FINALLY – a nice day! I ate lunch outside on the patio – a little cold, but with my hot tea I was OK.
For lunch I had an avocado, Laughing Cow, jalapeño, cuc, spinach and mustard sandwich on a Food for Life Bun. Great combo of spiciness and smooth texture.
Carrot sticks for crunch –
Kiwi + Orange for fruit + sweet –
Pumpkin Yogurt (4 oz yogurt + about 5 oz pumpkin) with cinnamon for dairy and fullness –
And a ginger snap for dessert 🙂
With hot tea, this lunch was about 515 kcal, 20 grams each of fiber and protein.
I’ve gotta get to work on sorting through my Physio notes from today – see you guys tonight for a sushi dinner!
DaisyMAY says
First comment. yes! I always wonder how you can eat jalepeno and not think it is overbearing on the sandwich. but your lunch does look lovely
Lara says
Kath, are you going vegetarian?? I notice that lately all of your recipes have been non-meat.
or rather,
pescatarian? (cause of sushi ^^)
Amandamoo says
I saw those gingersnaps at the store the other day and almost bought them but they would have put me over my grocery budget! boo! Maybe next time… I remember you bought them quite a while ago, have they stayed fresh-tasting? I’ll buy a bag if they’ll last a long time.
Cara says
Looks great. I will also be having avocado with my lunch today. mmm
Heather says
I really want to try the pumpkin yogurt! Do you mix the pumpkin with plain yogurt or vanilla? Or is it Fage?
rachel k says
sarah f–
thanks for your comment–that’s very insightful advice. it could very well be stressed related. i honestly feel like ive become really good at hiding my stress/supressing my anxiety–but it could just be that it’s all presenting itself in a new, awful form…nausea!
i will be more intentional about relaxing and let you know how it works in a few weeks;)
JENNA says
Kath,
Just curious…do you feel much more full today after lunch compared to after yesterdays lunch? It just seemed like you didn’t have a lot for lunch yesterday but calorie wise it was alot!
mudbutt says
Folks, hey whaddaya do if you experience rainbow, liquid, technicolor muddbutt, I mean geyser-like pulsating bursts of foul-smelling awfulness where all you can do is dig your heals in, grab both sides of the bowl and pray?
Kiala says
Funny, I was going to ask the exact same question.
Huh.
Suzanne says
Hi Kath –
I asked this question a few days ago, but you must have missed it. Where do you get the Food for Life buns? I can’t find them anywhere. 🙁
Thanks!
Kailz says
Hey Kath! I have been reading your blog for a month or two now, and I have to say that it is absolutely lovely! You always put me in a good mood and your pictures are gorgeous. Anyway, I do have a question-for anyone to answer. I am a college student and am currently living in a dorm. This means that the only item that I have to cook with is a microwave. I was wondering if you (or anyone) have any great recipes that I can whip up in the micro any time of day (that are cheap also). Thank you so much and everyone have a beautiful Wednesday!
mel says
kaliz, for lunch today I made the best burrito (even though I don’t live in a dorn you could make it easiily)!! I simmered and mashed black beans on the stove (but microwave would work!) then added spices and put about 1/2 cup into a tortilla, wich some cheese, salsa, peppers and lettuce! It was so good! i would have also added some chicken if I had some cooked but it was really easy and filling!
Laura says
Kath, I actually meant how you hurt your ankle/foot the first time in college.
Anne P says
Hey Kath (and other oatmeal lovers!)
Made an exciting discovery today at Trader Joes… microwaveable, ready to go steel cut oats! You keep it frozen until you are ready to use… the one package I bought contained two microwavable servings. The only ingredients are water, steel cut oats, and a tad of brown and maple sugar. How awesome is that? I’ve been wanting to try steel cut for awhile and never wanted to fuss with the long stove cooking time, plus i eat most breakfasts at work. I’ll let ya’ll know how it is 🙂
Nadia says
Kailz
funny when i read your comment I immediately thought of posting a burrito recipe also…i guess they’re economical! I used to do this a lot – take a tortilla, spread some ‘black bean spread’ – the kind in the plastic containers by the hummus in Whole Foods but i’ve done it with refried beans also, add 1/3 a can of ‘Eden’ rice and chickpeas (they’re in every supermarket and actually quite good after some spices) after nuking it for a bit (the spices I used to jazz up the rice were cumin, cinnamon and black pepper), add some guac or vegan sour cream or whatever, pile on spinach and eat…SO simple and tasty
Other go-to microwave meals i ate a lot were ‘grilled’ cheese sandwiches, microwaved eggs, ‘baked’ potatoes with various toppings, and desserty type stuff like apple crisp, bread pudding. u’ll have to do a lot of improvising 🙂
BethEllis says
rachel k,
I had prolonged nausea a few years ago as well and couldn’t figure i tout. I blamed my birth control pills and my body just needing to get used to them. I have seen some of my friends have stomach issues because of stress, so it very well could be that as well. Hope you feel better soon!
Suzanne says
Anne P –
I tried the microwaveable steel cut oatmeal from Trader Joe’s as well. They’re pretty good. It’s very convenient! 🙂
Kelsey says
Kath or someone else,
Is there a benefit for eating the skin on kiwis? I’ve heard it has fiber, but I can’t get past the furryness! Is it worth it to eat?
Anne P says
Glad to hear it’s tasty! I think I’ll try it tomorrow morning… 🙂
Nick says
I must try this pumpkin yogurt thing, it looks so good. I’ll have to make some pumpkin yogurt along with my pumpkin mousse for comparison. The pumpkin mousse is probably healthier actually…
– The Peanut Butter Boy
Kasidy says
i gave my name.
lol Hi Kath
I just wanted to ask what type of fage you usually buy? (i buy 0%) it’s good, but while at whole foods i noticed they have cherry, peach, honey, etc. Wondering if you had tryed those. Thanks again! lunch looks delish! 🙂
Ally says
Looks great, you keep giving me all these great ideas!
I am so happy to actually have a bright, sunny day!
Rach says
Kelsey,
The skin does have more fiber. But if you don’t like it, then an easy way to eat it without peeling is to cut the kiwi in half and eat each half with a spoon.
Amandamoo says
Suzanne-
The buns are from Earthfare, Whole Foods, Sunflower Market, Wild Oats, etc.
mel says
how much fiber do you all get on average? I don’t really count calories, fiber, fat, ect..more of a range but the other day my belly was cramping and I counted how much fiber I had eaten before dinner and it was 50 grams!! Normally I prob eat around 30 ish but I had two servings of fiber one that day on yogurt bc I love it but it doesn’t always love me or my tummy back! haha! Just wondering how much is too much! Thanks guys!
Roxy says
Kath,
I recently made your eggplant parmesan. It was
absolutely delicious. One problem – the next day when I reheated it, it was so bitter. 🙁 The first day was really yummy no bitterness and the next really bitter. Have you encountered this problem?
Also I noticed that you eat a lot of pumpkin. What type of brand do you buy at the store?
Thanks for keeping us inspired to eat healthy!!
VeggieGirl says
Ah yes, it’s WONDERFUL that the weather is shaping up, and that “dining al fresco” is a possibility!! Looks like you had a great lunch to match your great outdoor “dining room” :0)
Good luck with your Physiology notes!!
Marie says
Hi everyone-
Any suggestions on staying balanced during *that time* of the month? I find that I have an insatiable desire for all things unhealthy. For example, today I had yogurt/cereal/blueberries for breakfast with tea, then for lunch a tomato/swiss cheese sandwich and a nonfat latte…and instead of eating my snack of carrots and pistachios, I gobbled down what seemed like a million mini reeses cups and milky ways from the candy bowl!! Its like I couldn’t even control myself, even though I knew I wasn’t hungry for those things and it would make me feel gross after eating them. Unfortunately, this happens WAY too often during this time – just wondering how you all avoid such binges? I really hate feeling like I need to “work it off” and its not like these are treats I absolutely love (like dessert at a restaurant)…and I don’t have too many problems getting “back on track” but it seems like I am falling OFF the track every 2-3 meals this week! Its really frustrating…Any tips?
Thanks 🙂
oatmeal says
I have never heard of pumpking yogurt before, but I’m going to try it! Anything that includes pumpkins sounds good to me 😀
And wow, I can’t believe you can take the spiciness of jalapeno peppers! I have a very low threshold for spiciness :s
And I’m so jealous you get to eat sushi….
sarahH says
Kailz,
A variation of the burrito thing is to use already cooked white chicken breast strips. They have them in the deli section I believe. They arent as good as fresh but you dont have much choice in a dorm.
ALso i used to use the 2% milk mac and cheese. I would throw in a few cut up vegetables in with the water to cook it then use about half the cheese sauce to save calories. I havent seen healthy instant mac and cheese yet but I wish someone would make some!
Kristie says
You always make the BEST sandwiches! I love all the ingredients you combine. And I love how much variation your lunch includes, so many fun foods!
Mac and Cheese says
Annie’s mac and cheese – organic.
Carrie H says
I need some suggestions!
I work in an office where the candy bowl is overflowing all the time. I try to aviod it by bringing myself healthy snacks, but I don’t always do so well. Well …
My boss just came into our office, handed me a $20 dollar bill and said that she is “challenging” me to find healthy snacks for the office Monday since I “am the one who doesn’t like candy.”
What should I bring? I’d like to bring something that isn’t pershiable (preferable not fruits and veggies) but something that could replace the contents of a candy bowl. I thought of homemade trail mix or nuts or crackers …
Any suggestions?
Carrie H
Cassie says
you and your blog make my horrible job bearable
thanks
Kath says
Lara ,
Definitely not going veg – I had a turkey sandwich on Monday, sushi tonight, salmon tomorrow. I just never crave meat and it’s expensive to have more than once or twice a week compared to dishes made from dry pasta, beans, etc.
Amandamoo ,
The ginger snaps are a little stale, but still delicious.
Heather ,
I always mix with Stonyfield low-fat plain. Fage is too expensive to dilute with pumpkin!
JENNA ,
I would say that yesterday’s lunch was MORE filling! All those raw veggies really filled me up. Kashi crackers and mango and Fage too – it didn’t seem like it wasn’t a lot of food.
I think Muddbutt was spam….I get that kind of stuff in my spam folder a lot.
Kailz ,
So glad you like the blog! You can cook almost anything in a microwave that you can on a stove top with lots of big bowls and a cutting board (but it might not be worth the effort for some things!). I like the burrito idea. Of course there’s oatmeal. Soup from a can could be heated. There are microwaveable rices now. Not sure what else!
Laura ,
My tarsal coalition was a birth defect that became symptomatic during high school soccer and got worse in college.
Anne ,
Microwavable steel cut, you say. Do they have a better texture than microwaved rolled oats? I have to say though that you’re probably paying an arm and a leg for the convenience compared to bulk steel cut! I’d save those for a pinch 🙂
Kasidy ,
I always get Fage 0% plain. I’m not interested in their mix-ins – mine are better! : )
Roxy ,
Eggplant has a reputation for being bitter if you don’t salt it first and let the “bitterness” come out (Google if you haven’t heard of that and for technique). But I don’t know why you wouldn’t have tasted it the first day but you did the second? Puzzles me!
Carrie,
Boxes of raisins? Trail mix would be perfect – can you do single portions in bags, or does it have to be in a package? Trader Joe’s has single serving almond packets. You could do Kashi granola bars, but that wouldn’t stretch your $20 too far (neither would the almonds!).
Cassie ,
Hahaha. Glad I can help out!
Kath
Jill says
I’m so jealous, it’s snowy here!
Kath, I do have a fun little challenge for you and your hubby (if you dare!) that I think would be interesting to see on your blog. You’d have to wait a bit due it being the start of sprinp, is my guess, but have you ever heard of the 100-Mile diet? Everything you eat comes/is produced in a 100 mile radius from where you live.
SarahF says
Kailz,
I lived in residence for 2 years and here’s some of the stuff I came up with. A main side point is if you have a fridge available (if not, buy a mini fridge-theyre a couple hundred dollars but are life savers if you want to eat well in residence).
If you have a fridge: fruits of all kind, vegetables, yogurt, milk (and then cereal, oatmeal, etc.), pre-cooked chicken, cheese, cottage cheese.
Other staples: rice, soup, Kraft dinner (ok, not the healthies but a quick fix and better than most things in the cafeteria), pasta, crackers, peanut butter, wasabi peas (more of a snack), buy small amounts of fruit-it can stay out of the fridge and will ripen and be delicious, granola bars, etc.
The best thing you can do is go to the grocery store and wander around-especially a health/natural store. A lot of things now have microwavable directions.
Carrie-what about lifesavers? They’re kind of healthy but still candy tasting, like. My other idea is pretzels or a snack mix of some type.
Kath says
Jill,
Thanks for the suggestion! 100-mile challenge sounds fun, but I think it would be more work and inconvenience than anything else! While try to buy lots of local things (our CSA starts at the end of this month!!), 100% would be too hard for me 🙂
K
Romina says
Such a veggie filled lunch! Looks great. =)
Melissa says
Alright everyone (and Kath) – I have an awesome yummy recipe for everyone to try. Take an apple (peel it if you want), and core and dice up into little chunks. Sprinkle with Cinnamon and Splenda (optional for those who don’t use artificial sweetener), and put in the microwave for ~2 minutes or until it’s all heated and apples are slightly softened. Meanwhile, take a pita or tortilla, and spread a Laughing Cow cheese wedge on the bread (inside of pita if using a pita), and top with the carmelized apple pieces. If using tortilla, wrap up like a wrap. VOILA! SOOOO GOOD, and good for you!!! I call it my Healthy Apple Enchilada!
Carrie H says
Thanks Kath and Sarah! I have a couple days to decide … I’ll be thinking about it this weekend.
I was really surprised at first by her request, but then I was glad, glad. How fun to try to find a way to feed my office-mates something healthy and tasty!
Kailz says
Everyone, thank you for the advice- I really appreciate it! One can only consume so many dining hall salads before going a bit crazy!
Kelly T says
Kailz -my go to meal is brown rice with garbonzo beans and salsa. just heat it up in the microwave, keeps me full for hours
Leigh says
Kath,
How did you get out the habit of needing dessert every night? Candy type things to suck on are also really hard for me. I am having the hardest time. Even when I am stuffed I want dessert! And throughout the day, I constantly need candy type things. I know not to keep it in the house, but I live with my family, so it’s not really possible. I have broken other habits, but have the hardest time breaking this. I have tried a small piece of chocolate- but it makes me crave dessert more. I either need dessert or nothing, but a small piece is not doing it. I am not overweight, but it’s still not a healthy habit. Sorry for the rambling and I appreciate any advice you can give me!
Ashliqua says
Hi Kath,
Just a quick question for you re: your jalapeños. I noticed you use them often in sandwiches and you always have these nice big round pieces! Do you use canned? I’ve never seen fresh ones that looked like the ones in your pics.
Thanks,
Ashley
Janine says
I know you have answered this before, so I am sorry for any repetition! But what kind of water bottle do you use? I looked but couldn’t find the answer. Thanks!
TimeofButterflies says
POLAR HEART MONITOR QUESTION:
I previously ordered a Polar F4, but the chest strap was incredibly painful. Apparently, I either had a bunk one OR the strap does not tighten enough to fit around my rib cage securely (I have a small rib cage). So, in order to make the chest strap secure, I had to essentially knot the strap. It was terrible! I ended up returning the monitor. Should it have been like that? Do they adjust to every and any size, and I just received one that was malfunctioning? Ought I try again? Thanks for any help!
KristinS says
Kath- I was wondering about the spoon you always ate with, the green one from C+B… I looked on their website, and the only one that looks similar is called a ‘condiment spoon’. Is this the same one that you have?
Megan says
Hi Kath (and other readers!)
I also have a HRM question. I was thinking of buying one, but was wondering if it would be able to tell me how many calories I do walking. I like walking instead of running because of my knees and I guess I wanted to know if the HRM would be able to register a reading if someone was just walking or would you need to have a higher heart rate in order for it to work. Thanks!
Amanda M says
Kailz,
I have been in a dorm for a few years now and really love the Steamfresh veggies that you just keep in the freezer and microwave in the bag. I also love gardenburgers (or any morningstar product), microwaveable soups, the 2 minute bags of rice, oatmeal, healthy popcorn, etc!
bikergurl says
TimeofButterflies – The strap that comes with the Polar HRM’s is usually a size medium. This will fit most people, but if you have a very small ribcage, like you said, you might need a size small. You can buy the elastic strap in size small and X-small from polar for about 6$. If you go to the polarusa dot com site, then click on buy online, it’s listed under accessories. Hope this helps!
SarahF says
Hey everyone,
I’m currently in the middle of a week long trip with work and was hoping you guys could help me out. I’ve been trying to eat really healthy despite the fact that I’m eating at restaurants for every single meal (I’ve had a couple of salads, subbed out fried things for steamed vegetables, had a stir fry with sauce on side), as well as I’ve gone to the gym both nights we’ve been here (and am planning on going again tonight). I have a couple of questions though:
1) The other woman I’m travelling with ( I’m travelling with 2 men & 1 woman) keeps on making comments about how I’m making her “Feel bad” about what she’s eating. She’s making me feel very conscious about what I’m eating and how much. What’s the best way to deal with this?
2) It’s expected that after work everyone I’m travelling with hangs out together. The problem is, is that they all are drinking! I’ve managed to escape the after work drinks through going to the gym, but then everyone wants to share a bottle (or 2) of wine with dinner, and then keep drinking afterwards. I don’t want to be anti social and not go with everyone, but they all make comments (“Come on, you worked out, you can afford the calories from the alcohol”, “Just have one more, we’re all having one”, etc) when I order a non alcoholic drink, or am being slow drinking my drink. How should I deal with this?
Thanks everyone-any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Kath says
Leigh ,
I just decided that I didn’t need dessert every night. It wasn’t a one-time decision, but YOU are in power of what you put in your mouth. Just make the choice not to have a piece of candy, cookie, etc. There’s no secret trick – you just have to want to not have it more than you do. “Fake it until you make it.” Tell yourself you don’t want it and eventually you’ll get out of the habit. That’s exactly what I did.
Ashliqua ,
They are pickled from a jar – I could never eat them raw on a sandwich! I buy them next to the pickles and get my store brand.
Janine ,
Sigg.
TimeofButterflies ,
I had to order the size small chest strap – just like Bikergirl said. It was cheap and solved my “falling down of the strap” problems 🙂
KristinS ,
Yes, that’s it.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=752&f=23593&q=condiment+spoon&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
Megan ,
The HRM instructions mention that the calorie burn is not accurate when you are not in a certain percentage of your HR (I forget what this is for me but I think it was around 110?). So while you’re heart rate will be accurate, the calorie burn may not be. This is why they are not recommended for yoga and weight lifting. I’m not sure what your HR is when you’re walking, but mine is about 100ish, depending on pace and location, and I don’t think it’s accurate (I think I burn MORE calories than it says). Hope that helps you make a decision – I don’t think it would be a waste at ALL but if your primary goal is to determine calorie burn you might be better off estimating burn by mileage or time.
SarahF ,
Your colleague “feels bad” because she is jealous – ignore her and be confident in your decisions!
Also, I highly recommend club soda or diet tonic and lime at bars – I agree bars are no fun without a drink in your hand so choose one that is healthy, hydrating and calorie-free. Even water with a cherry in it is more fun than standing with nothing. No one will know it’s not vodka 😉
K
K
Katers says
Megan – the hrm is will read your heart rate no matter if you’re working out or sitting on the couch – and will count the calories burned either way.
Megan says
Thank you so much Katers! I wasn’t sure if it was a “dumb” question or not:)
Kelly L. says
Kelly T- where did your blog go?
Katie F says
Okay, I may be an idiot, but I bought an avocado last week, and when I went to eat it, I couldn’t figure out what to do with it. Are you supposed to cut it up? Spread it? What’s the texture supposed to be like?
SarahF–Been there! I would give your co-worker a reason why you want the food you’ve ordered. Something like “Well, I’m not feeling too hungry, and a salad sounds good to me right now.” You probably don’t need to go in-depth…if you make it sound like you’re eating this way because you WANT to, it might keep her quiet. For the drink situation, if it’s that bad, maybe order something that looks like it could be a drink–seltzer with lime, even a Diet Coke in a cup with ice can look like a drink. When I don’t feel like drinking I often order water and just tell people I’m driving. 🙂
caitlin (in FL) says
sarah f – i have a suggestion for the pressure to drink…. this works wonders. just say that you are on an antibotic and your doctor told you not to drink on it. 🙂 they can’t argue with that.
and people like your female coworker annoy the shit out of me. seriously. why would you say that? its so persnal to inquire about someone’s eating habits. would you ever say “gee i see you are eating fries AGAIN, god you make me feel better about myself!” ?? naww!! or you could try that and see if it shuts her up (probably not good for the working atomsphere lol)
LOL
Suzanne says
KristinS-
Yes, the spoon Kath has is the condiment spoon. I just ordered the two (white and blue) on the Crate and Barrel web site. Unfortunately, they are a little too small for me (I wanted to use them for my cereal in the morning). They are very small, but cute. I will probably use them for spooning sauces.
KatieF-
I just bought an avocodo this week and had questions too! 🙂 Cut it in half vertically and then twist both sides apart. Then remove the seed. I just used a spoon to remove the flesh from the skin.
You can slice it up into squares and put in your salad. You can put it in sandwiches (like Kath does). My friend just squeezes lemon juice, S+P and eats it with a spoon. Or find a recipe for guacamole.
You should cut it right before you eat it, because it oxidizes and turns black pretty quickly. If you need to store it in the fridge after you cut it, squeeze some lemon juice on it (just like when you don’t want apples to turn brown).
Hope that helps! 🙂