Obsession, Passion, and Lust

Hello hello!  Today’s post has to do with obsession, passion, and lust, but before I go there, I want to share some serious and important information…

I got an email from my mom today with the subject line, “Ladies, let’s ask for this – please share.”  I had no clue what this email was about, but I’m glad she shared it with me.  The email was sent to my mom from a coworker who is a fan of The Dr. Oz Show.  She wants to spread the word about something she heard on the show – potential causes of thyroid cancer.  This was news to me, but thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in women.  Dr. Oz mentioned that this increase may possibly be related to dental x-rays and mammograms.  He showed the viewers an example of the dental apron that everyone has to wear when getting x-rays taken.  He then pointed out a little flap that can be lifted out and wrapped around the neck.  Most dentists/dental hygenists don’t bother using it, which is a shame.  But the next time you are getting your dental x-rays taken, please be sure the find this flap and use it!  Also, there is something called a thyroid guard that can be used during mammograms.  My mom’s coworker just recently went and got a mammogram, and she asked the technician for a thyroid guard.  And sure enough, there it was lying in a drawer.  When my mom’s co-worker asked why it wasn’t routinely used, the technician said, “I don’t know.  You have to ask for it.”  That makes no sense to me, but if/when you get mammograms, please ask for this small “tool/device” that could possibly save your life.

And please pass this tidbit of information on to your family and friends…thanks!

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Now, on to the obsession, passion, and lust….with Taco Bell that is!  What did you think I was talking about?!  I’ve only shared my love for TB once before on this blog, and that’s because I am slowing but surely phasing it out of my life.  I honestly haven’t had it in five or six months. 

Something you should know is that my family and most of my Indian friends share my love for TB.  We Indians love this “restaurant!”  In fact, I don’t think I’ve met an Indian that doesn’t like TB.   Growing up, Taco Bell was a weekly indulgence for us, and mexican pizzas and tostadas were our go to menu items.  So, as you know, I’m all for moderation and balance, but there was a time when I would eat it at least twice a week.  In fact, I partially blame my 17 pound weight gain in undergrad on my unhealthy obsession and the late night trips my friends and I would make to get our Taco Bell fix.  When I think back on how much I used to eat it, I am…well, disgusted!

I still get cravings for TB, but I just can’t go back to eating it so frequently.  What I can do is recreate some of my favorite menu items at home, and that is exactly what I did tonight!  Here you have my very own “healthified” mexican pizza…

“Healthified” Mexican Pizza
Yields 1 pizza

2 whole wheat tortillas crisped using this method
half a cup of vegetarian refried beans
2-3 tablespoons of water
garlic powder
chili powder
1/2 a cup picante sauce or salsa
1/4 cup of goat cheese
Your choice of toppings: avocado, tomato, onion, spinach, olives, etc.

Loosen up the beans by adding water and then microwave on high for about 45 seconds.  Add a couple of dashes of garlic and chili powder to the bean mixture and mix well.  Blend salsa in a food processor or small blender until smooth.  Spread one tortilla with bean mixture and blended salsa.  Place second tortilla on top and spread with remaining salsa .  Sprinkle goat cheese on the pizza and microwave for 45 seconds.  Top the pizza with your choice of toppings.  Today I opted for sweet onions, avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream. 

This really is as simple and easy as it sounds, people!!!  AND it was incredibly fresh, delicious, and filling!  My mexican pizza puts Taco Bell’s to shame, or at least that’s what I think!

What’s your favorite fast food?  Do you ever try to recreate healthy versions of it at home?