Short-Term Loss for Long-Term Gain
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011There are only 22 days left until Thanksgiving, but who’s counting? Yup – “it can’t come soon enough” is how I’m feeling right about now. In fact, I have been looking up recipes to make for our lovely feast – that’s how much I can’t wait to eat sweets again. This is where short-term loss for long- term gain comes in. Sometimes, we need to suffer now to reap the benefits later – or so I’ve been told. I really hope that wisdom is honest and sincere because if it’s not, I’ll be pissed at the end of this.
To fully and truly embark on this remarkable sugar-free journey, I imposed a new sticker rule for myself which goes as follows: “You do not get a sticker on your calendar if you do not follow your “Food Rules” AND “Exercise Rules” listed under November goals.” The end. I was fortunate enough to receive a sticker for yesterday, but I must say that it was a very painful procedure. I was pretty much exhausted all day and I had to crank out a three mile run – oh, and I had about 3 loads of laundry. How’s that for a cherry on top?! Nevertheless, I got it all done including; a beautifully crafted salad (Romaine, Belgian endives,Red Cabbage, Onion and Feta) for lunch today. All that with not one drop of sugar. Don’t underestimate your energy levels. The mind -over -matter principal greatly applies here.
Speaking of mind-over-matter, I’d like to also point out my daily temptations:
In case you all thought I had it easy. I think not! Try eating your salad with a sugar mountain like this staring at your face. “Eat me – Eat me” is what that says right there. My response: “I will win you.”
So, ladies and gents, the moral of this story is that you need to really fight those urges to cure your short-term cravings in order to reach your long-term success! This really applies to a lot of things in life (short-term loss for long-term gain) not necessarily the craving part, but you know what I mean! I know, I’m full of wisdom 
Since it is hungry hump day, I’ll post a recipe I’m thinking about making for Thanksgiving – if I can wait that long. I’m all about simple food and simple ingredients.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Pancetta – I’m salivating as I write this.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bright-orange sweet potatoes, peeled,cut into 2 inch pieces (about 3 medium)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces pancetta, finely diced
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese or 1/4 cup cream cheese (2 oz)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
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Boil sweet potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water over medium-high heat 15-20 minutes or until very tender.
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Drain sweet potatoes; return to saucepan.
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Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot.
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Add pancetta; cook 2-3 minutes or until pancetta begins to brown.
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Add onion; cook 15-20 minutes or until onions are caramelized, stirring frequently.
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Adjust heat, if necessary, to prevent onions from browning too quickly.
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Add vinegar; stir, scraping up browned bits from bottom of skillet.
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Over very low heat, mash sweet potatoes.
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Add mascarpone, salt and pepper.
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Stir in onion mixture.
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*Noteyou can use bacon if you don’t have pancetta available.
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Just cook the bacon in a medium pot of boiling water 1 minute.
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Drain and rinse until cool.
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Blanching helps remove some of the smoky flavor from the bacon.
Well, there you have it! I think I’m sold on this, but I do change my mind a lot so I’ll keep you posted if I find something else. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated
Quote to help us through this difficult detox period:
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
