Sun, Spirit and San Diego

Reading, Sunbathing and Eating To Live.

Posted on July 28, 2013 by writerlauren

Thursday 25th July 2013

On Thursday I engaged in a simple and pleasurable pasttime that doesn’t cost anything, and to some, is the epitome of what it means to be on vacation: I lay in the sun with a book and a cold drink- it was so nice and relaxing.

I am a great believer in fate. I believe that many pieces of information come to me for a reason, and the book I ended up reading on my sunbathing stretch was one such piece of information. I am very interested in nutrition, food, and the process of agriculture. I am particularly interested in the effects of mono-cropping and the links between the unbelievable rates of disease in the western world and how that links to food, corruption and greed. I do a lot of reading about these matters and I have seen many documentaries about food and nutrition. One name that kept cropping up (‘scuse the pun!) is Dr Joel Fuhrman. Dr Fuhrman is a nutritionist who advocates a plant-based diet and is all-too aware of the corrupt and oppressive forces that control the food that we have access to in the western world. In each documentary, he seemed to be making really intelligent and clear remarks and his words were very appealing to me.

As I was preparing to go out and sit in the sun with my kindle, I noticed a small bookshelf in the apartment, which was occupying the space between the couch and the wall, and which I hadn’t noticed before. The pink and green spine of one book caught my eye: I couldn’t belive it when I looked closer and saw that it was Eat To Live by Dr Joel Fuhrman! ‘I’m meant to read this,’ I thought. I ditched the kindle and decided to pick that up instead. Eat To Live is a book about eating well, eating for health, and eating in a way that minimizes your part in a corrupt, harmful, profit fuelled and chemical smeared agricultural industry (I’m not sure if this is Dr. Fuhrman’s intention with the book, but it certainly is a significant outcome.). Eat To Live is a book that throws its hands up and says, ‘Sorry folks- there is no overnight magic pill to lose weight and be healthy- it takes a lifetime commitment’; which is the thing we secretly always knew but were trying to avoid. Dr Fuhrman’s book offers a lifestyle plan, backed up by evidence and scientific studies, that guides you through how to have a slim and healthy life with rapid weight loss. It does not tell you how to lose weight in a gimmicky, unhealthy and unsustainable way. I am loving this book right now because it works with the truth, rather than trying to cheat its way to results.

eat, live, fuhrman, health, weight loss, slim, healthy, diet, fresh, vegan, organic

Click on the book cover for more information.

Which contains more protein, steak, soy, brocolli or chicken?

If you can’t answer that question correctly, and you want to become healthy and slim, then you should read this book. In some places, the book was hard for me to read because it exposed the truth about some foods that I love. Ok, we all know that fast/junk food makes a beeline to set up home on your hips and ass, but I was suprised to see that some foods that I thought were benefitting me, actually come at a high caloric price and contain zero nutrition. Dr Fuhrman doesn’t tell you to ban anything from your diet: he just tells you the facts and trusts that if you are serious about being slim and healthy, you will use your common sense to make up your own mind. I like that approach. Throughout the book, you are encouraged to eat huge portions of the right kinds of foods (makes a change from other diets!), and many objections and concerns that the reader might have are answered and patiently explained.

Eat To Live has been independently and scientifically verified as the most successful healthy eating plan for long-term and permanent weight loss…of all time. That is a pretty steep statement, but from reading the book, I can see why: because it’s the truth and nothing more!

This post has turned into a book review but it really was an eye-opening read and genuinely made me re-think my gastronomical choices. After reading it, I felt armed with the correct information to make the right choices for myself, and in my opinion, that is the crux of the appeal of Eat To Live. Education is something that is largely missing from how we pick our meals in the western world. We trust the stuff that is sold to us, we put our trust and hard earned money into companies without really thinking about it- we assume that someone else has done the work to regulate them: but no one has. Eat To Live will give you the confidence and information that you need to regulate and interrogate the supermarket for yourself- that is a very powerful tool for successful healthy eating.

After I was done sunbathing, I went to the supermarket all powered up, bought a load of organic and vegan food and made Gabe and I a delicious dinner.

Have you read Eat To Live? What did you think of it? Have you tried any other diets? If so, how much success did you have? What do you think about my point that information is missing from how we choose what we eat?- I’d be happy to read your thoughts in a comment.

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The Wednesday Market Munch!

Posted on July 25, 2013 by writerlauren

Wednesday July 24th 2013

For the purpose of this post, I ate at OB Farmer’s Market on Wednesday (hey, it’s a dirty job but someone’s gotta do it!) There were so many stalls at the market selling everthing from organic small-farm honey to traditional Brazilian cuisine. I was absolutely spoiled for choice. After circling the market three times, trying samples and nibbling tasters, I commited to these beauties for feeding my face…

‘Sweet Treats Without the Guilt!’ read the catchy and irresistible banner of the Olive Oil Cafe. Their stall – offering sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, vegetarian and vegan treats – was piled high with colourful and delicious-looking offerings. Having a sweet tooth, I was drawn like a moth to the flame. The chatty and energetic server let me try a little nibble of everything, explaining to me the different dietary subscribers that could eat each treat. I opted for smooth dark chocolate and peanut butter, carrot cake, and coconut butterscotch. At $10 for 3, I got myself a ‘sweet’ bargain.

sweet treats, cakes, biscuits, cookies, vegan, delicious, gluten free, wheat free

Peanut butter and chocolate, carrot cake and coconut butterscotch.

sweet treats, cake, tea, cookies, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, wheat free

Delightful…

sweet, vegan, vegetarian, handmade cakes

Cocoa nibs, pecan, butterscotch, coconut, gluten free, wheat free!

Although delicious, sweet treats aren’t enough to feed a hungry tourist! So in terms of a meal, I looked for something different. One stall had a line round the block (which, if Hodad’s is anything to go by, is a good sign!). I got in line for some African and Caribbean food. $8 bought me jerk chicken, rice and 2 sides. Nothing was labelled so to choose sides, I just pointed at whatever looked delicious. If I’m honest, the chicken was the least impressive part of the meal. The greens were delicious, al dente, well seasoned and slightly spicy. The red sauce complimented stewed eggplant that it surrounded, and contained all sorts of interesting spices including cinammon and star anise. I mixed this in with my rice and had my fill. I couldn’t finish the meal as the portion was so large, so Gabe polished it off for me.

jerk chicken, african, west indies, greens, street food

African, Caribbean and West Indies food.

After all that indulgence, I thought I’d better give my body a nutritious boost. Morning Star Ranch sold me the most delicious and fresh juice from their stand. The juice is hand juiced and bottled at the farm and contains kale, chard, spinach, apple juice and cucumber, amongst other things, and is absolutely delicious and nutritious. At $9 per bottle lasting 3 days, it works out much cheaper than the juice bar I’ve been visiting everyday- another bargain!

juice, juicing, health drink, healthy, nutrients

Health in a glass, full of nutrients. Tastes great, really lime-y! (By Morning Star Ranch)

What’s you’re favourite kind of food? Have you visited one of the worlds many Farmer’s Markets? What did you think? Do you juice? Feel free to comment, I’d love to read your recommendations!

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My Friend Vinnie

Posted on July 24, 2013 by writerlauren

Monday 22nd July 2013

Time is a funny old thing. The act of being re-united with someone reminds you just how long it’s been since you last saw them, yet as soon as you embrace them, it is as if no time has passed at all. That’s how it felt when I saw my friend Vinnie on Monday, for the first time in six years.

Vinnie and I met at the Angel Therapy Certification course in 2007. I was 21 and my mum had paid for us to attend the course in Laguna Beach, California, as a 21st birthday gift to me. By the first few days of the fortnight-long course, people had begun to gravitate towards others who were on their ‘wavelength’, who would become friends, who would share the experience together. Vinnie and his friend Andre, my mother, and I, gravitated towards each other. Out of 150 students on the course, there were only 10 men. My mum and I were lucky to become friends with the best of them.

In the six years since I met Vinnie, it never crossed my mind that we might, one day be re-united. My trip to California back in 2007 seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I often revisited my photographs and memories of the time that my mum and I spent with Vinnie.

friends, friendship, reunited, vacation, california

Vinnie, me, Mum in ’07.

He is one of the most generous and kindhearted people I have ever met, not just with material possessions, but in the way that he gives of himself. He is a person who listens rather than waiting for his turn to speak, he is a person who spontaneously thinks of ways to make the lives of others more pleasant, and he is someone who makes people feel that their thoughts and opinions matter- that they matter.

If you have someone like my friend Vinnie in your life, you are very lucky. If you are someone like my friend Vinnie then good job- you’re doing it right.

On Monday Vinnie came to the apartment at 9am to pick us up and take us for breakfast. He stepped out of the car, and in six years, he hadn’t changed a bit! We chatted about our time since ’07, discussing things both uplifting and saddening, personal and professional. Neither Gabe nor I drive and San Diego is huge, so Vinnie’s car was a welcome carriage that allowed us to venture outside of Ocean Beach (with air conditioning!).

After 45 minutes, we pulled up next to Kono’s– a famous breakfast spot at Pacific Beach, known for hot food, hot coffee, big portions and cheap prices. The lines are always round the block so if yu’re visiting, expect to wait, but it’s worth it! After standing in line and chatting, we ordered. I had the most delicious french toast that was all buttery, sugary and cinnamon-y with bacon and freshly squeezed OJ, and it was delightful. We sat at the open-air end of the restaurant and watched the most beautiful blue-eyed wolf-like dog drinking out of a tiny cup of water whilst her owner sat besde us and ate. We finished up, and headed back to the car and back to OB.

It was so great to catch up with Vinnie. Gabe and I agreed that he should definitely come and visit us in Glasgow in the near future.

We will see Vinnie again whilst we are here. There was talk of Disneyland California and a day trip to LA, so stay tuned for those adventures!

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My Ocean Beach Birthday.

Posted on July 22, 2013 by writerlauren

Sunday 21st July

Today is my birthday! I am 27 years old and could not be happier. I have a beautiful life and and a heart filled with gratitude. I woke up to a lovely birthday coffee…

coffee, birthday, morning, jammies, pyjamas

Birthday morning coffee! Literally just woke up, can you tell?

And an individual birthday cake…

My cute rainbow birthday cake!

Remember the antique silver cat ring I wanted? Well, I went into the store to buy it the other day and it had been sold to a crazy cat lady. *Sad Face*

…Turns out it was sold to Gabe, and the crazy cat lady is me! (Damn, antique dealers are good liars!)

I love unusual rings- Gabe got me every one I’d admired in the antique shop. Cat, fairies, more cats, comedy and tragedy.

Gabe took me for some Vietnamese…

pho, vietnamese, OB, Ocean Beach, food, cuisine

Eating pho at OB Noodle House- delicious.

Now I’m drinking bubbly and playing Angry Birds (how romantic!) The perfect end to a perfect birthday.

(At this time, I’d like to thank my mum for being so kind as to give birth to me 27 years ago today!)

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The Lines of Communication.

Posted on July 22, 2013 by writerlauren

Saturday 20th July 2013

Saturday was a great day. I spent most of the day looking for a phone so that I could contact various people within the states- it ain’t easy to come by a pay-as-you-go sim in Ocean Beach! After searching fruitlessly, I endeavored to use the payphone at the supermarket, which was broken and spitting my quarters back at me. I finally bit the bullet and made some calls from my UK mobile number- I’m sure I’ve created an astronomical bill for myself but hey-ho. No sooner had I put the phone down than my Scottish neighbour Graeme came down with the handset for his landline, offering to lend it to us for the duration of our stay (what a guy!).

I was delighted to speak to my friend Vinnie, who is native to California. I met Vinnie way back in 2007, when my mum and I did the Angel Therapy Practitioner course with Dr. Doreen Virtue. Vinnie was a big part of what made my ’07 visit to California so special, and I was delighted to talk to him, discovering that he has some free time to come and meet Gabe and I for breakfast in OB. I am very much looking forward to seeing him again.

After lunch, I had a meeting to attend at the Alexandra Institute which is a non-profit spiritual development/metaphysical centre and shop in San Diego. It has always been my thought that spirituality is a Universal language, and I was delighted to be invited by Alexandra, the centre’s president, to help out at their upcoming Annual Metaphysical Conference, after exchanging emails about my visit for several months. Although there is a bus that goes direct from the apartment to the Alexandra Institute, it was a beautiful day (of course!) so Gabe and I decided to walk. Being a Brit abroad, it was really bizarre walking by the side of roads that are considered motorways in the UK: even some town and residential streets have 4 lanes! We made the 2 mile walk safely, with Gabe making use of his internal sat-nav skills. The Alexandra Institute is a beautiful place and Alexandra is a bright and vibrant woman. We had a very productive meeting, and she accepted my offer to assist her at the conference. It has always been my dream to work for Spirit in the USA, so thank you Alexandra, for giving me the opportunity to make that dream a reality.

We walked the 2 miles back to OB, accompanied by the setting sun. We stopped, exhausted, for some wicked Mexican food at Nati’s, an award-winning restaurant near the apartment. I had a Margarita (had to be done, really!) and the Grande Tostada which was delicious, but once again, a portion too big for my tummy. Gabe had a tasting plate of fish tacos, enchiladas and fries, washed down by about a litre of cola after that long walk in the sun.

mexican, food, tostada, delicious, vacation, san diego

A mountain of lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, olives, cheese, spicy ground beef and a toasted tortilla. Nom Nom Nom!

enchiladas, fish taco, mexican, ocean beach

Gabriel and his Mexican mini-plates.

All in all, a successful and beautiful day.

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The Best Burger in the State of California (maybe even the world!).

Posted on July 20, 2013 by writerlauren

Friday 19th July 2013

Hodad: 50’s term for a greaser, someone who hung out at the beach, but definitely not a surfer. Hodads were into cars, music and were a type of counterculture style. These were NOT posers, as some of the other definitions had stated…Surfer’s and Hodad’s would be completely separate groups, that often clashed with each other. (UrbanDictionary.com)

Hodad’s is a serious burger joint. In L.A, you might queue for a Michelin starred restaurant- in OB, you wait for the perfect burger. Since we arrived on Monday, we have been desperate to get into the very inclusive club that is Hodad’s, (Gabe especially so, since the humble burger is his favourite meal) but every time we’ve passed by- be it morning, noon, or night- the queue has stretched to the end of the block and beyond. A constant queue is a sure sign that a restaurant is doing something right, but being hungry and busy tourists, Gabe and I were unwilling to wait in it. At noon on Friday, for the first time since we arrived, we caught a lucky break: the queue only stretched halfway down its block on Newport.

We waited in the queue for a few minutes before a 2-seat space became available at the bar. In the atmosphere of the restaurant, there seemed to be an unspoken knowingness between diners that there’s always someone waiting for their Hodad’s experience, so diners eat with speedy consideration: get in-get fed-get out, completely unprompted by the staff. We were greeted warmly by our tattooed and tanned server who furnished us with menus. The Hodad’s menu is simple, yet carries everything you could want in a burger shop. I opted for a single bacon cheeseburger with fries and pepsi, and Gabe went for a double cheeseburger with everything, fries and pepsi. We chatted for a brief time before this epic beast appeared before me…

hodads, burger, fries, food, calfornia, san diego

This is my Everest!

I stared at it for a few minutes thinking, ‘how am I going to get my face round this?!’ And after much psyching-up, the most effective approach, I found, is just to go for it. All I can say is that after trying a Hodad’s burger, the phrase ‘biting off more than you can chew’, takes on a whole new meaning.

The burger was delicious, just the right blend of freshness from the salad garnish, richness from the meat and creaminess from the cheese, all brought together on a bed of ketchup. From the first bite to the last, I channelled Batman’s Joker with my ketchup smile. Be warned: It is impossible to eat a Hodad’s without making a mess (ladies, leave the rockabilly red lipstick ’til after you’ve eaten!) but hey, the mess is part of the fun!

bacon, burger, cheeseburger, food, california, hodads

Bacon cheeseburger, and this is a small portion!

I finished every last bite of my burger and couldn’t even fathom my fries (neither could Gabe!) so we got them to go. Since we were done feeding our faces, we had an opportunity to look around the small restaurant. The quirky, skater/surfer Americana decor complimented the food, location and vibe perfectly.

Hodad’s decor.

We will definitely return to Hodad’s, the next time a space in the queue rolls around. I hear the chocolate shake is to die for, so that’s next on my hitlist. If you’re in the OB area, Hodad’s is a must for quick, filling, inexpensive, famous, delicious, calorific treats. I imagine this place cures a lot of hangovers! A word of advice: unless you have a big appetite (or a hangover!), order on the side of modesty, or be prepared for leftovers- travellers at the nearby hostel benefitted from our still-warm fries and bbq sauce.

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