Hello faithful readers! My apologies for the month long hiatus in posts. Today's entry will surely wet your appetite... well for a fun little recipe, if not more megoonthego :) I've been dabbling on some healthy cooking sites lately in my constant quest to expand my epicurious repitoire... and stumbled across this little gem via a girlfriend's recommendation for this site. I made this last night and can I just say YUMMMMM and most importantly EASY! Armed with over $100 in Whole Foods ingredients that I can NEVER find in this goforsaken city thanks to a recent visit to DC, my pantry selves are once again stocked with things like almond butter, and flax seed. (My twin cities/ Cali fans you have NO idea how good you guys have it til you try grocery shopping in NORFOLK VA!)... Give it a shot and let me know what you think. I topped mine with a scoop of No Sugar Added Fat Free MACADEMIA NUT Frozen Yogurt! My obession with self-serve fro'yo is worth of a post in it's self... Our favorite local fro spot sells day-old pre-packs (pints of fro yo that they pack into containers in order to change out the flavors for HALF PRICE! so whenever I go for that day's fro yo treat, I almost always pick out a 50% off pre-pack to take home- excellent for adding to smoothies etc... like I said, this fro yo topic deserves a post in it's self :) But for now (focus Mego!) check out THIS site :
http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2012/03/01/one-minute-flourless-muffin/
More epicurian topics to come, including frozen yogurt, victory gardens and vegetarianism... or whatever other suggestions my (4) faithful readers might want to see me tackle. Love you all and happy chef-ing! xo
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Good Karma
I cannot take credit for the meat-and-potatoes (soy and quinoa???) of this article taken from Yoga Journal - one of my new favorite magazines.... But I really like the principles laid out in it. So here, with artistic license (and credit to Yoga Jounral March 2012) I present to you the following ideas to implement into your life to bring about positive, change and growth. And how doesn't need a little of THOSE sprinkled into their world?! Enjoy and Namaste, Meghan
1) Start the Day with a Positive Intention-
What does this mean? It means to wake up and put a 'theme for the day' into words. In yoga we call this a mantra or 'intention'... but it doesn't have to be some cosmic chanting stuff. Just a simple phrase that you can repeat in your head (or outloud!) that sums up your thought-for-the-day. For example: "I will be patient with the people around me" (a great one to repeat when your in traffic or working with THAT guy/girl at work) or "I will be present with everyone I meet" (good for the iPad, text, while googling, while doing that excel sheet while IM-ing or otherwise OVERmutli-taskers out there) or "I get my work done effeciently so I can spend time doing x-y-z when I get home this evening..." It's hard to work towards something if you don't have a 'thesis' and that's what an intention is... a focal point around which you center all your days work.
2) Get Clear About Your Motivations-
Sometimes we need to pause and think "why"... Why do I bust my butt at a job I hate? (oh yeah, because I'm saving up for that cruise this fall... or: because I'm THIS close to that promotion to the division head I REALLY want to run and make changes in!) One key to creating positive karma is to act with a positive motive. Yoga Journal says "for example, when you're about to make a critical comment about someone, check to see why you're doing it. If you discern a hidden feeling of envy or self-righteousness, consider buttoning your lip or offering a compliment instead." Yoga guru or not, that's some GREAT (albeit difficult to follow at times :P) advice for all of us.
3) Act for the Good of Others-
Decide to do something good EVERY DAY... it could be as simple as holding a door open for someone; letting someone with just a few items infront of your cart-for-the-apocolypse at the grocery store; or picking up that piece of trash in the parking lot on your way into Target. (Sidenote here: I will NEVER understand why people will leave full FAMILY SIZED paper bags of fast food trash in there parking spots! Seriously, people... you are about to walk into a facility with multiple trash recepticals AS YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOOR... how hard is it???). Do something good and remember how it felt to DO that little piece of good. I garauntee it'll put a spring in your step for the rest of the day.
4) Break a Bad Habit-
ok this one is tough(er)... (see above about not criticizing others...) But sometimes letting go of even a minor habit can have a ripple effect in your positivity and karma. Smoke one less cigarette... don't hit snooze and instead do 10 minutes of stretching before you jump in the shower. Sit down a write a friend a card before you decide if you really NEED that bowl of ben&jerrys from your freezer when you already ate out with friends for dinner...
5) Make an Offering-
As Yoga Journal says: "The root of most negative karmic patterns is some form of selfishness. One antidote to this tendency is the practice of offering. When you do something positive, take a moment to inwardly offer it for the benefit of others. this helps ensure that your action is surrounded by beneficial motivation. It's one of the most powerful ways there is to create positive (karma) for yourself and for the benefit of the world around you."
I was inspired by this little 1/2 page blurb in the magazine and wanted to share with my loyal (count them on one hand) public... Hope they help inspire you too! xoxo Mego
1) Start the Day with a Positive Intention-
What does this mean? It means to wake up and put a 'theme for the day' into words. In yoga we call this a mantra or 'intention'... but it doesn't have to be some cosmic chanting stuff. Just a simple phrase that you can repeat in your head (or outloud!) that sums up your thought-for-the-day. For example: "I will be patient with the people around me" (a great one to repeat when your in traffic or working with THAT guy/girl at work) or "I will be present with everyone I meet" (good for the iPad, text, while googling, while doing that excel sheet while IM-ing or otherwise OVERmutli-taskers out there) or "I get my work done effeciently so I can spend time doing x-y-z when I get home this evening..." It's hard to work towards something if you don't have a 'thesis' and that's what an intention is... a focal point around which you center all your days work.
2) Get Clear About Your Motivations-
Sometimes we need to pause and think "why"... Why do I bust my butt at a job I hate? (oh yeah, because I'm saving up for that cruise this fall... or: because I'm THIS close to that promotion to the division head I REALLY want to run and make changes in!) One key to creating positive karma is to act with a positive motive. Yoga Journal says "for example, when you're about to make a critical comment about someone, check to see why you're doing it. If you discern a hidden feeling of envy or self-righteousness, consider buttoning your lip or offering a compliment instead." Yoga guru or not, that's some GREAT (albeit difficult to follow at times :P) advice for all of us.
3) Act for the Good of Others-
Decide to do something good EVERY DAY... it could be as simple as holding a door open for someone; letting someone with just a few items infront of your cart-for-the-apocolypse at the grocery store; or picking up that piece of trash in the parking lot on your way into Target. (Sidenote here: I will NEVER understand why people will leave full FAMILY SIZED paper bags of fast food trash in there parking spots! Seriously, people... you are about to walk into a facility with multiple trash recepticals AS YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOOR... how hard is it???). Do something good and remember how it felt to DO that little piece of good. I garauntee it'll put a spring in your step for the rest of the day.
4) Break a Bad Habit-
ok this one is tough(er)... (see above about not criticizing others...) But sometimes letting go of even a minor habit can have a ripple effect in your positivity and karma. Smoke one less cigarette... don't hit snooze and instead do 10 minutes of stretching before you jump in the shower. Sit down a write a friend a card before you decide if you really NEED that bowl of ben&jerrys from your freezer when you already ate out with friends for dinner...
5) Make an Offering-
As Yoga Journal says: "The root of most negative karmic patterns is some form of selfishness. One antidote to this tendency is the practice of offering. When you do something positive, take a moment to inwardly offer it for the benefit of others. this helps ensure that your action is surrounded by beneficial motivation. It's one of the most powerful ways there is to create positive (karma) for yourself and for the benefit of the world around you."
I was inspired by this little 1/2 page blurb in the magazine and wanted to share with my loyal (count them on one hand) public... Hope they help inspire you too! xoxo Mego
Monday, March 19, 2012
A Few of My Favorite Things...
Oprah does it so why can't I??? and if I had a million (or maybe even just $2000 extra dollars) I'd buy ALL my fans (all 4 of you) ALL of the items you see here... just like Oprah! Cue your Oprah impression, Coco- you do it best ;)
Spring has sprung and here are my favorite random items to freshen up your life. Are 90% of them fitness related... maybe... is that surprising to any of you... probably not... do I care... nope :) hehe
1) Origins Make A Difference Toner- this stuff is AMAZINGGGGGG (Coco- cue Oprah voice at 'amazing'). I've been using it for a month now and it HAS made a difference in my skin! It's fresher, brighter, soaks up my moisturizer better. All around amazing. The kick was 1 week into using it a.m. / p.m. when I was talking to Ryan in the kitchen as I made din and he interrupted me to say "Why does your skin look so amazing..." When a 24 year old boy unpromptedly notices your skin, you've gotta an excellent product on your hands, my friends.
2) About Time Protein- this stuff is BOMB! Let's start off with the fact it TASTES GOOD!!!! And then move on to the fact that its all natural, no artificial anything! My fave flavor is "birthday cake'. Blended with ice, vanilla greek yogurt and almond milk it's like a shake! I also add it to my oatmeal to give it more protein and sweeten it without the added sugar. Now if only I could get them to sponsor me so I don't have to PAY for it... ;)
3) Compression Socks- I. love. these. I've never had a problem with 'cankles'... but these make a difference in ANYONE's leg fatigue during long days of running around at the office- OR during your work outs. You can wear them under your dress pants (or camo's in my case) at work and no one's the wiser as to why you have such a literal spring in your step! My amazing Mumsey got me a pair of these for Christmas and I cannot wait for NEXT Christmas to ask for more ;) They're a little pricey- but like I said, this is my Oprah Favorite Things List so price is no object people... haha
4) Yogi Tea- Let's not talk about the fact that none of the shittyass grocery stores in Virginia carry these teas, and focus on the fact that these are DELICIOUS and SOOOO good for you! (I've resorted to ordering them online because I can't live without them!) I am especially in love with the Egyptian Licorice and Aztec Sweet Chili (which may sounds weird but is a lot like a chai) versions. Warms you heart, body and soul! ommmmm
5) Levi's Bold Curve Jeans- FINALLYYYYY a label that has caught on to the fact that there are more than two demographics of jean shoppers (size 00 asians- I'm talking to you Forever 21) and plus size drawstring/ elasta-waist. Levi's has a line specifically for us chicks with ahem- developped- quads and glutes! Willing to give their ad a run for its money, I tried their no-gap "bold curve' jeans. They fit. like. a. glove! And cost <$50!!!!!! Thank you Levis... from the bottome of my, er BOTTOM.
6) Body Step- Ok, so how do I fill out said, Levi's Bold Curve??? Get into the gym! And what better way to do so then taking a fun class!!!!!! I know I'm biased because I'm an instructor myself but SERIOUSLY group fitness classes are so much FUN! Before you know it an hour has past and you've burned 600 calories! My current fave is Les Mills' BodyStep class at my local gym. It's part dance, part butt building, and all party! SOOOO beats an hour on the eliptical with that damn CSPAN on mute! arfarf My advice: find THREE classes a week at your gym and make it like an APPOINTMENT you can't break! Then, go to Macys and try on those Levis.
7) Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid!- Since this is the Oprah list, everyone gets a new CARRRRRRRR (cue: Coco...) And right now, MY dream car is the worlds first 6-speed MANUAL hybrid. It's amazing on gas and looks sexy! Only draw back- no back seat - which is fine with my because bijoux sits in my lap anyway :)
LOVE YOU ALL!!!! xoxo
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The Teachings of Yoga
As some of my loyal followers (3 of you) know I have been toying with getting my Prenatal Yoga/ Doola certification- no small part inspired by Darryl's Mom :) Well I have spent more hours researching the in's and out's of prenatal yoga and all that it entails than I have on fb, pinterest and my other favorite blog MY LIFE ON THE FAX combined this past month! I finally found the perfect teacher training in a great location (DC - where I can stay with some of my favorite people in this world for the weekend-long intensive). It's even put on by the same reputable studio that Darryl's Mom goes to (we all know how much research THAT woman is capable of doing so you know it's gotta be good). And as you can imagine, these programs aren't cheap, but I was prepared to fork over the dough (thanks Uncle Sam)... until... the transmission on our truck went out. ugggggg ... so I'll have to take a raincheck for now on my own teacher training. (Well, unless I can win $700 in scratch offs from the Virginia state lottery this weekend). But maybe this is part of the universe's syllabus for yogi learning for me... teaching me patience? :)
Anywho... with Yoga on my mind, I've subscribed to Yoga Journal (as IF I needed another trash magazine obsession! But so far it's been worth every penny! so don't judge me... as the stacks of O! and Vanity Fair sit untouched on my desk next to me...) And I came across this little gem of an article on how Yoga can be different things to different people and all the wonderful things Yoga teaches us! And while you may thinks it's for girls, or for gumby types, or for the religous or just not for me... I invite you to think again about keeping your mind open to find your way to a yoga class or two... There's something for everyone. The learning ($700 or not) never stops... NAMASTE!
From Yoga Journal March 2012:
"Let's Get Physical" by Peg Mullen
Maybe you've been told that 'real' yoga isn't physical. Doesn't it make you wonder if the person saing that has ever seen a Sun Salutation or hovered in Chaturanga? Sure yoga is about quieting the mind, but that's kind of hard to do when your back is screaming or it hurts when you try to move your neck. A friend of mine started going to a local studio affectionately known as "the torture chamber" and began practicing the 26 unabashedly physical postures and two breathing exercises (yes, they call them "exercises"). Six months later, her back pain is gone and she can move her neck with ease. And the noise in her head as quieted down at least 10 notches. That's real yoga in my book.
Whaterver reason you came to yoga you should know that you've got nothing to apologize for. Personally, I've never hidden the fact that it was the sight of Madonna's chisled arms that inspired me to get on the mat. I had recently come out of a difficult relationship and, before I could even think about quieting my mind, I realized I needed to rediscover the power hidden inside me, the strength I had yet to tap. And as my body grew strong, my mind decided to come along for the ride.
Remeber the first time you had a big breakthroughon your mat and did something you had been afraid to try or thought you couldn't do? And the sense of courage and accomplishment that you carried off your mat and into your day? So maybe the clouds didn't part and angels didn't sign, but in that moment, and for a while afterward, you felt that anything was possible. That's real yoga.
Handstands give you permission to play and teach you it's OK to fall- and they show you how to land on your feet. Forward folds can teach you how good it feels to release your tight grip on your legs and maybe on your life. Headstands show you the world from another perspective, while backbends teach you to be vulnerable and trust. and maybe getting your foot behind your head won't bing you closer to enlightenment, but you'll sure learn about practice and patiences while trying.
So don't let anyone tell you what your yoga should or shouldn't be. It doesn't matter what you seek when you come to the mat- a cure for back pain, a quiet mind, Madonna's arm muscles. The important thing is that you're there every day. That's real yoga.
Anywho... with Yoga on my mind, I've subscribed to Yoga Journal (as IF I needed another trash magazine obsession! But so far it's been worth every penny! so don't judge me... as the stacks of O! and Vanity Fair sit untouched on my desk next to me...) And I came across this little gem of an article on how Yoga can be different things to different people and all the wonderful things Yoga teaches us! And while you may thinks it's for girls, or for gumby types, or for the religous or just not for me... I invite you to think again about keeping your mind open to find your way to a yoga class or two... There's something for everyone. The learning ($700 or not) never stops... NAMASTE!
From Yoga Journal March 2012:
"Let's Get Physical" by Peg Mullen
Maybe you've been told that 'real' yoga isn't physical. Doesn't it make you wonder if the person saing that has ever seen a Sun Salutation or hovered in Chaturanga? Sure yoga is about quieting the mind, but that's kind of hard to do when your back is screaming or it hurts when you try to move your neck. A friend of mine started going to a local studio affectionately known as "the torture chamber" and began practicing the 26 unabashedly physical postures and two breathing exercises (yes, they call them "exercises"). Six months later, her back pain is gone and she can move her neck with ease. And the noise in her head as quieted down at least 10 notches. That's real yoga in my book.
Whaterver reason you came to yoga you should know that you've got nothing to apologize for. Personally, I've never hidden the fact that it was the sight of Madonna's chisled arms that inspired me to get on the mat. I had recently come out of a difficult relationship and, before I could even think about quieting my mind, I realized I needed to rediscover the power hidden inside me, the strength I had yet to tap. And as my body grew strong, my mind decided to come along for the ride.
Remeber the first time you had a big breakthroughon your mat and did something you had been afraid to try or thought you couldn't do? And the sense of courage and accomplishment that you carried off your mat and into your day? So maybe the clouds didn't part and angels didn't sign, but in that moment, and for a while afterward, you felt that anything was possible. That's real yoga.
Handstands give you permission to play and teach you it's OK to fall- and they show you how to land on your feet. Forward folds can teach you how good it feels to release your tight grip on your legs and maybe on your life. Headstands show you the world from another perspective, while backbends teach you to be vulnerable and trust. and maybe getting your foot behind your head won't bing you closer to enlightenment, but you'll sure learn about practice and patiences while trying.
So don't let anyone tell you what your yoga should or shouldn't be. It doesn't matter what you seek when you come to the mat- a cure for back pain, a quiet mind, Madonna's arm muscles. The important thing is that you're there every day. That's real yoga.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
V-day!
Yes it's Valentine's Day! And to anyone saying 'bahhh humbug' to this holiday, I say wake up and smell the proverbial roses! Love exists in many ways all around us. So take time today to celebrate the many 'loves' and REASONS to love you have in your life. And what better way to do so then with a little movie, popcorn and chocolate on the couch options- with or WITHOUT the snuggle buddy! Here are my suggestions:
1) You want to believe in love again: The Notebook
2) You are unsure of your belief in love but you just want to look at Ryan Gosling for a couple hours: The Notebook
3) You're in love with your best friend and one (or both of you) just hasn't realized it yet: When Harry Met Sally
4) You're unsure of yourself or your capacity to love or have another person love you: Goodwill Hunting
5) You just want to ball your f#$%^ eyes out: Terms of Endearment
6) You're in love with someone who is self-destructive and already taken (optomistic outlook): Walk the Line
7) You're in love iwth someone who is self-destructive and already taken (pessimistic outlook): Crazy Heart
8) You love your best friend and they have fur and four legs AND you want to ball your f$%^& eyes out: Fox and the Hound
9) You believe in love, in all it's amazing capacities: Love Actually
10) You believe all is not fair in love and war: The English Patient
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYBODY!!!! xoxoxo Mego
1) You want to believe in love again: The Notebook
2) You are unsure of your belief in love but you just want to look at Ryan Gosling for a couple hours: The Notebook
3) You're in love with your best friend and one (or both of you) just hasn't realized it yet: When Harry Met Sally
4) You're unsure of yourself or your capacity to love or have another person love you: Goodwill Hunting
5) You just want to ball your f#$%^ eyes out: Terms of Endearment
6) You're in love with someone who is self-destructive and already taken (optomistic outlook): Walk the Line
7) You're in love iwth someone who is self-destructive and already taken (pessimistic outlook): Crazy Heart
8) You love your best friend and they have fur and four legs AND you want to ball your f$%^& eyes out: Fox and the Hound
9) You believe in love, in all it's amazing capacities: Love Actually
10) You believe all is not fair in love and war: The English Patient
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYBODY!!!! xoxoxo Mego
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Food Inc.
As many of you know, the grocery stores here in the Hampton Roads area blow chunks! What I wouldn't give for the Kowalski's or Bylery's of home! Or the Whole Foods, Winco's and New Seasons Markets that were every where you turned in the Pacific Northwest! There is NOTHINGGGGG here that even comes CLOSE to the gourmet selection at Byer-sees... or the endless aisles of dirt cheap bulk dry goods for pennies on the dollar at Winco- a short bike ride from Pacific's campus (and conveniently located on the way to Blair and Justin's apartment- white chocolate pretzels and a $5 bottle of local, Pinot in one stop? YES PLEASE!) but nope... not around here. There are no bears... no cheap pinots... and nary an organic item on the shelf- and if you do stumble upone one, gauruntee it will NOT be under $10.
Anywho, out of the negative, into the positive. Taking matters into my own hands, I've been trying to prepare more meals from scratch and delve into my cookbook/recipe clipped library to make healthy, whole foods myself. It's cheaper, it's healthier- what not to love?!?!
What I'm really excited for is SPRING when I plan on going NUTS with organic gardening. I'm also lobbying Ryan to let me have a chicken... that's not going so well for me.
In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite recipes lately all from The Book of Meg. Enjoy!
Homemade Foccacia
3 Cups Flour
1 Tbs sea salt
1 packet active dry yeat
1 cup hot water
3 Tbs olive oil
Red Onion- sliced
Fresh Rosemary
More Olive Oil for brushing
Mix flour, salt and yeast in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle, and water and olive oil. Mix until dough forms a nice ball. (add flour or water 1 Tbs at a time if too wet/dry).
Place dough ball back in said mixing bowl sprayed with Pam, cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour in a sunny spot or near the stove/ heat vent.
Punch, kneed and Roll out the dough into a 12-16 inch round pizza shape. Use your fingers to press little indents all over. Brush finished round with Olive Oil. Sprinkle liberally with Sea Salt. Top with sliced red onion and fresh rosemary. Cover with plastic wrap and again let it rise 30 min. Pre-heat oven to 425. Bake for 25-30min. YUM!
**************************************
Breakfast Muf-kies!
These are a mixture of a muffin and a cookie- and you can make some substitutions to make them very low-cal (Ryan doesn't notice the difference when I make either version, and usually he eats all 15 of these in day, while I get ONE)...
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour (can use white if you want)
2 cups Oatmeal
2 Tsp Flaxseed Meal
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbs Baking Powder
1 Tsp Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon Lemon Extract
1 Stick softened butter
2 eggs (or substitute 1 cup Egg Whites)
1 cup sugar (or sub Truvia)
1 cup Craisins
1 Cup White Chocolate chips
1/2 Cup slivered almonds
Beat eggs (eat whites), melted butter, vanilla extract and lemon extract and sugar (Truvia). Add in flour, oatmeal, flax seed, salt, and baking powder. When just mixed, add in white chips and craisins. I like to bake these in a 16-cup silpat cupcake pan. But you can scoop little ice-cream-scoop iced blobs and just place on a cookie sheet. Muffin pan or sheet method, once you have your little balls formed, press some slivered almonds on top. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool to room temp and enjoy for a snack or for breakie! :)
**************************************
Hummus
1 can White Cannellini Beans
4 cloves Garlic
2 Tbs Olive Oil
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
Using Food Processor or Blender, pulse garlic gloves. Add in beans, and salt pepper and blend again, with machine on drizzle in olive oil, puree til smooth, and serve immediately, or put in a tuberware and use for the next 1-3 days. (other fun add-ins to this: 1/2 an avocado or 1/2 of pitted olives.)
Bon Appetite!
Anywho, out of the negative, into the positive. Taking matters into my own hands, I've been trying to prepare more meals from scratch and delve into my cookbook/recipe clipped library to make healthy, whole foods myself. It's cheaper, it's healthier- what not to love?!?!
What I'm really excited for is SPRING when I plan on going NUTS with organic gardening. I'm also lobbying Ryan to let me have a chicken... that's not going so well for me.
In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite recipes lately all from The Book of Meg. Enjoy!
Homemade Foccacia
3 Cups Flour
1 Tbs sea salt
1 packet active dry yeat
1 cup hot water
3 Tbs olive oil
Red Onion- sliced
Fresh Rosemary
More Olive Oil for brushing
Mix flour, salt and yeast in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle, and water and olive oil. Mix until dough forms a nice ball. (add flour or water 1 Tbs at a time if too wet/dry).
Place dough ball back in said mixing bowl sprayed with Pam, cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour in a sunny spot or near the stove/ heat vent.
Punch, kneed and Roll out the dough into a 12-16 inch round pizza shape. Use your fingers to press little indents all over. Brush finished round with Olive Oil. Sprinkle liberally with Sea Salt. Top with sliced red onion and fresh rosemary. Cover with plastic wrap and again let it rise 30 min. Pre-heat oven to 425. Bake for 25-30min. YUM!
**************************************
Breakfast Muf-kies!
These are a mixture of a muffin and a cookie- and you can make some substitutions to make them very low-cal (Ryan doesn't notice the difference when I make either version, and usually he eats all 15 of these in day, while I get ONE)...
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour (can use white if you want)
2 cups Oatmeal
2 Tsp Flaxseed Meal
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbs Baking Powder
1 Tsp Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon Lemon Extract
1 Stick softened butter
2 eggs (or substitute 1 cup Egg Whites)
1 cup sugar (or sub Truvia)
1 cup Craisins
1 Cup White Chocolate chips
1/2 Cup slivered almonds
Beat eggs (eat whites), melted butter, vanilla extract and lemon extract and sugar (Truvia). Add in flour, oatmeal, flax seed, salt, and baking powder. When just mixed, add in white chips and craisins. I like to bake these in a 16-cup silpat cupcake pan. But you can scoop little ice-cream-scoop iced blobs and just place on a cookie sheet. Muffin pan or sheet method, once you have your little balls formed, press some slivered almonds on top. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool to room temp and enjoy for a snack or for breakie! :)
**************************************
Hummus
1 can White Cannellini Beans
4 cloves Garlic
2 Tbs Olive Oil
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
Using Food Processor or Blender, pulse garlic gloves. Add in beans, and salt pepper and blend again, with machine on drizzle in olive oil, puree til smooth, and serve immediately, or put in a tuberware and use for the next 1-3 days. (other fun add-ins to this: 1/2 an avocado or 1/2 of pitted olives.)
Bon Appetite!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I'm backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk...
It has been EONS since I have posted (my apologies to my 5 devoted blog followers...) BUT now I'm BACK and determined to get back on the blogging train. Starting out with THIS little gem... brought to my attention via Ryan- who knows all too well my distain for American "Emergency Medicine". He thought I'd like this article (I did!) so much so that I am passing it on for said adoring (though miniscule) public to enjoy as well. Food for thought on this hump day. Look for less cynical posts to return shortly... xoxo Mego
"Treating a Nation of Anxious Whimps" by Dr. Thomas Doyle
"Emergency departments are distilleries boiling complex blends of trauma, stress and emotion down to the essence of immediacy: what needs to be done, right now, to fix the problem. Working the past twenty years in such environments has shown me with great clarity what is wrong (and right) with our nation’s medical system. It’s obvious to me that despite all the furor and rancor, what is being debated in Washington currently is not healthcare reform. It’s only healthcare insurance reform. It addresses the undeniably important issues of who is going to pay and how, but completely misses the point of why. Healthcare costs too much in our country because we deliver too much healthcare. We deliver too much because we demand too much. And we demand it for all the wrong reasons. We’re turning into a nation of anxious wimps.
I still love my job; very few things are as emotionally rewarding as relieving true pain and suffering, sharing compassionate care and actually saving lives. Illness and injury will always require the best efforts our medical system can provide. But emergency departments nationwide are being overwhelmed by the non-emergent, and doctors in general are asked to treat what doesn’t need treatment.
In a single night I had patients come in for the following complaints (all brought by ambulance): “Smoked marijuana and got dizzy”, “stung by a bee and it hurts”, “got drunk and have a hangover”, “sat out in the sun and got sunburn”, “ate Mexican food and threw up”, “picked my nose and it bled, but now it stopped”, “just had sex and want to know if I’m pregnant.” Since all my colleagues and I have worked our shifts while suffering from worse symptoms than these (well, hopefully not the marijuana), we have understandably lost some of our natural empathy for such patients. When working with a cold, flu or headache, I often feel I am like one of those cute little animal signs in amusement parks that say “you must be taller than me to ride this ride” only my sign would read “you must be sicker than me to come to our emergency department.” You’d be surprised how many patients wouldn’t qualify.
At a time when we have an unprecedented obsession with health – Dr. Oz, The Doctors, Oprah and a host of daytime talk shows make the smallest issues seem like apocalyptic pandemics – we have substandard national wellness. This is largely because the media focuses on the exotic and the sensational and ignores the mundane. Our society has warped our perception of true risk. We are taught to fear vaccinations, mold, shark attacks, airplanes and breast implants when we really should worry about smoking, drug abuse, obesity, cars and basic hygiene. If you go by pharmaceutical advertisement budgets, our most critical health needs are to have sex and fall asleep.
Somehow we have developed an expectation that our health should always be perfect, and if it isn’t, there should be a pill to fix it. With every ache and sniffle we run to the doctor, or purchase useless quackery such as Airborne or homeopathic cures (to the tune of tens of billions of dollars). We demand unnecessary diagnostic testing, antibiotics for our viruses, narcotics for bruises and sprains. And due to time constraints on physicians, fear of lawsuits and the pressure to keep patients satisfied, we usually get them.
Yet the great secret of medicine is that almost everything we see will get better (or worse) no matter how we treat it. Usually better. The human body is exquisitely talented at healing. If bodies didn’t heal by themselves, we’d be up the creek. Even in an Intensive Care Unit, with our most advanced techniques applied, all we’re really doing is optimizing the conditions under which natural healing can occur. We give oxygen and fluids in the right proportions, raise or lower the blood pressure as needed and allow the natural healing mechanisms time to do their work. It’s as if you could put your car in the service garage, make sure you gave it plenty of gas, oil and brake fluid, and then expect the transmission to fix itself.
The bottom line is that most conditions are self-limited. This doesn’t mesh well with our immediate-gratification, instant-action society. But usually that bronchitis or back ache or poison ivy or stomach flu just needs time to get better. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning wasn’t your doctor being lazy in the middle of the night; it was sound medical practice. As a wise pediatrician colleague of mine once told me, “Our best medicines are Tincture of Time and Elixir of Neglect.” Taking drugs for things that go away on their own is rarely helpful and often harmful.
We’ve become a nation of hypochondriacs. Every sneeze is swine flu, every headache a tumor. And at great expense, we deliver fantastically prompt, thorough and largely unnecessary care. There is tremendous financial pressure on physicians to keep patients happy. But unlike business, in medicine the customer isn’t always right. Sometimes a doctor needs to show tough love and deny patients the quick fix. A good physician needs to have the guts to stand up to people and tell them that their baby gets ear infections because they smoke cigarettes. That it’s time to admit they are alcoholics. That they need to suck it up and deal with discomfort because narcotics will just make everything worse. That what’s really wrong with them is that they are just too damned fat. Unfortunately, this type of advice rarely leads to high patient satisfaction scores. Modern medicine is a blessing which improves all our lives. But until we start educating the general populace about what really affects their health and what a doctor is capable (and more importantly, incapable) of fixing, we will continue to waste a large portion of our healthcare dollar on treatments which just don’t make any difference."
Dr. Thomas A. Doyle is an emergency physician who practices in Sewickley, PA. He is the author of the forthcoming book “Suck It Up, America: The Tough Choices Needed for Real Health-Care Reform”
"Treating a Nation of Anxious Whimps" by Dr. Thomas Doyle
"Emergency departments are distilleries boiling complex blends of trauma, stress and emotion down to the essence of immediacy: what needs to be done, right now, to fix the problem. Working the past twenty years in such environments has shown me with great clarity what is wrong (and right) with our nation’s medical system. It’s obvious to me that despite all the furor and rancor, what is being debated in Washington currently is not healthcare reform. It’s only healthcare insurance reform. It addresses the undeniably important issues of who is going to pay and how, but completely misses the point of why. Healthcare costs too much in our country because we deliver too much healthcare. We deliver too much because we demand too much. And we demand it for all the wrong reasons. We’re turning into a nation of anxious wimps.
I still love my job; very few things are as emotionally rewarding as relieving true pain and suffering, sharing compassionate care and actually saving lives. Illness and injury will always require the best efforts our medical system can provide. But emergency departments nationwide are being overwhelmed by the non-emergent, and doctors in general are asked to treat what doesn’t need treatment.
In a single night I had patients come in for the following complaints (all brought by ambulance): “Smoked marijuana and got dizzy”, “stung by a bee and it hurts”, “got drunk and have a hangover”, “sat out in the sun and got sunburn”, “ate Mexican food and threw up”, “picked my nose and it bled, but now it stopped”, “just had sex and want to know if I’m pregnant.” Since all my colleagues and I have worked our shifts while suffering from worse symptoms than these (well, hopefully not the marijuana), we have understandably lost some of our natural empathy for such patients. When working with a cold, flu or headache, I often feel I am like one of those cute little animal signs in amusement parks that say “you must be taller than me to ride this ride” only my sign would read “you must be sicker than me to come to our emergency department.” You’d be surprised how many patients wouldn’t qualify.
At a time when we have an unprecedented obsession with health – Dr. Oz, The Doctors, Oprah and a host of daytime talk shows make the smallest issues seem like apocalyptic pandemics – we have substandard national wellness. This is largely because the media focuses on the exotic and the sensational and ignores the mundane. Our society has warped our perception of true risk. We are taught to fear vaccinations, mold, shark attacks, airplanes and breast implants when we really should worry about smoking, drug abuse, obesity, cars and basic hygiene. If you go by pharmaceutical advertisement budgets, our most critical health needs are to have sex and fall asleep.
Somehow we have developed an expectation that our health should always be perfect, and if it isn’t, there should be a pill to fix it. With every ache and sniffle we run to the doctor, or purchase useless quackery such as Airborne or homeopathic cures (to the tune of tens of billions of dollars). We demand unnecessary diagnostic testing, antibiotics for our viruses, narcotics for bruises and sprains. And due to time constraints on physicians, fear of lawsuits and the pressure to keep patients satisfied, we usually get them.
Yet the great secret of medicine is that almost everything we see will get better (or worse) no matter how we treat it. Usually better. The human body is exquisitely talented at healing. If bodies didn’t heal by themselves, we’d be up the creek. Even in an Intensive Care Unit, with our most advanced techniques applied, all we’re really doing is optimizing the conditions under which natural healing can occur. We give oxygen and fluids in the right proportions, raise or lower the blood pressure as needed and allow the natural healing mechanisms time to do their work. It’s as if you could put your car in the service garage, make sure you gave it plenty of gas, oil and brake fluid, and then expect the transmission to fix itself.
The bottom line is that most conditions are self-limited. This doesn’t mesh well with our immediate-gratification, instant-action society. But usually that bronchitis or back ache or poison ivy or stomach flu just needs time to get better. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning wasn’t your doctor being lazy in the middle of the night; it was sound medical practice. As a wise pediatrician colleague of mine once told me, “Our best medicines are Tincture of Time and Elixir of Neglect.” Taking drugs for things that go away on their own is rarely helpful and often harmful.
We’ve become a nation of hypochondriacs. Every sneeze is swine flu, every headache a tumor. And at great expense, we deliver fantastically prompt, thorough and largely unnecessary care. There is tremendous financial pressure on physicians to keep patients happy. But unlike business, in medicine the customer isn’t always right. Sometimes a doctor needs to show tough love and deny patients the quick fix. A good physician needs to have the guts to stand up to people and tell them that their baby gets ear infections because they smoke cigarettes. That it’s time to admit they are alcoholics. That they need to suck it up and deal with discomfort because narcotics will just make everything worse. That what’s really wrong with them is that they are just too damned fat. Unfortunately, this type of advice rarely leads to high patient satisfaction scores. Modern medicine is a blessing which improves all our lives. But until we start educating the general populace about what really affects their health and what a doctor is capable (and more importantly, incapable) of fixing, we will continue to waste a large portion of our healthcare dollar on treatments which just don’t make any difference."
Dr. Thomas A. Doyle is an emergency physician who practices in Sewickley, PA. He is the author of the forthcoming book “Suck It Up, America: The Tough Choices Needed for Real Health-Care Reform”
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