Weekend Wind-Down #40

(Missy's collection of ceramic Holt-Howard Pixieware)

This year, Missy and I have decided to "give up" HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. It's just one part of our plan to get fit this year. Since the start of the year we've become way more aware of how prevalent HFCS is in food and were even shocked to find it in foods that we had previously thought were "healthy". For example, we found it listed in the ingredients to these wheat buns that we like so much; we found it in some supposedly healthy Minute Maid grapefruit juice; and we even found it in our favorite brand of hummus...IT'S FREAKIN' EVERYWHERE! So, we've been pretty vigilant about reading food labels lately, and really, we feel like it's making a big difference in the our overall health.


(Et tu, Hummus?)

On top of that, I made a pledge to myself to consume 365 apples in one year, for an average of "an apple a day"...did I mention this already? I want to see if "an apple a day" really will "keep the doctor away". Thing is, this past winter, I got sick four different times...I NEVER get sick! Over the past two years I've managed to work my way into the worst shape I've ever been in and I'm sure that's the main reason I've gotten sick so many times. Anyways, so far, I have probably eaten more apples this year than I have in the past two years, maybe even three years. I'm hoping to eventually be able to make a "five a day" pledge next year, if not later this year, and actually start eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Between giving up high fructose corn syrup, eating healthier, and doing moderate exercise almost daily (more on that later), I've managed to lose nearly 10 POUNDS since the beginning of this month. My plan is to lose about 2 pounds a week until I reach my goal weight. I'm trying to be patient and lose weight (and gain muscle) intelligently and slowly, so that I don't screw up my metabolism. Mostly, I just want to feel good and have more energy...and to not get sick again and suffer like I did throughout most of November and December of last year. Also, I do not want to get the diabetes...




FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE PAST WEEK?
MISSY - Getting lots of good mail yesterday.
RAOUL - Steelers going to the Superbowl!

WORST MOMENT OF THE PAST WEEK?
MISSY - Hearing about another break-in in our neighborhood.
RAOUL - Finding out that our neighbor's house got broken into last week.

WORD OR PHRASE OF THE PAST WEEK?
MISSY - "Bible Belt"
RAOUL - "Bear witness to my fitness"

FAVORITE MEAL OF THE PAST WEEK?
MISSY - The mashed potatoes and mac & cheese I made.
RAOUL - Missy's mashed potatoes.

WHAT FLAVOR BEST DESCRIBES LAST WEEK?
MISSY - Milk!
RAOUL - Is "mexican" a flavor?

WHAT'S ON TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST FOR THIS WEEK?
MISSY - Wash my clothes.
RAOUL - Pick up my sister Cynthia from the airport.

PERSONAL SOUNDTRACK FOR LAST WEEK?
MISSY - Laura Marling, Lykke Li, Loveletter's "Barbarella"
RAOUL - Seefeel, John & Mary, Guv'ner, Grandaddy, The Polyphonic Spree, Busy Band, Action Biker, Karl Blau, Flying Lotus, Teenbeat Records 2000 Sampler, Teenbeat Records 2001 Sampler, Mochipet's "Daly City Records" mix on XLR8R Podcast.