I still use a Blackberry. Enough said?
 
Do not judge me. I love my old phone for two reasons. One, because it shares its name with my favorite berry, and two, every morning my phone stares back at me like an adopted twenty year old dog. The screen has more scratches than a Run DMC record, and the numbers are worn like the handle of my ping-pong paddle. The battery is held in place by a tiny piece of cardboard, and every time I set the phone down it seems to re-boot itself.

Some think that it is time for an upgrade. However, my mobile provider thinks otherwise. So while everyone, including infants, save the world using their 4G network, I will continue to use my Blackberry to prop open the back door, allowing the air of spring to drift in and settle gently next to me. Can your phone do that?
 
Are you wondering how cell phones relate to Interstitial Cystitis? Until yesterday, I figured the two were as far apart as Tim Tebow and Lindsey Lohan. But after reading how Jill Osborne and her amazing team at the Interstitial Cystitis Network have created the first IC Food List APP through the iTunes App store, I realized they were meant to be. I mean seriously, who else would you send to give Lindsey a motivational speech other than Tebow? It makes sense, right?
 
The Interstitial Cystitis Network has designed this iPhone and iPad application to add convenience to an otherwise inconvenient situation. Whether you are at the grocery store, a restaurant, or watching food television programs, the mobile ICN Food List helps you research ingredients instantly, allowing you to determine the possibility of flares. In addition, for the first time ever, wine, beer, and spirits are also included in the list. The ICN Food List is extremely affordable at a one-time purchase of .99 cents. WARNING! Dollar stores do not carry this product.
 
I usually do not endorse products. But this idea is perfect. I wonder why I did not think of it. Maybe my Blackberry should be used to prop open other doors, perhaps my brain? There is still eleven months and thirteen days before my cell phone provider will allow me to upgrade. Nevertheless, for those of you using an iPhone or iPad time is officially a wasting!

Around this time, every year millions confront themselves in front of the mirror, and it usually results in a New Years resolution. No, I am not talking about spending more time with the In-Laws, or actually taking that trip to Mt. Rushmore, but I am talking about losing weight. Let us face it, the need to lose weight tops the list for a lot of us. Regardless of what your Body Mass Index (BMI) is, we all notice things about our bodies that we would like to change. My apologies for not being a surgeon, however, my expertise, as a chef will help us discover the best way to lose weight and keep it off.

To calculate your BMI, which gauges whether or not you are overweight, plug your information into this formula:

(Weight in Pounds x 703) / (Height in Inches) / (Height in Inches) = BMI

For example, a 5’10" person weighing 200 pounds would have a BMI of 28.69. People with a BMI at 25 or above are considered overweight. Above 30 and you run the risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. A BMI over 40 indicates that a person is morbidly obese.

Our need to lose weight should be based on either medical recommendation or our own. If we attempt to lose weight for any other reason, we will quickly gain the weight back and find the possibilities too daunting. Dedication and preparation are the only keys to our success. The absolute best way to lose weight is to consume as many calories as your age and exercise commitment allows. Did you know that Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps ate 12,000 calories a day when training? That is right. 12,000 calories WHEN TRAINING. That amount drops dramatically to 3,500 when he is not training. That means, if you want to lose weight move your feet. The more you move your feet, the more calories you can consume. If you want to train like Michael Phelps, then you too can eat three fried egg sandwiches, three pieces of French toast, and three chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, everyday.

To find out how many calories you should eat and a complete list of foods listing their calories per serving visit Calorieking.com.

My Food Style is once again celebrating the feast of all feasts, Thanksgiving! This time of year millions put down their diet plans and meal replacement shakes and takes hold of turkey legs and rich creamy gravy. This is not the time for you to worry about calories, and certainly not the time to worry about Interstitial Cystitis.

It has always been my goal to bring flavor to your food style. However, during this time of year, I truly want to recreate the nostalgia we all love to share. What would Thanksgiving be like if we had to cut out the classics dishes that are grandmothers so perfectly prepared? I went over last year’s menu, keeping turkey and adding chicken. However, I wanted to add some more exciting flavors and unique textures. You will find bulgur wheat and cherries highlight the menu. I included a new recipe for the turkey, which emphasizes crispy skin and juicy meat.

While the dishes may seem a bit whimsical, keep in mind, I create each one with your pallet and skill sets in mind. Thanksgiving Day can be stressful. With tons of food cooking simultaneously with in laws spilling drinks on your couch, I twisted the menu to alleviate the anxiety of this celebration. You will cook like a champion, and eat like a king.  

One of the first blogs I ever wrote was last years Thanksgiving: We are all Pilgrims blog. This year I keep it simple. Enjoy the menu and enjoy the free recipes. Most of all enjoy the family and have a Happy Thanksgiving!