And What About…

Yesterday was a crazy, long work day for me.  On my 1.5 hour morning break, after taking Blaze for a pretty decent walk, I came home and with remote control in hand, I watched the BL finale (mostly in the fast forward mode) again.  I was actually amazed at the numbers on the scale for almost everyone!  Even the twins who were still huge, took off big numbers from their original weigh ins.  Last night, while training with Erica, (who appropriately wore her Biggest Loser tank top) I realized there were some people I never even mentioned in yesterday’s blog.  I mean, Miggy looked like a totally different person and was as proud as a peacock, strutting her new body.  Lance looked very handsome and Victoria and her mom, Sherida also did a great job of reinventing themselves!  The way Sam kept looking at Stephanie, sitting in the audience, was pretty touching for those that may have missed that.  I am left with a feeling of concern for Koli, as I really think there was something not right with him.  Diet pills?  Dehydration from “dieting down” for the final weigh in?  Maybe starvation?  Perhaps all of the above?  I don’t want to be a rumor starter or negative (ever on this blog) just realistic.  He was jittery, couldn’t stand still for ONE second, distant, quiet and after winning the 100 grand, when Alison asked how he was feeling,  he responded “I just want to go home.”  I think he looked like he was about to crumble.  I hope he’ll be OK.  But alas, I must move on from BL.  It’s over.  I have to accept it.  Erica let me know that Jillian’s show will be shown at lots of different times through the summer, but we both wonder if a full hour of her will be overkill.  I guess we’ll see soon enough.

I am excited to say that readership of this blog continues to grow.  As soon as I can get my webmaster to give me a little time (he is pretty busy these days with his own work and new projects) I will be adding some articles offered up by some “guest writers” who have been reading the blog and would like to contribute.  I also encourage you to visit both the beautybean.com and thekindlife.com when you are sitting with some time to “surf.”  Both Alexis and Alicia have done great jobs with their sites!  Thanks, Alexis, for the invite to the thank you party.  I wish I could wiggle my nose and be in NYC next week!

Since this is Thursday, it must be Vegan Feast day.  Yay!!!!  Keeping with the summer theme, I will be serving sandwiches.  I have learned that if I use a little spray of olive oil on the “bacon” and then grill the strips for a couple of minutes on each side, they come out really, really good.  The fake bacon was challenging me, having tried it in the frying pan, on the griddle and in the oven and being UNhappy with the finished product all the time.  The olive oil and the bbq are definitely the way to go!  I have also found if I spray a little olive oil on the Gardein chicken cutlets and grill them, they also come out GREAT.  Last night I did both the chicken and the bacon and made an insanely satisfying wrap for dinner.  If you know someone who is looking to replace some animal products in their life, please do them a favor and tell them to try the Gardein products.  While Chef Tal Ronnen makes it in a way that people really think they are eating chicken, I don’t but for me, who doesn’t want the chicken, it’s a perfect way to add some protein and a “main” course to my meal.  It has found it’s way to Publix freezer, so you can probably find it in your local grocery store.

I saw an interesting spread in the food section of my paper today.  Robyn Medlin apparently blogs at GrillGrrrl.com and shared some of her recipes.  Here’s one that I will be trying (probably tonight!)

GRILLED ROMAINE

4 romaine hearts, outer leaves removed, halved lengthwise so that leaves stay together

2 tablespoons of olive oil

sea salt

freshly ground pepper

freshly grated parmesan cheese (I will omit that and use nutritional yeast instead)

Preheat gas grill to medium-low. Drizzle olive oil on romaine. Grill 4-5 minutes per side until hot but not charred.

Serve with freshly grated cheese….or, faux cheese, or nutritional yeast to keep it vegan 🙂

Robyn says this is the best kept secret and once you make it, you’ll make it over and over again.  “The grill wilts and sweetens the romaine, making it a great compliment to anything you serve.”

Carole, I wanted to let you know that I did make the kale chips last week.  I definitely will be making them again, but next time I need to let the leaves dry out completely.  I also think I used to much olive oil.  They had a hard time crisping up, but the ones that did were really tasty!  Thanks.  I am having so much fun expanding my vegetable “bank.”

Before I sign off to walk big red, I need to say this.  The more I read, the more I continue to learn that countries that have the highest protein consumption also have the highest rates of osteoporosis.  Read that again. While we keep being told to increase our calcium, we are not told enough that what we really need to do is decrease our animal protein consumption, as they make it very hard to absorb the calcium.  We have a ridiculously high rate of osteo as well as vitamin D deficiency in America and it shouldn’t be!!!  There are groups of people in this world that eat NO dairy and yet have the lowest rates of osteoporosis.  I won’t go on and on about this because there’s a good chance you may think I am rather biased (and I am).  All I suggest is that YOU do some reading on this and you will see for yourself.  While I have a vested interest in promoting plant-based diets (because I LOVE animals as friends, not food) I honestly have a much more vested interest in our health.  Mine and YOURS.  It truly breaks my heart to hear of all the cases of osteoporosis amongst my students, friends and loved ones.  I desperately want us all to stay strong, together!

Much love…pass it on!