Penn State is a University, a family, a culture, that is embedded in tradition. A living part of that tradition was the one and only Coach Joe Paterno. For those who are not Penn Staters, or college football fans, you may not understand the ‘hype’ around the legend; allow me this opportunity to enlighten you.

Joe Paterno was more than a football coach and an athletic legend. Joe was a great philanthropist, he and his wife Sue (often referred to as SuePa) valued Penn State University as a fine academic institution and raised more than $13 million dollars to expand the library now known as Patee and Paterno library. (Patee was the writer of Penn State’s alma mater). Joe also led his football players into academic excellence graduating 80% of his players in 4 years (the highest graduation record among college football programs). Joe supported Penn State’s Dance Marathon quoting “I wish the whole world could see and feel what is in this room right now…I’ve been here for 58 years at Penn State and I’ve never been more proud, than I am right now.” 

Joe instilled a sense of tradition for students and alumni. His “old school” appearance became a way of life on Saturdays during the fall: cuffed pants, black shoes, big glasses and his tie. For the players, embracing tradition meant “Straight blues, black shoes. No names on the back of the Jerseys.”

I had the great pleasure of meeting Coach Paterno my senior year at a dinner honoring money donors to the University. As Joe made his ‘rounds’ to the tables to thank everyone, he approached my table. I stood and said how excited I was to meet him. He smiled, put his hand on my shoulder and said  “Thank you sweetheart”, but my favorite part was what followed. An older gentleman (he was in his 70’s) stood up next to me and said “Hey Joe, how about you put me on your defensive line!” Joe laughed and responded, “Sit the hell down! You’re too damn old!” And they laughed together as he continued to move through the crowd.

As with many Penn Staters, Joe and his family are apart of not just one memory, but thousands. He helped the young to respect tradition (when so many at that age only want to rebel against it), he taught his fans and players “Success with Honor” that I can only hope will be continued on and off the field at Penn State.

Being a part of Penn State is being a part of a family, and the passing of Joe Paterno, is like the loss of the university’s father/grandfather. It feels personal and heartbreaking, but as a community, Penn Staters will rise again. Joe would stand for nothing less.  

Rest in Peace Joe Paterno, you were more than a football coach, you made Penn State a better place. 

There is really nothing better than a cleaned-up apartment. Well maybe one thing, what about a cleaned-up diet?  I feel the need to preface what I am about to tell you is not a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ and for me it is certainly not a ‘diet’.  For me diet = restrictions= disappointment and failure.

Towards the end of 2011 the BF had been talking about losing a few lbs and getting back to his ‘fighting weight’ (my words not his). After doing some extensive reading and research he began to contemplate the idea of going primal with his diet,  I’m not talking full on caveman eating (lets be real, cave men didn’t have bacon and that would be a travesty to let that food group go). For him going primal has meant eating foods that don’t cause a spike in glucose (i.e. breads, pasta, rice, grains) and instead focusing his meals on all natural, organic and non-processed foods (i.e. nuts, fruits, veggies, meat and occasionally cheese).

Lucky for him, he has dropped about 15 pounds and feels great. His energy levels have sky-rocketed and his determination for healthy living is in overdrive. After talking with him about this new lifestyle in great length (I wasn’t about to give up cheese or the idea I’ll never eat a bagel again) I decided to give these style of eating a try, in moderation, allowing myself grains in infrequent small doses.

I will admit the change has not been one I have adapted to easily and with open arms. I love bread and butter, bagels and my favorite snack was pretzels and diet coke, but after reading The Primal Blueprint and giving the adaptation a few weeks, I’m happy to say I’m making the migration to natural eating and feel better.  That’s not to say I don’t enjoy grains from time to time (I had a handful or two of chips at my girls night last night- I can’t say no to chips and salsa) but I’m not revolving my meals around grains and processed foods like I was before.

Here’s an example of my daily eats:

Breakfast can include an omelet with veggies and cheese (I use 2 egg whites and 1 full egg):

Or if I’m on the go, a green monster smoothie (a frozen banana, 2 handfuls of spinach, almond milk, almond butter and chocolate protein powder)

Lunch consists of more meat (chili with chicken sausage, peppers, onions and carrots)

And dinner ranges (I get home between 8-9 pm) from a salad, to roasted chicken sausage with sweet potatoes etc.

You’re probably thinking : “That is crazy”, “It’s unrealistic”, “Sounds like atkins”. I received all of that feedback and more. And I understand your concern. I had the same until I read Primal Blueprint and its really more about cutting out the additives and eating naturally. As I mentioned, I don’t plan to cut out everything fun. I still enjoy birthday cake for my family, or a special treat for girls night once a month. I simply choose to moderate the intake of ‘avoided foods’ and limit the frequency.

This lifestyle has also changed my workout routines, but that’s another post for tomorrow.

To learn more about the Primal Blueprint eating visit: www.marksdailyapple.com . You’ll be surprised about what you see. And get excited because the recipes on A Pinch of Ginger are about to get ‘real’.

Feel free to send me questions about this eating and lifestyle at apinchofginger@gmail.com