Trying Tofu

Tried tofu today. Not quite the first time, but rarely had it before. Don’t recall being impressed. Didn’t think I was missing anything, but the book I’m reading has a whole subsection devoted to how wonderful soy is, and its protective properties agains the cancer I’m attempting to avoid. Said it was nature’s version of the chemo prevention they want me to take. It was edible, but I should have marinated it in something different. We picked the only marinade we had in the pantry, and thought it might work with stir-fry. I think I should simply get a jar of mined garlic and let it soak in that next time. That or liquid smoke or something. Looked up ways to cook it next time. I’m not a fan of soy milk (glack), frozen is probably mushy, and not sure where to buy soybeans fresh, so tofu seemed like worth a shot. Had no idea what to buy, so we got extra firm. Sure seemed soft and squishy, but what do I know. Maybe soy nuts? If those were flavored, that certainly has potential. I know salt is generally bad, but I enjoy smoked salt and seasoned sea salts, so I could probably wash them down that way. I need to try nutritional yeast too. Who knows, maybe that would be a magic combination. Will have to check out the bulk section some time.

Fun Fitness Equipment, Fasciitis Still Flaring

Got some basic mini-loop exercise bands so I can do physical therapy exercises at home. I could do other exercises too, so they seemed like a decent investment. This was not for New Year Resolutions, as I’ve been thinking about exercise bands for a while now. But what type? What resistance level and what brand? Thought I’d start with the type they have for therapy and go from there. At least it’s something. There are a couple other fun items from PT that seem fun but I’m not sure I’d use them long term or not. Balance boards are not awfully expensive. Balance pads are more tempting (used differently) but much more pricey. While I was browsing I stumbled upon these things called balance pods, which simply look fun. If nothing else, they have a spiky texture one could probably use for self massage, or play with your feet under a desk. But I digress.

Now the issue is as much as I’m doing PT, I’m not really improving pain-wise. It’s less painful than when I started, but not much less than after the first couple of sessions. We’re doing good exercises, even though I kind of roll my eyes at the idea you’re not supposed to try them at home (thus maximizing the number of visits they can bill). Today I did minimal walking (the bare minimum to function at work) and I have throbbing pain after I’ve sat down. Probably less than 2000 steps. That doesn’t seem like great progress. Am I that old that my body isn’t responding properly? One can get injections of PT doesn’t work, but I used to think injections were more for people with injuries or worn down cartilage or such. You can’t undo some injuries or replace cartilage, that kind of thing. But just to cure a nagging pain in my heel, that would suck. Maybe not the end of the world, but I feel like more of a wimp than I would like.