Friday 27 January 2012

Healthy food for comfort AND warmth



Compared to last week, it’s been like a heat wave in Alberta. Above zero temperatures, hardly any wind – I even went for a few runs outside without worrying about frostbite.

Yep, last week was cold, bitterly cold. And I agree with Grandpa – we’re not out of danger yet. This is Alberta, which means the temperature could drop overnight. But right now, I’m enjoying the warmth.

Grandma says even though it might feel like Spring, now isn’t the time to start thinking about lighter meals. Soups, stews, and casseroles may seem hearty (or heavy), but they do much more than use local ingredients and provide comfort.

They can keep you warm!

To keep my energy levels up when I’m running (or just playing outside), Grandma says it’s important to eat nutrient-dense, balanced meals of proteins, whole grains and healthy fats.

Like when I stay at Grandma’s this weekend, I know she’ll make me a ham, spinach and lower-fat cheese omelette, or delicious oatmeal sprinkled with raisins, pumpkin seeds, vanilla yogurt and a little brown sugar.

Mom never makes that stuff. She says it’s too “tempting” and her portions are always too big – her New Year’s resolution is to lose a few pounds and she’s been eating rabbit-food for the whole month. No wonder she’s always cold! I think Grandma and I need to stage an intervention.

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

P.S. If you like to cook, grandma says there’s great food recipes with Dr. Chris Mohr at www.canolainfo.org.  

Friday 20 January 2012

I survived the Blue!



 It’s not surprising to me that Monday, Jan.16 was considered Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year. 

Alberta temperatures dipped to -35, without the wind chill, causing most people to hibernate. Even some of the school busses didn't run on Wednesday.

Mom says the post-Christmas slump is a result of holiday bills piling up, (much) colder temperatures, and failing New Year’s resolutions, that time when eating better and working out is already boring.

Not for me.

I’m happy to say I survived Blue Monday with only one frown – which happened when I stepped out into the cold and realized I wouldn’t be running outside this week. Turns out going to the gym was a lot of fun.

This year, I resolved to really commit to my health. Not just to be a better track and field athlete, but to be concerned about my overall health. After learning about my grandfather’s diabetes, I’ve really been watching what I eat.

Don’t worry. I haven’t cut out everything. I’m working on moderation, and choosing healthier options most of the time.

Like on Wednesday, when Dad told me it was National Popcorn Day. To celebrate, Mom made a healthy popcorn recipe using canola oil from this website: http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_popcorn/

It was delish!

Mom made a basic recipe, but if you want variety, you can email learncanola@canola.ab.ca and they’ll send you an entire pamphlet on popcorn types, flavourings, and more!

Gotta jet. Sophie is meeting me at the gym!

- Chase Superman Duffy


Friday 13 January 2012

Running outside in January? Crazy!


Can you believe this weather?

It’s almost the middle of January, and I’m running OUTSIDE…with just my t-shirt on. Sure I’m dodging ice patches, but even most of those havemelted. I just treat the sidewalk like an obstacle course – coach says it’sgreat training for track.

But not so great for crop farmers, Grandpa says.

Farmers often say they’ve never lost a crop in January, but alack of snow means that winter and perennial crops like alfalfa and winterwheat aren’t insulated.

Snow insulates plants like that “pink stuff” in our houseskeeps us warm. And without snow, cold temperatures like we’re supposed to getnext week (brrr), or very high winds, will damage the crops and they won’tsurvive until next spring.

That’s not good at all.

For the farmers’ sake, I’m hoping winter – and all that snow– will appear soon, but until then? I’m taking advantage of this awesome weather.

Gotta jet! I’m meeting Sophie for a run.

-Chase Superman Duffy

Friday 6 January 2012

Taking a break

Grandma says sometimes it's nice to take a break from routine.

I believe her, sometimes - well, okay, most of the time, so this week I'm taking a break from the blogging.

Not running, though. Are you kidding? We're having a heatwave in January - I'd be silly not to take advantage of the warm weather.

Have a great weekend.

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy