This week I decided to start on a healthier path. Over the past few years, I’ve put on so much weight, an oompa loompa would feel thin around me…and with age, my hips widened to make my ass as wide as a landing strip. So I decided to give up sweets for Lent. Giving up sweets in Europe is TOUGH, especially since I started craving sweets when I quit smoking. This is only a part of living healthy. Now I know what some of you old time readers are saying to yourself. You’re saying, “We’ve heard this before, Denise. You pledged the same healthy way of life the last time in Germany and many other times.” Well I can assure you that this isn’t just blog babble—I’m not farting from the wrong end. I'm in it for the long haul...and I'm trying to convert my Love from eating sauces, beef and sausages to seasonings and fresh vegetables and fruits.
I started this on Wednesday, and I already feel a difference in my body and digestive system. I’ve been doing my Zumba (I TOTALLY love), eating healthier meals and walking daily. Zumba and walks have only been baby steps that I plan to increase each week. I’d like to be two sizes smaller by summer. Who thinks I can do it?! *Looks around and doesn’t see any hands raised* *glares back at all of you* I'll show you.
I put my culinary skills to work today. We had a nice healthy breakfast, a light lunch and then I worked on my Pork Roast with Orange Glaze (Impromptu). Here’s what my taste test was all about:
I set the oven to 176 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) while I prepped the pork roast.
- Mixed olive oil and fresh chopped garlic and basted the pork with it and then I added salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary.
- Cut 4 large slices of an orange and placed it on top of the pork, covered with aluminum foil and put it in the oven for one hour.
Orange Glaze
- Squeezed the rest of the orange into a bowl
- Added 3-1/2 tablespoons of chili chutney
- ½ tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- grated a square of fresh ginger
- minced one garlic clove
After the hour, I put the orange glaze on top of the pork, turned the oven up to 180 degrees Celsius, and put back in the oven for 30 minutes. I took out and added more glaze, took the aluminum foil off and cooked for another 30 minutes.
It was beautiful…but NO PICTURE! I can’t believe I didn’t take a picture of it, so I posted an old picture of a pancake my Love ordered that had meat, broccoli, spinach and a cheese sauce on it. Psstt…so not healthy.
Served with my Pork Roast with Orange Glaze, we each had ½ of a sweet potato and I made white asparagus sprinkled with lemon pepper. SCRUMPCHEWOUS!
Whatcha got cookin’?
Health and Some Arm Pulling,
Bea
If you weren't halfway around the world from me, I'd be knocking on your door right now, asking for leftovers. That sounds SO GOOD!
ReplyDeleteGood for you on all fronts. You are taking on a lot of new healthy habits and I'll be rooting for you. I'll be going on a diet as soon as the lobster season begins. I find it hard to get motivated when I'm spending so much time writing.
ReplyDeleteThe pork sounds lovely! I'm typing whilst thinking about my next meal! I have been on a diet since last summer and to date have lost 62 pounds! Feel so much better... If I can do it - so can you. Good luck, Denise!
ReplyDeletePeggy, Thanks. Its description didn't even come close to its bursting flavor.
ReplyDeleteBelva, I am taking on a lot, but that's my fault. I let things get out of hand. Oh I am soooo jealous that you work with lobster. I LOVE lobster. I wish you the best with your diet, too.
Pat, CONGRATULATIONS! That is wonderful accomplishment, Pat. I'm sending you virtual sugar free Hershey kisses. Good luck with your continued achievement.
You say in one of your blogs that "life is like a box of chocolates", so is your blog. I love that you cover so many subjects and the photos are wonderful. Loved the pictures of England. Make me homesick.
ReplyDeleteI am SO with you, Denise! I laughed out loud several times reading this post, because your plight to eat better, exercise more, and get outside & walk is pretty much the same as mine. Only I don't have all the awesome European foods tempt me like you do... Nah, just big ol' American burgers, lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of pork, but I'll be tuning in to see what other recipes you muster up for your readers to see!
Had to look up zumba (because yes, I'm behind the times) and it looks like a lot of fun—much better than regular exercise/aerobics. I might have to check out some local classes, or do you recommend a particular video?
Isn't it horrible how the older we get the harder it is to keep on track. BUT, I've been doing really good and I even converted my Love. He's been feeling pretty good too.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I'll be posting more recipes hopefully to your liking.
Zumba is fun because I don't feel like I'm doing exercises, but I felt a change instantly. I'm not kidding either. I bought the Zumba Fitness (Complete Total Body Transformation System) that has 3 discs and the Zumba Fitness Live & Flat Abs. I think you'll like it, Barb.
Do It Over Diva, I'm so glad you think my blog is like a box of chocolates. :D I like talking about all kinds of stuff, not just writerly things. It's good my pictures are appreciated. I'm happy to know a Londoner commented on my blog. Have a great day.
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