Summer Updates

Sorry peeps. I have been ghosting you this summer and I am about to delete my insta for the summer. I want to be more present and focus on family, friends and a few special projects this summer. There are so many awesome recipes headed to the test kitchen but I just want to take a little break given how busy the summer already is (half way over wahhh).

Before I check out, I am going to give you a few updates:

I completed my first triathlon this past weekend.

I haven't completed a race since a full marathon in 2015. Growing up playing organized sports, I occasionally miss training and usually a race every few years satisfies that craving. Additionally, I was looking to diversify my workouts. I have now integrated swimming and biking in, which I know is far better for my joints than running.

Then, as I crossed the finish line I grabbed my puppy and then was asked to do an interview! I made the local news (#localceleb). This was the Tri for a Cure and together we raised close to $2 million for the Maine Cancer Foundation.

Training for marathons, triathlons or intense, lengthy competition of any kind is slightly more complex for someone with PKU. It unfortunately means that you shouldn't plan on losing any weight with this intense training, unless you want your levels to skyrocket. For three to five days prior to the race my caloric intake increases pretty significantly. The majority of calories I add in are formula, GMP-based calories. These keep me satisfied longer and are pretty much the best thing I can put in my body. Two nights before I even wake up in the middle of the night to drink my sphere and build combo (30 gm equivalent). Other than that it is healthy calories I add in... lots of fruits and as many veggies as my low phe diet can accommodate. The night before I load up on low pro pasta as well. Add in a few electrolyte drinks and you are good.

During the race I will often drink one of Cambrooke's Restore Lite. Generally, I would replace protein equivalents (i.e. drink formula) for anything more than a 13 mile run. When completing half marathons I have not drank formula during the race but still load up heavy on formula leading up to the race and thereafter.

We have also have been catching up with friends and family.

Isn't that exactly what summer is all about? [In my opinion] we live in one of the best places in the whole world and it is even more spectacular during the summer. I am lucky to love where I live.

Family has traveled to be with us in gorgeous New England to celebrate the fourth of July, my husband's birthday and this coming weekend our anniversary. We will travel to see family in Chicago and Seattle in the coming month. In the midst of all this, we will celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary July 18.

We have spent time in Newport with some of my husband's oldest friends, traveled to Maine to be there for one of my girlfriend's baby showers and also a wedding of a dear old friend in the White Mountains. It was in Newport that we discussed living for the moment and being present. As much as I love my connections with everyone in the PKU world I also cherish time spent face-to-face with loved ones. That is another reason I want to take this social media break.

We are decorating our house and working on landscaping.

My sister is helping me decorate the interior of our house and we are working with landscapers on the exterior. It is quite the process! This is mostly the reason for my relative silence on social media and blog posts. Recipe development has come second to sanding, refinishing furniture and sewing curtains. I can't wait to get it done so I can spend all my downtime cooking (just how I like it).

We have joined a farmShare.

My sister and brother in law split a farmShare with us. Every week I go and pick up a box of fresh veggies, fruits and even flowers. They have the most delicious kale, lettuce, herbs, berries, swiss chard, peas, squash, and my favorite is rhubarb. I am loving the rhubarb these days. I can make it go further by mixing fresh strawberries. Strawberries have a similar phe amount per gram to rhubarb so I count them both as rhubarb.

I hope you all can enjoy your summer and focus on what is most important. My goal is to fall rested with lots of new recipes to share with you all!

Cheers!

-JHO