Don't know how much of this is true, but does make you think doesn't it. This is why my choice of lifestyle now is more aimed towards my health rather than aesthetics. Before I hit 40 I must admit I never really considered my health, and only ever wanted to lose weight to 'look better', I was very naive. Now I am older, and seeing people I love becoming unwell, granted not just through being overweight but it is a major factor, it has made me realise how important it is to look after your body as best you can, how your body is the most valuable thing you own. It is your responsibility, nobody elses. Granted, it won't stop you being knocked over by a bus ... although it could help you run out of the way .... but any little thing you can do to try and ensure your body runs at it's most efficient can surely only be positive. You wouldn't fill a car with junk and expect it to still run!!!
This is the blog I started Thursday but owing to computer problems I couldn't finish, so am just going to use it to post the recipe for my four bean and lentil chilli I made for dinner Thursday as it was awesome!!
So, Wednesday night I put a handful of berlotti, haricot, flagelot and black turtle beans in to soak overnight ... and the rest of the next day!! I then drained and rinsed them and boiled them, along with a handful of green lentils, for about 45 minutes until softened.
I put them in the slow cooker with a teaspoon of hot chilli powder, a teaspoon of chilli flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, a handful of red lentils, an onion sliced, some mushrooms sliced, some red peppers (from a jar in brine, drained) sliced and a can of chopped tomatoes, stir and then let is just cook away for a good 4 hours or so on low heat. (You may also notice a tin of sweetcorn kernels in this pic, I forgot to put them in!!). No kidney beans were added, although traditional for a chilli they are the one bean I cannot stand!!
Served on a bed of brown rice topped with some fat free fromage frais, fresh coriander and half an avocado sliced.
Absolutely loved it!!
As mentioned, won't be too many blogs in the coming weeks as we are out and about celebrating my husband's impending 40th birthday. Celebrations started last night when we went out for dinner with my husband's best friend and his lovely wife.
We had such a good evening, I chose relatively healthy, although purely by taste rather than conscious choice. Scallops and king prawns on a little wedge of focaccia bread to start followed by salmon served on a broad bean, cabbage and leek potato cake with fresh spinach ... and then the chocolatiest of chocolate brownies for dessert!! A glass of red wine at the start and then a dry white wine with soda later. Did I feel guilty?? .Nope, I thoroughly enjoyed it, although the chocolate was so rich the last few mouthfulls were hard going ... but I still scoffed the lot!!
I have to say, I felt good!! There was no emptying of the wardrobe tantrums stressing over everything I put on not fitting or looking god damn awful, I felt good, I felt confident, I felt strong and I felt ... sexy!!! Happy happy days days.
We are over my parent's tonight for more celebrations which will involve an Indian take-out! Again, am not worried. I no longer enjoy the thick heavy creamy sauces, I much prefer to be able to taste my food and not feel like an oil slick after it, so will no doubt be some tandoori king prawns or chicken for me with a sag bhaji and a cauliflower bhaji, yum!
We are away at some stage in the next week or two as well, which will involve lots of eating out no doubt. Testing times but again, as my tastes have completely changed I am not worried at all. I will not let what I eat affect my enjoyment of the break, but I do know what is a healthier choice for me, and my tastebuds would now prefer that too. Old temptations are no longer temptations for me, I am confident I will be fine.
However ........ I KNOW I AM GOING TO MISS THE GYM!!! And swimming, more than anything my swimming!! Although the first part of our break features a luxury spa hotel so will make the most of that. The next part features a canal boat which will also mean lots and lots of lockes to be opened, entailing lots of muscle usage and strength, the gym will probably be a welcome relaxation after that!!
I will blog when I can, or follow my facebook page Weight off my mind for more regular postings.
Thanks again for reading
Jo
xx
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