Fatso Manifesto: Weight Problems

I am now in the size I was two years ago. Two years ago I felt I looked pretty good and was in good shape due to the fact I was flamenco-ing and bellydancing 4 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This time around I look at myself in the mirror and think I'm STILL fat. What the hell is going on here?

Look At These Beauties!

New at the Farmers Market! First persimmons of the season and brussels sprouts on the stalk. Have you seen anything more beautiful?

Fatso Manifesto Update

Woohoo! I am officially in my old jeans I wore 2 years ago! YAY! YAY! YAY!

Although, I haven't reached my ultimate goal...yet.

Farmer's Market Goodness

Another haul at the Farmer's Market. I am going to make homemade marinara sauce with the celery, carrots, fresh basil, and a bushel of tomatoes still growing in our garden! I picked up some swiss chard and yellow zucchini. I asked the farmer lady what I could do with the swiss chard and she suggested to sautee it with garlic and olive oil. Also, she said the yellow zucchini is much sweeter than the green zucchini. Sounds good! I can't wait to stuff my gob!

Farmer's Market Again...

This week's grocery haul. Not a huge one. Green beans are now in season. Needed protein so I got sardines imported from Portugal and Organic tofu. From now on, I am buying organic soy products because I do not want to support or advocate Monsanto.

I'm proud of the fact that I haven't stepped inside a large grocery chain like Safeway for a few months now. Most of my produce has come from the Farmer's Market, and a few things from the Asian supermarket. Also, the farmer's market is much more interesting and exciting than the generic supermarket. The supermarket doesn't have live cooking demonstrations using vegetables and fruits that are in season. You get tastings and recipe ideas for free...



In the documentary Food Inc, Michael Pollan says that you're better off buying at the farmer's market these days since you are face to face with the person who is growing your food. At least you're guaranteed that the food you will be eating is real food.

«Other reasons why you should buy local...»

Source: greenrightnow.com

After declining for more than a century, the number of U.S. small farms has increased 20 percent in the past six years. This is in large part a result of the growing demand for locally grown foods, which is slowly but surely shaping the business of food.

Brenton Johnson, an organic farmer and owner of Johnson’s Backyard Garden, came up with this list of top 10 reasons to buy local food, based on his philosophy to live in harmony with the land.

1. Locally grown food tastes better.

Food grown in your own community is usually picked within the past day or two. It’s crisp, sweet, and loaded with flavor. Produce flown or trucked in is much older. Several studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles.

2. Local produce is better for you.

Fresh [supermarket] produce loses nutrients quickly. Locally grown food, purchased soon after harvest, retains its nutrients.

3. Local food preserves genetic diversity.

In the modern industrial agricultural system, varieties are chosen for their ability to ripen simultaneously and withstand harvesting equipment. Only a handful of varieties of fruits and vegetables meet those rigorous demands, so there is little genetic diversity in the plants grown. Local farms, in contrast, grow a huge number of varieties to provide a long season of harvest, an array of eye-catching colors, and the best flavors.

4. Local food is GMO-free.

Although biotechnology companies have been trying to commercialize genetically modified fruits and vegetables, they are currently licensing them only to large factory-style farms. Local farmers don’t have access to genetically modified seed, and most of them wouldn’t use it even if they could.

5. Local food supports local farm families.

With fewer than 1 million Americans now listing farming as their primary occupation, farmers are a vanishing breed. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middle man and get full retail price for their crops.

6. Local food builds a stronger community.

When you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing a time-honored connection between the eater and the grower.

7. Local food preserves open space.

As the value of direct-marketed fruits and vegetables increases, selling farmland for development becomes less likely. The rural landscape will survive only as long as farms are financially viable.

8. Local food helps to keep your taxes in check.

Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas suburban development costs more than it generates in taxes.

9. Local food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife.

A well-managed family farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued. Good stewards of the land grow cover crops to prevent erosion and replace nutrients used by their crops. Cover crops also capture carbon emissions and help combat global warming.

10. Local food is about the future.

By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow, so that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful, and abundant food.

Earthquake Weather

It is freakin' hot today! It's around 97 degrees! Either Indian summer has started early or we are going to have an earthquake. Today was way too hot to spend all day outdoors so we didn't spend much time in the Farmer's Market. We got whatever we needed and booked it out of there. My dog, Maggie was in the back of the Landcruiser, we were worried about her also. Luckily, I packed some ice so it wouldn't be too hot for her.

«Another typical but roasting day at the Farmer's Market...»

It was so hot people were walking around wit parasols

Headless people playing chess!

New goodies in season from the Farmer's Market...

Bounty of peppers: red and green bell peppers, jalapenos, banana peppers! All this for only a dollar!

Succulent and sweet strawberries! $3 dollars for a huge basket!

Fatso Manifesto: Eating With the Seasons

Today was a gorgeous day. The weather was just right, not too hot and not too cold. I went with my mom to the Farmer's Market. I can never get bored of the Farmer's Market. Every time I go, I encounter new and exciting fruits and veggies that peak my curiosity. I'm also starting to learn which fruits and veggies are in season. And believe me when I tell you this, you save a shitload of money when you shop for produce in season.Not only do you save money but you are buying produce at their peak, when they are at their highest in nutrients. August is the best month because there is so much variety to choose from! These days I hardly ever spend my money, and if I'm gonna spend it, I'd rather spend it on good food that's good for me! I spent a whopping $12 at farmer's market (plus $10 at the Asian supermarket)! Unbelievable price for the amount of stuff I got!

«Check out what's in season (and some not in season)...»

Fruits and Veggies in Season at the Farmer's Market:

Six ears of fresh, sweet corn for $3!They are cheap! Corn is at its peak in August so get them while you can! Are you jealous, Hop Along? I know you love fresh corn on the cob! :P

Organic Japanese Eggplant (or aubergine for you UKers) $2 per lb.

Zucchini (or as they say in UK "courgettes") $2 per lb.

Gorgeous red and green bell peppers. I got two for $1.50

Mini Yellow Heirloom Tomatoes for only $.75 per lb. These are so cute and they taste good too!

Such a work of art! I can stare at these all day! It's late rasberry season! I got a mix of three different berries for $3.00! Blackberries, Golden Yellow rasberries, and red rasberries

These beautiful babies are in season! You can tell they are at their peak because I bit into one and I swear it was so juicy I had to wear a bikini to eat it. It's really sweet too. White peaches and nectarines are going for $1.50 per lb!

Sold at the Farmer's Market but not in season:

Cauliflower is a winter vegetable. $2.00 a head

Broccoli, another winter veggie

Organic Parsley and Cilantro(UK translation: coriander), these Fall/Winter/Spring herbs

More stuff at the Asian supermarket:

Lime is only 10 cents here!

Spring onions are only 54 cents a bundle

Red leaf lettuce is only 54 cents a head

I crave for noodles lately. Buckwheat soba and Sweet Potato cellophane are my favorite. I like to have my noodles with sauteed veggies or the soba noodles in broth.

And for a little treat now and then, Mochi ice cream! If you never had Mochi ice cream, I suggest you try it, it is so good! Mochi ice cream is a Japanese confection made from mochi (pulverized sticky rice) with an ice cream filling in different kinds of flavors: strawberry, mango, chocolate, green tea, etc.

And on top of all the produce we bought at the farmer's market and the asian supermarket, our garden is going crazy. We are currently harvesting...

Can you guess it's tomato season? The pic doesn't do it justice. These tomatoes are as big as a newborn baby's head. They are the big bertha variety and that's not even half of it. There are roma tomatoes and cherry tomatoes still ripening on the vine. More to come!

We also have fuji apples and miniature pears!

Whew! I'm beat. Now THIS is a grocery haul! I'll be eating good this week! :)

Fatso Manifesto: Trader Joe's Haul #2

Yesterday was another grocery haul at Trader Joe's. I wanted to stock up on items so my trips would be less frequent during the month(the nearest TJ's is 30 minutes from my house, not exactly around the corner) which is why I bought more than I had intended. I ended up walking out with 3 full bags of groceries for $80! I was over my $50 per week limit, but still, $80 for 3 bags sounds like a good deal to me. I got my usual staple items and some new items I wanted to try.

«Check out the goodies...»


Grains and Nuts

Ak-mak crackers, corn tortillas, sprouted grain bread, and raw almonds

Sprouted grain bread I haven't tried before. I saw it on the shelf and decided to pick a loaf up and give it a go since I am trying to limit my gluten, carb, and sugar intake. I've also been reading about sprouted grains and how they are more nutritious than regular wheat bread:

[Sprouted grain bread] is a flourless bread made with grains and legumes that are sprouted before grinding into flour. Sprouted grains have increased vitamin and nutrient content because the seed is first sprouted, making it alive and active in its growth process.

Some of these sprouted grain breads take on a very sweet taste because sprouting changes some starches in grains to sugars. In addition, the bread is moist and is made without yeast. The bread can also be made with no or low salt, and it is sometimes flavored with raisin and cinnamon to make the bread almost dessert-like.

Sprouted grain breads are very healthy. For the most part, sprouted grain breads use organic ingredients and are grown without pesticides and herbicides. They have a low glycemic index of about 45 and are low in saturated fat. - Associated Content


Boxed Items

Almond milk, Corn and Red Pepper Soup, Organic Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

Can I just say the organic tomato and red pepper soup is da bomb? I can never get enough of this soup which is why I was very happy that they have a low sodium version.

The Corn and Red Pepper Soup I have never tried before until today. It is REALLY good! It has the sweetness of corn and a slight kick of spice.

Almond milk I have never had before. I've been reading weight loss forums and people have been raving about Almond milk so I decided to give it a try. I'm also bored of soy milk and I've been reading mixed messages about soy milk (ie how it causes cancer because of the phytoestrogens). Not sure if this claim is scientifically proven but it's freaking me out. Anyways, I can't wait to have almond milk with my cereals and oatmeal, I'm sure the nutty flavor will enhance the yumminess!


Dairy and Other Fridge Items

Nonfat greek yogurts, mediterranean hummus, and tzatziki

I liked the nonfat greek yogurt so much, I bought a tub of the plain kind. I love thick and creamy yogurts.

Of course another tub of mediterranean hummus, the best hummus on the planet (next to Mark's and Sparks).

I was so happy when I saw tzatziki on the shelves, last time it was all sold out which sucked. Now I can make falafel burgers and top them off with the tzatziki! Yay!


Canned Goods



I plan to make turkey chili with the organic black beans and the diced tomatoes. Perfect accompaniment with the corn tortillas I bought as a substitute for corn bread.

Light coconut milk for my curry fixes. It's not as creamy and thick as regular coconut milk but whatever it's much less in calories and fat.

The peach salsa and spinach sauce I haven't tried before. On the youtube grocery hauls (I confess I'm addicted) they rave so much about it, I just had to get it. Not sure what I'm going to make with these, but I'm sure I'll think of something.

Meats

Grilled Balsamic and Rosemary Chicken, Sundried Tomato and Basil Chicken Sausage

TJ meats are hormone and antibiotic free. I've never tried these before but they sound good. The Grilled Balsamic Rosemary Chicken would be perfect for salads. Chicken sausages sauteed with bell peppers and onions served over quinoa pasta. Does this sound like a weight loss diet to you?



Freezer Items

Steelcut oatmeal, meatless meatballs, soycutash, frozen chopped cilantro and basil, garlic naan

The garlic naan handsdown is the closest you can get to Indian naan served in restaurants. I like to make pizza out of it or make philly cheese steak sandwiches(instead of steak I use grilled chicken).

Frozen steelcut oatmeal is a great invention. They come in packs of two cups. You just pop it in the microwave and eat. So convenient! If you have ever cooked steelcut oats over the stove top, you already know it takes forever to cook. This will be a great grab and go breakfast for me since I will be going back to school next week.

Meatless meatballs I've never had before. 100% vegan and all natural. I figure it would be great for pasta dinners.

I was floored to see the dorot frozen herbs. These are awesome! I always by a bundle of fresh herbs, snip some off for one dish, then the rest spoils by the end of the week.

Soycutash, I've never had but looked interesting. It's a mix of soy beans(genetically unmodified I hope), carrots, and greenbeans.


Produce



I ran out of my staple greens so I dropped by Costco to pick up mixed green salad and some mini cucumbers. I like to snack on mini cucumbers and dip them with hummus. For produce, I usually go to Costco because it is cheaper to buy in bulk (and yes, I do finish it off by the end of the week.), the Asian supermarket and, of course, local farmers markets, also sell very cheap and quality produce.

Fatso Manifesto: My Menu Plan

I haven't posted a fatso manifesto in awhile. This doesn't mean I've fallen off the weight loss bandwagon. Although, I must admit I haven't been consistent with the exercise and dieting when I was in Belfast. Life got in the way and the move back to America. You know how it goes...

Now that I'm in California, it's just so much easier for me to diet and exercise. For one, the weather in California doesn't dictate when I should go out for a jog/walk nor does it dictate my mood. I get very depressed in gray weather therefore I lack motivation and I am just plain lazy.

Number two, is the abundance of fresh local produce available in California all-year-round and I love, love Farmer's Markets (as you faithful followers already know). It's hard to avoid the words "organic", "all natural", or "hormone and antibiotic free". It is everywhere! Almost everyone is health conscious for the most part.

So with that being said, I have no excuses this time. And I've been doing brilliantly! I've already lost 10 lbs. That's 3/4 of a stone for you UK folks! It's only been about 2 months. Slowly but surely, I will get to my goal! Nobody said losing weight was going to be fast and easy. If you do it the healthy way, that is.

I give a lot of credit to the way I have changed my way of eating and the way I view food. I don't have a menu plan per say but follow a few simple guidelines. I hate counting calories, measuring things. It's just too much work for me. So I have stopped eating refined carbohydrates and starch such as white rice, pasta, potatoes, and sugar. I haven't been craving these things at all. I thought this would be difficult to do but surprisingly it was pretty easy. I have replaced the refined carbs with gluten free whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat tortillas, and breads. I load up on vegetables. Veggies comprise a good 60% of my diet. I try to have vegetables and/or fruits with every meal including breakfast. They say you are supposed to have at least 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies a day and eat a variety of all colors of the rainbow. I try hard to fall within this range. I cut back on eating meat to twice a week. Lately, I haven't had a taste for meat for some reason but I still add it in my diet to get the protein and omega 3 (from fish) I need. I eat only white lean meats now, chicken, fish, or turkey and it has to be organic meaning no hormones or antibiotics. On the off meat days, I get my protein from soy, beans, and nuts. Dairy at the most twice a day, organic yogurt and cheese. Water. I can't stress enough the importance of drinking water. I don't drink soda anymore nor do I drink juices because of the sugar content. The only "non-water" beverages I drink are chai or green tea (antioxidants). Fats. At the most 2 servings of good fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado. If I buy prepackaged food, I read the labels. If I can't pronounce the ingredients and are not a natural food, I will not buy it. If it is over 5g of fat, has high sugar or sodium content, I stay away.

I don't know if this is just psychosomatic but ever since I've been eating mostly organic and all natural. My energy is up, my mood has been up, I sleep better, my skin is clear, I have a nice healthy glow, and I don't feel as bloated anymore. Even my parents have noticed the change and have been converted into buying mostly organic, natural foods to stock the kitchen. If it's not organic or all natural, then whatever it is, it is working and my body is enjoying it!

I completely have a different take on food now. I have a better new found appreciation for food and where it comes from. Food not only has to be appetizing but have the nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Here's what I eat on a typical day:

Beverages (throughout the day): Water and Green Tea

Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries, sliced banana, soymilk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Exercise: Brisk walk for 3.5 miles

Snack: Organic Greek Style Yogurt - 1/2 cup

Lunch: Garlic Naan Pizza topped with veggies and a side salad of spinach w/ red onion and balsamic vinaigrette...



Snack: 1 cup of fruit salad and a handful of almonds

Exercise: 60 minutes on the elliptical trainer

Dinner: A vegetable crudite plate with stone ground whole wheat crackers and hummus dipping sauce....

Fatso Manifesto: Mindful Eating

Today marks the first week of my weight loss journey and...

Holy Crap! My jeans are already loose! These are the same jeans I bought a month ago. When I tried them on, I really had to suck in my gut to button them up. I was in tears that I still had to do this even though they were a size larger. Now, I can button them up without fainting. They are hella loose, so loose I can peel them off without unbuttoning or unfastening the zipper.

The weird thing is. I don't feel like I'm dieting. I'm grazing like a cow and I'm not counting calories. I'm CONSTANTLY eating throughout the day. I even have to remind myself that I need to eat sometimes. I'm eating small meals every 3 hours and I notice the better food choices I make, the more I can eat. So for a mid-day snack, instead of reaching for those mini-rolls, I eat a really big bowl of salad enough to feel satisfied.

My biggest hurdle this week was dealing with my carb cravings. I have the worst sweet tooth. Whenever I'd have these cravings, I eat fruit or drink a fruit smoothie or a chai vanilla latte (which is SO good that it doesn't need to be sweetened). This did the trick.

I've been drinking water like a fish! At least 8 glasses of water a day. I've also been drinking at least 2 cups of green tea a day. As a result, I've been peeing every 5 minutes. Most likely the pounds I've lost are water weight. (I have no idea how much I weigh now since I refuse to step on the scale and become obsessed with numbers.)

Exercising. I'm taking this slow since I've been sedentary. At least 30 minute walks rain or shine. For the past few days I upped the ante, and have worked out on Craig's stationary bike for 45 minutes.

I'm doing well with eating fresh food. (But boy is it expensive!) This week I've been on an Asian food kick and have been cooking Asian inspired meals for dinner such as...

Thai Lettuce Wrap with Peanut Sauce

Terriyaki Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry with Brown Rice

I also notice I feel as if I have a lot more energy now and my mood has lifted. Before I used to feel weighed down, slow and icky. For the first time in months, I feel really good about myself!