tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44762664045415290432024-03-05T12:12:58.664-08:00Food.Faith.Femme.food, faith, feminism...and other random tidbits.Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-80706101808529188222014-04-02T22:32:00.003-07:002014-04-02T22:32:53.695-07:00Hair Talk: I Don't Like It When...<span style="font-size: large;">...People tell me how they like me to wear my hair. I feel apprehension every time I change my hair. When I put braids in, when I take braids out, when I shave my hair, when I put braids back in when it's just long enough to do so post-shave. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I always feel apprehension and anxiety. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not cool if you're wearing your hair in a cute little puff and an aunt tells you she prefers when you have it twisted. It's not alright when you cut your hair really short and your mother repeatedly tells you how much better she likes it that way than when you had it in braids. It's not OK when your close friend tells you she's sad that you've decided to wear braids again because you look so mature with your short hair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I enjoy compliments, yes, but not when they, explicitly or implicitly, put down something else about me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I wear braids, and you like them, tell me that you like them and leave it at that. Don't say anything about missing my shaved head. When I shave my head and you like it, leave it at that, don't say anything about how you like it so much more than my braids. When I wear box braids and you like them, say so and leave it at that. Don't say how you like them so much more than my twists, and vice versa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hate that apprehension about people noticing and commenting on <b>my</b> hair actually affects/inhibits/influences how I choose to wear <b>my</b> hair. The final choice is always mine, of course, and people always end up liking what I do regardless, but I resent the feelings I go through before I make the choice, feelings that are largely a result of people's past comments on and "observations" of my hair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway....I can do more to take back the power and just say 'fuck you, I don't give a damn how you like my hair, I'm going to do what I want and do it well and you're just going to deal with it,' and to fully embody that sentiment...and I'm going to actively try to do that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just had to share these feelings first.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2013</td></tr>
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<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-58221083878573870752014-03-29T19:48:00.000-07:002014-03-29T19:51:52.499-07:00Mama, Daddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I take my mother's love for granted a lot. And sometimes after talking to her, I'm struck by how much her love keeps me here. Here, in the present, in a bearable way. I spoke with my mother this evening, about an hour ago, and I'm still reeling a bit from how wonderful and important and necessary it is to know that I have her and she loves me. My mother loves me no matter what. And she loves me not because I have anything to give or offer her but because I am her child. I am her sweetheart, her baby to who she gave birth and who she's cared intensely for ever after. My mother has loved me everyday of my life. My mother has thought of me and been concerned about me every day of my life. I have been my mother's priority every day of my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm overwhelmed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before I got off the phone with her this evening she said "Anything else you want to tell me?" I said, no. She said, "Ok, just checking. Sometimes you say things and in your voice, it sounds like there's something else you want to say but don't. And I want to remind you that there's nothing you have to hold back, nothing you have to hide." I said, I know. We exchanged "I love yous" and said good night. And then I just sat there and thought about how good that simple conversation made me feel. And I thought "I can do anything because that woman loves me. Everything is going to be ok because my mother loves me." And I cried. Then I thought about my dad and how much he's been showing love to me lately in ways that he hasn't before. And then I thought about God and how he gave me parents (or gave me to parents) who show me how God loves me. I've been praying a lot lately for an experience of God's love and power and this unplanned meditation was an answer to that prayer</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These past couple of months have been trying. And my parents have given me invaluable support in the form of, encouragement, sympathy, concern, money (woot!). I've just received. In my extreme vulnerability they've been strong for me and present for me without expecting or wanting anything in return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">[My] Parents are invaluable. </span></div>
<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-81188015730531390942014-03-27T11:43:00.002-07:002014-03-27T13:16:54.894-07:00Full Circle at the GCN Conference<span style="font-size: large;">This January felt incredibly significant (and I think the next few January's will feel this way also). I can't believe this past year with Hannah flew by like it did and that we're here facing another year together. This reality became especially poignant to me when Hannah and I attended a day of the <a href="https://www.gaychristian.net/aboutgcn.php" target="_blank">Gay Christian Network</a> (GCN) conference which was hosted in Chicago this January. While telling the story of our relationship to a woman we met at the conference, I realized that Hannah and I had come full circle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each week of January 2013 was distinct. During the first one, Hannah and I became more intentional about expressing our attraction to one another. During the second, we began dating but soon both felt that something was awry. You see, I had a plan for how I was going to proceed with the exploration of my sexuality. I was frustrated with the guidance I'd received from my friends, family, and church community for the past four years and with my own prayerful efforts to be "straight." They'd failed to end my attraction to women or help me deal with my attractions in any useful way and more so damaged my sense of worthiness as a child of God and, therefore, my sense of self in general. So, I wanted to try something different: meet a woman, have fun with no reservations, and see how things worked out. Hannah obstructed this plan almost immediately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hannah has a way of bypassing frivolity and getting to the core of a person when she senses the need to and from our first date she was too deep, too serious, and too intense for my plan to take effect. She was also overwhelmingly charismatic, funny, and pleasantly weird, but her serious intensity always simmered right below the surface, ready to pour out at any moment. I was simultaneously turned off and intrigued by her desire to discuss the troubles in my relationship with Jesus on our first date, and by the way she picked up on a few of my [non-gay related] struggles, without me sharing a word about them, on our second date. I didn't want her to see into my soul; I wanted her to make out with me. But I liked her too much to just dismiss her because of the discomfort her seriousness made me feel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of that second week in January, we had a conversation about our mutual uneasiness with the way our dating relationship was developing. I told her I couldn't handle the woman I wanted to date trying to be my counselor, and she told me she couldn't operate at surface level with me. In the span of ten minutes we went from talking about taking everything more slowly to talking about not proceeding in a romantic way at all. And it blew me. I'd been obsessed with this woman for over a month--she was beautiful and perfectly dykey, goofy, intelligent, and incredibly strange and unique, while still maintaining an aura of "cool." And she was a Christian-- I eventually hoped to learn from her how to follow Jesus without shutting down my sexuality. She seemed to be actively pursuing God and I was curious about how she was managing that-- although I didn't want to talk too much about it in a way that would prevent us from having all the fun I wanted us to have first. Our mindsets were different but I wasn't actually prepared to let Hannah go. And when it began to look like I would have to--when she suggested that maybe she wasn't meant to be in my life as a romantic interest--I was sad, disappointed, and confused--even panicked. I didn't want this door to close before it had even fully opened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wondered if God had dangled Hannah in front of me and then yanked her away to get my attention. Later that day, however, I began to think that I'd interpreted the conversation too hastily. God wanted my attention, yes, but was he taking Hannah away or was he telling me to not proceed with my careless mindset? I started to believe the latter--maybe the point of that hard conversation hadn't been to completely shut everything down, but, before things went any further, to adjust my thinking about Hannah and the kind of relationship we would have. I think God wanted me to clearly know that I couldn't leave him out of any efforts I was going to make to work out my sexuality. Han and I decided to try to figure it out together during the third week of that January, and we're still immersed in that process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At her mother's suggestion Hannah and I went to the Gay Christian Network (GCN) Conference on January 11, 2014. The experience was surreal. I've been to many Christian conferences, so the general format and atmosphere were familiar. But to look around and know that I was worshiping God with people who openly shared a sexual identity with me--who, like me, at a "regular" Christian conference would have been made to feel that something was so wrong and impure in them that they couldn't worship God wholeheartedly--was amazing. We weren't being told (explicitly or implicitly) that we had to change part of our identity to be acceptable, to even ascend to the same level as sinner as a straight person. We were being told that we belonged to Christ because we chose Christ and Christ chose us and that he called us to worship him and be in a relationship with him as we were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was also great to meet other women in same sex relationships, and hear their stories, particularly about how they reconciled their strong faith with the outworking of their sexuality. As Hannah and I told <b>our</b> story to a woman named Amber, it hit me that this was <b>the</b> day. On the same day last year, the second Saturday in January 2013, we'd had a pivotal conversation about our relationship, both hearing from God in different ways, and had spent most of the day (and the start of the fourth week) trying to figure out what we were supposed to do about our relationship and our feelings (me particularly wondering how I would survive going back to the old way of dealing with my sexuality). Now, a year later, here we stood together at a conference with people like us being <b>affirmed in our equal worthiness to follow and worship God</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall, the conference had some issues--mainly scant POC, queer, and trans representation--and I did not feel completely at home, but the realization that I'd found part of the answer to a question I'd despaired about exactly a year ago, and the fact that I could now look back and see the faithfulness of God and how he'd continuously brought me closer to him through the year, was almost too great and meaningful for me to handle. I wasn't aware of this growth happening throughout 2013 but the evidence is that in January 2014, my heart was turned to God, my desire was to keep seeking him, and my goal was to keep walking with him, growing in my knowledge and experience of him. And feeling free to do so as a queer woman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The majority of people I know, will disagree when I say that God had/ has a good purpose in my being with Hannah. Many think I'm being disobedient to scripture and simply doing what I want and casually believing what makes me happy. But there isn't and hasn't ever been anything simple or casual about this undertaking and happy is only one of a wide range of emotions I've experienced since last January. I can't deny how God has worked in this relationship--in my heart through this relationship-- and honestly made a path for Han and I to continue to be together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hannah and I haven't done our relationship perfectly or always in a God-glorifying way and I'm not convinced of the rightness of it. But I'm also not convicted of its wrongness and I'm certain there's a reason for that, a reason I'm still learning. Overall God's grace and love has so far trumped our mistakes. I'm closer to God and more committed to seeking him than I have been in the last five years and my journey with Han over the past year has a lot to do with that fact. We both have a ways to go and a lot to learn before we're settled in our choices concerning each other, but so far I think we've borne some good fruit together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-19693523497186830132014-02-16T15:42:00.001-08:002014-02-16T15:43:05.965-08:00Ten Days of Real Food!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been reading through the <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/" target="_blank">100 Days of Real Food Blog</a> for some months now. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I find it encouraging that this woman decided to learn more about the food she ate and was feeding her family and then led her family on a journey to see what would happen if they cut out all processed foods for a definite period of time. She's done two documented 100 days of real food pledges: <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/original-100-day-pledge/" target="_blank">"The Original"</a> and <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/original-100-day-pledge/" target="_blank">"100 Days on a Budget."</a> I'm currently reading through her blog posts on the latter pledge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She encourages readers who might find giving up processed foods for 100 days intimidating to try a 10 day pledge. Seemed doable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I shared in my <a href="http://www.foodfaithfemme.blogspot.com/2014/01/twenty-thirteen-recap-and-looking.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, one of my goals for 2014 is to gradually make my way to eating a mostly (85%) whole foods, unprocessed diet. I woke up one Monday morning in late January and thought "What am I waiting on?! I'm taking the 10 days of real food pledge today!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't follow the rules perfectly. But I kept trying. Because I'm usually the type to quit when I have a slip-up or for some reason end up not following a plan exactly, the fact that I kept trying even though I couldn't do the pledge perfectly is significant for me.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1:</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Breakfast"- Green juice and a banana</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lunch- homemade stove stop mac and cheese, steamed cauliflower and broccoli, avocado with evoo and sea salt</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Snack- raw organic pistachios, clementine orange, apple sauce</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Dinner- shrimp fried rice, raw kale salad</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Dessert- homemade gluten free chocolate chip banana bread</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Liquids- water, green tea with raw honey, red wine</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Real food" <b>included</b> meat( preferably local and organic), dairy (preferably organic), fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and all the wonderful things you can make with these unprocessed ingredients. It <b>excluded</b> refined sugars, refined grains, deep fried foods, and all food products made from those ingredients. Store bought/ packaged items where allowed as long as they had no more than 5 ingredients and all the ingredients where whole (i.e 100% whole grain bread, pasta etc). Raw Honey and Maple Syrup were the only sweeteners allowed [in moderation]. The pledge permitted alcohol.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTAIGx4gN7c9FmzYrV2tjrphILP3WHozq1VJrbfJh48yRFZyaoZt2Vu3W9IdAXYB0u-cK3VmkJLcRRpRV2hPa_fLdw4mJvtLg18WCEAgBtGiWyzhGjkeW_eUCtafYnVsy7igE_1k3m2B_/s1600/InstagramCapture_a49bac4d-f69c-4885-9517-f3f9c072f161_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTAIGx4gN7c9FmzYrV2tjrphILP3WHozq1VJrbfJh48yRFZyaoZt2Vu3W9IdAXYB0u-cK3VmkJLcRRpRV2hPa_fLdw4mJvtLg18WCEAgBtGiWyzhGjkeW_eUCtafYnVsy7igE_1k3m2B_/s1600/InstagramCapture_a49bac4d-f69c-4885-9517-f3f9c072f161_jpg.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For my heart you see...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-defined-a-k-a-the-rules/" target="_blank">rules</a> and the entire Real Food deal are best explained on the website. I highly recommend checking it out and reading the blog posts. The site also has ton of recipes and resources for the real-food curious!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue corn tortilla chips were a no-no</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll keep trying the pledge until I can do the 10 days perfectly (maybe one day I'll make it to a 100). But for now I'm pleased with how much healthy food I consumed (and am still consuming) consistently.</span><br />
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<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-56971845002821105422014-01-12T17:48:00.002-08:002014-01-13T14:58:03.365-08:00Twenty Thirteen Recap and Looking Forward<br />
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2013 was busy. I didn't make enough time during the year to process every meaningful thing that happened and to try to analyze it all now would be too hard. So I won't. But here's a short description of what it was like:<br />
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I fell in love.<br />
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I survived my first 9-5 job and my year as an AmeriCorps VISTA and moved on to another position in December earning my first full time salary!<br />
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I joined <a href="http://instagram.com/msamantha_s" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.aqueerfaith.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>, and <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/morgan-service/84/318/848" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.<br />
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I dealt with divorce and death at the same time, tasting a kind of grief that felt like too much.<br />
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I went to Nashville for the first (second, third, and fourth) time!<br />
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I adopted the label "queer."<br />
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I became a faithful viewer of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DearNaptural85?feature=watch" target="_blank">DearNaptural85's vlog.</a><br />
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Drama.<br />
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I realized that "germophobic grump" is an accurate description of me.<br />
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I turned 25.<br />
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I shaved my head.<br />
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I got a lot better at doing my eyebrows.<br />
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I gained a new respect for individuality and human dignity.<br />
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I grew distant from my closest friends.<br />
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I came out to my sisters (who didn't already know), my women's group at church, and MY PARENTS.<br />
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I shacked up with Hannah.<br />
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I ate lots of salads...and tacos. So many tacos.<br />
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I went to museums and art openings.<br />
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God frequently amazed me with undeserved faithfulness and kindness.<br />
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<b><u>Currently:</u></b><br />
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Although we're almost two weeks into the new year, I'm just now experiencing the feeling of a new season beginning. January 2013 was extremely significant to me. It was a dramatic month with equal parts hardship and excitement. On this day (the second Sunday in January) last year, I went to a certain church for the first time. I was incredibly sad that day-- filled with turmoil and unsure of how to proceed with my relationship with God or in my friendship/ relationship with Hannah who I'd just began dating some days before. It was a hard church service for me to get through. Today I woke up in a good mood (something that doesn't happen often) excited to go to that same church. We (Hannah and I) got there just as worship was starting and as I stood singing to God, God took my thoughts back to a year ago. I immediately began to cry as I realized that I was unbelievably in a much better place today. In 2013 I hadn't been consistently faithful to God. I struggled a lot, felt anxious and depressed frequently, and was not as loving to people as I knew I should be. I felt distant from God frequently, all aspects of our relationship changed in some way. Still, I never stopped talking to God or turning to God for help, and although I didn't realize it throughout the year in the day by day, God slowly moved me forward--away from that particular place of desperate confusion and sadness.<br />
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Last week at church I wrote this down during the sermon:<b> <i>"A new season. That season of tiredness, distance, weariness is over. A new season. Stirring afresh. Amen."</i></b> A paraphrase of the words the elder giving the sermon had just spoken, and my prayer for myself going into the new year. Today, I felt God telling me that it was time for that new season to begin. I am thankful for God's faithfulness and God's grace and God's love. Grace. God's grace...I see it all over my life as I mentally review the past 365 days. I feel it now as God invites me to love more and to worship more and to do so as a person fully accepted by God.<br />
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<b><u>A New Year:</u></b><br />
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I have lots of hopes and goals for 2014. I want to be better: loving more actively, living more presently, hiding less, being more consistent and faithful in seeking God and truth, treating myself well, loving my friends and family well, and working hard. I want to finish the things I start, meet the goals I set, and keep the promises I make to myself and to others.<br />
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I want to, read through the Bible, schedule more times for quiet time, meditation, and prayer, be firmly established and active in [Jesus loving] community,eat unprocessed foods 85 % of the time, exercise at least 3 times a week, take a hip hop dance class, continue to improve my cooking and make-up doing skills, journal frequently, drink less alcohol, read 50 books, act boldly and speak loudly, go to therapy, learn more about and invest in organic/natural beauty products, be more OUT, talk to my immediate family and close friends more often, practice compassion, embrace my 9-5 job as an assigned mission from God, finish my MPH application, have a more consistent and cohesive online presence, live on a budget below my means, train for and run a half marathon, and y'know, other things :).<br />
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We'll see how it all goes!<br />
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<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-48361590366731793132013-11-15T13:39:00.000-08:002013-11-15T13:40:02.010-08:00 Self Care and Exciting MysteriesA couple of weeks ago, I decided that I would consciously and unashamedly dedicate November to my well-being. I planned to actively take care of myself with more nourishing, home-cooked food, more abundant and higher quality sleep, more reading and writing, more lying in the dark listening to beautiful music (what, you don't do that?), more moving my body, more aloooone time but-and-also more time with friends not named Hannah (although I do love her and my time with her very much).<br />
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I've been marginally successful. I've done more cooking than in previous months and although I currently can't stand the sight of a green smoothie, I've increased my salad intake tenfold (or <strike>five</strike> threefold, whatever). I've had more alone time and spent more time with non-significant-other friends. On the other hand, I haven't read or written as much as I've been wanting to, my daily exercise still only comes in one form: my 10 minute walk to and from work, and the listening to music in the dark thing has been a no-go.The very, very great news is that I have an entire half of a month left to continue to make progress, and I will use those two weeks well!<br />
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<b><u>In other news:</u></b><br />
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My life is in<span style="font-size: large;"> crazy</span> flux! So many things are changing in so little time. In less than two weeks I will end my term at my current job (I have so many things to wrap up) and be on my way to Nashville, TN for Thanksgiving! <u><b>Immediately</b></u> after returning to Chicago, I will start a new full time job (praise), settle into a new apartment, play kitten mommy for a month, and possibly begin preparations to start another Master's program (part time). I'll share more details as these things happen but just know that my head is spinning! A couple of weeks ago when this was all still very uncertain and I was in danger of an anxiety meltdown in my office, my dearest Han, via Google chat, encouraged me with these words:<br />
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<i>" I love you dear. Pray to Jesus for patience. I will try to find you some inspirational recorded thoughts from someone smarter than me, but until then just try to love this time as more of an exciting mystery than a scary secret."</i><br />
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I loved that last bit especially and decided from that moment on that "scary secrets" were out and "exciting mysteries" were in. Women's group last night reinforced this for me. During prayer, one of the women asked that God would help us all to celebrate and rejoice at what S/He is doing in our lives instead of allowing anxiety and fear to have center stage. Another woman prayed that we would all find peace with uncertainty and weakness, knowing that it's in those things that God's certainty and strength are exemplified.<br />
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I'm still scared. A lot can still go wrong <strike>how am I moving all of my shit?!</strike> . But in this moment, I'm choosing to make the joy, hope, and excitement of everything larger than my fears.<br />
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Oh, and in case you didn't catch it in the first picture, this happened:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9fvr0XIj94MBEWt4P8Ro5GDMtk4c0mBsdtlz1lMGXWDvWSZdu_T4CM3qgAylclqLFyPquENPBwdlttZ0apCGNlAO5qFyY50KOVl9qjDps7cihgC3hx8Ecg0BN50C7VKJ8NdoF4W85KoO/s1600/6tag_131113-102059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9fvr0XIj94MBEWt4P8Ro5GDMtk4c0mBsdtlz1lMGXWDvWSZdu_T4CM3qgAylclqLFyPquENPBwdlttZ0apCGNlAO5qFyY50KOVl9qjDps7cihgC3hx8Ecg0BN50C7VKJ8NdoF4W85KoO/s1600/6tag_131113-102059.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 weeks into my new do, it's already grown out from the starting 1/4 of an inch</td></tr>
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Nearly 4 weeks ago, I asked Han to shave my head for me, and she did (she's done it several times before). I did it for completely different reasons than <a href="http://www.foodfaithfemme.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-i-chopped-it-off.html" target="_blank">the first time</a> and I love it more than I did the first time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYNYn43gjFSQrqya1EOAEDYaVfZIovDEc4nl8fsUwFlalrZWgNuNRXsWIluz6QachJ7jJo0uAw2YvrXaizTTYuspEEJ-qtEVscsrS8WnT3fgnQdYsy1YCXlfyLkkv9kt212JpSSyZH2_f/s1600/6tag_151113-144645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYNYn43gjFSQrqya1EOAEDYaVfZIovDEc4nl8fsUwFlalrZWgNuNRXsWIluz6QachJ7jJo0uAw2YvrXaizTTYuspEEJ-qtEVscsrS8WnT3fgnQdYsy1YCXlfyLkkv9kt212JpSSyZH2_f/s1600/6tag_151113-144645.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think it's a good look for 25. </div>
Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-21446798662653722122013-10-12T14:40:00.004-07:002013-10-16T09:56:52.432-07:00Autumn and AnxietyIt's Autumn!<br />
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Thanks to a couple of cool days in mid-September, I was in the Fall spirit even before summer "officially" ended. In many ways, I oppose norms and like the idea of doing things in ways others are NOT doing them. But when it comes to Fall, I fully support pumpkin/squash mania. Although Fall has barely given us a proper hello, I've already infused my life with lots of squashies:<br />
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I've roasted some Delicata and Acorn Squash:<br />
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And turned a can of Pumpkin Puree into <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2008/10/super-moist-pumpkin-bread/" target="_blank">pumpkin bread</a>, <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2008/10/pumpkin-waffles/" target="_blank">pumpkin waffles</a>, and <a href="http://www.neverhomemaker.com/2012/11/pumpkin-hot-chocolate.html" target="_blank">pumpkin hot chocolate</a><br />
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All vegan by the way.<br />
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And I'm not slowing down--I had some very tasty cinnamon spice pumpkin pancakes at brunch with a friend today and <a href="http://www.carrieonvegan.com/2013/10/07/macaroni-squash-the-china-study-cookbook/" target="_blank">macaroni squash</a> and <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2013/09/oatmeal-pumpkin-bread-for-fall.html" target="_blank">oat pumpkin bread</a> are up next (both vegan and gluten-free)!<br />
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<u>In other news:</u><br />
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Often just talking and/ or writing about the things whirring around in my head makes them less scary and overwhelming. So today, I wanted to talk about the ways I experience anxiety.<br />
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Anxiety is a part of my daily life. I have to work through it to be able to do any and everything. Getting out of bed in the morning requires some self-soothing--breathing deeply and telling myself that there is nothing to be afraid of in the day ahead.<br />
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Once I get to work, I have to coax myself into starting my tasks for the day. I'm overwhelmed by the number of things I have to do-- I have a deep fear that I can't do any of it well and I become anxious about the idea of trying to do something that I don't think I can do well. <br />
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I have to fight anxiety to make and carry out social plans. The idea of spending time with people fills me with apprehension. I'm afraid of not having anything to say. I'm afraid of feeling awkward. I'm afraid of not being able to be present. When I'm feeling down, which is often, I'm anxious about having to perform as a functioning human being. I'm anxious about not having anything valuable to offer. I'm anxious about the burden someone might put on me.<br />
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I have to fight anxiety to make phone dates with family friends and worse, to answer the phone when family or friends call.<br />
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I have to fight anxiety to dance. I'm afraid of looking foolish even though I know it <b>does not</b> matter if I do. It's paralyzing.<br />
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I have to fight anxiety to write--getting words out of my head and unto a page or up on a screen is just...hard.<br />
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And then there's the anxiety that comes as a deep foreboding feeling near my heart. It presses down on my chest, expands inside of it, and fills my body with tension. Usually, the cause is a mystery.<br />
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And anxiety about the future...<br />
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Since anxiety is such a huge part of my life, coping mechanisms are as well-- things like escaping into media, unhealthy alcohol use, excessive sleeping (at one point in my life, no actual time for that now) pleasure seeking, and compulsive behaviors.<br />
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These behaviors are often a source of grief and anxiety for me in themselves. Instead of focusing on them, however, and the lack of success I've had in trying to cold-turkey-quit them, I'm beginning to accept that they persist for particular reasons. I've suffered from a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatillomania" target="_blank">compulsive disorder</a> for the majority of my life. I've prayed endlessly about it, had people pray and fast for me about it, put all of my willpower towards trying to stop it, and come up with various plans to control it. I've cried with Jesus about it knowing he could easily fix my brain, and bring things under control. But he hasn't and I'm believing more and more that he allows it to continue because there's an important truth he wants to lead me to--something he wants me to discover about why I struggle in the first place.<br />
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I know I will be free of relentless anxiety one day and I'm learning to accept that that "one day" might not be soon and that the daily acts of focusing on Jesus and seeking God's kingdom are enough.<br />
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My overall hope stems from this: Jesus has specifically told me in scripture to not be<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206:%2025-34&version=ESV" target="_blank"> anxious or worry about anything</a> and to place <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%205:7&version=NLT" target="_blank">all my cares</a> on God. He's specifically told me that he came so that I can have an <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010:10&version=ESV" target="_blank">abundant life</a>. Anxiety is NOT a part of an abundant life.<br />
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I've been learning about healthy ways to decrease my anxious feelings and I'm going to try implementing those things while I seek the deeper answers/ root causes. I think I might even do a series of posts specifically discussing each anxiety-busting tactic I try.<br />
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I bet pumpkin based foods are good for fighting anxiety as well...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvuX9Bkhylq-NNQuROFdGiSddMrvrEvOA2H5U4NZvw6pnRCaP226iPfpQbPK_7R11ss7R_PFYL6gTyBxqdGdLwv3RgvQ-G0kjZ04rXSUKDHJSA9ad5ITCNkLO0QnB6VbAa-pW9Qwf_YiR/s1600/pumpkin+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvuX9Bkhylq-NNQuROFdGiSddMrvrEvOA2H5U4NZvw6pnRCaP226iPfpQbPK_7R11ss7R_PFYL6gTyBxqdGdLwv3RgvQ-G0kjZ04rXSUKDHJSA9ad5ITCNkLO0QnB6VbAa-pW9Qwf_YiR/s1600/pumpkin+bread.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Starbuck's new "La<a href="http://www.starbucks.com/promo/laboulange" target="_blank"> Boulange</a>" shit, this gem is now very hard to come by, at least on my side of Chicago. Luckily I noticed that the Starbucks in the grocery store I was in this evening, had 3 slices of authentic pumpkin bread, not "pumpkin loaf," which is what they serve in "La Boulange." I immediately purchased a slice! I will stick to making my own from now on but I'm glad I had the opportunity to taste this again before it becomes completely extinct.</td></tr>
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<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-1480274081331645042013-09-16T12:37:00.002-07:002013-09-16T13:25:01.103-07:00Optimistic Reflection<br />
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Since December 2012--the month I began my first full time 9 to 5 job and the month I met Hannah--my life has felt like a go-go-go non-stop ordeal. I've cycled through many ups and downs. The downs stand out and seem way more plentiful. I've frequently wrestled with myself and other people; I've done a lot of crying to God. I've been learning about myself and realizing that I learn about myself when I'm not actively trying to learn about myself. I've been realizing that I am so different from the person I imagined I would be at this point in my life-- that person was pretty one dimensional in comparison. I've been learning a lot about change and growth and evolution and shifts. Life is strange. God is strange. Life is complex. These are all obvious statements, I know.<br />
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I've endured many days where anxiety completely took me over. Some days I would know why I was anxious but most days I wouldn't. I've worked through many days of just feeling low--feeling detached from everything, not able to find lasting pleasure in anything. Sometimes I would feel overwhelming sadness and not be able to picture a time in the future when things would feel OK again. That seems dramatic, I know, but it's a real, scary, hopeless feeling I get at times.<br />
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But.<br />
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For the past week or so, I've been able to maintain a consistent "good" state of mind. And at moments I've been struck by bits of insight and overtly positive thinking. Here are two of those moments:<br />
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<b><u>Moment 1: </u></b><br />
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A couple of days ago I found myself dwelling on this fact-- the majority of the people in my life whom I love and am closest to will probably never wholeheartedly agree with me and the way I live my life. This and the thoughts I had surrounding it troubled me. I shared this feeling with Han and her response was that one day I will be so confident in my life and the truth that a lack of approval from loved ones won't stop me from feeling peace and contentment with my choices. That's not verbatim but I think I captured the essence of what she meant. Her statement reminded me of something important: a lack of approval from loved ones affects me most because it reflects my own doubts and things I haven't settled with yet. So it's true that the more I work things out, the more I'll be at peace with my choices--another's lack of approval can't highlight insecurities and questions that aren't present.<br />
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Anyway, some time after that, I began thinking about my friends and family in the light of the <b>reality</b> of their actions and responses to me and this really hit me:<br />
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I am incredibly surrounded by love. I don't like to admit that I wrestle with my friends and family not approving of me. On the one hand, wrestling has never meant inaction-- I am sad when I feel like people are uncomfortable with me and my choices but that discomfort never has and never will stop me from making my own choices and living my life as I see fit. Kudos to me. On the other hand, I feel people's feelings towards me deeply and it's hard when those feelings are negative and/or troubled. But in this moment I realized that the people I love and care for the most, are still right there caring about me and loving me back. No matter if I've disappointed them, made them question my sanity and wisdom, or made them grieve for me. No matter how many side eyes I've inspired or how our opinions differ, they're still there. They still love me and would still rather know what's going on in my life than not. I am so supported just because I am me.<br />
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Ultimately, I don't think I<b> really</b> want people to always be comfortable with me and approve of me. I need to be challenged and I appreciate (usually belatedly) when challenges force me to explore things more and be really sure of what I believe. Challenges also make me extra grateful for the One who finds me acceptable and lovable no matter what I do. I think what I truly want is for the people who love me to be willing to wholeheartedly wrestle with the challenges I present in the same ways I wholeheartedly wrestle with the reasons I am challenging.<br />
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<b><u>Moment 2:</u></b><br />
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At work a couple of days ago, at my desk, while blankly staring at my computer screen (it happens ok?!) it hit me that I am living in a city thousands of miles away from all of my family and am sustaining my presence here. It hit me that I did the work to get myself here and that I am doing the work to be able to remain here. It hit me that I live in a city I love so much and that I am a working individual supporting my existence in a place that gives me life. <b>I</b> am doing that. Now, I'm not downplaying the fact <b>that God takes the ultimate credit for everything good.</b> No doubt, God wrote the story that's unfolding now. But, I've been an active participant.<br />
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I don't give myself credit for very much. I am usually very self deprecating and downplay my accomplishments under the guise of being noble and humble. I'm not <b>truly</b> noble or humble in that way. I'm just so self-negative at times that I believe the lie that my accomplishments are a fluke, no big deal, or can be entirely attributed to anything other than the fact that I'm an intelligent, capable woman. So, in that moment, I took some time to name a few accomplishments and be proud of myself: I came to Chicago, made friends, formed a community, got a Master's degree in a field I actually love, supported myself through babysitting/ nannying, got a 9-5 full time job, and have taken care of myself through it all. I've built my own life; I've done important things; I've been a successful human being. Here's to me. I'm claiming my credit.<br />
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So... overall, I think what I really wanted to say is that as crazy and up and down as life over the past 9.5 months has been, I am so grateful for the days when I am filled with optimism and hope about myself and my future--where, good things come to mind in a jolt and then linger. Today I feel good and believe that tomorrow will be good. Today I can think about the people and things in my life with positive, tangible emotions. Today I can stand in the brisk Chicago air in my leggings, turtleneck, and cardigan and be happy about how the very cool wind brings with it many pleasant associations--my first wonderful months in Chicago, fall themed beverages from Starbucks, downtown adventures with Karimy (one of which I had two days ago!), snuggles with my comforter, and crushy-lovey feelings.<br />
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During this life season my happy days haven't lingered long enough. It's been hard to remember that I have them--not days where I just feel happy for a moment or have some laughs (I laugh at SOMEthing every day) but days where I feel in my soul that things are really alright and working out for my good. I know all too soon I will have a day where things seem dismal or, worse, feel like absolutely nothing. But <b>today</b> I will focus on the fact that I am happy and optimistic!<br />
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Blog-themed articles for today:<br />
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<b>Food</b>: <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/my-1-50-a-day-challenge-eating-a-plant-based-diet-on-an-austere-budget/">http://www.forksoverknives.com/my-1-50-a-day-challenge-eating-a-plant-based-diet-on-an-austere-budget/</a>- This woman ate a plant-based diet on $1.50 a day for 5 days.<br />
<b>Faith and Feminism</b>: <a href="http://whereisthemeinmommy.blogspot.com/2013/06/is-selling-modesty-dangerous-critiquing.html">http://whereisthemeinmommy.blogspot.com/2013/06/is-selling-modesty-dangerous-critiquing.html</a> , <a href="http://www.redletterchristians.org/respect-responsibility-mrs-halls-open-letter-teenaged-girls/">http://www.redletterchristians.org/respect-responsibility-mrs-halls-open-letter-teenaged-girls/</a> Two articles discussing the issue of "modesty" and sexuality from Christian and feminist perspectives. Both are very valuable.<br />
<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-46032213152386062822013-09-10T21:22:00.001-07:002013-09-10T21:22:26.326-07:00Tuesday TalesIn pictures and videos:<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Breakfast- "Eat Your Greens Smoothie": Spinach, frozen banana, blueberries, ground flax, soy milk, water. I also had 1/2 cup of lentil soup.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Lunch- Veggie Pita I added some of my homemade hummus and balsamic vinegar. 5 oz of baby carrots not pictured.</span></div>
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Came home, logged into Facebook and saw this. My first thought was "Oh shit, getting quoted..." So what if it's my girlfriend quoting me...<br />
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I watched 3 minutes of this 10 minute workout video and decided I wasn't working out today:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/S-VH0aTOOik?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I had a little motivational talk with myself and decided I could absolutely work out for 10 minutes. So I did this video:<br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/OAJrDne_haI/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/OAJrDne_haI&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/OAJrDne_haI&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Next came this raw kale and avocado salad, with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing (in the jar) I made this evening:<br />
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Scrimp pasta for dinner! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">#WasAlmostVeganToday </span></div>
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Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-15160953430698874362013-09-09T22:39:00.000-07:002013-09-09T22:43:22.831-07:00Oh Discipline One day I'll be able to call myself a disciplined human being. I'll introduce myself that way: "Morgan Service, disciplined human being here!" Ok, maybe not. But it would be nice to know that if I did, I wouldn't be lying!<br />
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I did not meet my sleep goals for August. I have not, so far, met my unprocessed food goals for September. And I have troubles. Multiplied breakouts- depressive/ anxiety episodes-breaking out in hives every day again-constipated troubles. Sorry [not sorry] if that's TMI.<br />
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I've been having technical troubles too. My computer was out of commission for a while because my charger went kaput. Then my phone died and I received a less than stellar replacement. I can no longer compulsively check Facebook or Instagram (verb) every bit of my life. This forced semi-disconnection from social media is good though (I think). I know my father is relieved that I will no longer exceed our monthly data limit. You win Daddy-o, you win.<br />
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These past 7 and some weeks have not been all bad, however. I started exercising semi-regularly again. I've also journaled a few times after a many-months-long dry spell.<br />
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And I have other new things happening:<br />
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1. I'm loc'ing my hair! This is my second attempt ( I started the process in the late spring of 2011 but quit by the end of the summer) and I am sticking to it. So far I am a month in. I wore my baby locs out for a week but am now wearing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrdo_oXBfNU" target="_blank">yarn wraps</a> (no, that's not me in that video) over them. Because honestly, the baby locs stage is just a little too rough for me right now. Not rough as in hard or burdensome. Rough as in "yikes, I don't feel as pretty as I want to!" And I'm fine with that being the reason I'm currently wearing braids.<br />
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2. I started a blog on Tumblr! <a href="http://www.aqueerfaith.tumblr.com/">www.aqueerfaith.tumblr.com</a>. I'm using it to discuss my experience of Christianity and non-heteronormative sexuality. I found it very hard to keep the blog focused because there are so many amazing, beautiful, funny, clever, poignant things on tumblr. To address that problem, I also made a secondary tumblr blog <a href="http://www.mfoodfaithfemme.tumblr.com/">www.mfoodfaithfemme.tumblr.com</a> for my other interests. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/">My very f<span id="goog_1656225925"></span></a><a href="http://aqueerfaith.tumblr.com/post/57460375261/extended-blog-dedications" target="_blank">irst post where I detail the persons to whom A Queer Faith is dedicated</a>.<br />
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3. I renewed my library card--it expired in mid-May--and I'm thrilled to be able to borrow books again! Right now twenty three of them are lounging on top of my bookshelf. There's that discipline problem again. But as my good friend, Bianca, put it, "what am I supposed to do?! They're free!" I'm currently reading <strike>10 books at once</strike> <i>Gone Girl</i> by Gillian Flynn. So far, I like.<br />
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4. I have a camera again (I lost my last one on Valentine's day earlier this year)! A camera separate from my phone! And praise the Lord, because my "new" phone does not take very good pictures and getting pictures off of it onto my computer is more than a trial! Hannah gave me this camera for my birthday. Technically I've had it for a couple of months, but when I brought it back from Nashville, I left it at Han's place and it remained there until this past weekend. I purchased a memory card for it on Saturday and have been a very happy girl ever since.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVg58fRubkeN0tWSDnYOmhcEumW3FOD5MAXvmMxYe6nMIRVvDwAU6_rinKhmQ29sxywIYRuvCts77NPsoZ7398zzl3t2LBwYaaiZ4W13MqCHX-vaR74hu2ZsK8XC58soPO37sLlfw-UwW/s1600/blog+camera+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVg58fRubkeN0tWSDnYOmhcEumW3FOD5MAXvmMxYe6nMIRVvDwAU6_rinKhmQ29sxywIYRuvCts77NPsoZ7398zzl3t2LBwYaaiZ4W13MqCHX-vaR74hu2ZsK8XC58soPO37sLlfw-UwW/s1600/blog+camera+girl.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look like a professional, don't? </td></tr>
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I used it to take this picture of the <a href="http://www.ourhappyacres.com/2013/02/whole-grain-spelt-pita-bread/" target="_blank">pita bread</a> and hummus that I MADE FROM SCRATCH tonight. Can you tell that I'm SLIGHTLY proud of myself?<br />
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I won't give up the fight to turn myself into a consistently healthy eater. My latest weapons:<br />
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More to come on this when I can share something that will make you proud of my growing discipline.<br />
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Adieu.<br />
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<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-23309522442322958482013-07-17T22:35:00.004-07:002013-07-17T22:35:38.961-07:00Twenty-fiveMy goal for twenty-five is to embrace my insecurities and to live the life I believe in without apology.<br />
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Those goals are broad and vague but the reality of that life would look something like showing off my big forehead with pride, accepting the dark spots on my face, chest, shoulders, and back, loving my slightly lopsided smile, going for longer stretches in between wearing braids, freestyle dancing in public without the help of alcohol, speaking loudly, not saying "sorry" unless I actually am, sticking to a budget and living below my means, tithing, diving into my relationship with Jesus and seeking God's kingdom first, eating an ethical, mostly unprocessed diet, practicing self-care diligently, not being evasive about my sexuality or the fact that I'm dating a woman I love.<br />
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It will mean not being afraid to tell people that I'm simultaneously reading a book called <i>Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving</i> as well as <i>Mark</i>, the second book in the New Testament of the Bible.<br />
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It will mean reading more and writing more and going for more runs along Chicago's Lake shore trail. It will mean consistently <a href="http://www.foodfaithfemme.blogspot.com/2012/08/sweet-jamaica-mine.html" target="_blank">claiming my identity as a Jamaican woman</a> even though I don't have the accent to support it.<br />
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It will mean Instagramming make-up-less selfies. That sort of thing, ya know.<br />
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Of course, that life won't be my reality entirely the next time July 5th comes around. But by then I'm hoping to have moved significantly closer to being a woman who accepts herself fully, takes care of herself, pursues her passions, and lives with honesty and integrity.<br />
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I am thinking of choosing 11 key areas/ activities to focus on to encourage becoming that woman. I often take on too much at once. I lack endurance and patience and am easily distracted and bored. These character traits make it hard to stick with anything as long as I need to in order to see significant growth/ improvement. So the plan is to focus on one life change, goal, self-improvement activity etc. each month for the entire month for the next 11 months. According to <b>some experts somewhere</b>, performing an activity consistently for 30 days helps that activity to become a habit. I will still try to make little improvements in several areas simultaneously but the activity I assign to each month will be the one thing I will <b>absolutely have to do</b> every day for that month.<br />
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That means on the day I turn 26 I'll at least be able to say... I took 11 very helpful, beneficial things and made them a consistent part of my routine<br />
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That's something right? The following is a list of potential activities.<br />
<ol>
<li>August- 8 hours of sleep</li>
<li>September- Whole foods, unprocessed diet </li>
<li>October- 30 minutes exercise</li>
<li>November- 30 minutes quiet time </li>
<li>December- 30 minutes end of the day journalling</li>
<li>January- 1 hour of leisure reading</li>
<li>Februrary- 30 minutes creative writing</li>
<li>March- Read a news article </li>
<li>April- Yoga and meditation</li>
<li>May- Purposeful, daily, blogging, tweeting, and tumbling</li>
<li>June- <a href="http://www.foodmatters.tv/articles-1/oil-pulling-the-habit-that-can-transform-your-health" target="_blank">Oil pulling</a> </li>
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That list is subject to change but I'm happy about the things I have down so far. </div>
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I am also up to something right now. I won't say what until that something is over but it has to do with food, of course. I'll report on it in 7 days when I can claim success :).</div>
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Laters.</div>
<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-23835956875470741672013-06-24T21:22:00.002-07:002013-06-24T21:23:36.267-07:00[Un] Vegan, Unprocessed, and a Look at My Pantry <div style="text-align: center;">
I want to be vegan--vegan AND gluten-free actually. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAUhRO2RzikOe5CcVX-U_c6981Q6qtEvxjuBIO_4HJ9OGbv-mHjoPmuag7_NsLlo7PyRKje08pWqgYrDwD8CBqXl9EweoAhXXXJ9TQcb7F2PfnPvwUDN7Tl8wMNsFID3o04m4QHyGRDMm/s1600/IMG_20130624_101131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAUhRO2RzikOe5CcVX-U_c6981Q6qtEvxjuBIO_4HJ9OGbv-mHjoPmuag7_NsLlo7PyRKje08pWqgYrDwD8CBqXl9EweoAhXXXJ9TQcb7F2PfnPvwUDN7Tl8wMNsFID3o04m4QHyGRDMm/s1600/IMG_20130624_101131.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Smoothie/ Nutriblast in the making: spring salad mix, banana, frozen strawberries, cashews, ground flax, coconut milk, water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It has such a nice "activist" ring to it, like it was meant to be part of my identity--Black, Feminist, Queer, <b>Vegan.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
But I just can't hack it yet.<br />
<br />
The lady friend and I decided to be vegan for June. She'd been wanting to adopt the lifestyle for a while and, as you know, I have been trying to work my way back to it for a while. One night several months ago we discussed it. I threw in the gluten-free part and she said "Are we really going to be <b><i>those</i></b> lesbians?" My simple reply was, "I'm not a lesbian."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JXqLdtjVTeqRHYVG7PxSrmnC-ohObsy-Hbyk1hiYZNPSglzai_jehkBN-Z4ctmwYhKO2cD8QdB0_P1UtBNaMPa741y_UaRA0CUV5twMj_sb8d0haoP5fpQkgOmniTyyE_9aSxMdbBMqf/s1600/fb+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JXqLdtjVTeqRHYVG7PxSrmnC-ohObsy-Hbyk1hiYZNPSglzai_jehkBN-Z4ctmwYhKO2cD8QdB0_P1UtBNaMPa741y_UaRA0CUV5twMj_sb8d0haoP5fpQkgOmniTyyE_9aSxMdbBMqf/s1600/fb+profile.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mannah"--It's gross and not our doing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ha. Anyway, we did really well for 8 days in June. Due to some extremely unfortunate circumstances, however, we had to put our new adventure on hold.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt3mG0sMAEuTNdHq4o7jQeFZtAhv-2HkZyjqkCQ1NhlUT8nyCBD268Zr46_IMGyTQDnApSUAC7xvmW7yEXO9eXt4Q5cLNfanE6tjiH7AvmQO9BGSspwtGuISCoCAQBQTUSSFUZSs4lxsM/s1600/IMG_20130609_213707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt3mG0sMAEuTNdHq4o7jQeFZtAhv-2HkZyjqkCQ1NhlUT8nyCBD268Zr46_IMGyTQDnApSUAC7xvmW7yEXO9eXt4Q5cLNfanE6tjiH7AvmQO9BGSspwtGuISCoCAQBQTUSSFUZSs4lxsM/s1600/IMG_20130609_213707.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan french toast, tofu scramble, avocado w/ olive oil, sea salt, and red wine vinegar </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I decided I would get back on track this week. I made a meal plan, went grocery shopping, and made a list of every last thing in my pantry.<br />
<br />
<br />
My mind is rebelling, however. And what's a gal to do about that?<br />
<br />
I really want to eat eggs. And to put 3oz of grilled chicken on my salads. I am OK with abstaining from gluten, dairy, and added sugars (except for a tsp of honey in my green tea) but I am struggling with the idea of completely removing meat from my diet! Why is this happening to me? I used to have such "<b>no-meat</b>" fire!<br />
<br />
I currently have no animal products in my freezer or fridge (although a couple of cans of mackerel and sardines occupy some of my cupboard space) so even though I don't <b>feel</b> like it, I will be vegan for this upcoming week at least.<br />
<br />
But.<br />
<br />
What I really want is to be consistently healthy. Two years ago, I was convinced that veganism was the only way. I learned about it, I believed in it wholeheartedly, I had to do it. I thought everyone needed to do it. I'm no longer in that place; I no longer think that way. I have spent over a year repeatedly trying to get back to that place, but I can't yet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeue1HnrHnaoAJCJhoDKhHbNvXh73JOWwP22bpb1kujul1pUfUGrG0DV6TLmVGueMxU_jx69i7O0ophXXjBQ5YvOQ-213X7PDoZaCT7ZamveuygyVjo9LvN1nZiBaAYmP0lsR6ZLqyddBt/s1600/IMG_20130607_135346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeue1HnrHnaoAJCJhoDKhHbNvXh73JOWwP22bpb1kujul1pUfUGrG0DV6TLmVGueMxU_jx69i7O0ophXXjBQ5YvOQ-213X7PDoZaCT7ZamveuygyVjo9LvN1nZiBaAYmP0lsR6ZLqyddBt/s1600/IMG_20130607_135346.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie masala burger, spinach, and avocado, on top of sauteed onions and wheat berries </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I highly admire the authors of the vegan books and blogs I've read and follow, my militant vegetarian sister, and vegan and vegetarian friends and friends of friends, but I think I've been comparing myself to them and trying to reach their perfection, mainly because they are noble and impressive to me and I want to appear noble and impressive to others. That wasn't the case in June 2011 when I decided to become vegan, and it wasn't the case for the year that followed that decision, but it would be the case if I were to pursue veganism now. I wouldn't be doing it because I wholeheartedly believe life as a vegan is the all-around best way to live. I would be doing it because I really want other people to admire my life.<br />
<br />
That is no bueno.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCcQPUF9JfifzeO9apnasZZTaKPQLzUyQU8CPkb5OE0gVNqp13-AypATYfGvLSWNyYMLR7I10SjDorPu1U_JRvVDQxfNby7SIJfdlfyAGg84GngDpzZ7dgRh2_tq5rOzlHS8laiy3XmkZ/s1600/IMG_20130624_005522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCcQPUF9JfifzeO9apnasZZTaKPQLzUyQU8CPkb5OE0gVNqp13-AypATYfGvLSWNyYMLR7I10SjDorPu1U_JRvVDQxfNby7SIJfdlfyAGg84GngDpzZ7dgRh2_tq5rOzlHS8laiy3XmkZ/s1600/IMG_20130624_005522.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice and peas and fried plantains! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'd like to give myself the gift of actually sticking to the things I say I'm going to do, of fully applying the changes I say I am going to make, for more than a week or a month. I can't do that in pursuing veganism right now.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to run out and eat a burger now and like I said, I currently have [virtually] no animal products at home. I will be vegan, by default, for a little while longer but I'm going to switch my focus to simply eating an ethical, unprocessed, whole foods diet.<br />
<br />
Maybe if I get a handle on that, returning to veganism will become more appealing and happen naturally.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQla6KABenf5NCklwMFowbzd_qWJF-UAEuEMoWjVCETyTa0mbP6t8QutNgou26aqH7gPKHGYG1bK-tqMkkJD-7D45zlJdccZiB4EFqbHa6EmaoegYB8gGKXytBtNblMSdVg38BphMlpH1R/s1600/IMG_20130624_102912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQla6KABenf5NCklwMFowbzd_qWJF-UAEuEMoWjVCETyTa0mbP6t8QutNgou26aqH7gPKHGYG1bK-tqMkkJD-7D45zlJdccZiB4EFqbHa6EmaoegYB8gGKXytBtNblMSdVg38BphMlpH1R/s1600/IMG_20130624_102912.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pride in black and white</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Stay Tuned!<br />
<br />
ALSO<br />
<br />
See <a href="http://drhyman.com/blog/2013/06/15/do-you-need-a-diet-plan-to-look-and-feel-your-best/" target="_blank">this article</a> by Dr.Mark Hyman. It directly addresses whether following a specific, restricted diet is necessary to achieve and maintain optimal health--a very timely read for me today!<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
If you are interested, here is my <b>pantry list</b>:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Fruit<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 Avocados<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 Ripe Plantains<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 bunch bananas<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4 apples<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 lemons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack frozen pineapple<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack frozen blueberries<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack frozen strawberries<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
½ pack frozen blackberries <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 mango<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dried Apricots<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Raisins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dates<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Veggies<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 bunch kale<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 head romaine lettuce<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack spring mix salad<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack spinach<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 cucumber<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 zucchini <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 tomatoes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 yellow bell pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 yellow onion<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 red onion<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 head garlic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 can water chestnuts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
¼ pack frozen green beans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
¼ pack frozen corn<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
¼ pack frozen veggies: Mediterranean blend <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
¾ pack frozen chopped spinach<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack frozen stir fry blend<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sea weeds: kombu, dulse, wakame, nori sheets <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 can beets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Grains/ flours<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Brown basmati rice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Quinoa- white, red, black<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Amaranth<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Black “forbidden” rice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Old-fashioned oats<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Steel-cut Oats<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Brown rice lasagna <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 Gluten free English muffins (frozen)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
¼ loaf Ezekiel bread<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack cornmeal, fine, gluten free<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 pack cornmeal, coarse, gluten free<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Brown rice flour<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Chick pea flour<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Whole wheat flour<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Beans/ Bean-based Protein <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Canned</i>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Black beans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Black eyed peas<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Red Kidney beans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Dried</i>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Garbanzo beans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Split peas<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Pinto beans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Navy beans<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Red Lentils<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tofu<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Falafel mix<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Nuts /Seeds<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ground chia seeds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Flax seeds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Hemp seeds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sunflower seeds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sesame seeds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Pumpkin seeds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Almonds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cashews<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Walnuts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Randoms<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 carton soymilk <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 cans coconut milk<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 can salsa verde<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 bag sucanat<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack arrowroot starch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 tub cornstarch <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 cans mackerel <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 can sardines<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 pack of beef flavored Ramen<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Seasonings</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A shitload of spices<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Coconut Aminos<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tamari, gluten free<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mirin<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Brown Rice Vinegar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Umeboshi Vinegar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Balsamic Vinegar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Red Wine Vinegar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Braggs Liquid Aminos<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Virgin Coconut Oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Extra Virgin Olive Oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<b>Anyone want to craft an amazing meal plan for me?</b>Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-35572174617091020732013-04-24T17:50:00.000-07:002013-04-24T18:00:22.203-07:00Transferable (?) Love <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11.5pt;">This past weekend, Hannah and I took a trip to Nashville.</span></div>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">I simply
wanted to get out of Chicago for a bit. Hannah wanted to see her mama and
introduce me to Old Hickory, Tennessee. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">We had fun.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">I met Hannah's grandparents and they fed me an excellent meal
(which included platanos maduros and homemade flan).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"> I saw Mandy again--she is
a friend of Hannah's who I met a little over a month ago when she visited
Chicago. In the company of her mother, sister, best friend, and mother's
friend, I watched Hannah get her 7<sup>th</sup> tattoo.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"> I saw the sights of Nashville and had several meaningful
conversations with my gal. It was good. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">The most significant part of the weekend, however, was that I was
well- loved by Hannah's family and friends and I knew I was receiving this love
mainly because Hannah is loved. I couldn't help but meditate on this.</span><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">Because Hannah’s mother and sister love her so much, they were
happy to act as my tour guides, to drive me to the At&t store when my phone
stopped working, to fix me tea in the morning before church, and to call me
“honey.” </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11.5pt;">Because Mandy and her husband, Rocky love Hannah so much, they
were happy to welcome me into their home and to have me play with their
children (one of whom complimented my braids endlessly, gave me kisses, told me
she was falling in love with me, and declared that we were going to get
married). Mandy greeted me like an old friend. Rocky shared an amazing dessert
with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;">That they all showed me so much love (and there were many more
examples of this than I will list) because Hannah values me and they love
Hannah was just remarkable to me. It was important because their love trumped
their lack of wholehearted approval of or comfort with my relationship with
Hannah. </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">And as I write this I’m thinking that
it was all very Kingdom-like and a good example for me. I should be more intentional
about loving people well, regardless of whether I approve of or agree with them,
taking the fact that they are very loved by God (who I love) as reason enough.
I've frequently stated/ communicated with others that my reason for believing
that everyone deserves to receive dignity and justice, to have their voices
heard, and to just be treated well is because everyone is made in God’s image.
This makes each person as equally and infinitely valuable as the other. Too
often that’s just an abstract idea--one that I like to discuss but can forget
to practice in my day to day living. This weekend was a good reminder to love
for the sake of Love and a beautiful illustration of how to do just that.
</span><b style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11.5pt;">Thank you Abuelos de Hannah,
Michelle, Renee, Rachel, Stella, Mandy, Rocky, Dave, and Andrea for teaching me
well this weekend.</span></div>
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Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-6131730587823089282013-02-11T17:50:00.002-08:002013-02-11T18:33:34.240-08:00Mid-February WellnessI sat down a few days ago to write a detailed food update. I couldn't do it. I literally tried for hours and could only produce 2 incoherent paragraphs. I haven't discussed food here since the beginning of November so a large part of me wants to tell you every little detail about what I've been eating. But for some reason, my brain can't make it happen! So I'll just say that from November to now I've exercised about 4 times and I've been eating the unhealthiest that I have in about a year and a half--mainly junk food, lots of sugar, lots of refined carbs, lots of alcohol. Ironically, I've lost about 5 pounds on this "diet" and am the smallest I've been since high school. Not ironically, I've had the stomach flu and 3 colds during this time-- the final cold lasted a whopping 5 weeks.<br />
<br />
Yech.<br />
<br />
I am amused that I managed to lose weight while eating 90% junk and not exercising. I've learned that, <b>for me</b>, the quantity of food consumed has a more significant impact on my weight than the quality of food consumed. Although I scarfed down junk for the past couple of months, I ate sporadically. On most days, due to poor decision making and the lack of an appetite, energy, interest and/ or time, I only ate one or two meals. And so my tummy shrank, and my pants got baggy...and my immune system went on vacation. I had a physical about a week and a half ago and learned that I had borderline low blood pressure. This was also funny to me considering the high sodium content of everything I'd been eating for the past few months. Less funny, however, was that my iron levels were low and that I basically had no Vitamin D in my body! Ok--I exaggerate. My levels were just abysmally low at 19 (according to my doctor, 30 is the adequate level) !<br />
<br />
But good news:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQLmQogEB5i2_Y61bwbHsjt4HethGTEsPh7BhVHDYuc-UseqERR2HiVAoXSDOcd-dSrGaRHUqRFkuEjZyJSeDQj84wuAd42DqLCv9gM1iKKT0XUExC7p3a4_sp3ITC5hiE1tqL4j4pa8P/s1600/green+smoothie+at+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQLmQogEB5i2_Y61bwbHsjt4HethGTEsPh7BhVHDYuc-UseqERR2HiVAoXSDOcd-dSrGaRHUqRFkuEjZyJSeDQj84wuAd42DqLCv9gM1iKKT0XUExC7p3a4_sp3ITC5hiE1tqL4j4pa8P/s1600/green+smoothie+at+work.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week's sole green smoothie</td></tr>
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<br />
I've come to a place where I again have both the desire to eat well, and some of the [mental and physical] energy I need to make that happen. I planned to make February my month to focus on wellness, or something, but we're almost half way through the month, and I've still been eating junk, averaging 3 hours of sleep a night, not exercising, and drinking too much [liquor]. I'm not stressing about it though. Over the past couple months I've really realized that I'm not mentally at the place where trying to be a stickler about food will be beneficial to me. . It's been hard for me to admit, but I have "deeper" things to work on before I'll be able to successfully follow a "strict" food regimen.<br />
<br />
So I have some <b>simple daily goals (SDG's--</b><span style="font-size: x-small;">you know you like that</span><b>)</b> for now:<br />
<br />
1. get 7 hours of sleep<br />
2. do 20 minutes of exercise (not including my walks to and from work)<br />
3. drink a green smoothie and eat a serving of steamed veggies<br />
4. have 30 minutes of communion with God in whatever form seems best that day<br />
5. journal<br />
6. drink 8 cups of water<br />
<br />
A list of 6 things might seem too long, but I have at least 10 other things I want to add. So I am pleased with myself for committing to only 6.<br />
<br />
And these are foundational. I need rest, veggies, and water. I need to move. I need God and I need to have sorted thoughts and feelings. I don't think I'll be able to make any other long-term positive changes in my life until those 6 things are standard.<br />
<br />
I'll start tonight with a green smoothie and 7 hours of sleep. This is going to go amazingly well.<br />
<br />
<br />Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-21428068290618558382012-12-21T17:50:00.001-08:002012-12-21T23:08:33.640-08:00Navel-Gazing <br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been really very busy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been eating shitty food and giving my conscience the
middle finger.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been checked out for a little while—caught up in my
head but not aware of what’s been going on in my spirit. I’ve been having fun
but dealing with this lingering unease. I’ve been afraid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been subsisting
on <em>Mumford and Sons</em>. I’ve been dying to change bad habits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been working full days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been thinking of God as someone I used to know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been longing for courage. I’ve been
hating people. I’ve been eschewing thoughts of “better.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been tired of all of this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But…I’m on a mini vacation now. And I’m putting myself back
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a new year’s approaching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I plan on living it better.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I'll be back soon with relevant material :).</span> <br />
<br />
Just in case you were wondering where I've been...Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-15264410618540710932012-11-03T14:52:00.000-07:002012-11-03T14:53:13.866-07:00Simple Sweet Potato Pie--Paleo and Vegan<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like to bring separate worlds together. Twilight and Harry
potter? I love both! Christian and Feminist? Right here, baby. Paleo and Vegan?
We can make it work! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m on the hunt for
recipes that fit in both worlds. I’ve come up with a few simple ones myself and
found a couple of others. I am excited to share them on this blog! Here is one
to start</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Simple Paleo Vegan Sweet Potato Pie<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crust<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 cup raw macadamia nuts and raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 dates<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Filling<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ can of sweet potato puree<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ tsp cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/8 tsp nutmeg<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/8 tsp ground ginger<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make the crust put the nuts and dates in a
food processor and process until the mixture is sticky and clumps together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Press mixture into small pie pan ( I used a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 cup circular Pyrex container <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b/c I didn’t have pie pans)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whisk sweet potato pie puree with spices, scoop
onto crust, and spread evenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake at 350 degrees until sweet potato starts to
brown (about 15 minutes?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let cool and stick in the fridge for about half
an hour so that it’ll be nice and firm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">EAT IT!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I decided to make this because I used half a can of sweet
potato puree to make salmon cakes and didn’t know what to do with the remaining
bit. Pie seemed like a good choice! I definitely broke a Whole30 rule—they tell
you not to recreate desserts using Paleo approved ingredients—but ah well. I think
this was basically a meal. It had fruit (dates), a vegetable (sweet potato),
healthy fats (raw nuts), and spices! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND
it was tiny and it still took me 3 days to eat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So even though dates are high sugar and nuts
are high fat, I used small amounts and ate small servings so it was definitely
healthy. Let me know if you try to make this. I’ve only attempted this once so
these might not be the best instructions. But it’s so simple I really don’t
think you can go wrong!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-87839146854269351632012-11-03T14:43:00.004-07:002012-11-03T14:44:18.407-07:00Paleo Trial: Days 16-18So....<br />
<br />
Things have fallen apart. The collapse started slowly with the popcorn and Hot Tamales, peaked on Halloween when my roommates and I had a huge bucket of candy and no trick-or-treaters (you figure out what happened), and is now tapering off. Sigh. Now, I definitely don't think I'll be able to tell just how beneficial the Paleo diet was or could have been for me. I'm going to post what I ate on Days 16, 17, and 18. I'm currently on day 22. We will call days 19-21 the "lost days" and I won't talk about them. The shame is too great. We'll see if I can at least finish strong and do Paleo really well from days 23-30. I think I am over it though. This was exciting at first but I really don't think it's something that I can do all day every day. Quality, cruelty free meat is just too much for my budget! It really stresses me out--buying pricey meat and worrying about not having enough of it when I have so many different kinds of beans sitting in my pantry (I have a post coming up about this)!! AND it's also kind of boring. Beef, chicken, fish, beef chicken fish, beefchickenfish, maybe lamb, sometimes goat, a little pork, beefchickenfish, turkey. Boiled egg, scrambled egg, poached egg, omlette. Repeat. LOL. OK...I am being completely unfair. There are <strong>tons</strong> of ways to get creative with your meat (and I absolutely love ground beef, pork, and salmon--grass fed, wild). But I just don't like preparing meat as much as I like making plant-based meals. I think a big part of that is that I'm still battling with how I feel about eating meat regularly. On a good note though, one of my main fears has been put to rest--eating a lot of meat will not automatically make you constipated! The fiber from the fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds has proven to be sufficient for my digestive system. Yay for being regular!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 16<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could do better<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green tea<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(w/ a bit
of honey and stevia!)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apple<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Almond pumpkin bars made by paleo friend at church<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bbq pork<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lettuce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Orange<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chicken leg and thigh<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roasted onions<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grapes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 17<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwYQcgUeHQ5A1OhCjGTlR8VUOsOvyB7nsxroGjYyKB18lcFCI1L1s5FEs0hn71aOmjU5dqV-A7DwSduHpnrE5kN7c9DkBwQjAP05DiH2JFn-gLQ541SCEcEuip7lbL37i7ZqrKD2qTF7B/s1600/paleo+green+smoothie+and+omlette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwYQcgUeHQ5A1OhCjGTlR8VUOsOvyB7nsxroGjYyKB18lcFCI1L1s5FEs0hn71aOmjU5dqV-A7DwSduHpnrE5kN7c9DkBwQjAP05DiH2JFn-gLQ541SCEcEuip7lbL37i7ZqrKD2qTF7B/s320/paleo+green+smoothie+and+omlette.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I often end up eating breakfast at work b/c I'm always running late!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 serving green smoothie- 2 cups chard, ¼ raw soaked
almonds, 2 tbs ground flaxseed soaked overnight, 1 apple, 1 frozen banana, ½
avocado, water to blend. Yum. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Omlette-2 eggs, onions, nutritional yeast and a bit of sea
salt<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Snack<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup grapes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups red leaf lettuce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roasted Chicken breast<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup raisins<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peppermint tea<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 gala apple<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Post work out meal<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> serving green smoothie<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oBOu4lLrlnrTD55C07bB4vTDQW4VjGCTNSU5w11j8izc3YU7BgvgsiSxr1h1cNLFzPSynBRwThmgG534CW0pE9_16f9cqNyfxFIWVNLZCN7taE7PIWBcmLRglrL623X3XG0_dRBZHa09/s1600/paleo+salmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oBOu4lLrlnrTD55C07bB4vTDQW4VjGCTNSU5w11j8izc3YU7BgvgsiSxr1h1cNLFzPSynBRwThmgG534CW0pE9_16f9cqNyfxFIWVNLZCN7taE7PIWBcmLRglrL623X3XG0_dRBZHa09/s320/paleo+salmon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this meal so much!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 oz wild Alaskan salmon: broiled with an amazing honey-mustard glaze!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 baked acorn squash with coconut butter and sea salt (so good!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2/3 cup steamed mixed veggies<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 18<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green Smoothie- 2 cups tastoi, ½ avocado, 1 gala apple, 1
banana, ¼<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cup raw almonds, soaked, water
to blend.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Omlette from 3 eggs and ½ a large yellow onion<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup grapes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup raisins and handful of raw walnuts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roasted chicken<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/5 cups red leaf lettuce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Snack <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second serving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>green
smoothie<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love ground beef. Made some<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for tomorrow’s meals and I just love that
kind of still raw bloody beef taste it has. Mm.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
I decided to leave my thoughts about ground beef unedited. Gross right? But so true. Yum. Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-52840252438840359272012-10-30T22:35:00.003-07:002012-10-30T22:35:50.973-07:00Quickie: Jillian Michaels Talks PaleoHi friends!<br />
<br />
Just wanted to share this very quick video of Jillian Michaels (love. her.) discussing her opinion of the Paleo diet. I really like her take on it and on different diets in general! She basically says to use common sense and eat whole real foods and not fake crap and you'll ultimately be fine! Have a looksie! <br />
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Isn't she great?! Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-1437228497514423422012-10-30T22:16:00.002-07:002012-10-30T22:16:20.088-07:00Paleo Trial: Days 13-15Ok, <br />
<br />
I'm just going to come right out and confess. On Saturday night (day 15) I ate popcorn and Hot Tamales (the candy)!!! My roommates and I watched The Shining, in honor of Halloween weekend and those were our movie watching snacks. The good news is that the popcorn was fairly healthy since we (well, <em>they</em>) popped it from the original kernel, in a pot w/ olive oil (as opposed to the not so healthy microwave variety). My body definitely reacted though. Within 5 minutes I was super bloated! The bloating lasted for hours, in fact I was still bloated when I went to sleep and felt pretty uncomfortable when I woke up the next morning. And that morning, Sunday, I put a bit of raw honey and stevia in my tea! And after church on Sunday I had a little pumpkin ball thingy that a friend of mine made, the ingredients of which included maple syrup, rolled oats, and sugar. AND that same friend gave me a few slices of a pumpkin loaf she'd made the previous evening. The loaf was made from almond flour and thus completely grain free and "essentially" paleo-friendly but there were maple syrup and chocolate chips in it! Then I had some more Hot Tamales on Sunday night because the huge bag was in our living room and it was literally calling out to me. Ok, not literally, but still. Overall, I don't feel bad about my minor Paleo deviance. According to the Whole30 people I technically need to start the 30 day trial over because I interfered with my body's resetting process. According to Loren Cordain (author of <em>The Paleo Diet), </em>however, everything is alright, I've just used up my "open meals" for the week (although those things don't qualify as "meals" really) and I'll always be fine as long as the majority of the food I eat is strictly Paleo! So. I am ok. I think I am going to tack an additonal 2 days on to my trial though to make up for Saturday and Sunday. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 13<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hot water w/ lemon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie #3 "Mangolicious Strawberry-Mint" -strawberry, mango, mizuna, mint, water,
ground flax, cinnamon, soaked almonds, dash of sea salt. I'd give this one a 6. Again, just not sweet enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Salmon cakes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jasmine green tea<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dried fig w/ a few raw macadamia nuts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meal 2<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chicken breast<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup lettuce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An orange<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 figs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Handful of macadamia nuts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salmon cake<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3</u> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Garlic Shrimp<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I
cooked an entire bag of frozen shrimp and ate nearly ¾ of it in one go!!)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup Russian kale sautéed with olive oil and garlic<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small piece of paleo sweet potato pie <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peppermint tea<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 14<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hot water w/lemon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green tea w/ a touch of raw honey (gasp I know I cheated)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie #6 “Vanilla Chai” smoothie- 2 cups greens
(mix of kale, mizuna,and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chard), figs, soaked chia gel, soaked almond, soaked sunflower seeds, avocado, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, dash of sea salt, ice....meh. I guess i'd give it a 6.5/7. I was impressed that you couldn't taste the greens. And I suppose it did taste "chai"-ish. I just didn't like it a whole lot overall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> leftover broiled garlic shrimp<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 fuji apple<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">M</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">eal 2<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups steamed cauliflower<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.5 Salmon cakes <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 small clementine oranges <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small piece of paleo- friendly sweet potato pie<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHuVONHMEafPq962EpXJqohZ2qFNrSj-YD2hiwuFdBB1ULypi1cRAQd4USebhyphenhypheneeqoH1NX2tY0OhG4sZpmtwySDQzO0D8FlnyDYXDNg4mtk64ikBHxVIknS4RPXa_FTFJiYxDP2tcDBQu/s1600/paleo+leonas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHuVONHMEafPq962EpXJqohZ2qFNrSj-YD2hiwuFdBB1ULypi1cRAQd4USebhyphenhypheneeqoH1NX2tY0OhG4sZpmtwySDQzO0D8FlnyDYXDNg4mtk64ikBHxVIknS4RPXa_FTFJiYxDP2tcDBQu/s1600/paleo+leonas.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grilled chicken salad from Leonas w/ Italian dressing. I
should have learned my lesson about dressings by now. I doubt it was Paleo
approved. I felt very allergy-y after eating it. I need to make my own dressing<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My salad came with an amazing looking loaf of bread. I
nearly cried b/c I wanted to eat it so badly. I gave it to my roommate though.
Sigh. The no bread thing is just getting harder and harder. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 15<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie #7 "Choc-Chai Smoothie" -2 cups mizuna, soaked sunflower seeds, soaked
almonds,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>water,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>soaked chia gel, avocado, figs, dates, cacao powder, ccinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, dash of sea salt. Again, impressed by the no-greens taste but wasn't a big fan over all. 6.5/7. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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Left over Leona's <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salad mix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can of sardines ( I made a sardine salad!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roasted red onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rest of paleo sweet potato pie<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Skj7M47xykOoR8omCZ_8emeSt19ZG77xglU3k4VA1H2xhMMEwhVAChaF89O_NFbzKKAN200rLWAUJt-mUzhtkcDIGWY2pZPSt48s__kIqXmXwufaAxEBy-9T5QY57QK-P4Q6JEkhXx1P/s1600/P1030534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Skj7M47xykOoR8omCZ_8emeSt19ZG77xglU3k4VA1H2xhMMEwhVAChaF89O_NFbzKKAN200rLWAUJt-mUzhtkcDIGWY2pZPSt48s__kIqXmXwufaAxEBy-9T5QY57QK-P4Q6JEkhXx1P/s1600/P1030534.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I roasted a whole chicken on my own! I need practice lol. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tiny roasted chicken wings (this was unintentional. I was cutting/tearing my roast chicken into pieces and the next thing I knew there was a tiny, crispy chicken wing in my hand and i thought to myself "I can either put this in the container or just eat this little thing right now!" I chose the latter. Same story for the 2nd wing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apple,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small taste bites of bbq country style pork ribs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">M</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">eal 3<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2zUbkHh_Duu7KBBeiD1f8LFtqd4yr_Av2WDusGZd6Nv4DOFKvHON67koxzEpfLBEH5mOmopBkSu3E-9fCxu0e_CxtrQM8ILO9BgwqqZnBvOg8wpAkE_3L961YI8m7feZISMFV0WrQMLw/s1600/P1030539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2zUbkHh_Duu7KBBeiD1f8LFtqd4yr_Av2WDusGZd6Nv4DOFKvHON67koxzEpfLBEH5mOmopBkSu3E-9fCxu0e_CxtrQM8ILO9BgwqqZnBvOg8wpAkE_3L961YI8m7feZISMFV0WrQMLw/s1600/P1030539.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Handful of grapes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">slow cooked bbq c</span>ountry style pork ribs (my first time cooking pork. HUGE success :D) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salad (STILL had leftover salad from Leona's) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peppermint tea<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oemmgee- popcorn and hot tamales, my “open meal” while
watching a movie with my roommates….super bloated. FOR HOURS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still bloated as I go to sleep typing this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
So I am behind on updating. As I type this I've just completed day 18. I'll share what I ate days 16-18 tomorrow! I must say I don't know what I'm currently making of ths diet. The novelty has worn off some and I miss being an aspiring vegan. More on that later, though. Who knows, I might feel differently in another 2 weeks!Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-15284242102907300792012-10-26T00:54:00.001-07:002012-10-26T00:54:37.088-07:00Where to go from here: A "spiritual" update <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6D6NV3A0vjz6rLEjbQZodWtcNhiuoBoBnfUdkRCrqH_a3ImhHjPSKp09WiSYYgdmAEk9dsX5U7BWg5TgWzuS63ne_hrF_a4t05RwC7kvhG8-7FNR_PfvEQFjgoO2gotGtjzLyS97Qz3O/s1600/fork+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6D6NV3A0vjz6rLEjbQZodWtcNhiuoBoBnfUdkRCrqH_a3ImhHjPSKp09WiSYYgdmAEk9dsX5U7BWg5TgWzuS63ne_hrF_a4t05RwC7kvhG8-7FNR_PfvEQFjgoO2gotGtjzLyS97Qz3O/s1600/fork+road.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am notoriously late to everything— work, meetings, movie
dates, appointments, casual hangouts, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering this, I was very happy when I made
it to church at a decent time this past Sunday! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally, when I arrive, there are only seven
minutes left of the sermon or five minutes left of prayer time, which comes
after the sermon. Not so last Sunday—I was there before the service even
started!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sang all of the worship
songs; I read the entire liturgy; I heard every prayer request, and shared my
own, during our communal prayer time; and most importantly, I listened to the
sermon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a really great sermon. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our associate pastor, Mike, spoke about the cost of
discipleship. I have been preoccupied with many things these past few months
and being a true disciple of Jesus has been the least of them. Jesus tells us
to count the cost of being his disciple, to really consider if we are ready to
love our family, friends, lovers, and lives LESS than we love him. Lately, for
me, the answer has been “no, I’m not ready. No I don’t want to.” But Jesus says
we can’t live the life he has for us without giving up everything. Pastor Mike reminded
us of all these things but this is what he emphasized—the glory of what we
receive in return far surpasses all we give up. The Kingdom of God is worth all
we have and own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I needed to hear that. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having been a church attendee my entire life, literally my
entire life, it’s something I have heard many, many times. It’s not something
I’d really thought about lately, however. I believe that the Kingdom of God is
worth everything. I do. At the same time, I don’t know if I reaaaally believe
it because it’s not something my life currently reflects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit—I think about
them a lot, I think TO them a lot, but they are not at the center of my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read a chapter in my Bible every few days or
so; every once in a while I crack open my devotional; I regularly attend my
biweekly women’s small group. I try to be kind, patient and not bitchy…most
days. I give money to those who ask it from me….most times. I thank God for my
blessings; I say prayers for other people when they text me their requests… That
is all there is to my “spiritual life” right now. And y’know…those things a
disciple do not make. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m in, but I am not all in.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not all in, and I
am not about to take any leaps to be all in. I am not sure what that should
look like for me. I am, however, going to think about the cost again. Mike’s
sermon woke me up in a way and reminded me that if I’m going to do this
Christianity thing well, the goal is to be an actual disciple. So I’m going to
approach Jesus again with that in mind. I’m going to observe him, learn from
him, listen to his teachings about the Kingdom of God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to look at all the things going on
in my life right now and see how I feel about them in light of seriously considering
God’s Kingdom again. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What does that actually mean practically?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>::incoherent mumble/sound that roughly
translates to “I ‘unno”:: A lot of scripture reading? A lot of meditation? I’m <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>really not sure. I’m going to ask God to help
me with this. I know S/he will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-5165815468079025142012-10-26T00:21:00.002-07:002012-10-26T00:27:37.423-07:00Paleo Trial: Days 10-12For the past week, I've been reading <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Paleo-Diet-Healthy-Designed/dp/0470913029/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351233526&sr=8-1&keywords=the+paleo+diet+cordain" target="_blank">The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat</a></em> by Loren Cordain, Ph.D. Apparently he was one of the first people to really publicize the Paleo diet and his books are listed in the "Resource" section of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starts-Food-Discover-Whole30-Unexpected/dp/1936608898/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351233670&sr=1-1&keywords=it+starts+with+food+discover+the+whole30+and+change+your+life+in+unexpected+ways" target="_blank">It Starts With Food.</a></em> I find this listing a little funny as there are significant differences between the type of Paleo diet the Hartwigs (the <em>ISWF</em> authors) endorse and the type that Cordain endorses. <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://whole9life.com/2012/08/the-whole30-program/" target="_blank">Whole30</a> people (the Hartwigs) say that fat in your meat does not matter as long as the meat is grass fed, pastured, and organic. Cordain says ALWAYS choose the leanest cuts of meat. Always. The Hartwigs advocate cooking with ghee and coconut oil and say that eating sweet potatoes is fine. Cordain says absolutely no potatoes of any kind and that olive oil is the only oil that should be used for cooking. Cordain also says that walnuts are the best nuts to eat because of their favorable omega 6-omega 3 ratio. The Hartwigs say that walnuts are the absolute worst nut to eat. Wanna use flax oil? The Hartwigs say "NO!" Cordain says "sure!!" Wanna add a little sea salt to your food? Cordain says "NO!" The Hartwigs say, "absolutely....and while you're at it use a little table salt too so that you get enough iodine in your diet." Cordain says no more than 6-12 eggs per week. The Hartwigs say 3-5 eggs per meal baby. Wanna snack on some fruit? Cordain says "go ahead." The Hartwigs say "ehhh...you really shouldn't be snacking. Least of all on fruit alone. If you MUST make sure you add lots of protein and some fat to that snack!" <br />
<br />
Most significantly, Cordain is all about the stone age.The foundation for all of his pro-Paleo diet arguments is that early humans ate this way and thrived on this diet. As I mentioned in my initial post about deciding to start the Whole30 program, the Hartwigs hardly refer to early humans but rather cite a ton of current scientific/ medical research proving the benefits of the foods they advocate eating and the negative consequences of eating the foods they deem "less healthy." <br />
<br />
So just like over in Vegan city, Paleo town is filled with "experts" who don't necessarily agree with one another on the best way to live their chosen diet. I'm curious about what I'll find in the third Paleo book I pick up. <br />
<br />
In other news, in an effort to step up my green smoothie game, I recenly purchased the ebook<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Green-Smoothie-Magic-Delicious-ebook/dp/B00952UYLO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351233792&sr=1-1&keywords=green+smoothie+magic+-+132%2B+delicious+green+smoothie+recipes+that+trim+and+slim" target="_blank"> Green Smoothie Magic: 132+ Delicious Green Smoothie Recipes That Trim And Slim</a></em> . I have decided to make each of the 132 smoothies and rate them! I have made four so far and have only really liked one. I think the main reason I haven't been blown away by any of the recipes is that the fruits that I've been using have not been that sweet and I haven't been adding any sweetener. The great thing about all the recipes though is that they each have AT LEAST 2 cups of greens in them and you really can't taste them once everything is blended. Tomorrow, I'll be making a "Vanilla Chai" smoothie and I'm excited to see how something with 2 cups of greens in it can still taste like chai! <br />
<br />
Anywhoo here's what I ate on days 10-12 with some random notes included:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 10<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meal 1<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo6lBUhFMYfea9YsjwEFmdSgn0pGlTax5334pDezroXwAO1GW_eXAl6eCnaqpPPc9F48XB6iOejZ3a3ZLqjwcJaxoSNk_dKkLG2_9cG1m6r5TuNL25jgxlFL0ipabaYtLfI20YKUE4TcR/s1600/paleo+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo6lBUhFMYfea9YsjwEFmdSgn0pGlTax5334pDezroXwAO1GW_eXAl6eCnaqpPPc9F48XB6iOejZ3a3ZLqjwcJaxoSNk_dKkLG2_9cG1m6r5TuNL25jgxlFL0ipabaYtLfI20YKUE4TcR/s1600/paleo+day+10.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My breakfast vs. Emile's breakfast. Why does the 4 year old have more food than I do? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie-"#1 Classic Pine-Mint Smoothie" -spinach, mint, pineapple, avocado,
water—approx<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 cups. I'd rate this one a 6.5. Wasn't sweet enough for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Hard boiled eggs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup strawberries<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small handful of raw cashews</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Pre workout snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 dried figs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Big slice of dried mango<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 small handfuls raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baked almond crusted dover sole (have I mentioned that I hate Dover Sole fish?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 1 cup spinach<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup green beans<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <u>M</u></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>eal 3</u> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://wellnessmama.com/1618/stuffed-peppers-with-guacamole-and-salad-kid-approved/" target="_blank">Stuffed bell peppers</a> (red bell pepper w/ ground turkey,
onion, garlic, zucchini, tomatoe, egg, spices)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Romaine lettuce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/?s=apple+muffin" target="_blank">Paleo “apple muffins”</a> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dried mango slices <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 11<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie-"#2 Cinnamango Smoothie" 2 cups chard, mango, mint, water, cinnamon,
sea salt, vanilla extract. Another 6.5 for the same reason.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Half of a stuffed bell pepper w/ fried egg, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apple muffin <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> serving green smoothie<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fuji apple<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Half of a stuffed bell pepper<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup raw romaine lettuce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 dried figs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 kiwi<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup green beans<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups seasoned ground turkey (leftover bell pepper filling)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ avocado’’<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 small sweet potato<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 apple muffins!!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">S</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">nack<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 dried figs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few pieces of pan cooked chicken breast that I made
tonight for tomorrow<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 12<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie-apple, mango, tatsoi, parsley, mint ,
flaxseed, water<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 fried eggs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About 10 minutes after finishing everything I had the worst
acid reflux every in my life. Shit burned. And I’ve been feeling “reflux-y” all
day since </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rooibos peppermint tea. Amazing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meal 2<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> serving of green smoothie<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chicken breast<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups romaine lettuce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 oz organic unsweetened apple sauce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 dried figs and a handful of raw macadamia nuts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small handful cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small bowl of fruit-frozen strawberries and pineapple<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 salmon cakes (recipe from <em>It Starts With Food)</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green beans<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Frozen pineapple <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Fin. <br />
Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-55948697496937674092012-10-23T23:15:00.002-07:002012-10-23T23:15:37.868-07:00Paleo Trial: Days 7-9Hey! <br />
<br />
I am a little behind on updating but don't worry, I am still going Paleo strong! The past couple of days have not been great though. I have been craving bread like a crazy person. Due to poor planning, and I think not having enough meat in my meals, I have been snacking too often. I made the mistake of buying dried mango slices from Trader Joes this weekend. They were pure mango--unsweetened, unsulfured-- but still a big problem! They were very addictive. I kept wanting (and going back for) more. I have also been eating way too many raw cashews! In <em>It Starts With Food</em>, the authors classify sugar, processed foods and refined foods as "food with no brakes" because they are so easy to over consume. I've realized that even though dried fruit and raw cashews are healthier than a lot of things I could be eating, they still fall into the "food with no brakes" category <strong>for me. </strong>I can never stop at one serving of these foods, so I really need to be careful with them. Another not good thing--I made muffins. Apart from having 1/2 tsp of baking soda, they were made with all "Paleo" ingredients--Almonds (ground into almond flour, eggs, coconut oil, banana, apple, cinnamon)--but they also proved addictive even though they weren't really sweet. I made them for my small group meeting but ended up having 4 left over. I ate all 4 of them today. Sigh. <br />
<br />
But I will not dwell on that. Instead I'll focus on the fact that I haven't had any sugar, gluten, or dairy for 11 whole days. I am proud of myself. I am nearly halfway through my 30 day trial! <br />
<br />
Here's what I ate on days 7,8, and 9. (I am just copying my food journal from MS Word into this post so it's going to include the random thoughts I had while I typed up what I ate each day)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 7<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1</u> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.5 cups Green
smoothie-soaked almonds, water, kale, pear, banana, flax oil, flaxseed<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 scrambled eggs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 cups chicken soup,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 olives<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal-ish 3 or snack</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 large pear sautéed in ghee and cinnamon with 1 tbs raw
almond butter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Very rough day. I waited too long to eat lunch…poor
planning/ unfortunate circumstances so by the time I got home I was ravenous!
And the chicken soup just didn’t cut it for me. I had 4 cups! And was hungry
not too long after and I didn’t have anything paleo approved that was easily
fixable (time do a little grocery shopping!) and then I just really wanted to
order pizza. Ahh! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 8<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 fried eggs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 pear<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://hotelorrington.com/documents/GlobeLunchMenu_4.27.2012_Web.pdf" target="_blank">Lunch at Global Café</a> -Large chopped cobb salad romaine, baby
mixed greens, chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkin seeds, avocado, bacon, hard
cooked egg, balsamic vinaigrette. It also came with blue cheese but I asked
them to leave that out. I am pretty sure the balsamic vinaigrette had some no-no
ingredients in it…but oh well. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel a hard period coming up. Since yesterday evening I’ve
really wanted bread or some kind of pastry! I would even settle for sweet
potato fries! Ughh. It’s so bad that I almost cried today while having lunch
(meal 2) with a friend as I explained to her how much I REALLY REALLY wanted
some bread. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Raw baby carrots </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cup of strawberries<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another ¼ cup raw cashews <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feeling a weird kind of swelling in my throat. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup steamed mixed veggies<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Curry goat w/ parsnips<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 plantain, half fried, half baked<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 9= Disaster!!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Smoothie- 2 tbs soaked chia seeds, ¼ raw soaked almonds, 1.5
cups water, 2 lettuce leaves, ½ avocado, 1 frozen banana, 1 tsp green superfood
powder “Amazing Grass” brand—yech.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Curry Goat<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strawberries<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carrots<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3,<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dried mango<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dried mango<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dried mango<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Macadamia nuts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dried figs <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Munch munch munch<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 4<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pan fried dover sole fish (never again buying this type of fish!)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup spinach sautéed<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put waay to much salt on the spinach and fish </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh and I’m eating dinner at 12:28 am this day is officially
a fail for food. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news is I went grocery shopping all day today and
am pretty prepped for the week. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
There you go! I want to say that Days 10 and 11 were better but you can be the judge when I post about them tomorrow. Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-33560097346865009402012-10-18T21:53:00.000-07:002012-10-18T21:53:23.874-07:00Paleo Trial Days 4-6: My tummy's gonna s'plode. <br />
But you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at it. Despite the fact that I've eaten a pound of ground beef, 5 whole eggs, and 2 drumsticks in 2 days, my tummy is actually smaller/leaner looking than it's been in a while. <br />
<br />
Guys, on the one hand I am having a BLAST with this Paleo thing. On the other hand I am full of worries! Tonight marks the end of Day 6 and I have noticed a few significant changes already! I'll start with the unpleasant stuff first:<br />
-My poop is different and not as regular as I'd like and my tummy is generally uncomfortable. Here and now at the end of Day 6, however, the discomfort is less than it has been so yay. According to the readers of It Starts Wtih Food, "digestive distress is common and may take a few months to completely resolve," pg 214. <br />
-I'm peeing alot more! This is something I noticed right away and it wasn't associated with drinking more water because I wasn't drinking more water right away (I am trying to now though to help with my tummy discomfort). Goodbye extra water weight!<br />
-I'm worried about the volume of meat/animal protein I'm consuming. I just can't seem to escape that. I know that I'll worry less once I know more about how this diet is affecting my body. <br />
<br />
Good things:<br />
-My sugar and refined carb cravings are manageable. Much more manageable than they were when I was on a vegan diet high in flour products, beans and grains! <br />
-I feel a lot better than I thought I would this first week. I haven't had headaches or been crankier or more fatigued than usual which is something I expected, and something that the authors of It Starts With Food, warned their readers about. <br />
-I am pretty full most of the time! This has been strange for me. On Day 5 my breakfast and lunch were 5 hours apart and when I had lunch I didn't actually feel like I needed to eat but I figured that it was about time that I did. I know that in my previous post about Days 1-3 I said that I felt like I needed to have 4 meals + snacks each day but that has definitely changed. <br />
-My energy levels are staying stable throughout the day! Normally between 12noon and 4pm I experience a severe dip in energy (this has frequently resulted in me needing to take a quick "nap" on the couch while Emile watches tv or plays with his trains) but that hasn't happened in the past 6 days! I'm definitely not bounding with energy...when I wake up in the mornings I still feel like I could use an extra hour (probably because I do actually need an extra hour) of sleep and I still feel very drained at the end of the day but my energy levels decline steadily over the course of the day instead of dipping dramatically, spiking (after snacking on something), dipping, and spiking like they had been before I started Paleo. <br />
-I am having an absolute blast researching and cooking new meals. I've found a ton of paleo blogs and I'm already obssessed! At first I was a little "ehhh" about the ickiness of dealing with raw meat, but it's bothering me less and less. <br />
-And finally, I've been having spontaneous bursts of optimism and happiness. Haha. I don't know if this is solely because of the diet change but I think it's related. Maybe my moods are better regulated because I'm not eating any refined or extra/added sugar or proccessed foods. <br />
<br />
I could say more but I think it is time to share what I've been eating!<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 4</strong><br />
Hot water and lemon <br />
<div>
<u>Meal 1</u> </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
1 serving green smoothie-2 cups red kale, 1/s avocado, 2 cups water, 1 banana, 2 tbs almond butter. 1 tbs ground flaxseeds </div>
<div>
Omelette, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup mustard greens. </div>
<div>
<u>Snack-</u> handful of raw cashews, 1 pear. Emile ate half of the pear. </div>
<div>
Jasmine green tea </div>
<div>
<u>Meal 2</u> </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
2nd serving of green smoothie </div>
<div>
1 medium baked sweet potato </div>
<div>
4 oz baked wild salmon (seasoned with lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper) </div>
<div>
I couldn't finish this meal in one sitting. I ate the second half 1.5 hrs later. </div>
<div>
<u>Meal 3</u> </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
Roasted purple cabbage and onion (fantastic!) </div>
<div>
1 <a href="http://chriskresser.com/two-delicious-paleo-chicken-recipes" target="_blank">Jerk chicken drumstick</a> </div>
<div>
2 cups of raw green leaf lettuce</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Day 5</strong></div>
Jasmine green tea <br />
<div>
<u>Meal 1</u> </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
2 boiled eggs w/ roasted purple cabbage and onion </div>
<div>
Pear sauteed in ghee and cinnamon </div>
<div>
<u>Meal 2</u> </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
2 jerk drumsticks plus 1.5 cups lettuce+ handful of cashews and 1/2 avocado </div>
<div>
<u>Meal 3</u> </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
Ground beef cooked in ghee with a red onion and seasoned with garlic powder, seal salt, and black pepper. Because of this meal ground meat might become a new obsession. It was so good that I kept eating it out of the pan. And before I knew it I'd eaten too much to have any space left for the blended salad I'd planned on eating with it :/. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Day 6</strong></div>
<div>
Hot water and lemon</div>
<div>
<u>Meal 1</u></div>
<div>
1 serving of green smoothie: 6 small-medium red kale leaves, 1/4 cup soaked raw cashews, 1 banana, 1 pear, 2 tsps flax oil, 1 tbs ground flaxseed, 2 cups water.</div>
<div>
2 eggs, scrambled</div>
<div>
<u>Meal 2</u></div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
2nd serving of green smoothie</div>
<div>
seasoned ground beef and raw baby carrots</div>
<div>
Snack (I had a meeting and needed something to eat until I could have dinner)</div>
<div>
1 large Fuji apple and raw baby carrots </div>
<u>Meal 3</u><br />
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<br />
<div>
1/4 cup raw cashews</div>
<div>
2 cups chicken soup ( I see why people call it comfort food mmmm :) ). </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Things I plan to do differently in Week 2</div>
<div>
-Eat more veggies! and fruit, but most importantly veggies</div>
<div>
-Eat less meat haha. I've had lamb, salmon, chicken legs, chicken wings, ground beef, and before the week is out goat will be on that list. I think I want to stick to two main meat sources per week.</div>
<div>
-Eat less eggs. By the end of this week I'd have eaten about 16 eggs in one week. </div>
<div>
-Cook with more coconut oil instead of ghee</div>
<div>
-Make a meal plan before grocery shopping! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Ok that's all for now. Stay tuned for days 7-9! </div>
Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-6289386373741230042012-10-15T18:15:00.002-07:002012-10-15T18:19:02.372-07:00Paleo trial: Days 1-3I am not a happy camper. Nope, nope, nope. <br />
<br />
I would like to eat some pizza.... Yes, yes, yes. <br />
<br />
A few minutes ago I'm pretty sure I could taste french bread on my tongue. <br />
<br />
Strange things are happening over here: funny smelling pee on Days 1 and 2; a funky feeling tummy on Day 3; the consistent taste of, what I can only assume is, animal fat on my tongue (brushing extra hard to take care of that!). <br />
<br />
On the bright side, I woke up yesterday and today not wanting to cry at the thought of strenuous activity. On the dark side again, my energy dipped and has not gone back up, and I am very cranky, and wanting sweet, doughy, fried food!<br />
<br />
According to the people at Whole30, though, the first week of this program is supposed to feel pretty bad. And really what I'm feeling is not anywhere near as bad as what they said it could be. So...yay?<br />
<br />
Anyway here is what I ate during days 1,2, and 3: <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 boiled eggs w/ ½ cup bok choy and 1 red pepper sautéed in
ghee with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a dash of seal salt and
turmeric..<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 kiwis and 1 cup green tea w/ ¼ tsp honey<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack</u> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Half of a baked acorn squash with ghee and a bit of sea salt<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie: 2 cups greens (chard and lactino kale), ½
avocado, 1 banana, handful of raw soaked almonds, 2 cups water to blend<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 kalamata olives<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meal 3<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lamb stew (pastured lamb shoulder, yams, red onion, garlic,
carrots, celery) over raw mustard greens and spring salad mix<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 dried apricots, 1 cashew cookie larabar (cashews and
dates),<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chamomile tea<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 2 <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1</u> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 fried eggs w/ boiled asparagus and a handful of olives
(couldn’t eat the whole handful in one sitting b/c they were just too salty<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green tea with a ¼ tsp of raw honey<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2</u> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.5 cups of leftover lamb stew over 1.5 cups of spring salad
greens . also some bits of a roast chicken from the church potluck<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Snack</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several handfuls of raw cashews<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leftover olives from breakfast<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Half of a baked acorn squash<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 3<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green smoothie made from:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2 big handfuls of spring salad mix, One handful mustard greens, 1
banana, about 8 red grapes, ½ an avocado, small handful of raw cashews, ¼ cup
raw and soaked almonds, piece of ginger, and water to blend. This made approx.
3 cups of smoothie. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 4<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
S<span style="font-family: Calibri;">poon of coconut butter<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 <a href="http://www.primal-palate.com/2011/10/harvest-spiced-drumsticks.html" target="_blank">"Harvest Spiced"</a> drumsticks (I ate one straight out of the baking pan) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups kale sautéed in ghee w/ garlic and sea salt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Day 3<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warm water w/ lemon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 1<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 boiled eggs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup microwave-steamed bok choy<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Fuji apple sautéed in ghee and cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Meal 2<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 banana<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.5 cups raw lettuce w/ ½ tsp extra virgin olive oil, salt
and pepper<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ an avocado<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups leftover lamb stew<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peppermint tea (no honey </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meal 3<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<br />
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<br />
A<span style="font-family: Calibri;">bout 4 handfuls of raw cashews (waaay too many but I was so
hungry when I got home I had to throw something in my mouth asap! only about 1 handful made it on the plate )<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup mixed “Mediterranean” veggies, steamed<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Handful olives<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 "Harvest spiced" drumstick <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
And I think I'm about to have a snack--banana w/ coconut butter..<br />
<br />
Some things:<br />
-I should not have had the honey in my tea on those first two days. But ::shrug:: I was good about that today and I will stick to the "no added sugar in any form" rule from now on. <br />
-Green smoothies are not "technically" Paleo I guess or Whole30 approved...but mine are pretty high in fat and protein, I'm not having them in the morning so I'm not starting my day with a big sugar burst, and they have 2 cups of raw greens in them...I think all of those facts knock out their main arguments against smoothies.<br />
-Snacking is not optimal (especially not the dried apricots and larabar I had on day 1). They suggest 3 meals a day (as big as you need them to be and 4 if you are really active) but if you do snack then it shoudl be a balanced protein-fat-carb snack (mostly protein). Since this is the first week though I think there is room for error. I have been having 4 meals + snacking! Maybe I need to start making my meals bigger to avoid the snack attack urge or maybe my body will adjust eventually and the snacking urge will go away. I'll let ya know. Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476266404541529043.post-5886217357823589312012-10-14T16:31:00.003-07:002012-10-15T18:16:15.388-07:00My Month of Meat (and seafood, eggs, nuts/seeds and healthy fats)Hello!<br />
<br />
I am switching gears a bit. I have decided to try the "Paleo," short for "Paleolithic," diet for 30 days ( I am currently on Day 2). Thank my friend <a href="http://janellekibbe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Janelle</a> who lent me the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starts-Food-Discover-Whole30-Unexpected/dp/1936608898" target="_blank">"<em>It Starts With Food</em>"</a> and also thank my inability to resist testing [seemingly sound] nutritional claims for myself! I am not going to give you an in depth explanation about the Paleo diet. I will tell you what you eat on it, but I won't go into any great detail because that would take too much time AND you have Google (or Bing if you prefer) to do that for you. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>What I will be eating:</strong><br />
- vegetables<br />
-sea vegetables (kelp, arame, dulse wakame) <br />
-meat (grass-fed, organic, pastured--not to be confused with "pasteurized," this means the animal was not raised in a factory or barn but on actual grass pastures)<br />
- eggs (from pastured chickens),<br />
-seafood (wild caught),<br />
- fresh fruit<br />
-raw nuts and seeds <br />
-other healthy fats: coconut (meat, butter, unrefined oil); olive oil; ghee (clarified butter i.e. butter with the milk proteins removed)<br />
- green tea, herbal teas<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qD2w_M_tYLXo-Rw0jSTPJyZ2LlByCi3321nai7tqByC8BxHL6sGGicXsj1yRsqEBT2dEPjlkPqG-UT0il97xA9-EnoODhJnw30KaqqRY_nzBIU1WngzQOmqjbRAE5OGskBoHH-bdOKhh/s1600/P1030482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qD2w_M_tYLXo-Rw0jSTPJyZ2LlByCi3321nai7tqByC8BxHL6sGGicXsj1yRsqEBT2dEPjlkPqG-UT0il97xA9-EnoODhJnw30KaqqRY_nzBIU1WngzQOmqjbRAE5OGskBoHH-bdOKhh/s320/P1030482.JPG" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghee: clarified butter i.e butter without the inflammatory milk proteins</td></tr>
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<strong>What I will NOT be eating:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
-added sugar or artificial sweeteners in any form including maple syrup, agave, stevia or...raw honey. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am actually undecided about the raw honey because I just love honey in my green tea and I only add about 1/4 of a tsp anyway...</span></em><br />
-grains (not even whole grains: no bread, pasta, baked goods, wheat, corn, brown rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth etc).<br />
-legumes ( no lentils, beans, peanuts, soybeans or products made from soy).<br />
-dairy (except ghee).<br />
- processed crap i.e cheetos and pumpkin doughnuts.<br />
<br />
In general I have heard the Paleo diet explained as healthy because it's the way "early humans" ate. Some proponents of the diet say that our digestive system hasn't evolved along with our agricultural practices and therefore can't handle all of the things we include in our diet in the present day. Well...I don't care all that much about how cavewomen or cavemen ate. I'm doing this because the research I've done (research that does not actually mention cavepeople) has adequately convinced me that some of the foods that I assume are good for me might actually be harming me. Specifically, I'll be following the <a href="http://whole9life.com/2012/08/the-whole30-program/" target="_blank">Whole30 program</a> (created by the authors of <em>It Starts With Food)</em>. Click on that link for a really great overview/ explanation of the program! (I am pretty sure any questions you might have will be answered by that link so click before you ask). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_mu01NH00tRZXA8mgl6Ba1eDPAdeV3ZDA7mEvSkrFpnrCI_QjBTDrkBpk7P5Je36WkiK7BSTr3xXhWH79Iz0BJwth_CpT9ZC3Pq4GgMiteMLrkz5ide-_4dFnC3f-TETia6xlZAWG87i/s1600/P1030484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_mu01NH00tRZXA8mgl6Ba1eDPAdeV3ZDA7mEvSkrFpnrCI_QjBTDrkBpk7P5Je36WkiK7BSTr3xXhWH79Iz0BJwth_CpT9ZC3Pq4GgMiteMLrkz5ide-_4dFnC3f-TETia6xlZAWG87i/s320/P1030484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poached eggs w/ sauteed kale, chard, garlic, and red onion</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<strong>I'm still skeptical:</strong><br />
<br />
1. <u>Meat all day every day?</u><br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeOCzoJK7rK1icYCd_B36D4sKH6qTsQ9RmD8F59pkj-MugFZo_4HyLsUMt9KNrVMYmfr23POFjscWD2KHwEJ3-nmpkJ0vuFu1fpbzpizjfRzOSOYLHWCQuXQHHrNxKPdNSpwoIeYQImhK/s1600/P1030485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeOCzoJK7rK1icYCd_B36D4sKH6qTsQ9RmD8F59pkj-MugFZo_4HyLsUMt9KNrVMYmfr23POFjscWD2KHwEJ3-nmpkJ0vuFu1fpbzpizjfRzOSOYLHWCQuXQHHrNxKPdNSpwoIeYQImhK/s400/P1030485.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastured lamb chop from the Farmer's Market!</td></tr>
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The authors of <em>It Starts With Food</em>, and the research they cite, have done a good job of convincing me that my LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels will not skyrocket, my arteries won't clog, my kidneys won't give out from animal protein overload, and I won't have a heart attack...but they have not sufficiently convinced me that I won't be constipated. After suffering from consistent constipation from ages 7 to 20 (I'm 24 now), a return to that dark time is a big concern of mine. For some reason I am not convinced that I will get enough fiber from vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. I feel like I need grains and beans to have optimal fiber intake. I did poop like a champ this morning (after Day 1 of this plan) however, so I'm hopeful things will be OK. I hope that was not TMI. We are all grown ups and can talk about poop right? If you're not a grown up, I hope you're not reading my blog . ha. No really, get outta here :/. <br />
<br />
2. <u>Not even whole grains?!</u><br />
<br />
I have been very waryof gluten (a protein found in wheat, spelt, barely, rye, and sometimes oats) for a while now (and have made several unsuccesful attempts to give it up long term) but I'm having a hard time believing that even non-gluten whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, etc) are negatively affecting me. "The research," suggests, however, that all grains can be pro-inflammatory. We will see. <br />
<br />
3. <u>No beans? Now you're just making stuff up!</u> <br />
<br />
But actually they're not making stuff up. Still I did find that their argument against beans was the weakest of all their arguments against restricted food groups. I am especially skeptical because <a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Joel Fuhrman </a>,who I absolutely respect and trust after reading his incredible book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Live-Amazing-Nutrient-Rich-Sustained/dp/0316206644/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350258131&sr=1-1&keywords=eat+to+live" target="_blank"><em>Eat to Live</em></a>, puts beans on a very high nutritious, cancer-fighting pedestal. Again, we will see.<br />
<br />
After the 30 days, I will reintroduce some foods to my diet (wheat products, whole grains, and beans) one at a time to see how my body reacts to them. If a particular food group causes a bothersome reaction then I'll know that the foods in that group are a general no-no for me. I am already pretty sure that dairy has a bad effect on me so I don't plan on "reintroducing" it as a regular part of my diet. <br />
<br />
<strong>What I'm hoping for:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
1. No more chronic hives!<br />
2. High energy levels that my body sustains for the entire day. (In a normal day I crash between 12 and 4 and by the time I get home in the evenings I feel completely drained).<br />
3. Higher quality sleep.<br />
4. Clearer skin.<br />
5. No more eczema! <br />
6. The death of my sugar addiction and food cravings.<br />
7. Bye bye nasal allergies, nasal congestion and, persistent nasal drip (yum). <br />
8. Mood stability. <br />
9. No more general body stiffness or random but persistent aches and pains (mainly my knee joints and back pain). <br />
10. Relief from my chronic upper right abdominal pain. <br />
<br />
I am not doubtful about the healing power of the right foods. A truly healthy diet reduces systemic inflammation--which is frequently caused by poor diet, stress etc. Systemic inflammation is a significant root cause of a ton of common ailments like allergies, eczema, acne and joint pain, as well as of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease etc. I don't know if this is the particular eating plan that will be best for me but I am excited about testing it.<br />
<br />
<strong>What about being an "aspiring vegan?":</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVOGjRdNMGWnbTNIGS6zXCOk0gUyY8NO1kyH9nSzEUMSSHrVb7yDkweEwWJU3JPfKz9PG1n7yzkIQm3YbtmYIn-woAWE92_jaMW3kKXSDxexisDkKQ_9odPTSEm7z2Z-VZ3WzP69ZhD88/s1600/P1030496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVOGjRdNMGWnbTNIGS6zXCOk0gUyY8NO1kyH9nSzEUMSSHrVb7yDkweEwWJU3JPfKz9PG1n7yzkIQm3YbtmYIn-woAWE92_jaMW3kKXSDxexisDkKQ_9odPTSEm7z2Z-VZ3WzP69ZhD88/s320/P1030496.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruits and Veggies from this morning's trip to the Farmer's Market: 1 huge bunch of Red Kale, 1 head of purple cabbage, 1 head of green leaf lettuce, 3 parsnips, and 6 pears. </td></tr>
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I am OK with taking a break from that goal for a while. My number one reason for attempting to go vegan was for my health. Concern for the environment was a supporting reason. Along the way, I learned just how despicable and cruel factory farming is and my conscience would not let me go back to fully supporting that. The good folks at Whole30 say that I will be healthier with high quality animal protein in my diet and they've given me enough evidence to make me want to test their claim. I also appreciate that they emphasize the importance of eating grass-fed, organic, pastured meat and meat products.<br />
I don't and won't preach to people about everything wrong with factory farming on a regular basis. I don't want people to be angry at me or down on themselves, and I don't want people to think that I have a superiority complex about meat eating. I don't. This is not an elitist thing. It's a personal cruelty-free, health conscious thing and this is my blog and today I will preach a bit. Factory-farmed meat is just not good for you. The grain and animal by-product diet that factory farmed animals are fed, as well as the antibiotics and hormones they're given makes their meat, especially the fatty parts (toxins are concentrated in fat cells), not.good.for.you. I respect that the authors of <em>It Starts With Food</em> emphasize that their health claims don't hold as strongly, if at all, in the case of eating factory farmed meat. Grass fed beef, pastured chickens and their eggs, and wild caught seafood ARE expensive, no doubt. I can just barely afford it but the strain is worth it. <br />
The people who make their millions from factory farming DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU OR YOUR HEALTH. They ONLY CARE ABOUT THEIR MONEY! Fact, fact, fact. They are unnecessarily and heartbreakingly cruel to animals (and to their factory workers btw), don't give a shit about the environment and I'll do everything I can to NOT support their ugly souls! This is a conclusion you have to come to on your own however. Nothing but doing my own research on this (or any food) issue would have convinced me to go this route.<br />
In short, doing the Whole30 program doesn't violate any of my beliefs/ morals about eating animals and I plan on being an "aspiring vegan," once again someday <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnpRsxDC6lFAdLM_xsoi0SJalAHDbyA1K4dnO38A4dDP-198vkdf0gS-Su9HrMPDFByys19JVewcU56iQhliqnds_Q-ke7rtgBfOznYnR1a0dD8s82x-ZpUiKVPwNlQ5CuGwFwATufT5N/s1600/P1030490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnpRsxDC6lFAdLM_xsoi0SJalAHDbyA1K4dnO38A4dDP-198vkdf0gS-Su9HrMPDFByys19JVewcU56iQhliqnds_Q-ke7rtgBfOznYnR1a0dD8s82x-ZpUiKVPwNlQ5CuGwFwATufT5N/s320/P1030490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acorn Squash baked w/ ghee and a bit of sea salt. </td></tr>
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<strong>Still, in support of Veganism: </strong><br />
<br />
A little side note. I am now more than ever convinced that people who say being vegan is more expensive than being omnivorous don't actually know what they are talking about. Beans, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables are cheaper than meat, fish, eggs and dairy products--even the factory-farmed, non- organic kinds of these products. I challenge anyone to test me on this. <br />
<br />
Ok, that is all for now. Stay tuned for my Paleo adventures!Morgan Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12382069775240476980noreply@blogger.com0