Back in August I was really concerned about how starting work full time for the first time in 9 yrs was going to affect my life (re. working out and eating clean while staying sane) so I decided to quit drinking.
I know! Stupid idea eh?
I was thinking that as I was entering probably the most stressful time of my life, I thought attacking it sober was probably a good idea.
I used to love drinking. I loved the “adult” feel of drinking a glass of wine with dinner. I loved a cold beer on a summer’s night. I loved frozen pína colada served in a pineapple with a tiny umbrella. I loved jello shooters at the annual Halloween party (well I loved the shooters that night… next morning not so much!). Basically, I really did love drinking.
I quit drinking once before (well and 2 pregnancies so three times…). When I first began working with my nutritionist- her first requirement was that I quit drinking. I didn’t drink one drop of alcohol from January 27 until my fortieth birthday in April. 4 months of no alcohol! I did it! I was really focused at that time on losing weight so I found it really easy to stop the booze. This time was different.
This time, the no drinking thing was at first entirely based on discipline. I am not really focused on trying to lose weight at this time. I am super focused on increasing my fitness level though. My sole goal was to eat clean and focus on exercise and my new job. I set a goal to eat clean and not drink alcohol for the first 6 weeks of school (which conveniently brought me to Thanksgiving weekend). My awesome hubby committed to the plan too!
Sometimes during this temperance time, I found this super easy! Sometimes, it sucked!
As the weeks went on, something started to change. I began to miss alcohol less and less. I started to love that feeling of waking up each morning feeling energetic and clear headed. I loved being able to workout with maximum effort every time. I loved deep sleeps- uninterrupted by having to pee a million times because of the beer I had drank that night!
I think I be might becoming a “non-drinker”. I honestly can say this is the thing I personally find most shocking about my own clean eating transformation. I am living proof that anyone can change their lifestyle. I have changed and I am actually happy about it.
A year ago, I never would have predicted that I would maintain any of the changes I have made in my life.
Sometimes I can’t believe I’m still me– but I am still me- a me who works out, who eats clean, healthy food, who rarely drinks, who loves her life, who is happy.
I’m still me– just a little different.
I’m also still me who loves Lebanese food! Lebanese food is one of those meals that I definitely do not associate with alcohol. Sometimes, when I eat pasta I crave a glass of wine or hamburgers make me want a beer. Lebanese food makes me crave water- not sure why- maybe because it is already so healthy that I crave a healthy drink too?
Tonight for dinner I made one of my favourite all time meals! I made beef kafta which is a Lebanese beef patty loaded with parsley. I use my mother-in-law’s recipe but since our renovation is NEVER ENDING my cookbook is packed away I found this similar recipe on the internet: http://www.mamaslebanesekitchen.com/meats/grilled-kafta-kabob-recipe-kafta-mishwiyyeh/
You will need:
1.5 lbs ground beef, lean
2 large yellow or red onions finely minced (I use a cheese grater)
1/2 parsley bunch finely chopped
2 teaspoons of 7-spices (I used allspice)
1-2 teaspoons of salt (or to taste)

I usually put more parsley in, but my bunch was on the small size.
The kafta can be cooked on the BBQ or bake them in the oven.

You can serve them with the Fatoosh salad recipe you can find here: https://ichoosehappyblog.com/2014/07/19/bye-bye-pizza-night-make-your-own-shawarma-is-healthier-2/
You could also be adventurous and try this Kale Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad. I based the salad on my mother-in-law’s recipe but since it is packed away, I referred to this recipe http://food52.com/recipes/22792-kale-tabbouleh
You will need:
1bunch curly parsley (or 2 if the bunch is small)
1/2 bunch curly kale
1pint grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
2 persian cucumbers or 1/2 english cucumber, diced
1shallot, finely diced
1/4 cup quinoa
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup good extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste

Next time, I would want to chop my kale finer, possibly putting it in the food processor.

Choose happy 🙂