No es lo que piensas! (It's not what you think)!

Hola mis amigos! Como estas? Yo soy bien!


It has been a little over a week since I have been in Mexico City for work and what an experience it has been so far. Upon the many challenges of being here, there are just as many incredible triumphs. I had so many reservations about making such a long trip and being away from the confines of my comfortable every day life; that I didn't look at the bigger picture and  realize what an amazing experience this truly is.


One of the biggest challenges of being in a foreign country is the language barrier; I do have to give a big "thank you" to my sixth grade Spanish teacher as the basics have helped more than I realized they ever would! I am mistaken a lot down here for knowing the language - must be the dark hair and eyes; the agents in my office that I am just meeting for the first time as well as everyone else I try to communicate with automatically start speaking Spanish to me. It's quite amusing :) So, even though knowing the basics have helped, it is very difficult trying to read and speak the native tongue - although I am able to order an Espresso Americano from Starbucks, haha. This morning I ordered juevos con jamon sin queso y jugo de naranja all on my own; eggs with ham, no cheese and orange juice (which was not on the menu; I had to piece it together from what I am learning and compensate the words I don't know with hand gestures; I am still laughing because I was imitating whisking eggs in the air to the waitress for her to understand "scrambled eggs." At least she laughed too). For me, it has been important to really embrace the culture because it is makes it easier to navigate and feel more comfortable being so far away from home.


My second challenge? That would be eating what I think is "normal." The first day we got here, we went to this cute, little authentic Mexican restaurant. I ordered what my co-worker ordered as he has been down here before and knows what is good and what isn't. The food seemed pretty ordinary for what Americans typically classify as authentic Mexican food, so I wasn't hesitant to eat it. We got back to the hotel and I felt fine. The next morning on our way into work, we stopped and I grabbed a coffee. I have cut my coffee habit dramatically in the states, but being in Mexico, and not knowing what is safe to explore, I chose to stick with what I thought I knew. No es lo que piensas! I drank about three sips until I realized that it tasted like they reused the coffee grinds about nine times before they brewed this coffee, AND it was non-filtered water. First mistake. Later that morning, a few co-workers and I stepped out and went to this amazing little fruit stand that makes fresh fruit juice cocktails and cut up mixed fruit. This time I decided on cut up strawberries and mangoes. Muy delicioso!! It's fruit...a common food among many cultures, so I convinced myself it was fine. And it was...that day. Because I am a creature of habit, the next day, I coerced my colleagues into getting fruit for lunch as I was in no hurry to dive right into the unknown culinary world of Mexico City. We strolled our way up the city street to the fruit stand and I got the same thing, only later in the day. In this culture, refrigeration is more of a commodity than a necessity - and my body is not used to such. Mayonnaise is not even refrigerated! So, it was mid afternoon by the time we went and it didn't even dawn on me that this cut up fruit had been sitting out since 7am in the morning. As the day progressed, my stomach grew increasingly upset and it felt like someone was repeatedly stabbing my intestinal tract with knives. (Sorry for the graphics). I was completely under the weather for 2 days. I felt like I had the flu and only drank water and ate saltines! My stomach has not been right since. You have to be mindful of the way things are prepared no matter where you are. You cannot assume that because you eat or drink a particular food at home, means that you can where ever you go. Things are prepared and grown differently in other cultures from your own. The positive thing about this, is that I was thinking proactively and brought some probiotics down here with me :) - I will definitely be more prepared for the next trip I take out of the country. Here's a tip: if a co-worker advises you to go see the doctor downstairs because you are not feeling well....don't do it. They will offer you a shot for any ailment you see them for. Be prepared.

My third, but not last challenge thus far? Greeting people. Every day you walk in the office here, they all hug and kiss you, some kiss on the cheek, some kiss on the lips. I was mortified. Plain and simply mortified. WHY ARE YOU KISSING MY LIPS?! I do not know you!!! It is their way of saying hello and goodbye every day. This is completely uncomfortable for me and have not gotten used to it. However, I have identified the people who like to kiss on the lips and I politely turn my cheek when saying hello. It may make me feel bad, but I would rather feel bad than be kissed on the lips! Talk about culture shock!

I have another nine days here, and going to make the best of it. Although these challenges have presented themselves, I have found ways to cope with them and turn them into a learning experience. It is just another way to help me grow. Mexico City is a beautiful place. And although I was sent here for work, I am privileged to have been given this opportunity to come and work here for a few weeks.

Aside from the challenges of eating, speaking and saying hello, I must say that this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The architecture here is unlike anything I have seen. The buildings are so large, and original stuctures have been here since the 1700's. I mean, c'mon...you HAVE to be able to appreciate such architecture. The cathedral has been my favorite place to visit, and across the "street" there is what is left of the pyramid that they built the Cathedral from. This Cathedral is the largest in Mexico and the third largest in the entire world. When I walked inside, I literally stopped and gasped. I was in such awe. I also visted the House of Tiles...which survived the earthquake of 1985 - when you walk inside, everything leans slightly to the left - the entire place is made of tiles. Explaining this in writing does not do it any justice; but I just am so lucky to see this. If I were to write about everything, this blog would be too long! So I will write again before I leave this place :)

OH! One more thing I want to share with you all....my amazing co-workers took us to this market called Coyacon, where they sell everything from flowers to whole dead chickens. And when I say everything, I am talking everything...right down to grass hoppers! We have this running joke between us down here that I speak the culture, but Jeremy lives the culture. Well, let me tell you how much I lived the culture at this market. I ate a dried grasshopper! It was lime and chili flavored. The best way to describe it? It was like eating the earth - which, in some way, makes it more enjoyable. Will I do it again? Absolutely not. But the people around me really appreciated the fact that I didn't shun their every day culture.

If there is one thing that I have learned, while I am here is: No es lo que piensas!!! Everything is not what it seems. While being careful and making mindful choices, also live up the experience that has been given to you.

-Twinspiration

El amor y el bienestar a todos los,

Patti xox

Stress Eating or Not?

Before I get started; just want to sincerely apologize for not blogging the past few weeks. Although things have been crazy and stressful, there isn't any reason that I cannot blog. The positive note is that it gave be the inspiration to write this one ;o)


So I know I use my office as an example for just about every blog, but I am there for most of my day. I am sitting there every day and it never fails I hear someone saying: "I am so stressed out, can someone PLEASE get me some CHOCOLATE." Or "I can't take it anymore, let's order some fried food." There is also the opposite such as myself, that turn away food when they are stressed, and just skip it altogether. Neither is a good choice and you are doing more harm to your body than you know.

The past few weeks have been extremely stressful between both jobs and home. I have found myself feeling very fatigued, easily agitated, and not hungry. You might be thinking that I am lucky that I don't "stress eat," but I'm not. Not at all. See I skip meals when I am feeling stressed and then when I am feeling better, I eat. Not only does it slow my metabolism, but it is also slowing my digestion process making me feel incredibly bloated and uncomfortable when I do decide to eat. I am thinking about how I am feeling right now...and I am miserable. I didn't each much all day because of the amount of stress my body felt like it was under. Everytime I felt a hunger pang and wanted to eat, I would immediately become nauseated and decide I couldn't eat. Thinking back on the day, and feeling as bloated and cranky as I do, I am wishing I could have pulled myself out of this slump. In the end, if I ever want to truly be healthy and be at a healthy weight, I need to ensure that I am doing whatever I can to make my body happy.

Whether it is stress eating or not eating when you are stressed, you need to find some way to ease your mind and body. If you are over eating, it's time to take a step back and ask yourself if you are truly hungry or if you're just trying to comfort yourself. Instead of reaching for the fried, greasy or sugary substances; try going for a quick walk. Take five minutes away and call your twin :) Or if you don't have a twin (as I usually assume everyone does), drink some water. Do anything that will take your mind off of food. This will be in the moment, but just say no. You're body will surely thank you for it. Now if you are on the opposite end of the spectrum, and you don't eat when you are stressed, you have to remember that you need to eat. Eat something small and something that will energize you, not bloat you and that you know agrees with your body. For me, I try to eat something like a handful of almonds, maybe a granola bar or a protein shake. It gives me the nutritional sustinance my body needs while also satisfying my hunger pangs without making me feel like I just ate a Thanksgiving meal.

Like I said, it's definitely in the moment. You have to stop and think; yes I need to eat something or no, I am not going to reach for that chocolate cookie. Today I did not stop and think in the moment which is why I am now writing this blog. I did not give myself time to react in the stressful environment and I made the wrong decision. And when I left work, I allowed myself to eat - and I ate what didn't agree with me. There isn't any way for me to undo what I did to myself today, but knowing what decisions I made today, I can look back tomorrow and make sure that I am making the decisions that I know my body will be thankful for. I have prepared my food for tomorrow so that I cannot come up with any excuses not to eat or not eating the right thing.


If there is anything that you can take away from this short post it is to make sure that you are thinking about your body first. If you are stressed and you can take the time to really notice what is going on - that you are not eating or you are eating too much - stop, take a breath and just think about what you are doing. Stress can take a big toll on your mind, body and spirit. You need to make yourself a priority and do whatever YOU can to make your body at ease.

-Twinspiration

Love and Wellness to all

Patti xox

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

I would be lying if I said that I have always liked asparagus. In fact, I DESPISED it. I never gave that green stalky vegetable a chance. That is until recently.... I bought fresh asparagus about 7 months ago and fell in love. I figured I would share with you a recipe that I put together for a quick, healthy and delicious meal. 


I call it:

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

What you need:

• 1 lb of thin asparagus
• 3 tbsp of minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp of parmesan cheese
• 1/8 cup water 
• butter spray (optional)
• salt and pepper

What to do:

In a frying pan, add the minced garlic. Wash the asparagus thoroughly and cut off about an inch from the bottom. That part tends to be very chewy and stringy... Add the asparagus to the pan. Turn on to a medium heat and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Once the garlic starts to bubble, add the water. Sprinkle on the garlic powder and then spray about 10-15 pumps of butter spray. Add the parmesan cheese and mix until all of the asparagus is coated. Add more or less seasoning and parmesan to taste as well as the salt and pepper. Cover the pan and let simmer for another 5 minutes. The asparagus will be hot and still have a light "crunch." You can cook longer if you prefer your vegetables to not have a crunch to them.

I like to pair this with garlic tilapia or swordfish and wasabi.

I hope you will try this recipe and like it!

Twinspiration-

Love and Health to all

-Nikkie

But I want it!

Do you have a favorite food? I know you do, because I do. That favorite food of yours, is it bad for you? Or a better question: do you know if it's bad for you? It could be a food that by normal standards is considered good for the general population, but it could be doing damage to your body if you're not aware that you shouldn't be eating it.


I have many favorite foods...from potatoes to asparagus to coffee (Okay, coffee is not a food), but one of my all time favorite food groups is dairy (and coffee). I know...dairy, it's weird. I DO NOT DRINK MILK. That is gross. But I do love cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream and cheese. I could eat cottage cheese until it's coming out of my ears, haha. And poached eggs...oh my goodness, how I love poached eggs on a plain English muffin with a cup of coffee and an orange. For years I have been eating these things and for years my stomach has been rebelling on me. I didn't know it was rebelling, I thought it was just the natural progression of digestion, but it wasn't. Whenever I eat these foods I feel bloated, I get indigestion and sometimes even get a headache. I never paid any attention to these symptoms and just brushed it off, until one day I ended up with an ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease. This was from years of eating food that I thought was healthy. I was ignoring the other signs that it actually wasn't healthy for MY body because I loved the taste of them; and I was informed that they were good for me to eat. This is when you have to ask yourself if your favorite food is bad for you, even if it's "good" for you. 


It's not easy giving up your favorite foods, I still struggle with it all the time! I love coffee...some would even say that I am addicted to it. I used to drink two pots of coffee a day. Yes, two pots. I am not in any way exaggerating when I tell you this. I love the taste, the smell, the emotional connection I feel when I drink it, but it's one of those things in my life that is "bad" for me. And it's not bad in a way that you might be thinking. I drink it black - it is bad in the way that it gives me terrible reflux whenever I drink it; yet it is the toughest thing for me to give up. So I have to ask myself if it is worth it. Is it worth the discomfort it gives me after I drink it? Is it worth the internal damage it does to my esophagus? No. There is always an alternative. And you might think you're depriving yourself of the amazing sensation this particular food gives to you, but you need to also think about the deprivation you are putting your body through.When you are consuming something that your body cannot process, you are putting unnecessary stress on your organs and over all well being. 


You might ask then -"Well how do I know if the food I am eating is affecting me in a negative way?" I will answer that I am not sure! Only you and your doctor will know for sure. Start small. Start by logging what you are eating and how you feel after you eat or drink a particular food in a diary. Write everything down. EVERYTHING - even if it gave you diarrhea. These are important things to tell your doc or natural path when/if you decide to go. If the food you are eating is giving you indigestion or a stomach ache, it's a possibility that you may have a sensitivity to it. That is how I came to the realization that I cannot eat pasta or eggs or yogurt or drink my beloved coffee. Whenever I eat pasta, I immediately get a stomach ache that feels like spikes are shooting out from all sides of my torso. Whenever I eat eggs, they constantly repeat on me...and yogurt gives me indigestion. I have been trying for the last year or so to test different foods and see what my body will allow me to eat and what it won't. Even tonight, I am sitting here writing and I have TERRIBLE indigestion. I can't think of what I had today that would have given it to me. I ate soup for lunch from Panera Bread - the problem with eating out is that you don't truly know the ingredients, and I can almost guarantee that there was something in that soup that didn't agree with my body. It's tough, but eventually you can eat what is right for you. We can learn together. 


I can't wait for that day when I can say that I ate my favorite food and it was delicious and not: I ate my favorite food and now I am paying for it. - the excuse "But I wanted it" cannot be a phrase you settle for anymore. Remember that eating your favorite food goes more than skin deep.


Thanks for reading!


-Twinspiration


Health and Wellness to all,


Patti xox

I took the stairs this morning

That's right, I took the stairs this morning...8 flights up. Significant? If you're claustrophobic and cannot take the elevator, yes...but this is not the meaning I am going for ;) See, I like to emanate optimism and positivity; almost two in the same and what I am talking about here is the difference it made to me by taking the stairs at work rather than the elevator. (Although, if you're a Steven Tyler fan such a myself; you might think you'll find love in an elevator).

Every day is a new opportunity to make better choices than you did the day before. This can be anything; as small as taking the stairs in the morning or as grand as helping a person in need. Making that "right" choice for you is important. Taking the stairs at work for me, was a right choice. It put me in such a great mood, and this just set off a domino effect for the rest of the day. I felt like I made a decision that was a "step" in the right direction. You can get such an adrenaline rush from making a choice that makes you happy, and this was one for me.



Similar to the stairs at my office ;)



Since I was in such positive spirits, I felt like not only was I more productive at work, but I also had more clarity and this made me feel like I had all the answers - well...maybe not all the answers, haha. I mean, I am still blogging from my one bedroom apartment and not a three story condo sitting on a Miami water way with Manatee right at my fingertips. But the clarity I had was more than just answering questions of my co-workers, it was also answering questions from myself. Like, should I drink this protein shake instead of eating all of these gluten, processed, fatty laden girl scout cookies that every one is so proudly eating; or do I go a step beyond what I feel comfortable with and offer to take on a more challenging task than normal so others can catch a break today or just complete my own tasks at hand. You'll be happy to know that I did not give into the cookie monster that has so happily taken over my office. Although I do love to support children and their local fundraisers, I gladly gave away the ones I purchased. I was going to put a picture of cookie monster on here to show you I caught him in action, but He was just too fast. I was able to make the decision of not putting the processed junk in my body and also help out a co-worker who was feeling overwhelmed. In this instance, the choice I made this morning impacted another person in a positive way. I was happy to help, and this person was able to feel less stressed about the rest of their day. The rest of the day I made smarter choices. I ate a lot better, I was happier, I didn't feel as agitated and I stayed optimistic about the challenges that day brought on. These are very small examples of making what you think is the right choice that can promote a positive well being with you. When I am talking about making a choice of taking the stairs, I am also speaking metaphorically.

I want to share with you something that impacted me with an overwhelming sense of compassion. I hope that when you read these next few sentences that you can feel the deep emotion that has impacted the way I think tremendously. It was a few weeks ago at work - I worked in a different department in my company for about 6 months last year and became very close with one of my co-workers because of the way were able to work together -we worked side by side - and he actually respected my work and work ethic. He made me feel a lot smarter than I am. About six months ago, I was asked to join another part of my company, which I accepted, however, it meant that I would no longer be working with him or seeing one another on a regular basis. This was a lot more difficult than anticipated. Now even though I say we were close, it's not the "huggable" friendship you would imagine. Since I have been on the "other side" we are able to only occasionally say hello in passing and exchange a quick IM as we are both so incredibly busy. So a few weeks ago, I decided to stop by his desk to say hello and chat for a quick moment. I gave him a hug, we chatted for about 5 minutes and then I went back to my desk. A week passed and I didn't think anything of our brief encounter; but then he came to my desk and said: I just wanted to tell you that I really needed that hug you gave to me the other day...you don't know how much that meant and it was so significant that I went home and told Emily about it. He went on to tell me that him and his fiance just lost someone and about other heart wrenching things - The hug that I gave him to say hello really moved him and uplifted his spirits that much because of the tumultuous time he had been having at home; this really moved me. It moved me to tears. Something that I did helped another human being without even questioning my motives. He was so thankful and just couldn't believe out of all the days, I chose that day to come and say hello.

A small or grand gesture that lends a positive light is always good for the soul. It's amazing what one choice that makes you happy can do for others and for yourself. When you are walking by someone, smile. You never know if they are moments away from hurting themselves. When you are walking through a door, hold it for the person behind you. You don't know how many doors have been shut in thier lives. When you see someone crying, don't just brush it off like they are looking for attention, hand them a tissue and smile. Just this simple gesture can let them know they are not alone. If someone is speeding behind you, let them go and just think - it could be someone they are trying to get to. So the next time life offers you to take the stairs or ride the elevator, make the better choice, for you - and for me.

I took the stairs this morning and will take them again tomorrow and the day after and the day after that. What about you?

-Twinspiration

Love and Wellness to all

Patti xox

Why Be Glum?

Why was I having such a hard day with staying focused and on track? I thought about it all morning and couldn't think of a reason. No excuses, right?! If I couldn't think of an answer, I knew who could. So, I did the best thing I could think of... I called my sister for some Twinspiration. She said, "Blog it... and remember that you're allowed to have days like this." She was right. I AM allowed to have an "off" day. 

Here is how it started........ and how it ended.......

It was Tuesday, February 26, 2012... I woke up at 6:00 and got ready for work. I was in a very mellow and weird mood. I didn't like it. Maybe coffee would do the trick. Nope. I didn't want a coffee. I left for work and decided to stop for coffee anyway. I went to Starbucks and ordered a triple espresso over ice with soy milk and cinnamon. My favorite. That still didn't make me feel better. Well, at least I ate a good breakfast and everyone is back from vacation so it will be a normal day at work, right? Wrong again, sister. A co-worker called out sick and I am 10 minutes late - Wow... am I feeling sorry for myself. So, the day passes......... 

..........and it was time for lunch. I went to the kitchenette in my office and took my lunch out of the fridge. Veggies and a protein patty... AGAIN. About 99% of the time I love eating my fruits and vegetables. However, that day, I just didn't want to eat my veggies. I placed my dish in the microwave and watched it as it went around.... and around... and around.... I figured, the more I watched, the better it would look. On a normal day that bowl of veggies and protein patty would look delicious and I would eat it and be satisfied. For some reason, the more it cooked, the less I wanted it. I went back to my desk and ate it. Very Slowly. 

I finished my lunch and at that point I thought to myself "seriously, Nikkie? snap out of it. you're pathetic." I talked to Patti on the phone and via email... She was oddly enough, having the same type of day. WEIRD. We figured it out, together. I was exhausted - mentally, physically and emotionally with my diet, my exercise and life. Well, that's pretty easy you think - everyone gets like that! Well, maybe they do. But that day, I felt like I was the only one going through it. When I talked to Patti I realized how selfish I was acting. I am not the only one struggling to reach my goal, or stay at my goal... or stressing at work... or fighting off everyday temptations that other people don't have to resist. It's my life. It's how I have to live it. It's the decision that I made, so why be so upset about it? Everything will pay off. It really will! 

Soon after my conversation with Patti, I got over whatever I was feeling. I texted a friend to go to Zumba with me. After all, exercise is the best medicine! I finished work and left to head to The Dance Factory to shake off the bad energy I had. On my way to Plymouth I saw the best license plate. All it said was Y B GLUM - get it? Why be glum? so simple but so powerful to me at that moment.

My day started out weird, but with a little twinspiration from an amazing heart and a simple saying from a license plate, it ended with so much more greatness than I could have expected. 

So next time you're having an "off" day... think of this, and I guarantee you will laugh a little or hopefully, a lot!

"I wish I were a glow worm, a glow worm is never glum. 'cause how can you be grumpy, when the sun shines out your bum?"

Twinspiration-

Love and health to all

-Nikkie

May I call YOU fat?

May I call you fat?! Or thick, chunky, healthy looking, or tired because I'm not wearing as much make-up as the day before? No? Then I don't appreciate it either. No matter which way you put it, saying this to someone can be incredibly hurtful. Whether you're saying it because you think it may be funny or a compliment, you don't ever really know the damage it could cause. As cliched as it sounds, be sure to choose your words wisely.

I know, my sister and I love to post happy, positive, and sometimes fun blogs; but we did say every day struggles and triumphs. And so I find myself struggling this past week over a few comments that were thrown around in my office the other day. - It was a simple conversation I was having with one of my co-workers about supplements because she was starting a new diet regimen, and it just came out of her mouth: "Men love short, chunky girls like us because we're not supermodels - we are attainable." And though I know she did not mean it with any ill intention, I felt my heart become extremely heavy and my mood had immediately diminished. I wanted to run to the bathroom and cry my eyes out. But I stood there and held my composure. It's not easy to hear things like that, even if it really isn't a derogatory statement, but sometimes it makes your mind spin - and that can make you do things you never thought you would do.

I have only been called skinny once in my life; and that was my senior year of high school when I never ate, worked a part time job and was involved in show choir and chorus. I kept busy with a lot of things. I was teased as a child for being heavier than my friends - all of the time. I will never forget 4th grade when one of my "friends" had been trying to guess how much all of us weighed at the lunch table. In front of everyone she said: "Patti, you must weigh at least 1oo lbs." I can't even begin to explain the humiliation I felt that day, and days after. I remember I didn't even finish my lunch. I mean, why would I? I was just pegged as being one of the heaviest girls at the lunch table. To a girl in fourth grade, I thought my world had come crashing down. My thought everyday after that was "I wonder how fat I look today." Unfortunately, it is something I still think about every day.

Here is one of my embarassing confessions: I have to get my clothes ready the night before I go to work with at least 5 other outfits planned in my head because I know when I put them on in the morning, I won't like the way anything looks on. And even with these planned outfits, I will change until I run out of time and have to leave for work. When I shop for clothes - which I loathe - I take one of my best friends. We joke about it, but it is serious to me. We go shopping together and I literally have her try on about 75% of the clothes I buy (dresses and shirts). If it looks great on her, I know it will at least look semi okay on me. The only article of clothing that I personally try on are pants. I am not skinny like my best friend; she is taller and much thinner, so for her to try on pants and me to take them home and wear them is just absurd! It would depress me more.

So why tell you this? I shared this with you because it is me. It is who I am. These are the emotions that plague my every thought. I have grown a lot since I was a little girl, but I still struggle every single day with my body image. There will be days I wake up, do my make up, put on an outfit that I think flatters me and then half of the day goes by and I walk by a mirror and ask myself, "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING TELLING YOURSELF YOU LOOK PRETTY TODAY?!" And for the rest of the day I feel worthless. I feel like people are judging me because of how fat I am, and how ugly I look. When this co-worker stated "Men love short, chunky girls like us because we're not supermodels - we are attainable," it just struck a chord within my emotional being that I couldn't silence. This is how I have felt my entire life: that I am just attainable. I don't measure up to women whom, to me, are tall, thin and gorgeous. Those are the powerful women to me. These are the women whom men respect and think are not attainable because of their beauty. Not plain, fat girls like myself. The question I am still trying to answer is: when did the definition of attainable get so convoluted in my mind?

A downward spiral of emotions from a simple conversation. Be mindful of what you say to others. You never know the hurt it may cause.

-Twinspiration

Love and Wellness to all

Patti xox