Thank you Roy

As I sat in class this evening, minding my own business, preparing for my presentation, Roy yells out my name.  "Hey Chas! Do you have a knife?" As he struggles to open a cellophane wrapper.  So I responded, "Are you asking me because I'm Puerto Rican......(classmates AND professor are laughing out loud).... because there are 15 other people here you could have asked?" Roy, "No, no, no, no, I just wanted to know if you had a knife," as he chuckles.  With a jokingly annoyed look I respond, "No Roy, just because I am PR doesn't mean I carry around knives!!"  He continues to struggle and then it dawned on me... I DID have a knife with me today! A butter knife for the dinner I packed.  So wanting to be helpful, I admitted in front of everyone as I pulled out a knife, "Actualllyyyy (Roy's favorite word), I DO have a knife." More laughter and now the stereotype lives on.

Thank you Roy!

Food Stamps for Rock Stars

I don't know where to begin... well for starters about two weeks ago I did my usual rollerblading with Mary on the Bronx River Parkway.  That was fun for me as usual and not fun for Mary as usual.  But she's such a trooper! She comes with me even though she LOATHES it! Kudos for Mary! It sucks that today is raining as it is the last Sunday the BRP will be closed for the season.  I mourn.

That day we saw a sign for an open house and Mary was intrigued and I'm easily influenced so we decided to go.  I missed the turn, pulled into a church parking lot to turn around.  I saw a group of people with shirts that read "Yonkers Bike Club".  I was sooooo intrigued.  Mary was soooo happy too!  Why? Well because if I join a club that meets on Sunday's then Mary doesn't have to blade with me anymore.  Get it? Good.  Of course, she encouraged me to go speak to them.  She even offered to speak to them for me.  I parked and we both went.  2 minutes later I was part of a club.  I was very excited!  Long story short - I'm not part of a bike club.  The president did not answer my last two emails and I have no other way of contacting them to find out where they meet.  Excitement gone.

To continue on that day, we then moved on to our open house dressed like two hobos... well, like two sweaty ladies that just finished blading - not a good first impression.  The realtor pretty much patronized us the entire time (at least that's how I felt) but either way it was cool walking through the home that had a heated indoor pool and beautiful green house! It also had a powered chair for stairs from the garage to the first floor - how cool is that?!  Lazy people of America unite!  The home was owned by an elderly couple as evidenced by the powered chair for stairs, lots of floral wall paper throughout and 70s style linoleum floors (me thinks).  BUT did I mention it had a super cool INDOOR heated lap pool and a beautiful green house?!!!

Moving on... later that week I had to go to a homeless shelter as part of my clinical rotation for psych.  TOTALLY uneventful day but I did get an offer.

As I sat and ate my sliced red bell peppers and carrots with hummus one of the workers stared at me wide-eyed and said, "Is THAT all you're eating? What is that?!" referring to the hummus.

So I told him and he then exclaimed, "Where is the MEAT?!"  So I said, "Well, I do not need meat with this meal as the hummus is my source of protein." I sounded as lame as ever.

He then continued on to, "Aye yai yai, no, no, you want me to buy you some lunch?  I mean, look you have no meat there! I can get you something.  Some meat. You need meat!" with a very concerned look on his face.

This dude was serious.  Did I also mention that he was overweight and apparently loves meat?

I said, "That's really kind of you but really I'm okay.  It's a healthy meal and I eat every three hours.  This is perfectly proportioned for now."  Sounded really lame again. 

He didn't look convinced.  He then went on to say, very, very kindly and very concerned, "You know you're a student and you can get help.  You can get food stamps.  We have the application here.  Don't be ashamed.  It's okay.  I can help you fill it out if you want or you can come back whenever and I'll help you. You can get up to $200 a month as an unemployed student."

I thought about it for a second thinking, WOW, $200 for food! That would be GREAT! I mean, I spend $400 a month on average as a single, unemployed person.  WOW, $200!! So I responded not wanting to offend his generous offer, "That sounds like a really great idea.  Let me think about it. I'm definitely not embarrassed.  That sounds really helpful. I'll get back to you on that."

He said not convinced that I was taking him seriously, "Okay, don't be embarrassed.  We all need help sometimes. You can come back another day and we can do it."

So yea, this was our conversation in front of my professor, 4 other workers there and some of their clients.  Private? I think not!  So as intriguing and tempting as that offer sounded, I would not have accepted for a few reasons:

1. I have been eating healthier this year than my whole life. My body feels great, I have more energy (b/c this is what I need) and it helps my mood, so getting food stamps to afford meat isn't my top priority.   
   
2. I have never accepted help from anyone and have always taken care of myself, which leads to...
3. Feeling embarrassed at the idea of admitting I could potentially use help.
   

That was the most exciting part of that experience.

The following week I started working again with the girls.  These girls are great! Their parents are doing a wonderful job. They are beautiful, smart, funny and fun to be around.  I had not seen them all summer.  I knew this would happen.... but it was confirmed when I saw them last week.   The 11 year old had grown taller than me over the summer.  I mean I'm pretty tall, so this just makes her a giant!

Then something great happened!  MUSE & U2!  They were both so electrifying, energetic, and great entertainers!  I WANT TO BE A ROCK STAR!  I WANT TO BE A ROCK STAR! I WANT TO BE A ROCK STAR!

Coconut Madness

Here is something for you chocolate and coconut lovers!

Smoothie of the Week - Choco-coco Madness 
*Serving size: 1

1 ripe banana
2-3 oz of coconut milk
2-3 tbsp of melted dark chocolate (70% and over is considered MUFA)
2 oz of water 
4 cubes of ice

Blend and serve immediately.  

Remember to use coconut milk sparingly as it is high in fat and not the good kind.

Nutritional Facts for 1 oz of coconut milk:
Calories: 64 (calories from fat 56)
Total Fat: 7g (saturated fat 6g)

Smoothie of the Week

Here is a simple, quick, tropical delight for your palate.  I mean who doesn't like mangoes, pineapples and bananas?! Well besides Marybelle, who for some reason doesn't like bananas... weirdo. 

Anyway, here are two versions to this week's smoothie.  One is viscous and one is not - depending on your preference, you have a healthy choice either way.

Viscous Mango, Pineapple & Banana Smoothie
Serving size: 1-2

1 ripe banana*
1/2 mango or 3-4 tablespoons of frozen mango*
2-3 slices of fresh pineapple or 2-3 tablespoons of frozen pineapple*
4 oz of fat-free or 1% milk**
1/2 cup of ice

Blend and serve immediately.

Regular Mango, Pineapple & Banana Smoothie
Serving size: 1-2

1/2 ripe banana*
1/2 mango or 3-4 tablespoons of frozen mango*
2-3 slices of fresh pineapple or 2-3 tablespoons of frozen pineapple chunks*
6 oz of Orange Juice
1/2 cup of ice

Blend and serve immediately.

*Adjust portions according to your palate.
**Use whatever milk you prefer.  For a splash of another flavor - use coconut milk.  Keep in mind that coconut milk is very high in fat.  However, you can add half fat-free milk and half coconut milk (2 oz each).

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dad

Dad, you would have been 53 years old today and oh how you are missed.  I miss your smile, your laugh, your sense of humor, your kindness, your love, your patience, your comfort.  I miss you dad.

I wonder each day if my life would be different had you been around longer.  I am so sorry you had to go.  However, I do know you are always with me.  Always in my heart.  Always by my side in a different way.

You were always so cool in my eyes.  I remember our walks to the park together.  I remember challenging you on the swing bars.  I was such a tomboy and so competitive thinking I could be better than you dad with my stick arms.  Ha!

I remember visiting every weekend.  Each night we would sit on that twin sized bed, eat cereal and watch the honeymooners and the odd couple before bed.  I remember asking you to teach me how to whistle and do the belly roll just like you!  I was always unsuccessful.  You were the whistling, belly roll master.  To this day I secretly still try to do the belly roll and whistle like you.  Still unsuccessful.  Sigh.

I wish you were still around dad.  I wish you were around to see me grow into adulthood, around to hear my stories,  around to talk to, around to possibly walk me down the aisle one day, i just wish you were around.

You will always be remembered, always be loved and always be cherished.  

RIP Dad

September 8, 1956 - January 13, 1996

Smoothie of the Week

For those looking for flatter bellies, consider adding more MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) to your diet. Studies have proven that people who consume a diet high in MUFA, also referred to as a "Mediterranean-like" diet are at a lower risk for heart disease.  According to a study that appeared in Diabetes Care, a journal published by the American Diabetes Association, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFA) may help reduce abdominal fat better than a carbohydrate rich diet.

Healthy Smoothie of the Week*

½ cup fat-free milk**
½ cup fat-free plain yogurt (you can leave this out and you will still have a great tasting smoothie minus the probiotics)
2 Tbsp creamy natural unsalted peanut butter OR almond butter (MUFA)
¼-½ apple

¼ very ripe banana
1 Tbsp honey
4 ice cubes

Combine the milk, yogurt, peanut butter or almond butter, banana, honey, and ice cubes in a blender. Process until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and serve.

This smoothie is a great source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, probiotics with a healthy amount of sodium, fat and cholesterol.  As with all meals, moderation is key.  Exercise along with a balanced diet is the secret to a healthy body.  Make exercise and healthy eating a part of your lifestyle, not just a diet.  Studies show that people who view healthy living as part of their lifestyle and not a chore are more likely to stick to it and achieve their goals.


*Gluten free
 

**For those that are lactose intolerant and dislike the chalky taste that most lactose free milks have to offer - try Smart Balance Lactose-Free, Fat-Free Milk (the purple and white carton).   It contains omega-3, vitamin E, 20% more calcium and protein than whole milk and only 5mg of cholesterol. 

***Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. Follow advice at your own risk.

What are some foods that are MUFA rich?
Almonds
Avocado
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Flaxseed Oil
Macadamia Nuts
Natural Peanut Butter
Olive Oil
~~Olive oil is the best all around for cooking and salads because it contains mostly MUFA, which lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol without affecting "good" HDL cholesterol. The greener the oil, the more antioxidants, so go for extra-virgin. KEEP IN MIND that ONE tablespoon of olive oil contains approximately 90-119 calories.
Pistachios
Sunflower Seeds
Walnuts

Click here for some simple MUFA recipes from Prevention.com 

just tired...

Tomorrow is the end of the second week of the semester and I feel numb.  It's as if it's not really happening.  I've never felt such a sense of confusion.  Is it me?  Is it the lack of clarity in each class?  Is it a combination of both?

I do not like this feeling and I wish it would go away.  I want to this to end peacefully and move on.

Signed,
"nummified"