Chezon vs. the Low-Tech Highs

On Mother’s Day, my father asked me if I would be free to hang out with him next week. Reminiscent of our Daddy Daughter Days we would have when I was younger, he asked if I could make some time to hang out with him. “Sure” I replied eagerly.

When we connected today, my dad inquired about my exercise regimen and I explained about the different types of cardio workouts I did outside of my gym time. He suggested we head over to Ikea and “walk around”. Seriously, that’s the thing I love about my dad. He’s so “low-tech”. All we needed was to keep it simple: let’s talk and walk.

We covered the Ikea showroom floor at a brisk pace. My dad’s always walked quickly, so I had to keep up. He’d ask random questions -- everything from schoolwork inquiries to dieting to comments about Ikea’s inventory -- which kept the conversation flowing. When we got to the stairs, I slowed down and asked if he’d prefer to take the elevator. He looked at me and said “You can handle this. I know I can!” And off he went jogging up the stairs. By the time we hit it a second time, no need for questions, I was already two steps behind.

Hanging out with my dad was the best kind of exercise I’ve done since I’ve started this journey. We walked through Ikea numerous times and when we were done, walked around the neighboring shops. Walking around with him, the time flew by, and before I realized it, more than 2 hours had passed.

Back home, my dad and I collapsed on the couch. Laughing and being silly all day with my dad had put a wide smile on my face. He turned to me and said he’d be headed back to his house soon. He got up to leave and turned to give me a hug. “You’re a good kid! You gotta keep this up! Okay?” Hearing him say that brought tears to my eyes. “I will dad, thanks! Thanks for everything! I love ya!”

I gotta be honest. My father’s comments today were worth more than any pounds I could ever lose!

Chezon vs Busy Schedule (Let's Call it a Draw)‏

Dieting on a busy schedule is like trying to catch an eel with your bare hands underwater: it's not impossible, but it can feel that way.

The last couple of weeks have been difficult. Just when I believed my personal and professional schedule couldn't be stretched any further, we landed in the middle of a family emergency. My boyfriend's uncle had a sudden heart attack. Back and forth we drove over 50 miles to comfort family and offer support. Unfortunately, his uncle passed away a week later.

During this time, I struggled trying to remember to eat. And when I did remember, the chore lied in finding healthier alternatives within vending machines. After a day or two, I quickly learned, my sanity lied in packing my handbag with bottled water and nonperishable snacks.

Now, my life is trying to settle down. I'm still busy trying to play catch-up, but I'm proud that despite the challenges, I didn't completely fall off of my diet bandwagon. It's times like this where you embrace the small victories. Stay healthy, people.

Death Match: Chezon vs. Comfort Cravings

I've hit that phase of "healthy eating" where I'm starting to crave comfort foods. On the way home from the gym today, I had to continuously fight the urge to pull into a familiar and fattening fast food restaurant. I had done such a good job working out; I didn't want to blow it on a fast fat feast that had been marinated in grease. Yet, I didn't have a lot of time to prepare a meal, because I had to study before my evening class.

For lunch, I ate a sandwich and soup. Filling, yes, but I as I drove to school, I passed numerous unhealthy reminders that my cravings were in the backseat.

Luckily, my class was cut short tonight. So as I climbed into the car, I realized, I have a little extra time to prepare something good for dinner tonight. Here's what I came up with: "Homemade Beef and Broccoli". It's quick (from start to finish, it took about 15-20 minutes) and it tasted just as good as ordering it from my local Chinese take-out. Great way to save time and money!

Diet Low: I'm definitely going to have to clean out the backseat of my car to make sure there aren't any more cravings back there.

Diet High: To give the brown rice a little more flavor, I tossed it in the wok to coat it well before serving.

Homemade Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients
--1 tbsp olive oil or Non-Stick spray
--1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
--1 package broccoli
--1 red pepper diced
--1/2 cup chopped onions
--12 oz sirloin steak, cut in strips
--3 tbsps low sodium soy sauce


Directions

In a skillet or wok heat the oil or coat with nonstick spray; add the sirloin steak strips. Cook thoroughly.

Remove steak. Set aside.

Add to wok prepared vegetables.

Cook, stirring quickly and frequently until the vegetables are crisp/tender and onions are browned.

Stir in the beef strips

Add in the beef broth and soy sauce. (Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch if you would like to thicken the sauce.)

Toss and coat vegetables and beef

Serve over brown rice