July 2008 Archives

My youngest daughter Sammy, who turns 8 this week, started tae kwon do lessons last month. It’s a great fit for my “warrior” daughter: she is one of those super-balanced, coordinated types, with a big need to take on life physically. To say she gets “a bang” out of life would be an understatement.

Watching her from the sidelines, I saw that the lessons were fast-paced, non-stop action, though the instructor also sneaked in a few words here and there on the higher ideals of the sport: self control, respect for others, perseverance, integrity, courtesy… I smiled, realizing that I’m not the only one sneaking in the good-for-you ingredients into a yummy-for-you deal. Seriously, though, I appreciated that my daughter was embracing a whole new level of ethics without the resistance a lecture at home or school would have triggered.

Three weeks ago, the instructor invited me into the class! Uh, wait a minute…I was comfortable watching my warrior girl, and letting this be her thing. Did I really want to join the action? But Sammy seemed happy to include me in, and before I knew it, I was throwing kicks and learning blocks with the rest of them. I'm not only getting into some of the best physical shape I've enjoyed in a long while, but Sammy and I have bonded in whole new way. I can't say enough good things about it. I’m also enjoying those little lectures on higher ideals. They slip right in.

I’m going to whip up some sneaky chef dish to commemorate this great experience–maybe Karate Kakes or something like that. With that name, I know Sammy will like them no matter what I put in them!  See you on the mats! 

Missy

From: Brian J.

Dear Sneaky Chef,

So I am always on the look for new flavored drinks.  Are there any other sneaky drinks that you know of?  I should also mention that I am lactose intolerant.  I can take a dariy aid pill that contains the lactase enzyme so that I can digest the dairy in my foods or drinks. 

I am that forty something guy who has osteoporosis.  That means absolutely zero alcohol or carbonation in my drinks, since both of those things rob the body of calcium.  I am now seriously into good nutrition. 

Thanks, Brian