Health, In the Kitchen

Gourmet Gift basket (Taste Test #2)

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Alright guys and gals. I said I’d post a photo of each food item that I’ve tried from my basket, and last night we dug into the chocolate chip pecan cookies. They were so itty bitty that we both ate two. They’re nice and crunchy too.

Before I dug in I made sure to set up a little photo for you guys to see.

You know how cookies are so good that you crave more once you’re done with your share? Ugh, these were that good. I could have easily sat down and eaten the entire amount.

Packaging is cute too.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a gift basket too!

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Health, In the Kitchen, NaBloPoMo, No Buy Month, Photos

Trans-fat should be illegal

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I wasn’t in the mood to go to the grocery store when I had the Chicken Pot Pie in mind. I was determined to make it that evening, and so I did.

The recipe called for all-purpose baking mix. Since I’m not a huge smarty-pants in the kitchen, I had no idea what that means. Thankfully co-workers mentioned Bisquick was usable, and off I went on my lunch break to pick some up.

What I failed to realize at the grocery store, and even after baking the Bisquick was that it had a ton of fat, and even trans-fat! Trans-fat should be illegal in our (Boyf and I) minds, as it’s thee worst fat you can ever consume. YES ever. One thing my Boyfriend mentioned to me the other day was that he’s so used to not having trans-fat that he can now detect it when he eats it. He knew he felt sickly once he ate the Chicken Pot Pie, and now we have an answer. I’m like that with roast beef, I haven’t had it for so long — that when I had it the last time (about 6 years ago) I got ill. So strange! I only had a few tiny pieces. Anyway, I’m getting off topic here…

Wikipedia:
No trans fats are essential fatty acids; indeed, the consumption of trans fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease[1][2] by raising levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.[3] Health authorities worldwide recommend that consumption of trans fat be reduced to trace amounts. Trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils are more harmful than naturally occurring oils.

Look at this box! Per third of a cup and check out the AMOUNT of transfat there is in that. Absolutely appalling.

While my supper was tasty, I feel very guilty for chowing down and eating Bisquick — I think I may write an e-mail and even complain to the company that they’re still using trans-fat in their mixture.

Oh that makes me angry.


I’ll have to make another trip to the grocery store and compare labels of all-purpose baking mixes to see if there are any trans-fat free mixtures. Either way,  I snagged a recipe from a Campbells cook book. Co-workers have told me that they use pie crust for the top of their pot pies. Interesting.

Orrrrr maybe instead of my next chicken pot pie, I’ll make the exact same recipe, not use Bisquick and just used mashed potatoes on top. Is that called Sheppard’s pie then? But it has chicken in it…


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Health, Running

Breathing reports are back…

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I have been putting off writing about my pulmonary function testing done at the Hospital a while back, mainly for the reason that there was nothing exciting to report. That’s great news right? As soon as I stepped into the room I didn’t notice any treadmills like I assumed there would be. There was just a clear plastic box with enough room for one person to sit down inside. That’s where all the testing was done on me. It wasn’t that exciting, except I had to stop a few times due to the fact that some of the tests were a bit difficult.

Sitting down and doing the breathing test was easy, because I wasn’t exerting myself with exercising. I told the dude that it only happened when I was playing sports. I’m disappointed I couldn’t get to show him how my breathing affects me when I’m running.

It looked just like this (thanks google images!)

I thought I’d be set up like the V02 testing. I even brought my running gear with me :(

The specialist guy, mentioned to me that my breathing was normal, and above average in a few cases. Then he said “You didn’t hear that from me“. I assume it was because he’s not the Doctor (maybe he’d get in trouble for telling me?) looking at the results and the Lung Dr has to review them, then send them back to my family doctor.  Which I presume hasn’t happened because no one has called me back lol. I guess I need to calm the eff down when I’m running then. It is all mental.

See? Not really anything interesting to report, except for the fact that none of that explains why my whole life I have felt the need to yawn while doing strength exercises and difficulty breathing when running. But I’m sure glad the tests came back A+ and that I’m a healthy athlete!

Yay for running!

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