My workout GOALS for 2012

Well I did it again...signed myself up for another workout challenge. Except instead of only lasting 5 weeks, this one is a year long. A few weeks ago I had made one of my goals to workout 5 days a week (M-F). I figured the best possible way to achieve this is to put it in my calendar and to go immediately after work. Last year I had made it my goal to workout twice a week with my trainer, which I accomplished (for the most part). Time to up the ante. 

This is what I had planned before I got wind of the challenge:

• M- 1 hr lifting and 20 min cardio
• T- 1 hour cardio
• W- 1 hour lifting and 20 min cardio
• Th- 1 hour hot yoga
• F- 1 hour cardio

The challenge I just signed up for is to run/walk 1000 miles in 2012. That rounds out to 2.75 miles per day (or 20 miles per week). So I am going to have to run/walk at least 5 days a week. This is what it is going to take:

• M- 1 hr lifting & 2 mile run
• T-  2 mile run & 3 mile walk
• W- 1 hour lifting & 2 mile run
• Th- 1 hour hot yoga
• F- 2 mile run & 3 mile walk
• S- 6 mile walk

Does this sound too ambitious??? Do you have workout goals for 2012?

Pea Soup: Take II

before

My first attempt at pea soup was a complete failure. I tried to make it vegetarian. FAIL. I used truffle oil. FAIL. This time I am using a good old ham bone.

This (according to my mom) is a super simple recipe. Somehow I screwed it up the first time, but I'm going to redeem myself here. It just kills me to spend an hour cooking something and have to throw it right in the garbage (it was that bad).

after

• 3 carrots
• 1 large onion
• 1 1/2 c. dried split green peas
• ham bone
• 2 cups cooked diced ham
• 4 cups organic vegetable broth
• 3 cups of water
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp. black pepper

1. Chop onions.
2. Put in pot w/ 1/4 stick butter. Saute until soft.
3. Chop carrots. Cut carrots in 1/2 inch coins (don't cut the carrots too thin or they will disintegrate when cooked for an hour).
4. In lg. pot add all ingredients.
5. Boil for 10 minutes, then turn heat down to medium.
6. Cover and let simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Stir every 20 minutes or so.
7. Voila! 

TIP: If by the end your peas have not disintegrated enough, bring it up to a boil and stir vigorously. This is super simple, but the key is the ham. It just makes it. I'm in heaven. 

NYE: I'm not being pessimistic when I say it's OVERRATED!

I do this every year- without fail. Normally I am indecisive up until the very last minute. I hem and haw over where I can go to be the least uncomfortable about not having anyone to kiss at midnight. A few years ago it ended up being a very lucky drunk boy from Staten Island (shame). Luckily this year my boyfriend has the night off so I can calm my worried mind! (don't worry- the Staten Island boy was before I started dating my BF)


I am going to try not to go overboard, or spill a drink down my dress, or fall down stairs, and most importantly...I am going to relax, have fun and STOP thinking this night is such a big deal!

Happy New Year!

Thyme to not make superficial GOALS

I hate it when people say they are going to lose weight for their new year's resolution. That's so vague. How are you going to go about losing weight? What are the specific steps that you are going to take to lose weight? How much weight do you want to lose? What are your benchmark goals? How will you eat? What types of workouts will you do? (Can't you tell I'm a Type A personality? haha)

See what I mean? I used to be one of those people with lofty vauge aspirations and no follow through. I think the reason I never followed through was because I never had a plan. I never laid out the specifics of how I was to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish (usually to lose weight).

Well I'm over trying to lose weight mainly because I know that if I keep eating the way I am with moderate workouts I will keep losing.

I am on to bigger and better things. My specific goals for 2012 are:

• finish my book (I just finalized scope)
• figure out which publishing route I am going to take
• grow my readership to 10,000 reads per day (I am at 1900+ this month)
• create and sell and app for android/iPhone (details TBD)
• work towards seeing 40 health counseling clients per month (starting in March)
• vacation at least once (Rincon, PR is calling my name)
• start saving $ to buy land/design & build a house (not ready yet, but want to have $$ by the time I am)

Something funny happened last night that made me re-evaluate what I am doing. I REALIZED I GOT TOO COMFORTABLE. For the past 2 years I have been working on my own an with my father. The money wasn't great, but the flexibility made up for it. I don't need flexibility right now...I need money! I realized that I am too comfortable and I will never grow (professionally) if I keep on this track. I am not exactly sure of what I will do, but I know that I need to make some changes. I am in my money making prime right now because I have no kids and no real responsibilities other than dragging myself out of bed to get to work. Yeah I have some socked away, but there are things I want to do (build a house, be able to have flexibility when I eventually have children, travel more) that require a lot of money. 

2012 is about to be blasted with my Type-A-Agenda! 

New Year, New Foods

Since it is time for everyone to make New Year's resolutions (that ultimately fall by the wayside) I figured if would be a great time to introduce to you some SUPER FOODS that you can start incorporating into your diet.

Cacao (Raw Chocolate)
The seed/nut of a fruit of an Amazonian tree, cacao is the highest antioxidant food on the planet, the #1 source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese, and chromium and is also extremely high in PEA, theobromine (cardiovascular support), and anandamide ("bliss chemical"). Raw Chocolate improves cardiovascular health, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, elevates your mood and energy, and increases longevity.


I use this in granola bars, as an ice cream topping, in smoothies, and in oatmeal. 

Goji Berries (Wolfberries)  
Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years, goji berries are regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and potency food of the highest order. This superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, B & E vitamins, and many other nutrients. 


I use these in trail mix, granola bars, and oatmeal. 

Bee Products: Honey and Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is the most complete food found in nature containing nearly all B vitamins especially vitamin B-9 (folate) and all 21 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Honey, in its organic/wild, raw, unfiltered states is rich in minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, and enzymes, and is one of the highest vibration foods on the planet. If your metabolism can handle sweeteners, honey is the best. Russian research indicates that honey is a longevity superfood.

I use honey in tea, oatmeal, and some baking.

Sea Vegetables: Kelp, Dulse, Nori, Hijiki, Bladderwrack, Chlorella

Rich in life-giving nutrients drawn in from the ocean and sun, sea vegetables help remove heavy metals, detoxify the body of radioactive iodine, provide numerous trace minerals, regulate immunity, and decrease the risk of cancer. Seaweeds benefit the entire body, and are especially excellent for the thyroid, immune system, adrenals, and hormone function.

I use seaweed to make sushi, in stir-fry, and in salads. Seaweed sheets can be found grocery stores that have Asian sections. 

Medicinal Mushrooms: Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Maitake, Shiitake, Lion's Mane 

High in polysaccharides and super immune enhancing components, medicinal mushrooms are one of the most intelligent adaptogenic herb/superfoods on the planet! They have also been proven effective in healing cancer and a variety of other ailments. 

I use mushrooms in pasta dishes, quiche, sauteed vegetables, and salads. 




Some of this stuff may sound weird, and some of it is, however, these are just a few of the amazingly healthy foods that are found all over the world and have been part of people's diets for thousands of years. They are actually not that hard to incorporate into your diet, and you don't need to eat much to get the benefits. I started picking a different one up every time I go to Whole Foods because to buy everything all at once is first of all expensive, and secondly it is better to start slowly and ease your way into something new.


Try them...I dare you!

Word Up Wednesday Giveaway!

Today starts the last giveaway for the month of December :( This time I think I would like to do it a little bit differently. Instead of posting a comment on my blog, I would like you to share my blog. One of my goals for the next year is to increase my readership as much as possible. Here's how you can be entered to win this week's prize:

• share a link to my blog on Facebook (include my name Jess Geier in the post)
• share a link to my blog on Twitter (mention @PlentyOfThyme )
• send an email with a link to my blog to anyone you would like (copy me on it: jessicageier@gmail.com)

**You must include my Facebook name (Jess Geier) if posting on Facebook, include my Twitter name @PlentyOfThyme if posting on Twitter, or copy me on the email (jessicageier@gmail.com) if emailing in order to be qualified to win....

$25 to Whole Foods

I really appreciate all of my readers thus far! It is inspiring that so many people care about what I have to say and are interested in making their lives better! Happy & Healthy Eating!


The FINE PRINT: Unless stated, I am paying for the giveaway prizes. The Word Up Wednesday Giveaway will run from 9am Wednesday to 10pm the following Tuesday in the month of December. Each winner will be announced Wednesday morning. The winner will be contacted via email. If you do not link back to me on the post or email I cannot award you the prize as I will not be able to track them. Good luck! 

I'm F.I.N.E.

I made it through Christmas with only 2 freak outs. With that being said I actually had an amazing weekend, and I know not to expect perfection because no matter how hard you try things tend not to turn out exactly the way you plan.

I listened to a lecture last week from John Douillard, PhD, who is an expert in Ayurvedic medicine and lifestyles. Anywho, he was talking about when women say they are fine. Ladies you know what I'm talking about. When you are in an argument with someone and instead of actually saying how you feel you say...I'm FINE. Most guys take this at face value and don't ask you what's wrong, in turn feeding your psychosis. Well John Douillard summed it up quite nicely.

FINE= Freaked Out, Insecure, Neurotic, & Emotional

I used to be a pro at this. Pretending I wasn't upset and stuffing my feelings came natural to me, and caused me a lot of extra frustration because instead of just airing out my beef when it came up...I would stuff it, let it simmer and stir, analyse every single aspect of it, let it simmer, progressively getting angrier until I EXPLODED on whoever pissed me off. 

Now that I am older and wiser I just let it all out as soon as I get pissed off. It's actually so much better (for me, maybe not for everyone else) and rids me of a lot of potential anxiety. It also isn't healthy to walk around with so much anger/frustration/hostility/resentment etc.,etc.

So ladies...next time you feel inclined to say you are FINE. Take a deep breath, and let it all out. It is no good to let it simmer, AND guys don't take hints. You need to S-P-E-L-L it out for them. 

Being a psychopath is not pretty....even if you have perfect hair!

Merry Christmas...I'm Out!

It is a mad house out there. I really feel for everyone who is battling the crowds to get their last minute shopping done. If you are one of those lucky millions who didn't plan ahead...keep a few things in mind:

• It is Christmas not Armageddon
• You stressing yourself out will not get things done any faster
• Nothing is ever perfect no matter how hard you try...SO STOP TRYING!!!
• Prioritize- do you really need more Christmas choch? do you really need to return something today?
• Keeping your sanity is much more important than having every present wrapped perfectly
• Baked potatoes are a great side that can feed any number of people and can be made in one step- put in oven 
• When you get home, put on some soothing music, drink a glass of wine (or double vodka on the rocks), and make a list- then scratch off half of that list and start moving
• You're welcome!

Merry Christmas! I won't be writing until next week sometime.... taking the weekend off. I hope everyone makes it through this weekend and comes out on the other side with funny stories about their "normal" family, un-PC comments, gifts they can re-gift, and all 10 fingers. 

FACT: Nuts are good for you

Nuts have gotten a bad wrap over the past few decades because they are high in fat. Which is true. However, they are a whole food that contain protein, fiber, various vitamins, minerals, and many other important things that we probably aren't even aware of. 

Here's another tid-bit of information: they improve your mood. Two handfuls of cashews have been shown to have the same effect as taking Prozac. What? You heard me. Chemically, nuts have the same effect as anti-depressants. So if you're feeling a little blue try incorporating a variety of nuts into your diet. 

Almonds are high in B vitamins, vitamin E, and magnesium. Peanuts (technically a legume) are rich in folate and antioxidants. Pistachios are a source of chlorophyll and potassium. Hazelnuts are full of compounds that help your heart and brain. Pecans (pi-cons) apparently have more antioxidants than wild blueberries (supposed to have the most according to what "we" know now). Walnuts are high in omega 3 fats and vitamin E. 

What is the easiest way? Trail mix...I know it's not sophisticated, or classy, but it's easy and gets the job done. You can make it in big batches, carry it with you in you car, your purse, keep it at work...where ever!

• almonds
• cashews
• pistachios
• walnuts
• pecans (said pi-cons, not pee-cans)
• hazelnuts
• raisins
• dried apricots
• dried cranberries
• dried cherries
• dried gogi berries
• dried dates
• dried banana chips
• raw cacao nibs
• granola chunks

The problem is you can get carried away, and then the amount of fat in them becomes an issue. Also, if you are looking for granola that is healthy, you aren't going to find it very easily. Most of the store bought kinds are LOADED with sugar. At least if you make your own, you can control how much sweetener you put in and what kind (I use agave nectar usually).

*The nutritional info above is what we know now. The science of nutrition is in its infancy in my (humble) opinion. We have only scratched the surface as far as how our body utilizes everything we get from whole foods. That is why it is so important to be eating a diet primarily based in whole foods and not processed foods. 

Christmas Dinner: Part 3 Dessert

Last but not least... ginger cookies (and a surprise bonus recipe)! I spent all morning slaving away in my kitchen to successfully make...dun dun duuuun...15 cookies. This little recipe was a tricky one.

The biggest lesson I learned is that I have decided that I am not going to bake any more (aside from bread and my banana bread which I will impress you with soon). For whatever reason, it stresses me out. I am ALWAYS self conscious about how it will turn out (which is usually pretty good) and worried about whether I am cooking it for the right amount of time. Most importantly, I don't enjoy it. I could cook for days and days and days and I love it. Baking on the other hand just doesn't satisfy me.

I had a conversation with my sister about all things baking on the way into the office today, and we decided that she would contribute the baked goods to my blog. She loves it, and wants a new hobby so, shortly after the holidays I will be introducing her to you, and passing the baked-goods-baton on to her.

Ok, back to ginger cookies. The recipe is pretty straight forward and I will teach you my simple tricks so they don't burn, or expand into one another making a giant cookie sheet.

DRY

• 2 c. whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves

WET

• 2 sticks organic butter
• 3/4 c. brown sugar
• 1 farm egg
• 1/2 c. molasses (robust or blackstrap)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Grease cookie sheets with butter, or lay parchment paper down.
3. Mix dry ingredients in bowl.
4. In Kitchenaid (or use hand mixer), add in butter and brown sugar. Beat on med/high for 3 minutes. 
5. Add in remainder of wet ingredients. Mix well.
6. Add in dry ingredients.
7. Make balls and coat with raw sugar. 
8. Space balls 1 1/2" apart on cookie sheets. 
9. Cook for 10 minutes, check centers. If necessary cook for additional 2 minute increments until done. Should not take more than 16 minutes.

TRICK: Use teaspoon to make balls- they should be about the size of a big cherry. The batter should be sticky when making these balls, and they will flatten out while cooking BIG TIME! Also, if your oven heats from the bottom, move the racks in your oven as high as they can go with enough room to put the cookie sheets in (so the bottoms don't burn). If it heats from the top, put the racks at the bottom.

dry ingredients

butter and brown sugar

I made my ballz about double the size I would recommend

see? they ended up mushing together

The reason I only got 15 cookies was because A. I made the ballz too big, B. I burned an entire sheet of cookies (the one that was on the bottom rack was too close to the heat), C. the cookies were so big that they broke apart. 

they sure did photograph well though!

BONUS! My mom gave us her shortbread recipe a few weeks ago and since it was so simple I decided to out do myself and make it this morning. If you bring this to any dinner party/holiday, people will LOVE it. I promise. 

• 2 sticks organic butter (room temp)
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 c. sugar
• 1/2 egg
• a little milk (organic)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In Kitchaid or Cuisinart, put in all ingredients. Use dough hook on Kitchenaid or dough blade in Cuisinart. 
3. Dough should be very sticky.
4. Press into heavily greased mold. (I used a tart pan w/ a removable bottom)
5. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes and then score top into wedges. Once the top is scored, go around a second time and cut all the way through. 
7. Let cool until you are able to handle the pan without oven mitts. Carefully remove the side of the tart pan.
8. Let cool completely, plate, and wrap in saran wrap until time to serve. 

HOLY BUTTER!

I love recipes that fit on post-it notes

I ended up doubling the recipe for this size pan (9"), and it took almost twice as long to cook. After 30 minutes, the sides were already brown but the middle was still gushy so I turned the oven down to 300 degrees for another 20 minutes or so. The edges should be slightly brown and the middle should be firm and dry looking. By the time it cools fully, the edges will be flaky and the middle should be dense and moist. Flour & Butter & Sugar- oh my!

Usually I try to "healthy" a recipe up, but in this case...don't mess with this perfection. My mom makes this every year for Christmas and I look forward to it soooo much! And it's rather easy to make (much easier than the ginger cookies). 

Merry Christmas!!!