Happy Monday to you!
This is essentially a "Parte Dois" (Gosh, do I wish I could speak Portuguese!) to my second post about the wonderful, inimitable Green Life Market...
It's been about a little more than a month since I have visited this store. I am so happy I went again, because it was so fun to enter the market as a better informed Paleo enthusiast. I had a solid idea of what ingredients I wanted and needed to suit my diet. Julie was not there today, but this gave me a chance to evaluate ingredients on my own and look through the various options.
Just like the first time, my mind was completely blown! I like to think of myself as a creative soul, but whoever has created the various brands and recipes featured at Green Life takes the (gluten-free) cake on creativity! I could not believe my eyes as I scanned the aisles. I came across ruby-colored pomegranate chips, "pretty in pink" Himalayan salt, coconut milk-based green tea ice cream, apricot oil, quail eggs, and masala chai-flavored kale chips. While aspects of my frontal lobe immediately told me, "Girl, you need to try ALL of this," my level-headed prefrontal cortex advised me, "Pause, think about your budget, and get only what you need." I decided to listen to my PFC and use executive function to determine a rough budget. Considering the higher prices, but also the fact that I just got a paycheck from the cafe, I decided that 30 dollars would be my aim.
So, what did I end up purchasing? Here's the list:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921151009.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefrontal_cortex
http://paleononpaleo.com/paleo-quotations-health-1/
This is essentially a "Parte Dois" (Gosh, do I wish I could speak Portuguese!) to my second post about the wonderful, inimitable Green Life Market...
It's been about a little more than a month since I have visited this store. I am so happy I went again, because it was so fun to enter the market as a better informed Paleo enthusiast. I had a solid idea of what ingredients I wanted and needed to suit my diet. Julie was not there today, but this gave me a chance to evaluate ingredients on my own and look through the various options.
Just like the first time, my mind was completely blown! I like to think of myself as a creative soul, but whoever has created the various brands and recipes featured at Green Life takes the (gluten-free) cake on creativity! I could not believe my eyes as I scanned the aisles. I came across ruby-colored pomegranate chips, "pretty in pink" Himalayan salt, coconut milk-based green tea ice cream, apricot oil, quail eggs, and masala chai-flavored kale chips. While aspects of my frontal lobe immediately told me, "Girl, you need to try ALL of this," my level-headed prefrontal cortex advised me, "Pause, think about your budget, and get only what you need." I decided to listen to my PFC and use executive function to determine a rough budget. Considering the higher prices, but also the fact that I just got a paycheck from the cafe, I decided that 30 dollars would be my aim.
So, what did I end up purchasing? Here's the list:
- Mahamarra (a red pepper, walnut dip and a Middle Eastern classic)- As this had no chick peas or other legumes, I decided to try it!
- Avocado Tuna Salad- I love avocado and I love tuna! No mayo made it an easy decision...
- Chicken Curry with Beets (and potatoes)- I got to try a sample of this. From the taste and looks of it, it seems to be a sort of medley of ground chicken kofte kebob (with possibly cilantro), beets, potatoes, red onions, and curry. The sweet lady at the counter spoke little English, so when the guy told her to put no potatoes in it, she mistakenly did quite the opposite! I tried to avoid them as I ate my late lunch.
- Napa Valley Bistro's Amatriciana with Pancetta & Sauteed Onions- If I see pancetta (Italian bacon), in any way, shape, or form, I immediately am drawn to it! I have Giada DeLaurentiis and Maya (and her awesome mushroom recipe!) to thank for that...Anyways, this not-pasta sauce is named after the quaint town of Amatrice in Italy. It is based on a recipe from ancient Rome. It is considered All Natural, No Added Sugar, and No paste. Can't wait to splash this on some turkey meatballs (I want to try Jessica Alba's recipe!)
- R.W. Knedsen Family's Very Veggie (Low-Sodium)- I love Bloody Mary's and I love sipping on some V8 when "up in the air" (still need to see that movie). I usually dump salt, pepper, lemon, and tabasco into my cocktail (or I guess I need to start calling it mocktail)...but I am going to try my best to have it plain with some ice!
- Granny's Secret Authentic Home Style Hot Ayvar (roasted red pepper spread)- The ingredients of this traditional Serbian spread are red peppers, cayenne peppers, sunflower oil, vinegar and salt. Sounds awesome to me!
- TRUE lime's Lime, Garlic, & Cilantro seasoning (Salt-free)- Many Paleo-ers say that an easy substitution to salt is spices and herbs. I am a little hesitant, because I flavor essentially all of savory dishes with salt, but I am going to try to enjoy some skin-less chicken with just this seasoning and see what happens...
The total cost of all these items was a bit over 30 dollars. Keep in mind that I decided to eliminate the date sugar (9 whole dollars for a half-filled bag!), spinach pesto crackers, quinoa chips (so apparently, it is 100% a grain), and lavender soap once the (patient!) lady rang up all the items.
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I just wanted to update you on my diet journey in general. I decided to do a 40 day challenge that was a strict version of Paleo. That means no cheat days! After some thought, I decided there are two things I simply cannot restrict in my life. I love coffee, and I cannot have it black. I really have to flavor it. Unfortunately, dairy (even if it is fat-free skim) and sugar (agave, brown sugar, and granulated sugar...all forbidden!) are not supposed to be used. What's even harder is that sugar-free syrups are frowned upon, too. My quick solution was date sugar, but after realizing how pricey it is, I decided that a "spoonful of sugar" is going to have to get the medicine down. Maybe in time, I can slowly cut down on sugar and maybe have a slightly sweetened black coffee. The second thing that I just cannot do without is soy sauce! If I go for sushi with a friend, and I order two hand-rolls with no rice (seaweed, salmon, and avocado), I can't muster up the strength to deny the lovely soy sauce as an accompaniment. I am going to continue using the green capped-one, which is low-sodium.
Another (somewhat frustrating update): Remember my incentive system? I am sad to say that I haven't gotten that manicure yet. I was three pounds away from visiting the nail salon, but I gained 4 pounds! Thankfully, I have shaved those pounds off. But, I am still back to needing to lose those 3 stubborn pounds. I am a bit impatient, so I don't like it when I don't achieve results. I am hoping and praying that those trendy gray nails grace this keyboard at the end of this week! P.S. Got the Zumba job, so I can't wait to get those Zumba leggings once I achieve the weight loss!
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| Sorry, I just had to get some Brian Austin Green in this shot (although, I'll forever be a Dylan McKay gal) |
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| Jack...killing it on the dance floor! #dancingwiththestars |
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| Jessica Biel....being awesome. NBD |
Some fun facts about celebrities who are pursuing Paleo (including Jack Osbourne, Jessica Biel, and Megan Fox):
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/08/19/10-celebrities-and-athletes-touting-benefits-paleo-diet-150948
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| THANKS in advance :) |
Last, but not least, I am trying to put together a post that is all about advice (regarding weight loss, health and wellness, fitness, and healthy eating). What I need (and would greatly appreciate!) from YOU, the reader, is to message me, text me, or email me (arlene.pereira.23@gmail.com) your advice. It can be one short phrase that you live by, something you learned from Chris Powell, or inspirational quotes that alway push you to challenge yourself....anything and everyone that you think WORKS!
You can choose to remain anonymous in terms of the blog publication; I would just ask that you say "Anonymous, Age". If you don't mind providing your first name, than feel free to indicate that.
I really hope I can collect some great advice! I will probably ask my family, friends, and coworkers to contribute, too!
Anyways, thanks SO much for reading! I hope you have a fantastic week :)
A smiling face is half the meal- Latvian Proverb
Sincerely,
Arlene
Works Cited:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921151009.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefrontal_cortex
http://paleononpaleo.com/paleo-quotations-health-1/
