Back from the health fair! It was actually more of a benefits fair for a company, but we had plenty of people stop through the wellness booth for information. Not too many had burning nutrition questions though 🙁
I apologize for the unappealing photos today – I didn’t want to snap more than one photo at lunch so I could be as discreet as possible in front of the others. I did still get asked, though, and responded with “I have a food blog!”
I packed my lunch (sandwich, plum, cottage cheese) not knowing they would be providing something for the exhibitors. I went half and half – my sandwich (turkey, avocado, romaine, jalapenos) with their sides: pickle (x2!), some bean salad, 2 pasta salad noodles and some blue corn chips.
But I traded in my plum for my cottage cheese because the last time I skipped my dairy I threw it away for being out of the fridge too long. I took this photo as I was packing last night (in the event I couldn’t take ANY photos while eating!)
Oatmeal held me over over 5 hours today! It’s an award-winning combo when you add some walnuts, flax, PB and the usual base.
It’s late and I’ve got some things to do – see you for dinner!
Tina says
I hear ya, Kath! People always ask me why I am taking photos of my food, too– best answer is “I have a food blog.”
Sunny says
Kath-
My husband and I will be coming to Charlotte in a few weeks and were planning on going to Arpa. Have any recommendations on the menu? Thanks.
magpie says
People always think it’s really interesting when I say “I have a food blog” though – they get kind of excited! Glad you had a good time at the fair 🙂
Sarah says
two pasta noodles?
Jill says
Hello Kath,
I was a bit disappointed about the video that you posted the other day about measuring ones food and the dangers of not doing so. I just think that it was a step back for this blog, after all the progresses made about not obsessing and listening to ones body. What happened to that? Is there no value in intuitive eating anymore. My daughter reads this blog (she is 16) and I worry that things like this will give her the wrong idea about what proper nutrition really is. I do not want to model those behaviours for her, nor do I want her measuring and weighing food. I think as women we need to release ourselves from these unhealthy mindsets, which I think really just reflect deep insecurities and fears within us.
Just wondering what your thoughts are on this.
Debbie says
You are amazing! I love those little cottage cheese containers too! I especially like the little ones that come with pineapple. Here’s wishing you a wonderful evening!
PS says
Since this isn’t a weight loss blog, I can see some concern over the video. However, for anyone who truly needs/wants to lose weight, that video has an important message: how easy it is to underestimate what you’re eating. I mean, I know people (maybe I’ve been that person) who say, “I don’t understand why I’m overweight, I don’t eat that much”! The reality is often different from what they *think* they’re eating.
So, the video does have value, and I think it makes an important point. Whether it belongs here or not? I don’t see why not, the blog is about healthy eating, and that should include portion control and being honest about those portions.
Lauren says
Jill- Kath wrote above the link that she was posting the video as an eye opener rather than to suggest we all measure our portions. I think Kath has done an amazing job on promoting healthy living and eating. And if anything, her sharing that video can only help someone trying to lose weight rather than hinder. Kath can not be held responsible for how a 16 year girl (or anyone suffering with body image) would interprete the message.
Punk- Your attitude is not appreciated here or anywhere else.
Kath- This is going to sound funny especially after what I wrote above, but I have been meaning to ask you for a while where you buy your Quackers crackers?? haha.
Lyle says
Do you take photo requests? I was hoping for one with just you and the pickle.
Kiala says
I don’t think punk had an attitude. She/He was just asking a legitimate question. This is a forum, after all.
And I was wondering the same thing about the two noodles. That seems, er, a little ridiculous.
JD says
Lauren,
Punk is asking a question. Are you the moderator of this blog now?
Kath says
Simmer Down folks. I deleted Punk’s comment before reading it twice – sorry if it was an innocent question, but don’t name yourself punk if you’re asking an innocent question!
I don’t really like pasta salad but it was next to the beans and hopped on with the noodles. The reason I noted the two noodles in the post was because if I didn’t mention them I’d get 20 people asking me what the curly things were next to the beans. What’s the big deal?
Sunny ,
Nothing specific – the whole menu is good! If you’re up for it, the paella is great.
Jill ,
I think I said all that needs to be said about the video in the post and in the comments.
Kath
JJ125 says
Poor little stowaway pasta salad… no idea he would cause this much trouble! Maybe he will think twice next time he wants to hang out with the beans. 😉
And yes the pasta salad is a “he.” Don’t ask why, it just is.
C says
I’m just now getting the “I have a food blog” answer down. Though, I still ahven’t taken any pics in from of my inlaws. Boo on me.
goalie30 says
The breakstone cottage cheese cups are so convenient! My husband packs them for lunch, and I mix mine with a container of yogurt and add fruit and cereal for a quick breakfast….
mom says
I did my graduate lecture for an MFA in Writing on personification. Pleases me this pasta has such personality!
Sami says
Couple comments.
1. MH, [from Lexington, Ky] I’ve already told you that we live close to eachother. And now I have another similarity to point out. Our lives! You made a comment a couple weeks ago about your perfectionist-like behavior and high school experience. I feel like we’re super similar.
2. This could be sabotage. . .I think most of the commenters here are women in their twenties. I’m only 15. But I find Kath’s writings really interesting and helpful. I’m curious to know if anyone is uncomfortable with someone as young as me commenting. I’ll keep writing nonetheless. Thanks in advance for you opinions.
BethT says
Sami, I don’t think anyone here minds younger people commenting!
Re: the video from a couple days ago – I don’t weigh/measure my food daily but I think it’s important for people to do this even once or twice to get a sense of portions. Two RDs I’ve visited have preached this same mantra. It can lead to obsessive behavior but if you practice it as an information gathering process, it’s an important part of learning how to eat well. I shudder to think how huge my pasta servings were before I realized what a *true* serving really is.
Jenny says
Hi Sami,
I’m 35 and I certainly don’t mind your commenting. That’s what the comments are for. It’s great that there are so many women (and men) on here from different backgrounds, age groups, etc. It keeps things interesting and can be an extremely useful tool. Just because you’re 20 years younger than I am doesn’t mean that you don’t have valid questions or comments. I bet I have a ton of questions that you might have answers to and vice versa. That’s what makes this blog, and others, so great. It’s a place where we can converge and learn, offer support and make friends. Please don’t stop commenting or feel self-conscious about it because you’re young. I’m willing to be everyone on here thinks so, too.
Kate(the teenager) says
Sami,
I am a regular reader of Kath’s blog, and sometimes comment. Everyone on this blog is so kind and welcoming. It’s as if age doesn’t even matter!
Allison says
First of all, I think this is an amazing blog showing someone who eats a very healthy well rounded diet in all sorts of situations. I think it is very relateable and Kath’s oats have changed my eating.
With respect to the measuring food video, I just don’t see the problem. Anyone trying to eat a healthy diet, even if not trying to loose weight needs to understand portions sizes and measuring once in awhile will help with that. And I would like to add, that no one has to WATCH the video just because Kath posts it. If you are prone to obsessions with food, then DON”T watch it. People need to take a little bit of personal responsibility for their own actions. Kath posted the link, she didn’t tie anyone to chair and make them click on it/watch it.
Allison says
Wow, lots of typos, lack of puctuation and spelling mistakes. Sorry about that.
Lindsey says
I like that young people are commenting on the blog. It’s great to have an interest in healthy living while you’re young; I wish I would have. Now I’m just semi-young, but hey, it’s never to late to start, right??
The problem I had with the video is the “Hey Fatty” sign the woman held up in the beginning. I think the creators of the video could have gotten their point (which is a valid one) across without that.
Kath says
Sami ,
All readers are totally welcome! Glad to have your input 🙂
Kath
Alex says
I wholeheartedly agree with what Allison said. While I can appreciate a mother’s concern for what her child might be exposed to and, moreover, the general concern about the effect that these types of videos (or any medium) might have, I don’t think that anyone needs to point a finger.
On the one hand, I hardly think that Kath’s blog should be the biggest concern in our society as a potential trigger for disordered/obsessive/what-have-you eating. Um, hello television? Movies? Billboards? Also, as Allison said, what happened to personal accountability? I specifically avoided watching the video because I know that such things are not good for me. And if we were talking about someone very young, then I think the parents should hold themselves accountable rather than placing the blame elsewhere.
caitlinbo (in FL) says
i agree, yay for young readers! i think i had a problem eating when i was younger because i had no good role models at all! food blogs like kath serve as a great example for people learning to eat healthy, whether they are young or old!
i think the portion video was so important. i found it extremely illuminating, factual, and interesting. trust me… our daughters get more negative influence from fashion or movies, not videos such as those!
http://hundredpushups.com/
i encourage everyone else to do the 100 push up challenge! i’m doing it now and its fun 🙂
caitlinbo (in FL) says
haha alex — great minds think alike!
HangryPants says
Kath, It’s interesting to see that you are still a little shy with taking pictures. Tomorrow is my first eating out experience w/ the blog and I am curious to see how I will deal with it.
– Heather
Little Black Dress says
Kath- excellent job enjoying some of the sides but still having a healthy lunch- I do that all the time. That way, you are sure to be satisfied. And because I know I am prone to obsessing about things, I jsut didn’t watch the video. Keep up the good work, Kath!
Jo says
I have never seen blue crisps like that before (only red beetroot ones!) – what makes them blue? What do they taste like?
Sami – of course you must comment if you feel like it, your age has no relevance to how you respond to food. I think its good to have different people of different ages all contributing their different opinions and perspectives.
Also it was about 15 that my exercise/eating habits/general lifestyle went downhill and it was not until I was 25 that I really got them sorted out! (fyi – I’m nearly 28). I didn’t have anything like a food blog showing me an example of how I could live my life more healthily – its an honest account of what someone eats (which is pretty rare!).
sirenjess says
I, unfortunately am proned to obsessions. I made the mistake of watching the video and now I am going to see a disordered eating therapist.