Take care of your body: it's the only place you have to live.

As most of you know I have an insane obsession with Buddha. Mainly with collecting small figurines or large Buddha heads, but I also enjoy the teachings of Buddha. One of the things that Buddhism teaches is to respect and control your body, mind, soul. Which, of course, is one of my goals in life: to master the love of my mind, body, and soul (mostly body, since I do already love my soul). "Tame and train your own mind", is what I want to focus on today. I want to incorporate that saying with my daily routine of working out and eating.

As far as eating goes: we are a nation of eating on the go, or "on the run". Everything we do is rushed, and it contributes to the fact that America is so obese. When you are eating a burrito the size of your head while driving you are not focusing on what is going into your body, not focusing on whether or not you're full. One of my teachers at Alfred University, who was a Buddhist, said the best way to eat your meal is at a table, alone, with a few friends, family members, what have you, and focus on what you are doing. Cut your food slowly, chew it slowly, and when holding your cup to drink, hold it with two hands. It lets your body focus and engulf itself at the task its given.

Working out, is a part of my daily life. All day every day is a work out for me. I make it that way. When I walk up the steps I do it with vigor and purpose, when I go out to my car, I jog to it. When I go to the market, I park far away even though I don't have to. Just to make my body function more. I suggest everyone try the same, that way, if at the end of the day you're too tired to go for a run, or too tired to go for a walk, you will have already probably burnt 800 calories just living your daily life more actively.

The best workout for body and soul, as we all know, is yoga. Yoga is one of the loves of my life. It's saved me from so much anger, so many arguments, etc... Yoga not only teaches you poses, or breath control, it also teaches your self control. When I feel myself getting worked up or stressed out (ask my family I know it annoys them) I say "NAMASTE" really loud and sort of fan myself with my hands, rapidly. Thats not a yoga practice, thats just a crazy Katie practice. But then I find a quiet place to just sit, take a deep calming breath, and relax.

There are a lot of great Yoga places in town, the YMCA offers classes, Exhale, Power Flow and there are other places in the area: Montclair, MIllburn, South Orange. But if money is an issue, and girlfriend don't I know how much of an issue it can be, you can download free yoga videos online, youtube has them as well as this site.

As much as my goal here is to lose weight, and love myself, it is also to be happy with where I am now. And yoga, as well as other calming practices help me feel that way. I know they can help you, too. You are strong, lovable, and capable.

Today I didn't work out, but I did some simple yoga poses and relaxed. I ate well, and I ate slowly. I'm going for a nice long walk with Tori tonight, and then going to Montclair with Andrew to do some more walking/coffee drinking.

This life is yours for the taking! Send your light out into the world, sun babies. Mama loves you. Loves you. Loves YOU.

Update Blog, featuring: my boobs!

I GAINED 1 pound this month friends, Sorry to have failed you, yet again. But don't worry... I ain't afraid of a challenge!!!

Gym in the morning, morning walks with Tori, kickboxing classes start next week, yoga on sundays. Don't worry babiez, mama's got this. Enjoy da boobs.

Also: did I mention...baby got back! I think I gained that pound in my bum...I (and the boyfriend) ain't hatin that.

Mama loves you.

A serious talk & a serious recipe.

The first topic I want to discuss is of a very serious nature. As you know this blog is here to help inspire you, help you find delicious/healthy recipes, safe work out routines, and, most importantly: to make you feel like you have a companion.

I was recently e-mailing back and forth with a reader and she (remaining anonymous of course) revealed to me her past/present struggles with an eating disorder. She is plagued with Bulimia (the act of gorging on food and then purging-vomit or with the use of laxatives), I've also had friends who suffered from Anorexia (the act of starving oneself) and also Excessive working out (burning over 3,000 calories a day, spending all day at the gym, etc..) Whether you've had an eating disorder in the past, or are struggling with one now, please know that there are plenty of places to go for help. Please do not hesitate to contact a professional, or contact me, and hand in hand we will seek the help you need.

We need to amp up the self love, and amp it up I will. I want all you beautiful ladies (and men this applies to you to) to write down 5 things you absolutely love about yourself, and please don't tell me there's "nothing to love" because, baby, I'm sure if you asked anyone you know they could knock out 100 things they love about you, probably even 1000! I'm going to do this with you because we all need a little reminder of our first love: ourselves. Because at night, you have yourself, in the morning, and all throughout your day-you have yourself. Please, please, learn to love. I am doing this with you, I will always stand by you. You just have to wake up every morning and say "I'm ______ and I better work, bitch!" And bitch, you better.

5 Things I Love About Myself:

My verbal swagger (thanks H)
My endurance
My mouth
My morals-though they may be loose, they're good
The fact that I may not be the skinniest bitch you know, but fuck, I'm the finest.

It's as simple as that, and if you are REALLY struggling with it, sit down with a best friend, a parent, a grandparent, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a sibling, anyone who knows you... and have them help you. You can do this, I know you can, and for your heart and mental health, please do this. You can save yourself by just realizing 5 things that you love. Because I love you, just the way you are.


On a lighter note (both emotionally and calorically) I made Penne Alla Vodka a couple weeks ago for Andrew and besides almost burning his house down (I've never cooked with vodka before-shit's scary), it was a delicious meal!

First:
1 pound of whole wheat pasta
1.5 cups of half and half
1.5 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup vodka (it can be cheap-who cares)
2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
1 tbs red pepper flakes
1/4 cup shredded parmesan
1 tbs olive oil

Bring the water to a boil. While you wait, in a large skillet (must have a cover) put heat on low. Add your olive oil/garlic to the pan, then add vodka and cover until vodka has halved in size. Slowly add the tomato sauce and the half and half, stirring slowly constantly. Then add your red pepper flakes. When pasta is done, drain and add right into the skillet where your delicious sauce awaits. When you plate it add your parmesan on top. Eat with red wine.

Serving size (this serves about 5 people)
is approx. 300 calories, as opposed to the regular penne vodka with proscuitto and heavy cream, which comes to a whopping 650 calories a serving.

Eat, Drink, Make love, Be merry.