Fit Geek

How many times have you liked a song a lot more the second or third or tenth time hearing it?

What about movies? The first time I saw Juno I thought it was so overrated. (No 16 year old talks like that or is that cool.) Then the second time I saw it I wasn’t so judgmental and I enjoyed it a lot more.

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Sometimes you have to give things a second (or third) chance to fully appreciate their awesomeness, and I think the same thing applies to food, especially if you’re a picky eater. Do you wish you could start eating more healthy but feel like you just can’t get into it because the food is so boring? Do you agonize over menus at restaurants because you can’t find anything that suits you? If your answer is yes, and you’d like to expand your epicurean horizons, then I’m talking to you.

The first thing I want to address is WHY certain foods make you feel like you’re chewing cud. There are many reasons, but here are a few:

1. Leftover dislike from childhood
Kids are picky eaters. And personally I think the more you try to force certain foods on them, the stronger their distaste grows. So let’s say as a kid your well-intentioned parents tried to get you to eat more broccoli. At a time when the only green thing you were interested in was probably Sour Apple Blow Pops, the taste of broccoli was gross, and being forced to eat it made it even more disgusting. Now as an adult just the smell of it makes you gag.

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2. Unfamiliar taste/texture
I think this quote from this article at summertomato.com pretty much sums it up:

“The psychology of taste is further complicated by our natural aversion to things that are new or different from what we are expecting. Foods with unique textures such as mushrooms and okra often fall victim to this bias. In these cases the unfamiliarity and strangeness of the texture makes us slightly uncomfortable, and we interpret this feeling as a personal dislike. However, this reaction reflects the food’s uniqueness rather than its true character.”

By the way, that’s a really good article about overcoming food aversions.

3. Salt or sugar addiction
If you are used to eating processed food and/or fast food, then regular ol’ whole foods are probably going to taste bland to you. That’s because the fare you’re used to eating is filled with tons of salt or sugar. But, there are many flavors out there besides salty and sweet, you’re just not used picking them up. Once you lose your taste for processed food it becomes much easier to detect and appreciate the flavors in more natural foods.

4. Genuine dislike
Hey, sometimes you just don’t like stuff. It happens. As I’ve mentioned before, I really don’t like dill or celery. But I managed to polish off a LARGE portion of it over the last two weeks because I know how to cook it the way I like it (SOUP to the rescue). I think that if cooked or prepared properly, just about anything can be delicious. Or at least edible.

THISSSS.

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After doing a Google search, it seems that at its more extreme end, picky eating can be quite the ordeal, to the point where there are support groups for it. This post isn’t directed towards people whose picky habits have become a source of major social anxiety, but rather those who are mild to moderately fickle and open to changing those habits. If you suspect that your taste buds are temperamental for any of the reasons I listed above, here are some suggestions for expanding your palate:

-Keep an open mind. If you focus on the idea that you are not going to like something, or that it’s gross, then it probably will be. Instead, try to set aside your biases and look at the particular dish as an adventure, not a punishment. If millions of other people around the world like it, there has to be something good about it, right?

-Keep trying. Those childhood aversions can run deep, but if you’re dedicated enough, you can overcome that with a little exposure therapy. This might sound…unpleasant, and to a certain degree it can be. But realizing that a certain food isn’t just edible, but in fact pretty good is worth it. I mean, how many things have you learned to love in your life? I bet there are a few. Why exclude healthy food?

-Opt for the freshest ingredients you can find. If you don’t like apples and you eat an old, grainy one, it’s not going to help.

-Go to a high quality restaurant. Chefs know how to make everything taste good. It’s their job to make the fireworks go off in your mouth. Take advantage of that and try something you normally don’t like and see if it makes a difference.

-Learn how to cook. First of all, if you want to be healthy you should be learning how to cook anyway. Second, sometimes you just need to figure out a way to prepare something so that it’s tasty to you. The right spices and cooking method can make all the difference!

-Phase out the junk food. It’s time to expand your palate beyond sweet and salty. It’s time to stop drowning your tongue in salt and sugar.

So, are you a picky eater? Are there any foods that you just can’t stomach? Have you learned to like a particular food that you once hated?

Holy fudgesticks.

I’m not sure I’m entirely coherent right now. Perhaps that will make for an interesting post, but probably not. Out of sheer laziness I considered putting up the angry, drunk post I wrote Saturday night, but well…I guess I’m not that incoherent.

Just been busy. I’m kind of exhausted at the moment, but I’ve been absent ’round these parts a bit longer than I’d like, so here I am. I probably won’t be back to posting somewhat regularly for another two weeks, but I’ll still pop in when I can.

I got my second share of produce today from the co-op. I finished everything from the first batch, with the exception of a package of alfalfa sprouts (there were two). It was interesting figuring out what to do with all those veggies. Here are some things I learned: I like apples way more than pears. Chard is good, especially in frittatas. Parsnips have an unusual, sweet taste that I can’t exactly pinpoint.And when in doubt, roast or sautee!

Here’s this week’s share (I get them bi-weekly).

Cauliflower!

Collards!

Celery and lots of romaine.

'Taters and 'Naners.

Fruits 'n' roots!

Spicy sprouts...interesting.

This is how I figured out this fuzzy green stuff is dill.

Once again, I need to figure out what I can make with these ingredients. I’m not really a fan of dill or celery, but not liking food has never stopped me from eating it. Yes, I’m a human garbage disposal. With the first batch I was a little worried that the produce would spoil before I got a chance to eat it, but it held up pretty well, especially with the green bags I used. And to be honest, I eat food way past the expiration date anyway. As long as there’s no mold or green stuff growing on it, and the texture is good, it’s in the clear. Like I said, garbage disposal.

Aaand on the fitness front, I saw this piece of equipment in the new Hers Muscle & Fitness. The Elliptigo!

Source.

I lol’ed, but I secretly kind of want it…even though it’s basically just a stand-up bicycle. But at $1800, I think I’ll stick to my Schwinn.

David walked in and told me to close my eyes and open my mouth.

He put this mostly eaten organic lollipop in my mouth -_-

Ummm…yum?

PS. Add me on the Twitters! MsFitGeek

I’m not lazy. I’m busy. There’s a difference! So if there’s a way I can make ANYTHING more efficient, I do it. Especially cooking. If it’s quick, easy and healthy, it’s probably on my roster of things I eat on a regular basis. So I don’t know why I never thought to make a veggie frittata until recently. Wait, yes I do. It’s ‘cause I didn’t know what a frittata was until like, last week. It’s basically a mix between an omelet and a quiche.

I was inspired by this recipe. After reading it I knew I had to make it ASAP. I’m seriously happy that I did. I’m aware that I might be getting overly excited about something that’s so simple and obvious, but I still feel like I struck gold. This frittata is easy and adaptable. You can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can pack it with veggies. (I have trouble eating vegetables in the morning, so this is a great way to sneak them in.) And most importantly, it tastes gooood. It stores well too. I was worried about how the frittata would reheat and taste the next day, but I think it actually tasted even better.

Instead of asparagus I used broccoli, in addition to a few other substitutes. But flexibility is part of this recipe’s beauty. You can make it with a variety of spices, vegetables and cheese and it will most likely still be tasty. For example, you can use spinach, tomatoes or chopped artichoke hearts. You can add ground meat. You can play around with herbs. You can add a lot of things and it won’t break like an overstuffed omelet! So anyway, here’s my version of the veggie frittata.

INGREDIENTS
1 egg (or 4 eggs if you don’t want to use egg whites/beaters)
3 egg whites or egg white beaters
1.5 cup chopped broccoli (or veggie of your choice)
.5 cup onion
4 tablespoons of bacon bits (totally optional)
1 cup cheese of preference (I used mozzarella and cheddar)
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to broil.
2. Lightly beat eggs until just mixed.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan.
4. Cook onions until golden brown.
5. Add broccoli and cook until it softens, about 4-5 minutes.

6. Add bacon bits.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Pour eggs into the pan and let cook until they’re slightly runny on top.

9. Sprinkle cheese on top.
10. Put the pan in the oven and cook until cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.
11. Take out of the oven with mitts, cut, serve and enjoy!

I ran out of mozzarella so I added a slice of cheddar.

The final product on David's lap. He approved.

I originally wrote the title as “No Cock Food Options.” Interpret that how you will.

Anyway…

My feelings for today: Ugh.

I’ve been really busy at work, and that stress seeps into my life outside of work. I feel like I don’t even have time to breathe. Part of the problem is that I have the “jack of all trades” syndrome. Between work, working out, my self defense class, cooking almost daily, blogging, making an effort to get through all the library books I checked out, trying to start up a meditation practice, boyfriend time, maintaining a social life, and just barely keeping the house clean, I feel stretched thin.

I should probably drop some of those things, but nah. I like being busy, and the main reason I’m feeling kind of stressed out right now is because I’m going through a busy time at work. Once I meet my deadline I’ll feel…normal (for me anyway).

So one of the things I was supposed to do tonight (but didn’t) was cook some Brussels sprouts I bought on Sunday. Let’s hope the green bag I put them in keeps them fresh until…whenever. This got me thinking about healthy food that doesn’t require much cooking. I decided to make a list for you guys in case you’re in the same predicament I am. Or you’re just, you know, lazy.

• Broccoli. I like to steam it and put hummus and/or taboule on it.
• Cauliflower. I usually steam this till it’s soft, mash it up and mix it with hummus.
• Taboule. Good on it’s own or mixed with other veggies.
• Frozen artichoke hearts.These are an awesome source of fiber. Microwave them (or let them thaw for a couple of hours) and add them to a salad or eat them on their own. I like to top them with vinaigrette. I’d recommend using a dressing with them because they’re plain on their own.
  

  I ate these every day for like a year.

• Spinach. Gotta have salad!
• Cottage Cheese. Good source of protein.
• Yogurt. Look at the ingredients in the yogurt you get and make sure there’s no high fructose corn syrup.
• 365 Organic Turkey Jerky. OMG. Dude. These are the SHIT. I don’t really like jerky but these are really good. Only drawback is that it’s really expensive. Because of that I don’t buy these too often, but I really enjoy them when I do. Oh yeah, and they sell it at Whole Foods.
• Tasty Bite Punjab Eggplant. I like to mix this with vegetables and shrimp. My only complaint is that it’s a bit oily, but I still like the way it tastes. Also sold at Whole Foods.
• Nuts. Almonds and walnuts are my staples. I try to keep my portions small so I don’t overdo it.
• Baby carrots
• Peanut butter
• Tuna. Convenient, yanno?
• Canned beans. I’m a fan of garbanzo and black beans.
• Frozen fruit. I mostly get blueberries and mangos. I like to buy frozen fruit ‘cause it lasts longer. I can be kind of bad about eating food before it expires
• Fresh fruit
• Oatmeal. Microwave it if you must.

A few of my "no cook" staples.

Some other combos that I use:
Taboule + hummus + pita
Cottage cheese + organic brown sugar + frozen blueberries
Baby carrots + peanut butter
Turkey Jerky + nuts
Heated artichoke hearts + garbanzo beans + feta cheese + vinaigrette dressing
Spinach + garbanzo beans + cheese + nuts + dressing

So those are some ideas for you. They work mostly as sides and snacks, but you can turn most of them into entrees by increasing the potion size. Not the most exciting stuff, but let’s say you bring some of those things to work with you. I think it beats going to McDonalds because you didn’t feel like cooking the night before. And you can always mix and match.

And in other news, I played the lotto tonight. If I win, first things I’m getting are a maid and a cook.

A kiss for good luck.

And a little tongue for extra good luck.

I’m busy. You’re busy. We’re all busy!

But I’m like, really freakin’ busy. Not that I’m trying to one-up you on busyness or anything, I’m just saying. And when you’re really busy, eating healthy is an effort. It requires planning. Fortunately that’s one of my strong suits. So every Sunday/Monday I bulk cook some of my food for the rest of the week.

I think it’s one of the best things you can do when you’re tight on time. It may not be as exciting or spontaneous as cooking a different dinner every night, but it gets the job done. And with enough creativity you can mix and match with other things that don’t really need to be cooked. In my case, I also buy different lettuces, frozen artichoke hearts, broccoli, cauliflower, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit, low-sodium canned beans (don’t judge me) and tomatoes to add to my meals. And like a good, little Type-A girl, I always put together my lunches (I eat 3 times at work) the night before.

Agave, apples, broccoli, eggplant, tilapia, black beans, plum wine, feta cheese, mango salsa, frozen mango, egg white beaters, almond milk, organic brown sugar, eggs, kale, raisins, whole wheat pita bread, red pepper, baking soda, frozen artichoke hearts, greek yogurt, onions, cheddar cheese, hummus, and tomatoes. Phew!

And the rest: coffee (yes, instant. don't hate), gluten-free crackers, frozen blueberries, assorted baby food (I use these for cooking), cloves, romaine lettuce, and cilantro and parsley in the bag.

I usually go grocery shopping on Saturday. This is all the crap I bought this week. I don’t normally buy this much stuff, but I guess I was having a moment. By the way, I randomly picked up Mary’s Gone Crackers Gluten-Free Crackers and uh…I inhaled the whole thing in a day. Feel free to slap my wrist. Not pictured: Breyer’s Blasts Whoppers Malted Vanilla. Ugh, as I said…having a moment. I never buy junk food, but I love Whoppers. I couldn’t resist.

Here’s what I made for this week:

Chicken breast tenderloins - seasoned with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Tilapia. Yeah, I kind of went overboard with the seasoning. I like seasoning, okay!

Coconut curry eggplant - I’ve made coconut curry stuff before, but this eggplant concoction (which also has broccoli, onions, red pepper, and tomatoes) was a first. I am pleased with the way it turned out. And on a side note, my aura must be yellow from all the turmeric I ingest.

Black Bean Burgers. Another first. I made four of them, but they were all devoured within a day. Recipe to come!

Lemon fruit protein WTF loaf. So I made this once and it was awesome. Only I had used Splenda to sweeten it. Then I made it again without any Splenda and I fucked up real bad. I put WAY TOO MUCH lemon. It was a bitter disaster. Fortunately I have learned from my mistake and these are all-natural goodness. I’ll post the recipe soon.

So am I the only one out there who’s neurotic enough to bulk cook their food and plan their lunches out in advance? Am I making myself sound crazy by admitting this stuff? Oh well

Let me start off by saying that I am not carb-phobic.

I eat carbs. I like carbs. In fact, I get the biggest carb boners ever.

However, sometimes I prefer having a lighter meal with veggies rather than starches like rice, potatoes, bread, etc. In my opinion, vegetables are the fountain of youth. Most of us could stand to eat more of them. But depending on the person, they can be an acquired taste. I’m NOT a picky eater by any means and I like vegetables, but sometimes I just plain ol’ don’t feel like eating them.

Enter cauliflower, my favorite pseudo starch. I’ve used cauliflower to mimic things like pizza crust, mashed potatoes, and my favorite–rice. If you’re someone who has trouble eating vegetables, I’d recommend sneaking cauliflower into some of your meals. You’ll up your veggie intake without even realizing it. And cauliflower (like most veggies) is really good for you.

So here’s a simple way to serve cauliflower. All you’ll really need is a food processor.

• Rinse 1 to 1.5 cups of cauliflower.
• Put it in a food processor and chop until it’s similar in consistency to rice or couscous.
• Put in a microwave-safe bowl with lid and steam for 3-5 minutes.

Now you have cauliflower rice! I usually just add a bit of salt and pepper to it along with steamed broccoli. It’s also awesome with hummus and taboule.

Super nom!

My boyfriend doesn’t like cauliflower. I forced him to eat this. He approved.

Well, if you're gonna put that gun to my head...

That's some good dookie.

I didn’t even have to force him to lie!

And for those of you who are doing the low-carb/Paleo/grain-free thing, I highly recommend checking out this blog, and particularly this link. It’s the great pizza experiment, where the blogger, Erica, makes pizza with several different kinds of low-carb/grain-free crusts. I tried the cauliflower one and it was pretty good.

So there you have it. Now go eat some veggies!