I keep forgetting about this blog. Well, not really forgetting, but it gets put on my To Do list, and then gets trumped by more pressing matters.
Since my last post, I watched Food Inc. That is the next step in my clean eating research. I've also come up with some other ideas, but I am going to put this topic on the back burner for a while and focus on what I love the most. Music.
I mean, come on! This blog is called LA FEMME VOCALE! *sings* I got the music in me! I got the music in me! I got the music in meeeeee!!!
I was involved in such a wonderful show this summer with the super awesome production company, Barrow Entertainment (http://www.barrowentertainment.com/). It was a lot of hard work, but every minute was totally worth it. If ever you read about Barrow Entertainment and their next production, trust me when I say it is a show that is not to be missed. So much love and energy go into the creation of everything that you can feel it as an audience member. Seriously, trust me.
I started singing open mics again, and feel so at home. My premiere for 2010 was at a place called Benny's Cafe on Broadway at Larch on Monday, August 23, 2010. All you singer-songwriters out there, CHECK THIS PLACE OUT. The energy was amazing!! And the crowd was very welcoming. Another good place to check out on Monday nights (Sorry Joseph) is the Backstage Lounge on Granville Island. If you time things right, you can probably play both in one night.
Songwriting has started to flow again finally, and right now things are just...looking up, as they always seem to be.
Well thats it for now...lots of love and hugs to all my readers. :-)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Clean Eating
I was reading the January '09 issue of one of my favourite fitness magazines the other day when I stumbled upon the Publisher's note. He was going on about how terrible he felt for eating a kit-kat bar because it wasn't part of his clean eating regime.
Seriously?! Has guilt become part of what we need in order to make ourselves fit and healthy? I don't see how this could have been inspirational to anyone at all. If anything guilt just feeds the feelings we already have when we eat things that we KNOW we shouldn't. I think most people would reach with "Wow...if he still has trouble with this, what hope in hell do I have to ever succeed? I'm just giving up!"
Because it seems to be a trend that is growing in popularity, I decided to look into clean eating and started with my favourite search engine, Google. I found a lot of websites boasting free meal-plans and recipes. At the bottom of the first of 10 (plus, I'm sure) pages, there was an article published on Canada.com, written by registered dietitian Samara Felesky-Hunt (http://dietitian-online.com) - perfect place to start!
Hmm...it seems to tell me things I already know. Food at a state that is closest to its natural state holds the most nutritional value! Over-processed food isn't good for you! Water is your best bet over pop or juice to quench your thirst! You should try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal! Instead of adding sugar, try applesauce, honey, dried fruit or maple syrup to sweeten things! Lean proteins are the best protein! Healthy fats are good for you! Rah Rah Sisboom Bah! Sittin' on a grand stand, beatin' on a tin can, who can, we can! NOBODY ELSE CAN!!
So if these things are such common sense (which I believe them to be), then why is there such a huge problem with heart-disease, diabetes, obesity and other its-gonna-catch-up-with-you-sooner-or-later diseases? We cannot deny that our eating habits are the culprit (other than, of course, genetics and other factors that may come in to play). Why do we, as a society, fail to make common sense choices when it comes to eating?
Are we defeatists? Do we have too much emotional baggage and stress that leads us down dark, unrecognizable paths of self-loathing where our only comfort is the sweet, creamy taste of chocolate? Do we keep ourselves so insanely busy that its easier to stop somewhere to grab something in disposable (and not necessarily environmentally friendly) packaging rather than either a) slow down and take proper breaks during the day, or b) tote around sh*tloads of Tupperware so that we can eat healthier? What are all our excuses?!
I'm not here to advocate or speak against clean eating...yet. Is it the best thing for us? What happened to everything in moderation? Well, I think that went out the window when portion sizes continued to grow and change. Gotta give the consumer their money's worth!! Yah, they may get 3-4 servings in 1 entree at a restaurant, but look what they're paying for it! Ok, that's partially to blame. But what about us? We still need to be held accountable, right? It is our choice to plow through 3-4 servings verus eating 1 and asking them to pack the rest, right?
There seems to be a lot of information on clean eating, this might have to be a series. My general thoughts at this point are that clean eating seems to be physically healthy, but I question the effect on our emotions and our mental health. If you don't allow yourself some sort of treat every once in a while, then what fun is it? If you are being that controlling with what is and isn't allowed in your body, is it a borderline eating disorder? On the flip side though, if you're that attached to something that you would question your existence without it, then is it a deeper seeded addiction problem?
Food for thought...
Seriously?! Has guilt become part of what we need in order to make ourselves fit and healthy? I don't see how this could have been inspirational to anyone at all. If anything guilt just feeds the feelings we already have when we eat things that we KNOW we shouldn't. I think most people would reach with "Wow...if he still has trouble with this, what hope in hell do I have to ever succeed? I'm just giving up!"
Because it seems to be a trend that is growing in popularity, I decided to look into clean eating and started with my favourite search engine, Google. I found a lot of websites boasting free meal-plans and recipes. At the bottom of the first of 10 (plus, I'm sure) pages, there was an article published on Canada.com, written by registered dietitian Samara Felesky-Hunt (http://dietitian-online.com) - perfect place to start!
Hmm...it seems to tell me things I already know. Food at a state that is closest to its natural state holds the most nutritional value! Over-processed food isn't good for you! Water is your best bet over pop or juice to quench your thirst! You should try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal! Instead of adding sugar, try applesauce, honey, dried fruit or maple syrup to sweeten things! Lean proteins are the best protein! Healthy fats are good for you! Rah Rah Sisboom Bah! Sittin' on a grand stand, beatin' on a tin can, who can, we can! NOBODY ELSE CAN!!
So if these things are such common sense (which I believe them to be), then why is there such a huge problem with heart-disease, diabetes, obesity and other its-gonna-catch-up-with-you-sooner-or-later diseases? We cannot deny that our eating habits are the culprit (other than, of course, genetics and other factors that may come in to play). Why do we, as a society, fail to make common sense choices when it comes to eating?
Are we defeatists? Do we have too much emotional baggage and stress that leads us down dark, unrecognizable paths of self-loathing where our only comfort is the sweet, creamy taste of chocolate? Do we keep ourselves so insanely busy that its easier to stop somewhere to grab something in disposable (and not necessarily environmentally friendly) packaging rather than either a) slow down and take proper breaks during the day, or b) tote around sh*tloads of Tupperware so that we can eat healthier? What are all our excuses?!
I'm not here to advocate or speak against clean eating...yet. Is it the best thing for us? What happened to everything in moderation? Well, I think that went out the window when portion sizes continued to grow and change. Gotta give the consumer their money's worth!! Yah, they may get 3-4 servings in 1 entree at a restaurant, but look what they're paying for it! Ok, that's partially to blame. But what about us? We still need to be held accountable, right? It is our choice to plow through 3-4 servings verus eating 1 and asking them to pack the rest, right?
There seems to be a lot of information on clean eating, this might have to be a series. My general thoughts at this point are that clean eating seems to be physically healthy, but I question the effect on our emotions and our mental health. If you don't allow yourself some sort of treat every once in a while, then what fun is it? If you are being that controlling with what is and isn't allowed in your body, is it a borderline eating disorder? On the flip side though, if you're that attached to something that you would question your existence without it, then is it a deeper seeded addiction problem?
Food for thought...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
FAT! With a side of honesty...
Somebody called me fat!
Now before you get offended on my behalf, let's be realistic here. Yes, I do have an issue with my weight. Yes, I could stand to lose some poundage. But this is not what this post is about.
This post is about the great sadness I feel for the person who called me names because they are so obviously unhappy with their life and their own body image that they had to project their unhappiness on to me. I'm sure they were hoping for an angrier and meaner reaction than "Thanks J. :-)" And when that pissed them off more and they came at me again with similar language with some added colour I just said "Again, J, thank you! :-)" And when they fuelled it even more, I just kept it positive. I kept it light. I kept it honest. "You are just lashing out because I keep rejecting you. Its okay, you're human." Another barrage of insults flew at me. I responded with "I only speak the truth. You will learn in time. I would give you a chance if you weren't always asking for money, but material things are what motivate you, so that is the life you seek. Again, its fine, just not the life for me. I seek joy. I seek happiness." Finally there was no response.
Does it hurt to be called fat? Yes, it does a little bit. In the past I would have entered into this vicious circle of self-loathing, and seek comfort in food. I would inhale a whole bag of potato chips in one sitting, scarf down a pint of ice cream, and finish it with a couple chocolate bars. I would feel satisfied for a few minutes, and then the guilt would hit. I would hurl insults at myself in my head. "I can't believe you just at all that!! No wonder you can't keep a boyfriend. You are so lazy! You can't even keep your house in order. All you do is watch TV and then go to bed and then get up and repeat everything you did the day before. What a waste."
Yes, I said those things to myself. Those are the tame ones too. It has taken years of work to stop myself from doing it. Every once in a while, I get caught off guard and those words float back up to the top of my head, echoing loudly in my ear. But instead of listening to them, I let them float up, acknowledge they are there, and then I let them float away because they are not the truth.
I truly feel sad and hurt, but not for myself. I feel for the person who felt it necessary to impart such verbal violence on another person because of how much pain and unhappiness they themselves are dealing with inside. I am scared for that person, that they will never get the help they need and will just continue to isolate themselves. Sure, on the surface they are going to pretend like things are fine for years. Eventually the bottom will fall out for them, just as it did with me, and I only hope they have the same strength I did to dust themselves off, stand up and vow to make a change and to love themselves for the person they are.
I could have ignored the first text, true. But why would I deny myself the opportunity to help another person see what is going on inside them? The mirror was held up to me quite a few times. Finally one day I actually looked at the reflection staring back at me. I can only hope that others will look too if ever it is infront of them.
Now before you get offended on my behalf, let's be realistic here. Yes, I do have an issue with my weight. Yes, I could stand to lose some poundage. But this is not what this post is about.
This post is about the great sadness I feel for the person who called me names because they are so obviously unhappy with their life and their own body image that they had to project their unhappiness on to me. I'm sure they were hoping for an angrier and meaner reaction than "Thanks J. :-)" And when that pissed them off more and they came at me again with similar language with some added colour I just said "Again, J, thank you! :-)" And when they fuelled it even more, I just kept it positive. I kept it light. I kept it honest. "You are just lashing out because I keep rejecting you. Its okay, you're human." Another barrage of insults flew at me. I responded with "I only speak the truth. You will learn in time. I would give you a chance if you weren't always asking for money, but material things are what motivate you, so that is the life you seek. Again, its fine, just not the life for me. I seek joy. I seek happiness." Finally there was no response.
Does it hurt to be called fat? Yes, it does a little bit. In the past I would have entered into this vicious circle of self-loathing, and seek comfort in food. I would inhale a whole bag of potato chips in one sitting, scarf down a pint of ice cream, and finish it with a couple chocolate bars. I would feel satisfied for a few minutes, and then the guilt would hit. I would hurl insults at myself in my head. "I can't believe you just at all that!! No wonder you can't keep a boyfriend. You are so lazy! You can't even keep your house in order. All you do is watch TV and then go to bed and then get up and repeat everything you did the day before. What a waste."
Yes, I said those things to myself. Those are the tame ones too. It has taken years of work to stop myself from doing it. Every once in a while, I get caught off guard and those words float back up to the top of my head, echoing loudly in my ear. But instead of listening to them, I let them float up, acknowledge they are there, and then I let them float away because they are not the truth.
I truly feel sad and hurt, but not for myself. I feel for the person who felt it necessary to impart such verbal violence on another person because of how much pain and unhappiness they themselves are dealing with inside. I am scared for that person, that they will never get the help they need and will just continue to isolate themselves. Sure, on the surface they are going to pretend like things are fine for years. Eventually the bottom will fall out for them, just as it did with me, and I only hope they have the same strength I did to dust themselves off, stand up and vow to make a change and to love themselves for the person they are.
I could have ignored the first text, true. But why would I deny myself the opportunity to help another person see what is going on inside them? The mirror was held up to me quite a few times. Finally one day I actually looked at the reflection staring back at me. I can only hope that others will look too if ever it is infront of them.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Walking Challenge - Nope...not happening
It is just not happening. I do not have the desire to go for a walk on a daily basis. It is not my thing. It used to be back in the day when I didn't belong to a gym and it was my only form of exercise, but I am stressing myself out more than I need to about not going for walks, or mentally trying to plan my schedule to see if I'll have time. Nope. I'm done. I am not going to torture myself any longer. I haven't gotten any satisfaction out of these walks. I tried to convince myself there was some, but there wasn't.
I feel like a failure, and I shouldn't. This was assigned to me by someone else, and its their thing...not mine. I really tried to make it seem like something that I was going to enjoy and get something out of. I tried to treat it like it was my idea. I tried to make it one of my desires...and it just isn't.
So no more challenges for now. I am going to do things that I want to do in my own time. My life is to make myself happy, and I know I get unhappy when I start putting too much pressure on myself for the benefit of others.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Walking Challenge - Day 8, 9 and 10
Days 8 and 9 were extremely busy. Both days I wasn't home until the wee hours (not partying either day either...how fun is that. :P) which made it way too late to go for a walk. But I got back up on the horse today for day 10. Then I came home, deep conditioned my hair, and practiced for the show. Its getting closer!! Only 3 days away!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Walking Challenge - Day 7
Today I went for a walk as soon as I got home from rehearsal. I was already dressed in my walking-type gear, so I just dropped my show stuff and walked right out the door before I could change my mind. I took a slightly different route, and found myself working on memorizing lyrics while I was walking after about 15 minutes...funny how that happens. What I have focussed on the most in the past couple weeks seems to pop up constantly!! M'eh, just gotta let my mind do what its going to do, right?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Walking Challenge - Day 6
If I don't have music in my head via headphones, I find it is still there regardless. Maybe its the amount of music (new and old) I have been surrounded by in the last couple months, but there is always a song running through my head, be it for rehearsal, or just something that is stuck in my head and on my mind.
So for day 6, I just went down one side of Robson and back up. I like walking at this time of night. There are a lot less people to navigate around, but its still early enough that there are people around to make me feel safe in my surroundings.
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