Food Addict

Clutter is so detrimental.  In your closets on your counters but most especially in your head.  Outside clutter can be discarded with a little time and elbow grease but removing mental clutter is a whole other ball game. I'm going to speak about fitness and healthy eating but this can be applied to anything that has you stuck. I've fretted for months about losing my exercise routine.  A new career move meant a new schedule in direct conflict with my gym time.  It had been my gym time for as many years as I can remember and when I lost it (even though I love my job) I lost a little part of myself. My mind was over-active with new approaches to exercise but honestly they were mostly excuses about why I didn't really need to, mixed with a touch of self loathing. This thing that had been so important for my physical and mental well-being was getting further away...until a moment of clarity. Let me ask, have you tried meditating?  Going quiet, letti...

As I sit down to compose an entry for this week I find myself at a loss for words.  My mind is going a mile a minute.  What will they want to read about?  I can't talk about that, can I?  Does anybody really care?  So I sit.  Fingers tapping the counter top until the answer mercifully reveals itself and it couldn't be more simple.  JUST WRITE! This blog is for me.  It's not because I'm special, I'm just me.  Raw, open and honest.  That's the best me and it's the me I want to share. Most of us are guilty of spending too much time 'representing' an image.  Caring just a tad too much about what 'they' have to say about the way we live.   Fear of judgment can be crippling.  You know it, I know it. I spent nearly 15 years living one life but dreaming of another.  Fears, all kinds of them, held me back.  Fear of financial hardship, fear of failure, fear of hurting people, fear of being talked about, fear ...

Hi Friends! It's been a while.  I lost my blogging mo-jo a few years back just before everything in my life changed.  I've been through a time of extreme reflection, growth and change.  I left my marriage in 2017, started an amazing new job at Kelowna's NEW 103.1 Beach Radio in the spring of 2018 and somewhere in there found the love of my life. This period of adjustment has been at it's core, a shift to happiness.   Ensuring my daughters are happy and secure in the new arrangement has been of paramount importance.   This transition has been so worth while but as with any new journey some of the old, familiar things fall by the wayside.   If you follow me on social media or if you read this blog when it was active (2011-2014), you know that healthy eating and exercise have always been part of my daily life. Through my 20's and 30's, I was up and out of bed at the crack of dawn running, riding or doing some form of exercise.  I...

Hello Friends!  We all love a good sale. That feeling of getting more value for less dollars. In that spirit, I have to share with you my most recent fitness obsession that really is a Buy One Get One scenario.  I am the first to admit I'm not really faithful to any one form of fitness exclusively for more than a few months. I get bored...                   Me being bored! ...and I don't apologize for that. Fitness is part of my daily life and if it's not fun then I can't be bothered. So, after a pretty regular gym routine for the past few years in prep for bodybuilding competitions, I was ready for something entirely different.  That's when Kelowna HIT opened it's doors.  HIT is a high intensity, interval, kick-boxing workout that is unlike anything I've ever done. It's done in a circuit style, two minutes at 12 different stations, alternating between upper body, lower body and abs. It in no way resembles other women's on...

Hello Friends. Just checking in after what's been a long break from the blog!  I wanted to update you as I continue my laser treatments at Advantage Body Clinic. A bit of history ~ I have stretch marks from two pregnancies.  I had a tummy tuck six years ago to get rid of sagging skin and repair a separated abdominal muscle.  The surgery was wonderful, no more sagging skin, but it didn't get rid of the stretch marks. For the last half year (or so) I've been undergoing treatments at Advantage.  Using 'Fractional Laser' technology, Kathryn and Karen are adamant I will be stretch mark free when this process is complete.  I have had six treatments, I have noticed much improvement in the appearance of my stretch marks, but they aren't gone.  It seems my surgery, which stretched the skin, impacts the laser treatments.  It doesn't mean it won't work, it will just take longer. Again, one of the great perks of these treatments, which promote collagen pr...

Hello Friends, Many of you may know that I am a fan of Quest Bars.   Sugar free, gluten free, low carb.  Here's the link for all the nutrional info on them.  www.questproteinbar.com Anyway, I was super excited about the new cookie dough flavour that's been released, but alas, it's not available in Canada....I wanted to try it because my friendly neighbourhood FUEL Supplements store owner, Aaron, told me he heard you could bake them up like little cookies. Well, that got me to thinking.  Why would it be limited to the cookie dough variety, why not peanut butter or apple pie.  With just a few available moments this morning I tried it...so great.  Instead of noshing into a bar, I nibbled on 10 tiny cookies...crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Here's how I did it. I chose to use the Peanut Butter Flavour.  I cut the bar into squares and placed on a tinfoil covered baking sheet, misted with PAM. ...

Hello Friends, I'm just back from a glorious Mexican All-Inclusive Vacation.  When I hear the words 'all-inclusive' two things come to mind...food and booze!  Combine those with a bikini and my anxiety goes into over-drive. Those of you who follow my blog, know about my food and body issues.  A year (2012) of competing in figure competitions and the extremely strict diet that comes with them have both helped and hobbled me when it comes to accepting how I look.  I know how I look 20 pounds lighter...and quite frankly I liked it.  However, I also know that a continuous diet of fish, yams and spinach does not a life make.  So I am working continuously to balance it all out. My downfall on this trip were the delightful little sandwiches that arrived at our pool every day at 11:30.  Some days they were shiny little buns stuffed with tuna salad, other days coissants with ham and cucumber.  There were clubhouse style (with white bread of ...

Hello again! You know what they say...if you still look cute after your workout, then you didn't work out hard enough!  Well here's proof that I worked out hard and then for some reason felt like getting out the video camera to talk to you...please forgive my appearance but I had something to say!! (and so did Archie my bird...if you're wondering what the squeaking noise is in the background!)  This is the icon for the timer I purchased from The App Store. Here is some additional info on Tabata taken from 'Tabata Pro Online' What is Tabata Training? With Tabata training you exercise for 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds, and repeat 8 times. This with a short preparation time before starting is a Tabata. It's that simple. This technique discovered by Dr. Izumi Tabata in Tokyo gives you maximum benefits in a short period of time. Benefits: It burns fat! Tabata raises your metabolism (great for morning workouts) It's fast! You ga...

Happy Sunday! I love granola...I never eat granola because I don't like the added sugar that comes with it.  I crave that cinnamon aroma and crunchy, warm goodness with a splash of milk and fruit.  In the cereal aisle I often stop and pick up a package of granola just to read the nutrition information and ingredients in the hopes that something has changed...it hasn't!  About 15 grams of added sugar per serving. I have friends who make granola...but the recipes they use call for brown sugar or syrups that don't fit into my eating plan.  I set out to make oatmeal this morning...as I always do...but my enthusiasm wasn't there...I wanted crunch and so in a moment of inspiration this is what I came up with.... Guiltless Granola Here's what you need: 1/2 cup OLD FASHIONED OATS 2 TBSP E.D SMITH NO SUGAR ADDED SYRUP 1/2 scoop PROTEIN POWDER 1 tsp VIRGIN COCONUT OIL 1 TBSP UNSWEETENED COCONUT FLAKES CINNAMON to taste   Mix everthin...

Hello Friends, This is another installment in my journey to be Stretch Mark Free!  Those stubborn little 'badges of honour' ha...whatever...they are annoying and I want them gone!  Readying myself for the 'discomfort'! I've enlisted Kelowna's Advantage Body Clinic in my stretch mark assault. www.advantagebody.ca I'm half way through treatment and things seem to be progressing nicely.  It's hard to see exactly what's going on using photos because the biggest, initial changes are in the texture of my skin.  Overall, it's tighter (a BIG BONUS!) and the stretch marks themselves are no longer raised.  They are still visible but I love that when I run my hand over my stomach I can't feel them.  So changes are happening...slowly...but patience is a virtue!   After three treatements...   Prior to first treatment...(better lighting) Again, it's hard to portray in the photos, but I am encouraged.  Today was...

Hello Friends! Thanks to my friend Laura for inspiring this quick, weeknight meal creation.  We workout together and we were comparing dinner notes.  Laura said she was going to make Fish Tacos...so I did too!  So delicious...lots of planned leftovers...healthy and best of all easy!!  I'm sure there are more 'gourmet' ways to do this, but I love the shortcuts that make it do-able midweek! Here's what you need. White fish of your choice (I used tilapia because that's what was in my freezer) Cajun Seasoning (your choice of brand, opt for low sodium if you can) Whole Wheat Tortillas (small ones) Cabbage (I used coleslaw mix) Green Onion (Laura used red onion which I think would be delicious too) Avocado (or guacamole) Salsa Lime juice (lots of it) Place fish on a baking sheet, squeeze lime juice over it and coat with cajun seasoning.  Bake according to directions. (If you are using a convection oven I like to overcook a little, makes it almo...

Hello Friends! As some of you may (or may not) know I am in the midst of laser treatments to 'erase' stretch marks.  Those little 'cat scratches' that came about as a result of two pregnancies, one of them resulting in a 10 pound baby!   Kathryn and Karen at Advantage Body Clinic in Kelowna have been taking very good care of me.     If you have any questions about the treatment give them a call. 778-478-0378 The treatment itself involves some minor discomfort, but the after burn that comes once you're out the door can take your breath away!  You know what they say, though...no pain, no gain! I have noticed that there is less redness and the stretch marks are already less pronounced.  They lay flat, in line with the healthy skin. Pictures always tell the best story though, so here they are...  Before Treatment     After three weeks (prior to treatment #2)     After six weeks (prior to tre...

Hello Friends, I have a mild obsession with stuffing chicken right now.  I guess it's because I eat so much chicken I am always looking for ways to add some fun and flavour!  I came across a delicious stuffed chicken recipe that my family enjoyed for Sunday Dinner.  A shout out to Food Network here because it belongs to Chef Michael Smith, not moi...but I give it a two thumbs up. Pesto Stuffed Chicken wrapped in Prosciutto impressed even my picky eater who was initially none too pleased about the look of the green pesto but then loved the taste! Photo from Food Network Here is the recipe with my notes in purple! The Pesto 1 large bunch fresh basil 1 cup pine nuts 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt Olive oil ( drizzle in while blending, just enough to get the desired consistency ) clove of garlic   The Chicken 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 8 slices prosciutto ( I used 4, one for each breast ) 12 asparagus spe...

Hello Friends, I will warn you that this post is not about food or exercise...it's not even about Christmas or a suggestion that you buy something from my clothing store this Holiday Season.  No, this post is about the heart, my heart, a heavy heart because of what happened in Newtown,Connecticut.  A sentiment I'm sure you all share because you are parents, and even if you are not, you are human. I don't want to talk about gun control, or de-ranged people...I want to talk about EVIL...that vile presence that we try to keep out of our daily existence...yet sometimes it is just too big and powerful to block out. What is it's purpose? I am struggling to find some sense in the slaughter of children.  I find myself awake in the early morning hours with terrifying images in my mind.  More than once I've had to get out of bed to 'walk them off'. We have seen the pictures of the beautiful children, the moving tributes but many peop...

Hello Friends, This one is so simple...but so darn good and a great as lunch leftovers.  I love a good stir fry...lot's of delicious veggies, meat and of course flavour, flavour, flavour!  Garlic, ginger whatever your heart desires.  It's been a busy day and while I wanted to make a stir fry, I didn't relish the idea of standing over a wok cooking everything in stages.  I though about throwing it all in together, but it would still require me to stand and watch...so why not bake my stir fry? I still like to brown the chicken, I like that carmalized flavour.  To make extra sure the chicken was tasty, I quickly sauteed my onions in the pan first.  In went the chicken and some Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper.  When it was browned and mostly cooked I added a some black bean sauce.  (So full of flavour, but full of sodium too, so use a light hand!) ...about this much While that finished cooking, I chopped veggies I had in the fridge.  Red, ...

Hello Friends, Just dropping in quickly to answer a question that I've been asked more than once in recent days.  What do you eat on the run? Let me start by saying I really am the Queen of food prep and planned leftovers.  I practice what I preach, so it's not very often I find myself without chicken, hard boiled eggs or some other protein to eat. Today, however, I find myself in this very predicament.  My daughter had a Band Concert at school, from there I was off on a quick trip to the grocery store and then had literally 20 minutes to eat some lunch before heading back to school to pick up the girls.  I have to admit I was starving while grocery shopping (not recommended)...and a box of Dark Chocolate Mint Oreos may or may not have found their way into my cart!!  Here's the lunch I came out with... This Western Family Chicken Soup is a pretty good choice, actually.    Calorie, fat and carb wise it fits the bill....

Hello Friends! Looking for something to keep that sweet tooth satisfied?  This is the time of year when temptation is everywhere...baking, candy,  hors'deurves...a little treat can quickly turn in to an all out binge event! Here's an easy recipe for a protein packed treat that will leave you satisfied.  Whip it up and enjoy before you head out to a party...it will actually have you 'passing' on the most decadent of treats.  A few bites also puts those 'sweet cravings' to bed after dinner when you just need a little something! Here's what you need... 1TBSP Natural Peanut or Almond Butter 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder 1TBSP Cocoa Powder 1tsp Stevia (agave or honey work too - adjust amounts to taste) 2 TBSP + of Almond Milk (skim milk or water) Mix the first four ingredients to disperse the peanut butter...it's powdery, don't worry!  Add milk and mix into a thick batter.  You may need more liquid but 2 TBSP is a good place to...