What a fun family weekend! It’s always sad when I vacation is over, but we had a SuperBowl party at the husband’s mom’s to look forward to and some 70* weather coming up this week!
Breakfast
My mom bought a loaf of this sweet raisin bread at a local shop and we all had some with breakfast. I pinched off a piece of this guy and savored it while I cooked a batch of oatmeal with banana for my mom and Matt #2.
Topped with my leftover trail mix with hot tea on the side –
Melty chocolate!
Hike
My dad loves hiking so we decided to take advantage of the mountains scenery and go on a hike, which was really just a walk down Appalachian State’s Greenway Trail, but it was along a river with some nice natural surroundings. We walked for about 1 hour and 20 minutes (down to the end of the trail and back). Thankfully it wasn’t too cold!
Here’s me with my two parents 🙂
Lunch
We went to Blowing Rock, a really cute mountain town, for lunch. I imagine it’s just hoppin’ in the summertime, but it was kind of dead on a Sunday in the winter. We ate at this charming English pub – the Six Pence Pub – which was just like being back at Cambridge!
My dad order a bowl of “pub fries” for the table. I had a few – they were great fries.
For lunch I ordered one of my favorites – smoked salmon on pumpernickel. It was BLT-style with bacon, lettuce and tomato (obviously!). I ate some of the bacon, but it kind of covered up the taste of the delicious salmon so I gave it to the husband to add to his reuben.
It came with a side salad that was nothing special – just iceberg and the basics. Honey mustard on the side.
I ate 3/4 of my sandwich and most of the salad:
Snack
We got home around 4:00, unpacked, did some studying, had a snack and we were off again to the SuperBowl party. I had an apple with a tbsp of peanut butter around 4:45-
SuperBowl Party
My husband’s mom lives in a new condo with quite the social scene. They had a party in the “common room” – it was just like being in college but with less beer and more fancy wine! And I don’t think many of the adults were very interested in the game because we had a hard time hearing the commercials 🙄 I loved the one where the guys brought the cheese and bread to the party and had beer hidden in them.
The food selection wasn’t the healthiest, but I found some good food in the mix –
A turkey and bleu cheese sandwich (which had a LOT of mayo on it but good bread!)
Plus 4 shrimp, a spoonful of Waldorf Salad, fruity vegetarian baked beans, and 2 crackers with hot pepper jelly. I also had a small handful of kettle chips as I talked to some of the adults.
We also sampled some of the wines – I had 2 tiny glasses, a Chard. and a Cab.
I’m sad the weekend is over. And this coming week is going to be very busy – I have two tests on Friday and one is a super-hard Physiology one.
My body has always been prone to “second-day soreness.” I wasn’t very sore at all when I got up this morning, but I can feel the skiing much more tonight, especially in my knees and quads. I’m going to take tomorrow off of exercise to recover and study first thing in the morning instead so I can enjoy my afternoon.
A Comment
There have been a lot of assumptions made lately about my personal life, eating habits, and the blog – many of which are just not correct. I am sincerely sorry if I have offended anyone in my posts or if you disagree with my lifestyle. I keep the comments unmoderated because I realize that the internet is a great place for discussion. If you have a disagreement with something I do or say, and can present it in a friendly tone that fosters conversation, I’m more than willing to talk about it. Otherwise, I politely ask that you refrain from posting comments likely to hurt someone’s feelings.
I created this blog with good intentions to share a small but enjoyable part of my life with a willing listener. It’s nothing more than a snapshot into my story of working to maintain my weight loss. The title of the blog comes from the fact that I think many dieters eat boring diet foods, are often never truly satisfied, and struggle with hunger. I realized early on in my weight loss that by eating healthier whole real foods, I could eat more satisfying meals, get creative with recipes, and never feel hungry. I do not claim to have the knowledge of a registered dietitian (that’s why I have 3.5 years of nutrition education ahead of me!) nor do feel my approach to a healthy lifestyle is one size fits all. My goal with this blog is to share my meals and recipes with those who want some tips on how to prepare, eat and enjoy healthy food. I wish happy chewing for everyone!
jenna says
Amen! Hopefully that will end all the senseless negativity. That breakfast bread you had this morning looks so good…..makes me miss my baking class! Have a wonderful monday!
oh and those fries look delicious…you are so good only eating a few! I probably would have devoured the entire bowl! 😉
Girl says
Well put Kath! I really enjoy your blog keep up the good work. I have been a silent reader up until now. Good luck on your test this week.
Amy says
Very well put, Kath! I just read those comments on yesterday’s blog. I personally love the blog. I’m 25 and trying to lose weight to get where you are so I find your posts so helpful and often pick up a lot of great tips. I would like to start a similar blog but I don’t know that I’d be able to take pictures of my food all the time when I’m out. Keep up the great work! Good luck with the test this week!
Also, those fries and the bread look so good! I love going to pubs like that. 🙂
casey says
Thanks again for the excellent work you do for us!! I hate the comments from people acting like they are forced to read your blog!! well i love it and see calorie counting as a way to stay on track (you are lucky if you don’t need to do this) but it makes life a little easier for us!
for those with eating disorders reading this you may need professional help instead of relying on the blog :!
mah says
amen and amen!
Kammie says
everything looks so delicious! my mouth is watering as we speak=)
SawSaw says
Kath-
You are a sweetheart. Keep up the good work.
Karen Downing says
Cute photo of you and your parents! The Superbowl commercials were good this year, I liked the one where the guys brought in the beer hidden in their wine and cheese too! Have a good week studying, do well on your tests!
bev says
Kath
You are the best 🙂 Keep up the good work and best of luck on your test.
Megan says
Words cannot express what this blog has done for me. As a person that has struggled with an eating disorder, disorered eating, and over exercising this blog has been a breath of fresh air. It keeps me in check and makes me think more about doing good for my body and treating it right. Reading the posts and seeing what another person is eating helps keep me in check and keep me on the right path to recovery. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this site. It has been an inspiration.
Jill says
Just going to agree with everyone else and say “amen!” Your journal always inspires me to try new tasty meals, and happy that I’m not the only one with the hope to watch what I eat, exercise, and yet life a full life! A lot of people I know think I’m insane for exercising, hehe.
Kate says
Thanks, Kath! You really do a good job with this blog. Nutrition doesn’t have a one-size fits all solution and we just all have to realize that! Keep up with the posts- you inspire me to make healthier choices daily and work to satisfy my palate. 🙂 I don’t know if you are a chili fan but I made Cooking Light’s Red Chicken Chili (featured on Cristen’s blog) tonight and added some extra peppers to volumize it. I HIGHLY recommend the recipe to anyone looking for a healthy, hearty, and EASY meal!! Have a good week, all!
Exa says
Kath,
I think you do a great job. This blog is fantastic and I love reading it. Your enthusiasm for food and for life really shines through. I think many are aware that this is just a snapshot of your life, and those who are not should be at this point!
Keep up the good work.
Thanks again!
Exa
Patricia says
Hey Kath!
I just want to congratulate you on your blog. I started reading it over Thanksgiving and it has been such a great inspiration to lose weight.
I’m at my healthy weight again! (After losing my freshman 15!)
Keep up the good job, and don’t let rude comments ruin it for everyone!
Gracias!!
Louise says
hi Kath, first time posting however i’ve been keeping up with your blog for quite a while now. i would just like to agree with some of the more encouraging people and say thanks for doing such a great job with the blog. since i’ve been keeping up with this blog i’ve included so many more superfoods into my eating and also started getting really creative with lunches and dinners. people have actually noticed that i’ve dropped a few pounds and i certaintly do not go hungry! i feel like your blog has really encouraged me to make better choices. concerning all of the insolent bloggers that obviousley have nothing better to do with their time than criticize others, either go start your own blog and don’t read this one, or just go to hell. because as far as i’m concerned those negative comments are what’s going to ruin it for those of us who do appreciate Kath’s blog, and eventually she won’t feel like letting others pry into her personal life, and just delete it altogether. also, calorie counting has been proven over and over to be the most effective way to lose and maintain weight. it’s very simple, calories in vs. calories out. perhaps some of you guys should read a book i think it may do you some good.
linds says
Hope the negativity hasn’t gotten you too down.. there are a ton of supportive readers out here who admire your willingness to just put yourself out there and your dedication to healthy eating. Have a good week! I have midterms next week too so I know how you feel about that, best of luck!
Betty says
Hi Kath, I noticed your earlier post regarding No Pudge brownies (I’m also a fan). You might be interested in this recipe at Recipe Zaar that promises to reproduce the no-pudge results from scratch. I haven’t tried it myself, but it looks promising and easy, too. I like the idea of being in full control of all of the ingredients.
http://www.recipezaar.com/116219
Kay says
Kath,
People get offended too easily these days…and lack common sense. That is pretty much what it comes down to. Everyone has different needs, likes and dislikes, etc. Although everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, people should not be making accusations based on assumptions! Saying you have disordered eating is wrong, they must have disordered thinking then 😛
I love your recipes and can’t wait to try the kale ones.
By the way, do you ever fight with “the husband” and not eat together? You two seem just perfect for each other!!
Rita says
Hi Kath,
I really enjoy reading your blog and getting meal ideas. I really think it all comes down to jealousy. You were successful at weigh loss, have a great husband, a loving family, and I am sure will have a successful career. I am sure that people who come here and feel like bringing you down are just simply jealous. I really can’t come up with another reason for why anyone would take the time of the day and bring another person down. I really think those people should get a life and a hobby. Better yet, find a blog they like and leave a positive comment. That would be a much better use of anyone’s time. Keep up the good work and good luck with all future endeavors.
Kate says
Kath, thanks for an awesome blog. I appreciate the time and effort you put into your posts, and I support you. And again, thank you–I will continue to be a loyal reader =]
Amy says
Kath, cute pic! thanks for such a great blog!
I eat the same kind of pb as you (natural), I stir the oil once at the beginning. Do you also stir it as you eat the jar? Good luck with your exams, I’m sure you’ll ace them!
Stephanie says
Kath, The absence of calorie counting in your last couple posts has been a welcome breath of fresh air!
Alicia says
Hi Kath,
Glad that you really enjoyed your holiday and I think you resemble your mum. 🙂 Just want to let you know that you are appreciated by many readers and don’t let those nay sayers bring you down.
That pumpernickel sandwich looks delish! Good luck on studying for those tests. Remember to take a break every now and then and try not to get too stressed out studying. All the best for both your tests!
Jana says
Hey Kath,
I just wanted to send some words of appreciation. This blog is a great help, showing the readers how to mix and match great healthy foods, and how to stay on top of exercise. Really, I don’t see where the problem is… what’s so ‘obsessive’ about regular exercise? It’s a common fact that once you get the hang of it, you just have to do it regularly to feel good. Exercising once a day is by no means an addiction or obsession, and making sure you’re taking in healthy foods is by no means disordered eating… and those delicious veggies really are yummy, not all of us hate them and only eat them because we want to be thin. 🙂
Sara B!!! says
You’re doing a great job Kath! I look forward to reading your blog everyday. I’m glad you had a good time this weekend. I love spending time with friends and family.
I’ve learned a lot from the videos you make with your husband. I would love to see some more.
Thanks again!
Kath says
Thank you, thank you to everyone. What a breath of fresh air.
Betty,
I saved the no pudge @ Recipezaar in my “to-make” list. I don’t bake much because I am Queen of Licking the Bowl, but the next time I need some brownies, I’ll give these a try! Certainly is cheaper than the mix!
Kay,
Matt and I don’t really ever right – I think from the start of our relationship we have always been on the same page. Sometimes we debate adding one ingredient or another for a recipe, but always with a nice tone 🙂
Amy,
We give our PB a vigorous stir at the beginning and then refrigerate it. The chilly temp keeps it emulsified so there’s no need to stir again.
Kath
goalie30 says
Hi Kath and readers,
Thank you for addressing the negativity in your most recent journal blog. It was well said…some of us tried to stick up for you while you were gone on vacation, and well, those people started turning their negativity towards some of us (especially me!) as well! Hopefully your kind and wise words set them straight or set them packing…
I think my favorite ad last night, along with the cheese hiding the beer, was the budweiser ad where the dalmation helps coach one of the horses into shape, so he can make the “team” the following year! It was kind of fun watching the ads to see if any of them would turn out be about something “healthier” than just beer and chips, and I did see a few for some of the vitamin waters, a new low cal gatorade (being endorsed by the very good looking Derrick Jeter I may add!) and also some workout gear (underarmor) and Tom Brady even put a word in I think for Unicef to get kids active (he even quoted 1 out of 3 kids in the US are obese! even more of a reason for us to all get some form of daily exercise and to eat “clean” diets a good part of the time)…Hope everyone had fun at their superbowl parties, welcome to another work week; hope it’s a good one where you are! 🙂
Kathy says
I Love your blog and I’m on my third year of doing this! I’ve had oat bran with almond butter the last two days thanks to your pictures and I’m loving it. I want my healthy food plan to be similar to yours…real food with the fun left in.
Kristin Point says
Thanks for addressing the negativity in such a classy way 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Kath! Well said- thanks!
VeggieGirl says
Between the skiing, the Super Bowl party, and the overall great company you shared your time with over these past few days, you certainly DID have a fabulous weekend with your family!! :0)
That sweet-raisin bread looks divine; as does your morning bowl of oatmeal (as usual, haha).
Hope the new week brings you nothing but good things, Kath!!
BethT says
In Jenna’s blog someone said this blog was feeling like Lord of the Flies….how true 🙂 Too many people pointing fingers to make themselves feel better about their own lives, all under the guise of “constructive criticism.” I’m sure they’ll rear their ugly and annoying heads again, but really, who cares?
You impress me with your maturity. I would be like, “SCREW YOU! GO AWAY!!!!”
🙂
Tina says
Well said! I love your blog– probably the most out of any of the others out there. Keep up the great work!
Kath says
Thank you everyone!
Kathy,
Glad you like the oat bran/almond butter combo. Yum! I want some. Your artichoke dip on your blog looked great!
Kath
Sara V says
Glad to see that the rudeness and negativity dfidn’t get you down Kath 🙂 You said it perfectly. As everyone else has said, I love your blog and appreciate the work you put into it.
I have tried SO many new things since I have started reading – spaghetti squash, your delicious pumpkin pie recipe, eggplant, oatmeal pancakes…the list goes on! Keep it up and thanks again!
Cara says
Boo to negative comments! Your blog is my favorite blog now. Whether or not I can eat all of the food you make (allergic to wheat) it inspires me to make more food from home, using food that is not processed. It is exactly why I actually cut up an onion last night for my first time to make home made pasta sauce. Mmmmm.
Thank you so much for providing such a fantastic blog, and I am sorry people can be such punks.
JY says
Goalie – You obviously have some extraordinary need for attention. Now you are portraying yourself as a victim? Nobody is a “hater” or is turning their hostility onto you. You have been on this blog for few weeks and have managed to cause a lot of us to roll our eyes every time we see your entries. You condem negativity and then repeatedly engage in negativity against credentialed R.D.s yourself. Who do you think you are to judge Cristen? This blog isn’t about you — get over yourself!
goalie30 says
JY: I have never listed names or other blog websites with my opinions I’ve mentioned here. I am entitled to my opinions just as much as anyone else…a lot of people I’ve seen go to these other websites and post their negative opinions there (just like they have been doing here to Kath’s blog)… at least I am not on the websites of the bloggers whose diets I do NOT agree with spreading my negativity there and making that blogger feel bad on her own website. If the other bloggers choose to read the blogs listed here, that is their own entitlement, but nothing I said I was said in a mean wean, it was my opinion and observations that other bloggers out there don’t eat enough, and I backed it up with examples of their menu plans. Enough said
goalie30 says
I meant to say “nothing I said was said in a mean or demeaning way”
Leslie says
Kath, just wanted to say that I love your blog and lately all the negative comments have blown my mind! I don’t understand how people can make personal attacks at someone they don’t even know. One term I noticed over and over again in describing you was “self-indulgent”…. how can someone be labeled as self indulgent based on snapshots of their meals?? You were also attacked for using this site to make a name for yourself…. doesn’t everyone want to make a name for themselves? be successful? stay on top of their goals so that they don’t find themselves back where they started? Why do I have a feeling that those who criticize are those who can’t seem to reach that same level for themselves? Do what makes YOU happy.. count calories, measure out your portions, rock that heart rate monitor.. if that’s what helps you to feel your best! Maybe if more people did the same, there wouldn’t be so many overweight americans and bitter souls who feel a need to nitpick those who have acquired something that they cannot seem to acquire for themselves. You seem to have a great relationship with food and with your body. You eat the foods that make you feel good. Yes, you eat salad, but you don’t run scared from the dressing or a slice of bread here and there. You understand and enjoy moderation, and that is admirable.