Running for your life!

My weight issues were/are almost always a sinusoidal curve.  I have had moments when I could fit into size 2 and other when even size 8 would seem tight (I sit in the comfort curve, if you may )  And going by that, my exercise regimen also followed a similar pattern of rigorous followed by lull activity times.

I was never much of a runner.  I did disastrous relays at sports days and played kho-kho like no tomorrow, but that was it. Later it was only at 18, I treaded the Gold gym and enjoyed the aerobics sessions in the open terrace with the welcoming sea breeze of sultry Chennai. Later there were many moments of hot-yoga, kick boxing, boot camps, treadmills, weights et all and the gym genre had caught on in my twenties, although very haphazardly.

It was in the last couple of years that I had pressured N to join me and we had taken to hitting the road during the warmer months of the east coast. Although now, it’s a great mutual push for both of us and anything seems fun with company doesn’t it? This year we decided to get it in focus and took up the 5K challenge and completed it successfully and N did brilliantly (as I have already raved on that social networking site )

But, this time around I have established a completely different outlook. The only thing that used to keep me ticking before were the pretty dresses displayed at the consumerist-jingoism of the malls in the US. The feeling that you are never perfect for the standards set (by who or what is unfortunately never questioned). I am sure I am not alone when  I say that. Let me digress to say that it is for this very reason I developed a phobia to shopping and malls until recently.

So this time, running was a completely different experience – it taught me patience, endurance and focus. It no longer concerned me to crib about a gazillion people who could eat their heart’s content and never show up an iota heavier. It didn’t concern me that Ann Taylor has displayed a new range of dresses for the weak-hearted. It also didn’t concern me that I should strive to fit into my older skinny jeans to feel younger.

been there. Done that.

Running has kept me motivated, healthier, happier and definitely more fit! And that’s whats keeping my purposes in life on check! I am sure there many more challenges to go. 10K is hopefully my next aim before the end of the year. I totally love running now, for it seems to define who I am and not what I am expected to be. The shoes. the road. the iPod. the confidence. I am sure I can conquer the world if need be!

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When I had expressed doubts about finishing a 5K race, this is what drove(ran) the point home.

“Even if you finish last, remember you still beat the world parked on the couch“.  

Cross Posted here.

Updates from me!

So here I am after more than a month I guess.. The non contribution being due to alas too much to do at work/home. I have realized that overworking is one of the easiest ways to lose track of health goals, especially when you dont get out of work early enough to see sunlight. Though I haven't been eating like crazy, I haven't really worked out in a while either, save for the few miles of walks each week by taking the boat instead of the train. Hoping to change that in the next few weeks & get back on the gym class rosters.

Sudan & I have discovered a new snack we both love, especially for that sweet tooth, baby oranges! They are soo yummy & great to enjoy after/before or as a mini meal!

I discovered a new salad place near work that makes a killer pear, olive oil, frisee, walnut & gorgonzola salad. The sweet & sour makes a great combo!

Saying no to rice does help in a big way to eating healthy. It makes you feel light all the time too!

Our newest love in the kitchen has to be tomatillos. These green tomato like fruit from mexico are sour & taste wonderful in dals, chutneys & kootu. Give it a try!

Apparently cutting about 50-70 calories a day helps a lot in the long term for your overall health.. try replacing your sugar with splenda or your cookie with an orange. Your body will thank you!

mettre à jour

No. It is not a spam post. On the contrary, - it means "updates" in french...It was a crass effort to bring some life back to the blogpage. :)

I believe its been a lull spring, with not many posts springing... I hope the blog has done its job and turned us all hail and healthy and fit... Or not??

Anyways, here are some updates from me -

• N and I have been on a running spree, irrespective of rain/frost/sun/cloud (touch wood!). And hopefully we will not suck at the 5K event this sunday! (fingers crossed)
• Although, I have been running, I havent subjected myself to any stringent diet. Just following regular regime. an extra pizza slice means running an additional 0.25miles.
• I made a big blunder while making muffins. I didnt "butter" the butter-cups. I thought thats done automatically because it is called "butter-cups" in the first place. So I ended up losing a lot of cake to the paper.
•  I have been having a great time grilling, with the weather and all. Some efforts on 'butta' here. Otherwise grilled asparagus is the new love. And of course N's specials are awesome too.
•  Been gardening on and off. Tomato plants are in the offing. Yet to replant in the upside-down endeavor.
• Been escatic that I have lost 9 Lbs since jan. Wii fit vouched for it and recommends losing another 7 Lbs atleast to hit the "perfect" weight. Oh well.. thats not going to be easy I am sure!

Ladies, How about sending an update post our way? What you been upto?

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Food for thought -

There is a 10K run for women in october. I know most of us have no idea where we will be around that time. But do give it a thought and let me know. It will be great if I can do it with company? again the course is charles river. So do keep it in mind and let me know if anyone is interested?

Link here http://www.tuftshealthplan.com/tufts10k/index.php.

The Kindest Cut

In an effort to participate in the "kindest cut" program that is run my pantene, I have been wearing my hair long since almost a year. And hopefully by the end of next month I should have the stipulated 8 inches to donate and still have some length to retain...

Considering we all so often have a hair cut and the locks simply find their way to a broom and basket.. I thought why not make a difference for a change... Long hair does take some maintenance..But then, if you are not much of a stylist, spray, blow dry, straightening kind of person.. but someone who simply does a wash, brush and wear it the way it is.. it's a lot easier to let it grow.... Here is what i do -

1. wash hair twice a week, thrice in summer

2. Once a week deep condition (coconut oil massage and leave it for one to two hours. Then wash it as usual)

3. Always condition the hair after shampoo

4. Try to use a soft shampoo/conditioner (organic if you can) . I use Dove and it has suited me just fine. 

( From experience i have noticed garnier and tressemme are the worst.. too strong)

5. towel dry with a soft towel and docile-like 

So before I make the cut next month.. if any of you can tell me of any salon they know where they donate hair, I'd be glad to take an appointment there, or have to do the 'pantene kindest cut' and make the cut myself and then head to the salon to shape it up...

So, anyone got any other tips for maintaining hair?? Anyone else willing to make the kindest cut??

May be we can start by spreading the word.. i just did :)

Chocolate Nut Bread

To add to the flavorful bread recipes so far in this blog, here is my version of the Chocolate Nut Bread. I found this recipe on the back cover of Nestle chocolate Morsels which I customized. To my surprise this recipe doesn’t use butter except for greasing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large eggs
• 1 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla syrup
• 1/3 cup or 4-5 tsp of canola oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cups NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 1 cups chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease one 9 x 5-inch loaf pans with butter.

COMBINE flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla syrup and salt in large bowl. Combine eggs, milk and vegetable oil in medium bowl. Add to flour mixture; mix just until moistened. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into prepared loaf pans.

BAKE for 50 to 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove from pans.

TIP: If you are looking for even more chocolate flavor, try drizzling the cooled loaves with chocolate! Microwave 1/2 cup semi-sweet morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; knead bag to mix. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut a small hole in corner of bag; squeeze to drizzle over bread.

Next time I plan to add more chocolate :)

Tip of the day!

Look for spring onions, leeks and ramps (a wild onion) in your supermarkets this month. They make great omlette toppers. Eating whats in season is usually the way to go!
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Try bananas or dates before working out. It is an instant and healthy source of energy. Banana if you are working out for over an hour, otherwise like me for running for half an hour first thing in empty stomach in the mornings, one date should suffice. Way healthier than energy drinks that people gobble... don't you think?

****** I am adding a sidebar to keep the tip of the day or tips in general going.Post your tips there******

New Ideas?

Hi everyone!

I am back after a little while following a good vacation and some writer's block as well! Divya's entry motivated me to spring in as well ;) pun intended!

so here are some ideas:

1. How about a tip of the day item? I love reading tips, they are always fun!

2. This idea comes from the foodie in me.. post pics from great restaurants you visit/visited and rate them. I love reading picture blogs and I'm sure you do too!

what do you guys think?