Archive for April, 2010

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Ode to Pekoe Sip House


2010
04.29

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Posted in beating stress, general nutrition, healthy living | 4 Comments »

I don’t  know a single person here in Boulder who has a conventional, 9-5 job.

Wait, let me think….

Nope. I don’t. One of my friends had one, but then she had a baby, and she probably won’t go back. 

I know a few teachers. That’s sort of 9-5, but also not really. Everyone else is doing a mishmash of starting their own business and making ends meet. I have friends who are therapists, naturopathic doctors, students, acupuncturists, herbalists, silversmiths, writers, nutritionists, yoga teachers, real estate agents, doulas, nannies, jewelry designers, shamanic practitioners, sales reps…shall I continue?

That means that many of us end up doing at least some of our work from home. And it’s nice to wake up, eat your breakfast, and plop down in a comfy chair in your nook to tap away at your laptop, particularly when said nook boasts a view of the mountains.

Sometimes, though, working from home can feel stifling. There are distractions, like books and endless cups of tea and the sausagey dog who tries to jump into your lap despite the fact that she’s got to be 70 lbs, at least.

This isn’t the culprit, but it looks a lot like her.

For a long time I resisted taking my ‘puter to a coffee shop. First, because I really don’t like coffee – it makes me jittery – and I feel resistant to spending $2 on a teabag and hot water. When I caved, and started spending one or two mornings per week in a cafe, I actually became far more productive. Why? Something about showering, wearing clothing other than my pajamas, and looking industrious like everyone else actually makes me more efficient. In this case, changing the outside lead to a change in the inside. Usually I think it’s the other way around.

So when I need to put in time out of the nook, I have my preferences. Not too trendy. Easy parking. Chill music. NO STARBUCKS (sorry, but there are so many independents here there is just no need). Good tea selection that’s worth the price. Pekoe Sip House in Boulder fits the bill. In fact, I’m sitting in their Steelyards location as I type this. Their Chai is excellent, only rivaled by The Market in Denver. They use agave to sweeten it, but as you may be aware, growing evidence suggests the high fructose content in this cactus-based sweetener is not great for us. So I get it unsweetened and add honey to taste. They also have Boba Tea – a Hong Kong drink of milky iced tea with chewy tapioca balls. I know this sounds random. But it’s the only drink I’ve ever thought I might become addicted to. And at $4 a pop, it’s not a cheap addiction (although cheaper than heroin, and better for me).

BOBA!!!!!!!

I like Pekoe’s ethics, too. Per their website, 62% of their products through local vendors are organic, and 68% of their products are sourced locally. Which means the total percentage of their organic products equals…never mind. I failed algebra. All of their cups and plates are made from recycled materials and / or are compostable, which is AWESOME – how wasteful is a constant outflow of paper or plastic, or G-forbid, styrofoam, cups?!? Their website says they are “100% wind powered” and I’m not certain how this works….is there a windmill powering the light and sound system in this cafe? The espresso machine? Well, something Pekoe-oriented is wind-powered.

I’m thrilled to have such an awesome, eco-friendly and tasty cafe in my ‘hood. As I sit here anxiously awaiting a call from my mechanic with a cost estimate for my brake repair, the soothing taste of tea and sound of folk music is kinda sorta easing my nerves, and I’m getting some work done. Even if it’s just telling you about the place I work.

Question: What’s your favorite work spot and beverage? Only writers are allowed to answer “the pub” and “Jameson”.

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Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb


2010
04.28

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living, low glycemic foods, weight loss | 2 Comments »

Sorry if reading this title is going to result in visions of Ricky Martin wriggling his hips for the rest of the day. I’m not talking about the Latin sensation (and by the way, who didn’t already know he was gay?!?) I’m referring to Jimmy Moore and his popular website / blog / podcasts / books extolling the benefits of the low-carb lifestyle. Jimmy dropped 180 lbs by dropping the carbs. He’s been blogging for five years, and has some fantastic information on his site. He read my guest post on naturalhomemagazine.com and invited me to be a guest on his podcast in June!! Stay tuned for dates and times.

So here’s my take on low-carb. I am not a believer in one-size-fits-all diets. I think it’s crucial to listen to what your body is telling you and give it what it needs. Some people, for instance, thrive on salads, while others don’t do well with raw veggies. Some people absolutely need to consume red meat, while others fare better on fish and eggs. Naturally, no one digests refined grains and sugar and fake foods well, and cutting these out is crucial for weight loss. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, and that most of my readers are already avoiding “edible foodlike substances” as Michael Pollan terms them.

My experience, though, is that some people can’t even digest many whole grains. I know I might get flak for saying this. But whole grains metabolize in the body as sugars, too – slower than their refined counterparts, and they’re certainly more nutrient-dense - but they are just not compatible with some folks.

Here’s a great example. A few weeks ago I got into a conversation about nutrition with a stranger. She was an athlete, but she didn’t know much about healthy eating (which is more common than you may think!). She said, “I don’t understand it. I eat a bowl of oatmeal in the morning, which is healthy, right? And then I feel hungry an hour later and I lose energy.” She’s bought into that common myth that oatmeal is the be-all and end-all of healthy breakfasts. And although she was a runner, she looked flabby, which meant she wasn’t building muscle effectively.

You probably already know my answer. She needs much more protein, and much more fat. And she’s probably not even eating enough, calorie-wise. Carbs spike your blood sugar, resulting in an energy crash later. Often that kicks off a cycle of cravings. I’m not saying you can never have brown rice again, but it’s worth tracking your reactions to grains to see what kinds of eating patterns their consumption sets up. I know that I feel sleek and slim and great if I go a day with very low grain consumption. I feel puffy and bloated if I don’t.

Like this penguin.

So thanks, Jimmy, for the opportunity, and for spreading the mission of health. And readers, if you are struggling with a weight issue despite eating healthily overall and engaging in a solid fitness regimen, I suggest you explore replacing your breakfast oatmeal with some (organic) eggs and sausage. No joke.

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Check Out My Guest Post on Natural Home Magazine: Why Lowfat Diets Can Make You Sick


2010
04.27

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living, weight loss | No Comments »

Natural Home is the bomb magazine for anyone interested in creating an eco-friendly dwelling place. They’ve also got tons of healthy and “green” resources on their site…including me! Here’s my inaugural post on one of my favorite subjects: FAT. The macronutrient, not the stuff around one’s hips. Devour and enjoy.

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Instant and Incredibly Effective Weight Loss Aid – Free!


2010
04.27

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Posted in general nutrition, humor, weight loss | 4 Comments »

Want a recipe for weight gain? Eat out at restaurants. Often. The ubiquitous trans fats, the ginormous portion sizes, and the cheap sweeteners will have you tipping the scale faster than you can say “Double Down”.

But….

  • I don’t know how else to socialize with my friends!
  • I don’t know what else my boyfriend and I can do together for fun!
  • I had a bad day and I want to indulge!
  • I had a good day and I want to indulge!
  • I haven’t tried that new Tibetan-Dutch-Eskimo fusion spot yet!
  • I just tried the new Tibetan-Dutch-Eskimo fusion spot, and I love it, and I MUST go back RIGHT NOW for their momo-rijstaffel-seal sundae!
  • I have no time to cook!
  • I have time to cook but I’m uninspired!

etc, etc, etc.

Never fear. As always, I’m here for you. If you’re trying to lose weight and you need incentive to avoid Applebees and TGI Friday’s, look no further than this collection of the 13 most disgusting food stories of all time. Cooking at home doesn’t just mean you’re empowered to use the most wholesome, organic, local, fresh ingredients possible. It also means no condoms in your french onion soup, and no snakes in your sandwiches.

Even Brad Pitt is grossed out.

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Deserted: South LA Food Environment


2010
04.27

Posted in general nutrition, healthy living | No Comments »

If you can afford

  • veggies, fruits, whole grains and good quality meats on a regular basis
  • organic whenever possible
  • rent or mortgage in an area where you can easily access these goods

Please watch this video shot in South LA, a true food desert, and count your blessings.

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Yo Yo! Check out my Foods for Fuel post…


2010
04.27

Posted in weight loss | 1 Comment »

over at Through Green Eyes. This is for athletes, biathletes, triathletes, and anyone who wants a 101 on how to get your body running well.

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Guest Post: Are You There? It’s Me, Your Body


2010
04.26

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living | 1 Comment »

Today 9weightloss is featuring a guest post from personal trainer extrordinaire Johanna Thomsen. Read on to discover how she learned to listen to her body…and how that process created huge shifts for her, both physically and emotionally. This, of course, is what we’re all about here: creating a relationship with food and your body.

And if you’re in the NYC area and in need of a good trainer, email this little spitfire at johanna.thomsen@gmail.com. She’ll whip you into shape in no time…in a kind, compassionate, Buddhist way, of course.

*

Are You There?  It’s Me, Your Body.

Our bodies are communicating with us every moment of every day.  The problem is that most of us have never learned how to really listen.  We all know the sensations of daily life – like pain, pleasure, hunger, enjoyment, discomfort, and fulfillment.  What we don’t know is what these sensations indicate about what is happening inside of us – both physically and emotionally.  My journey to sustainable fitness and health started about 4 years ago when I began to learn the art of connecting my external and internal experiences by slowing down to hear what this wise and wondrous body was trying to communicate to me.

Despite having been a dancer for most of my life, and a fairly health-conscious person in general, I was in the latter half of my 20’s, overweight, and feeling generally sluggish.  No matter how much I dieted or exercised, I felt stuck in a body that didn’t feel like mine.  Simply put – I was not listening to what my body was very clearly trying to tell me – something was majorly out of whack.

With help from some talented professionals, I found out that I was sensitive to cow-based dairy and all wheat.  I was also taking medication that my body processed as a toxin.  My body was completely out of balance because in essence I was poisoning myself unknowingly.

Once I eliminated these items from my life, I saw immediate results.  My energy level went up while my weight dropped to fit my strong 5’3” frame, and I had a new glow generated from a body thanking me for paying attention.  I also learned to read the signals that my body was sending to me about what it wanted, or did not want.  I found that my emotional state was often very closely tied in with my diet, as my personal response to ingested toxins is an increase in adrenaline that leads to symptoms such as increased heart rate, lightheadedness, trouble taking in deep breaths, and a general increase in anxiety.

Because my body is communicating so clearly, and I learned how to speak the same language, I found out on my own that I am sensitive to soy products and caffeine.  I know that I can handle cow dairy in small quantities, but have virtually zero tolerance to wheat.  There are certain supplements that I am unable to stomach, and some that have proved quite effective in keeping my digestive and immune systems in check.  I know that my body craves healthy fats and functions very well when given what it wants.  I have also learned to separate a physical craving from an emotional one, and although I sometimes feed the emotional needs, it’s very helpful to understand what is driving the urges.

As a result of this exciting journey and its positive outcomes, I was able to allow my “new” body to expend its energy in ways that felt supportive and sustainable.  I started taking dance classes again, supplemented with yoga, Pilates, and strength and cardio training.  I got myself to a level of fitness and kinetic awareness that allowed for me to share my knowledge and training with others.  I am now working with a small group of private clients doing personal training tailored to a wide variety of abilities and fitness goals.

Most importantly, I am in constant communication with myself.  I know when I am getting sick, and how I can bolster myself to best handle illness.  I listen when my body expresses exhaustion.  I understand how my cycle affects my body and mind.  I can feel when I have eaten something that my body is not accepting.  Through really coming to know my own body, I now have an ongoing visceral conversation that I know will continue to guide me along this special path of health and wellness.

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And The Winner Is……


2010
04.23

Posted in giveaway, weight loss | 4 Comments »

SAYRE!!

Email me at stephanieelizabeth@gmail.com with your address so we can send you your chocolate gift pack!!!

To everyone else: THANK YOU for entering and for spreading the word.

:)

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Enter to Win A Fair Trade, Artisanal, Organic Chocolate Gift Basket!


2010
04.21

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Posted in general nutrition, giveaway | 11 Comments »

Chocolate?!? This is a weight loss blog! How dare you speak of chocolate?!?

But remember, it’s a holistic weight loss blog. And a realistic weight loss blog. Eating chocolate’s gonna happen. That’s fine. I’m  just concerned with the quality. I’d much rather have you eating some well made, organic stuff than “chocolate candy”, aka a bar that contains so much vegetable oil that it can’t officially be called “chocolate”. And while you’re eating the chocolate, if you can support urban poor communities simultaneously, so much the better.

Enter our friends at Urban Trader. Most cocoa is grown on large plantations, using petroleum based products. Urban Trader supports the small farmer who grows organically, without using POPs (persistent organic pollutants). They’ve put together a great package for us. You’ll receive Fair Trade Yachana Gourmet Jungle Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts, Thai Chili-Orange Chocolate Cups, and, as featured on Oprah, Divine 3.5 oz Fair Trade 70% Dark Chocolate with Raspberries. Your three delicious treats come in a handmade pine needle basket, woven by the Lencan women of Honduras.

I know you want this gift package. Here’s how to enter:

1. Remember the old commercial, “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” Post a comment by clicking the comments button up by the title, and let me know what you would do for a Fair Trade chocolate.

2. If you have a blog, FB account, or Twitter, link back to www.9weightloss.com.

Contest closes at MIDNIGHT (Colorado time) Thursday. The winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and I’ll post the results on Friday morning. So check back then!

In the meantime, head on over to Urban Trader for other awesome fair trade products including jewelry and home decor. And stay tuned for another giveaway near May 8, celebrating World Fair Trade Day!

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Nuts, Glorious Nuts…


2010
04.20

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Posted in general nutrition, weight loss | 3 Comments »

Nuts, glorious nuts…Chock full of satisfying fat, protein, and minerals, these inexpensive snacks are crucial to keep around the house. Buy them in bulk: it’s cheaper.

Here’s a little story I actually told a client yesterday. It’s a personal tale. I call it “The Evolution of Nut Consciousness”.

For many years I avoided nuts. This is because I heard they had a lot of fat in them. I believed that eating fat would make me fat.

Then I started to get interested in nutrition. I learned that nuts had “good fat” in them, aka unsaturated fat. I started to buy some nice honey roasted Planter’s in a can, and feeling virtuous, snacked on those occasionally.

Then I enrolled in holistic nutrition school. I learned the following:

1. The only “bad” fat is “trans” fat (saturated fat is crucial). And nuts in a can are sometimes covered with trans fats to preserve them for longer.

2. Roasting nuts impacts their micronutrients. It’s best to eat them raw.

3. Eating fat doesn’t make you fat.

4. In fact, eating fat, along with lots of nutrients, can promote weight loss. Why? You’re fuller for longer. Your body is satisfied. You don’t need to reach for junk food.

So I began my raw organic nut crusade. I tried Brazil nuts for the first time and couldn’t get enough (perhaps I was deficient in a mineral they had in abundance). I made cookies using a blend of ground oats and nuts. I ate lots of them. Then I made more and ate more.

Then I decided to use my nut cookie recipe as a snack demo at holistic nutrition school. This involved a nutrition analysis of the cookie recipe. Well…one cookie turned out to be about 350 calories.

Whoops.

Let me point out that this is a common scenario. Person has a pattern of bingeing. Person learns about nutrition. Person gets excited. Person thinks “as long as it’s healthy, I can eat as much as I want”. That’s not quite true. While I’m not an advocate of counting calories, anyone can see that eating four nut cookies at 350 calories apiece is…well…not the greatest idea. It is, of course, preferable to eating four Hostess Snowballs. Which I used to do.

So I’ve reined in my nut obsession. I still keep a box of almond milk in the fridge, as I’m not great with dairy. And I always have some kind of raw, organic nut in my cupboard. It truly is an ideal snack to tide you over between meals. Just a handful will sufiice. I like to mix up the kinds I get, as eating the same thing over and over can create an allergy. Besides, eating a wider bandwidth of foods means you’re getting a wider bandwidth of nutrients.  I still make the nut cookies sometimes, but I limit myself to one. Ok, maybe two. And I eat some of the batter. You know, to make sure it tastes ok.

4 comments

Monday, Monday…


2010
04.19

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Posted in giveaway, healthy living, humor | 4 Comments »

I am starting off the week with a bang, so I only have time for a short post. Two clients. A natural product demo. Emails to return and appointments to schedule. But I wanted to let you know what you’re in store for this week…

Sweet, dark, delicious.

Some of it contains

or

 

and even

It’s organic. It’s fair trade. It’s a giveaway. Wednesday morning through Thursday at midnight. Be there or be

Love,

Your (Fair Trade, Organic) Dealer

2 comments

Friday News Bites


2010
04.16

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Posted in healthy living, news bites | 2 Comments »

  • 13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A TATER TOT (see, I am using my undergrad degree in English Lit).Feeling nostalgic for your chocolate milk and soggy burger? Check out this slideshow of school lunches. Any one of these nutritionally devoid meals can be yours for an average of 90 cents. Is the health of our children truly such a low priority??
  • RETIRE RONALD. Calling him a “hamburglar”, Raj Patel calls for Ronald McDonald to hang up his large red clown shoes. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, “advertising directed toward children is inherently deceptive and exploits children under eight years of age.” And Patel points out that the structure of the American food system would look very different without this cheap commodity-driven chain.
  • CHOCOLATE, COMING SOON. Urban Trader sources products from urban poor communities at a fair wage. They re-invest a substantial portion of their profits back into these communities. And their chocolate is delicious. That’s why 9weightloss is hosting our VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY of their ORGANIC, FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATE next Wednesday. Stop by the blog and leave a comment to enter.
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Guest Post: Anais from Through Green Eyes


2010
04.15

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Posted in fitness, healthy living, weight loss | 2 Comments »

 Dear readers,

It’s your lucky week. Instead of hearing my usual rants about how great fat is, I have not one but two guest posts to offer you. Scroll down for Ashley’s Top Ten Foods of the Moment, and read on for a piece from the beautiful Anais of Through Green Eyes. In this post, she describes her evolution as a runner, and offers tips on getting started. I hate running, so I’m really glad she’s here to provide this advice. Thank you, Anais!

Enjoy, and let us know your thoughts!

*

I’ve always been strangely fascinated by runners. When driving, I would unabashedly stare. They probably thought I was a creeper, but really I was just amazed, and envious. In high school, I was never really any good at sports, and running just seemed the epitome of what I was not. I kept wishing that one day, I, too, would be hardcore and run outdoors in crazy weather. Or even just that I’d be able to run at all!
I bought a treadmill in 2008, and while I did attempt to get into a routine, like clockwork I would give up at sooner or later, mostly because of terrible shin splints. That just reinforced my view that being a runner was unattainable and just not for me.
In January 2009, I finally decided to give it another try: I bought new running shoes which literally made my spin splints disappear, and a Tivo so I knew there would always be something fun to watch. I started doing running-walking intervals, gradually shortening the walks  until I got to a 8.5:1.5 ratio. I even started heading outdoors after a while. I was finally one of those people!
It hasn’t all been a piece of cake though. There were times where it felt more like a mental workout than a physical one, because the strength it took to make me keep going was much more tiring than the act of putting one foot in front of the other! There have also been times when injuries have made me wonder if it was worth going through with a sport that seemed to be taking its toll on my body. I sprained my ankle on a run with a friend last summer (thanks to a big hole in the grass), and I’ve had a few problems with my knees, which is why I still do running and walking intervals.
In the process of falling in love with the sport, I managed to lose 35 lbs. Running has been so much more than just weight loss though. Doing something that seemed impossible has given me confidence in myself that I never had. The sense of achievement when you cross the finish line of your first race is also extraordinary and exhilarating!
I’m now training for my first half-marathon which will take place at the end of May. And yet, whenever I drive by someone who is running, I still look at them with envy. The difference is that now, I am actually one of them.
Tips to begin running:
Don’t be afraid to walk. Most of all in the beginning, it will help you improve little by little without overtraining yourself. Your body will also thank you, as it makes it less prone to injury.
Get good gear. When you find the shoes that work for you, running will not be painful. It will be tiring, yes, but shin splints will hopefully not be a constant bother. Cute gear doesn’t hurt either (I’m partial to Lululemon).
Find a friend. Running with a friend came make all the difference! They can push you when you feel like giving up, and you still get to hang out! My friend Carolyn and I meet every Tuesday: we go for a run, then make dinner and watch a show.
Keep track of your progress. Whether you write it down by hand or use an electronic device, you will take pride in seeing your numbers go up and knowing how far you’ve come!
Sign up for a race. I signed up for a 5k to give myself a goal to aim for. It’ll be an extra motivation to keep you from giving up.
And as my friend Carolyn says: find beautiful surroundings! There is nothing like gorgeous sights and sounds to keep you motivated :)
Most importantly, find an activity that you enjoy doing, whether it is running or rock climbing!

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In Praise of the Farmer’s Market


2010
04.14

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living | No Comments »

In some states, locavorism is a piece of cake (from a local bakery). Produce abounds year-round. In San Francisco, the only thing that changes at Farmer’s Markets is the color of the fruit and the weather (cold and rainy in the winter, cold and rainy in the summer). So after spending four years’ worth of weekends at the Ferry Building, Noe Valley Market and Alemany, a move to Colorado was a shift for me.

But it’s starting to be that time of year here in the Foothills. Before dawn breaks, trucks are pulling up to the downtown green. Tables are erected, awnings raised, and boxes of leafy greens and wrinkly mushrooms and misshapen, lovely eggs are displayed. At eight, the early morning guests arrive, fresh from their ten-mile runs / hikes / marathon yoga sessions.  We get a kombucha and stroll around. We greet our neighbors’ black labs and golden retrievers and mutts of uncertain origin. I buy hunter’s stew and a pastry from the Russian lady and tell her “Spaciba”. The pastry, a buttery, cinnamon laced concoction, may be the best I’ve ever had.

Some of my clients hate grocery shopping. When I ask them why, they refer to the fluorescent lighting, the crowds, the overwhelming choices, and the overall sense of confusion about what to purchase. I’d hate that too. But I’ve reengineered my shopping experience. Grocery shopping should be pleasurable. Hell, grocery shopping should be sensual. It engages your vision, sense of smell, and sense of touch. In the right environments, food is art.

Which is why I like Farmer’s Markets. They’re often quite beautiful. And engaging in appreciation of that beauty creates a sense of community. People are usually pretty happy on Saturday and Sunday mornings (although people in Boulder are supposedly happy all the time). We rhapsodize over the shape of the peppers, the fragrance of the peaches, and chat about the weather while standing in the coffee line. Feeling disconnected? Hate grocery shopping? Visit your Farmer’s Market. It’ll cure what ails ye.

2 comments

Guest Post: Ashley’s Top Ten Foods of the Moment


2010
04.13

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living, low glycemic foods, weight loss | 2 Comments »

Good morning everyone!

The lovely and talented Ashley from Daily Goods has agreed to do a posting swap with me! Today 9weightloss.com is featuring her Top Ten Foods of the Moment, while my Top Ten list is up over at her blog. Check ‘em both out and let me know what you think! Oh, and while you’re at it, congratulate her on completing a 10-mile race last weekend.

Ashley’s Top Ten Foods

1. Chia Seeds
I’m a big fan of the chia seed. They are so nutrient dense it’s amazing. They are a great source of energy and help you stay hydrated longer and replenish your electrolytes.  I love to drink them mixed with water, lemon juice and a little bit of sweetener, also known as ‘chia fresca’. Having 5x the amount of Omega 3’s than supplements and 8x more than salmon they are a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
2. Hemp Seeds
Another amazing seed, hemp seeds contain all of the essential amino acids that are necessary to maintain a healthy life. They can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, and can also be made into a non-dairy milk. They contain about 80% essential fatty acids which include Omega 3s and 6s. They are also a good source of fiber, calcium, iron, and are gluten free. I personally like adding them to smoothies to give them a big nutritional punch.
3. Greek Yogurt
I have pretty much stopped eating regular yogurt and have been faithful to greek yogurt for a while now. Thick and creamy, it gives me the protein I need and I make it delicious by adding some tasty toppings. Since greek yogurt is naturally tart I like to add some honey/agave then some fruit and/or granola. A delicious snack that fills me up. Greek yogurt is also extremely versatile. It can be used to replace sour cream and also mayonnaise when you make chicken/tuna/egg salads. A lower fat option that keeps the creaminess. My personal favorite is Fage 2%.
4. Almond Butter
I used to be the biggest peanut butter fan, buying all of the different flavors and smearing it on everything. Not only did the flavors add a ton of sugar, but I came to realize that sometimes simple is better. I came across almond butter and fell in love. The only ingredient is almonds, nothing additional and it adds a deep delicious flavor to my morning bowl of oatmeal. I love both the raw and roasted variations and now actually don’t even own 1 jar of peanut butter. Almond butter has taken over. Favorite brand is Maranatha. I buy the extra large jars from Costco for a great price.
5. Tofu
I’ve grown up eating tofu so I’ve always loved it. I love the fact that it takes on any and all flavors you add to it. I like to buy the extra firm blocks of tofu and pan fry them in a saucer with a little olive oil. From there, you can either add mexican spices to create tofu tacos, bbq sauce, soy sauce and honey, etc. The possibilities are endless.
6. Ezekiel Bread
This bread is made from freshly sprouted, organically grown live grains. Sprouting is the only way to release all of the vital nutrients that are stored in the whole grains. It increases the vitamins and minerals in the bread. Typically in the freezer section of your health food store, they also come in different variations of wraps, buns, and english muffins. They also make a wonderful cinnamon raisin bread for a perfect morning treat.
7. Frozen Veggies
When you’re in a pinch for time, frozen vegetables can be a life saver. It’s always great to have some stashed in your freezer to add your daily servings of vegetables when you’re in a rush or don’t have anything fresh on hand. I enjoy using my for quick stirfrys. An easy way to add in some solid nutrition with convenience.
8. Lemons
Lemons used for making Chia Fresca, or simply added to a mug of hot water in the morning with a small amount of sweetener. They have multiple benefits such as eliminating toxins from your body, aiding in digestion, sore throats, improves immune systems, and much more. Instead of your daily morning coffee, try switching in some hot lemon water once in a while.
9. Quinoa
Gaining popularity, the ancient “grain” quinoa was known as the “gold of the Incas”. Quinoa is actually the relative of the leafy green vegetable. High in protein, it is known for being a complete protein which means it includes all 9 of the essential amino acids. It can be used to replace rice as a side dish, or even cooked similarly to oatmeal for a morning breakfast.
10. Avocados
It is a common fact that people fear fats. But please don’t fear the avocado. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which helps the basal metabolic rates and reduce overeating. They can keep you satisfied. Make a quick guacamole combining some diced onions and tomatoes and jalapenos with a squirt of lime juice and a few avocados. Toast a piece of ezekiel bread and spread 1/4 of an avocado on it. You can add it to salads and sandwiches. They are a great replacement in sandwiches for mayo. Embrace fats, they do your body good!
3 comments

In Defense of the Double Down


2010
04.12

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living, humor, weight loss | 3 Comments »

Why is this Monday unlike other Mondays? Three days before tax day? Eight days before my anniversary? An archaic pagan holiday celebrating the emergence of tree buds? Nay. It’s the birth of the Double Down, KFC’s latest brainchild.

It’s being called “murder on a bun – except there are no buns“, “The Widowmaker“, and the standard “Heart Attack on a Plate”. The blog world and Twitter are blowing up with images and highly punctuted threats to purchase. With America’s obesity rate already so high, do we really need more bacon and cheese? It’s probably 1500 calories! It’s Atkins gone wild!

Hang on a sec. Back up. Let’s point the finger at the true culprit -  the sandwich’s quality. Let’s distinguish between saturated fat – animal fat, which has been eaten for thousands of years – and trans fat, the artificial fat linked to obesity, diabetes, and a host of other health problems.

This sandwich is composed of chicken, bacon, cheese and the Colonel’s “special sauce”, a term which never fails to arouse my suspicion. Now, we all know that the ingredients are derived from the cheapest possible sources. The meat likely contains hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and other nasty things you don’t want in your body. The cheese is highly processed.  The sandwich, like most fast food, is probably coated in trans fats – cheap sources of oil, they stay intact for months, in contrast to true oils which go rancid over time. This is not good quality food.

 

Let’s contrast this with the version that would be prepared in my kitchen. I’d use organic bacon, raw cheese,and all-natural chicken and I’d whip up a mayo with olive oil. No special sauce for me! Caloric? Certainly. Toxic? Hardly. The science linking animal fat to heart disease is shoddy and is beginning to be dismantled. My sandwich is just a whole lotta protein and fat. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to eat it every day. Unless you’re a triathlete, you don’t need it. Every once in a while, coming in from a long hike or a few hours of basketball? It wouldn’t kill you.

I’m not an advocate for calorie counting, except as a tool for understanding hunger and satiety. But as a side note, I found these numbers interesting: 560 for KFC’s original version and 460 for the grilled. I always say that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating, but on average, 400-500 calories per meal is perfectly acceptable. Depending upon your activity level, it might even be a little low. Weight loss is about a lot of things, including eating enough. An apple at breakfast and a power bar at lunch and a fat-free Lean Cuisine at dinner just isn’t going to cut it over the long term. Ensuring your meals leave you satisfied will prevent you from bingeing on cookies and chips at midnight.

Ok, so my title was a little inflammatory. I’m not defending KFC’s actual Double Down. But admit it…the ingredients sound kind of delicious, don’t they? And prepared with care, love, and attention to health, a homemade Double Down isn’t such a bad thing. Remember, it’s all about the quality.

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Friday News Bites


2010
04.09

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living | No Comments »

9 comments

Right Now Loving…


2010
04.07

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Posted in beating stress, general nutrition, healthy living, humor, weight loss | 9 Comments »

Five things I am loving today…

1. Twitter. Ok, ok. Stop laughing. 9weightloss just got on. Following all kinds of interesting folks, health magazines and Andrew Weil’s blog. All the information is a little overwhelming…and I am excited for us to carve out our own little corner of the weight loss universe.

2. The Yoga Pod. My yoga studio in Boulder, CO. I’ve been going at least 3-4x/week for the past year and a half. Sometimes a lot more. Yoga Pod, you are my sweaty sanctuary, my temple of pranayama. When I am slithering  all over my mat, about to pass out, I think I can see God. Or maybe that’s lightheadedness. Thank you Yoga Pod, for taking me into class dark and stressed and spitting me out glowing and mellow.

3. Daily Goods and Miz Fit, two dedicated and lively bloggers, for contributing so much to the health / food / blogger world. And for inviting me to guest post. Stay tuned for my articles next week.

4. WishGarden Herbal Tinctures. They make an appearence in one of the aforementioned articles. Obviously, I love them.  Like me, local to Boulder, CO. Founded 25 years ago by a midwife. You can approach stress from a nutritional, emotional, and spiritual standpoint, and right now I am convinced nothing can touch it like a good herbal concoction can.

5. Busting Loose from the Money Game. I’m recommending it to so many people that I should just become an affiliate. As a psychotherapist, I have read many, many self-help books. This is the only one that’s ever created a huge shift for me in terms of how I perceive money, and the world. Maybe I should talk to him about expanding his franchise. Busting Loose from the Weight Loss Game is a pretty compelling title, don’tcha think?

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We are now on Twitter!


2010
04.06

Posted in weight loss | No Comments »

Check us out:

@9weightloss

See you there!

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Five Fats You MUST Have in Your Kitchen


2010
04.06

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Posted in general nutrition, low glycemic foods, weight loss | No Comments »

9weightloss.com endorses Sarah’s list of the top five fats to keep in your kitchen.

And no, fat doesn’t make you fat. Fat keeps you fuller for longer, gives you strong cell membranes, and enables you to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Adding some fat to your meal will lessen your need to binge on candy and chips three hours later. Fat: the true fat burner.

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The Importance of Cows


2010
04.05

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Posted in general nutrition, healthy living, weight loss | 1 Comment »

 

A recent study draws a link between milk consumption and health by examining the length of nearly 20,000 European skeletons throughout history. Greater height indicated better nutrition. Interestingly, people became slighly shorter during the Roman Empire, which suggests their access to milk would have decreased. This is thought to have been a result of increased population.

Remember, the tall Euros were drinking raw milk. Pasteurization destroys many of milk’s innate nutrients, as well as lactase, the enzyme facilitating the digestion of lactose. Find out more about raw milk here.

How is this linked to weight loss? Simple. The more nutrient-dense your food, the less you’ll munch on with empty calories like junk food and soda. Supercharge your meal with a nutritional powerhouse like raw milk and watch your energy increase and your cravings lessen.

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Friday News Bites – Belated April Fool’s Edition


2010
04.02

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Posted in general nutrition, news bites | No Comments »

A day late, here’s a collection of false food news.

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