In Transition.

I’m back to Muscat from a month and half long trip to Bombay. The whole purpose of my trip was to take time out to heal the annular tear in my back. After one relapse and seven months of an irritating pain in my lower back, I was determined to do it right this time around. I went to weeks of physiotherapy where I was strictly told to avoid bending, picking up heavy items, and to make sure I change my position every thirty minutes. And, finally I learned the importance of strong ABS, which I always knew, but never really listened to – especially, since it changes my old, lazy concept of exercising. You have to actually think while exercising! I used to always think, “walking on the treadmill is so easy – mindlessly walk, and get some ample time daydreaming. Pure bliss” Don’t get me wrong, walking is still an amazing form of exercise but, now I know a little AB workout here or there does the body good (especially, to put an end to those recurring lower back issues).

Now that I’m back in Muscat for a few days, I really want to eat as healthy as possible and focus on my health. So, I did a few key things to help me out during this week before we head to Dubai:

• Grocery Store. I bought local lettuce, parsley, celery, cucumbers, carrots, bananas, pears, and oranges.
• Home. Washed the local lettuce and parsley and kept it in containers in the fridge for later use. (Make sure you run it through the salad spinner once washed. I also allowed it to dry on clean washcloths on the dining table to make sure it stays fresh in the fridge). This process made it easy for me to whip up green smoothies or salads on demand (when not prepared, laziness prevails and the take-out menus make their appearances).
• Morning. I cut up salad sticks (celery, cucumbers, and carrots) for the hubster and me. It’s a great thing to keep in the fridge, when you are starving and reaching for those cookies. It gave us the option to be healthy! And, don’t forget to store half in a Ziploc bag. It makes it easier for another family member to grab and go with a healthy snack. And, with the leftover sticks that didn’t get consumed and carried over to the next day, I chopped them up and threw them into the dinner salad.
• Anytime. I was experimenting with a hummus recipe a kind friend sent to me. It was great to have a tub of hummus in the fridge to accompany those lovely veggie sticks.
• Hungry moments. I realized it’s time to experiment with green smoothies. So, I took out my handy blender and threw in some washed lettuce, washed parsley, a banana, and some frozen blueberries that were hiding in the corner of my freezer. A tablespoon of hemp seeds, a tablespoon of flax seeds, and a tablespoon of Greens powder also went in. And, to top it off I added a splash of agave nectar (eventually, I want to wean myself off of it, but just added it in so I could get used to that green-y taste). It was great! I made a little extra and threw it in the fridge for another hungry moment for the next day. Green smoothies last two days in the fridge.
• Bored, hungry moments. Keeping a fruit basket on the dining table really helped with those bored moments. Working from home has its moments. Many times of the day, I venture towards the kitchen and then towards the deadly snack cupboard to see what to munch on. Usually, when I’m bored, the snack choice I make is never a smart, healthy one. But, this time, as I walked towards the kitchen, I saw beautiful, bright fruits staring at me in the face, screaming, “Eat me!” Couldn’t resist.
• For the family of ten. There are only two of us at home: the husband and I. But, as soon as I arrived back to Muscat, I cooked off a bunch of rice to keep ready for the following days (I cooked enough for a large family. But, quantities vary from person to person. So, you decide how much you’d like to cook). It helped to whip up a quick meal. Three things I made with the rice: 1) Chicken fried rice 2) Breakfast rice porridge 3) An accompaniment to some chole (Indian-style garbanzo beans).

                          

I’ve been able to be healthy, without being stuck in the kitchen for hours. It took a little planning and some usage of mental space, but it was well worth it. Loving every moment.