Thursday, January 15, 2009

two oranges a day

I am excited about a little assignment I have given myself. I still haven't gotten my new year's resolutions together (I've pondered them but haven't consolidated my ideas yet), but it occurred it me on Monday, why not commit to eating two oranges and a veggie packet every day? The idea being that although I may not be in dieting mode just at the moment, what a boost to my nutrition and health it would be to add those things in on a regular basis. And you know what? I feel like a freaking million dollars when I eat those oranges.
We are lucky because we have several orange trees on our property. Ken takes good care of them, so the fruit is sweet and juicy and totally free of any chemicals. And highly "local" too, of course. One thing I've been taking a moment to notice when I eat them is that although I usually crave bready items as a snack, the oranges are way more satisfying than I anticipate. And more filling, too.
I still do eat my crackers, though. The oranges are an add-on. Another simple pleasure this week has been the discovery (a long time in coming) that I can carry my crackers to work in these little spice tins. I bought them to contain snacks for the boys (like Cheerios), and it never occurred to me that I could fit a square cracker in there. But they fit perfectly! And now that is one plastic snack bag saved every day.
Rainer update: he is off the TPN and he is eating more. Yay! He saw the doctor today, and although he has lost a little of the weight he gained on the TPN he's held on to most of it. It's a great pleasure to see him eat. I know a lot of you are praying for him, and I thank you so much. It is working!

We are going to leave both little boys with my parents Friday night and go see a movie to celebrate Ken's birthday. Hooray! We don't get out much. Happy weekend to all!

23 comments:

Shannon said...

Oh! How nice to have your OWN oranges to munch on, that sounds like a very worthy goal. I do love those little cuties you can get at the store. And YAY for progress with Rainer and a date night!

Tia said...

Just wanted you to know I have been reading for a month or so now. Found your blog from the Toby Show. Wish I had fresh oranges in my backyard! I have 2 feet of snow. Bah! Love your blog and the way you live your life!

Amy said...

It must be so nice to just go outside and pick your own oranges! We had an apple tree in our neighbors yard as a child and it bordered our property...it was my job to pick the spoiled apples up off the ground every year...I hated that stinkin tree! Now- If it had been our tree to love and take care of it would havebeen totally different!
Have fun on your date night! Those are soo very important for moms and dads to have!

Anonymous said...

happy weekend and happy birthday to ken. enjoy your time together (and your oranges!) And a big, big high five to rainer!

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful that Rainer's feeling good and that you and Ken can get some time for yourselves!

taisa said...

Mmm, oranges from your own tree! And great to hear Rainer is eating and doing well.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea using the small spice tins for snacks! We don't use any plastic for food in our house-so we use the small glass pyrex containers and jars for snacks. I like your idea better because they're not as fragile!

daniela said...

good to hear that rainer is feeling better!
enjoy your night off!

dreamingmama said...

Awesome news!!!! Have fun on date night!

Meg said...

How nice--from home-grown oranges to Rainer's feeling better to date night! Enjoy!

estrellazul said...

You know the camu-camu ? The Camu camu provides approximately 60 times more vitamin C than the orange, it's used as a nutritional supplement due to its action of avoiding the oxidation of cells and increasing the defenses of the organism. Is also an antibacterial and stimulates the immune system. It's a small groving plant found throughout the Amazon Rainforest of PerĂº. And GO RAINER. GO !!

Deirdre said...

Great post. Do you remember where you found the cool spice containers? Would love those for the baby's backpack (looks like the crackers might actually not get smashed).

So happy to hear your boy is healing---enjoy your movie!

Anne said...

I never thought of oranges as *beautiful* before I read this post!

Shannon said...

Do they taste like candy?

Love,
Shannon Wakeman

secret cake said...

Good for you! I've been trying hard to eat breakfast every day since apparently a latte doesn't count as a balanced meal! I wanted to let you know I've been so inspired by your posts that one of my New Year's resolutions is to make one blanket for Project Linus each month (if the CPSIA doesn't thwart my plans!)
Take care.

Gift of Green said...

Happy Birthday, Ken!!!!!!

And those oranges. Oh my!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful to hear Rainer is feeling good. It must be so fabulous to see him enjoying food again, bless him.

The oranges look lovely. Hope you enjoyed your night outX

Anonymous said...

Those oranges look sooo yummy.
Glad to hear your little one is doing better. I'm a new reader to your blog and enjoying looking through your posts. My prayers for his continued health.

Rachael said...

Love the oranges! We also have an orange tree (and a mandarin, 2 lemons and a lime). Sadly the 'bronze-orange beetle' has really hit the orange hard this year so I am not sure if we will get anything. I need to take more care of the poor thing... As we are also 'organic', I am unable to kill all the nasties. We pick of the beetles by hand and as they spray a caustic, stinking substance, you have to wear double gloves, mask and long sleeves! The things we do...

And so pleased R is doining well - such a tough little lad.

xxx

Mary Beth said...

Deirdra--they're from Crate & Barrel, but sadly, I can't find them on the website anymore. I wonder if they'll bring them back as more and more people try to reduce their use of plastics . . .

Philigry said...

have a great date!

Gretchen said...

What a great goal to keep for the new year. And I'm totally jealous of the orange trees...love that!

Anonymous said...

Great idea!! And I love the veggie packs, too. I can't help but wonder about all those little plastic bags. Have you ever heard of Happy Sacks (www.happy-sacks.com)? They are reusable and come in cute designs for boys and girls and adults. You can throw them in the dishwasher or hand wash them. I don't sell these - just an avid fan.