In one of the

several articles I skimmed over to learn about the Mediterranean Diet, I read that it's also about your lifestyle. Not just like exercise, but like doing and enjoying all the things. I read that I should get out more. Here's the thing, when I think of the Mediterranean, I think of outdoor dining. It probably has nothing to do with anything, but I do enjoy it. That's my excuse and I'm doing it. Every chance I get, I'm outside eating, taking a break, or even on the computer. Really, I should be out there right now but I've got somewhere to be this morning. (A school event. How's that for getting out and doing?) If I didn't have to leave soon, I'd be out there right now typing this and eating some toast. 

Maggie enjoys the scraps company, too.

Speaking of, here's an update on the einkorn bread. It makes good toast, but it makes really good cinnamon toast.

Oops! My alarm to get ready and low battery notification went off at the same time. Better go charge so that I can use this thing outside when I get back. 

Living that lifestyle, y'all. 😁

(At least how I have it pictured in my head)

I'm not 100%

in the Mediterranean Diet groove yet. You know what's better than nothing? Baby steps. I wouldn't even say I'm taking baby steps. Let's go with preteen steps. For example, several times I've had a snack of nuts, grapes, and a little cheese. I've been making more choices like that. Today's lunch was along those lines. 

I made chicken salad yesterday and since all the bread was white, I used some new crackers I found. Beet and seed. 

Are they better for me than white bread or white crackers? I don't know, but it kind of felt like it. Now, let's talk about that chicken salad. (Yes, I know that chicken isn't on the top of the list for the Mediterranean Diet... Like I said, preteen steps.) I normally make it with chicken, mayo, celery, salt, and pepper. The other day I picked up a jar of Hellman's with olive oil. I'd never tried it, but I figured that using it without even sampling in almost a pound of chicken was a good idea. You know what? It is not the same. It tastes fine, I guess, but it really threw me off in chicken salad. It does not taste the same as plain mayo. I added more salt. I added apples. I didn't know what else to do so I gave up and put it in the refrigerator. Maybe being chilled helped. Maybe the crackers helped.

I also decided that this afternoon was the perfect time to try my hand at a loaf of einkorn bread. I used this recipe. I think my flour being all-purpose might've made a difference. While I do like the bread, the dough was pretty sticky. And looking back to link the recipe, I see that I actually made the wrong one. Oh, well. Live and learn. All that said, here's my loaf.

I'm happy with it. Maybe it'll be good with my latest batch of chicken salad. Maybe it'll be good in the morning as cinnamon toast. PRETEEN STEPS.

Things took a turn with

the bread making. I went to the doctor and she saw signs of inflammation and tested me for it. For that reason, I bought some einkorn flour to try. Let me back up a little. I freaked out and went into full panic mode and started researching. Things happen and I'm not young, I get it, but I don't want to be stuck on medication if I can help it. I'm not good at it. I get sidetracked and miss days. I'd like to try to get my body evened out naturally - if it's an option. In my research, I found that the Mediterranean Diet is best for inflammation. While I say that I'm trying it, that's exactly it. I'm trying. It's hard to stick with something when people around you are doing things differently. I'm trying to do better. I'm adding more things that are in agreement with the Mediterranean Diet to my meals. I'm eating more leafy greens. I'm eating more broccoli. I'm also cutting back on other things. What sucks is that there are so many things on the Mediterranean Diet that I hate. I'm trying. I'm really trying. That brings me back to einkorn flour. It's supposed to be the best, most natural, and really good for your gut. I haven't made any yet, but right about the time all this happened, a cupcake shop posted that she is now carrying einkorn sourdough. (Is that a sign or what?) I bought some and am liking it. So, soon I will try baking a regular loaf.

I've also started drinking a lot of water. I still have a Coke daily, but sometimes I skip and sometimes I don't finish. I haven't had any Diet Dr Pepper. I just figured I'd stick to water. I'll have tea here and there, but it's mainly a coffee in the morning, water, an afternoon Coke, and then water. Fun, fun.

In addition to dietary changes, I'm still researching. I already take so many vitamins and supplements and now I've just added a few. Turmeric, anyone? I went for acupuncture. He recommended the Blood Type Diet. Guess what is considered best for me. Basically, the Mediterranean Diet. In better news, it's also suggested that different blood types require different forms of exercise. Who knew? Not me. So instead of cardio and all that rough stuff, I'm better off with yoga and pilates. I guess that's a win.

Now that I've sat here and typed while I finish my oatmeal, einkorn toast, and water, I guess it's time to load up on my vitamins. 

In related news, I bought something. 

I'm going to blame it on The White Lotus, season three. Victoria Ratliff's resort wear is everywhere. I bought it because I thought it would be great for wearing around the pool. I did not buy it because I'm in my Mrs. Roper era. Besides, she was younger than I am now...