Slept in this morning and I feel better. I had the urge to go running when I woke up at 6 (or anything but get in the shower), but no time!! So I settled for a big bowl of oatmeal made from scratch instead. I switched my order of operations from shower –> breakfast to breakfast –> shower and it made for a more comforting morning. I would rather go running within 5 minutes of waking up than get in a shower – I just hate all the water. I usually shower first, though, because my timing is more consistent than my eating time, but today I just said "In the shower at 6:45" and things went very smoothly and I got to enjoy my oatmeal first.
Half a cup portion this morning with a whole banana because our bananas were so ripe they were falling apart! Trail mix on top along with a tiny bit of PB . I’m hoping this lasts me all morning long.
While the 1/2 a cup portion is clearly bigger than 1/3, I think I prefer 1/3 a cup with 1/4 a cup of other whole grains instead because it adds more texture. I need to make granola and wheatberries over the weekend!
Off to enjoy 7 hours straight of class 🙂 At least the first 2/3 of classes are good ones.
Heather says
Glad this morning is going better! Have fun in class 🙂
Katie says
I was wondering if I could ask you a question about pilates. You mentioned on either Jenna or Kath’s blog (I forget which) a few days ago in your exercise schedule that you take pilates classes and I am considering taking classes, would you mind if I emailed you a few questions? Thanks!
DaisyMay says
I was wondering what everyone’s summer reading choices were? like what are you reading right now? I need some books for beach reads!
KarenR says
DaisyMay, I can tell it’s summer because I am devouring the ridiculous (but hilarious) Shopaholic series (by Sophie Kinsella.) It’s really trashy and brainless and I can’t read it fast enough! And they’re making it into a movie, so there! The summer reading trifecta!
VeggieGirl says
7 hours of class?? Eek!! Good luck!!
DaisyMay says
Karen. I have already read that series. And I have to tell you as trashy as it is I LOVED IT. So do not apologize for it. Embrace the trash reads as i do!
Kelly L. says
I’m reading Watermelon by Marian Keyes. It is her debut novel and she has written a ton since this one. It has great reviews and so far it’s pretty good. I’m not too far into it though.
Here are some of my favorite books…
Barefoot- Elin Hilderbrand (LOVE LOVE LOVE)
Water for Elephants- forgot author
All of Emily Giffins Books
All of Sophie Kinseallas books- SHE IS GREAT
Little Earthquakes- Jennifer Weiner
I have read so many I am drawing a blank but the jump out at me.
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
I know what you mean about not liking the shower first thing… I actually only wash my hair once a week because it would get too dry, so my showers are usually real quick when I don’t have to shampoo & stuff (I have A LOT of hair).
JennC says
any Terri McMillan reads are wonderful summer woman-power books
arielle says
I hate water, too. When I was little I used to hold my nose in the shower. And by little, I mean 16.
Betsy says
i put off showers as long as i can sometimes. uck.
those chocolate chips look dreeeamy.
Katers says
i’m so glad i’m not alone on this one! i hate the shower, but everyone else i know are total shower-holics. Blech. Get me in and out. Such an annoying daily process.
Diana says
Hello Everyone!
As far as reading- I recommend “The Glass Castle” by Janette Wells. I’m not sure if I got the author’s name right but the novel is very inspiring and easy to read. I’m not a huge reader but I could not put this book down last summer!
Another question… do any of you feel like you spend TOO much time thinking about food? I’m a newbie to this food-blog-world but I’ve become addicted. I have about 4 blogs I check about 10 times a day and I now analyse and plan out my meals almost obsessively. I also feel that since I’m reading about your meals and food so much that I’m getting hungry thinking about it even if I’m not physically hungry. Any one else feel uneasy about a food-blog addiction?
Korin says
Loving the trail mix added in. I am gonna try that this week yet.
Cait says
Diana,
I absolutely think that i get hungry without being physically hungry after thinking about food all day and looking at blogs. I have had disordered eating in the past which I am in the process of recovering from while observing the blogs of Kath, Jenna, and Cristin and watching how they eat and balance everything out. Because I count calories (i’m desperately trying to stop), I often think about food all day, and I think this leads to mindless eating since I am not physically hungry, yet I’m looking at what other people are eating and I’m constantly thinking about it. I’m definitely not addicted to food blogs in anyway whatsoever but i understand where you’re coming from 🙂
Becky in MD says
I don’t think I could wake up with out a shower….I’m totally dead before it, and wide awake after!
Also, I just started the Shopaholic books, and I’m loving them! Hilarious, and totally a mindless read-great for summer!
Diana says
Cait,
I didn’t think my initial post really made any sense and I was just rambling on but you really took the words right out of my mouth! I also am dealing with disordered eating and I am trying to stop counting calories but it’s hard to stop that habit!
Anyone have advice for stoping counting calories?
KatieTX says
Katie–I am a mat pilates instructor so feel free to ask any technical questions but if you want Kath’s personal view that’s fine too! But feel free to ask away.
healthyceliac says
I’m happy to hear that you’re feeling a bit better this morning.
And, I’m with you on the shower thing. I always try to put it off as long as possible!
Justy2003 says
Diana-
I love these food blogs and while I really enjoy reading them, I wouldn’t consider myself addicted (although I would really miss them if I went a couple days without! 😉 ). I recently (a month or so ago?) quit counting calories and that has really helped me think about food less. I’m eating fewer snacks now (since I’m listening to my body) which also helps me to not think about food constantly. One thing I read in Fit From Within (and Kath has quoted it here before as well) is “if you start to eat only three times, you have to stop only three times, and stopping is the problem.”
I don’t come from a disordered eating background, so I don’t know the best way for you to stop counting calories…maybe start by just ballparking the numbers and go from there.
CourtneyS says
I love to shower! In the summer, I shower up to three times a day. Even in the winter, I usually take one in the morning and one at night.
Regarding food blogs and thinking too much about food: there is SO much out there – not just online but magazines, TV, and books – that sometimes you need to take a step back. We all love blogs, but it’s important to keep some perspective on your own situation. So unplug for a day or two (or longer) and do something else in the time you’d normally check in.
Good luck with your classes today, Kath!
Katie says
Kelly L,
I completely, forgot to say my question was addressed for you (I wrote it up top). I will write it again tomorrow, in case you don’t see it. Opps!!!
Kelly L. says
Hi katie, what is your e-mail?
Richelle says
Breakfast in warm pjs are the best thing ever! That’s why I cherish my weekend mornings 😉
Mom says
I didn’t know Kath hated water. But maybe it’s my fault. I took her to a baby swim class. Back then it was the trend to dip your baby under the water(under the watchful eye of the instructor.) Kath loved it and was one of the stars, but it must have traumatized her. Oh well…
Christie says
One way to stop couting calories which i have started to do recently is to focus on getting the food groups rather than how many calories, and making your choices from wholesome nutritious foods. You cant feel guilty that way and than you also know you are getting all your vitmains and minerals (calcium) and allow yourself a certain # of discretionary calories a day.
I am aware it is still a way to think about food but I feel like it is a move towards less obsessive thinking and eventually will help you move towards a healthy balance! It is actually freeing to not have to count the calories and I still find myself doing it but less and less
mel says
I also recently stopped counting calories (about 2 months ago) and love it !! I still eat healthy but it feels so good not to pick my food choices based on how many calories i have left. I completely stopped cold turkey and couldn’t be happier- and I haven’t gained a pound and I’m not thinking about food and math as much! I say go for it!
RhodeyGirl says
I have read ALL of the books mentioned in today’s comments haha! my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE is Water for Elephants. If you read any of those books that is the one to read first! so good!
And P.S. KATH! When are you coming to Boston?!?! Did you planyet?
Katie says
Thanks Kelly!
Here is my address: [email protected]
Christin says
I have to agree, the Shopaholic series ROCKS!! I’ll have to read “Water for Elephants” now. 🙂
Hey Kath or anyone else I need help! I work in an office and anytime anyone gets sick, it just goes around, and I feel like I have gotten more than my fair share of colds and flus lateley…I used to almost NEVER get sick!
I try to eat healthy, and I exercise regularly but does anyone have any specific suggestions of foods or supplements that in thier experience have helped them ward off illnesses?? I take Airborne and Zicam if I start feeling sick, but I am hoping for something I can add to my regular diet…any suggestions???
lexi says
me too i DESPRATLEY need to stop counting calories! everythime i stop though its like i already KNOW the caloriecounts to nearly everything, like and apple, bananna, and 2 kiwis would be around 100 calories each and i always try to stop but i find myself adding up calories in my head!? anyone ELSE have this problem, and has sucsfully found a way to stop!? its killing me! 🙁
Emily V. says
Diana- I usually look at food blogs around the time I eat my meals – either before or after I eat. And during when I’m at work. This may help so you only associate looking at food blogs while you’re eating.
Lindsay says
Comming from a seriously eating disodered past i think that once you have basically memorized the calories in everything, it’s going to be really hard to stop counting. One of tehe best things i learned in treatment(s) was deep breathing before each meal..know i do it before i eat anything. It helps me stop and think how i’m feeling.
I don’t think counting calories in and of itself is bad, it’s more like how the calories comsumed make you feel. ie: gross, bad…
Diana says
Wow, I had no idea that a lot of the people who look at these same blogs have had disordered eating/a history of eating disorders. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this!
I think the word I used- “addicted” is a bit harsh to use in the sense that I am addicted to food-blogs. It’s more that they have become a huge part of my daily routine. But they have been really helpful… especially since I used to have what my doctor called “disordered eating” where I was convinced if I ate something like a bannana as a snack which I knew had 125 calories I would gain weight. It’s helpful to be able to see people like Kath snack and eat full meals and are still maintaining their weight.
Well, that’s my rambling on about my relationship with food-blogs. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Kelly T says
i hate showers as wel.. i always take baths, and i think its because im lazy and i would rather sit and soak than stand. but they definately wake me up when i do take them.
Diana- i used to read food blogs religiously when i worked a desk job, and it was kind of draining after a while. hours and hours devoted to what other people are eating. I dont have time to do that anymore, but i still read all my faves to support them (you know who you are). Now that i dont have as much time, its not such a big chunk of my day and im not always thinking about food. i read them now for the people instead, which i think is healthier.
Not counting calories is hard, but so freeing when you accomplish it. Just make sure you have a good grasp on how much food is too much- pay attention to your body signals instead of meeting a number. after you get a feel for that, its pretty easy becausey ou wont have to worry so much about how much you have or havent eaten. lifes to short, chickiebabe, dont waste it worrying about food.
Phoebe says
Well for summer reading I’m in the middle of “The Idiot” right now. haha can you tell I am a college student?!
Actually I really really love the Shopaholic books. LOVE hardcore. They are so sweet and funny. My favorite of Sophie Kinsella’s (aka Madeleine Wickham’s) novels is actually the book “The Undomestic Goddess” which isn’t about Becky. It is such a good book, really cute and fun to read.
Re. food blogs and obsessiveness about food, I definitely got into reading food blogs while anorexic (years ago), but I think that the food blogs were the “symptom” and not contributing to the problem. I mean if you have an eating disorder you are already obsessed with food and you (or at least I) do things like read cookbooks, read food magazines, obsessively read restaurant menus, read the food section of the newspapers, etc. Food blogs are just another “outlet” for that.
Kiala says
Kelly T – I’m a bath person too.
Why stand and do something when you can lie down and do it just as well?
lisam says
I used to count calories too and its soo much better now that I dont. It took me a while to stop and just remember, habits take time to make and they take time to break as well. I still measure things like nuts/pb/cereal, but I dont count.
Ashley says
phoebe- I dont really agree with you that reading cookbooks/menu/ food magazines are sympotoms of disordered eating. I think this term is being used too liberally. I love to cook and bulid healthy meals, and reading these things give me ideas and are a creative outlet. Why would this mean that I have disordered eating? I had an eating disorder as well and I think this is much healthier than what I was doing before and definitly alot different mindset.
I’m sorry but I have a hard time beliveing that lovers of food have eating disorders.
Korin says
I think that if the majority of posters on here have had or have now disordered eating tendencies (which, frighteningly enough, it seems the majority have), it would probably be a good idea to take frequent breaks from these blogs so as not to return to these tendencies.
magpie says
I think reading food blogs has helped me get over some messed up eating habits… Seeing what nutritionists/nutritionists-to-be eat and do on a daily basis is really helpful. Knowing that Kath struggled in college and how she got back on track is helpful as well.
Aimee H. says
Water For Elephants was a really enjoyable read. I loved the books by Jonathan Safran Foer and also anything by Barbara Kingsolver (I think I read the Poisonwood Bible in three days). Maybe not a trashy choice, but still damn good.
Personally I enjoy reading these blogs because they give me great ideas for recipes while maintaining a health-consciousness. I really don’t even think about calories because I’ve never counted before. Ever. But I like to eat whole foods and I enjoy learning about new ways to incorporate them into my day.
Ange C. says
Great book suggestions…i was at borders last night trying to pick a book and just couldn’t.
Rhodey girl- what is Water for Elephants about?
And has anyone read the new CHasing After Harry Winston book? Is it a can’t put-it-down read? Thx!
Lindsay says
Korin:
food blogs are much better than proana blogs. And unless you know me, dont try to tell me whats good/bad for me.
babycakes says
oh my gosh, I could seriously LIVE in the shower. It is one life’s greatest pleasures in my opinion. I never realized some people don’t like them!
Kath, good luck with classes today. You’re a tropper!
Phoebe says
Hey Ashley,
I didn’t mean that if you like reading cookbooks and food blogs and menus and magazines that it necessarily indicates that you do have disordered eating. But I think that is is 100% true and incredibly well documented that people with eating disorders actually do all of those things. This is a pretty stupid metaphor but just like sneezing means either that you inhaled some dust or that you have a cold, liking to read about food can mean either that you just are interested by food or that you are obsessed w/it because you have an eating disorder. And I think that most people who have an eating disorder get really into and continue to be interested in food in a totally healthy way after they are eating healthily again.
I find myself LESS interested in food and recipe and menu reading now that I’m not anorexic anymore. But I still like reading food blogs and the food section etc.
Actual eating behavior is the sign of whether you have disordered eating or not. Interest in reading about food if it is coming from an obsessive interest is associated with disordered eating, interest in reading about food if it is coming from a place of benign interest and accompanied by totally normal, healthy eating habits is NOT a sign of disordered eating. Lovers of food don’t necessarily have eating disorders but those with eating disorders are preoccupied with food. Not the other way around.
sarahH says
Kelly T
I sit in the shower! I like to sit back and let the water fall on me. Ive been sitting for years now. Of course in hotels and other people’s houses I stand.
Susan says
Hi Kath,
Great blog!!! I see that you reached your goal weight a long time ago. Have you lost anymore since? You just look so tiny…maybe you are just really toned.
Keep up the great work girl!
Ange C. says
DaisyMay–
Best summer read EVER…is Summer Sisters by Judy Blume. (!!!!) It will NOT disappoint. I couldn’t put it down.
I also LOVE, LOVE, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter. It’s such a beautiful read. If you read them, let us know what u think!!
DaisyMay says
you guys have had some amazing suggestions. unfortunantely I have read a lot of them. water for elephants great book. summer sisters…amazing. shopoholic great books. damn.
does anyone read biographies? I was thinking about reading those. you know flip flop from one trash read to one smart read.
Ange C. says
ha! of course you read those….wasn’t summer sisters soo good?! Well, Mem Keepers Daughter isn’t a trashy one….not a historical one either, but really an enchanting read. If you haven’t already read it!
Whats one of your fave ones….similar to summer sisters, maybe??
Allison K. says
Summer Sisters is my favorite summer book! My three best friends and I always read it every summer during college while we were all working at Summer Camp together.
Regarding the shower…..I don’t mind the shower…I HATE blow drying my hair and doing my makeup. Even if it only takes me 15 minutes.
Mandy A says
i don’t know if it’s silly or not.. but i seem to enjoy Jane Green books. I haven’t read any books in years, actually… but just picked up one by her called swapping lives that I started last night 🙂 So far, I like it!
I haven’t read the Shopaholic books but I think I might have to now!!
Mikell says
Personally, I am definitely into checking my food blogs religiously, but I have found that it has only HELPED my eating. Granted, I do think about food more often, but Kath’s blog especially has helped me realize that I can eat large, healthy meals.
mel says
I love love murder and suspense books…weird I know! I’ve read everything by James Patterson and HIGHLY recommend any of his books if you like that sort of thing! have to admit- I started eat, love pray and hated it! I had to stop reading bc its so boring…why do so many people love it?
Megan says
Three Cups of Tea is a GREAT book! It’s an autobiography about a guy who starts off as a mountian climber but then builds schools in the middle east for girls…really really good! And inspiring!
Christin says
DaisyMay,
you might try something by Mary Karr…very insightful…a little sad, but definitely good summer reads…try “The Liar’s Club” and “Cherry.”
Korin says
Lindsay,
Chill. I was simply stating that it might be a good idea for those who have had an ED or have one now to try to NOT become obsessed with checking these blogs. I was following up on the initial conversation about becoming somewhat obsessed with these food blogs. No need for the hyper-defensive attitude.
I’m glad also, that you are overcoming your ED. Word.
Ashliqua says
I recently (about 3 weeks ago) gave up counting calories after over a year of doing so in order to lose weight. I am now at a healthy and happy weight, and just kind of got tired of counting, as I feel that my eating is really under control now (maybe similar to the reason that Kath has decided to give it up). I realize that if I’m listening to my hunger cues and the majority of the time eating healthy, whole foods, then it’s unlikely I’m going over what my body needs calorically in a day. For example, if I go to a party one day and indulge a little bit, I just know by now that the next day I will be a little more selective about my food choices (not restricting calories, just making better choices). However, I have never struggled with disordered eating so maybe the process I’m describing wouldn’t be so easy for other readers. I think part of it though is just trusting yourself to know what’s best for you (once you’ve had enough experience to know this).
Kelly T says
YES why stand when you can sit? and why cuddle when you can do it?
sarahH- sitting in the shower? thats ludicrous. pick a side woman! you cant have it both ways…
Kath says
GREAT book recommendations!! If someone wrote them all down, please email me the list!
RhodeyGirl ,
In August, but I’m not sure when yet 🙂
Christin,
Other than hand washing and getting enough sleep, I’m not sure what other secrets there are? I’ve never tried Airbourne or anything like that. Anyone else?
Susan ,
I haven’t weighed myself in a long time. I’m sure that I’ve toned up since I hit goal a year ago, but I don’t think my actual weight has changed. Perhaps just an exchange of fat for muscle?
Kath