Winter, The Right Thing, and Vegan

1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?

Probably so!  Hubby seems to think so some time and I'm sure my children would agree that I have seemed pretty unmovable at times.  I am the first-born and have been known to be forceful when my way is challenged.  I am a fighter when crossed.

That being said, I have asked God to make my heart tender and to mold me into the person with whom He would be most pleased .  My instinct is still to fight so the Holy Spirit has His hands full with me.  But, He often gently reminds me the fight isn't mine, and most of those battles I choose really aren't worth fighting after all.  I would fight for my family any day, but even then, the battle is His and I am learning to let go and let God.

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter?

I love everything about winter!  But, to narrow it down to two things, I would have to say the cold, dreary, stormy days with a fire in the fireplace and winter clothes.  I love the turtle necks and sweaters and boots.  Yes, I love winter!

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried?

I have not tried guava and really have no clue what it is.  I have tried all the others at least once and my favorite is the kiwi.  Kiwi is good any time of the year.
 
4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?

I have to take issue with the "when all else fails" part, because I don't think doing the right thing should be a last resort.  Choosing to do what's right should be the first and only option.  Discerning what is right in all circumstances is not always easy, but it should be our only desire.

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer.

I don't ski but would love to visit St. Anton, Austria under any pretense.

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)

I will go into more detail later, but the last thing I looked for online was vegan menus and recipes.

7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?

"Unrepeatable!"  This is a new year, a new day never to be repeated again.  I pray God will help me see each day and each opportunity to be kind, to be nice, to be used by Him.  Each day is precious and an unrepeatable treasure.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I don't make resolutions but we have decided to become healthier this year.  While with our Indiana family, we watched the film "Forks over Knives" (highly recommend watching this!!!) dealing with the importance of eating plant protein over animal.  We already have a very rigorous workout routine five days a week, and we don't eat unhealthy; however, we are resolved to make a greater effort to do what we believe is best for us right now.

We have for the last several years had a protein smoothie for breakfast after returning from the gym.  But, I have started being creative with the contents.

If you don't have a Ninja yet, you will want to look into getting one.  There are so many uses, but nothing makes a better smoothie.

These are the contents that never change:

Soy Protein Powder

Flax Seed

Wheat Meal

Cinnamon

Oat Meal

Almond Meal

Walnuts

Greens

Daily Fruit Options

Whatever you have on hand or choose to use.  I generally use several of the following:

Banana, Apple, Orange, Strawberries, Blueberries, Pineapple, Kiwi, etc.

Daily Veggie Options

This also varies with what I have on hand:

Spinach, Kale, Spring Mix Greens

Carrots, Celery, Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Asparagus, Cooked or raw Squash, Brocolli, etc.

You get the picture.  Use a variety of healthy items, even leftovers.

I use Almond Milk and water to mix and make it drinkable.

In the future, I will be sharing some other recipes that I have tried.  A vegetarian diet is not for everyone but it seems the right thing for us at this time in our lives.  I'll keep you posted.

By the way, I had my one-year checkup with my cardiologist today and he said I was "perfect."  Now that must be taken in context, but he did confirm that I am doing all the right things and it is hopefully paying long-term benefits.

Go out and be healthy!