FOOD RULES part 1

So, one of the really interesting and unique things about this pregnancy has been my desire to eat really healthy whole foods. Not any one thing per say, just healthy eating in general rather. I've never been much of a chef so to say, but since I've been pregnant, I've been cooking dinner almost every single night. Shocker! I have also started baking too. And I have to say I'm really enjoying it. I enjoy perusing cookbooks and thinking about good things to make for my family. I realize that I finally have the time to cook and bake, and for the first time in my life, I actually have the desire. I blame it on the hormones.

So the other day I was in Barnes and Noble perusing the aisles, when I saw this little gem on an end post. I picked it up and looked at it, and I knew it looked familiar but I wasn't sure where. Then I remembered Michael Pollan was a guest on Oprah the other day that I happened to catch. I really identified with his ideas, so I decided to purchase the little book. It's not a long or hard read, but it is filled with some of the most logical, wise advice I've ever read (and believe me, I've read a LOT of diet books) regarding food and eating. So, I decided to buy it. And then I decided that I should share this wisdom with y'all cause it's just so great.

In this book he basically talks about the reasons we as a nation are so unhealthy (i.e. diseases and obesity), and then gives the rules or guidelines to the ways in which we should be eating. His entire book can be summed up in 7 simple words.

Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.

And there it is. The basic simplicity of all his guidelines. In his book he has 64 food rules, divided into three sections to better and more thoroughly explain these seven words. He divides the 64 rules into three separate sections: What should I eat? What kind of food should I eat? And How should I eat? And since I thought it might be a bit much to list all 64 rules on here at once, I decided to give them to ya in three separate posts, divided up along the lines of his three questions. The rules are his. The little blurb of thought after are mine. For his full reasoning and description buy the book.

Get ready to change your life friends. You can thank me later.

Michael Pollan's Food Rules

What Should I Eat?

1. Eat Food. --Not over processed packaged stuff passing for food.
2. Don't Eat Anything Your Great-Grandmother Wouldn't Recognize as Food --example: Go Gurt. Is it yogurt or toothpaste? Over processed, packaged food isn't really food.
3. Avoid Food Products containing Ingredients That No Ordinary Human would keep in the pantry. --Ethoxylated diglycerides. You wouldn't cook with it, so don't eat stuff that contains it.
4. Avoid Food products that contain high-fructose corn syrup. --Usually a food that contains HFCS has been highly processed..
5. Avoid foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top 3 ingredients.
6. Avoid food products that contain more than five ingredients. --I love Lara Bars. They usually only have 3 ingredients. Fruit, dried fruit and nuts. Delish.
7. Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce.
8. Avoid food products that make health claims. -- Low fat? Maybe, but I bet they added sugar to up the taste. Also, fruits and vegetables do not make health claims, yet we know they are healthy.
9. Avoid food products with the wordoid "lite" or the terms "low-fat" or "non-fat" in their names. --Same reason as above. Often times full fat items have fewer calories than their non-fat counterparts.
10. Avoid foods that are pretending to be something they are not. --margarine is the classic example. Artificial sweeteners too.
11. Avoid foods you see advertised on television. --Usually over processed yuck.
12. Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle. --you've heard this before. Do it.
13. Eat only foods that will eventually rot. --preservatives are not your friend.
14. Eat foods made from ingredients that you can picture in their raw state or growing in nature. --For fun check out a twinkie ingredient list. Do not eat Twinkie.
15. Get out of the Supermarket whenever you can. --And into the Farmers Market.
16. Buy your snacks at the Farmers Market. ie--fruit, veggies and nuts.
17. Eat only foods that have been cooked by humans. --Corporations but large amounts of sugar, salt and fat in their food. Yuck.
18. Don't ingest foods made in places where everyone is required to wear a surgical cap.
19. If it came from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don't.
20. It's not food if it arrived through the window of your car. --one exception--Au Natural.
21. It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Thing Big Mac, Cheetos, Pringles.)

And there you have it. The rules to good, wise and delicious eating. Now, I don't want you even for a minute to think I am going to follow this perfectly. I am no food saint. Believe me. But I'm gonna simply lean in to it. Try eating more healthfully. At least 90% of the time.

Stay tuned for Parts 2 & 3 from Michael Pollan's Food Rules. Or just go buy the book yo-self. Cause it's good reads people. Good reads I say.

DEAR UNIVERSE, THIS IS WHAT I AM CRAVING

So in pregnancy women often crave many things. Pickles and ice cream amongst the most popular. I however, usually don't crave things, but rather have aversions. With Thing 1 it was funeral potatoes. Couldn't even get near them, even for a good while after I'd delivered. With Thing 2 it was cottage cheese. Ewww. And with Thing 3 it is meat. Any and all meat. Just grosses me out. I'm starting to come out of it a little bit, but mostly it still makes me want to gag. But this pregnancy I am absolutely craving something, which is very unusual. I want it so bad, but unfortunately I don't think my wishes are going to come true. This is what I'm craving:

A complete and total dreamless nights sleep.

I honestly can't remember the last time I went to sleep and didn't have some crazy, scary, whacked out dream. And it's exhausting. Every night I wake up 5 or 6 times in a panic because one of my children has just died, or been kidnapped, or forgotten altogether. It is absolutely frightening. Someone once told me that pregnant women have these types of dreams so that they can, even in their subconscious, be able to handle any situation involving their offspring. So that we will be prepared in a case of emergency or shock. A sort of innate evolution type-thing. And I guess I can see her point, but it doesn't make me feel any better about my terrible dreams. I just wish they would stop. Luckily I haven't had all the crazy new baby dreams yet. Like when you leave them at home, and just completely forget about them? I hate those dreams. I feel like I have enough guilt about all the many ways I'm screwing my kids up while I'm awake, that I really don't need it while I'm supposed to be sleeping. Needless to say, I'm absolutely exhausted, and would really, really, really love a totally dreamless night. One of those nights where you wake up and go, "wow, that went quick." And for the life of you, you can't remember a single dream. Yes, that would be nice.

YOUR DAILY GIGGLE

I honestly laughed out loud when I saw this. Cla-ssic. Especially if you live in the valley.

JANUARY PICK --THE HELP

So, I'm in a book club with a group of really fabulous women, whom I absolutely adore. We pick a book each month and get together and discuss it, amongst other things. So to kick off book club this year I went ahead and picked the book for this month. I'd heard such great things about The Help by Kathryn Stockett that I decided to go ahead and choose it.. And since I've started it, I have been pleased with my pick.

And since I love to read, and know many of you do as well, especially a few of you who live far away, I decided to go ahead and let you all know what book we will be reading each month, then after our group meets, I will post our group's thoughts about the book, as well as my own. And I thought it might be fun for y'all to join in the discussion if you would like. Kind of like an extended virtual on-line book club. So here is my invitation if you would like in on the virtual discussion.

The book for January is The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Sorry for the short notice, but I will be posting my thoughts about it on Friday February 12th. That gives you a few weeks to read it if you so desire. On the 12th I will be sure and inform you of our next choice so any of you who are interested in joining in our virtual discussions can do so, with plenty of time in February to read the next book.

And if you have already read this book, feel free to comment on my post on Feb. 12th. I am interested to hear what others have thought about this book but haven't finished it yet, and don't want any spoilers, so please wait till the 12th.

Hope you join in!

SIX THINGS. . .

So, I got a request from the ever hilarious Cottage Cheese Thighs, to name 6 things I am a master at. And it honestly made me think. Cause really, there are are lots of things I'm mediocre at, and hundreds of things I suck at, but master? Well, it took some serious thought to come up with six, but here it is. Six things I am a master at.

1. Brainstorming. Now, you are probably thinking what does that even mean? But yes. Honestly I am so great at coming up with ideas. Did you know inside this head of mine I've got thousands of fabulous ideas I am just sure will make me & hubs millions one day? Now, if only I had the follow-through of a master.
2. Traveling to Hawaii. Oahu and Maui to be specific. I know all the best spots to snorkel at, hike at, eat at, and lay out at. Really. Does this make you want to take me with you to Hawaii next time you go? It was worth a try.
3. Design. Now, this is kinda hard to explain, but I think I have a really good eye for things. For example I have a fairly good idea what looks good on people. I single handedly picked out my sister-in-laws wedding dress. She didn't even have it in her pile of dresses to try on, but I talked her into it, and I'm so glad she did cause she looked AMAZING in it. Another example of this, is that I can see all the possibilities of a run down home that just needs some love. I really have a good vision for "what could be". If I had lots of money I honestly think it would be so fun to design and flip fixer-upers.
4. Talking. I wish I could say listening, cause it seems more Zen and evolved, but really most of the time I am listening I am just thinking of the next thing to say. This is a terrible quality/habit that I am always trying to fix, but I just can't help it. I love to get together with my friends and chat, chat, chat. I love talking about books (shout out to the bookclub), reality TV, politics, religion, food. Anything really. I usually say way to much, as you probably know if you are any sort of regular reader, but I truly believe the whole point of life is to learn from and cultivate relationships. How do you do this if you aren't willing to share and be honest? So next time I say something on here that makes you want to cringe cause it's just simply too much info, just remember I'm cultivating our relationship. Yes, even in cyberland.
5. Loyalty. This might sound like a weird thing to be a master at, but it's true. I am loyal to my favorite clothing brands in that once I find something that works, why switch? Loyal to my favorite restaurants and frequent them regularly even going so far as always ordering the same thing. Why mess up perfection? And did I mention that Hubs was my first Love? Yep. High School Sweethearts.
6. Number six is a tie with two different things. I thought I'd throw some negative things on here, cause lets not forget people that that cup really is half empty, and that cookie half gone. So, laziness & spending money. I am a master at being lazy. I would like to say it's that I am a homebody and prefer to sit rather than stand, but in all honestly it's laziness. Although I do love a clean and orderly home which doesn't really go with laziness, but ask anyone who is close to me and they will say that I am lazy. So sue me if I'd rather go lay on the beach than take a hike. Really now. And I am totally okay with it. Adds to the charm I think. And if you need someone to go shopping with, just ask. Cause I can spend money like a champ. Just ask hubs. Or actually don't. It's kinda a sore spot. Love you babe!

So there you have it. Six things I am a master at. I am pretty sure I am supposed to tag 6 people, but since I know NONE of you will actually do it, I am letting you off the hook, so you don't feel all guilty and stuff. But just know that I would think it would be really fun to hear a master list from all 6 of you who read my blog. Plus, it's kinda cathartic, and therapeutic in a strange way.

AND NOW, ON A LIGHTER NOTE

Ten days people. Ten Days!!!

COVETING

Today I am coveting this reversible sling over at Fawn&Forest. Some people hate the sling, but I for one, LOVE it. Both of my previous monsters were also sling babies. I hope to carry on the tradition with baby number three, and I am thinking this is a perfectly stylish way to do so. And at 10% off, I think it's even that much more fabulous.

Also, I think this, or even better yet, this would make a lovely addition over the change table. However, pretty sure Hubs will tell me to go jump in a lake, as the price isn't as nearly as lovely as the item itself.

Pretty sure I could do some serious damage in fawn&forest if I won the lottery or something. The whole site is just oh so lovely. Check it out here if you, like the rest of salt lake it seems, have a baby growing in your belly, or know someone who does.

THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD

Tonight we went out to a very lovely dinner with the fam. It was delish. As we were getting up to leave, Thing 2 decided that she just had to put on her ipod before she left. I suppose for some listening enjoyment as she walked to the car. Thing 1 had no intention of waiting for his three-year old sister to rig up her ipod. So, he went on ahead to the car. I decided to let hubs figure out the ipod sitch, while I went after Thing 1. I found him outside jammin' to the music they have playing outside the restaurant. So I decided to jam with him while we waited for the other two. Now, I know I'm not the best dancer that ever lived, but I can shake my tail feather pretty darn fine if I do say so myself.

Finally, after several minutes of dancing outside, Hubs and Thing 2 make it outside the restaurant. We then start heading to the car. And this is when Thing 1 walks directly smack into the car next to us. Straight into it. Thud. It was loud. This is when I run to him and ask him (while stifling a laugh) if he is okay, and make sure we don't need to head to the hospital or anything. And this, THIS is what he has the gal to say to me.

"Gosh, Mom! (in a loud yelling voice) You made me dizzy from all your horrible dancing!"

Oh great. He's only five and already I'm being blamed for everything that goes wrong in his life. Oh the joys of motherhood.

PURE RANDOMNESS

• Heard the heartbeat today. It's still going strong. Nausea has mostly passed. Thank heavens.
• I am getting really super duper excited for Lost. I really hope this season lives up to all the hype, and most importantly, my expectations.
• I am convinced Life cereal actually tastes better dry than in a bowl with milk.
• I got some maternity jeans yesterday for two dollars and fifty cents. Pretty sure I'm the best bargain shopper ever.
• I think maybe it's because I'm thirty now, but I had some seriously long thoughts about not watching this season's Real World. I figured that I am now mostly ten years older than most of those chumps and it's just weird. Then my brother told me that he loves to watch college basketball and they are ten years younger than him, and that made me feel slightly better. I'm considering adding it back to my tivo list.
• I have ventured back to spin class. I realize that I really do love to ride, and miss my road bike terribly. It's been hard to justify getting out for a two-hour ride though when I have little kids, but I'm thinking as soon as I'm all healed up from my c-section I'm going to start riding this summer. Maybe start a girls only group on Saturdays? Any takers?
• For some reason, see previous bullet point, I say the word "terrible" ALL. THE. TIME. now. It's like I've forgotten words like horrible. It's my new go-to word. I blame Charles Barkley.
• Speaking of Charles Barkley, he is going to be on SNL this week. I am slightly excited.
• I have no idea why, maybe because there are no good shows on TV anymore since Glee went on hiatus, but I tivoed The Bachelor. Which makes no sense cause I hate Jake, and think he is boring and lame, and boring. And he cries alot. But the girls are always so crazy and fun to watch. Still can't believe some girls cry after being sent home the first episode. I mean, you met the guy once! Unreal!
• I really hate the cold and snow, and am super jealous of my in-laws who are currently in Maui. Booo to them.
• I used to only hate putting clean laundry away, but now I also really hate doing laundry. Really hate. It's terrible. (See, there it is again.)
• I was thrilled this week when I found out they finally make TALL maternity Gs. Hooray.
• Was that too much info?
• I really love tangy taffy. The long wide kind that they used to have at Starship theaters, and can now only find in limited quantities at some sevs. Oh, and not the kind with watermelon crap or sparkles in them. Gross.
• Also, I forgot about this before, but seriously, how many times can they show Jake, the bachelor with his shirt off? It was getting to be ridiculous. That man sure loves his abs.
• Been thinking about painting the nursery grey. Hubs didn't really say anything when I told him. I think this is because he thinks it's a terrible idea, and he is hoping grey is a phase and that it will pass. I'm afraid my friends, it's not passing. Grey is totally appropriate in a nursery.
• I am thinking of cutting my hair off. I think this is because I'm feeling fat and pregnant and not cute. However, I am afraid I will cut it off, and then it will make my face look fat and then I will feel fat. And then I will be exactly where I started. This is very vain and ridiculous.
• I just re-read this post up until here, and I am very depressingly boring. Sorry.
• I have 16 more minutes till my R.S. presidency meeting in which I will for the second time tie 100 bows on to 100 bookmarks. So help me if they change the lesson schedule again. . .
• We still haven't taken down our Christmas decorations. This is sad, and shows just exactly how tired I am. I thought that was supposed to pass after week 12. Heck maybe I'll just leave em up until next year.
• I love my new minivan so much. It is my favorite car ever. The automatic doors, the rear DVD, free sirius radio. It's like how I would imagine a chariot in heaven might be.

I think that is enough randomness for one day. Hope you are all having a fabulous start to twenty-ten!

TWO GOALS FOR TWO THOUSAND AND TEN

Did you know that I'm religious? Have I mentioned that? Well I am.


Two of my "resolutions" this year are to have more regular personal scripture study, and finally master Family Home Evening. These two have been on my list since the beginning of time, so as you can tell I'm not so great at keeping my resolutions. This is usually cause I just go in with a great idea and lots of momentum, and then by June I'm distracted and onto something else. I figure this is because I lack direction and a plan. But this year, Sugardoodle.net has got me covered.

First off, to be sure my scripture reading stays on par I've got a brand spanking new scripture reading chart. Some awesome Mormon (with a lot of time on their hands) went ahead and copy and pasted the entire BOM into excel and then divided it up into 365 days and what you've got left is THIS. It's got a certain number of equal scriptures to read every day so that you can finish the BOM in a year. Now, this wasn't my original goal, but I figure it will be a nice perk. I fancy a good list. Something that I can keep in my scripts, and mark off everyday. Makes it seem like I'm productive. Now, if I can just manage to crack them open everyday. ;)

Now on to my second resolution. Family Home Evening. I have to say, that every year Hubs and I get better at this one, but somehow we can't quite master it. But I think we've got a pretty good shot this year, especially now that the children's attention spans are longer than two point five seconds. I think we managed a good fifty-five percentage last year. I'm hoping though, to up that to at least eighty-five with this bad boy. It's an entire year of family home evening lessons for 2010 that co-ordinate with the primary theme each week and sharing time. I have asked hubs to print out the entire thing for us, and then we will be golden. Or I guess you could just print out what lesson you need each week too. It's got an assigned opening hymn, scripture, lesson and activity. This is so great, cause half of the time last year we just pulled a super-ghetto fhe, and read a story out of the friend. Hey don't judge us. You know you've done it too.

So there you have it. My first fairly churchy post, and resolution shout-out all in out.

IT'S A. . .

"And now," cried Max, "Let the wild rumpus start!"

Let the wild rumpus start indeed. We found out a few days ago that baby in utero number three is a BOY!!

I was pretty sure it was, since this pregnancy has been an exact replica of Thing 1's. So, I was pretty calm when the Russian man at Fetal Studio said, "I yam certain. Two hundred pear-cent Boy." No shock there. Just a little bit sad that I won't get to use all those adorable Matilda Jane clothes again. Oh well. Here is to hoping one of my brothers adds a girl to the mix one day soon.