Ingredient Lists

I've been trying to eat more "clean" the last week or so and that means inspecting food labels a lot more. Usually I just scan the calories, fat, fiber, protein, and sodium counts, but now I'm scouring over the ingredient lists. Most everyone knows that the shorter the list, the more healthy or natural the product is. Ever noticed how small the ingredient list is and how you practically need a magnifying glass to read it????

For the last year I've been buying reduced-fat peanut butter. I use it mainly for toast or on bananas as a pre-run snack. This afternoon around 4:30 I cut up a banana at work and grabbed my peanut butter from my desk drawer. It's Peter Pan reduced-fat creamy...I read the ingredient list and was really grossed out.

First of all, the second (yes, #2 after peanuts) ingredient says "corn syrup solids." After all the talk of trans fat, I know this is not a positive, healthy, NATURAL ingredient. Further, several ingredients have an asterisk next to them. At the end of the list, the asterisk items are described as "ingredients not in regular peanut butter." Ergo, it's not natural!!

I've decided that "reduced-fat" isn't as important as organic or natural. After all, healthy eating involves moderation, not necessarily skimping on the true good stuff from nature. So, next on the grocery list is a healthier peanut butter!

FAT TALK ends now.

This is from 2008, but I had not seen it until today. It brought tears to my eyes...powerful stuff!!

A pretty good Sunday

Today there was some of this:

(splashed around Mom and Dad's pool late morning until early afternoon--managed to get too much sun regardless of the applied sun block)

some of this:

(ran 4 miles on the treadmill; post-run protein shake to refuel)

and finally, some of this:

(a HUGE salad with spinach, romaine, 1/2 avocado, 1 mini cucumber, cherub tomatoes, and turkey bacon)

Now I am relaxing on the couch and trying to catch up on roughly 15 episodes of House...last semester's studying kept my DVR very full of my favorite shows. Happy Sunday!!

Some things I could do without...

...that still find their way into my life:

Velveeta cheese
This stuff is just gross. And it's actually called "stuff." Food stuff to be exact. It's not really cheese. No nutritional value whatsoever. Yet if someone mixes it with rotel and sausage, I'm all over it.

Dr. Pepper
I don't drink coffee so DP is my caffeine vice. But I don't need it. I've gone weeks without it before.

Cat puke
Am I the only one who has yacking feline furballs?? What's the deal? Not a week goes by that I don't find a little kitty barf on the floor somewhere. I just hope one of my cats is not bulimic...(ha-ah, not quite as they both have bellies that swing when they walk).

Dropping my cell phone
This happens too frequently. Thankfully, other than a lot of scratches, my Blackberry is still ticking. (I also drop keys and forks)

Leg cramps in the middle of the night
Is this a runner thing? Am I not stretching enough? There is nothing worse than when your leg and toes contort in pain just from switching positions and/or stretching out in bed.

Sock tan and watch-band tan
I guess there is no avoiding this if I am going to be a runner. It's very unattractive, yet I almost wear it like a badge of honor??

Gnats in my kitchen
They must love my produce. I like to keep my tomatoes, avocados, nanners, and oranges on the counter. But the gnats are everywhere.

Exercise DVD music and instructors
I like to try out new DVDs from our local library every now and then. I just got one for pilates and one for 10-min abs. The background music sucks and the instructors are way too high on life. That's why I like the Biggest Loser workout videos. They use real people (overweight contestants from the show) and even though Bob gets on my nerves, it's fun and a great workout.

Okay, enough ranting for this Saturday morning...it's a gorgeous (and hot) weekend!!

Happy Birthday, Big Brother!

My brother turns 40 today!! He doesn't look a day over 30...

THE smoothie

I make this smoothie for breakfast at least 3-4 times a week. I used to make it with store-bought OJ, but I've found it only takes a little bit longer to use fresh oranges and it's SO WORTH IT. It's got a gazillion servings of fruit in it and starts off the day right. Okay, so it only has about 4-5 servings of fruit but that is a lot for one glass! My mom used to make these when we lived in Kingwood (TX) for a post-run snack or dinner. I usually have it on the way to work (during my 7-minute drive) and then at work I have a protein bar or cereal. Running and training means I have to eat a lot in the morning!

Mom's Post-Run Smoothie
(makes 1 huge glass)
1-1 1/2 c frozen strawberries (I usually buy 4-5 bags at a time!)
1 very ripe banana (the more ripe, the sweeter the smoothie)
4-5 small navel oranges (I buy navel because they are sweet and easy to juice--usually come in a bag at the store)

Place strawberries and banana in the blender. For the juice, I just use a cheap little hand juicer with a built-in strainer (probably bought it at Wally for $3). I not only dump the juice in the blender but any and all pulp that gets in the strainer part. I usually use enough juice to almost cover the fruit in the blender. Then just blend on high until it is all smooth! I don't like any chunks in my smoothies so I make sure it's smooth. Other than getting strawberry seeds stuck in your teeth, this is easy, delicious, and healthy!! Thanks, Mom!!

(please disregard the ugly water spots on my glass!!)

Holy Broccoli, Batman!

I was in the mood for some broccoli last night. I bought a bunch of frozen broccoli because it's easy and good for you. I decided I wanted it roasted but didn't want to fool with chopping garlic or anything. So I just popped the frozen broc in the oven for a minute or two, then sprinkled kosher salt and pepper on it, back in the oven for maybe 7 minutes or so. I pulled it out and sprinkled some balsamic vinegar on it for flavor. It needed maybe another minute or so just to brown a bit. The result was tasty! I don't like too much going on with my broccoli that takes away from it's natural flavor. This was perfect! The black pepper added a nice kick too.

Roasted Balsamic Broccoli

1 pkg frozen broccoli florets
salt and pepper to taste
balsamic vinegar to taste (maybe 1 T)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread out frozen broccoli on a sheet pan and let thaw for a few minutes in the oven. Add some salt and pepper and put the broccoli back in the oven for about 6-7 minutes. Lightly pour balsamic vinegar on the broccoli and roast for another minute or so.

Edited later to add: Lunch today in my office was leftover broccoli from above, a veggie patty with mustard, and a plain nuked sweet potato. It was delicious...veggie power!! :)

My Grill

Back when I was a wee youngin' and my permanent two front teeth came in, they didn't look like all the other teeth. There were white marks on the front and even though I had a nice smile, it was noticeable. I went through many a school year (mostly elementary when kids have no class) of kids asking, "What is that white stuff on your teeth??" My mom always suggested I answer with, "What is that yellow stuff hanging out of your nose?"

I never really cared much about it and as I got older most of it started to go away. But on one tooth it actually got worse. I finally found out the "white spots" were areas of demineralization. This was not a result of acid eating away at the enamel--after all, the permanent teeth had it as soon as they grew in. Some dentists have told me the demineralization is due to inflammation or infection, such as I had a fever when the teeth were developing. Others have told me it has to do with the fact that I have had strep throat so much throughout my life. Who knows??!!

Although the marks weren't something I dwelled on or even really cared about, I always hoped that someday I could get them whitened or something. Well, it turns out that one of the front teeth was getting weak due to the demineralization and needed to be fixed, i.e. bonded. They basically just dug out the weak spot (aka, the white spot) and filled it in. So, that is what I had done this morning! Here are the before and after shots:

BEFORE: Demineralization on #8 and #10 (central incisor and lateral incisor, respectively)

AFTER

You'll notice there is not a HUGE difference...and there is a little bit of demineralization on the canine, but I told him I wasn't concerned about it if it's not causing any damage to the actual tooth. But this is the look we were going for...I didn't want new white teeth or anything fancy done. I like my smile and wanted to keep MY smile! My dentist was happy with the results and now I'm going to be on their website...yikes! But at least you can't see my face :)

I'm still numb up to my nose and can't wait for it to go away so I feel normal again. All in all, it was a successful morning in the chair!

Love you, Mommy!

Thank you for being so loving, encouraging, and supportive. Thanks for being my best friend. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day!!

You know you're a runner when...

* You're first thought when you look at the weekly weather forecast is, "When can I fit in my runs?"
(In Oklahoma--when will it NOT be 98 degrees or 50-mph winds??)

* Your watch face is bigger than your iPod.
(But I could not LIVE without my Garmin 305!)

* You have more running clothes than regular clothes in the laundry pile.
(And it's stinkier...ew) 

* You no longer make fun of fanny packers because your running belt looks similar to one.
(All the cool kids wear running belts)

* The salespeople at your local running shop know you by name.

(Hi, Brooke and James at Elite Feet in Edmond!!)

* You know how to take a cup of water from a race water stop without choking or spilling it.

(I learned this the hard way)

* At least one of your website usernames or email addresses has the word "run" or "runner" in it.

(Does "ezjogger" count??)

* You own more pairs of running socks than dress socks.

(And I lose more running socks in the "Dryer Abyss" than any other form of clothing)

* Your Facebook updates frequently involve running.

(Frequently? Daily. I know all of my friends are sick of hearing about it!!)

* When you hear PR you automatically think "personal record" and not "public relations."

(What the heck is public relations??)

* You have running clothes and an extra pair of running shoes in your car, "just in case."

(You never know when you'll want to just GO.)

* Your holiday wish list can be fulfilled at any running or sporting goods store.

(Santa? This one is for you...)

* You get excited when the new Runner's World comes in the mail.

(Honestly. I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting)

* You always have your next race on the calendar.

(And on my blog)

* Your runs are sometimes longer than your commute to work or school.

(Longest run so far: 6 miles. Commute to work round trip: <5 miles)

* Your body aches but you're thinking about that next run.

(We runners are gluttons for punishment)

* You've lost a toenail and you tell people, "It's not that bad."

(And I've stopped getting pedicures. I'm not into running for the glamour)

* You apply medical tape or lube to various parts of your body and it seems perfectly normal.
(I've become an expert at strategically applying tape, moleskin, and body glide)

* You are confident you could escape from Houdini's straight jacket because it is probably easier than getting out of a sweaty running bra.
(This one speaks for itself...)

I may not run a 7-minute mile or even a 10-minute mile...but I am A RUNNER. I may not run marathons or average 30 miles a week...but I am A RUNNER.

I am A RUNNER because I say I am.

And no one can tell me I'm not.

The Heat Cometh

The weather is beautiful here but the heat...the heat is not beautiful. Yesterday I couldn't believe how pretty it was and how great I felt for the first 10 minutes of my run after work. I went through a different neighborhood this time, trying to avoid hills (conclusion: this is impossible in my town) After those first fun 10 minutes, the heat and blazing sun started to get to me. I was planning on a nice 4 mile run but ONE mile in I started to get worried. Digestive issues decided they wanted to join the party as usual so that was not far from my mind. Then I realized my new Amphipod bottle was not sufficient enough as far as water capacity. I am a runner who is thirsty throughout the entire run--anything over 2 miles. I drink water all day and I still need it when I run. I bought a 12-oz bottle because it is small and convenient but it wasn't enough. I was so hot and tired that I actually had to stop and walk up some of the hills. I am not a fan of stopping, only because it makes it harder to get going again, PLUS it means I will not reach my destination any faster. As I walked I desperately looked around at houses for a hose in order to steal some much-needed water. But I didn't see any that were easily accessible. And I couldn't believe no one had their sprinklers on!!! I hate when I get so hot that I feel a little nervous about heat stroke and stomach issues and feeling faint. It's only May!! I know I should run in the morning but I just love running in the evening.

So, around mile 3 I was on the last stretch towards home and it was, of course, uphill and facing the sun. Wait, what is that I see up ahead? Alas, it is a sprinkler!! I literally sprinted up the hill. I uncapped my Amphipod and filled it up, not caring if the homeowners saw me or not. Surely they would understand that a red-faced, sweaty chick is justified in taking some of their water. Then I stood in the sprinkler's path and I cannot tell you how refreshing that water felt on my body. I started off again to finish the run, happy and feeling a little cooled off. But this only lasted for about 3 minutes...the damn sun is just too bright!! I managed 3.75 but it felt like so much more than that. This heat just makes running no fun and that is disappointing to me. I love running outside and not in the dark! But as summer heads our way I am going to have to change up my schedule. Boo.

Hello, Monday!

Guess what? It's Be Kind to Animals Week!!! Yup, it's a week for us to celebrate all creatures great and small and give them an extra dose of love and respect. According to the American Humane Association:

"May 2 - May 8: Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same."

More information can be found here.


So, hang a bird feeder, plant flowers to attract butterflies, adopt a shelter pet, or volunteer your time to celebrate this wonderful cause!