Variety is the spice of life

I have not posted in the past few days, mainly because I have not had much to post about and have not really had the time.  Tomorrow is my one week weigh in, I am a little anxious to see my progress.  It is like a double edge sword on the one hand I want to see if I have lost any weight, on the other hand i am worried I have not (after all it has only been one week), and that will lower my enthusiasm.  I guess there is only one way to find out.

I have been trying to exercise every day, and so far I have been fairly successful.  I have put in a minimum of a 2 mile brisk walk (slowly working my way up to running) every day.  I have also started some weight training (using a dumbbell for now, once I get the confidence up I will hopefully go all out).  I slacked off on Saturday though, not sure why, but I did not do any form of exercise activity, and I felt guilty about it.  To make up for it, I walked extra Sunday, and yesterday, in the pouring rain, I guess I am dedicated for now.

When I first  found out about my health and realized I needed to change my eating habits I thought it was going to be far more difficult then it has been thus far.  My main concern was not enjoying my food any more, after all I can only eat salad so many times before it bores me to death.  That is why one of the first things I did was go out and buy a cook book, I decided on the American Heart Association cook book.  It is loaded with recipes all designed to help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and maintain a healthy heart life style, and still taste good.  I have discovered the key is variety, and you can enjoy most of the foods you always have, with a few modifications to them.  For instance, I thought I was going to have to cut out red meat, after all that is the food that is highest in cholesterol and saturated fat (the two big things I need to avoid).  Instead I need to cut back on the red meat, and choose leaner cuts.  Instead of eating it several times a week, I have cut back to once or twice, and I just need to pay closer attention to my cholesterol/saturated fat intake for that day (make sure I cut back else where).  Granted, leaner cuts of meats tend to be slightly less flavorful then their fatty brethren, however with the right low fat marinade they can be just as delicious.  I am also trying to substitute meat with fish a few times a week, they say atleast two times a week.  This is a tough one for me because I am not the biggest fan of fish (I like fried haddock, but that is a no no).  As I find more fish recipes I enjoy I will post them, for now I have found the tuna recipe previously posted (week one, well almost).

The big key is to mix up what you eat.  Eating a garden salad for lunch every day is very good for your waist line and health, however it can also get very boring.  You can fix this by changing up the salad dressing you use.  I have been switching between Italian (not low fat either), Catalina, and for the days I want to indulge, green goddess.  I also find mixing up the vegetables you use makes a huge difference.  Some days I will add Garbanzo beans (chick peas), or black beans, olives, even hot peppers.  I try to use at least one or two different vegetables every day.  Using different types of lettuce or spinach can make a difference as well.  Some days add nuts or fruit, I like apple in my garden salad with Catalina dressing for instance.  The key is to change the flavor profile of the salad, and not let it get boring.  This is the key with all meals, eating healthy does not mean you need to eat boring.  Have several different vegetables with your meal (just pay attention to portion sizes).  Try the Japanese mentality when it comes to eating.  In Japan it is not uncommon for them to server upwards of 20 different things with a single meal.  This present a huge variety of choices and keeps meal time from getting boring. the key is to eat small portions of everything and do not over indulge.  If you mix it up and have a variety of different foods you will find with a little experimentation eating healthy can be just as enjoyable.

For today's recipe I present Butterscotch Brownies.  I am still struggling with finding a snack cake replacement.  I like fruit, but it is not the same as a brownie, or swiss roll and does not appease my sweet tooth.  This recipe does the trick, I get my cake and can eat it to, so to speak.

For this recipe you will need:
Vegetable oil spray   1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons acceptable margarin
1 egg or equivalent substitute (I like egg beaters)
2 table spoons unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp imitation butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup flour   1 tsp baking powder

Set oven to 350°F
Coat 8" square pan with vegetable oil spray

In a large bowl cream brown sugar and margarine with an electric mixer set to medium
Add the egg, applesauce, imitation butter, and the vanilla extract.  Mix with hand mixer on medium until smooth.

In a separate bowl sift the flour and baking powder then add the flour and baking powder to the brownie mixture mix with hand mixer on medium until combined.  Evenly spread the mixture in the 8" baking pan, bake in oven for 20-25 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

I like to add 1/2 Cup Flaxseed to the flour/baking powder mixture.  This adds a little more texture, and flax seed is one of the few non fish products that are high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, not to mention it is high in dietary fiber.

I will be trying a chocolate brownie recipe coming up, I will report on it once I do.

Remember, variety is the spice of life in all things.