December 29, 2021 Day 168   I’ve been isolating in the house from my family since last Wednesday, Christmas Eve eve, due to a case of covid.  This presents certain challenges to feed myself nutritious, sugar free food, as I want to limit takeout food, as well as my time in the kitchen so I don’t expose my family.  Then of course there is the wiping down of all surfaces I touch while in the kitchen including the Brita water pitcher, the handles on the kettle and stove, and all other obvious spots.    Yesterday, I just cooked up some potatoes and green beans, and leftover chicken and had that both for lunch and dinner.  That to me is comfort food. A few days ago, I ordered a cucumber and tomato salad with grilled salmon, and a while bean salad from a Mediterranean restaurant which stretched to about five meals. Last night I took some home-made veggie broth out of the freezer, so that will be easy to have for lunch today with lentils, and some seed crackers and hummus on the side. It’s like a grab and go – then back to my isolation space.  Read More

Is it almost the New Year already? It seems like just yesterday we were setting resolutions, hopeful about accomplishing new goals and making positive changes in our lives. But while we often do our best to stay focused, resolutions don’t often pan out the way we’d like. We lose steam by the end of January, and then endure guilt and shame at having abandoned our own desires. The problem? Resolutions are too specific. They work for short-term goals such as going for a run today, but don’t have the sustaining power you really need to keep up your motivation all year long. Resolutions also tend to focus on fixing flaws rather than addressing something deeper. Think about it, the resolution of losing weight implies you are currently overweight, the resolution of getting a better job reminds you that you’re currently miserable in the one you have, and even something like “traveling more” can trigger self-criticism at having a lack of adventure in your existing life. No wonder they don’t work, they’re nagging reminders of our shortcomings! Read More

December 19, 2021 Day 158   I’m single this weekend as my husband went to Vermont to visit a few high school friends for their special birthday milestone, and so I get to cook whatever I want, just for me.  I’m not really cooking, but going back to my whole food, simple vegetarian preferences, and it feels so good.  I shopped for myself instead of for my family.  This made me realize that because I’ve been feeding the crew, or at least shopping for them, I’ve gotten away from what I like to eat.  There’s only so much energy one can devote to shopping and cooking for different preferences. So, this weekend I’ll be enjoying lentils, Brussels sprouts, green beans, potatoes, grapefruit, arugula, chickpeas, olives, capers, and taking a break from meat.   Read More

Eat Phytochemicals To Avoid Sugar Cravings    One of the ways I avoid sugar cravings is to eat “clean” whole food, mostly cooked at home, and mostly in season.  This not only helps me avoid sugar cravings, but also helps me stay healthy by getting the benefits of phytonutrient variety in my diet.  Read More