Day 23 - List 3 things you love about yourself

Here is why we have to spend time on introspection today:
Day 23

This is what I posted on the Sleek Geek Challenge group:
I love that I'm tall. I carry myself tall and wear shoes with heels. I enjoy reaching high shelves and looking over people's heads in crowds. 

My sons are also tall - Mike is the tallest, then Duncan, then Richard. They are all taller than me - and taller than average. Of course, all three of them have short girlfriends (or wife in Richard's case). I dated a couple of guys who were shorter than me, and I didn't like it, so it became one of those not-negotiables when meeting a man for the first time. I think being tall is a huge advantage, and have always loved being tall. I can't remember ever wanting to be short. I did want to be like my friend Lucy when I was a little girl though. She was beautiful and dainty, she was tiny - a Tinkerbell to my Wendy. She had this long beautiful hair that she wore in 2 plaits that reached to her bottom. I guess I didn't really want to be like her though because I just couldn't grow my hair long enough without having it chopped off in annoyance in the swimming season. I have had tall thin friends in my life, not many though, but most of my friends have been shorter than me, and that is fine. My sister is also tall (fractionally taller than me - a fact she never ceases to remind me of), but my Mum is a little shorty and always got very annoyed if we called her short. She used to say we were Amazons, Giants, Abnormally Tall and such. Water off a duck's back, I tell you! Unlike many tall people, I carry myself tall and proudly. My daughter is not as tall as the rest of us, but despite what we're always telling her, she's not short. She also carries herself proudly, maximizing her height.

I love that I did a good job raising my four beautiful children. They are all successful and independent adults and not a day goes by when I'm not proud of their achievements. 

                                               Some of my wacky, zany Grade 8 students.

I love that I'm a good teacher able to spot potential in my students and draw them out to be the best they can be.

I love this affirmation from Louise Hay. I have mentioned her before, and I cannot emphasize enough how she can help you with any aspect of your life that is presenting a challenge. I thank Elan and Eric for including this task in the 30 Day Challenge, because we do forget to love ourselves. As I get older and my ageing body is starting to fail me in small and big ways, it is becoming harder to love it.

This new challenge I have with my digestive system is most unlovable. But I am learning to be disciplined about what I eat, which I guess shows that I do love my body because I choose to eat food that nurtures it and heals it.

I had a rough weekend. Sometimes I just don't want anything to do with anyone, and that's how I felt this past weekend. Having suffered from depression I know that I have to allow myself time alone to heal. My self-talk has been harsh lately, and I have had to re-evaluate many aspects of my life to keep it positive.

This is, I think, one of Louise Hay's most well-known affirmations, and it relates to mirror work. You have to look at yourself in the mirror and say this a few times. Look right into your own eyes and say it until you can say it without feeling uncomfortable saying it. Doing this challenge made me realise that I need to do some mirror work - I know that I accept myself, but I'm not so sure that I love myself. And I know that for me to be successful on this journey of discovery that I'm on, I need to love myself. 

But not the way Justin Beiber means...

Day 22 - do 50 burpees

Really?
Well, you can read about this diabolical task here:
Day 22

So when this sadist called Royal Burpee (and yes, that's his real name) had far too much time on his hands, he sat around trying to come up with a way to torture people that would be accepted as a legitimate form of exercise. Obviously, he was a tortured soul. His unfeeling and misguided parents had given him a name that must have been a life-long burden, and he had to find a way to get back at humanity at large, and his parents specifically. I mean, look at this face. He looks particularly peeved at the world.

So what did Mr Royal Burpee do? He rubbed his hands together and laughed an evil laugh and thought about the exercises that people hate to do. Which are (in no particular order):

1. squats

2. pushups

3. planking

4. jumping jacks

And then his twisted little mind came up with an exercise that combines these 4 actions - kinda like the salute to the sun in yoga - but this is more like the salute to hell.

When I was at high school, you know, back in the dark ages, we used to have to do burpees. I think Mr Royal Burpee had just invented the buggers, and everyone was getting onto the bandwagon of torture. Certainly they were used as a cruel and unusual punishment for us at school. 

So now, Eric and Elan of the Sleek Geeks also had far too much time on their hands and wanted to make people do burpees because secretly they are sadists. But they couldn't just go "Hey everyone has to do 50 burpees". They had to come up with a sneaky plan to lull people into a sense of false security and then BOOM! BURPEES! So they came up with a 30 day challenge that looks gentle and kind on the outside, and then just when you think you're doing so well BOOM! 50 BURPEES!

I must say I was impressed by how many people actually did complete their 50 burpees, and I take my hat off to them. I did not even try - I have no illusions about my level of fitness. I did pushups and squats in lieu of burpees. I am now adding fire hydrants to my workout too, because they also hurt so they must be effective. Jokes aside, Eric and Elan have done a fabulous job of putting this challenge together, and I have enjoyed ever challenge. Except for the burpees...

Day 21 - Try a new recipe

Here is the task in full:
Day 21

I love trying new recipes! I troll the internet looking for recipes that are Paleo friendly. I use a lot of almond flour for these recipes, and have started making my own because the Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour is very expensive. I like my flour better too, it isn't as fine, so my baked goods have a sort of nutty texture which I like. I have many new recipes that I have been wanting to try - including a Paleo macaroon recipe.

Sadly, today being Wednesday and a long day of work for me, I don't have time to try out the macaroon recipe because they have to bake for an hour, and I have to be on my way to young Ahmed pretty sharpish. But here is the recipe for the Paleo macaroons anyway:

Elana's Pantry

Paleo Coconut Macaroons
Serves: 8

I n g re d i e n t s
2 large egg whites
¼ cup honey
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
2 ½ cups unsweetened coconut flakes

I n s t r u c t i o n s
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites and honey with a fork
2. Briefly whisk in salt, then stir in coconut flakes
3. Place bowl in fridge to chill for ½ hour
4. Fill a 2 tablespoon scoop with batter, so it is heaping full
5. Using your hand, firmly pack batter into scoop so it is level
6. Release batter onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet
7. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes, until macaroons are golden brown
8. Cool for 1 hour and serve

So I went to the next best thing - a mug cake. I love mug cakes, and I have a few tried and tested versions that I make when I need a lift, but the challenge was to try a NEW recipe, so I had to find a NEW mug cake recipe.

I was restricted just a tad by the fact that I'm out of almond flour, so I had to find a recipe that used coconut flour. And here it is:

Goodness Green

Coconut flour & chocolate mug cake

1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 tablespoon cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 egg
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3 tablespoons coconut milk
sprinkle of chocolate chips (optional) I opted to add these

Method:

1.     Place the dry ingredients to a microwave proof mug & combine well.

2.    Add the wet ingredients taking care to incorporate fully for a smooth mixture.

3.    Microwave on full power for 1 1/2 minutes. Take out & enjoy from the mug or empty into a bowl & start a mug cake party of your own.

4.    Nuts, peanut butter, ice cream, cashew cream all welcome.

I know it doesn't look like much in this mug, but it was delicious.

I enjoyed the many recipes that came up on the Sleek Geek group, but one that I am definitely going to try is the sweet potato pancakes recipe.

Cooking Light

2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

Makes 1 serving

1 roasted sweet potato

2 eggs

a dash of cinnamon (optional)

a dash of allspice (optional)

Directions

1. Remove the flesh from a cooled, roasted sweet potato, and mash. Mix in two eggs. Add spices, if desired. The consistency should look like the image below.

2. Heat a griddle pan over medium-high heat. Coat it with cooking spray, oil, or butter of your choice. I used Kerrygold butter. Spoon out 1/4 cup of  batter onto the griddle. Let cook 5 to 7 minutes.

This is the tricky part! These pancakes do not bubble like typical pancakes, so you have to really rely on the timer. Second, it helps to use two spatulas to flip, so that they stay together. Once you’ve flipped, cook for another 3-5 minutes, remove, and serve.

The main reason I want to try these is that the Sleek who tried the recipe said that they weren't very pancake-like, but would work well as buns for a hamburger - and I want them for that very purpose. I bought sweet potatoes and will definitely be giving this one a try.

I am constantly on the look out for new and tasty recipes that are Paleo and SIBO friendly, so I am regularly trying new ideas.

Day 20 - Do a brain dump before bed

To read the thinking behind this task, click here:
Day 20

I found this exercise very useful. I used my journal that I use to write my affirmations and my purple glitter pen - because the universe likes glitter! Because it was done just before bed, I had my cup of chamomile tea and a bedouin bedtime snack ready.

I gave some thought to how I was going to do the brain dump, and decided that I needed to divide it up into two sections - personal and work. So I started with all the personal stuff that I need to do today, and made a list, and then the work stuff also. I usually do this in my head before I fall asleep, but writing it down was good because it will be easier to remember what I have to do.

Once I was done I went off to bed with a clear head - which was a good feeling. I popped my sleep mask on and crashed very quickly!

Another successful day!

Day 19 - Create a Positive Mantra

Some ideas on how and why here:
Day 19

This challenge is right up my alley. I discovered Louise Hay and the power of positive thinking about 16 years ago when I read "You Can Heal Your Life" and implemented the suggestions. I have never looked back, and affirmations have helped me in many rough times in my life. Just the action of taking a situation and turning it into a positive changes your mind about it. Louise says "It's only a thought, and a thought can be changed."

However, that said, an affirmation involves work. You have to work with it for a minimum of 28 days for change to occur. That's why it's good to have a tool like prayer beads or a witch's ladder to help you. 28 beads on a witch's ladder helps you to say the affirmation 28 times a day for 28 days. When you're done, bury the witch's ladder to seal the affirmations.

You can find plenty of affirmations on the internet - Louise Hay has a delightful website that will give you many choices to fit your situation, but if you want to write your own, here some tips:

1. Look at what you want to change. For example, if you want a new car, you want to attract this into your life in a positive way - you don't want to have to buy a new car because your old one broke down or was involved in an accident. Think of a way of expressing your desire for a new car in a positive way.

2. Say it as though it has already happened, not some airy fairy "one day" stuff.

3. Keep it short and sweet. The universe loses interest if you go on for too long.

Try something like:

I am ready to accept a new car into my life. 

You can even be a little more specific:

I am ready to accept a new, affordable and economical car into my life.

I am loving and deserve to be loved.

I accept abundance in every area in my life.

Money flows to me in expected and unexpected ways.

These are all good for changing problem areas in your life.

The best thing you can do for yourself is get your hands on this book:

And discover just how the power of positive thinking can change your life.

Day 18 - Walk 10 000 Steps

If your immediate response to this is "Why?" (as was mine) here are the reasons:
Day 18

This was a fail for me, unfortunately. Circumstances prevented me from achieving this goal, but I did manage over 11 000 steps on Friday, so I'm claiming those for today!

Sunday is a work day for me here in Egypt. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I think I'm into it now. My biggest beef is that no one is around on Facebook on a Sunday morning, so I feel a bit left out! At my school, we work on a four day cycle, which is interesting, but again, I'm used to that now. When I prepared my challenge calendar and I noticed that the 10000 step challenge fell on a Sunday I knew it was going to be tough, but I also knew that I can do 6000 steps on a normal school day, so it was possible if I walked around the school fields during lunch. Which is what I planned to do. But...

We were given our new "punishment for being a good teacher" (Duty Roster) and I have now been put on Computer Lab duty on Day 2 during lunch.

And guess what? If you said, "Sunday was a Day 2" you'd win the prize. So instead of being able to walk around the back field for 35 minutes, I was stuck in computer lab 403 with 2 little boys who are in Grade 4 playing games, and 2 big boys who are in Grade 10 playing games.

Well as it turned out, I still had a relatively good walking day - even though I had to go tutoring in the evening which meant that I didn't have a lot of time to walk around the area, and I was exhausted from my weekend in the desert. On my way home from tutoring my little Ahmed I decided to take myself out for supper as I was hungry and I knew I wouldn't have the energy to cook myself anything substantial. I walked down to Armando's and had a delicious supper of grilled chicken breasts with roast Mediterranean vegetables and mashed potato, with strawberry juice as a drink. It really hit the spot, and I felt so much better afterwards. I won't mention the eesechay akecay that I had for dessert, because after all this is the 30 Day HEALTHY habits challenge...

So now, watch this space for tomorrow's episode: Write a personal mantra.

Day 17 - Eat a Healthy Lunch

Read the recommendations for this practice here:
Day 17

This is something I believe in very strongly. Because of my digestive problems, I have to eat throughout the day, and I have to have very specific foods, so I have to make sure I have the right foods to eat. I usually spend time on Fridays or Saturdays prepping my meals for the week. The first thing I do is my meal plan for the week. I plan my breakfasts, mid morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and supper. My lunch is my main meal of the day, and supper is usually light. I prepare my healthy lunches in advance.

• I'll make a batch of egg muffins using the veges I'm allowed and then freeze them in packs of 2. These are great and heat up nicely in the school microwave.
• I make a sweet potato and tuna pie that also freezes well and heats up easily. This one provides 4 meals.
• I buy small packets of smoked salmon which I have with salad and 2 slices of my Paleo seed bread.
• When I cook chicken I always keep some for the next day, which I have with salad.
• About once every 2 weeks I get Chinese takeaway. Because I don't eat much at night, this delivery generally lasts me 4 meals. I order spring rolls, vegetables, a hot dish such as chicken cashew nut, and fried rice with vegetables. I'll have maybe 2 spring rolls and some vegetables for my supper, and split the chicken dish and rice into 2 tupperwares for 2 lunches. Then I have the remaining spring rolls and any left over vegetables for my breakfast. And all this only costs me around 80LE (which is about R120). A bargain, I'd say!

Once a week I eat out with my friends either at the Club, or a restaurant. Now that the Ocean Basket has opened up near my home, I have been there a couple of times and it was awesome! My night out is usually a Thursday (which is our Friday here in Egypt), so I pack a lighter lunch or sometimes buy something from the canteen. The food in our canteen is awesome, and there are healthy options. On a Thursday they do a chicken wrap which is delicious - grilled chicken breast mixed with salad vegetables and tahini, in a wrap which they then grill to warm it up. This costs 20LE (R30) and is one of my favourite lunches from the canteen. It is not a huge portion, so I don't feel bloated after I've eaten.

I also eat fruit every day at lunch time. I am quite restricted on which fruits I can eat, but luckily the ones I am allowed are freely available here. At the moment, honeydew melons are in season, and oranges are just on their way out, but I have been making myself fruit salads consisting of orange and melon with some ginger powder sprinkled over it. Yum! I prepare this every 3 days or so, and keep it in the fridge and just pack a portion into my lunch box in the morning.

I also have a healthy snack such as zucchini muffins. Again, I bake a batch of these on the weekend and freeze them. I think they are my favourite Paleo snack, and because there's no sugar in them they don't upset my bacterias! I bought some circular tupperwares that they fit into pefectly, and pop them into my lunch box every morning. By the time the lunch bell rings they are defrosted, and sometimes I'll pop my muffin of the day into the microwave for a few seconds just to warm it up. I have made these muffins a good few times now, and I have learnt how to make them really well, and now that I'm making my own almond flour, they are even better.

On Saturday, the day of this challenge, I was in the middle of the Sahara Desert, and wasn't sure if I would be able to achieve it this day, but as it turned out, I did. We stopped at an oasis on our way back from the desert, and we had a delicious Bedouin-style lunch which consisted of spicy chicken, both cooked and pickled vegetables, baladi bread, tahini, and pasta. I was able to eat some chicken and vegetables with some baladi bread spread with tahini. So another tick on my calendar!