Friday, November 11, 2016

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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8 comments:

  1. Good for you, Bill! Good food is healing! I am glad you are on the right path.

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  2. I'm happy for you and proud of you for doing this for yourself even if heart issues precipitated your eating habits. Nothing better than losing the weight and feeling wonderful. The food pics are making me hungry.

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  3. Not many can say they lost 50 pounds in the kitchen..... well done.

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  4. a very inspiring story you told, thanks

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  5. Way to go. All of the food looks amazing. I started walking with a group in 2012 and love it. Mived yo to a run/walk and love it to. You will find your exercise interest. Here's to being healthy as we enter our 50's!

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  6. Way to go. All of the food looks amazing. I started walking with a group in 2012 and love it. Mived yo to a run/walk and love it to. You will find your exercise interest. Here's to being healthy as we enter our 50's!

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  7. Congratulations! You look great and your kitchen is gorgeous!

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