Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains- Here's the deal

It's been a week now that I have cut out all refined and enriched grains out of my diet..GO ME :-). Simply- this means anything white (white bread, white pasta, cookies, cake...etc). You ask why? Well besides the fact that its a no brainer that whole grains are much more nutritious , here is the simple low down I found from the Mayo Clinic :

"Grains, especially whole grains, are an essential part of a healthy diet. All types of grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates and some key vitamins and minerals. Grains are also naturally low in fat. All of this makes grains a healthy option. Better yet, they've been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems.

The healthiest kinds of grains are whole grains. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. Chances are you eat lots of grains already. But are they whole grains? If you're like most, you're not getting enough whole grains in your diet. See how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet.

Types of grains

Also called cereals, grains and whole grains are the seeds of grasses cultivated for food. Grains and whole grains come in many shapes and sizes, from large kernels of popcorn to small quinoa seeds.

• Whole grains. These are unrefined grains that haven't had their bran and germ removed by milling. Whole grains are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium. Whole grains are either single foods, such as brown rice and popcorn, or ingredients in products, such as buckwheat in pancakes or whole wheat in bread.
• Refined grains. Refined grains are milled, a process that strips out both the bran and germ to give them a finer texture and extend their shelf life. The refining process also removes many nutrients, including fiber. Refined grains include white flour, white rice, white bread and degermed cornflower. Many breads, cereals, crackers, desserts and pastries are made with refined grains, too.
• Enriched grains. Enriched means that some of the nutrients lost during processing are added back in. Some enriched grains are grains that have lost B vitamins added back in — but not the lost fiber. Fortifying means adding in nutrients that don't occur naturally in the food. Most refined grains are enriched, and many enriched grains also are fortified with other vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and iron. Some countries require certain refined grains to be enriched. Whole grains may or may not be fortified"

You know it hasn't been that difficult. I cook at home most of the time anyways so I just shop smart. Its crazy to me though that most restaurants don't offer much whole grain options. I went out to dinner with my girlfriend last week and out of the 15 appetizers offered not one thing I could eat!! And of course the bread and butter before dinner--- well thats out. But you know what? Not only has this allowed me to make smarter choices with my starch and carbohydrate intake its forcing me to snack less. For instance I survived Friday night which consisted of drinking debaucheries and of course late night munichies. So i had a handful of nuts, string cheese and an apple with peanut butter and it was surprisingly delicious and filling!!! 

Now I am a little concerned about one thing...PIZZA. I love pizza,  all kinds...thin crust, deep dish, veggie, cheese, hawaiian you name it!! So I decided I just can't give it up, and thats ok . But I'm not just going to have any kind of pizza, I will be smart with my pizza and picky. Choose only the places that use the freshest and most local ingredients (and where wheat is available , well duh I'll choose wheat crust). If I commit to sticking with whole grains , then having that slice won't have the long term affect since its such a small part of my overall grain intake.

I'm going to start researching and trying out different types of grains, seeds, nutritionally packed starches so stay tuned for some delicious (or not so delicious lol) recipes. Quinoa anyone? 

-E

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204

Longevity

How many times have you committed to really getting in shape, staying in shape or just simply being more active? ?? Too many to count? Trust me I know .. I have started and given up so many times its embarrassing.


I tried all kinds of things, ridiculously overpriced gym memberships, kickboxing classes, at home workout videos you name it. I just didn't understand why I couldn't be consistent. Then I started searching deeper. Why did I want to work out? What purpose does it serve me? Is it really only because I want to look good in a bikini? It was never really to loose weight. I've never been necessarily over weight just wanted to get rid of the extra cushion. Then a friend recommended Yoga. I know what you might be thinking…so trendy! Trust me I was a little skeptical too. But I decided to give it a go, so I took a few classes here and there and then a friend mentioned Bryan Kest Power Yoga . If you live in the Santa Monica/Venice area this is the place to go! Byran Kest is a revolutionary yogi. He has taking his many years of travel, inspiration and practice and created the perfect environment for people to peacefully become in-tune with their mind, body and spirt. His primary objective "besides turning more and more people on to a healthier, more peaceful lifestyle that continually challenges them to grow, is to teach a system of exercise that fully integrates the body, mind, and spirit", says Kest. The studio(s) are structured where classes are an 1.5 and run every 2 hours, starting usually around 9am and they go as late as 10pm. Each session is led by a unique teacher possessing their own style of yoga (Bryan also teaches classes!!). I love the variety and each class is structured for you to go at your own pace, as easy or as hard as you'd like. Another great perk… it's DONATION ONLY. For more info visit http://www.poweryoga.com/
Through yoga I started to really get in tune with my body, my center. It taught me how to you use my own body to build strength, endurance and overall peace of mind.  I started to feel better… physically, mentally and spiritually. Working out suddenly had more then a physical purpose. After an hour and a half I left calm, whole, full and well yes very sweaty.


Now for me personally Yoga wasn't enough. I really want to push my body to its fullest potential. Luckily I live just steps from Venice Beach so I try to incorporate walks/jogs/runs (cardio) down the beach with the babe (Bella, my pup---get to know her shes a big part of this journey). Then there is the boring (hard part)- strength training. I know boo. This was the hardest routine to get down. But with incredible guidance and patience from "A" (the BF) we came up with my perfect core, upper body and lower body routine. So between Yoga, Cardio & Strength training I finally feel like I have a plan. Unfortunately I'm stuck with the awful 9-5 kinda life right now so my day doesn't really get to start until 6pm. So that leaves me a few hours of the day to work out have dinner and spend time doing the things that really make me happy. Trust me this is VERY TEMPORARY--baby steps. So for now I work with what I have. I switch it up, one day yoga, one day Cardio and one day strength training-- and always a day (or two) for rest. And on the weekends I try to do things outdoor doors (hikes, long walks, bike rides…etc).
It comes down to the fact that I love my life and I'm happy and excited for so much to come. So I want to provide my body with the tools to physically, mentally and spiritually live as long as I can. I found that I wanted to stay fit for longevity, and overall well being. My routine is a huge commitment, I'm not saying you need to work out everyday.

Whatever your purpose is whether its to look great in a bathing suit, heighten your mood or hell climb Match Pichu one day..find your motivation and find your reason. Tap into it ! I promise you will not be disappointed once you see how uplifting it is! . You will see that you can accomplish so much more! Learn your body. It is your temple. Take care of it .

- E

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice 2012, June 20th.

I had something happen to me tonight that I cannot even begin to explain in words. An epiphany per-say. Today something inside me awakened, dreams and ideas I once only imagined have become real and obtainable. Today I decide my life, my path and my journey. Today I am taking my first step. Today is a day for change. Change in my new direction. I want a rich life, rich in culture, rich in love, rich in happiness and rich in my appreciation for nature, the earth the sun and the moon. Its time to take control of my life and follow my heart and my desire for a beautiful, sustainable life. I have to let go of this idea of failure. Failure in whose eyes? Who determines what failure is? What in some eyes might be failure, is success in mine. Financial failure? Societal failure? The idea to live under certain rules? Who's rules?? I make my rules, I choose my life and what I think is success. As far as I know I have already succeeded , succeeded to break free from "the norm". 

Today I choose step 1. FOOD. I choose to be mindful and smart about what I put in my body and how I use the resources the earth has provided to man. I'm starting today with one thing. WHOLE GRAIN. Goodbye white bread, goodbye white pasta. I don't need you , my body is better without you and you are no good for me!!!

But let me say, I cannot only thank "faith" (well and the first day of summer :-) ) for this, I have to thank my baby. He has drawn out something inside me that has been tucked away. He makes me feel right,  he has awakened my soul. And how lucky am I that I get to share this life, this dream , this journey with my soul mate? The ying to my yang. 

I AM NO LONGER AFRAID.

Today my journey to nirvana begins. Today I achieved prajna, which in buddhism means wisdom and the realization of true inner nature. It's the principal means of attaining nirvana, true liberation, true happiness.

 I CALL THIS HOME <3

Inspirational talk: 

"Every accomplishment starts with the desire to try" 

- Author unknown.

- E