Mental health is important too

I never thought I'd be one to worry about mental health.  But over the last month I noticed a stark difference between my positive, outgoing, confident outlook on life to the current glum, self-doubting, and slightly reclusive mannerisms of late.  And after experiencing such positive feelings, these negative ones are just so annoying. And I try to get myself out of this funk, but it hasn't happened yet.  It's just so hard. I mean, it's easy to say I shouldn't feel this way, I should get over that. But it's not easy to do.

So if anyone is wondering where my posts have disappeared... this is partly why.  I don't know what to do about it yet, but I hope to return back to my old self, because everyone deserves to feel that good in life.

The other reason is that recently I was in Chicago for a Food Conference.  I also ran a 5 K.  My goal was to run the whole thing, but with little training and having had an allergic reaction the night before requiring benadryl and paramedics, I was in no shape to run the whole thing.

I did, however, run one mile before I stopped running and started walking.  After that it was all a run/walk. The run took place along the lake in Grant Park, Chicago with an amazing view of the city skyline!

I shall end with a quote I saw on a friend's facebook wall:  "All you need is within you. You are already perfect." -Aljoscha  A. Schwarz

I need to keep reminding myself that.

A little break

It's been a while since I last wrote.  I've simply had so much stuff going on. I realized today I'm still dealing with the loss of my grandmother.  Also, we just welcomed a new baby into the family. I have a new niece now and she's adorable. And in between all that, I've had a lot going on at work and preparing to leave for Chicago.

I'm heading to Chicago on Friday, July 16th for the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo.  I'm super excited for this. I will learn a lot and it will be a week long party accompanied with great networking. And I will be running a 5 km race there.  I am actually going to try this time to run the entire thing without stopping to walk. Not sure if I can do it, because I've only been running once a week these days.

When I come back, I have a wedding to attend. And after, it should be life as usual, whatever that means.

I'm also learning to battle my inner demons... I think I'm a pretty normal person in general, and on the exterior, to everyone, I seem fine.  I'm a social butterfly. But I need to find my own inner peace so I can truly be happy. Everyone does.  When all this July madness is over, I'm going to really try to make exercise a more normal part of my routine.  I may even attempt to make some sort of routine in my life.  I have a tendency to overbook myself and socialize every night of the week.  I need to learn to make some me time where I just sit on my own, and be with myself.  That is another thing I'm not good at.

Until then...

Squamish Chief Fail!

The story of our trip to the Chief today still cracks me up right now.  So basically, we didn't go.  This trip was doomed from the start.  The weather wasn't that great today.  The one day in the week that it was supposed to rain was today.  We had the most clueless guide (there were two, the other was okay--knowledgeable, but not very nice).  So we start off and she said we had to go pick up the other guide in North Vancouver somewhere (we're in a mini-bus).  As she crosses the Lion's Gate Bridge, she ran over a pylon and we all freaked out like, "What was that?!"  And the woman was so oblivious to it, like nothing was wrong.  We stopped at the shopping centre to pick up the other guide and get coffee.  She didn't even get out to check if everything was okay on the bus.

Then we stop for gas and get on our merry way to Squamish.  But we had barely driven a few kilometres on the highway in West Vancouver and the car started giving up so she had to pull over.  Then, (THE PUNCHLINE) our guide/driver realized she put gasoline in a vehicle that required diesel................... A W E S O M E...........................

Long story short from this point on.  The second guide decided to arrange a makeshift hike near by where we broke down. But me, my sister, and friend didn't want to do this hike for what we paid since it was an easily accessible one. We could do that any day.  We all had to take the bus, so we had to walk along the highway for a couple of kilometres until we got back into the city.  Then walk more to the bus stop.... it took us 2 hours to get back to where we parked our car once we got on the bus.  Ridiculous, ridiculous, ridiculous!

So not impressed.... will post photos of our scenic highway hike soon.  In the end, the 3 of us just decided we'll do the Chief on our own terms, on a sunnier day, another time.  Till then, I'm going to fight to get my money back, plus transport costs back.

Rockstar dance moves

So, as I mentioned in my last post, I went dancing last night.  The music was pretty decent--a mix of old school hip hop and new school dance music.  There was this South Indian guy there that must have been a professional dancer (I thought) because he was totally bustin' a move on the dance floor.  At some point we crossed paths on the dance floor and I totally kept up with him. He's such a good dancer! It was tons of fun, and a great work out. Now, for that I don't need to drink at all.  South Indians have some crazy moves.   Check it out:


Now, if I could only find out the name of the song I was dancing to... it was really cool. It seemed European or jazz-y but with a fast tempo.  It had a trumpet playing in it like jive music.

And in case you were wondering, the gluten free cake was a hit! They said it tasted like normal chocolate cake! Success!

Tomorrow, we're off to climb chief mountain.

Dancing the Night away x 5

Man, it seems like I have been, and will be going dancing several weekends in a row.  Right now I'm in the middle of this trend.  I went last week for a friend's goodbye, tomorrow is another friend's birthday. Following week another birthday. Then I go to Chicago for a conference, which I was told will be one huge 5 day-long party (I'm sure my liver will hate me after that... but it won't be done).  And the weekend I get back I have the wedding of some good friends that I will be sure to bust out my best dance moves for.

I love dancing.  Unfortunately, I usually feel the need for a little liquid courage before stepping on the dance floor.  Which adds the calories.  I'm sure the amount I dance burns some of those calories, but my dilemma is still the same. If I want to lose weight, I should cut back on the booze. I know that. At least lower my tolerance some how so that I don't need to drink much at all. It doesn't look like that's happening this month.

Or maybe my problems are bigger than losing weight? I actually do wonder that....

Gluten free ≠ Healthy Diet

One of my best friends recently discovered she has Celiacs disease. This is when someone cannot digest the wheat protein called gluten.  It's in everything, almost.  I could never imagine me on a gluten-free diet.  I love bread WAYYYYY too much.  Fortunately for her, she loves rice.  So she gets by.

Her birthday is coming up.  A flourless cake? It can be done, but usually these are dense, chocolate torte-like desserts...  I thought I would try and make a proper birthday cake for her made with a different type of non-wheat flour (sorghum flour).  It's kind of a surprise, but she'll find out in less than 24 hours.  I followed the recipe by the Gluten Free Goddess. But I made it a proper chocolate cake, no coffee.  And I used real eggs.  In my opinion, the cake is a little odd tasting. But it doesn't taste too much unlike the Betty Crocker Devils Food Cake Mix.  Maybe it'll taste better with chocolate butter cream frosting.  Will find out tomorrow.

Running Route Good for the Thighs

One of my favourite running routes is right on UBC Campus.  In fact, this campus holds so many running routes, I really don't think I'll tire of finding new routes.  However, a short, but challenging run involves going to Wreck Beach.  I leave you, the reader, to google search what Wreck Beach is all about.  But it really is one of the best beaches in Vancouver. These pictures show you the stairs to get to Wreck Beach... x10.

But it's worth it!

Dinner Tonight

Hmmm dinner tonight was a veggie sandwich, where I toasted the cheese (raw milk cheddar from Village Cheese) onto the bread, layered on the onions, tomatoes, avocados, and fresh Deli Sprouts from Sprouters Northwest, Inc.  These sprouts, along with the cheese were the star of this show.  They're a mix of clover, fenugreek, lentil, and radish sprouts.  They really have a great flavour to them!

The Next Mission

Last month, I ran in the Vancouver Sun Run which is the second largest 10K run in the world.  I never in my life thought I would ever do anything like that.  My family does not have any athletic people. Physical activity? Mmm maybe not. So when I completed the Sun Run (with a terrible time, might I add), without training or taking it super seriously, I felt like I had achieved such an accomplishment.

So after doing that, I felt like I could do anything.  I checked out some guided intermediate level hikes, since to this day, I've only done easy hikes really.  But apparently the Squamish Chief is quite the hike and is suitable for "anyone that can walk 10 km." So I'm going to do it. July 4th.

Why is it a big deal (to me)? Apparently the beginning is all steep uphill.  There are portions of the trail that you have to use a ladder or rope to climb up.  That in itself will be a challenge.  Plus, the hike in total is around 15 km or something... Bring it on.

Photo above from Expore Magazine. 

Balloon

I feel like all of the positive self image and confidence in myself I had last month is fading.  I feel like a balloon.  Maybe I'm just bloated, but I really don't think so. It started on Monday when I had a major presentation and the button up shirt I had set out for myself fit a bit tighter around the arms.   I so badly want to feel confident when I go to Chicago next month.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't thinking of some unhealthy way to lose weight fast. That's when I know I'm in a lower place than I was before.

Maybe once I start running regularly this week after work I'll feel okay again. But I'm tired, and I've spent a whole week being sad (about my grandma, not life!)... Must get out of this rut before it consumes me.

1 year of Veggie eating

A vegan/vegetarian friend of mine decided to photograph everything he ate for 1 year and then he turned it into a timelapse photography video. It's pretty cool, and somewhat inspiring.  Check it out.

http://garry.cc/blog/2010/06/19/whatiate/

Momma's Home Cooking

My favorite food in the world is my mother's.  I think everyone would say that. But, really, my mother's cooking is the best.  She makes the best Gujarati-style daal in the world. And when it has extra peanuts in it, my world is rocked. However, my favourite dish is okra panfried with spices, otherwise known as Bhinda Fry.

I went to visit my parents this week because my grandmother in India passed away and I wanted to go console my father since he wasn't able to go there.  Of course my mom made my favorite dish!  I will share the recipe here. But be aware that the amounts of ingredients may not be quantitative. That's our way of doing things.

Bhinda (Okra) Fry

1 16 oz bag of frozen cut okra (or 1.5 lbs fresh, washed and chopped discarding tops and bottom tips)
Few tbsp canola oil
1/4 tsp fenugreek (methi) seeds
1.5 tsp fresh garlic (ground or paste)
1 tsp fresh ginger (ground or paste)
fresh green chilies to taste (chopped fine)
1/2 tsp ground coriander/cumin seeds
1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds
1/4 tsp ground red chili powder
salt to taste

1) Heat fenugreek seeds in oil until they turn dark brown
2) Put garlic, ginger, chilies, salt and dried spices in a spoon, and add to hot oil and cook for 10 seconds.
3) Add okra and mix with spices.

4) Cook for a while until okra has no more slimy stuff (sounds gross, but it's not!) and is dry and darker in colour.

Eat with fresh roti.

***You can also add small diced potatoes with the okra if you want.

To make roti, measure out some quantity of flour (1 or 2 cups; and preferable roti flour or roti atta, as it is called in Indian markets).  Add a bit of oil, like 2 tsps and mix with hand until flour and oil mixture are a bit crumbly.  Then add luke warm water until dough mixes into a ball.  If too much water is added and dough is sticky, add more flour.  Once dough is pliable, add some oil so it won't stick to surfaces.

Then take a  small amount of dough and roll with a rolling pin into a circle. Meanwhile, preheat a flat frying pan or skillet on the stove on high.  When it's hot, take a paper towel with some butter on it and grease the pan slightly.  Roll the roti to about 1/16 of an inch and put onto the pan. Let the first side bubble just slightly and then turn it over.  When the bubbles formed become dark, transfer the roti on the other side again and allow it to fluff up.

Sound strange? Watch this or this.

Running

I found running to be a good way to clear my head today.  My grandmother passed away 2 days ago and it's been a huge emotional ordeal and has definitely thrown my focus a bit.  I went to my parents' house yesterday, 7 hours away from me, to be with my dad.  I went running on the nature trails and track by the high school following week 3 of the Couch to 5K podcast. I felt a bit better after that.

When I go back to work next week, I'm thinking to bring my exercise clothes and running shoes with me and go for jogs after work on the university campus. Perhaps someone will join me and motivate me to push myself harder?

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

My own pics shall be posted soon.

But let it be noted, the day turned out beautiful and the hike was great.  The company was awesome.

Awkward workouts

Has anyone ever seen this?  I found it on The Oatmeal.  This website is hilarious!

Stress, rain, and cravings

Major project to present in less than a week = major stress.  Actually I have been pretty mellow for being stressed out, but I know I've been stressed because I've been sleeping too much.  Just this morning I woke up at 10am, when I should have been leaving for school before 9am.  But then again, on Monday night I was up till 4am and woke up at 7am finishing and submitting a major paper. So I think my body is just trying to catch up with the sleep.  Next week will be a better week.

The rain here doesn't help so much with wanting to go for a run. But I just got wind (pun intended)  that the weather will be sunny for the next 12 days after today!  I'm planning to go on a hike on Sunday  to Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge.  This has definitely got to be one of my favourite places in this city.

And on another subject,
As far as cravings go, last night I was totally craving some fried chicken after reading Ramon V.'s Review of the Day for Duffin's Donuts.  But, this blog is totally keeping me more self-aware and accountable for my food decisions.  I was toying between the idea of going out at 10:30 pm (because that's when I was hungry for dinner) to get something fried or eat whatever I had in my fridge. And finally I made the smart decision to raid my fridge and eat the left over Indian food I had in there.  Butter chicken and mutter paneer may not be the healthiest food choices, but it's got to be better than fried chicken.

Dancing the night away!

Man, I completely forgot how much dancing burns calories! We went out to a night club with the girls from work and had such a blast. I think in the 4 hours that we were there, I only stepped off the dance floor twice. And that's because I was wear some high heels and my feet were killing me by the end of the night. But this morning, I'm totally feeling the work out from my feet, to my legs, and my abs!  Yes, that's right, my abs!  Dancing is an abs work out?

The unfortunate thing is that since I have a high alcohol tolerance, the amount of alcohol I consumed surely negates the calories I would have lost.

However, considering how much fun I had last night, I think I would totally go again soon!

On the other hand, when I was trying on outfits for the evening, this cute tube top I bought in December from Chicago fits me again!  But i wouldn't say it looks amazing yet--almost there. I think if I do sit-ups/crunches/other ab workouts, I will probably look great in it by the time I go back to Chicago in 5 weeks.

Sunny Day!

Wow! Finally a sunny day after two weeks of rain!

So I decided to go for a jog!  I'm following Robert Ullrey's podcast for the Couch to 5K program.  I had started it a while ago but I kept lapsing... I may still lapse actually.  But I found that week one was not very challenging for me, which is what I was doing when I initially started it.  So today I started again, but with week 3.  And that one is definitely more challenging.  It has you jog for 90 seconds, then walk 90 seconds, then jog 3 minutes, then walk 3 minutes. And you repeat that.  At my fitness level, this was a good challenge.  I think I will try to continue this for the rest of the week (you're supposed to do each jog 3x per week, then move on to the next week).  Hopefully I make it to week 4.  Week 9 (the last one) has you run 30 minutes straight.  I've done that before on an elliptical in the gym.. but this will be good to condition myself to be able to run 30 minutes straight consistently.  

In 6 weeks time I actually am planning to participate in a 5K run in Chicago!  I find that these runs challenge me to see the limits to which I can take my body.  I ran in a 10K run (the second largest 10K run in the world!) 1 month ago with no training.  Of course, I walked a lot of it.  I finished in 1.5 hours but I was so proud of myself just for finishing and mostly pushing myself to the max (I was so astonished I was actually doing this run that I decided to take photos with my iPhone and post it on FB as I was running, as well as update my status :-p ) because no one in my family would ever dream of doing a 10K!  I never thought I would ever participate in a 10K run.  I hated running!  And yet, I did it. It was a huge accomplishment for me. Now I'm interested in seeing what else I can do, esp. if I have trained even a little.

Why am I writing this blog?

Good question. It's on the side bar there, but in case you missed it:

I love food. I love everything about food--the science, the art, the social aspect, the ethics. Someone like me loves to eat, but good food. None of this McDonalds crap (unless, let's face it, it's 3 am and you're drunk and you need something to soak up that booze before you hit the sack!). I avoid fast food as much as I can. I really take pride in cooking a meal. I enjoy going out to eat. However, even though I eat "well" I recognize that I am probably still not eating well. By that I mean, often the meals I make can contain a lot of fattening ingredients, or may lack veggies, for example.  And, I enjoy drinking socially (no, I'm not an alcoholic- I promise-- but I can definitely hold my own).

This presents a problem because I am a mid-20s woman, relatively healthy at the moment but probably in the overweight category for BMI. I'm 5' 4" and wear a size 12 or large in clothing. I am content with my body type. I could stand to lose some fat, but if I didn't, it wouldn't be the end of my world. I love that I have an hourglass figure, even though it's far from thin. I didn't always feel this way about my body though.  It's just in the past couple months that I've decided, "I am beautiful. This is who I am. There's only one me. And I better rock it!"

My family has a history of high cholesterol and heart issues, as well as obesity and I really don't want to fall into that lifestyle. Especially at a young age.  

My lifestyle: I am pretty much the average woman (in my opinion). I am strong and independent. I am very busy in my occupation and I also end up volunteering or becoming involved with too many social/networking circles.

This is my attempt to become conscious of my food decisions. If it's on "paper" then I will have a record of how often I am aware of the health factor in the food I make, as well as on other decisions I make for or against living a healthier lifestyle (such as going for a jog or going out to the pub for a few pints with the guys). Also, I hope that if someone else is reading this, they may follow along and realize they're not alone in the everyday struggles with eating well and living a healthy lifestyle. And as always, I would love any kind of feedback, esp. if it can improve my life.

Welcome! Let's begin!

Day 1 of the blog!

Today was an awful day for healthy eating. And forget exercise...

It was a work buddy's last day before he heads out east for his wedding so another work colleague and I decided to take him out for a pint as his first "bachelor party" (I'm sure his friends out east have something cooler planned for him!). Of course 1 pint turned into 2.  Then I was off to a networking banquet for a food technologists professional association and of course that involves more drinking.  But as a woman, I learned that if I can keep up with the guys and not become ridiculously inebriated and hold my own, I can go far in life.  And with the buffet at the banquet, I need not say more.  Too much food!

Well, better luck (to have the will power) for healthy eating next time.