltrow’s amazingly delicious Chicken Burgers. (sans bread). If you are not vegan: make these.

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The next day getting ready for work, I put on a summer skirt – too tight.  Another skirt:  too tight.  Summer pants:  too tight.  Wth.  Where did all this flesh come from?

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That evening, I was in Costco (in my loose, shapeless summer skirt) and saw a copy of  Dr. Fuhrman’s “Super Immunity”.  I got it without hesitation and read it in the next 24 hrs.  It was like coming home, only better.

While much of it is not “new” to me, per se – it is often helpful to be reminded of the reasons why we do something and the hard science (from an MD) to back it up.  It also had an informative section on viruses and neuropathy (nerve damage), which hit home for me after having Bells Palsy in 2010.

Super Immunity is a nutrition guide for boosting your body’s defenses via a plant-based, oil-free, nutrient dense diet. He also covers in depth:  vaccines (for kids?), flu-shots (should you?), contagious diseases, viruses, and cancer.  He backs everything up with science – study after study. No matter where you are in your health journey – everyone would benefit from reading this book.  Very informative read.  Not preachy and not too long.

I, of course, learned a few new things:

  • Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods.  Hello, Broccoli! and Bok-Choy!
  • The more cell walls that are broken in these vegetables (ie chopping, chewing, blending, juicing) you maximize the benefits. If you are cooking, under cook them and chop before cooking. Chew, chew & chew! Or, blend away!
  • When you eat seeds or nuts with your meals, the fatty acids increase absorption of the micronutrients and phytochemicals significantly (ie – a nut or seed based dressing on a salad = absorb more than 10 times as much of certain nutrients. Wow!

Broccoli

As I write this, it has been 5 days eating plant-based veggies.  No fruit. Tons of cruciferous veggies, cooked, raw and blended. No animal protein. Lots of salads with yummy dressings (thank you, Natalia Rose) and vegetables I have never tried before (kelp noodles, anyone?)  And, as it was 5 years ago … my energy has gone up and my waist is shrinking.  It was time to hit the “reset” button.

to begin again

So, what does this mean for me?  My biggest take away from seeing a Functional Medicine doctor is this:  All of our body ecologies are different and there are so many variables in our individual body chemistries.  ”Blanket” diets (ie paleo, vegan, etc) do not necessarily work for all.  What works for me, might be someone else’s poison or visa versa. For now, The journey continues.  I am loving vegetables. Will be interested to see a full blood panel next month.

These 7 words from Michael Pollan sum it up for me:

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To our health. xo

A “Healthier” Flourless Chocolate Cake

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chocolate cake

5-Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake.  A rich,  chocolate-ly completely delicious “Healthier” Chocolate Cake. Paleo-friendly. Gluten-free. Dairy-Free. Flour-free. Refined-sugar free. Not too “sweet”. The Chocolate is the star here.  Easy when flour and alot of refined-sugar aren’t stealing the show. Use a good chocolate bar. Next time I would add 1/2 tsp salt. That would bump it up to a 6-ingredient cake. Oh well. xo

Adapted from Detoxinista

4 oz 70% chocolate bar
3 whole eggs
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey

  1. Preheat over to 375F. Grease 6-inch cake pan. (I lined bottom with parchment paper for easy release). Original recipe uses an 8-inch springform pan if you prefer a thinner cake.
  2. Melt the baking chocolate and coconut oil in double-boiler and stir until smooth.  Let cool for few minutes.
  3. Combine the melted chocolate/oil with the cocoa powder, honey and eggs.  Whisk until batter is smooth.
  4. Pour into greased pan and smooth top.  Bake for 30 min.  If you want more of a chocolate molten/lava cake.  Bake 20-25 min.  The center will be “lava” like.
  5. Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove.

Note: the original recipe uses 4 oz unsweetened chocolate and 3/4 cup honey.  I only had the bittersweet chocolate bar, so decreased the honey by 1/4 cup.

~

Orange Julius

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orange julius

Orange Julius.    The chain of fruit drink beverage stores that some of us grew up with grew out of an orange juice stand which opened  in Los Angeles in 1926 by Julius Freed.   The orange juice was replaced with a frothier, creamier drink in 1929, when Freed’s real estate broker developed the mixture that made the acidic orange juice less bothersome to his stomach.   Sales went up substantially when the new drink was introduced and people began lining up shouting, “Give me an orange, Julius!”….. hence the name.

The Orange Julius was named the official drink of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

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The original Orange Julius Recipe used 1/3 cup OJ concentrate, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla, blended with ice cubes in a blender.

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Or here is one from the 70′s:

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For a healthier, refreshing orange drink sure to take you back a few years, here is my vegan option:

Orange Julius
2 clementines or 1 orange
1 – 2 tsp of orange zest
1 cup non-dairy milk (coconut, almond, or rice)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional – if you want it thicker)
Pinch of Sea Salt (do not skip!)
Ice

Mix all in high speed blender.
xo

~

Receiving.

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Receiving

This is a big year of transition for me. I am moving next month and am positioning myself for major career change.  In a big way.  Different industry and different lifestyle: a true Escape from Cubical Nation.

It is both exciting …..

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and, well….scary as hell …..

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A few days ago, I was chatting with a friend, X, who asked for status on my  job/career search.  I told X that I’m doing heavy due diligence/research, networking meetings/coffees,  and reading everything pertinent I can get my hands on.  Also, the most important conference and networking event of the year (for the industry I would like to work in) is coming up in a few weeks.  It’s not held in the city I live in.

X promptly said, “you’re going, right?” Me:  ”No, I can’t justify the cost of attending this close to my move, which is also next month.”

X urged me to strongly consider and quickly outlined the benefits of attending, especially this year of transition.  It would be a “wise investment” in myself and my future.  Even if I determined that the industry was not for me, it’s a win/win trip.

Before we parted, X to me: “Do whatever you have to do to attend that conference.  I think it is really important for you and your future.”

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Upon reflection that afternoon, I thought: I can make it happen, but I wouldn’t feel good about it.  The cost of doing it would take away (at least initially), from the enjoyment of really being present and fuel my self-talk:  ”Girl, what the eff are you doing??”

I awoke the next morning to a message from X:  ”I really think you need to do this.  I would love to pay for this for you.  You will never know until you do.  This is such an important time for you.”  Wow.  Talk about an Angel Investor.

I thought about this while I made my green tea.

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X’s message moved me beyond words. I felt so grateful and empowered by it. It completely energized and exhilarated me.

“Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it.”  - Rabindranath Tagore

I responded and noted how overwhelmed I was with gratitude for X’s generosity.  I would definitely accept the offer.  It meant so much to me.

What didn’t occur to me initially (until I heard back), was how much it meant to X that I accept this offer.  Frankly, it didn’t occur to me to not accept. (Apologies for the double negative.)  But I can think of many past times when that was not the case.  This got me thinking about giving and receiving….

“For it is in giving that we receive.”  - St. Francis of Assisi

They are necessary counterparts.  Like inhaling and exhaling. And, speaking and listening.

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Receiving is an energetic match to giving.  Just like when someone speaks, a true listener is giving back as much as they are receiving.

The often quoted bible phrase “it is more blessed to give than to receive”, which we are all familiar with, places the importance on giving.  That half of the pair is preferable to the receiving half?  Giving does feel good, yes? But, what about receiving and accepting the good in our lives?  Does it mean that receiving needs to be the opposite?  Why do we often struggle with with receiving and accepting good?

For me, it has boiled down to two reasons:

  • It taps into our vulnerability.  Big time.  Particularly when it comes unexpectedly or at a time when you are already feeling vulnerable.  That can leave us feeling “unable to do for myself” or , yikes…”needy”.   This prompts the old feeling of powerlessness.  {For more on vulnerability, the best 18 minutes you can take out of your day is to watch this TED talk by one of my mentors and a local rock-star here in Houston:  Brene Brown.}

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  • Secondly, it can give the perception of being “dependent” on someone. So much emphasis in our culture today is on our independence and self-reliance that we often forget that we can’t “do it all” and there is no shame in needing help.  Usually the messages drilled into us are along these lines……

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This line of thinking keeps our therapists in business.

In receiving graciously, we  honor an act of giving with our acceptance.   If I say “no thanks…..”, or simply don’t acknowledge – it is, in essence, shutting a door and denying them the opportunity to serve.  Why not open that door, give others the opportunity to serve and for us to connect?  What could be better?

To my Angel Investor, it is with a grateful heart that I embrace this upcoming event.  Thank you…

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And, may we continue to lift each other up. xo

~

Non~Dairy Chocolate Pudding. AKA: Chocolate Heaven.

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Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding.  You will either hate me or love me after this post.   Sometimes life calls for a little indulgence.  It is certainly in my blood to desire a “treat” or a sweet indulgence.  With all the garbage out there these days that might taste good for the moment, but makes me feel like crap within an hour…..it is a gift to find these better-for-you “treats”. And to be able to do so relatively guilt-free makes life all the more pleasurable.

This decadent chocolate treat is elegant enough to be served at a dinner party, or casual enough to put in your lunch box container for work or school.  Can easily be made in 5 minutes.  The base for this delicious pudding are these beauties:

Avocados: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.  I use them in smoothies, salads, puddings, soups and the list goes on.  Avocado is an uber nutrient-dense food. A good-for-you fat, that is excellent source of potassium, soluble fiber, and is rich in antioxidants  which boost our immune system, slow the aging process and promote a healthy nervous system.

The Four “Pillows” ~ This blends up *so* beautifully in the Vitamix!

Chocolate Pudding
Serves two

2 avocados
1/2 cup almond milk
4 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1/4 cup sweetner (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Generous sprinkling of real sea salt.  **Do not skip**
Splash of pure vanilla extract

Blend in Vitamix , you will need to use the tamper and spatula to scape sides down.  Refrigerate (if you can wait that long!!)

Have fun with it!!  Variations:  use mint extract for a “choco-mint”, add nut-butter, add handful of spinach (greens hide soooo easily in chocolate desserts!!)   xo

~

Creamy Strawberry Ice-Cream: Dairy-Free. Sugar Free.

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Happy Summer, Friends.  It’s been a while!  Hope everyone is enjoying summer now that it is in full swing!  In my quest for refreshing dairy-free treats, wanted to share this jewel with you.

Mark Bittman wrote a great piece in The New York Times a few days ago:  ”Got Milk? You Don’t Need It.” Fantastic read in which he shares his own dairy-free journey.  While most don’t think of Milk in terms of sugar,  particularly interesting to note this little from Dr. Neal Barnard in the article:

“Sugar — in the form of lactose — contributes about 55 percent of skim milk’s calories, giving it ounce for ounce the same calorie load as soda.” – Dr. Neal Barnard

Whoa.  So, in the interest of a delicious dairy-free, and -with exception of the fruit, sugar-free ice-cream….I give you this super creamy and delicious Strawberry Ice Cream.

If you are using a Vitamix, this can be made with or without an ice-cream machine. Personally, I think it is better with the ice-cream machine.  I blended the base in the Vitamix and poured into  an ice-cream machine.  20 min later—a thick, creamy delicious ice-cream. Ice-cream machines have come a long way.  They are quick (20-30 min) , easy to clean, and don’t take up a lot of space.  I picked up this Cuisinart machine at Costco for about $30.

It CAN be done without the ice-cream machine.  You would just pour the base into a container and freeze it….similar to this ice-cream.  Some people enjoy a “soft-serve” and some prefer a harder ice-cream.  I am of the former.

NOTE: The coconut milk needs to have been refrigerated and cold.  When you open it, do not stir it up.  Pour right into the blender.

Strawberry Ice-Cream {Dairy-Free}

1 can of full-fat coconut milk – (refrigerated and cold)
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 tbps vanilla extract
1 tsp sel de gris or real sea salt – do NOT skip this–trust me!
Stevia to taste

Place all ingredients in Vitamix and blend until smooth and creamy. Depending on size of your strawberries –If you need to add a little liquid -use a little almond milk.  I got the “four pillows” doing this—which means when the container is upside down –it is pretty much frozen..but still a bit soft-serve.  At this point, you could either enjoy it or put it in the freezer if you prefer a harder, more traditional ice-cream.

I poured the strawberry ice-cream into the Cuisinart ice-cream machine and gave it a whirl for 20 min.  This really takes it to another level.  Not essential—but recommended.  xo

 ~