Ms. Moderation
Practicing Extreme Balance in all things Food, Fitness and Fun.
Learning is good. We all know that. It keeps us mentally sharp, socially engaged, happier and healthier. That’s what the experts say.
And so it is that I took up snow skiing at age 51. For some strange reason, I never pursued the sport. Too much trouble, too much equipment, too many arrangements. (Yes, this from someone who will portage kayaks down snowy river banks in freezing temps just to be on icy water in the winter.)
So when the offer came to ski Park City, I was excitedly apprehensive if that’s possible. I figured the worst case scenario would be that I stunk at it. Best outcome would be that I loved it and was recruited for the Senior Olympics. Either way, I’d know by Day 1 which direction I was headed. Equipped with amazing support from our hosts, a ski school schedule and some groovy rented equipment, the challenge was on. My 55 year old hubbie was skiing for the first time as well, so we could commiserate if needed.
I should note, I’m a fairly athletic girl. Jack of all, master of none, but I play a lot outdoors no matter the weather. Since the forecast for Park City was in the high 30’s, I almost smirked at the layers of clothes I donned. But better to be padded like a stuffed doll than fall downhill at lightning speed with no protection (Yes, I wore a helmet). Oh, and did I mention the slopes were deserted due to Sundance Festival attendees booking all the lodging in town? How could I not succeed with all these factors stacked in my favor?
After a morning lesson on Turtle slope (as if I didn’t know I was slow), we were ready to tackle a steeper run. Not really, but we did anyway. Down First Timers I flew since I hadn’t quite mastered the stopping action on skis. (Aerodynamic panic was a new concept for me, which I later repeated on a much longer, steeper turn, resulting in a small human pile up due to laughter as I slammed into the mountainside to avoid an untimely death. My body outline can still be seen in the snow.)
Fast forward a few more days and a few more lessons. I am now a skier. Not a great one, but a skier none the less. I learned to glide, turn, ride lifts without causing wipeouts, and sip a latte in front of the fire like an old timer.
The experts are right about that happy feeling.
What a great way to start a Snow Day! Bob’s Red Mill 6 Grain hot cereal is a soft textured blend of high fiber organic grains. Served here (in my kitchen in my pj’s) with dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and a drizzling of vanilla soy milk.
Note: This cereal is found in the baking aisle of many grocery stores, alongside the flour and other milled grains, not in the cereal aisle with the oats. Go figure!
Hiking a muddy Chubb Trail today with AC.
With holiday parties ramping up, overeating becomes a real threat to your wellness. Remember a few tips as you Deck the Halls:
1. Eat a healthy snack before you go. Carrots and hummus, apple with peanut butter. (Takes the edge off your hunger and fills your stomach before the cocktails flow.)
2. Drink a glass of water between cocktails. Club soda with lime works. (Keeps you hydrated and sober.)
3. Check out all the appetizers before you begin grazing. You won’t be full when you discover your favorite treat in the next room.
4. When you’re full, walk away from the food area. Out of sight, out of mouth:)
5. Arrange for a ride home if you over-imbibe. You and every life you spared will be grateful in the morning.
A little off trail climb.
Now’s NOT the time to panic! It’s the time to sit back and assess what the next few weeks are going to look like. So, a few shoulder shrugs and deep breaths please…
Sure, it’s important to make all these magical moments happen. But it’s just as important to understand that much of our holiday stress is self-inflicted. Do you really need to bake 10 batches of grandma’s holiday cookies? Or would it be ok to bake one batch and share the memories with your immediate family. How many holiday cards are necessary? Could you whittle that list? How about the sheer number of gifts you buy to keep things even?
The cost of these additional responsibilities, piled on top of regularly scheduled life can be enormous. I’m not just talking credit card debt here. I’m talking lack of sleep, lack of holiday spirit, lack of wellness. Add a dose of over-indulgence and too tight jeans for an extra layer of discomfort. (I guess there’s no time to exercise until January.)
Now, take another deep breath and envision how to spend your time and energy. I know it can look far more appealing if you plan ahead. Maybe those cards go out for New Years. Maybe a new tradition is a family hike instead of baking all weekend.
Weed out the unnecessary, focus on the people that mean the most to you, and take care of yourself. It’s the greatest gift you can give your loved ones.
Quinoa Flake Hot Cereal. Serve it up like any other warm breakfast cereal. A little sprinkling of cinnamon and dried figs makes it a high protein, iron, and fiber powerhouse.
If you’re not familiar with quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) it’s a South American plant containing all nine essential amino acids and a huge hit of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2). Although it’s treated as a grain, it’s actually more closely related to spinach and beets. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is most commonly found boxed or bagged in the grain section of the grocery store to be prepared like rice. (Another bonus of this gem is the shorter cooking time.)
But many specialty stores also carry quinoa flour and flakes. I find mine at Global Foods in Kirkwood. If you can’t find it, ask your store to carry it. It’s an inexpensive and easy way to fuel your body. For breakfast, drizzle it with honey and almonds, for lunch and dinner, add it to your veggie stir-fry or favorite fall soup, serve it as a pilaf, make a quinoa salad.
You already know that healthy living comes from a diet rich in natural grains, fruits and veggies. Time to add this one to the list.
Need a quick and healthy sandwich idea? This sauteed portobello, red pepper, and onion sandwich on kalamata bread took about 5 minutes to make. A sprinkling of parmesan cheese and leaf lettuce finish it off fabulously.
And if you think you can’t prep a good sandwich because you don’t keep fresh veggies stocked, think again. Peppers, onions, carrots, and a load of other fresh ingredients keep in the fridge for long periods of time. For layers of flavor, slice them thinly and saute in a little olive oil. (I use an oil sprayer to control the quantity and distribute evenly.)
One pan, one cutting board, one knife. Guaranteed faster, healthier, and tastier than any drive thru fatty alternative.
