Stress Test

I took the quiz on my stress level which turned out to be mild. Actually I think a lot of my stress comes from having little stress after years of high stress. After going on adrenalin for years and years, it's hard to stop.

Stress Reducing Foods

I viewed the slide show about stress reducing foods. Some I already include in my diet quite frequently such as oatmeal, almonds, avocados, and black tea. Pistachios was a new one to me. I'll have to check out if I can find some that are salt free. It was interesting that many of the stress reducing foods also work to reduce or prevent high blood pressure.

How to Cook Your Life

I viewed the DVD How to Cook Your Life: A Cooking Class with Zen Priest and Chef Edward Espe Brown. He presents the idea of focusing on what you are doing in the moment as a way of connecting your life and your spirit with your food and it's preparation. He shows how it is healthier for your body and spirit and helps the environment as well.

Last Day of Conscious Eating

To recap my personal goals:
1. I have continued to monitor and restrict my intake of sodium. I think I'm doing a better job since I seem to notice it more when there is salt added.
2. I have greatly reduced the amount of sugar consumption which was mainly in my coffee and oatmeal.
3. I have increased the amount of water consumption. I have reached my goal of 8 glasses a day. I was able to do this by increasing the amount of tea I drink.
4. I have been successful in planning meals so I don't waste fruits and vegetables.
5. I have continued to restrict gluten from my diet.

Emotional Eating

I took the quiz on emotional eating and I ranked mild to moderate. This didn't surprise me. I know that when I have to write something like a grant or paper I eat more probably from the stress. I always blame it on my muse. He's very cranky and has to be fed to do any work! I know I also give myself permission to indulge moderately when it is a special meal with family or friends for something like a birthday or holiday.

Coffee

I don't plan on giving up my coffee so it's always great to read good news about it.

Trying New Food

I had never eaten red lentils but came across a recipe quite by accident for red lentil soup. I made the recipe for the gathering of librarians to discuss children's literature. The soup is wonderful and it is vegan! It is one of those rare recipes where the flavors blend so well that you can't distinguish any individual flavor. Plus it is also one of those recipes that you feel very satisfied after eating like it contains everything you need. I had never found a way I liked to eat kale until a coworker gave me a recipe for a soup with kale which was also delicious. I am sure I will be making these recipes again.