Simple Randomness

Resisting Candy Urges - This is Tough!

I wrote a post awhile back saying that I was going to try to stay off candy for about 3 months or so. Well, I failed miserably in that regard mainly due to my wife having a baby and having some candy each day was one of the few things that I could use to keep me going some of those days.

So I’ve renewed that goal with more vigor this time. And it’s amazing to me how often I can be tempted to just nibble on a little bit of candy! In fact the day after I reset the goal my boss offered me a handful of Easter candy, and I had to turn him down. But I’ll admit that I certainly thought about it for a minute!

You know what’s great about doing something like this? People thing you’re crazy! I’ve gotten several really funny looks when someone has offered me candy and I’ve said no. It’s great.

Next I’ll work on cutting out other things that aren’t optimal for my health. I’ve been eating ice cream off and on lately, so that will be one of the next to go. Along with popcorn. I’m a huge popcorn junkie, but the other day I actually read the nutrition facts and that really motivated me not to eat popcorn anymore!

I don’t plan on never eating candy again, just so you know. I’m being a little drastic for the next couple of months just so that it’s no longer a bad habit, then I’ll allow it in small amounts when the situation seems appropriate. But, I have some lifestyle changes I’d like to make and this is one that I’m starting with!

Thank Goodness for Rockstars!

No, not the metal head, long haired freaks. I’m talking about the energy drink!

So with a new baby, wife going through surgery, and being incredibly busy I find that Rockstars are a great way to keep me going through the day. I’ve tried other energy drinks, but I think they have the best flavor. Oh, and by the way, this is not a sponsored post at all, I just wanted to talk about them today!

Have you ever tried the Juiced flavors? Man, I must say that I love the mango-orange-passion fruit one. Good stuff.

One downside to Rockstars and other energy drinks: I hear that if you drink them a lot they really reek havoc on your teeth. I don’t really know if this is true or not, but I’ve heard info that says so. Also, I really really don’t want to become caffeine dependent. I know some people that were personally on some level dependent on caffeine and they would get these horrible headaches unless they had some caffeine. Not good!

So for now, I’ll use a Rockstar when necessary, but eventually I’m hoping life gets back to a somewhat normal sleeping schedule. I can’t wait until this new baby starts sleeping through the night…..

Going Off Candy!

Ok, so one of my themes this year is to get in the best shape of my life.  So as one of the goals that will move me towards that end I’m going off candy.  Honestly, my wife and I have made this decision several times in the last couple of years.  I think the best we ever did was 5 months.  Our current goal is to go for the next 3 months.

So here’s the plan:

• no buying extra junk food candy for myself at any time in the next 3 months
• if there is cake at a family party, eat in moderation (no seconds, and only small portions!)
• I’m also going to cut out non-diet soft drinks (unless I just have to get some caffeine to keep going - the subplan there is to get enough sleep so this isn’t a problem)

It’s a simple thing really, and after all of the junk that I ate the last two weeks I’m very encouraged to make this step.  Anyone else want to join in the fun?

This is quite the change for me, and I’m planning on making it a long term change this time.  In high school it was very common for me to eat a pound of skittles a week.  You think I’d get sick of them, but they are still my favorite candy.  But I’m willing to give them up!

The Completely Non-Traditional Thanksgiving

I know that I’m a little late on this one, but I had an idea about a month ago and I’m going to have to pull it off in the next year or two.

I am officially sick of always eating the same thing at Thanksgiving. Yes, it’s good and I really do like the turkey and mashed potatoes, I just think that Thanksgiving could use some variety! So what I’m going to do every now and then in the coming years is have a 100% Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. One year maybe I’ll go Japanese and have a lot of sushi and other Japanese style dishes. Maybe it will be all Italian food, just a bunch of different pastas and such. But the idea would be to have a Thanksgiving dinner that is based on other nations’ foods.

Ha, here’s an idea: an all microwave TV dinner Thanksgiving! Ok, probably not a great idea on that one…

So who’s with me?! If you have any other ideas for a great Non-Traditional Thanksgiving feel free to share it!

I Love Nachos!

Just a quick plug for my favorite food: NACHOS!!!  I think I’ve been a fan of nachos since I was 12.  I don’t remember the day that I discovered this wonderful dish, but I’ve been hooked ever since.  In fact, my second job was working for a nacho store in the mall.  All we made was nachos and wraps, and while I worked there I sure did eat a good share of nachos!!!

In fact, one way that I judge a Mexican restaurant is by the quality of their nachos.  For a lot of places, that’s the only thing that I buy is nachos.  Does this make me a fanatic?

Here’s a list of my favorite nacho places in no particular order, and I know that some of these are going to be only for locals in Utah where I live:

• Bajio (especially with the Lime Chicken…YUM!!!)
• Cabo Grill (Don’s Nachos…very good!)
• Del Taco (the Macho Nacho!)
• Beto’s (used to be one of my favs…not so much lately)
• Taco Time (they’re ok, but not the absolute best)
• Mi Ranchito (monster plate of nachos!!!)

So there you have it.  And by the way, Taco Bell doesn’t count.  The only thing I eat there is the Chalupa!

Homemade Donuts

Back on Halloween a friend of mine introduced me to homemade donuts. Technically its a way of cheating, but I still call them homemade. Since having them on Halloween I have done this with my wife twice and I must say that I am convinced that these donuts are the best that I’ve ever had (yes, even better than Krispy Kreme).

So here’s what you do: get a pack of Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits. Open up the canister (this always makes me jump ) , rip a hole in the middle of the donut, and then put it in hot oil. Let one side cook, then flip it and cook the other side.

Place the donut on a plate covered with napkins or paper towels to absorb the extra oil, then top it with your favorite frosting and enjoy! My personal favorite is cream cheese frosting, but my wife is a big fan of chocolate. I need to try strawberry sometime…

Simple recipe, but man are they good! Give them a try and you might just agree with me that they are better than any other donut you’ve ever tasted!