Pedometer Power

I have recently acquired a pedometer. This may seem like a mundane piece of information, but it is shaping up to be a pretty exciting purchase.

The goal: 10,000 steps per day.

The reality: Trying to beat my record of 15,573 steps from the weekend.

Who would have thought a pedometer could be so addicting? It’s a great way to get motivated!

Apparently, I have not changed much since grade school. I was the type of student who lived for stickers. Tell me that I need to get a certain number of stickers on my homework to get a prize… I would do extra credit out the wazoo. A great student pencil for doing well on a test, I was so there.

Now on my pedometer, I have a little animated person who lifts their digital arms in the international symbol of victory:

This, my friends, is all I need to make me want to reach the 10,000 step goal each day. I only have 8,254 steps? Let’s go for a walk Oliver! It might seem silly, but it works.

For lunch today, I needed some power foods to get me through the afternoon. Lentil soup from my co-worker definitely fit the bill for a hearty, stick to you ribs kind of meal.

Curry Lentil Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tbsp non-hydrogenated margarine
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp cumin powder or seed
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 6 cups water
• 1 cube vegetable bouillon
• 1 lb lentils

Directions:

1. Saute the onion and garlic in the oil and margarine in a saucepan until tender.
2. Add the spices and saute for one minute.
3. Add the water, bouillon, and lentils.
4. Cook until the lentils are tender. About one hour.

A side of garlic bread, and I definitely was ready to go on that extra-long walk in the afternoon. The soup was perfect. Nice and thick with lots of spices and onions. Great for a cold winter day!