Healthful Food to Feed Writers’ Minds
Written by Michele T on May 3, 2008 – 11:00 pm -
(photo by jjtasecky)
Since this is the weekend, I’m going to jump totally off topic and talk about…. FOOD! I have decided to share one of my all time favorite new blogs: Kath Eats Real Food. This blog is awesome! The author of this cheerful, nutritious blog is maintaining a 30+ pound weight loss. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading about her journey, nosing around her recipes, and seeing what kind of groceries she buys. One of my favorite posts is Banana Hot Dogs & Fries (not a traditional hot dog and fries, mind you!). Now, I don’t eat traditional hot dogs anyway. I’m a vegetarian
Why am I so intrigued by this blog I discovered? Well, most of you already know I’ve lost over 100 pounds and anyone who has lost weight and maintained it, or who is trying to lose weight piques my interest. I know all too well what it’s like to struggle with weight issues, always feeling like the fat girl, and being the biggest person at events. It’s no fun! At least, I never felt like it was fun being overweight, ill, and not able to participate in a thing called… life. For anyone who is offended, I wasn’t just a little chubby. I was literally morbidly obese and had a whole host of horrific health issues (and surgeries and medications) to go with it. At my highest, I was carrying nearly 300 pounds on my small, 5′2” frame. Ugh. It was most definitely in my best interest and the interest of my loved ones, to get those pounds off.
Anyway, I love to read about weight loss, exercise, healthful recipes, and healthy lifestyles. I still have a few stubborn pounds to get off, but I’ve gone from busting out of a 3X–yes, like the Incredible Hulk! Remember that show? *snickers*–to enjoying a size 10 that is LOOSE!
Single digits, here I come!
Let’s face it, if we’re going to write productively, we need to eat–no, not just eat any ole thing that we can pop into the microwave or get at a fast food place or out of a vending machine. We need to make the best possible choice we can and choose nutrition over convenience as often as we can. Sure, there are times we just don’t have time to whip up a salad or omelet or prepare steel cut oats
In those cases, here’s a few tips that work for me.
- Grab an organic yogurt, sprinkle some organic fiber cereal
- Try a quick fruit smoothie. They really don’t take long to prepare. Just pop some frozen fruit in the blender, add some powdered vitamins
- Keep small zip lock bags filled with salad, chopped veggies, and/or boiled (organic) eggs. On your way out the door, snatch one or two, pop them in a small cooler or eat right away.
Hopefully these tips will help you save time while making better choices. If you’re the best you can be, your writing will be at its best too. Besides, if you eat well, you’ll be energized, filled up, and feeling proud of yourself for being a health conscious individual. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some reusable shopping bags
Have a great weekend, and remember: if you want to be successful writing the cyber highway, feed your body–not your sugar cravings. 
Hey, you might even shed a few pounds! Imagine being the healthiest you can be so you can live longer, write longer, and enjoy all the amazing opportunities you’ll happen upon….
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Copyright © 2007-2008 Writing the Cyber Highway Freelance Writer, Michele L. Tune
Posted in Writers' Health | 8 Comments »
May 4th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Michele,
That salad looks delicious and is making me hungry. I would love to have a salad right now.
Thanks for all the tips. I know that keeping cut up veggies in the refrigerator is a good habit to get into. It’s easy to grab a handful of carrot and celery sticks when you’re feeling hungry and it sure beats grabbing a bag of potato chips.
Thanks for your comments on my post about what’s happening in my life. I appreciate your friendship.
Now I’m off to explore the blog that you linked to. I need some of those recipes. LOL
Blessings and hugs,
Mary
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May 4th, 2008 at 3:56 am
Hi Mary,
Yes, that salad does look delish! I guess that’s why I chose it.
I LOVE veggies, especially when they’re straight from the garden. Divine!
You’re welcome for the tips. It really becomes habit if you keep fresh veggies, boiled eggs, and healthy options in zip lock bags so you can grab them as you need them. You become accustomed to doing it and don’t even think about it. It’s really nice to have guilt-free snacks available all the time.
I just can’t believe what’s going on in your life right now. That is just horrific! I appreciate your friendship too. Always remember: there’s a rainbow after the storm….
Enjoy those recipes. Hey, maybe your grandsons will like the “hot dogs and fries!”
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
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May 4th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Hi Michelle,
Yummm! I’m a closet foodie, not a vegeatrian (but I should be), love my lamb curry just way too much!
I just read an article about HFCS–high fructose corn syrup being the culprit for America’s obesity problem. It’s sneaky too! They put it in low-fat items to improve the taste and replace “real” sugars with it because it’s so cheap. Makes me glad I make my own muffins and bread. John still thinks I’m morbidly obese at 128pounds but that’s another story.
Stay healthy and let us know when you’re in that single digit dress and pretty peep-toed pumps. (Yes, I have “ugly” toes, no peeps for me!)
blessings,
julia
julia ward – a BLINDING heart – a writer’s blog – http://www.ablindingheart.com
check out my latest post:
My Father Wore Two Pairs of Pants
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Ah, Julia, being a vegetarian isn’t for everyone. I made the choice for a variety of reasons: health, weight loss, cruelty to animals, etc.
Yeah, I really don’t like the HFCS. You really can’t buy much of anything without it being in there somewhere unless you really buy organic and eat a whole lot of raw fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. The yogurt I get is either plain or is sweetened with a little organic sugar. It takes a long time in the grocery store when you read every label!
I think it’s great that you make your own muffins and bread. I’ve stayed away from breads for a while now. I have a little once in a while but not even once a week or anything. I’m sure yours taste great though! I just made some old fashioned banana walnut bread for a lady in the hospital and a couple of others who hadn’t been feeling well (plus a couple of neighbors) and I literally only had about two bites myself. I really avoid white sugar, flour, and all that. I definitely don’t want to pack the pounds back on, but beside that I don’t feel well when I eat that way.
That’s sad, Julia! I don’t think 128 is morbidly obese at all, or even chubby! You’re not fat. That’s just crazy! Enjoy that number girl! Woo Hoo for you for being in the 120’s. Go Julia!
Ha! You’re hilarious! I will stay healthy, but I don’t know about pretty peep-toed pumps. I’m a country girl. I basically go for comfort.
I’ll let you know when I hit the single digits, though.
*smiles*
Michele
P.S. Thanks for stopping by! And, I still can’t get over your latest post. I can’t believe you have that quilt with those pants sewn in. What a treasure! That story needs to be in Chicken Soup!
[Reply]
May 5th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Hi Michele,
I lost 30 pounds 4 years ago and have pretty well maintained my weight. Although I am not a vegetarian, I eat small amounts of meat, but am big on salads and veggies. Oh, did you ever try those almond meal dumplings? I love soup, and make it often, and those almond meal dumplings are delicious in soups. Oh, my, it’s early and I’m already getting hungry for lunch!
Have a grand day, Michele.
Hugs,
Renie
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May 5th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Hi Renie,
Yes, you’ve done a fantastic job of maintaining your weight loss. Good for you! I’m big on salads and veggies too.
Ah, I never have tried those almond meal dumplings. I will though. I’m sure they are delish in soup. I love soup too.
You may end up having an early lunch today!
*smiles*
Michele
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May 5th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Salad and yogert are a must have anytime of the year. In the summertime, I like to have on hand fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and of course, Georgia Vidalia onions. And on weekends, I have to have fresh cole slaw.
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May 5th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Absolutely! I agree, Deborah. Yogurt and salad are must-haves.
I love cucumbers and tomatoes. There’s nothing like fresh garden produce in the world! Gotta have onions (and garlic!) too. I do love cole slaw but I don’t have to have it that often. I do have to have cabbage of some sort all the time, though. Napa cabbage, brussel sprouts, sour kraut…
*smiles*
Michele
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