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carol@inkwellcoaching.com

Crown Point, IN

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March 23, 2023

The Truth About Green Bell Peppers

Green bell peppers are not a favorite of mine. In fact, when I order veggie skillets, I usually request that they be omitted. I find them to be bitter

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Food, Health
March 16, 2023

Care for an Exercise Snack?

The terminology “exercise snack” is rather intriguing. I wanted one before I knew what it was. Would it be coated with dark chocolate? Is it low i

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Health
March 9, 2023

Decrease Your Stress and Enjoy a Muffin

Let’s start with the muffin. Last week I wrote about the health benefits of eating wild blueberries. Saturday morning, I decided that I had to have

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Food, Health
March 4, 2023

Plant-Based Wild Blueberry Muffins

Plant-Based Wild Blueberry Muffins These muffins are dairy-free, gluten-free and egg-free. The texture is different than mainstay blueberry muffins. I

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Breakfast, Recipes
March 2, 2023

Tiny Berry Packs a Powerful Punch

If you’ve not yet discovered Wyman’s Wild Blueberries, now is your time. These tiny little berries are one of the healthiest (perhaps even #1) and

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Food, Health, Personal Development
February 23, 2023

Debate on the Dirty Dozen

“Should I spend my money on organic fruits and vegetables?” “Is organic produce superior nutritionally?” “Does it really matter?” I hear t

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Food, Health
February 16, 2023

Choosing a Tasty Pineapple

In the past week, a discussion came up about pineapple. How do you choose a tasty one? Well, for those inquiring minds, here you go.  How to choose a

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Blog, Family, Health, Personal Development
February 8, 2023

Happy Birth Month

You’re probably thinking that I just celebrated my birth month. And I did. One year ago. Already. How quickly the years go by.  I recently read No

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Family, Friendship, Health, Personal Development
February 2, 2023

Colorful Cauliflower and Fresher Berries

Interesting what shows up in conversation when a bunch of friends gather. Most recently, this is what happened. “So, have you ever wondered how caul

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Food, Health
January 25, 2023

5 Ways to Stop Playing the Comparison Game

We all do it. As human beings, it’s part of our nature. We compare for points of reference. But we don’t have to play the game anymore. If you fin

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Health, Personal Development

What to Make for Dinner When the Power Goes Out

November 12, 2020
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Food, Health

As I was writing this, my power went out. It wasn’t just a flicker. It was a full OUTAGE in our local area. Concerned that this could linger into the dinner hour, I began thinking about what I would do about food. What could I make without power?

Tossed salad with canned tuna, tomatoes, cheese, peppers, and broccoli came to mind. I knew this would not thrill Mr. Non-Compliant, however. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were another possibility–acceptable for lunch, not dinner. Most anything we could toss on the grill was frozen, with the exception of some ground pork. Oh, but we had pork burgers yesterday.    

Fortunately, the power was only out for a couple hours, and I was able to carry out my original plan of sautéed scallops, carrots, rice and some leftover green beans.

Good thing the problem was resolved because I need Wi-Fi to send you this email. It’s amazing what we depend on in a day.

Tomato Tip
I recently began to make vegetable beef soup and realized that I didn’t have a can of tomatoes. Not being one to run to the store for a necessary item, I looked around for a substitute. I discovered that 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes equal one small can of diced tomatoes. Luckily, I had plenty of grape tomatoes. It took a bit of time to cut those little tomatoes into quarters, however the results were delicious. I must say that the fresh tomatoes made the soup even tastier.

At week 19, my friend’s baby is the size of an heirloom tomato. So, how is an heirloom tomato different than a Beefsteak or Early Girl? Heirloom, a term used interchangeably with Heritage, refers to varieties of tomatoes whose seeds have been passed down for generations. You can actually save seeds from these, plant them, and expect new tomato plants to grow. Not the case with popular commercial varieties. Heirloom tomatoes are not always available, since they are seasonal and typically found at farmer’s markets and produce stands. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, flavors, and textures. When we’re comparing the baby to a tomato, the measurement is about 6 inches in length from head to bottom.  

Now that we’re into fall here in the Hoosier state, I couldn’t find any heirlooms. I stocked up on grape tomatoes, just in case I need to make more soup.

Who Do You Know?
Do you have a friend or family member who is struggling with weight, diabetes, complete overwhelm, or perhaps all of the aforementioned? I have coached clients with these challenges, and more, to a happier, healthier way of life. My program, which typically lasts a minimum of 6 months (it takes time to shift gears after YEARS of struggle), is designed specifically for the individual’s needs. I don’t take on a client unless I know we are a good match, and we have plenty of discussions before a commitment is even considered.

So, who do you know that would benefit from my coaching? Please give it some thought, then pass along this email. With the magic of Zoom, it doesn’t matter where they live, as long as my power is on. 🙂

Sending love,
Carol

“Our coaching experience with Carol far exceeded our expectations. We were overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do or where and how to start. My husband is diabetic and despite all of his medication he was unable to consistently control his blood sugar. With Carol’s help we were able to find a way to accomplish this, and so much more. This was more than a weight loss program. It is a lifestyle program that focuses on how through better food choices and eating habits you can become healthier, sustain weight loss and lead a better life.”—Stella, May 2020

Peanuts, Peppers, and Pancakes

November 5, 2020
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Food, Fun, Health

Sometimes Mr. Non-Compliant and I snack on dry roasted peanuts. They offer a good amount of protein, about 7 grams per ¼ cup. Much of the taste attraction is due to the salt content, so the lightly salted variety doesn’t cut it.

The other day I needed to replenish our stock. Here’s the crazy thing. I usually read every ingredient label and if it passes my rigorous health standards, it may end up in the cart.

I’ve been buying Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts on a fairly regular basis. Last week I was in Whole Foods and picked up a jar of their 365 Everyday Value brand. I made sure that they only contain dry roasted peanuts and sea salt. Same thing goes for peanut butter.   

When I got home, I pulled out the Planters peanuts with only a few in the jar. I happened to read the label and much to my surprise, here’s what I learned.

Ingredients:
PEANUTS, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: SEA SALT, SPICES (CONTAINS CELERY), DRIED ONION, DRIED GARLIC, PAPRIKA, NATURAL FLAVOR, SUGAR, GELATIN, TORULA YEAST, CORNSTARCH, DRIED CORN SYRUP, MALTODEXTRIN.

Ewwww. I can’t believe I missed this. (Sometimes companies change things without telling me.) Of course, Mr. NC would say, “No wonder they taste so good. What’s the problem?”

Fortunately, he hasn’t complained about the 365 brand. If he says anything, I’ll remind him that he’s a purist.

We all mess up. Moving on…

Peppers

This is week #18 for my pregnant friend and baby is the size of a bell pepper. Green, yellow, orange, and red bell peppers are all the same variety only at different stages of ripeness. Green is the least, red the ripest, with yellow and orange in between.

The colorful peppers are sweeter because they are more fully ripened and have an increased sugar content. They also pack more nutritional content for the same reason. All colors offer health benefits. The ripe peppers are my favorite, and I like to add them to eggs, salads, and stir fries.  

I roasted week #17 turnips along with carrots. The turnips have a bit of a bitter taste that I remember from my childhood. While I’m not a big fan of the turnip, it’s okay when combined with other vegetables or added to vegetable soup.  

Pancakes

Yesterday I had a taste for pancakes, as I still have that carb craving on occasion. I made some gluten-free pancakes with Simple Mills Pancake and Waffle mix. The mix is made from seven clean ingredients (fewer than the Planters peanuts). You only need to add eggs, oil, and milk or water. Easy.

As you continue your search for cleaner, tastier, foods that make healthy eating simpler, Simple Mills products may be a good choice for you.

FUN OFFER: What snack food binge would you like to have more control over as we move into the holiday season? Send me an email and I’ll gift you with a 50-minute coaching call to help you figure out a plan.

Sending love,
Carol

“Without peanuts, it isn’t a cocktail party.”—Julia Child

It’s Turnip Week

October 29, 2020
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Food, Fun, Health

Lots of things change in 30 years. These days, when a woman is pregnant and tracking the weeks, the size of the baby is likened to a piece of produce.

I recently learned this because I have a friend who is pregnant. Each week I get the report of the fruit or vegetable that the baby resembles in size.

This is fascinating to me, and much easier to imagine than a measurement in centimeters.

I’ve decided that each week, I’ll include that piece of produce in my diet. Even if I’m not familiar with what it is or how to cook it. I figured that by doing this, I’ll pretty much work my way through the produce section by the time the baby is born.

Last week was avocado week. Turns out that week 17 is a turnip.

Today I picked up a few turnips at Whole Foods. I can’t tell you the last time I ate turnips, however I remember that my father liked them.   

I’ve decided to roast the turnips with carrots. They have a sharp taste, so roasting them will mellow the flavor, and the sweetness from the carrots will be a nice complement.

Roasted Turnips and Carrots

Take about 2 pounds of turnips and carrots. Peel them and remove the root tips and the rough end where the greens were attached. Dice in uniform pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons or so of avocado or olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet or stoneware. Bake at 425 degrees F for about 30 minutes, turning once or twice. The vegetables should be somewhat browned and tender when you insert a fork. At the end of roasting, combine a mixture of thyme, oregano, and garlic powder, and sprinkle over the vegetables. Toss and bake another 5 minutes.

 

If any of you are in a bit of a rut with eating, try working your way through the produce section with me. We’ll have a good time, and my friend’s pregnancy will be quite an adventure for many of us.

Sending you love,
Carol

“I love root vegetables: carrots, parsnips, and turnips.” — Julia Child

 

When You Hate Your Bathroom Scale

October 22, 2020
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Food, Health

Quick quiz today.

True or False: What the bathroom scale tells you is a very good indicator as to whether or not your nutrition plan is working.

You’ll be happy to know that the above statement is FALSE. Your body composition, health status, and whether or not you’re eating habits are improving are NOT totally scale dependent.

The scale may offer a bit of guidance over time as to whether or not you’re making progress. However, it is definitely not the only measure of what’s truly happening with your body.   

Other ways to know if you’re on the right track with your nutritional habits.

  • You aren’t hungry all the time. When you eat nutritionally packed foods with the right balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates for YOUR body, you feel satisfied after meals and for several hours after.
  • You have more energy. Your old ways of eating left your energy levels bouncing around like a roller coaster. Now you feel your energy staying fairly consistent throughout the day.
  • You’re sleeping better and feel more rested in the morning. When your blood sugar remains consistent due to eating fresh whole foods, your hormones are also more stable, and you get better rest.
  • Your mood is improved. Now that you’re eating more regular meals and snacks and letting go of the junk food binges, you feel happier. No more “hangry” moments! You may even attract some new friends.
  • You feel stronger and can manage challenging workouts. As your body gets the fuel it needs to perform, you’re able to increase your endurance and enjoy an easier recovery.
  • Your clothes fit looser or tighter. You can zip those jeans from last year without having to lay on your bed and hold your breath. Or, the shirt that hung on you like a tent is now filled out with toned muscle in just the right places. You even look amazing in that big sweater. (True: Muscle weighs more than fat.)
  • It has become your lifestyle and feels right for you. Unlike diets—which feel hard and restrictive—you’ve discovered how good you feel eating an abundance of delicious, nutritional foods.

Because our brains are wired for immediate satisfaction, it can be tough to stay the course over the long haul without some positive feedback. We’d much rather enjoy the chips NOW than think about the morning weigh-in, let alone extending our longevity.  

Having a variety of ways to “check in” will give you the motivation and gratification you need to keep you on your nutritional path. Even when you’d like to toss the scale out the back door.

Looking for someone to celebrate your success or encourage you through a challenge? I’m your girl! Email me and we’ll schedule a call to do just that.

Your biggest cheerleader,
Carol

“The bathroom scale knows nothing of extenuating circumstances.”—Mason Cooley

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