The Cheese Stands Alone

As we are heading to Asia soon, Hubs and I decided it best to have a medical check-up (and tetanus shot). So we went in, met with the Doctor, and had our blood sent in for lab work (good times).

Hubs' results were, as usual, perfect.

As for me, I am sad to report that Herr Doctor has informed me that it is in my best interest to significantly reduce the amount of cheese, butter, eggs and cream I consume due to my cholesterol level. He advised I start eating low-fat this and non-fat that.

Hmmm, I thought to myself as he broke the news ... maybe I should not have eaten a block of cheese every night for the past 5 months (no exaggeration). What's the harm of a pot of fondue here, a pot of fondue there? Oh well, there's no sense in regretting the past. Each and every bite was fabulous. And luckily, I don't consume a ton of butter, eggs or cream. Cheese, however, is another story entirely.

Lucky for Hubs, he isn't in town at the moment. He's down South enjoying fried food as we speak. So I've taken the opportunity to clean out our cheese basket (some people have fully-stocked bars in their house; I have a fully-stocked cheese basket in the fridge, which takes up almost an entire shelf).

I've also consulted our friend, who's working on her PhD in Nutrition. She informed me I should increase my fiber intake, as well as cut back on fats. Oh, and that the most effective way to raise the level of good cholesterol in your body is to exercise. (Does carrying the stroller up and down two flights of stairs with baby and groceries count? I know it's not the stair master, but seriously!)

I also made a trip to our local "Reformhaus" (not really sure what this means, but I think it has something to do with health food) to get in the "mood" for healthy eating. I bought loads of salad greens, quark (a weird, low-fat, versatile, ricotta cheese-like substance that can be a base for Tahini, taste like sour cream or be a key lime dessert pudding), tofu, and another strange corn-based thing that I can't really describe, but it comes in many different flavors and goes well on top of salad greens (with a little garlic, olive oil and lemon juice).

I have always considered myself healthy. But, I must admit, I have slipped considerably in the past year.

When I was pregnant, I craved the traditional English Breakfast, Top Ramen, Twinkies and couldn't get enough of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (how sick is that?). I remember there was a week where all I wanted to eat was French Fries. Then there were those carmel donuts from Gregg's bakery (with cream filling).

Those who know me, know these cravings were totally out of character.

Well, it is a slippery slope, my friends. But not to worry! I'm back on track.

You know, I've heard quark, tofu, greens, grains, lean meats are, after all, the new black.

Sick

The thing I've noticed about being a mom is that just when you think you've got it, something new comes along.

Chase came down with her first cold yesterday. I know it is "par for the course" and that it is helping build her immune system, but it is really hard to watch a little, helpless child whose nose will not stop running.

I knew last night would be a long night. I brought her into bed with me, to save repeat trips to her room and to comfort her when she awoke every 15 minutes, terrified because she couldn't breath out of her nose.

Needless to say it was a long night.

We managed a trip down to the train station this morning to visit the only pharmacy open on a Sunday.

Now stocked with saline solution, a nose spray, a new nose suctioner-thing, and a cream to rub on her chest to help clear her nasal passages while she sleeps, I feel like I may actually have a chance at getting an hour or two of sleep myself.