―Michael Pollan,
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
Here’s what I think about corn, in general.
At just the right time of year, it’s delicious.
Just like anything else, it’s fine in moderation; ideally should be organically grown and as unprocessed as possible.
The problem is when you get into the fact that corn is in EVERYTHING, and in a form that I don’t think our body processes in an ideal manner.
I’m not a doctor, nutritionist or biologist; this is just my own theory, but:
We evolved over time to eat food, and that food works together in a synergy that allows us to maximize energy and nutrients. We also evolved over time to accomodate the change of seasons: feast and famine, busy active times and cold-weather hunkering-down times.
When we start eating all this processed junk, fillers and simple sugars, our bodies hold on all those extra calories in anticipation of the famine times a’coming. In this refined form, it’s easier to take on the calories and the weight, and it tricks our system into believing it needs to hang onto those calories and the weight for the inevitable time of famine. So easier to gain weight + harder to burn calories.
Again, I’m no expert but it seems like common sense to me.
In any case, I was sent this infographic about Big Bad Corn, highlighting hazards that go beyond our waistlines. What do you think? Do we as a nation rely too heavily on corn? Have you tried to cut back on corn in your diet?
Soy un perdedor I’m a loser baby, so why don’t you kill me?
-Beck, “Loser”
On Friday I ran an evening 5K with some of my Philly Social Media Moms (from left, that’s Stephanie, Jo-Lynne, Whitney, Heather, Barbara and yours truly).
photo credit on both goes to Jo-Lynne
Now, I kinda fell off the running wagon during the heat of summer. I was super busy between work and the kids being home, and also, it was freaking hot and humid and I just didn’t wanna. I’ll admit it.
I pulled myself together mid-August and I’ve been running pretty consistently since then, but very low-pressure. I backtracked to maybe week 4 of Couch to 5K and have been running the intervals as instructed.
I still don’t love running, but I was getting out there and doing the work and I was OK with that.
A few weeks ago Jo-Lynne let us know she was running the West Chester STOMPS Cancer 5K and wanted to know who else was in. I figured, I’d be running Friday anyway… why not run with friends and do it for charity (funds go to help pay the bills of families battling cancer). Again, no pressure, just was planning to go and get ‘er done and maybe have a drink and a little adult conversation for my sanity. It had been a rough week.
Then another friend, Kat, happened to resurrect the photo of me and Jake after the YMCA 5K…
…which had my time on it. 31:27.
OK. So now, I’m feeling a little pressure. I kinda feel I should beat that time.
Did I?
HA. No. Not even close. I ran 33:11.
What the what? I ran 3.3 miles earlier that week in 35 minutes, and that factors in 10 minutes of walking (warmup/cooldown).
I don’t know how it happened, really. My GPS app didn’t start at the starting line like I would have liked it to, and I didn’t notice until I first slowed to a walk. I started it then, and it tracked 2.01 miles to the finish at 20:48. A pace of 10:24/mile.
Which means, the first mile that I ran straight was a minute slower than the back two miles where I ran/walked (I think I walked 4 times: at the first hill; once after hitting the midway mark at 15:12 and realizing there was no water station, once when I realized I’d hit 31 minutes and wasn’t going to match my old time, and when I hit that hill again).
Or maybe it means that the GPS on my phone is wonky and my logged runs haven’t been quite as long as I thought they were.
I was pretty bummed.
And then I got kinda mad.
Once I saw the finish line, I powered up the last hill. I went fast. I had plenty left in me. I could have run harder.
Take a look at the spots where I walked. That’s all mental, kids. I gave myself permission to take breaks. I could have kept running.
That first mile I took it way easy. I was trying to save something for the end, but I didn’t use it. I could have run faster.
It doesn’t matter a whole lot as the rest of my ladies smoked me, but that part doesn’t bother me. I was only racing against myself, but dude, I totally lost.
(It didn’t help that Jeff very helpfully pointed out that he could walk a 5K in 35 minutes.)
It’s worth pointing out that the Y course was flat and fast, while this one had some hills. Doesn’t matter, though. It all boils down to the fact that I got in my own way. I didn’t come close to giving it my all.
The upshot is that I’m now training towards something. When I run now, I’m working to get faster. Stronger. I’ll pay closer attention to things like pacing. I’m buying myself a GPS watch for my birthday (a week from today!) so I’ll have more accurate data to work with.
I’ve been running because I felt like I should. I don’t love it. I was just aware that I needed to do this, for my health, to set a good example for my kids.
Now I’m running because I want to. I don’t want to run, understand. I want to run harder, faster, longer.
I want to win the race against myself.
That’s what they call motivation, friends. I gots it now.
It’s on. Like Donkey Kong.
Wish me luck.
Random postscripts:
Yes, I pulled my hair back before the run. I’m not crazy, I’m just drawn that way.
I’m a loser, but I think I looked kinda fly in my Mizuno Wave Creations, MPG PAX tank top and capri skirt, which doesn’t seem to be available right now. More on the clothes and the kicks, which were provided to me by Mizuno and Mondetta, on Friday.
Should soccer-scheduling and husband-understanding cooperate, the plan is to run again October 13th in another YMCA run at Lums Pond.
True life is lived when tiny changes occur. ― Leo Tolstoy
Some stuff you should know about cotton.
Cotton is considered our “dirtiest” crop, due to its heavy use of insecticides. More is used on cotton than any other crop.
5 out of the 9 top pesticides used on cotton are known cancer-causing agents.
It’s estimated that less than 25% of crop duster pesticides actually reach the crop. The rest just drifts on the air, settling wherever it pleases.
Pesticides actually only work for so long before the pests develop an immunity and we have to use a stronger one. They can be used before determining if they’re cancer causing, by the way. And once that has been determined, it can take years to get it off the market.
Switching to organic cotton is a no-brainer, dramatic way to make a difference today. The more organic cotton grows in demand, the more farmers will compensate to meet that demand, and the more pesticides we keep out of our air, our water, our earth. And, oh yeah, off our skin.
Remember, if it’s not organic, more chemicals are being added at pretty much every stage of production until the clothing hits store shelves. Given that we don’t know how those chemicals will react with each other immediately, or over time as they degrade, and that we’re wearing this stuff next to our skin— it’s worth thinking about.
PACT is an awesome company not only affecting change by their non-use of chemicals, but in that a portion of purchase profits supports social change.
Change your underwear to PACT’s Fall 2012 plaid?
A portion of your PACT purchase will help families with dependent children who are sleeping on the street or in their cars escape the cycle of multigenerational homelessness.
Switch to PACT’s awesome socks?
From seed to table, SFC creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system. Through organic food gardening, relationships with area farmers, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, children and adults have increased access to locally grown food and are empowered to improve the long-term health of Central Texans and our environment. PACT is supporting 6 weeks of cooking and education classes for low-income families.
Of course, you’re paying more for these options than you are for your typical Target socks and underoos (price wise, they’re comparable to American Apparel or Urban Outfitters, I think. Based on my former purchases at those stores).
Environmental and social imPACT aside, is it worth the Benjamins?
Short answer is YES, because cheap clothing is a burden on our world in many ways. Also, check out their clearance sale. And they appear to be running a 40% off sale until October 3rd. If I were you I’d check that nonsense out.
Long (and more fun) answer:
PACT sent me some of the Fall 2012 line to try out.
Dude, I LOVE funky socks. And I am totally willing to pay a premium for socks that last. For many years, we did a Christmas exchange where you drew one person’s name and spent $20, and all I ever wanted was a pair of $20 socks. Yeah, I’m that person.
These socks are super soft, they are thick and I don’t notice the seams. (Oh yeah, I’m also weird about seams.) Based on my expert knowledge of socks— no, I’m not joking— these will hold their shape for a good long time.
They also look saucy with my plaid wingtip Doc Martens.
Socked feet. Saint Bernard feet.
I ask you, what’s more fun than sassypants and complicated shoes? Well, maybe dresses with pockets, and outfits that cause both your husband and oldest son to groan, “WHAT are you WEARING?!”
I once had a somewhat expensive Ann Taylor plum sweater dress that would have been mind-blowing with these leggings. I wore it once and it disappeared. Where it went is a huge family controversy that I won’t reopen here but I TOTALLY KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO IT AND IT AIN’T COOL.
Ahem. The leggings are awesome, y’all. Super soft and again, a good fabric memory. This is an ongoing issue for me as usually leggings start to stretch and sag and fall down after a day of wear; that didn’t happen with these.
If you’re concerned about pulling off pants this sassy, they also currently come in solid navy and wine 🙂
The underwear is similarly high quality and soft, and (I think) flattering. Basically, all I ask of my underwear is that I not notice it while I’m wearing it, and these do that job well.
I will spare you a photo of me sporting them. Here is a shapely model instead. You’re welcome.
In addition to socks, leggings and underwear, PACT carries V neck and rounded neck tees, and tank tops for the ladies.
I don’t know whether it’s the fact that they aren’t covered in chemicals, or whether they’re made with higher quality cotton, or what, but I always find organic cotton clothing to be crazy soft and the colors just more appealing somehow. I honestly don’t think it’s some sort of mental rose-colored glasses. They genuinely feel better against my skin.
You know I’m always asking you to vote with your dollar. This is a company worth supporting; not only because their products tread gently, but because they are striving to do good. That means something.
…with every purchase, you help PACT make a positive change in our world. Each season, PACT designs a new collection of clothing inspired by someone doing something good: whether it’s about clean water, sustainable food, or affordable housing— we stick to the basics. We invest in projects that create independence. We are solution-oriented. Optimistic. Community-based. And we make great underwear along the way. Our line of high quality, great value clothing is growing but it’s still the essentials–underwear, socks, graphic tees, with more to come. No matter what PACT does, we always stay true to our basic principles. Good design. Good fabric. Good cause.
Keep PACT in mind as we swing into the holiday shopping season (don’t worry, I’ll remind you). I suggest liking them on the Facebook or following @wearpact on the Twitters so you can keep abreast of future promotions and deals.
Do good by your dollar. Feel good (on many levels).
This photo provided by PACT, probably to discourage me
from posting pics of myself in my underwear.
Hey! He’s wearing Docs too!
Disclosure: I was provided with the pictured PACT products for review purposes. All opinions as always entirely my own.
