Recipe: Spinach-Mint Smoothie

So I have been experimenting with Smoothies for breakfast. The first few times, I choose poorly, and I got gassy. Since I follow the "blood type" diet, I decided to use only stuff from the list. Result- no gas. However my body burns through calories now since I run and do weights, it's often not enough, and I need small snacks throughout the day. Looking for yummy snacks.

Till then here's the recipe for my Spinach-Mint smoothie:

1- Apple
1- Banana
1- long Carrot (not those babies carrots)
5- table spoons boiled/ baked black beans
3- stems of mint leaves
15 - 20 leaves of baby spinach
1 table spoon raw/ local honey
1 table spoon grade B maple syrup
2 cups almond milk

Blend!

Enjoy.

(if you add ice, take the almond milk down to 1 cup).

Vegan Chickpea Curry

Recently I've developed a plethora of food allergies/ intolerances. The doc doesn't know... anyway, this has driven me to be vegan, and gluten free, caffeine free and alcohol free (although I could have wine). I occasionally give into dairy and bread, but I pay for it sorely within hours. So really I never thought I would be on the vegan-gluten free band wagon, but here I am.

My choice to be a vegetarian was mien of course, but all this other stuff, no. I miss bread, and I miss yogurt.

My eating habits have changed, and it's been tough going out to eat. Everything, especially major chain restaurants only has meat, with cheese, and bread. After so many meals out does one want to order a bed of lettuce again with a few tomatoes.

Cooking has been awesome. It's interesting, and exercises the mind and heart. Also since I've been working out A LOT, I crave protein, however I need my balanced meals. In the past I'd go to chipotle and order carnitas with rice and what not. Now I have the joy of enjoying the veggie bowl (no fajita veggies- green pepper allergy). So a quick meal is usually brown rice, both beans, mild sauce, lettuce and guacamole. I was making this amazing garbanzo bean salad, but that got tedious and so I began eating plain chickpeas out of a can. 

However, eating out in general can get expensive, salads get old, and eating chickpeas out of a can, can get bland. Plus the art of cooking is so romantic in a way. So I came up with a recipe... or is it the inert Indian cooking genes in me?

Chickpea Curry Recipe

Ingredients:

1 can garbanzo beans (un-drained)

1 yellow/ sweet onion

1 - 2  cloves garlic (to taste)

1-2 vine tomatoes (or just any frikkin tomato)

1-2 teaspoons cumin seed

1/4th teaspoon turmeric powder

0.5 inch of grates ginger OR 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder

1/4th teaspoon chili powder/ paprika/ cayenne pepper (to taste)

1-2 dried chili peppers

1-2 tablespoons oil (vegetable/ olive)

1/3 cup water

10-15 minutes. Serves 2.

Directions:

1- dice the onion, tomato and garlic, and keep separately

2- heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat/ flame

3- add onions, garlic cumin to hot oil. wait till little golden

4. add tomatoes (beware the splatter)

5- let the tomatoes get a little mushy

6- add all other spices let heat a little longer 5-6 minutes

7- add garbanzo beans with water and let cook covered for a little bit.

8- add salt to your own taste. and a pinch of sugar!

Voila!

drape over some brown rice, or with naan, roti/tortilla, and enjoy.

Utterly Honest: My Fat Body

Have you ever had that feeling, when your putting on your favorite pair of slacks and suddenly your ass is in the way, and you're like "What! Where did this globulous-blobness come from?" And suddenly life is different and the wake up call to make a change has rung loudly in your ear.

Struggling with weight... ever since my hormones and ovaries went wacko, my life style changed, and my body changed. Since I fell off the "workout" wagon it was hard to get back on. Finally I've gotten back to the gym, and oh my, it's been tough!

Everyone is always like it doesn't matter what size you are, you must love yourself. Heck ya, I do love myself, my curves, my multiple spare tires, the love handles bla bla bla... but really, I have standards for myself. I rather not buy a new wardrobe with larger clothes sides. I know that my body type, my bone structure and I know there is only so much my bones can carry. There are things I want to do, I must lose the adipose tissue, the fat.

What happened? As I said I had health problems, and after a while I just had a hard time going back to the gym, my hormones were off, I was depressed, and it just kept layering on, the fat that is. Until I felt bad going to social events with friends, but still had to, but I was still to ashamed and embarrassed that it had come to this, pushing me into more depression. Thus the vicious cycle, so someone had to help me break it and that was me. People told me while I went through extreme self loathing, and mental/ emotional pain and agony of being unable to love my "curves" that I should accept myself and love myself, and we all come in all shapes and sizes. I get that! I won't be Kritsten Dunst skinny, or like Jessica Alba... those are not my body types. I can accept my body type and hold myself to standards... So I will work towards it in a healthy way.

So yes I love my body, I know I can be better, and no not cause I want to look like a skinny catwalk model, (although it might be nice), I just want to be healthy for me. I want to be attracted to me, I want to do child's pose again and not have my tummy come in the way. I want to look "athletic" to me again. I want to be athletic again. I have goals! Yes I am pretty hard on my self, let alone, family and loved ones telling me I am chubby, need to lose weight etc. I am so hard on myself, to the point it was scary to see myself naked. Now after 4 or 5 weeks of hard work outs, hours at the gym, I feel and see the difference, oh and some muscular injuries too... but results are really in the inches and not the number on the scale.

It's been pretty painful emotionally, mentally, and physically. Next time you see an obese person, think twice about making a rude comment. We don't know their story. Age, medical condition, genes, food availability, access to exercise, information and so many more issues can be the reason for obesity. Yes, sometimes there's pure gluttony, and laziness, but there is also depression, binging on comfort foods, so on and so forth. Sometimes sadness is something that can consume us to the point that we lose ourselves... to eating and sitting. So chubby people need help, kindness and encouragement.

Emotionally, I've had to motivate myself, overcome how I look in shorts and a t-shirt, overcome exercising in public and knowing that my jelly is bouncing around... dealing with my body unable to do what I could once do. It hurts and demotivates, but it takes a lot to just keep going, as Dory in Finding Nemo would say "just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming swimming swimming".

Mentally, I've had to just make myself go, shut of my mind, tell it to shut up. I had to shut up my internal critique, my self loathing, my self doubt... and just go through the exercise like I am a robot. However, in the end all the blood is in my muscles, so there is less thinking, and the endorphins just keep pumping out, making me feel better. So hush mind hush, this is a meditative practice.

Socially, I've had to turn down everything, just so I have 4-6 days of work out a week, 2-2.5 hours each day. Yeah at 30 more time is required to burrrrnnn the fat, and get tht metabolism going, unless you're one of those hyper metabolism people, who are magically thin no matter what they eat. Oh my! Anyway the good thing is, it's fall / winter so there aren't too much stuff going on, and it's perfect time to train for summer outdoor activities. Also winter is the time we tend to eat and sit around more, due to lack of stuff to do outside due to cold, snow and whatever inclement weather Ohio throws our way, so gym is great.

Physically, soreness, aches and pains, and initial injuries before the muscles get stronger. Stretch before exercising, warm up its easier on the muscles- basic important rules. Sometimes forgotten, but stretching is so important and yoga helps me so much too. So I go from being tight from working out, to stretchy in yoga... it's a tough body change to deal with. I love both though, eventually though one could almost only need yoga. Balance is always important though even in the yogic world. Listening to my body, not pushing myself too much, or not under-doing it was a challenge, and of course not even being able to do it, and finding modifications was another obstacle to overcome.

Diet: Eating healthy is another big lifestyle change one has to make initially to lose fat. Later we may reintroduce the unhealthy stuff in small amounts, however with thanksgiving it was kind of tough, yes Cheese was consumed. Recently a vegetarian, gave up all meat except fish, how do I get my protein? Oh fish, lentils, beans, chick peas!!!! Yeah so much more. I gave up dairy due to lactose issues, but good cheese in small amounts is ok, gluten gives me instant heart burn, and other problems the next day, so that is to a minimum too. Lots of grains, nuts, and veggies for me, let's not forget fruit. I eat an apple everyday. Caffeine is ZERO! Yes because it slows down metabolism although hypes you up, its the sugar, and whatever. I drink herbal teas like tulsi, and rose. Alcohol is the tough one, but since its mostly gluten I am left with ciders, and I am bored of apples, so wine it is. But it is only on weekends, as a result I am a lightweight! Processed foods and sugars are of course out of the question, especially soft drinks, etc. OUT! So although I have been eating healthy for about a year, exercise is key to inch-loss.

Why do we call it weight loss when muscle actually weighs more than fat, and fat is actually all inches! We should call it Inch Loss! This entire thing has been such a mind job, and I have to keep going. I have goals that I want to reach, ie. running a race with my bestie next year, running a lot, biking alot, climbing alot, yoga-assana-ing alot, and who knows what else! Most of it is looking at my bi-weekly semi-naked selfie which Ryan helps me with, and saying I love you, and hey we can get through this!

Ok now that I'm done being utterly honest... I can get the rest my body needs.

Breathe!

Samosa Pie

It was my friend Mun's Annual Piefest. It's always in October, although my birthday would be perfect for Pies! Pies on pi day! I had to think of a pie to bring. I always like to make and bake my pie from scratch and try a new pie every time. Last year I took my delectable Beetroot Chocolate Cake Pie! Ok it's a cake but i called it a pie! This year I wanted to make an ethnic pie, its always a sweet European type pie or a baked dish or Chicken pot pie. Are there no pies in the Indian-Asian culture? What could be a pie? Naan pie? Samosa... Pie! Yes!

Ok so I googled and lo-behold there are a number of women who had addressed the "Samosa Pie" in the past. I mish-mashed recipes and I followed my inherent "Indian woman cooking instincts" and voila!

Samosa Pie:
What you will need:

• 3 -4 tbsp olive oil (healthier) or butter or ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped (if you want, I leave it out cause Ryan doesn't do onions)
• 1 chili, finely chopped (if you like)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)/ roast chicken breast hand chopped and shredded / eliminate for veggie
• Approx 1 tbsp garam masala (or curry powder
• ½ tsp turmeric (Approx)
• salt, to your taste only
• 1½ lbs potato (about 2 medium russets), diced (instinct!)
• 1 - 2 cups water to boil the potatoes in
• 1 cup green peas, frozen or fresh
• minced cilantro Approx 3-4 tablespoons (this little plant is so powerful mmm)
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (1/2 a 17-oz package) OR homemade single pie crust recipe (Pillsbury has pre-made baking crusts) 1 for top or 2 for base and then top. Will post the home made crust recipe in a different blog! :-P
• Tomatoes (drained of excess water).

What to do

Heat oil or butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion, chillies, garlic, tomato (without the watery part) and sprinkle a bit of the other spices and cook until golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes.

Stir in ground chicken (if cooking chicken). If not then add garam masala, turmeric, little cumin, paprika, and salt (remember you will be adding salt to the potatoes as well, so split it a bit).

Boil the potatoes in water with little salt; stirring occasionally, about 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender. Drain excess water. Add potatoes and peas into the chicken/ spice mixture. Wait 5 to ten minutes, check consistency. Taste, and adjust seasoning.

Place the dough as base if you wish. (the pie hold marvelously without the base too! (Just saying). Transfer filling part to a 8-9 inch baking pan. Sprinkle the cilantro on top before rolling out dough on the top. Cut a few steam vents.

Bake at 400 degrees until crust is golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Ryan loves it! For the future I've thought of layering it with cheddar cheese, to mix it up!

My silly Vine video on it here!

YUMM!!!!!

Breathe!

Health and Food, and Food and Health and...

We see it all over the web, well depending on what circles you run in, for one CAN be totally ignorant and oblivious to the world even at this day and age of technology, but as I digress, the thing I speak of is: GMOs, Food, Organic Food, Vegan, Health, Obesity, Health care, exercise and fitness, diet and weightless, Gluten-free, Monsanto... These are all huge topics in the world of health and food...

I live a healthy lifestyle at times, and then every now and then I stray. Some call it binging, sometimes its depression. Whatever it is called and even when I try to be healthy, disease = Dis + Ease, finds me. Recently I find myself with Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcer and Colitis caused by dairy. Now every food seems like a demon to me. I fear to eat.

Is it just a part of this affliction? Or IS there something with the foods these days?
How many people are obese?
How many are afflicted with diabetes?
How many have gluten allergies?
How many people are lactose intolerant?
The numbers grow, so how do we not see that there is something profoundly sick with us?

We gave power to corporations because we thought they were good...

Are we now paying the price?

Let's take back our health... let's help out small organic farms so we can eat good food. Truly good food.

I'm tired of suffering. I'm convinced it isn't me its the food.

Breathe

and

Live!

You Are What You Eat

I have been studying Yoga for the past 7 months, and there have been a lot of things I've learned and changed in my life. I have changed too: increased patience, calm, understanding... Sometimes I do lapse into old self, but I am working hard to get to my "Ideal Self". That "Ideal Self" keeps changing, and the challenges increase, but I am growing, getting better, and it is full filling.

One of the things which has resurfaced through out my life is: to stop consuming my friends,(a reference from the original Doctor Dolittle musical with Rex Harrison), what most people would call vegetarianism. I was successful for a few years, during my childhood, after watching the butchering of a chicken. It didn't last though. I just don't want to be a part of that cycle of cruelty, and now a days it is the very heart of obesity and other diseases.

As intrigued and curious as I was as a child, I was very aware and in about 6th grade I was headstrong about studying Factory Farming. We are talking about 1995; and the information was very limited to child without internet and the resources available these days. However as I grew and information was available as the industry was slowly exposed, my suspicions were confirmed. How we treat our or other animals defines us as a culture as a species. We are monsters.

Today I stumbled upon this video. It's only 6 minutes long. I don't want to brainwash anyone, eat whatever you want, but be AWARE. I was sitting on the fence for a long time now, and with my whole plan to be more active, healthy and eat healthy, my decision has been made. I will be vegetarian until and unless the event comes to pass, that there is no more vegetarian food and I must scavenge and hunt (ie. a survivalist scenario) for food, I shall. For instance if I go back country backpacking with Ryan, and we get so lost, and don't have food, I will eat and do what needs be done for survival. For now, I quit.

I have always been a lover of animals, being such an empath, as it is how could it be avoided. I was so fond of the original Doctor Dolittle with Rex Harrison, where he spoke to animals and rationalized, do we eat our friends? The book was written in the times when people were becoming aware of Animal Cruelty, same as Black Beauty. I wanted to grow up and work on the Rainbow Warrior, joining Green Peace, PETA etc. And then they went and did some extremist things, and I had to evaluate how I felt about the entire thing. I love animals, but I did not condone their actions. I had to weave my own path. My compassion extended to humans too, so I had to see an all encompassing view of animals and humans. I felt geography and planning was a good option, sadly it's hard to find a job in urban planning where I am. Plus building, planning often is not approached with the perspective of animals and their habitats, but more so politics, economic gain etc. No wonder the PETA people go batty!

That's my decision. I am sorry if the video is shocking, but it is eye opening, and goes full circle. Also in light of the obesity and health care issues in USA, and ALL over the world, we must be even more vigilant, active, aware, and mindful. Next time you order your food think about where it came from. Factory farming... makes me want to go to the farmer's market, but oh the prices. Sometimes it's so hard living in Ohio, the options of places to eat are not enough, especially for vegetarians... but THESE are all excuses for not living healthy, eating healthy, and being mindful and aware. We need to unlearn, unwork and undo these unhealthy lifestyles we've created. Let's make the change!

Like Animals - Doctor Dolittle -1967 - click for more information about the movie
I do not understand the human race.
It has so little love for creatures with a different face.
Treating animals like people is no madness or disgrace.
I do not understand the human race.

I wonder why do we treat animals like animals?
Animals treat us so very well.
The devoted ways they serve us and protect us when we’re nervous –
Oh, they really don’t deserve us, all we give them is hell!

Tell me how else man repays them, do we ever think to praise them?
No we don’t, and this dismays them, you can tell.
They're riddled with ingratitude, we give no love or latitude,
In every way our attitude is, well, like animals.

Why do we treat animals like animals?
How can people be so inhumane?
Cows and chickens work to feed us, dog and horses show they need us
And though cats don’t always heed us, their affection is plain.

What do we do?
We neglect them; we do nothing to protect them;
We reject them, don’t expect them to complain.
We ignore them or we beat them; when we’re hungry, then we eat them.
It’s appalling how we treat them, it’s insane!
Like animals!

We humiliate and murder and confine them.
We create their wretched status, then we use it to malign them.
I mean, why should we say, “preening like a dog”?
Why should we say, “working like a horse”?
Why should we say, “eating like a hog,”
When what we mean is “eating like a man”?!
Don’t we? Of course!

A man of ill repute is called a “weasel” or a “rat,”
A woman you dislike becomes a “vixen” or a “cat.”
A family that is blessed with healthy reproductive habits
Occasions the remark, “Well you know them, they breed like rabbits”!

“He’s as stubborn as a mule!”
“He’s as stupid as an ox”
“He’s as slimy as a snake!”
“He’s as crafty as a fox!”
Remarks like that really get my goat!

Why don’t we say, “noble as a frog”?
Or, why can’t we say, “wealthy as a hen”?
True, we say, “devoted as a dog.”
What we should say is: “chic as a giraffe,” “pretty as a pig, eh?”
That’ll be the big day, won’t it?
But when? But when?!

When will we stop treating them like animals?
Is the human race entirely mad?
Women see a baby goatskin, or a lambskin, or a stoatskin!
And to them it’s just a coatskin –
Oh, it’s terribly sad!

When you dress in suede or leather, or some fancy fur or feather,
Do you stop and wonder whether, for a fad, you have killed some beast or other?
And you’re wearing someone’s brother,
Or perhaps it’s someone’s mother in which you’re clad!

Like animals, like animals, like … animals.
Well, it’s true, we do not live in a zoo.
But man is an animal too.
So why can’t you, like me,
Like animals … animals.



The Vegetarian - Doctor Dolittle -1967   - click for more information about the book

The day that I became a veterinarian
I had a sudden overwhelming wish,
To be a pure and simple vegetarian
And give up eating all that meat and fish.

So now I live on healthy food instead
Like apples cores,
And Parsnip juice
And chunks of plain brown bread.

When I see my fellow men
Consuming sirloin steak,
And I find myself enjoying tea and dundee cake,
There is really only one conclusion I can make
I'm a devoted vegetarian.

When my host at dinner offers
Succulent roast beef,
Proudly I refuse it. People stare in disbelief,
Lost in admiration as I nibble on a leaf,
A very noted vegetarian.

I don't even eat horseradish, in case I upset the horses.

I stay away from deviled ham on principle,
I wouldn't eat roast duckling if I could,
Will power has made me invincible!...
My word, those sausages do look good.

Turnip pie and peanuts-
That's the sort of filth I eat,
Any sort of rubbish
That is wholesome and discrete
Why don't I admit that my hypocrisy's complete?!
If I should live to be a centenarian,
Become our most adored humanitarian?
I'll never make a decent vegetarian-
I'm a cheat
I love meat,
I'm a cheat
Yes I am!
I love red bloodied juicy chunks of meat
Legs of lamb!
Sides of beef 'n' chops 'n' steak 'n' veal
And pork of course - my favorite meal!

And then I hear poor Gubgub squeal!
Oh me, Oh my,
A reluctant, but sincere vegetarian,
Am I.





Breathe

Be Aware

Live And Let Live.

Siblings

Animals are beautiful people too

Action shot! We love to play too! and take jump shots! (thanks to the people who share these lovely pictures online)

We can be friends!

No words for this one... the cuteness has stunned me!

Even cuter... how can I ever think of...

Ahimsa yawl Ahimsa!

Mommy turkey and baby turkey!

turkeys are cute too!

Baby cows cast spell with their big innocent eyes! How can we...?!

The egg came first I tell you!

We are friends, why can't you be my friend too?

Yep they definitely want to be friends and not food!

LOVE and Happiness

cuteness... siblings...

good grief adorable

Children and parents

my childhood friend...

Food Groupies = Foodies

Everyone is now a foodie or not a foodie. Thanks to my boyfriend, I have learned to loathe eating. I eat to survive, I don't live to eat. For some reason we have become a world wide culture that bonds on eating. Nothing wrong with that, food is great, I love all types. I'm also not saying everyone must be a fitness maniac, because there is a fitness wave of fitness crazed people rocking the world, not to mention adrenalin junkies growing, X-treme outdoor sports and of course all these runner running the "warrior dashes", the "spartan races", "tough mudders" etc. You're either in or not. I'm not saying we must all be stick thin like runway models or Kate Moss. I'm calling for an awareness to what we put in out bodies, a growing culture revolving around food, and food activities. I recently read this rather lengthy article about obesity. Obesity, or being heavier has risen not only in the USA but all around the world... EVERYONE is fatter. Genetics? Monsanto? Lifestyle? take your pick. Obesity is as subjective as the psychology of a 16 year old!

Here we are wondering which restaurant to eat at next, what's the must haves at which place. Imagine 1- how many people do not have that luxury 2- do you really need that luxury? Yes, in a way you are helping the economy out, however are you helping your own bank balance? We're all career oriented people, and cooking comes as easy to us as breathing... not really. Cooking is as easy as finishing your summer reading list. With all the distractions, career, family, friends, etc. It's tough to get basic chores done, not use the credit card, not eat out at least 2-3 times a week and not veg out on the couch for an evening. It happens, its the luxury of our busy lifestyles. Watch the show, cause reading the book is so laborious; get take out instead of cooking that elaborate meal for one. How many of us situate ourselves in a major city, because of the diversity... the diversity of food!? Many. I have less options in Suburban/ Rural Ohio, than my counterparts in Cleveland, Chicago or New York. Way less options, but I still have 2 places for sushi, a couple of burger and wings places, an Italian place or three! At least 2-3 breakfast places, 2 cafes, bars galore (warning: they are a bit hillbilly), and I kid you not, but some of the most amazing steak joints are this side of town. Sadly though I do not review these wonderful eateries, but instead I am amazed at my own cooking skills.

I marvel at how I can cook a dinner for 4, for less than the amount I spend when out for a dinner for two. And yes I cook better than most places, also i am more aware and mindful of the ingredients I use, right down to the salt. Do read that article on obesity I posted: The Obesity Era: As the American people got fatter, so did marmosets, vervet monkeys and mice. The problem may be bigger than any of us By David Berreby. It's amazing what not only food, our genetics, environment etc. is doing to our bodies. The most we can do to control it, is control what we put in, how much, and how much output/ energy we burn. Yoga is a great way to keep organs healthy, as healthy you can get them, and eating right! A lot of people can't/won't try or put forth the effort, so at least be aware, and conscious of this.

Suddenly in your 50s you realize you have fat around your organs, fat cells in your liver, (you don't have to be fat outside)... just don't let it get to that! It's almost like being a smoker, or a drinker. You know it's bad for you, but you keep doing it. Obesity, eating, health, is being studied in a major way today, especially since its weighing down on the health care system here and everywhere, pun intended. Is it that hard to be aware, and start doing something about OUR OWN bodies now?

I'm in my early thirties and I realize some damage has definitely been done already, but its not too late for me. I can fix pre-existing conditions, the internet has most of the information I need. I want the bacon, I can eat the bacon, but does my body need it? How will it affect my body? Does it all come down to discipline? Are we the most lax of all generations when it comes to discipline?

Just some things to think about...


Breathe!

Too busy too cook/ read/ work out/ yoga? Meditate = take some time for yourself and do what's good for you, your mind, your all round well-being!

START NOW!

The Call of the East

Firstly back by heightened interest, need and more participants is the 5 minute meditation project blog!

What amazes me, warms me, and makes me bubble up over flowing with love, is how i have come to find a mass of people who enjoy learning, living, loving the philosophies and teachings I grew up with (which I so rebelliously shunned as a teen)! I'm talking about yoga, meditation, chanting slokas, ॐ, Sanskrit (as a kid I thought - what is the use of this!), Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharatha (I watched the entire series in the 90s with my grandmom who fluctuates in and out dementia), etc. Being Indian, and growing up with the whole family, and mom sending me to Bhagavad Gita classes, Bengali classes, singing classes, made no sense then, and was a lot of learning, information (we thought the internet was full of information) overload! My mom always said, "you will thank me one day" with that all-knowing tone. I guess that day is today. I can pass on my knowledge which I acquired begrudgingly, but now cherish and nurture.

So recently I picked up (on kindle) Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik, which is a version of the Mahabharata, to refresh my memory on the story. I forgot how complex it was, getting lost in the Maya of life; story within story within story, that you forget where the original story began. Perhaps that's how the movie 'Inception' was conceived.... dream within a dream within a dream... basically Maya. Will write more on this as I get lost deeper in the maya of this book.

Then I also found the old Srimad Bhagavad Gita by Swami Tapasyananada (Ramakrishna Mission Publishing) I learned from. I was in 6th or 7th grade when the Bhagavad Gita classes started. Every Sunday afternoon after lunch, when a kid just wants to snooze, heavy mind boggling Gita philosophy and the heavy Sanskrit, deconstruction, and just taking it all in. Our teacher was and is a historian but also a Sanskrit scholar. He is very learned, and I still ask him when I have any doubts, questions, and need help refreshing my memory. After that class, we had chanting class, so more Sanskrit, understanding slokas and deep philosophy (as a teen this wasn't fun, we just wanted to go out and play or take a nap as we were taught as a child). That was the heavy stuff, which helped me stay on track, and also helped me identify the things I needed to rebel against as a teen (because that's what teens do to be cool), but later on in life, helped me stay true to myself, beliefs and remain a good person. Something did manage to sink in despite all the rebelling during teenage years.

I'm so glad that I can read Devnagiri, Bangla, Tamil (this one I am a little slow at), and can understand it because of the combined knowledge of all four. They are so interlinked, so culturally founded, and the fact my family is so bong (slang for Bengali), this knowledge is passed down - Gayatri Mantra, the gotrams, lineage, connection to the whole shenanigans of the Sapta Rishis (yes I said that!), the mantras, the yamas and niyamas, even the eightfold path... I guess it is all taught, when I took Buddhism classes at CSU, I was excited to tell my parents about three jewels in buddhism - Buddha Dharma Sangha, and of course my dad knew all about it and recited it in Sanskrit with his Bengali pronunciation Buddho, Dhormo, Shangho! Maybe he's an exception, because he was lucky to have been sent off to Sri Ramakrishna Mission in Puruliya, and maybe that where all this knowledge was bestowed onto him, but often times parents try to teach their kids, but kids partially take it in?!?!

My point is, there is this growing desire in the west to learn all the above, and I find it amazing, and heart warming. When I came back to the USA in 2001, I was enrolled in a Christian college where I was told my birth religion was wrong, so were all other faiths. I was told that Christ was the only way to heaven. My argument was as long as you are a good human why would you be denied heaven, especially if the religion taught you how to live as a good human? I was told that was just the way, and God wanted us to find him through Christ and Christianity only. My idea of an open, accepting and appreciating America, was shattered. This is why I am happy to learn so many people accepting teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, the Gita, Patanjali, the Upanishads, the Vedas, into their world. It restores my faith in mankind... To accept something so alien as Sanskrit into your life (it's a different script, and sounds like gibberish, hard to pronounce, thus alien), and recite the words with so much love and joy, its pretty amazing to me! Thank you all for inspiring me to appreciate the culture I come from. I see it with fresh eyes. I wish the rest of India would do the same... the beauty it came from has become twisted and dirty. If this group in Northeast Ohio can do it, everyone and anyone else can too!

Breathe!

Picture courtesy Piyali Banerjie

Picture courtesy Chris Soria

Picture courtesy Piyali Banerjie

Picture courtesy Chris Soria

Healthy Food can be SO Delicious!

Bean Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

1 can of Kidney Beans
1 can of Garbanzo Beans/ Chick Peas
1/2 bunch of fresh parsley chopped
1 Green Onion chopped (some people don't like the onion)
1 seedless cucumber chopped
1 tomato chopped/ diced
1 red/yellow/green pepper diced

Dressing:
1/4th tsp salt or to taste (I like less salt!)
1/4th tsp pepper or to taste (I like more freshly ground pepper!)
1-2 cloves garlic or to taste - minced (some people like very garlicky!)
1.5 tsp olive oil or whatever other oil / to taste
1 - 2 lemons freshly squeezed / or bottled - to your taste (some people like more tangy!)

Chaat Masala is available, just a sprinkle!

Mix it all together and you have a delicious healthy meal!
If you want to make a larger batch add 1 can of fava beans and 1 can cannelli beans, and use the whole bunch of parsley. Add the dressing to your taste!

Breathe!


Great with hot chamomile tea or iced green tea with honey!

Indian Dinners in Ohio

Cleveland isn't like Chicago, New York, LA, San Fransisco, Austen, Atlanta, Boston... It's one of those quarter-way-there "big" cities. There are a handful of Ethnic Restaurants scattered all across Northeast Ohio, and people aren't exposed to much here compared to NYC. The minorities are minorities, so there isn't much exposure to other cultures, foods, lifestyles, clothes, other than on TV.

A few years ago a 7 year old told me, "I'm sorry you will never be beautiful". This was because she had only ONE idea of beauty which was her "barbie doll"  and Hanna Montana. Sad, I know. When I lived in Michigan (I will leave the city unnamed to not embarrass the fold), people asked me things like "Do you have Elephants as pets in India?" "How do you go to school?" "Is there electricity there?" "Have you ever been to a huge city like Chicago, or even _____ (City Name in Michigan)?"

Some may call this ignorance, I think it's lack of exposure. Most of these people were fairly young too, some were older, having seen a couple of wars, yet didn't know things. Anyway I think people in general are sometime scared to try new things especially if its something they weren't taught to do since childhood. My mom always told us to try everything and she made us like it - we had NO OPTION. So we grew up to be open to everything, and see things from different perspectives.

Here I am in Cleveland, and trying to make best of what diversity is at my disposal, the college campuses are always thriving with diversity, however not the main walks of life, especially not the suburbs (depending on which suburb). A few of my friends from my group of climbing friends asked me what was a good Indian restaurant in these parts. Having the best Indian food served to me at home by my mom, I really don't eat Indian food at restaurants. So I decided to take a tour of Indian restaurants 1-2 times a month all across North East Ohio, maybe even near Columbus, to help friends get comfortable ordering, understanding and eating Indian foods.

Most of the popular Indian food is Dhaba foods - the naans, the dahls, the paneer tikka masala, tandoori, biryani, etc. There is one or two South Indian restaurants, a chaat restaurant, and ok zero bengali, gujarati, etc. restaurants. It's all Delhi/ North Indian food! Anyway it's still yummy, and full of butter and ghee :-P

In some ways authentic/ home made Indian food is way healthier than what is served at restaurants, but it's still probably healthier than pizza, if eaten with roti and not butter naan. Indulge in the raita (yogurt salad eaten with rice), drink the lassi (refreshing milkshake), and taste lots of veggies in curries, the oxidizing spices. In school in Chennai (Southern India), we were always given the most healthiest Indian food to eat. All vegetarian lunch followed by fruit, a snack (egg-less cookie/ biscuit) and fresh lime juice in the morning, and another snack and milk in the evening (ugh the milk was gross though fresh). Lime rice, tamarind rice, pongal rice, bisibela baath (don't ask me to explain that one), sambar rice, rasam rice... Rasam - the best soup ever, it can cure you of any cold!

My home made dal (lentils)! it's actually really good! and healthy!

Masala dosa and coconut chutney

Although the food my friends get to taste is but a small fraction of the foods available in India, it's better than being oblivious to it! I wish I had an elephant to ride to school as a kid, that would have been a tale! Now atleast it is but a Tall-Tale!


Breathe!

Upma, ginger chicken, butter chicken and guacamole (I like to mix it up)

Mother and Daughter Cooking Lessons

I've been spending time with my mother these few days, to keep her company, eat healthy, and relax.
So we are sitting there watching her television shows, and the phone rings.Since it's closer to me I answer it, after seeing that it is my sister calling in the caller ID. I am a punk so I answer in my dad's voice ...
Sis- ded give it to ma
Me- how did you know it was me?
Sis- give it to ma I need to talk to her its urgent.
Me- like an emergency?
Sis- yeah.
Me- she's indisposed at the mo. You can ask me I can be your stand in mother-sister
Sis- no I need her!!!!
 
Worried that it is something serious... like "girl problems" or something, I give the phone to my mom. A long conversation ensues on how my sister is trying to make my mom's delicious cauliflower curry, and my mom giving her instructions while she does it.

15 minutes later still listening to the these two banter. My mom is seriously giving my sis a step by step on the phone cooking lesson, as we hear dishes clang and clash in the background. My mom tells her to heat some oil in the frying pan, and in the mean time get the spices ready, and dice up an onion. Also she must set the potatoes to cook separately, and since she has no pressure cooker, she must boil it. 

My mom tells sis - add 3/4 panch pharang, jeere, and diced onion to the hot oil in the frying pan...
Sis - umm this is a little scary (as the oil splatters a little) 
Mom- ... after lowering the heat of the oil.
Mom - this is such a simple and easy recipe, you can't go wrong with it.
Sis - none of this is easy!
Mom - check to see if the potatoes are cooked simultaneously
Sis- they look done...
Mom- no you need to prick it... don't just "look" at it!
Me- stab it you need to staaaaaab it! (I say in the background, with a stabbing motion).
Mom- (bursts out laughing) You two are too cute, well you are a little insane (pointing at me, and she resumes instructing my sis.


Eventually my sister completes the food, but realizes there's nothing to eat it with ie. Indian food is usually eaten with rice/ roti  or naan (types of Indian Bread). She has no rice, but she does have couscous and quinoa. My mom says either is acceptable. She prepares it and sends us a picture and boy does it look yummy!







Breathe

Let's Talk About Weight Baby!

So I just read this article by NPR and it compelled me to write this piece.

Are you Obese? Do you need to lose weight? Do you want to get healthy? Do you want to safe on future health costs? Do you want to look good for you?

I know I do!
Have you tried the following and it didn't work for you?
Diets - doesn't work
Working out - doesn't work
Medicine - doesn't work
Surgery- doesn't work
Cleanse - doesn't work
Walking - doesn't work
Support Group - doesn't work
Counting Calories - doesn't work

So weight loss isn't easy, but luckily it isn't rocket science, but it is science and it is life. Your life. Forget media, and body image, this is about getting healthy- preventing diabetes, depression, heart disease, etc. etc. etc. We also want to not push it the weight loss issue to the point of Bulimia or Anorexia. First find out a good body weight for your height, age, sex and body frame. Yes, we all want to look like either Kate moss, or Beyonce, but we are blessed with unique bodies. Each one is so different.

What weight loss method have you tried? How long did you try it for? Did it work? Why did you stop?

We live in a society where instant gratification of the senses is so important, easily available, and temptation is constantly flung at our faces, body, mind, and all our deepest desires. Yes I do want a huge Tiramisu all to myself. I think I can get it at any major grocery store, or probably an Olive Garden or Macaroni Grille, but I'm not going to give in to it. It's just not something I would do.

The secret to weight loss is a balanced, healthy, all - round approach. Support from friends and family, a healthy balanced diet, giving up bad habits (laziness, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, pop/soda, excessive carbs and comfort foods), anaerobic and aerobic exercise, yoga, meditation, periodic cleanses, self control and discipline. It's a whole life style change. Change from depressed to calm yet energized and focused. Change from stagnant body to active body. Change from eating garbage to eating mindfully and consciously. Change from instant gratification, to patience and new sources of gratification. Change from thinking fat, to thinking lean. Change from thinking negative to positive. Change from large portions to smaller portions. Change your Circadian cycle. Change from bad habits to good habits. Change to a better circadian cycle. Change from no stress management, to better, effective and healthy form of stress management. Change to trying new things like dance, yoga, zumba etc.

It's about balance, and being responsible to yourself.
Find a combination that works for you, your body, your life and work.
Be good to yourself, be nourishing, loving, gentle, kind to yourself (which does not translate as indulge yourself in processed foods). Make yourself a colorful delicious salad, take time grocery shopping, reading labels, research what's good for you! Remember its about you, and your happiness after all. Surround yourself with good friends who support you in your endeavors!
You can do this!




Breathe with me friends! Breathe!

ॐ Master Cleanse - Day 10

I did it, to the best of my ability.
I drank lemonade for 10 days, and detoxing with a triple leaf Chinese, detox tea.
I also munched an apple. Due to the onset of feminine problems (yes, the monthly kind) I have had to eat apples, and a little protein and iron so that I just didn't lose it all. It was unforeseen, and shouldn't have started, oh well, it is nature's way of purging.

The ten days have been insightful, intense, and eye opening. Balance, awareness, and mindfulness come into mind when I look back on what I have learned. I meditated on bringing more balance to my life. Also I learned, that hunger like all other problems can be overcome through determination and persistence one can reach their goal.

There are people there who are hungry not by choice, but due to famine, drought, poverty... Every time I had a hunger pang, I thought of them. I had the choice to go eat whenever I wanted, but had I been in their position, I would receive no option, but starvation. So I did not eat. I had headaches a few times, but they became increasingly less, as I DID have the juice. I had dizziness at times, but I focused on breathing to abate it. I was aware of the connection I had through hunger to other hungry people. Today I break that connection. At some points during the fast, the thought of just a crumb would satiate my hunger. I begged for even a crumb of bread, a drop of other liquids, but I held strong to my promise of fasting, and remembered there were those with out that choice. I was aware. I saw and felt, and suffered. I overcame, and worked on.

I had odd cravings, and thought about what it would feel like to put it into my body. Do I want to? I was mindful about whether I wanted that in my body, and questioned it's nourishing potential. I desired nourishing foods such as fresh fruit, vegetable, ethnic dishes made fresh. I made the decision to not ingest artificial, processed, hormone and preservative laden food any more. To focus on in-taking as much as I can natural spices, nuts, live foods such as vegetables, and if and when consuming meat, be conscious of how, where, and when (what they were fed, treated, lived, and always getting it fresh). Being aware and mindful of what I put in my body became so important to me. Also having balanced meals to keep everything within me balanced.

Living a balanced, mindful life is important, for there are so many things going on, and there is an ease in which I for one can slip into extremes - extremes of working, extremes of watching television, extremes of gym-ing , extremes of drinking alcohol, extremes of eating, the list goes on. Everything should be moderated. At times it may be difficult, however we can strive for the balance in every aspect of our lives, by being mindful, and aware.

Fasting/ Master cleanse is not for everyone. There are other ways one can learn to meditate better, live better, or whatever other goal you are trying to achieve. So follow your own path, and remember to do it right, and stick to it. Every one's body is different, (as well as thought processes, emotions etc.), so your experience maybe different. Everybody learns something different from an experience that maybe similar. Be open, accepting, and ready to experience new things (I mean it in all the good things one can do).

Breathe!

Ginger Pork

Last night I was lonely, and bored, so I cooked Ginger Pork, although I couldn't eat it because I am still on the master cleanse. But it turned out great I shall feast on it tomorrow.

Ingredients:
2 inches fresh ginger (grated)
2 clove garlic (grated)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sake
1 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound thinly sliced pork (or beef, etc)
1 green onion (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 tablespoon Cumin (because Ryan loves cumin and can not get enough of it, also optional)
sesame seeds to taste (optional)

Directions:
1. Mix the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sake in a bowl.
2. Marinate the pork in the mixture for 20 minutes.
3. Heat the oil in a pan.
4. Put the onions, tomatoes, and Cumin in for about 10 minutes while the pork is still marinating.
5. Add the pork and the marinade and saute until the pork is cooked and the marinade has reduced to a sauce.

Ready! Now pair with rice or naan! :-P

Master Cleanse - Day 3

Last night was the hardest night. I wanted a nice big juicy burger so bad. I resisted.
Now I begin day 3!
Also I am proud to say I didn't check facebook for two days! I feel free.

I never knew fasting was sooooooooooo amazing. Infact I wish I had done it more. I feel my head is clearer,  and I am more connected with my body. Going into meditation is easier, I don't know how, but it is easier to relax and empty oneself. How is this possible? I think it's because one of the biggest things that drive us - Hunger, is what we are training to ignore, so it is easier to ignore everything else, as a result. That's just my theory.

I feel more connected with humanity and less attached to material things. In example I know what hunger means, and just struggling and wishing I could eat, but not food (I cleared out my house of most junk foods). Hunger is maybe the first sensation babies feel... its what makes us human, makes us want to survive. I think that's what makes me feel so connected. Yet the ability to say no I don't need it, I will meditate, makes me realize if I can do without food everyday (and live off just water and the air we breathe), then do we really need all the other stuff we want and want and want in life?

I realized that this culture of abundance, plentiful and large portions has trained us to feel hungry more often, want foods we do not need. Also it creates tremendous waste, waste which only a few see. If the waste was placed in front of our eyes day after day, we would do something about it. Right? But we often just through our trash in a can, flush the toilet and never see the accumulation of our waste. It's a lot. Then there are people everywhere, all over the world, hungry, thirsty, homeless... and WHAT will you whine about today?

Do I need that big juicy burger? Right now a crumb would satiate me, or even a leaf of lettuce.
But really the water washes my hunger and stress away. It cleanses me internally, mentally, emotionally.

Breathe!

The Master Cleanse - Day 1

For more information go here.

This was something that I decided to do last week, and I said to myself it was now or never.
So I had an all lentil diet all weekend, some cereal, the last super consisted of salmon, lentil soup, and hot chocolate. Next day I began with green tea, vegetable puree, and then I had to start the cleanse lemonade at night or else I was gonna crack.
Being hungry can put you in quite the feisty mood.
More aware and awakened within my own body. Rest was more restful and awake is more alive.
I did some yoga, and my muscles feel it. I did sit ups too, and its all very different from when ON food.

Things to do before the cleanse:

1- Research fasting, the cleanse, talk to a doctor if you have serious medical conditions.
2- Find the right time to begin, for example don't begin before thanksgiving or other such times when eating is required.
3- Remember to start drinking the lemonade early in the morning and about 8 or more cups a day
4- Make the lemonade fresh every time
5- Make sure you poop everyday
6- Don't listen to negative people who say fasting is bad. Do your own research, otherwise you will end up giving into the psycho-social and emotional pressures
7- Remember you need 10 days!
8- Remember to make enough lemonade if you go out.
9- Remember to ease in to it 3-4 days and ease out of it 3-4 days
10- Meditation and Yoga, supportive friends help so much!


Most of all do it for you. Do it right.

Recipe for Master Cleanse Lemonade
 (Makes ONE, 32 oz Nalgene Bottle)

2 Lemons
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
30 oz Purified Water
3 oz  grade B maple syrup

Fill the Nalgene bottle up to the 30 oz mark. Squeeze the lemons to make 6 tablespoons of lemonade (3 oz). I have learnt to squeeze well, and squeeze the most out of the lemons. Great arm exercise. Add the lemon juice in. Then measure and add the 3 oz (6 tbs) grade B maple syrup. Add the Cayenne pepper in, as much or as little as you like. Close the bottle and shake shake shake! Shake shake shake! Shake your bottle! Shake your bottle. Now drink and enjoy fasting!  

Breathe

My drinks for the day!

Fitness Goals - Week 4

Doing Yoga on every weekday now! And I feel like my body is more sculpted, toned, but definitely more aware, and flexible. Also been eating lentils daily, wish really flushes me out (if you know what I mean!). It is great to be in tune with my body again. However I did sign up for a 'Yoga for Climbers' class which focuses on muscles, stretching, healing and building. It is a mixture of a flow, balancing, and relaxation.

We start off slow, and then go into Surya Namaskar (sun salutation). Then we do variations of warriors, twists and some of the balancing poses. Of course my favorite pose is Savasana, the lights go dim, soothing music playing in the background, and pass out! However this gives me the kick to get on with my weekly workouts. I want to see improvements in ME!

The weekly visits to the Chiropractor have been awesome, along with the yoga. Also I may soon be able to climb again! I am still on the elliptical however, but pushing the heart rate a little above 150. I also took a chance and began running on the treadmill for 5 minutes only, however my chiropractor advised me against it. :-P

Yoga is definitely great, and so is eating healthy. As apple a day, lentil soup, avoiding carbs and starch, and focusing on proteins. :-)

Breathe!

check out my blog on how to make healthy lentil soup.

Warrior poses in stick figures!

Warrior 1