Eat food.

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
― Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto 

 

I'm here! My doctor says it's ok to run, and my knee x-rays didn't show any signs of damage. He gave me some stretchy bands and exercises to do at home to help strengthen them, and I'll go back in October to get re-checked. In the meantime, I'm planning to run a local 10-mile race next weekend! This week marks the highest-mileage week I've had since early July when my knees started complaining. 

 

The Michael Pollan quote above has been on my mind lately, especially since I cut my weekly mileage in half. My weight was creeping up and I was becoming unhappy and uncomfortable with it. In the grand scheme of things, 5-6 pounds may not sound like a lot, but when someone goes from being highly active and eating in such a way as to accomodate 6-7 workouts a week, to working out less intensely 3-4 times a week, those pounds are quite noticeable. I used to say "I run so I can eat." Remove running from that equation, and you're (I'm) left with a sugar-laden, acne-speckled grump.

 

I realized in this two-month period that my farmers' market trips have decreased in frequency and volume. My meal planning slacked off (did ya notice?) and my family was heading for the corner ice cream shop a little too often for my comfort. We were going through a lot of bread and more restaurant food than normal. That's not how I got to my happy weight! In fact, just the opposite. 

With Michael Pollan in mind, I've been hitting the market and kitchen with more intensity lately. We're trying new things and amping up old favorites. My four-year-old *loves* broccoli, and one of my favorite vendors just happens to grow The Best broccoli we've ever tasted. The little guy actually cried last time I didn't make enough for him to have seconds. This week, I bought double what I usually do. I've been playing with my new yogurt maker and have landed on a combination of starter/milk/time that The H and I really enjoy. 

I even tried making coffee yogurt, with surprisingly good results.

We've gone through two Costco-sized cartons of strawberries within the week. I've feel like I've eaten more produce since Friday than I did almost the entire month of August (yes, that's an exaggeration!). This weekend I'll be sure to prep some things so we're ready for the week ahead. I've got a scrawny meal plan written out, and will post it once I give it some more life. Have a great week!