Health knowledge made personal

Lara I.

Oakland, California
I am a clinical social worker, as my day job, and an avid self-care enthusiast in my spare time. My job is an extremely stressful position in which I am a psychotherapist for chronically mentally ... Full Bio
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Resentment Quote by Lara I. 3 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Stress Relief I saw a one woman play by Carrie Fisher the other night. It was good. She had one quote which really stood out for me. She said: "Resentment is like drinking poison, then waiting for the other person to die". So true. Read on »
the price of eating healthy by Lara I. Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating Does anyone else get frustrated that eating healthy is often more expensive than the unhealthy alternatives? Read on »
Do you benefit from stress? by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Stress Relief Before you scream: stress is bad! Think for a minute. And, yes, given that everything can be beneficial with the one important key word: moderation! I know a lot of people, myself included, who benefit from stress. My husband is totally unmotivated, but put a little pressure, like a deadline, on him, and he is like a steam engine. I thrive o... Read on »
Quick and healthy Vegetarian Paella by Lara I. Posted in: General Discussion in Vegetarian I tried this recipe, found online, last night, and it was spectacular: Vegetarian Paella4 ServingsVery fast and easy to make. * 2-3 tbsp. water * 1 cup thinly sliced leeks or coarsely chopped onions * 1 tbsp. minced garlic * 2 1/4 cups water * 1 tbsp. instant vegetable broth powder * 1/2 tsp. saffron threads (or 1/4 tsp. turmer... Read on »
Fat free Mushroom and Spinach Stroganoff! by Lara I. Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating I got this recipe from fatfreevegan.com. I tried it the other night...sooo good., and very easy.Mushroom and Spinach Stroganoff1 pound of uncooked fettuccine or spaghetti1/3 cup of water1 onion, cut in half lengthwise and then sliced4-5 cups of sliced white mushrooms1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, or 5 ounces fresh spinach... Read on »
How to "Step or Jump your leg forward"? by Lara I. 5 Comments Posted in: Questions & Answers in Yoga So, I'm in yoga, I'm in downward facing dog, and the instructor says, "step or jump your right leg forward". Now, I know my foot is supposed to end up near my hand, but...how??? I find that it makes it part way, then I end up inching my toes up to get it all the way. Does it just come with practice and increased flexibility, or does anyone hav... Read on »
My car got stolen, so... by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Walking Ever since my car got stolen three weeks ago, I have been walking places I never would have imagined walking before. Distances that previously seemed unwalkable, are seeming shorter and shorter everyday. My friends don't get it, they keep saying: "you're walking there! are you sure you don't want a ride?!" Call it stubborn on my part, or a ne... Read on »
Winter squash recipe? by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: Questions & Answers in Healthy Cooking Have any good suggestions? I am trying to go meatless, no dairy, and low fat... Read on »
Pro-Anorexia websites by Lara I. 10 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Weight loss Have you heard of pro-ana websites? Have you visited them? Do you know people who have? My colleagues and I are very concerned about their impact on weight loss communities, and on young women. What have you heard? Or do you have personal experiences with them? What's your impression? Read on »
what do you do when you can't exercise? by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: Questions & Answers in Exercise I recently had a very serious fall, and will be laid up for a bit of time. I usually exercise daily as a form of relaxation, but also to stay healthy. What do you do when your exercise routine is thrown out the window? Any advice? Read on »
Dr. Seuss quote by Lara I. 2 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Stress Relief It's one of my favorites, and a good reminder to us all: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."-Dr. Seuss Read on »
House guest leftovers by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Weight loss So, we're all been there...guests for a few days, and you stock up on all kinds of foods. They leave, and you are left with the extra pounds from eating all weekend, PLUS all of the leftovers. This just happened to me. I want to go on a diet now, but I've got a lot of food still to finish before it goes bad. What do you do to beat the post-h... Read on »
Priorities by Lara I. 3 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Stress Relief If you had to rank the following, how would you prioritize them? Happiness, Money, Love, Freedom Read on »
Readiness? by Lara I. Posted in: Questions & Answers in Endurance Training How do you know if you are emotionally and mentally ready to begin training for a 5K? Read on »
Shrimp Dip by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Cooking I made this recipe, found online at http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/local/dips.htmlI used fat free mayo, fat free sour cream, and canned baby shrimp. It was surprisingly good. I served it as a dip with crackers at a party and there were NO leftovers, but many compliments. And, it's healthy!Southwest Shrimp Dip Ingredients: 1 pound boiled sh... Read on »
Veggie meatloaf...sooo good (and healthy) by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Vegetarian I found this recipe on fatfree.com. I tried it, throwing in a few of my own ideas (like a little liquid smoke). It was sooo good. Probably the best recipe I've made in awhile (and i don't even like real meatloaf!)meatless-loaf recipe1/2 cup catsup2 Tbs brown sugar2 tubes Gimme Lean (hamburger style)...I used TVP instead1 med onion - fine dice... Read on »
Cheap Bay Area Massage by Lara I. 3 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Massage/Spa I went to NHI (national holistic institute) this evening and it was fantastic. $35, no tipping allowed, for a 50 minute massage! The downsides: you can't choose the gender of your masseuse or the style--either shiatsu or swedish. But, as someone who is fairly new to massage, and pretty freaking intimidated by the idea of a male, or shiatsu, I f... Read on »
making cleaning easy by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Stress Relief My husband found this article online http://unclutterer.com/2007/12/10/stop-spending-your-weekends-cleaning-your-home/, and we started doing this...we have a schedule with one room assigned per day. We spend 30 mins each evening on the assigned room. It's amazing how much easier cleaning has become...and how nice our place looks! Read on »
Fat free, sugar free pudding by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating Last night I tried jello brand fat free, sugar free pudding in cheesecake flavor. It was quick--just add cold milk, and let sit for five mins. It was really pretty good. And at only 35 calories per serving, it was a healthy dessert. Give it a try. Read on »
Hiking Right of Way? by Lara I. 1 Comments Posted in: Questions & Answers in Hiking Who has the right of way on trails? The person going up or the person going down? Read on »