Balance

I'm trying to be more devoted to walking... and better eating choices... and general well-being. I need to maintain balance, as the title suggests, particularly right now as I wean off an antidepressant. Because ineb told me to, I resisted the urge to go cold turkey (I ran out two days ago, so I had a headstart!) and went to pick up my prescription over lunch. I also bought a pill-splitter, so that I can reduce by 25% at a time my one-tab-a-day current dosage. Today'll be the first day at 75% which is.. what, 7.5mg? I think. Not that it matters. :) Anyway while I was there I also bought a book called Eat Smart, Walk Strong. And I hope it doesn't suck. And if it gives me any fabulous tips, I will be sure to share them with the rest of you. I chose it because it was marked down to $11, because it includes recipes and contains an integrated "diary" of what you've eaten and how much you've walked, and... because it has quizzes. Quizzes rule.

I am sad because the "show all" labels button doesn't work for me anymore. And I don't have our labels memorized...

ooh, and also! In the interest of balance and general emotional well-being... do good deeds! And then let us praise you for them, because it feels good and that IS OKAY! Blog about them, even if they're tiny. It will give us another topic. :)

Annoying

So, the boyfriend is a vegetarian (not very strict, but trying) and I am allergic to dairy (not very much, but trying to behave). This means we try to cook vegan. If you have any vegan recipes, please share those too. If not, hell, I totally don't blame you. Cheese and meat are some of the best foods in the world!

Fifteen Minute Chicken Chili

This place just keeps getting better and better. Doesn't hurt that my current alternative is working on my performance appraisal. We've been capped at a whopping 2.5% increase this year. That's just not worth the b.s. self-evaluation involved. Sigh.

Anyway, I'll put my pissy pants away and share my recent favorite.

Fifteen Minute Chicken Chili

Quick and healthy, so for me, it's the best of both worlds. Not so seasonal, but delicious just the same and makes some fantastic leftovers. Great with corn bread, too.

My modifications from the original recipe:

• I use a store bought rotisserie chicken and shred it because it delivers a better texture and cuts down on prep time.
• I don't necessarily worry about the low-sodium/no salt aspects because it's still quite healthy even without it. But if you have BP issues, this is for you.
  
• I add more of the spices than they instruct because this recipe as is, was a little bland to me. But I may be a little more tolerant of spice than most since Phil tends to drown everything in hot sauce or red pepper flakes. :)
• It can actually take more than 15 minutes if you want it to. The longer the spices simmer, the more flavorful it gets. You could even, in the spirit of this whole thing, throw it all in the pot, and then take your walk while it simmers. Now that's multi-tasking. Just don't blame me if you burn your house down.
  

My Favorite Health Food Recipe

And what I am having for dinner tonight, coincidentally, since little ineb reminded me of its existence... fondly known as "Chicken Crack Quorn":

18 oz chicken breast or quorn cubes
7 oz sunflower OR sesame OR other light oil
7 oz cashews, unsalted or washed. ;)
3 t garlic, give or.. give.
6 T browned onion
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 T chili jam (Thai or sweet chili sauce)
4 T ketchup
2 t fish sauce (or soy sauce)
1 t brown sugar
2 T chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
4 T chopped fresh basil (or just a bit of dried!)

heat oil, brown onion and garlic, remove to
drain. brown cashews, drain on paper towel.
leave about 4 T oil, brown chicken or quorn. Add
all else except cashew, coriander and basil. stir
fry 5 min, adding stock or water to keep from
sticking. Add cashew and herbs, stir fry 2-3
min, serve over rice.