The Ranting of a Corn Nut

OK, so I’m trying to keep my blogging somewhat positive and upbeat, but yesterday took me through a loop.  My youngest daughter brought home a paper stating that the class was going to celebrate “the friendship between Pilgrims and Native Americans” by having a “special corn product snack”.  Each child was told to choose one item to bring in from the following list:  Doritos, Go-gurt, marshmallows, soft drink, flavored popcorn, cheese puffs, Cheetos, Corn Chex or corn bread.  REALLY?

what is corn anymore?

We have to teach our children this “friendship” by having them eat processed, HFCS-laden crappy junk food?  Seriously, when did Thanksgiving become about Cheetos??  As a second part of the task, each child has to bring in a list of corn products in the home.  Great, we don’t carry anything with HFCS in our home anymore.  We have a can of corn.  I have some Amy’s Organic Black Bean Veggie Soup with some corn in it.  But, really, other than that ~ it’s a no go.  Even our ketchup is of the no-HFCS variety.  Does anyone know of any other household product(s) that contain corn?  I’ve heard something about plastic sandwich bags, possibly parchment paper that contain corn ~ is this true?

My immediate reaction was completely pissed off.  I drafted 10 different emails to the teacher expressing my disgust…but then deleted each one noting the lace of venom.  I knew that it would do nothing but make me look like a completely crazy mom.  I’m still pondering whether to address this issue or not with the teacher, so I’m asking for your opinion.  WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

The Biggest Winner...

My family and I moved to Louisville, Kentucky at the beginning of the summer.  I had been in a funk…it was three months before my 40^th… I had become overly-involved in my work and volunteering at our previous location…and I had gone into a semi-depression.  We started really working on our new home to make it our own and I was very involved with hard labor ~ finally a job that was benefitting me and my family.  My deflated esteem was steadily rising.

Three months ago, my health club announced that they were starting a Biggest Loser group.  I signed up.  My goal this time around was not to win, but to learn moderation and to understand what a “lifestyle change” really meant.

As far as exercise, we started with a bi-weekly Boot Camp (along with independent work-outs) and I almost died the first few weeks.  Damn.  I used to be strong.  I used to be able to keep up.  What happened to me?  In about week three, I started to pick up.  My strength was coming back.

Parallel to this workout regime, someone mentioned something about “eating clean”.  What the heck was that?  I immediately researched Tosca Reno and purchased one of her books.  Brilliant!!  Eat non-processed, whole, organic foods.  No HFCS, no high-sugared foods…pretty much nothing with a bar code.   Hmmm…shop the perimeter of the store.  Fresh veggies and fruits, lean meats and organic dairy.  Granted, I’m not 100% “clean”, but my frozen quick meals are Amy’s Organic over Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers.  The ingredients are organic and real as opposed to “what the hell is that ingredient” and “really, that much sodium???”

I didn’t “win” my Biggest Loser, but I definitely am a winner.  I now eat real foods.  We had our weigh-in tonight.  I lost 23 pounds, came in fourth place and have a new lease on life.  I don’t “journal” my food.  I’m not afraid of eating anymore.  I get it.  I finally get it.  I eat carbs ~ they are not all created equally (my favorite is the Quinoa/Flax bread from Whole Foods).  I eat fat (avocado, nuts, olive oil).  I even order a dessert to split on date night with my hubby (although I only have a few bites, it’s all I need).

Life is better.  Sex is great.  Is there really anything else that matters?