Well, let's back up some. I seem to have slacked. Friday was my sick day. By Saturday I was feeling fine. I even went in and worked out hard. My hands and arms were shaking when I finished. It took me a little over an hour to use 14 machines and some free weight bonus curls. For my own records; currently working 4 sets of ten on everything except the stomach crunch and back extension. I am doing 3 sets of 20. I weighed in at 319 again. It would seem that I am going to leave September with the same weight I started with. That's okay with me because I built up additional muscle mass and I didn't gain weight. Well, not much. Now, my goal for October is to achieve the 299 benchmark. I'm ready to hit it hard again. I guess I just needed a half time break. Even if I only lose 30 pounds by the end of the year, I will have lost 75 pounds in 2009. I can live with that. Keep in mind I was very sick and I weighed 456 pounds when I was in the hospital in November 2007. Also, in case you are wondering, I am vegan for life now. No cravings, always restaurant alternatives, and it's easy to maintain the proper protein, calcium, and, somehow, cholesterol. I guess I guess liver conversion and heredity really do contribute to cholesterol. I get blood draws from one doctor or another so I know I'm doing fine.
Sunday the 27th was my wife's birthday. I did take a short bike ride (7 miles), but I didn't enjoy it very much. I think it was because I ate too much for breakfast. I have better rides when I only eat fruit and nuts for breakfast. For the rest of the day I watched football and watched my fantasy football team lose horribly. At least Denver killed Oakland.
On Monday, I worked out at the gym with as much weight as I could handle. Felt real good. Other than the bench press, I'm working out with the heaviest weights I have ever done. At one point, 17 years ago, I was benching 230. Right now, my max press with 4 lifts is only 150.
On Tuesday, I rode to old Littleton and back (24 miles). It was a lot hotter outside than I thought. I think I got heat exhaustion. I did drink two water bottles during the ride, but I still needed a cold shower, drank an additional four tall glasses of ice water, and I still got a mild headache.
Now we are to today the 29th. I weighed 316.8 this morning. I worked down at the museum today and when i got home my arms were still a little sore so i didn't go to the gym. It will be very cold out tomorrow, so I will go to the gym. I'll try my hour with weights and then I'll do another 16-20 miles on the virtual bike. Should be good and sweaty after that.
Here's my favorite joke for the week. What do you call a vegetarian with diarrhea? Salad shooter. My friends contributed "Vegematic," "Green Machine," and "Vegge pies." LOL
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Fri & Sat 9-26-2009 Bonefish Grill
Friday was a mandatory sick day. Cheri told me not to leave the house in case I had a more severe flu than I thought, but it's pretty much gone now. Yesterday was boring. I don't like sitting in the house. However, today I got out to the gym for a great workout and I fixed my bike so I can ride in the morning BEFORE football. This is my first year in fantasy football and I really made a mess of the first two games so I'm really trying to win this week.
Tomorrow is Cheri's birthday. I know she rarely reads my blog so I can tell you I bought her a real nice long black winter coat with double breasted buttons and a belt (JC Penny's had a great sale). Very sheik. If we end up going to NYC in October, she will fit in quite nicely because everyone seems to wear black in the NYC winters.
Tonight we went to the Bonefish Grill. Very nice. Cheri loves her fish, but I had to order Pad Thai with the shrimp on the side and no egg. Never liked shrimp anyway and the Pad Thai was awesome. Itwas pretty much the only thing I could modify vegan, but I have yet to go any place where I couldn't eat something even if it was modified. Vegan is real easy. I miss bleu cheese and chicken wings, but not that much.
Tomorrow is Cheri's birthday. I know she rarely reads my blog so I can tell you I bought her a real nice long black winter coat with double breasted buttons and a belt (JC Penny's had a great sale). Very sheik. If we end up going to NYC in October, she will fit in quite nicely because everyone seems to wear black in the NYC winters.
Tonight we went to the Bonefish Grill. Very nice. Cheri loves her fish, but I had to order Pad Thai with the shrimp on the side and no egg. Never liked shrimp anyway and the Pad Thai was awesome. Itwas pretty much the only thing I could modify vegan, but I have yet to go any place where I couldn't eat something even if it was modified. Vegan is real easy. I miss bleu cheese and chicken wings, but not that much.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday Sept 24th, 2009 - the flu
Last night when I wrote, or tried to write, my post, I was sick as ever. I thought it was a stomach thing. When I was at the museum Wednesday morning, I ate some wonderful cheese off of an anti-pasta dish. First real cheese since the 4th of July. I thought it was making me sick. Oh, but don't worry; it wasn't the cheese, it was the flu. I had my flu shot over a week ago, but this is a little differ4ent than my last flu. I have a headache, stomach ache, fever, fatigue, and now a runny nose. Cheri thinks I need to be checked for H1N1. I really try to take care of myself so I can deal with these stupid issues, but the truth is I have a weakened immune system and it puts me into a particularly high risk category. I'll call my doctor in the morning and ask him when I should consider getting tested. Yippie.
I weighed 314.8 pounds this morning and I'm bound to weigh less tomorrow morning because I haven't been able to eat much. Obviously, no workout today. But, I did run all of my errands like buying Cheri her Birthday present and rotating her tires and buying her a new cell phone and picking up all my prescriptions because I knew I would get grounded to the house tomorrow. I was very careful so I don't think I was a risk to anybody else, but Cheri is making me wear those stupid masks.
Okay. Wait. One real cool thing is that the Guggenheim finally made the nominees public. We are in a category with Cindy Sherman, Piero Manzoni, and Picasso.And yet, I think we have a real good chance. You can see all of the nominees for the Art Awards at http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/upcoming/first-annual-art-awards
I weighed 314.8 pounds this morning and I'm bound to weigh less tomorrow morning because I haven't been able to eat much. Obviously, no workout today. But, I did run all of my errands like buying Cheri her Birthday present and rotating her tires and buying her a new cell phone and picking up all my prescriptions because I knew I would get grounded to the house tomorrow. I was very careful so I don't think I was a risk to anybody else, but Cheri is making me wear those stupid masks.
Okay. Wait. One real cool thing is that the Guggenheim finally made the nominees public. We are in a category with Cindy Sherman, Piero Manzoni, and Picasso.And yet, I think we have a real good chance. You can see all of the nominees for the Art Awards at http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/upcoming/first-annual-art-awards
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 - Fal-awful
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES: My page won't load right. Here's the Reader's Digest version...
I'm just kidding about fal-awful. The Falafel pita sandwich I had today was magical. And there lies the problem. The Lebanese style pita sandwich was 3/4 of a hot fresh pita bread pocket with hummus, tabouli, falafels, diced steamed vegetables, raw spinach with tahini and hot red pepper sauce. Note to self: Only eat half next time and save the rest for the next day!
I didn't get to work out today. It was just too busy. I went from doctor to MCA's Idea Box from 10-2 and made it back to become daddy taxi. I hope this one uploads (XX- crossing fingers)
I'm just kidding about fal-awful. The Falafel pita sandwich I had today was magical. And there lies the problem. The Lebanese style pita sandwich was 3/4 of a hot fresh pita bread pocket with hummus, tabouli, falafels, diced steamed vegetables, raw spinach with tahini and hot red pepper sauce. Note to self: Only eat half next time and save the rest for the next day!
I didn't get to work out today. It was just too busy. I went from doctor to MCA's Idea Box from 10-2 and made it back to become daddy taxi. I hope this one uploads (XX- crossing fingers)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 - Flat Tire
This morning I weighed 316.7 pounds. At least it's starting to go in the right direction. Today's diet was a 3.5 out of 5. Perhaps it was the weather, but I was a bit down today. I'm usually very busy and I wasn't today. I didn't really know what to do with myself. I thought about the gym, but I had two heavy workouts in a row and I should rest my arms and torso. So that left me with the bike option, however...
Today was cold and Fall like. This evening there are winter snow watches above 7,000 feet. Our home's elevation is 5,764 feet, give or take. We will most likely see some flakes tonight and tomorrow. It's uncharacteristic to have snow this early in the year. Usually we see light snow around the end of October. But, the weather did not deter me from riding my bike. I put on my long sleeves and prepared for a nice cool ride. When I went to get my bike out, the rear tire was low on air. I could have filled it and went on because I always have a spare inter-tube in my on-board kit, but I just didn't want to change the tube here or on the road. It's time to buy some new tires. Tomorrow is very busy. I won't be able to go to the gym until after 4pm. Busy; just the way I like it.
Today was cold and Fall like. This evening there are winter snow watches above 7,000 feet. Our home's elevation is 5,764 feet, give or take. We will most likely see some flakes tonight and tomorrow. It's uncharacteristic to have snow this early in the year. Usually we see light snow around the end of October. But, the weather did not deter me from riding my bike. I put on my long sleeves and prepared for a nice cool ride. When I went to get my bike out, the rear tire was low on air. I could have filled it and went on because I always have a spare inter-tube in my on-board kit, but I just didn't want to change the tube here or on the road. It's time to buy some new tires. Tomorrow is very busy. I won't be able to go to the gym until after 4pm. Busy; just the way I like it.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday September 21st, 2009 - Snow
I weighed in at 317 this morning. Not quite blowing it, but certainly not reaching my goal. I really do need to drop the 7 pounds by the end of the month. Then I can at least be satisfied with some weight loss and then circle the wagons for next month. It is all about getting to bed on time. When I stay up late reading, I get hungry and try to placate myself with a snack. If I retire by 10pm I will be fine. The vegan diet, the strenuous exercise, and good sleep habits along with calorie counting is the formula.
Today, it was cold and wet outside. I had hoped for a long bike ride in the solitude of my iPod. Just when I thought my day was wasted, I found 45 minutes to spare. I drove to the gym and rode hard on the virtual bike. I got my cardiovascular workout after all. I had to rush home to shuttle Jeff to a school function and then I found myself another hour. I went back to the gym and completed my weight training. We are only walking distance from the foothills and the Rocky Mountains. As I left the gym, I realized that there was snow on Lookout Mountain and a good dusting on Red Rocks. Can winter already be here? It seems to have arrived a month early.
Today, it was cold and wet outside. I had hoped for a long bike ride in the solitude of my iPod. Just when I thought my day was wasted, I found 45 minutes to spare. I drove to the gym and rode hard on the virtual bike. I got my cardiovascular workout after all. I had to rush home to shuttle Jeff to a school function and then I found myself another hour. I went back to the gym and completed my weight training. We are only walking distance from the foothills and the Rocky Mountains. As I left the gym, I realized that there was snow on Lookout Mountain and a good dusting on Red Rocks. Can winter already be here? It seems to have arrived a month early.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday September 20th, 2009 - Weekend Update
Saturday was family day. Went and watched the movie "9". It was more like a 6. LOL. We also went to dinner and that was nice. No workout. Forgot to get a weight.
Sunday started out great with a strong workout. Worked with the new heavier weights and the extra set. A little more than one hour. Thought about riding the virtual bike or riding around the reservoir, but I decided to watch football instead. I really did want to watch the Broncos and they won, but I felt kind of lazy just sitting there. Weighed in at 316.3 pounds. I have ten days to drop weight.
Sunday started out great with a strong workout. Worked with the new heavier weights and the extra set. A little more than one hour. Thought about riding the virtual bike or riding around the reservoir, but I decided to watch football instead. I really did want to watch the Broncos and they won, but I felt kind of lazy just sitting there. Weighed in at 316.3 pounds. I have ten days to drop weight.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday 18th, 2009 - Stupid Wasp
I'm tired now and my legs are stiff; not really sore, but stiff. Seriously considering an early bedtime. My oldest son, Greg, and I rode the Red Rocks to Denver and back ride (34 miles). During the ride, I felt great. Plenty of energy and thigh power. I didn't even need any breaks on the way back. The only pain I felt was when a wasp got trapped in my helmet and proceeded to sting my head repeatedly. I went from 17+ miles per hour to 0 in a couple of seconds and threw my helmet off at the same time. Stupid bug almost made me crash.
I weighed 315.4 pounds this morning. At least it's going downward again. I may only lose 10 pounds this month, but it's okay because I survived a plateau. I still ate vegan, but I over indulged for a few weeks. Actually, when I hit 310 it will have been a 50 pound loss or more since my hospital stay in late March. I would still like to hit at least 305 this month. I can do it.
I weighed 315.4 pounds this morning. At least it's going downward again. I may only lose 10 pounds this month, but it's okay because I survived a plateau. I still ate vegan, but I over indulged for a few weeks. Actually, when I hit 310 it will have been a 50 pound loss or more since my hospital stay in late March. I would still like to hit at least 305 this month. I can do it.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
September 17th, 2009 - 100th Post
I started this blog at the end of June. This is my 100th Post (actually 101, but I missed it yesterday). I have had 800 page impressions (visits). Thank you!
This morning I weighed in at 316.0 pounds. I went and got my monthly B-12 shot and my flu shot. I did make it to the gym and worked out for just shy of an hour and did 15 minutes of inclines on the virtual bike. I felt great. Plenty of energy today.
Tonight for dinner i made pizza. I made Wolfgang Puck's recipe for Honey Pizza Dough. It seems simple, but it takes about two hours until you can start to place the toppings. I substituted agave nectar for the honey and I doubled the nectar. I like the sweet dough. I made Pepperoni, Hawaiian (ham and pineapple), vegetarian (it had cheese), and vegan. They rocked! The whole family gave it a solid 5 out of 5. I used last night's vegetable medley as toppings for the two "V"s. You really don't need meat and cheese to make a killer pizza.
This morning I weighed in at 316.0 pounds. I went and got my monthly B-12 shot and my flu shot. I did make it to the gym and worked out for just shy of an hour and did 15 minutes of inclines on the virtual bike. I felt great. Plenty of energy today.
Tonight for dinner i made pizza. I made Wolfgang Puck's recipe for Honey Pizza Dough. It seems simple, but it takes about two hours until you can start to place the toppings. I substituted agave nectar for the honey and I doubled the nectar. I like the sweet dough. I made Pepperoni, Hawaiian (ham and pineapple), vegetarian (it had cheese), and vegan. They rocked! The whole family gave it a solid 5 out of 5. I used last night's vegetable medley as toppings for the two "V"s. You really don't need meat and cheese to make a killer pizza.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Addition to Sept. 16th. "Vegan Non-Gluten Spaghetti Recipe"
Vegan Spaghetti -
As served at Chez Christopher September 16th, 2009
This is a main dish using spaghetti squash and a vegetable pesto medley. It rocks.
Spaghetti Squash with a medley of Vegetables and Basil Pesto
The Spaghetti:
First cut a good sized spaghetti squash (the size of a football) from stem to stem in half. Carefully remove the seeds and mushy strands. Be careful not to score the meat (sides) of the squash. Poke some holes with a fork on the skin side. Bake on 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 46 minutes uncovered bowl side up, then turn it over to the skin side for an additional 15 minutes. You don't want it to burn. When you remove it from the oven take a fork and scrape it from stem to stem to get the "Spaghetti noodles." Set aside in serving bowl, but keep it warm.
The Sauce: You can do this while the Spaghetti Squash is baking.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 garlic cloves crushed
1 yellow onion diced
3 small yellow squashes cut to bite size
3 small green squashes cut to bite size
1 red bell pepper diced
2 cups cut broccoli
1 1/2 cups of roasted tomatos
1 1/2 cups of Basil Pesto
2 cups of red wine (Merlot or Cab)
2 tablespoons of sea salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon of white pepper
Saute the onions and garlic in Olive Oil until light golden. Add squash, bell pepper, broccoli, and roasted tomatoes. Add some of the pesto and saute until slightly browned, then let it simmer. When it has cooled down a bit, add the wine, salt, and peppers. Add the rest of the pesto and simmer for 15 minutes. Put in separate serving bowl.
Dish it out just like regular spaghetti with sauce. Best served with lightly toasted French bread with just a bit of margarine and a fine bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (without sulfides). This recipe feeds a family of eight.
Let me know how you like it. The whole family flipped it was so good.
As served at Chez Christopher September 16th, 2009
This is a main dish using spaghetti squash and a vegetable pesto medley. It rocks.
Spaghetti Squash with a medley of Vegetables and Basil Pesto
The Spaghetti:
First cut a good sized spaghetti squash (the size of a football) from stem to stem in half. Carefully remove the seeds and mushy strands. Be careful not to score the meat (sides) of the squash. Poke some holes with a fork on the skin side. Bake on 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 46 minutes uncovered bowl side up, then turn it over to the skin side for an additional 15 minutes. You don't want it to burn. When you remove it from the oven take a fork and scrape it from stem to stem to get the "Spaghetti noodles." Set aside in serving bowl, but keep it warm.
The Sauce: You can do this while the Spaghetti Squash is baking.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 garlic cloves crushed
1 yellow onion diced
3 small yellow squashes cut to bite size
3 small green squashes cut to bite size
1 red bell pepper diced
2 cups cut broccoli
1 1/2 cups of roasted tomatos
1 1/2 cups of Basil Pesto
2 cups of red wine (Merlot or Cab)
2 tablespoons of sea salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon of white pepper
Saute the onions and garlic in Olive Oil until light golden. Add squash, bell pepper, broccoli, and roasted tomatoes. Add some of the pesto and saute until slightly browned, then let it simmer. When it has cooled down a bit, add the wine, salt, and peppers. Add the rest of the pesto and simmer for 15 minutes. Put in separate serving bowl.
Dish it out just like regular spaghetti with sauce. Best served with lightly toasted French bread with just a bit of margarine and a fine bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (without sulfides). This recipe feeds a family of eight.
Let me know how you like it. The whole family flipped it was so good.
September 16th, 2009 "Le Louvre"
My weight is inching it's way back down, but I'm back in my groove so everything will get back on target. Today I weighed 316 pounds. I also went on a great Bear Creek Reservoir ride. I wasn't really trying to test any of my records, but I also wasn't wimping out. I ended up completing the rather difficult 12 miles in one hour flat. I could have done at least 5 minutes faster. Next time. I'm supposed to lift weights tomorrow and I will, but I may try to ride the BCR again. Faster.
In the mornings, I usually look over and respond to art business emails. I try to get to it as early as possible because most of my correspondences come from Europe and you have the whole time difference. If you don't catch them while they are still at work you lose a day. Today i had a great surprise (as if this year couldn't get any better). The Louvre in Paris is going to screen two Paul Sharits films on November 13th. How cool is that?
In the mornings, I usually look over and respond to art business emails. I try to get to it as early as possible because most of my correspondences come from Europe and you have the whole time difference. If you don't catch them while they are still at work you lose a day. Today i had a great surprise (as if this year couldn't get any better). The Louvre in Paris is going to screen two Paul Sharits films on November 13th. How cool is that?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15th, 2009 "Protein"
Weighed in at 316.8 pounds this morning. I think I got a good enough workout today. Following yesterday's heavy lifting and crunching, I went back to the gym and did it again. I also rode the virtual cycle for ten miles uphill. My shoulders and arms actually ache tonight. Tylenol night.
One real bright spot with the virtual ride is that I had an average speed of 17.6 mph (at an average of 5% incline) compared to the last time I did this route several weeks ago at an average of 13 mph. In addition, I could only get my heart rate up to 115 or so maybe six weeks ago, but today I was able to hit 137 with an average of 130!
Protein. Many people ask me about protein. While meat and fish are good sources of protein, but so are tofu, any soy product, beans, split peas, broccoli, nuts, seeds (particularly flax seed), and vitamins. The calculation for how many grams of protein you need is .37 x (your weight in pounds). I need 114g. I easily get more than that each day without meat and dairy. If you are a normal meat and potatoes kind of eater, I'm sure you get way too much protein. We eat far more protein today than we did before WWII. The site to calculate your actual intake is http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/highproteinfood.htm
One more thought. I used to think of vegetarians and vegans as pasty sickly skinny people. Not true. Many athletes are vocal vegans like Tony Gonzalez, the NFL pro-bowl tight end. My role models are these dedicated healthy people. I workout so hard because I have an image of a healthy weight and a strong muscular body. Not only do I feel healthy, I also feel stronger all the way around than I have my entire life. Can't wait to see what next summer looks like.
One real bright spot with the virtual ride is that I had an average speed of 17.6 mph (at an average of 5% incline) compared to the last time I did this route several weeks ago at an average of 13 mph. In addition, I could only get my heart rate up to 115 or so maybe six weeks ago, but today I was able to hit 137 with an average of 130!
Protein. Many people ask me about protein. While meat and fish are good sources of protein, but so are tofu, any soy product, beans, split peas, broccoli, nuts, seeds (particularly flax seed), and vitamins. The calculation for how many grams of protein you need is .37 x (your weight in pounds). I need 114g. I easily get more than that each day without meat and dairy. If you are a normal meat and potatoes kind of eater, I'm sure you get way too much protein. We eat far more protein today than we did before WWII. The site to calculate your actual intake is http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/highproteinfood.htm
One more thought. I used to think of vegetarians and vegans as pasty sickly skinny people. Not true. Many athletes are vocal vegans like Tony Gonzalez, the NFL pro-bowl tight end. My role models are these dedicated healthy people. I workout so hard because I have an image of a healthy weight and a strong muscular body. Not only do I feel healthy, I also feel stronger all the way around than I have my entire life. Can't wait to see what next summer looks like.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday September 14th, 2009 "Weight Training"
This morning my weigh in was 317. It's stabilized only because I've been eating a PBJ before bedtime. The worst time to add calories. I've found that if I get to bed earlier, then I'm less likely to snack after dinner. It will help to get back on the regular exercise schedule.
Today, I was able to squeeze in a trip to the gym. Lifting on the bench and overhead lifts were very unsatisfying today. I'm not sure if it was too late in the day or if it's been too many days since I've lifted (4 days). The rest of my workout was fine. I really pushed the extra set again. You know that you've worked out your torso and arms enough when it's hard to lift the keys to the ignition and to fasten your seatbelt. I definitely had to drive with my hands at 10 and 2. Cheri said my arms were shaking when I got home. Now, there ya go! I'm hoping to get a Denver ride in between appointments tomorrow. That should get my exercise and sleep back in order, which should lead to some quick weight loss.
Today, I was able to squeeze in a trip to the gym. Lifting on the bench and overhead lifts were very unsatisfying today. I'm not sure if it was too late in the day or if it's been too many days since I've lifted (4 days). The rest of my workout was fine. I really pushed the extra set again. You know that you've worked out your torso and arms enough when it's hard to lift the keys to the ignition and to fasten your seatbelt. I definitely had to drive with my hands at 10 and 2. Cheri said my arms were shaking when I got home. Now, there ya go! I'm hoping to get a Denver ride in between appointments tomorrow. That should get my exercise and sleep back in order, which should lead to some quick weight loss.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the 13th; R&R
Quick catch up note for the weekend. On Friday, I took my mom and my wife up into the mountains to see the aspen trees changing color. We ended up eating lunch in Breckenridge. I had a Thai salad with peanut sauce. I had an opportunity to review our Breckenridge - Frisco ride from last weekend. Wholly cow, now I see why we got sore. It's real far and very hilly before you get to Frisco.
On Saturday, I just hung out with the family and kicked back. I also had to replace my cleats on my cycling shoes because they wore out. I guess that's okay considering I have over 400 miles on those shoes. Anyway, cleats are cheap. I'm ready for my next ride which should be Tuesday to and from downtown Denver.
On Sunday, I watched the Broncos win on a completely heads up phantom play. A win is a win. It may have been even funner watching Cutler and the Bears lose. I was never a Cutler fan. Too much of a baby and not a very good team leader. I wouldn't be surprised if he blamed Sunday's loss on his line and receivers. After the Bronco game I took, or should I say, Jeff took a training drive around Denver to Boulder and back. I prefer to train them in huge chunks so they have a chance to drive on highways and neighborhoods. He is 18 and he should have his license in a month or so. Sooo, no cycling or gym for three days. I'm a little freaked out about it, but one good session in the gym on Monday will make up for it. Oh yeah, I weighed in at 317 again. We'll see how I can buckle down for the rest of the month.
On Saturday, I just hung out with the family and kicked back. I also had to replace my cleats on my cycling shoes because they wore out. I guess that's okay considering I have over 400 miles on those shoes. Anyway, cleats are cheap. I'm ready for my next ride which should be Tuesday to and from downtown Denver.
On Sunday, I watched the Broncos win on a completely heads up phantom play. A win is a win. It may have been even funner watching Cutler and the Bears lose. I was never a Cutler fan. Too much of a baby and not a very good team leader. I wouldn't be surprised if he blamed Sunday's loss on his line and receivers. After the Bronco game I took, or should I say, Jeff took a training drive around Denver to Boulder and back. I prefer to train them in huge chunks so they have a chance to drive on highways and neighborhoods. He is 18 and he should have his license in a month or so. Sooo, no cycling or gym for three days. I'm a little freaked out about it, but one good session in the gym on Monday will make up for it. Oh yeah, I weighed in at 317 again. We'll see how I can buckle down for the rest of the month.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
My Vegan Chimichanga and Spanish Rice Recipes
Christopher's Vegan Chimichanga's
Combine...
2 cups of black beans
2 cups of pinto beans
1 cup of diced yellow onion
4 table spoons of finely crushed garlic cloves
1/2 cup of green chili (add more to spice it up)
1 1/2 cups of roasted tomato's
1/2 tablespoon of sea salt
2 teaspoons white pepper
Try to drain mix as well as possible. Hot oil doesn't like water.
Put about 1/2 cup or less of the mix into the center of the flour tortillas and fold carefully. I like to spread it in a line and fold the sides and roll the top over to make a nice leak resistant burrito. Heat olive oil until you can take a tiny piece of tortilla and make it bubble (fry). Then lightly fry both sides until they are tanned; not burnt. They will brown up as they cool anyway. Serve with Spanish rice (see recipe below), mixed salad, and vegetarian refried beans. Goes good with Corona with lime or a dry Chardonnay (without sulfides). Makes about 18 chimichanga's.
Easy Spanish rice...
Take 2 cups of brown rice and fry it in olive oil until the rice is well fried to dark brown. Add a can of roasted tomato's (don't drain) and 1 1/2 cups of water. Add diced green chili to taste. Stir occasionally and let simmer for 30 minutes. Makes about 5 to 6 cups of rice.
Combine...
2 cups of black beans
2 cups of pinto beans
1 cup of diced yellow onion
4 table spoons of finely crushed garlic cloves
1/2 cup of green chili (add more to spice it up)
1 1/2 cups of roasted tomato's
1/2 tablespoon of sea salt
2 teaspoons white pepper
Try to drain mix as well as possible. Hot oil doesn't like water.
Put about 1/2 cup or less of the mix into the center of the flour tortillas and fold carefully. I like to spread it in a line and fold the sides and roll the top over to make a nice leak resistant burrito. Heat olive oil until you can take a tiny piece of tortilla and make it bubble (fry). Then lightly fry both sides until they are tanned; not burnt. They will brown up as they cool anyway. Serve with Spanish rice (see recipe below), mixed salad, and vegetarian refried beans. Goes good with Corona with lime or a dry Chardonnay (without sulfides). Makes about 18 chimichanga's.
Easy Spanish rice...
Take 2 cups of brown rice and fry it in olive oil until the rice is well fried to dark brown. Add a can of roasted tomato's (don't drain) and 1 1/2 cups of water. Add diced green chili to taste. Stir occasionally and let simmer for 30 minutes. Makes about 5 to 6 cups of rice.
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