where I came back to life

my kitchen, where I came back to life

Food was the first thing I wanted when I got out of the hospital after my heart attack in February. The cardiologist had basic advice, better nutrition. Cut down on sugar, salt and fat. I blogged about it here.

the remodeled space

Rewind back to 2008, when I decided to remodel my kitchen and great room, one of the best decisions of my life. I spared no expense, which made my friends and family a little nervous. Soon after, the economy crashed. I was much happier having the money in my house than the stock market at that point. It was a good investment. So, fast forward to 2016, I got busy in the kitchen. 

Market of Choice, Cedar Mill area, Portland

The markets were a big part of it, and we're really spoiled here in Portland. Best fresh produce anywhere! Market of Choice is my local market. It's new, and I enjoy shopping there. Since February, I have shopped there most of the time and prepared most of the foods I've eaten.

healthy breakfast, Greek yogurt, berries, walnuts and honey

beet and apple slaw with fresh ginger and a sherry vinaigrette

oven baked Tandoori chicken

Ina Garten's Montauk Seafood Salad

salad night!

mussels, reminiscing about Paris

Bobby Flay's panzanella verde salad

watermelon granita

roasted salmon with a dijon glaze and Northwest salad

salad with andouille, heirloom tomatoes, pistachios and goat cheese 

Ann Burrell's eggs flamenco, with added avocado

homemade peach pie

tostada with carnitas, pico de gallo, pickled red onion and a dollop of yogurt

avocados

The weight flew off. I went from 255 to 195 in five months. Now I can wear Ted Baker and Armani. I haven't gone back to Old Navy. More importantly, I've taken control of a major risk factor, obesity. At 255, I was obese according to the BMI charts. At 195, I am in the normal range and could either gain or lose a few pounds and still be in that range.

everything old is new again - a 34 waist! 

As I've mentioned before, my approach to improved health was oddly compartmentalized. Most of the time the prescription calls for diet and exercise. I did it all in the kitchen...and at the market. I'll probably start exercising at some point, but now that I'm 50, I'm not as interested in going to the gym as I once was. Used to swim competitively, but when you're done, you're done.

Glory Days? Me, pink cap, 2003-ish, Elk Lake in Central Oregon

So, that's the story of where I came back to life. Thank you to everyone who has congratulated me on the hard work, but it wasn't work at all. It was an absolute pleasure.
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