Fuck Calories.

It has certainly been a long while since I’ve posted anything to the blog; my sincere apologies dear readers.

I started a new job two months ago and it’s been quite hectic getting used to a new routine and finding time to do the things I love: read, write, cook, exercise, socialize etc.  Holidays came and went and my promises to post in the New Year seemed quite empty.  But, I am back.  I have found my footing and feel way more in control of my daily routine.  

If you read my blog you likely read other food blogs and are interested in health, fitness etc.  So, like me, you are probably sick of hearing everyone’s views on dieting.  Dieting goes hand-in-hand with the start of a new year. New Year’s Resolutions give way to a flood of dieters and people swearing to shed the 5-10 pounds they gained over the holiday season.

I wish I could shake all those people that swear off carbs, count their calories or drink their meals and tell them this:  Just eat real food. It really is that simple. 

Our bodies need all four food groups to function properly and swearing off foods from any of those groups is merely depriving your body of what it needs.  Calorie counting is bullshit.  Sorry, but it is.  And, you can’t get REAL nutrients from chemically composed meal replacement beverages.  

A friend of mine sent me this little book called "Fuck Calories" and I truly think it is quite insightful.  Read it.  It’s only 45 pages.  You can download a PDF version directly from the link. Everyone struggles with weight or body image in one way or another.  Dealing with it in a healthy way is important both for our physical and mental well-beings. 

You Don't Make Friends With Salad

I have never understood the salad appeal.  It seems that everyone who is trying to lose weight or eat healthy believes that salad is the answer. Is it really though?

Currently, I know someone on the "flat belly diet".  While I think all fad diets are bullshit, I was curious about this one.  I looked up foods to avoid, and guess what was on the list: bulky raw veggies, peppers, onions, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.  Seems to me that these are pretty important salad ingredients, yet if you want a flatter stomach, you should steer clear of these belly bloaters. Finally, a diet that isn't all about salads.

Personally, I am not a fan of salad. Yes, I know, it's a great way to get the recommended daily vegetable intake, but I find them boring and bland.  Anyone who has ever made a salad for me knows that I put a few pieces of lettuce on my plate and then load up on the salad fillers: tomatoes, avocados (a salad must), mushrooms, nuts, berries....pretty much all the things that make the salad actually taste good.  Yes, I am a selfish salad eater; I bogart all the good stuff.   Other than adding crunch, what purpose does lettuce serve anyway?

Of course I do eat salads, but it's only due to the fact that they are jam packed with nutrients and vitamins.  I make a salad to accompany most dinners, but I ensure they are bulky and have interesting ingredients.  Among my favourites: chicken, hearts of palm, cooked corn, peas, cashews, sauteed veggies, pomegranate seeds, hard boiled egg and cheese (obviously).

One of my favourite ways to add some excitement to an otherwise boring leafy green salad is to saute mushrooms and pour balsamic vinegar into the pan when the mushrooms are nearly finished.  This serves the purpose of adding warm ingredients to the salad (which makes it way more appealing for me) and it also acts as the salad dressing.

How do you make your salads exciting? Please share some recipes. Who knows, you might inspire me to become a salad lover.