Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year's Resolutions

Hi Everyone,

Are you going to be staying up until the ball drops tonight?  I'm hoping to, since we'll be going out with good friends.  But, I bet we head for the cab ride home at about 12:01 AM! 

As many of you know, I'm a lifetime Weight Watcher.  I love that organization, because it's just so practical to not deny yourself any foods, and to use the combination of a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and the support of others.  At a meeting this week, we were asked to look back on 2011, and write down three things we accomplished during the year to improve our state of wellness.  I liked that exercise, and the holistic approach.  We didn't have to limit ourselves to writing down things that had to do with food and/or exercise.  I also liked, of course, that it was an exercise in optimism!  :-)  One thing I wrote down was that I started this blog!  Another item I listed was that I started playing ping pong with a good friend, almost daily, and therefore developed a new (healthy) passion.  The third thing, sorry, is private.  But, be assured, it was a very positive accomplishment.

So, after that, it was time to look to next year, and write down three healthy goals.  Are you a resolution person?  I know that people are clearly either way.  Either, someone is like myself, and really enjoys taking a look at what they can improve on, or try; while others, and I respect this, feel there is no need to make resolutions on January 1, but prefer working on self-improvement on an ongoing basis.  I guess I just like to do both!  Some studies have shown that if you share your goals too much, you are less likely to stick to them, so that's something to keep in mind.  What seems to work for me is to go ahead and talk about my goals to a few key people, and then to hold myself accountable by keeping a chart of some kind, at least until I've reached the three week habit-forming mark.

That being said, I won't share too much, so I don't jinx myself.  But, one goal that I'd love for people to hold me accountable for is to schedule an appointment with myself, at least one day a week, perhaps at the library, where I spend several hours working on my book.  As many of you know, I'm working on a workbook for middle-schoolers, where they get to work on their self images, while at the same time learn about wellness in general.  Feel free to bug me about this one, OK?  It's something I always want to do, but often find myself doing so many other things I like to do instead, most of all that require moving around, rather than sitting and focusing on something for long periods of time.  Hmmmmmm,  does this sound like adult ADHD?  If so, I love it all, so I'm not too concerned.  I am clearly committed to finishing that book someday, but the sooner the better.

That's all for this year, folks!  I wish you a very happy and HEALTHY new year!  If you'd like to share any of your reflections for 2011, or resolutions for 2012, I'd love to hear about them. 

I wish you wellness.

Mary

Sunday, December 18, 2011

McDonalds Has Nothing On Me!

Hi Everyone,

Are you surviving the holidays?  I hope you are able to find the time for exercise, if that's what you wish to do.  It will help with the stress that goes along with the season, and help even out any extra calories you might consume.  Have you considered asking for a fitness related present?

I chose today's title because I have come up with a killer breakfast sandwich, similar to what McDonald's offers, but sooooooooo much healthier, and better tasting too!  Well, at least my son and I think so.  Check this out:


The main ingredients are:  turkey ham, egg and whole wheat English muffin.  It can be made in less than five minutes. We grill the turkey ham quickly, poach the egg in the microwave, and toast the English muffin.  Of course, it's nice to put something on the muffin.  My choice is Dijon mustard, but avocado works well too, or you could try some nonfat Greek yogurt.  Then, the sky is the limit as far as what else you might want to add:  tomato; sprouts; low fat cheese; cucumber.  Or, maybe you'd prefer a round veggie or turkey sausage instead of the turkey ham. 

Poaching an egg in the microwave is so quick and easy.  Spray a ramekin with cooking spray.  Crack an egg into the ramekin and pierce the yolk with a fork several times.  Be sure to cover the ramekin with a paper towel, so the egg doesn't explode in the micro.  And, since all microwaves are different, I suggest you start with 20 seconds, check, add seconds, etc.  My microwave takes 30 seconds to cook a poached egg with the yolk cooked medium.


If you're a Weight Watcher, this sandwich can follow the "Simply Filling" plan, if you choose the correct brands of muffin and turkey ham.  Check their website for a list of their power foods.  If you need to calculate points, it comes to 7 points plus.  Most importantly, it's quick, healthy, and very filling.

There's just one more fun substitute on a popular sandwich that I'd like to share, and that's the Reuben.  I substitute turkey for the pastrami, and mustard for the Thousand Island. It's still very delicious.

I'd love to hear about your healthy substitutions on some of the more popular menu items.  Meanwhile, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

Mary R.