LET THEM SCOFF

So....  I'm visiting my family in Michigan and am doing the cooking while I'm here (5 weeks!).    Prior to coming, I invited those who I will be cooking for to eat the way I've been eating if they like, otherwise I was going to be prepared to cook carbs as side dishes for them.  That was my first mistake - asking.  They would have never noticed if I hadn't mentioned it.  Then my second mistake - ordering 2 large containers of coconut oil (for my Chocolate Delight) and having it shipped there, instead of shipped to my home and porting it to Michigan myself.  Oh the mockery that was awaiting me when I got there!  (Seriously, I should have known better.)

As soon as I got there, it began.   The scoffing.  The mockery.  The whining!  Now for anyone who might read this and know my family, there was only one scoffer.  But he's really into intensive scoffing.  It's practically a professional sport to Him.

I didn't get defensive.  I didn't get offended.  I just smiled and laughed inside.  Because I knew that he would love my cooking and only want more.  I was just mad at myself for mentioning it.  Well.....he scoffed.  And scoffed.  And looked over my shoulder and scoffed some more.  "What IS that?"  "Oh, your life must be so BORING now!"  "Of course eating like that will make you loose weight -- it's so disgusting you never want to eat!"  and on and on. 

I just smiled and nodded.  As I was making my Chocolate Delight.  As he was looking over my shoulder and scoffing some more. 

As I made my delectable delights, I didn't say a word.  Eventually they were done and I offered him one.  Well!  It WAS chocolate, right?  He couldn't say no to chocolate.  In fact, I think he was excited to be able to gain more scoffing material.  So he eagerly accepted and popped one of those little delights in his mouth.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up.  "MMMmmm.  Mmmmmmm!  MMMMmmmmmMMMMMM!!!!  What IS that?  It's WONDERFUL!  I mean, It's good.  REALLY REALLY GOOD!"

Yep.  I knew it.  I offered him more and he quickly accepted.  I stopped him there.  FYI, It was only an option for those who refrain from mockery.

He stopped and had to think about that.  What to do???  Surrender the joy of making fun of the health foodie in the house?  Or enjoy the chocolate?  What a dilemma!    He laughed and passed up another chocolate, claiming it was much more fun to mock my new lifestyle.  That was fine by me.  Less to share!

And 10 minutes later I caught him walking around with a handful of my Chocolate Delights!  Well, guess who's scoffing now!

Soon it was dinner.  Beef pot roast, roasted in red wine, beef bullion, and spices.  Then served with mushroom cauliflower "risotto."  Oh he couldn't help himself.  With every bite he exclaimed the deliciousness of it all (especially the cauliflower risotto) and expressed that he had never had anything like it in his life.  And he ate (literally), 2/3 of the dish.

So I've been enjoying the scoffing, because every time he does it, I know he's going to love whatever it is that I make.  So he'll be scoffing, but I'll be laughing --  all the way to a size 4.  Hello size 4 -- I see you out there and I'll be there soon!

***  To see my Chocolate Delight Recipe, CLICK HERE!

Livin the Life

The other day my husband offered me something to eat.  It was processed, so I was able to quickly check the label.  It was full of ingredients I couldn't pronounce and had a ridiculous amount of carbs and a high sugar content in it.  It took me two milliseconds to declare "no thank you" and hand it back without hesitation. 

My husband was completely flabbergasted.   He asked how I could decide "no" so quickly and so definitively.  At first, I was a little annoyed and upset.  I mean, after all, I've been doing this since Oct. 2009!  Then I thought about it.  Suddenly, I felt a rush of pride.  Of success.  Yay me!  My goal has been to feed myself (and my family) a healthy, yet "normal" way, without having them feel deprived or feel that they weren't allowed to live a normal life because of required food choices or lack of food variety.  Apparently, I've been doing a good job.  My kids have overheard my words of eating lean protein and limited carbs (although they still believe whole heartily in their favorite food group.  You know, the "noodle group.") and not eating carbs alone (it spikes your blood sugar) without some protein to balance it out.  They also know there are "high protein treats" (the ones that mommy makes) and "other treats" (the ones that daddy brings home) -- and that mommy prefers everyone to eat the high protein treats (like Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies.)    Anyhow, it's rubbing off on my kids and my husband just hasn't been paying enough attention to notice.  Wonder why?  Hmmm, probably because dinner last night was homemade lasagna, garlic cheesy biscuits, salad, and chocolate cake for dessert.  Now that I think about it, that doesn't sound "no sugar no starch."  And it definitely didn't taste "no sugar no starch." Clearly the man isn't feeling deprived and doesn't know all the fresh healthy goodness that being provided for him.  So that, I think, is a success.  Score one for the No Sugar No Starch Mommy.  Now I just need to educate the Daddy on what he's eating, so he CAN know the fresh goodness in front of him and score some points of his own!

My Prayer for Weakness

Lord, for 2011.....

I pray for weakness,
That I may find my strength in you.

I pray for just enough fiances to pay my bills,
That I may appreciate the gifts you give and rely on you to provide for all my needs.

I pray for some discomfort in my life
That I may appreciate all the comforts you give and have empathy for others in need

I pray that you put me in the spotlight less
So that I may live a quite humble life

I pray for an ordinary appearance
So that your beauty and glory shine through me and make me sparkle from the inside out

I pray for less opportunity for me to be in charge
So that I may have more opportunity to serve others.

Lord, in 2011 I pray that my life may glorify you and humble me.  I pray that you continue to shape me as a servant to others.  I pray that your word continue to teach me, stretch me, and make me hurt; so that I may leave my comfort zone and be shaped into the person that you want me to be.

I pray that I feast not upon the luxuries and food that our society offers, but instead on the word of God. 

I pray that I can honor my body as your temple,
So that my time spent on my health can draw attention to you, and not to myself


True beauty only comes from you, from the inside out. 
But it is up to us to make your beauty shine through us into the world and provide the light the world is looking for.  Especially for those who are seeking true beauty in themselves and others.
Lord, help me be that light.

Amen