Love is....

I was reading my homegirl Dionne's latest blog update (destined82-theworldthrumyeyes.blogspot.com/) and couldn't help but to think of love. That, and the fact that Valentine's day had just passed. I started this blog because I wanted to become healthier, and as a result of being healthier, the fliest me that I can be. I'm just keeping it real. You look good, you feel good.

I've struggled with my weight for most of my life, and I have come to realize that sometimes it takes a community of people to help you to reach your goals. Over the past few weeks, it had become obvious that love has nothing to do with the chocolates and roses that your given one day out of the year, but is shown on a daily basis.

It's your neighbor that never gets offened or discouraged although you have politely declined going to spin class with her for 2 months - Monique. Your sister from another mister - Dionne, who can empathize when you can barely drag your ass into bed after you finally do break down and go to said spin class with your neighbor.

It's you brother who hits up your Facebook wall to let you know that he exercised earlier that day, and is thus keeping up his end of the bargain. It's your sister who signs up for a 5K with you although neigther of you has run in longer than you would like to remember, but when you look to your right she's there, gasping for breath and weazing along side of you with an encouraging smile on her face. Love's there when you are laughing about your fat-scapades and then problem solving how you can start anew tomorrow with your Mom or talking about nutrition and supporting your new and improved "bod" with your dad.

Love is when you are having the shittiest day ever and you check out your blog and you see that you friend from middle school, Cheyenne, has posted up a few encouraging words. Or just saying that she thinks your brave for putting your weight up on the website ~Vernie. Or the fact that I have 11 people who care enough to read my blog, some from down the street ( Monet), hundreds of miles away (Shan) others from across the globe (Farai). Thanks. Love is taking your woman's all time favorite comfort foods ( fried fish and Salmon croquettes) and showing her how to cook it in a healthier, still delicious way~LA.

Lastly, love is also accepting and recognizing that you deserve all the support that you have, and that you have the power to make a positive change in your life.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Broccoli vs Cancer

Happy Black History Month!!!! Part of my contribution this month will be to spread the word about healthy eating. As you may know, African Americans have the highest rate of most preventable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes type II. This is pretty bad, but on a good note, many of these diseases are very preventable - including certain types of cancer. I was reading through Success magazine this month when I came across and article written by Drs. Mike Roizen and Mehmet OZ ( gotta give credit when credit is due) on foods that prevent cancer. What better way to spread Black Love than by sharing what I learned? :-)



Foods that Prevent Cancer
Walnuts, Almonds ,Pistachios, Wheat bran and most Legumes ( aka beans and peas) - contain a substance called pentakisposphate. The word alone is a mouthful, but all you need to know is that it may help prevent cancerous tumors. This is a good thing for me because I am ADDICTED to pistachios.... Pass the nuts, hold the cancer :-)


Grains such as quinoa, kasha, millet, chia and spelt: May reduce your risk of cancer of the small intestine. These grains may or may not be in your local grocery store, but you can find them at health food stores,healthier grocery stores such as WholeFoods, Yes! Organic Market, or in the healthy foods section of Giant, Safeway, Stop and Shop, or Pathmark.

Rosemary: according to the article rosemary extract helped to fight both breast cancer and leukemia cells.


Red Chili Peppers help to stop the spread of pancreatic cancer cells.


And now for the moment that you have been waiting for ..... drum roll please.......

BROCCOLI !!!!!

Drs. Rozen and Oz state that if you eat 4 handfuls of broccoli a week or any other cruciferous veggies (Kale, Collards, Cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, turnips, radishes and many, many others) you will make prostate, breast, and colon cancer less likely. Many of these will also improve memory and decrease you risk of type II diabetes.

To stop the spread of ovarian cancer, try increasing your intake of broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. You can thank the Phenethyl isothicynate for that.

My hope is that you not only use this information for yourselves, but that you share it with other people as well. Most of us have some control over what food is being served in our households. We cook for our kids, parents, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, husbands and wives.... so why not show them how much we love them by cooking healthy meals? Below, I have posted the links of a few recipes that include the cancer fighting foods listed above. The blog is called WatchSheEat after all lol..... Enjoy, and remember to spread the word, and spread the love.

I might try this one this week:

Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Broccoli, chickpeas and garlic mmm.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Whole-Wheat-Spaghetti-with-Broccoli-Chickpeas-and-Garlic-231366

Cajun Red Beans and Rice Salad
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Cajun-Red-Beans-and-Rice-Salad-109776


I'm not a fan of the chicken, but I know many of you are.... with this recipe, you get both the Chili and the rosemary....

Chili rubbed Chicken with rosemary
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Broiled-Chicken-with-Rosemary-and-Garlic-235464


If you want to try something, new check out these quinoa recipes:


Quinoa - Stuffed peppers
http://www.recipe.com/quinoa-stuffed-peppers/

Quinoa and Red Bean Burritos
http://www.recipe.com/quinoa-and-red-bean-burritos/

Herbed Quinoa with Shrimp and Zucchini
http://www.recipe.com/herbed-quinoa-with-shrimp-and-zucchini/