Tomatoes: Fruit or Vegetable?

So, I'm watching "Top Chef" and the chefs' challenge is to create a healthy school lunch.  In defending their menu, a chef stated that his team added tomatoes to the sandwich for more vegetables.  A judge responded that they added a fruit, not a vegetable.  So, I was curious what mypyramid would say.  Here's the scoop...

"Hey, USDA, tomatoes are fruits not vegetables! Why does MyPyramid include them in the Vegetable Group?

Oh yes, tomatoes are fruits – botanically speaking. But so are eggplants, cucumbers, green peppers, and several others which you'd hardly expect. The botanical definition of a fruit has to do with its seeds. In MyPyramid, as was done in the Food Guide Pyramid, USDA groups foods according to how they are used in meals rather than their botanical definitions. Tomatoes are commonly eaten as vegetables as parts of salads, sandwiches, sauces, and so are in the Vegetable Group. For more on the tomato, click here."

via MyPyramid.gov - United States Department of Agriculture - Tips & Resources.

In defense of my vice: Coca-Cola

Keep in mind, I am an Exercise Scientist, not a Nutritionist,,,

Coca-Cola

I am a Coke fanatic. As in the real thing. No diet. No, Pepsi is not OK. Don't try to substitute in secret... I can smell the difference.

I've loved Coke for as long as I can remember. My current mode of choice is in Sonic form... usually Large during Happy Hour which still comes in under $1... barely. In my hometown of Ruston, Louisiana, I prefer my Coke in Icee form, either from Citgo U Pak It on Tech Drive (formerly Handee Mart) or Ken's Mini Mart on the Choudrant exit.

It is difficult to defend my vice. However, if I am forced to, I will justify it as an sports drink... sugar for energy, caffeine for performance enhancement, water for hydration.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Happy 4th! Celebrate Freedom!

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting someone from another country who, in his native land, does not have the most basic religious freedom. I wish I could share more of the story, because it is almost impossible for someone from the west to believe. As a believer in the United States, I am aware that religious oppression exists, but this awareness is more of an intellectual acknowledgment rather than a real understanding. In speaking with this person, I had a brief glimpse into the real sacrifices that people make each day to follow Christ. This willingness to lay everything down... home, work, family, even life itself... is something that most of us will never know. Yet, with this sacrifice and the normal human emotions of fear and loss, I sensed a great joy and resolve, a freedom in Christ.

Believers everywhere are called into freedom, a new life given to us. So, why do I too often live in this freedom as if I am burdened?  Why do we treat our walk as an obligation rather than as a celebration?

This Independence Day, we should celebrate the freedoms that this day causes us to remember. As Americans, our freedom has been bought with the blood of men and women who have given all. I am thankful for my grandparents who, throughout my life, shared glimpses of the commitment of the greatest generation and their service to God, country, and family.

As Christians, our freedom has been bought with the blood of Christ. I am thankful for my recent conversation that showed me this truth in a new light.

"My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace"

Hello blog world… ready or not, here I come!

So, I've thought about doing a blog for a while now, but I always seemed to put it off for one reason or another.  There isn't anything special about today (in a blog sense), although it is Father's Day.  This blog is mainly for me... for accountability in my passion areas (faith, family and fitness) and to document life's journey as a believer, wife, mom, friend, teacher, scientist, and physical activity advocate.  I hope that there are things that I can share along the way that may be useful, entertaining, or otherwise interesting to those that may happen upon my posts.

Blessings,

Heather