Wednesday, September 28, 2011

We Interrupt This Story For a Brief Message

Hello all you Delta Colorado area peoples. Don't Miss this chance to get some neat stuff, baked goodies, glass ware, art work, you name it, it is here. If you live in the Delta area, yes I mean Hotchkiss, Cedaredge, Montrose, Grand Junction; come on down to the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the corner of Meeker and 8th street. 762 Meeker. There will be things upstairs and down stairs. Multiple donated goods for a school fund Raiser. Our Church school is trying to raise funds for extra activities. So don't be shy Starting tomorrow at approx 9 O'clock. bring yourself, A sweet tooth but most of all a big heart and a pocket book or wallet, hey even pockets work. See you there.

Be Back tomorrow evening with more journey news. Thank you all for your support

Tom

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Rounding Third and Headed Home

Well I am in the home stretch. I have started losing again. Finally!! I have lost 74 pounds. Actually from the very begging of 571 I have lost 96 pounds but I started this blog from the point it became supervised by my medical team. But 94 or 74 WOW that is a lot to lose since the I started.

I received an interesting e-mail today from Chis ...... from the TV program "The weight Loss Edition" I want to say Home Improvement but that was Tim Allen and even though Tim is a supper guy and from Denver by the way, I think you will know what I am rambling about. I had wrote to him about four months ago just to get some ideas for exercise for a person in my predicament. Well he sent me an application to fill out for his program. Now you have to realize that he gets thousands of applications so if I do fill one out it will be a long long shot of getting on.

I once did a video trying to get on "The Biggest Loser" yea that went no where but it was pretty cool that my supervisors boss from Colorado Spring brought his Tech to Delta just to make sure I got the best possible video. They edited it and every thing. If I can find a copy I will post it here just for fun.

So I have 25 pounds to go and I am working on getting it done. I have already made it 3/4 of the way there in about 5 months so I believe I can get this done before the first of the year. My Therapist want me to wait until December anyway so she can work with me and get me ready mentally for this. Oh Yeah I now have a Therapist. More on that later.

So anyway here we are with options, that's new. I do have to say though I still run into the old stigma of being judged by how I look instead of what I can do. I went to Safeway shopping the other day, there is a new young man in our church and I have been trying to find him work. So I asked the manager if they were hiring. She said No. When I told her why I was asking she changed her tune and said have him come in and fill out an application. Now I can not blame her really because I was limping and looked half dead but still, get over it people. Heavy people can work and do most things that anyone else can. OK I am off the soap box now.

Stress Reducers:
Take a nice walk
Deep Breathing
Praying

Words of Wisdom:
Look before you leap, there may be crocodiles down there. :O

May the LORD continue to Bless us all.

Tom

Monday, September 26, 2011

Sunday Recipe On Monday

Where does the time go! I went a picked some fresh vegetables yesterday. It is getting cooler at night so it won't be long till they are froze out. By the time I got around to blog it was already 10:30 pm so I decided to do so today. Now it is a little past two and I am still behind. So I am going to post my Three Bean Chili. This can be made with or without meat so anyone who is a vegetarian will enjoy this also.

             Three Bean Chili
Ingredients

1 pound Ground Turkey or Beef
2 cups Brown/Pinto beans
2 cups Kidney beans
2 cups Ranch style beans
1 can of Italian style chopped tomatoes
1 rounded Tablespoon Bakers Coco
2 Teaspoons of freshly grated Ginger, Powder will do but only about 1 teaspoon. Powder is condensed
1 can chopped tomato /Fresh and skinned will also work
1 small onion, Yellow
1 1/2 packs of Taco Seasoning
Salt & Pepper
If you like hot chili add some hot peppers to you tasted

Directions
Precook Meat until done
Place all ingredients into a slow cooker
cook while at work on med or overnight

Serve with tortillas, crackers or what ever you desire
add shredded cheese and sour cream as a garnish if you desire.

1 serving is 1 cup

Calories will very depending what meat you use if any.

A great supper or lunch dish on a chilly or cold day.

May the Good Lord continue to bless and guide you

Tom

Friday, September 23, 2011

Ramblings Of A ?

Well I have started therapy for bariatric surgery. If any one tells you this is the easy way out it is not. You have doctors you have to see. The more medical problems you currently have the more you have to see. Then there is the psychological  testing and then a therapist to see. Most patients have to see a therapist just because this is a major adjustment to make. You may not think so now but it is.

I lucked out this time and I believe I have someone who will be an asset instead of a deficit. I have seen therapist before for depression and they interjected their belief system on me trying to influence me to there way of thinking. I do not see this happening this time. Matter of fact we are going to use the Bible for positive reinforcement tools. So once again I feel the Father guiding each step carefully and methodically.

I have not been here for a few days. I just could not get myself to set down and write. writers block I guess. I just could not put to words together. But I am fighting through the fog and will get back on task soon. still in a stall mode. down and up, down and up. Do not really know what is going on. I raised my exercise level, I raised my calorie intake back up to where it was suppose to be. just wait it out is all I know to do.

I am starting to be able to go shopping for myself for short periods of time. Still hurts but not as bad as it did. Losing this weight has made a difference, but not as much as I would like.

May the Lord Keep and Protect you in your endeavors this weekend.

Tom

Monday, September 19, 2011

Recipe Sundays / on early monday morning. Sorry

Where did today go. Turned around twice and it was gone. Here it is Monday at 2:30 am but I have to get this done. Been slacking and I can not do that. So how about a not so "lean" recipe but still good once in awhile. A lot of people have asked for this but I never would release it until now. So you all are the only ones I have ever shared this with.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada:

Ingredients
4 Skinless/boneless chicken breast
2 cups Mozzerella Cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 flour Tortillas
8 oz cream cheese (if you want to take it up a notch use cream cheese with chives)
3 cups Fresh Salsa (Pace if fresh is not availabe) my prefference.
Chopped black olives
2 cans of Stokes Green Chili (chicken)
2 cans green chili sauce
1 can chopped green chili
8 oz Sour cream
Salt
Pepper
(I told you this is not a weight watches approved meal) lol

Directions

Cook chickrn breast until done. I boil it but you can bake it or grill it. (DO NOT fry it)

When chicken is done let cool. useing a fork shred chicken in a large mixing bowl.

Add 1 can of Stokes Green chili, 1 can green chili sauce, cream cheese,  4 oz sour cream, olives, green chili's, 1 cup salsa, and mozzerella cheese. stiring with a large spoon mix all ingredients until well combined.

Salt and pepper to taste. Be careful for these sauces and ingredients are salted also.

Warm Tortillas, Place a generous spoon of stuffing onto shell. roll and place in a large baking dish. repeat until all 10 are filled. If there is any stuffing left you may put it around the stuffed tortilla to bake.

In a seperate bowl mix 1 cup salsa, 1 can stokes green chili, and 1 can green chili sauce. Spoon over the top of the enchiladas.

Spread grated cheddar cheese over the top of this and place in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Watch closely after 45 min so that cheese does not get overly brown. Remove and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes. top with remaining Sour Cream and salsa.

One serving is 1/2 of a stuffed tortilla. Calorie count, you do not want to know. This is not a meal you would serve on a weekly basis but it works great for a pot luck or a party.

left overs (if any) keep in refridgerater for upto 2 days with no problems.

I hope some of you who have pestered me for years for this recipe are reading this now.

God Bless

Tom

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Understanding The Body In Reference To Weight Loss

Well if that title caught your eye and you expect a brilliant answer, Sorry but that is not here. I do not think I will ever understand the body and how it works with weight loss. If you don't eat enough your body kicks into starvation mode and stores fat, if you eat to much it stores the excess as fat. So you have to find the right amount. Now that is where it gets complicated, some say 1200 calories is the right amount; then their is the 1500 opinion, that doesn't do it for me either. So what I have discovered is that everyone is different and what works for one person does not always work for you. I have found that 1800 to 200 calories a day is right for me know. Remember as you lose weight you may have to adjust this. Know I also realized with WLS that that will differ also.

But here is the problem I was having, getting that many calories in 3 meals was hard to do. Eating the right food and getting the calories is something that takes planning and effort. I saw my Doc yesterday and she said to eat snacks and cut back on the portion sizes at one meal. Why didn't I think of that.? I think because I am always looking for that big light bulb answer, when all the time it was the simple one. Kind of like computers, if your computer won't turn on; check to see if it is plugged up first kind of things. (you might be surprised how many times it is unplugged) So I have rewrote my menus and included snacks. I am getting my calories but not all at once. It is the theory that getting to much at once causes the body to store excess. This way it is spread out and not storing.

So see what works for you and do it. Of course exercise is as important as food is. I saw a program a while back that was talking about walking and its benefits. They said if you get 10,000 steps a day you are getting the optimum benefit. Now you may say WHAT? But the fact is that most people get 5,000 or more in their work, Setting at a desk may be less and a construction worker will get more than they so it varies how much you get at work. The other thing to remember is that it is accumulative. So through the day adds up. I, after trying to build back up after hospital; get 225 steps twice a day. but hen their are the trips to the table, bathroom, get the mail. I do not work right now but it adds up still. Take yesterday I went to the doctors, shopping, got gas, and went to Oxygen Plus and then church. that all adds up. So instead of getting 500 yesterday I ended up with almost 1500 steps. That is not bad for me. But you get the idea. Movement equals exercise. Don't fall into the idea that because you have a disability you can't do it. Unless your disability is the type that you can not move your limbs or are bed bound there is something you can do. When you talk on the phone walk around instead of setting eating the popcorn. All movement helps. So get up and get moving.

Stress Reducers:
Love yourself
Love Someone
Love God

Words of Wisdom:
If you are standing under a drip and do not want to get wet, move out from under the drip.

May the Lord continue to Bless you for His glory.

Tom

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Bariatric Surgery / A New Book By Mary Lime


This is out of a new book I just purchased. Looks to be a real informative book. The title is "Bariatric Surgery - Around The World One Of The Most Important Medical..."

I bought it on Amazon.com in "Kindle" form. I am sure it will answer some questions for you along with my favorite, "An Experts Guide To Weight Loss Surgery"  By: Dr Garth Davis of Big Medicine. Dr Garth covers the top four procedures in his book from A-Z in simple language. it is a must read for the most bang for your buck, I also purchased my copy of this through Amazon.com.

What Is a Bariatric Procedure?
Bariatric is a medical field that is focused on both the study and treatment of obesity. Bariatric procedure is typically an operation that usually involves gastric bypass surgery or the placement of a gastric band to regulate or treat obesity. There are different variants of bariatric procedures, some of which are performed up to this day.

True gastric bypass surgery is exactly what it sounds like: a part of the gastrointestinal tract is taken out or altered, with the normal route being bypassed. In some instances, the area that is operated on in gastric bypass surgery is the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine that connects the organ to the stomach. Other types of bariatric procedures make use of medical staples to make the stomach smaller. There are also lap bands, essentially adjustable sleeves that are used to constrict the stomach.

While there are different bariatric procedures, most of these share the same goal, which is to reduce the amount of food that people consume or retain in their systems. Because they eat less, their bodies also absorb fewer calories, which then lead to weight loss. Even so, the diet plans will vary according to the physician and the type of procedure administered. For example, some recommend consuming protein and less on carbs, while others prescribe the complete opposite. Even so, these are essentially window dressing, as the weight loss formula remains the same: to lose weight, you will need to consume fewer calories than what you actually burn.

The types of patients who are considered for bariatric surgery are those who are grossly obese, that is, those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. (35 with medical markers) These include those who have tried all sorts of dieting programs and workout routines without much success, which is why bariatric procedure is considered to be the best, and sometimes the only viable option they have. Even so, physicians would still recommend that they strictly follow the tailored diet they are given after their surgery. This may include taking vitamins and supplements, but making lifestyle adjustments remain paramount in order to help them maintain their bodies and their health after surgery.

After the procedure, the type of food and drink they take in are carefully monitored and regulated. This can be difficult for long-time obese patients who may feel that these changes are very drastic, and in truth, it can be. Exercise also plays a large role in post-procedure routines after the recovery period has passed and when they have reached a certain amount of weight loss. The patients' attitudes toward food and eating will also need to be modified so as to retain the long-term effects of their surgery.

The procedure you will go through will depend on several factors, which is why patients who are considering going through a bariatric operation need to have several consultations with a team of specialists to let them know whether it’s the right option for them. After all, surgery isn't for everyone. Furthermore, no matter what surgery recommended by your physician, you will also need a certain amount of willpower and genuinely want to change in order for this to actually be effective.

Like other types of surgeries, bariatric procedures have their own shares of benefits and disadvantages. Surgery is often recommended for people who have previously tried other forms of weight loss strategies without success; because this meant that they've already exhausted all of their other options. The initial procedure is done within a two-year span, which will then lead to a lifetime commitment towards weight control.

In spite of the challenges that they are faced with, the majority of those who chose to go under the knife report that they are satisfied with the results of their surgery. Because they weigh less, there is less strain on their joints and their heart and the risk of getting diabetes is greatly reduced. They also have more energy for doing more physical tasks, and they have better overall health. Lastly, they also feel more attractive, and their relationships have also improved thanks to their level of self-esteem improvement due to the surgery.

Lime, Mary (2011-08-28). "Bariatric Surgery - Around The World One Of The Most Important Medical Procedures That Is Used To Deal With Morbid Obesity Is Bariatric Surgery. A Must Read Book."

My Prayer For You Is That The Lord Walk Daily By Your Side Blessing You In Each Step.


Tom

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Recipe Sunday's

Well I am back. I needed away for a bit so took a few days and did not think about writing. So I have chosen a video from Jamie Oliver. I enjoy Jamie's attitude towards cooking. I do not use pork in my dishes however as I say "make it your own". So when he uses pork you can use turkey versions or another meat completely. Jamie uses a lot of different herbs and spices which I believe makes a dish, Today is about soups. This is a two part video. The first is a rustic Itallian tomato soup and part of a chicken soup, the second is a fish stew and the finish of the chicken soup. I do not use shell fish but you know what I say! So Bon Appetit!

http://youtu.be/zbmsf2YWkTg

http://youtu.be/R1yyswGKw7U

Tom

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Fact vs Myth

We are going to look at some Facts vs Myths today. These are my thoughts and words and from what I have learned on this journey so far.

1. People who are overweight are lazy.
     This is a long standing misconseption. Most overweight and obese persons are very active. They work, play, and even exercise. This thought they all we do is lay around and eat is not true. This myth has been around for who knows how long. There are usually underlying factor that you can not see. Stress, Depression, Medication, and many other reasons are accomplices to weight gain. The good news is that doctors are seeing more and more what the cause and effect are and they are starting to treat these problems. I can remember when a doctors response to an overweight person was, "just push away from the table". Gladly those doctors are less and less. If yours still think that way I would suggest finding a new, up to date doctor.

2. Surgery is the easy way out.
     This is one of the most absurd things I have ever heard. Who in their right mind would think going under the knife is easy. I am sure this stems from the old thought that bariatric surgery was "cosmetic" and you only had it done to look better. Those days thankfully are fast going by the way side. The most important thing to remember is that Bariatric surgery is not a magic pill. You don't have the surgery and then set back and poof the weight disappears. You have to eat right, exercise, and work with the bariatric team for this to work. If you are thinking of surgery I advise to find a qualified doctor and have a set down to discuss it or find a seminar in your area. Bariatric surgery works if you work it. It is a tool to use to get the weight off. I have heard of people stretching their stomachs and gaining the weight back. My guess would be this person needs to find what the real problem is and work on it with help. The body and mind are a powerful creation and if we are not working to overcome old habits and problems the surgery will not do that.

3. Bariatric surgery takes a long time to recover from.
     In most cases, there are always exceptions; you are out of hospital in two days. With the Lap Band I heard you don't even have to stay in hospital. Most surgeries are completed by laproscopic surgery now and so there is less chance of deep wound infection because you do not have a deep wound to get infected. Any time you go under the knife there are risks and anyone who tells you otherwise is flat wrong. But in my case the risks are just as high if I do not have surgery to have a heart attack or stroke or a number of different life ending problems.
I can tell you this. my blood pressure has already gone down and my cpap pressure has also lowered so there are benefits to weight loss.

4. It does not matter what you eat.
     I use to believe this little myth myself. You can eat whatever you want and lose weight. Well I can tell you first hand this is not true. One of the biggest weight reduction problems are the multiple companies who are out to only make a buck and could care less about the person who is buying the product. I myself have fallen into this category more than once. The only thing I lost was money. I can tell you for me one of the greatest things I ever did was giving up sugar, added and processed in food as much as possible. I also gave up breads, pastas, and processed  flour goods. I contribute this to a major amount of rapid success I have had. 69 pound in just over 5 months.

5. Some people are just born to be large.
     This is one of the biggest myths of all. You are not born to be large unless you are one of the few born to become a "giant" and those are very few. Even those persons are not always overweight. I know there are times you get discourged. I have been there. Why try? Nothing works? It does not bother me? And many other lies we tell ourselves.

If anything I just want to encourage you to do what it takes to reduce your weight. If not surgery, then whatever works for you. The thing is it is for you and no matter what you have heard you are worth the effort.

May the Lord find your walk with Him pleasing in His sight.

Tom

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Insomnia and weight loss

Since I have been having trouble sleeping this week I thought I would find an artical on insomnia and the effects on weight loss and share.

Sleep is essential. It is the time when our body replenishes its vital energy by repairing the mental and physical wear-and-tear we suffer during the day. However, our "non-stop" culture has created a sleep-deprived generation. Cell phones, computers, PDAs and 24-hour cable television keep our brains stimulated. The result is Insomnia.
Insomnia and Weight Loss
Insomnia is difficulty in falling asleep or trouble in staying asleep. Some people with insomnia may fall asleep but they wake up easily or very early in the morning. And eventually, their health and day-to-day activities get affected due to poor sleep habits. Insomnia causes sleepiness in the day time, affects the ability to concentrate, memorize and perform daily tasks, causes headaches, stress and depression. But what is the connection between Insomnia and weight loss?
In order to understand the link between Insomnia and weight loss it is important to know how much quality sleep we need. Experts believe that adults require seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Studies suggest that sleep loss may increase hunger and affect the body's metabolism, which may make it more difficult to maintain or lose weight. Sleep loss appears to do two things to your weight:
  • It makes you feel hungry even if you are full. Sleep loss has been shown to affect the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that regulates appetite. As a result, individuals who lose sleep may continue to feel hungry despite adequate food intake.
  • It increases fat storage by interfering with the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates, which leads to high levels of blood sugar. Excess blood sugar promotes the overproduction of insulin, which can lead to the storage of body fat and insulin resistance, a critical step into the development of diabetes.
Quite obviously, insomnia and weight gain is a double problem that needs to be resolved quickly before your health falls apart. If you are experiencing problems sleeping and think your sleeping disorders might be causing you to gain weight, here are a few DOs and DONTs

Dos

  • Drink lots of water as a habit.
  • Warm milk is supposed to be soothing. It helps sleep, constipation and gastric troubles in some. Herbal teas can also help.
  • Exercise regularly, but as a rule, not less than 3 to 4 hours prior to bedtime. Exercise is stimulating for many people.
  • Eating slow-burning carbohydrates can help you get a good night sleep
  • Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading.
  • Give yourself a relaxing massage once in a while.
  • Praying before going to sleep may help you to relax and de-stress.
  • Improve your sleep environment. Shut out extra light or noise. Improve ventilation.

Don'ts

  • Don't go to bed feeling hungry, but don't eat a big meal right before bedtime.
  • If you watch TV before bed time try to stop that habit.
  • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening.
  • If you have trouble sleeping at night, don't nap during the day.
  • Avoid snacking on foods that raise your blood sugar levels like white bread, candy and cookies.
Getting your sleep problems diagnosed and treated may be the first step in accomplishing your weight loss goals. If you've tried everything to lose weight and nothing seems to be working, don't give up. Lack of sleep may be keeping you from achieving weight loss success.


Read more: http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/insomnia-and-weight-loss-1270562#ixzz1XDPdWsUN

Monday, September 5, 2011

Time To Reevaluate Menu

I have come to the conclusion that it is time to take another look at my menus.  I have had some trouble the last six days. I have gained around 4 to 5 pounds. It may be the illness and recovery or it may be after losing 70 pounds I need to recalculate what I eat. Now I could never eat what the on-line calculators say I should eat. That would be 4200 calories a day. I do not know where they get that. they need to look at their calculators and reconfigure them. The amount of calories you eat is figured on how much you weigh but there is a cut off there to. No one needs that many calories per day unless you are wanting to gain weight and even then that would be unhealthy. So I will take a look at my food journals and see where I am at. This is why the food journals are so important. If you just go and don't keep track you will have trouble remembering what you were doing six months later. I urge you to keep some kind of food journal.

If you would like a copy of what I do please email me at tomsimmons@q.com or tomsmmns7@gmail.com I would be happy to send you a copy. It does not copy well to here or I would post it here.

I hope you all had a great weekend. I love this time of year. All the great, fresh vegetables are ready for picking and fresh is best. Thank You Pastor Seth for having two green thumbs. He grows the best vegs and melons.

May The Lord Continue To Bless Each One Of You.

Tom

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Recipe Sunday / + A Web Site Address

Well once again we start a new week with some recipes, and today a web site I have posted before but worth doing again. I browsed this site today and found a book I had not seen before. I use to collect "Dummies" books just because of the titles so here is a new one for me. "Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies". That brought a chuckle to my heart. It is listed on this web site. I will be getting this one for sure.

http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/bariatric-eating.html

Feeling a bit better today and a little clearer thinking.

I have three new recipes today. They are not necessarily Surgery friendly but with a twist or two could be made so. I always say, "Make it your own" and that is what these are.

GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH FETA, MINT, AND CHILI


Side Dish, Appetizer, or snack

Makes 20 rolls

Ingredients:
2 Large Eggplants
4 tablespoons of Olive Oil
8-9 ounces of Feta cheese
1 large Red Chili (finely chopped, seeded) you can leave seeds in if you like hot. *
Large bunch of fresh Mint. (finely chopped, keep a small amount in reserve for garnish)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon.
Black pepper (fresh ground if possible) *

Directions:
Preheat a grill, stove top griddle or broiler to high heat. *

Slice eggplant, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and cook approx 2 minutes, until golden brown and tender.

In a bowl crumble in the Feta, add lemon juice and ½ the zest, Chili, Mint and pepper. (reserve other ½ of zest for garnish.) No salt needed due to Feta.

Take one slice of eggplant, put mixture on the end of lice and roll. Repeat until finished. Place seam side down on plate. Top with reserved mint and zest. May be served warm or cold. *

* = added information
Grilling is preferable but any method of cooking can be used.

Red Chili: Remove seeds and fibrous veins holding seeds to remove heat. The fibers actually contain the most heat.

Black Pepper: Using Fresh herbs and spices are always more favorable.

May use tooth picks to hold roll together if needed.

As always, make it your own. Try other type cheese if you do not like feta. If you do not like heat try Bell pepper also.


 _______________________________________________

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH CORNBREAD TOPPING

Main Course

Serves: depending on helping size.

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 medium onions
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 large Red Bell Peppers, seeded and finely diced.
2 teaspoons dried chili flakes
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cardamom pods
1 ½ cups Red Lentils
1 can chopped tomatoes
3 cups tomato pulp or thick puree
3 cups water
3 cups canned red kidney beans
¼ cup tomato ketchup
¼ cup tomato puree
1 Tablespoon unsweetened Cocoa powder

For Cornbread:
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups cornmeal
2 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1 ½ cups Buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon honey
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

Guacamole:
 4 ripe Avocados
4 Scallions
Juice of two limes
¼ cup cilantro
2 cups Sour cream or 1 ½ cups Greek Yogurt
Paprika to dust
3 ¾ cups cheddar cheese, grated. (less would be better and healthier) (try Low fat)





Directions:
For Chili:
In a large pan that has a lid, heat the oil and add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until tender approximately 10 minutes. Stir in chili, coriander, cumin, and cardamom pods. Add lentils and stir.

 Stir in can of chopped tomatoes, water, kidney beans, ketchup, tomato paste, and cocoa. Bring mixture to a boil, turn down to med low heat and simmer for 45 minutes stirring frequently. If mixture is watery leave lid ajar a little as it cooks.

You can cook this ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve. Could also be cooked in slow cooker overnight or through the day while at work.

For the Cornbread topping:
Combine salt, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, honey, and oil. Stir into dry mixture. Should become a vivid yellow batter.

Place chili in a 9 X 13 baking dish. Pour batter mixture over chili. (may glob on like dollops if desired)

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over top. (less is better) Bake in oven until cornbread topping is cooked. The time can vary depending on if the chili was cold or hot when baking but approx 25 min is a good rule of thumb @ 425 degrees. Watch carefully as not to over cook.

Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

For Guacamole:
While baking chop Avocados, scallions, and cilantro. Add together in bowl with lemon juice. Dust with paprika.

Serve chili bake with a side of Guac, sour cream or yogurt, and cheddar cheese. (this way people can add or delete thing that they wish)

Serve and enjoy!

As always, make it your own. I would use Low Fat Cheese Sparingly, Greek yogurt has less fat and high in protein. The Guac is a nice healthy blend of fresh vegs.

 _______________________________________________

MUSHROOM STROGANOFF WITH BROWN RICE


Main Course

Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 large onion
2 cloves of Garlic
¼ cp Olive Oil
8 oz Shiitake Mushroom
10 oz Button Mushroom
8 oz Cremini Mushroom
8 oz Field Mushroom
1 Stick of Butter
1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
1 Tablespoon Paprika
½ Tablespoon freshly grated Nutmeg
1 ½ cp Sour cream or 1 cp Greek Yogurt
1/3 cp chopped parsley

Directions:
Peel and quarter the onion and process with the peeled Garlic cloves until finely chopped.

Heat the oil in a large wide pan. Cook onion and Garlic mush until softened but not colored.

Remove stalks from shiitake and slice, quarter buttons and slice, slice cremini, take stalk off field, quarter and slice. Discard stalks.

Add butter to pan when melted add mushrooms. Carefully turn mushrooms in pan. Cover and cook 15 minutes or until mushrooms are at desired consistency.

Take off lid, add salt, paprika, nutmeg, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir and heat for 5 minutes or until hot. Add Parsley and stir. Remove from heat.

On a bed of Brown Rice, Or any rice you prefer; pour mixture over top. Sprinkle a little more parsley over top.

Serve and enjoy!

As always, make it your own. Try sprinkling a little extra nutmeg and paprika on top. Use different type of mushrooms. Use pasta instead of rice. Spinach pasta may give it a new twist and is healthier than regular pastas.




Tom

May The Lord Give You Blessed Health Through Eating

Friday, September 2, 2011

What Is Addiction?

According to Wikipedia, Historically, addiction has been defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco, heroin, and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.

Addiction can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. Pleasure and enjoyment would have originally been sought, however; over a period of time involvement with the substance or activity is needed to feel “normal”. Some psychology professionals and laypersons now mean “addiction” to include abnormal psychological dependency on such things as gambling, FOOD, shopping, exercise, work, and others. Now lets back up to the first definition,  as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substance and which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested. If food is not ingested what is?

Food is one addiction that the others are not, and I am not making light of any addiction; however you can stop using drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc. and not have and in fact have better health because of quitting. If you quit eating you are going to be in serious trouble real quick. I am happy to say that Food is now ranked as one of the addictions rated with the other chemical additions now. So how do you overcome a Food addiction. It is not easy my no means. It takes a lot of effort and education. Retraining how we look at food. If you think about it food has always been surrounded around festive occasions. Weddings, Birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Forth of July, Summer BBQ’s, And many others. Food has become the reason many family’s get together period. You don’t believe that watch your next get together and see how many start getting edgy after the meal and start leaving. I am in the middle of a movie called “Fork over Knife”. It states that for the first time in a long time that today’s children have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Children are developing Type II diabetes and Hypertension at nine years old and younger. We have to come to the quick realization that we are allowing are children to die young and over food. I don’t think we need to go overboard thinking everyone needs to be Mr or Ms perfect but we have to do something to tip the scale the other way. Food addiction is real, it does not just go away after you learn the right way to eat either. It will always be there and if allowed can cause the same problems if left unchecked. I know this all to well. I have lost and gained well over 400 pounds in my life if not more. I lost 123 pounds gained it back, lost 45 pounds gained it back plus and so on. You are aware of this cycle.

So we need help. How? There are many ways but honesty to self is a major start. You have to know and except you have a problem. There are online support groups (you need to find one that is good) like everything else there are good and bad ones. Find a local weight loss support group, there are usually a few such as overeaters anonymous, weight watchers, or a specified one that handles specific issues such as weight loss surgery. Your doctor should be able to steer or help you find someone to steer you in the right direction. Also keep in mind that most doctors are not dietitians and do not have dietitian training but more and more doctors are hiring dietitians to their staff.

So take this issue serious. It is not just a lazy person who does not care. It is a medical condition just as serious as cancer or heart problems. Seek help before it is too late.

Thanks Sean for lighting that burner under my but again.

Words of Wisdom:
If you summon your courage to challenge something, you’ll never be left with regret. How sad it is to spend your life wishing, “If only I’d had a little more courage.” Whatever the outcome may be, the important thing is to step forward on the path that you believe is right.

Stress Reducers:
Take a hot shower when you feel keyed up
Do something you really like every day
Put an ounce of love in everything you do
 
May you find comfort in the arms of God. Happy Sabbath

Tom

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Recovery Time / Depression

So today after finding out some more information on my recent illness I decided to write about it and after effects.

What is Urosepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the blood; urosepsis is sepsis that complicates a urinary tract or prostate infection. Urosepsis requires treatment with antibiotics and may require supportive therapies such as intravenous fluids and oxygen. If undiagnosed or untreated, urosepsis can progress to septic shock, a serious and life-threatening condition complicated by dropping blood pressure, rapid heart and breathing rates, decreasing urine output, and alterations in mental status.

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The kidneys filter the blood, creating urine, which travels through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until it exits the body through the urethra. In the male, the prostate wraps around the urethra as it travels from the bladder to the penis. Most of the time, bacteria that cause urosepsis enter the body through the urethra and make their way to the prostate or kidney before entering the bloodstream.

Symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infections can include burning with urination, the need to go to the bathroom frequently or urgently, cloudy urine, and pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort. Fever may be present. If pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is present, back or abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, high fever, shaking chills, night sweats, and fatigue may also occur. Any of these symptoms may precede the development of urosepsis.
Urosepsis is more common in women than in men, and is more likely to occur in the elderly or people who have weakened immune systems or conditions such as diabetes. Obstruction of the flow of urine by an enlarged prostate, kidney or bladder stones, tumors, or urethral scarring increases the risk of urosepsis, as does any condition that interferes with bladder emptying. Instrumentation of the urinary tract during surgeries, procedures, or catheterization increases the risk of infections that can lead to urosepsis.
Urosepsis is a life-threatening emergency. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have symptoms of sepsis such as high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), rapid breathing, fast heart rate, weak pulse, profuse sweating, unusual anxiety, changes in mental status or level of consciousness, or decreased or absent urinary output.

So as you can see it was much more than I even thought. I am still suffering from extream fatigue, but as my doctor said yesterday, there are a lot of people who go to a nursing home for recovery after such an experience, So  am grateful to be at home. I just need to let my body heal and be patient.

Still to add complication is the fact that I am feeling depressed. I feel like when I get a step ahead something is there to knock me two steps back. I tried to look up and official explanation about depression but instead of writing a bunch of greek term, I mean that literaly; I am going to give you the good ole Tom's terms. Depression is when you feel like crap. You can't seem to care about anything or anyone. Now the official term say thought of death or suicide; I do not agree there because I do not have thought of hurting anyone or myself, I just feel like hiding in a cave for a few years. Do you suppose hermits were a case of depression? Any how I have not had to relate to the public on a daily basis for over two years so I am out of practice of "putting on the mask" and just toughing through it. But I know it will pass and there is always tomorrow and if the Lord comes back and tomorrow is not as usual well I guess we will be better off for it. So take care of yourself and if you are in a place that you feel there is no since to try or live please seek help. There is no weakness in seeking help. The actual weakness is in not seeking help. You may think no one cares but everyone has someone who would miss them if they were not here. So take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself, and most of all live for yourself.

Stress Reducers:
Believe in something
Care about something
Love something

Words of Wisdom:
When all seems dark and there is no where to turn remember there is one person in your life who cares what happens!

May the Lord give you the much needed and deserved relief in you life.

Tom