We really lucked out on the weather for this trip – the forecast is Sunny and 80* again. There’s less of a breeze today, which is good for me since it keep me a little too cool yesterday.
After a quick banana and PB, we set out on another beachy run.
We did a little less today – abut 3.5 miles – half on the roads, half on the beach. This whole island is covered with jasmine and honeysuckle. Running through the streets is an aromatic experience more than anything!
I re-fueled my glucose levels on our house’s blossoming honeysuckle bush 🙂
Today’s breakfast involved the freshly picked blackberries from yesterday. They were wonderful! I brought a can of pumpkin with me to make pumpkin oats for Meredith, so I stirred in a half cup of that as well. Topped with some crushed peanuts and almonds. It’s only a 2/3 serving of oatmeal but still turned out to be a big bowl of breakfast!
With coffee –
The husband has been making his oats with banana, avocado and hot peppers! It’s actually really good. The sweet contrast of the banana mixed with the smooth full-mouth feel of the avocado and the bite of the peppers makes quite an interesting – but delicious – combo. I think if I had a whole bowl I’d leave out the peppers, but the avocado/banana combo is wonderful.
(Half eaten)
I edited last night’s dinner to add the two bites of peanut butter rice crispie treat I had later that night.
We’re off to go read in the hammock. I think we’re doing lunch out today in the town, and dinner will be 100% grilled.
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
***I just posted this under last night’s comments, but I’m moving it to this one to stay current. 🙂
I have to say you are all making my Friday morning at the office go by a little quicker with all these crazy comments lately!
I have to interject something about all the photos – I am a photographer, and I always take a ton of pictures of EVERYTHING, it’s just a habit. And I happen to prefer blogs with more pictures than words (who doesn’t?). I just wish I had internet access and a laptop when I went on vacay so I could post more frequently instead of just a HUGE post when I get home.
Kath, I’ve loved all the posts this week, keep up the great work!
Tina says
Oh my gosh, the pumpkin-blackberry-oats mixture looks amazing! Blackberries are my love!
P.S. I WANT TO BE ON VACATION!
hk says
Nothing beats fresh berries, looks great!! Have fun 🙂
Heather says
I’m vacationing vicariously through your posts 🙂
That oatmeal combo sounds… interesting. I can see how the texture of avocado world work well in oatmeal, but hot peppers? That almost sounds like it would be good as a dinner side dish in lieu of rice or couscous. Very creative!
Yaz says
Avocado, peppers, and banana? Why do guys always mix-up weird things? But hey can’t complain they’re usually yummy.
Kelly T says
i make brownies with avocado sometimes instead of butter. you still get the fat, but its healthy fat and makes them very dense and fudgy. dang, now i want a brownie.
Kiala says
I love brownies for breakfast!!
Wait, what are we talking about again?
Anyway, I like all the pictures too. I second that emotion.
Hannah says
Kelly T,
I usually substitute applesauce for the oil in brownies, would avacado work the same way? I think I’ll wait til my cookies are gone before I start another baking project though…
Andrea says
Oh boy, i’m sooo jealous of you! I’m in the middle of finals at school 🙁 It’s so amazing that you are still able to post on vacation… I truly depend on your site. You are AMAZING!
arielle says
Kelly T, please share more about these avocado brownies.
Thank you.
JennS says
has anyone else taken the “eating disorder next door” quiz from the SELF website? I would really like personal feedback on that.
VeggieGirl says
Keep enjoying your fabulous, restful vacation, filled with great eats and company :0)
Tina says
Jenn S,
I just took the quiz on the Self website– very interesting questions.
JennS says
Yes, the quiz convinced me that many bloggers and blog readers have some form of an eating disorder.
Katie says
You are killin me with those berries. They look so wonderful!
Laurie says
I think it’s great that you are still blogging while on vacation. Really shows your dedication to the blog and your readers. I admire you for that!
brownies... says
ok thats not my name, but i have a question!
when you make brownies (from a box i assume) w/ applesauce instead of oil, do they taste different or have a strange texture?? (and do you use sweetened or unsweetened?) i really LOVE brownies and want to make them soon, so any advice would be great.
and also, if anyone is looking to make a cake w/ no oil or eggs: i often use a can of diet coke w/chocolate cake mix. the texture is the same, and there is a little hint of diet coke taste- but it’s quite good:)
Mike says
Hi. I’m really glad I found your site, but I am sooooo jealous! You’re breakfast sure as heck beats the bowl of cereal I just had at my desk at work.
Katers says
Hahah, avocado, peppers, and banana?? Sounds interesting, Matt!
Kath, your breakfast looks awesome with those fresh berries! I really want to take a vacay now!
Betsy says
um…that’s an odd oatmeal combo. i have to say that that’s one thing i won’t be making anytime soon.
so glad to hear that you’re enjoying yourself!! and those blackberries look sooo divine!
Aimee H. says
Ooo.. I remember chewing on honeysuckle as a kid. And my mom always had jasmine plants in our backyard.
Ange C. says
JennS- i took that quiz too…very interesting.
But i will say it’s a little bold of you to say that all bloggers and their readers have some form of an ED. I understand where you’re coming from on that, but I think it’s safe to say that we’re all here b/c we love food, health, and taking care of our bodies.
In the quiz, the question about how often do you think about food bothered me. I just have my meals and my husband’s too to think about, which requires me to think about food often to plan ahead. Now if I had children, then I’d be forced to plan meals/snacks even more. I think it is somewhat accurate considering my score, but there are some questions that are ‘questionable.’
JennS–So what’s your personal feedback on the quiz? You didn’t say too much about what you thought of it.
Anne P says
I just saw some of the comments from this morning on last night’s post and just wanted to say, Kath, that I love all the fun pictures you are posting 🙂 Shows you are obviously having a blast and it gives me something fun to see while I’m sitting here in my cube! I think the best part of this blog is that while it offers great food ideas and awesome pictures of said food, it’s also kind of like a life journal of sorts too – sometimes I feel like I read more just to see what you’re up to than what you’re eating! Especially now that you are on vacation 😉
Anyway, enjoy!!! Soak up some sun for me!
Anne P says
To elaborate on that thought, I think, in part, why this blog is such a success with so many followers is all the personal information on your life and day-to-day activities that you give — I know I at least feel like you’re a friend now and I like to come back to see what you’re doing!
tiedtogetherwithasmile says
I’m so jealous! I hope you’re having a fabulous vacation!!
rachel k says
BROWNIES
I made a box of Ghiradelli Brownies w/unsweetened applesauce last week–i was trying to trick my husband into eating a healthier version of his fav. brownies. they weren’t the same–a good bit drier and more cake like than normal. i would suggested baking them ~15% less if you are using applesauce.
Tina says
JennS,
Hmmm… not all of us bloggers and blog readers have some sort of disordered eating. Personally, I simply enjoy food and eating it. I took the quiz and scored a 7, which means that I am at “a low risk for being a disordered eater, valuing healthy eating and exercise because they make you feel good. But you keep everything in balance; maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t keep you from pursuing other goals. You probably draw self-esteem from a variety of resources in your life, including work, meaningful relationships with friends and family, and other personal accomplishments—and not the size of your clothing. Sure, you enjoy looking your best (who doesn’t?), but appearance is something you take pride in rather than obsess about.” I think there are a lot of us out there that think this way. What do others think? Maybe I am naive about this subject.
JennS says
oh i completely agree with you tina. i just wonder if there are really people out there who obsess about food that much, and think “hey, this is healthy” but really its OCD (not speaking about kath here, just a general note)
Kiala says
I don’t know about eating disorders…maybe….but I think maybe a “cult of perfectionism” might be more accurate.
Which can be just as damaging. I dunno. what do you all think?
Ange C. says
JennS- you’re not giving your opinion on the quiz at ALL, but taking every opportunity to take a dig at Kath. It’s quite obvious. Geez. So what did you think of the quiz?!
JennS says
i was a little annoyed with the quiz.. because a lot of people (mothers, wives, just health nuts in general) think about food a lot because they care about whats going into their bodies…. it could go either way with the “eating disorder” term though… im sure people think just as much about food who eat bad food as people who eat good food. the quiz just opened my eyes a little
JennS says
well said Kiala.
Katers says
I think that everyone has their own journey with food, exercise, lifestyle choices, body image, etc… Ideally, these things are positive aspects in our lives, have always been positive, and will always be positive. But as life changes and people and situations change and evolve, this might not always be the case. The only thing to do is change and adapt and try to make the best of it. I don’t think a quiz or anyone else can put labels like OCD or disordered eating on anyone else unless they are a trained doctor and have had thoroughly evaluated the other person. Behavior that may seem negative in your life might be totally positive in another’s, ie. calorie counting. It may be a huge burden to Jane, but lets Sally feel free and satisfied. Everyone is on a journey, everyone is trying to do their best and be happy. I think we could all be a little easier on ourselves and each other.
Clara says
I completely second what Katers posted 🙂
Mmm those berries look SO delicious! Love it!
Kelly T says
I dunno how I feel on the subject. I did used to have an eating disorder, but am completely recovered. i think because I finally figured out that it really didnt have anything to do with food. depriving myself of something I needed made me feel strong. But eventually it got to the point where I didnt need to try anymore, and because scared of food (being weak) and thats when I knew it was bad. Before it felt good to not let myself eat, but it wasnt deprivation anymore because my body genuinely didnt want food anymore.
Im fine with food now. i like kaths blog because i like the ideas she gives, for I am not very creative with my food. I dont count calories or anything, i just look at food as something i need to stop a few times a day for some that i can keep being at my best. No emotions tied to it, nothing like that. Its just something i gotta do, like getting gas. And nowadays, its just as expensive
Kelly T says
that was riddled with typos.
i just plain and simple substitute avocado for butter. you just have to mix it up a bit more, but I use the exact same amount of avocado that the recipe calls when they use butter.
Cassie says
I never thought of putting blackberries in oatmeal! That looks amazing!
KC says
Kelly, I don’t know, you are a personal trainer and you have a fitness blog and you are a regular poster on several food blogs. I don’t believe that food/nutrition/all that is “just something you gotta do.”
Jenna says
Does anyone know if Kath is measuring her food while on vacation?
JennS says
She must be because she said “2/3 serving” I am worried about her because even though I love this blog i see a lot of ocd and perfectionist..
Becca says
I took the quiz too and I was worried about my results….I scored a 33.
I know that I have problems with eating and food, but that number is so high! I guess it just shows that I do have things to work on.
Alyssa says
I didn’t even bother taking the quiz because I already know what it is going to say because I do have an eating disorder. I don’t think everyone woman has an ed or is obsessive with food (which I’m not saying it is bad to think this), but I think one can think about food a lot and still be healthy. For example, if you always have to plan meals for your family, etc. There is a fine line between being obsessive about food because you have an eating disorder and planning/thinking about food because you enjoy it and take pleasure in doing healthy things for your body. I know it sounds ssoooo cliche, but it is all about balance and not becoming extreme about it. For me, I think about food a lot (obviously since I have an ed), but part of that is in a healthy way, such as being excited for a certain meal because I am challenging myself to indulge in foods I enjoy that I have not allowed myself to eat. As long as you are not restrictive and denying your body the food and nutrients it needs, I don’t think there is a problem with thinking a lot about food. I hope that didn’t sound stupid and convoluted 🙂
Betsy says
i think the 2/3 thing just has to do with the nature of oatmeal. whether you’re a calorie counter and measure all your food or not, oatmeal is something that most people measure in order to add the correct amount of liquid. that means she just had 1/3 a cup instead of her normal 1/2 cup. I don’t count calories at all but i measure my oatmeal every morning to get the proportions right.
rachel says
So, Kath has no life, always worries about food, is OCD, has nothing else going on in here life… then why do you read it?! Maybe you are the one with not much going on. Keep up the nice work Kath, love reading this blog for an afternoon desk work break and love the healthy cooking ideas. Now if I could only have some of your eating control!
Ana says
hmmm….I know what I am about to say is going to spark a lot of comments, but my thoughts are that almost everyone today is at a risk for developing an eating disorder. Let’s face it, society is leaning towards skinny, perfect figures and healthy, measured diets. It’s the truth. Everywhere, exercise and dieting has become the norm.
I think, ladies, that there is definitely a lot of anger sparked from this quiz because it shows simply that: that we are ALL at risk.
I scored a 22, something I’m not proud of, but I’m also not surprised. I DO think about food a lot, I DO care about my body image, and I DO think I am obsessive about my weight.
The important thing is that we learn from this. I already knew, and I think anyone who scores high does, deep down that I was at a risk (actually, I already HAVE had an eating disorder, so it came as no surprise). The thing I think we all need to concentrate on is “what are you going to do to change the situation?”
I know that I have trouble with counting calories and obsessing over weight. I hate that I do that. The fact that I have realized my obsession, and am already taking steps to change it, I think, is the purpose of the quiz. To wake us up and get us to change.
So I guess the next question is, are you happy with your results? If not, what are you going to do to change it?
Tracy says
brownies…
I haven’t used oil in anything that I’ve ever baked! You don’t need it when you can use applesauce! I’ve never had any complaints and the things I bake are always thoroughly enjoyed!! People that I have made brownies w/ applesauce for have said they actually like the applesauce ones better b/c of how moist they turn out.
Clara says
Kath looks like she has a pretty good life to me! 😀 I could see if some people were calling her “OCD” or whatever maybe because they are a lil jealous 😉
Kiala says
I like Kath’s blog for all the food ideas. I really do.
I think, however, that reading it is similar to reading magazines and some magazines…most magazines…perpetuate this idea of never making mistakes and doing everything perfectly all the time. With a plucky can do attitude.
I am totally not trying to criticize her or this blog – if I don’t like it, I can go somewhere else – I just worry about women in our society and our constant need to be everything to everyone.
Kelly T says
KC- I post on food websites because this is a blogging community. food and health go hand in hand. Having a fitness blog and being a personal trainer has nothing to do with food. I think there was a tiny chapter in my certification course because you have to fuel your body for workouts, and there is a proper way to do it, which a lot of people dont do. I support other bloggers and genuinely like them. They support me as well.
If you read my site, you know Im not very concerned with food. I only post about it to show that it isnt something to be scared of or overly concerned with. Even then, a food post is rare.
I have worked very hard to over come this. Your comment may have been made with the best of intentions but it trivialized the hard work I have put forth to get healthy and my career.
JennS says
kiala, again, you take the words out of my mouth… you just articulate better than i
Ally says
Glad the weather is nice, it’s actually 80 here in Charlotte!!
I love the banana-avocado bowl… it looks so unique
Yaz says
Well said Clara!
KC says
I did not mean to trivialize anything. Just as you stated, food and health go hand in hand, and of course, fitness and health do too. They really are all connected, especially when talking about eating disorders.
It is my impression that you go out of your way (overboard, really) to downplay food and its importance in your/everyone’s life. I find it hard to believe that you went from a serious eating disorder to food being an afterthought. And in such a short period of time. I actually think that this point of view might be difficult for other young people struggling with ED’s because it is such an extreme switch.
You’re 21, yes? You’re still very young, and have many years to go in both life and your career. What you’ve accomplished is commendable but you speak with an authority that your years just don’t back up. I suppose you’ll grow into it.
Kiala says
All right, everybody back off Kelly T.
She is extremely brave to talk about her eating disorder in such a public forum. No need to attack her.
It would be like you all ganged up on Kath for her injured foot thing.
Or on me for…well..no..everything I do is perfect.
(and cue the attacking of me!)
Kelly T says
sorry, Kath.
I do not go out of my way to downplay anything. I eat for fuel, thats it. because thats what it is. How else would someone without food issues look at it? Should everyone look at it as something to be counted and scared of? isnt that what this discussion is about? is it impossible for someone to look at it without any guilt/fear/remorse?
Do you think Im lying or something? I guess I dont understand your stance. Do you want me to count and worry and tell everyone else to as well?
I had an eatig disorder for 5 years. I went through 3 years of extensive recovery. It was not a fast swicth and it got worse before it got better. its a personal thing that i am glad i was able to beat. i volunteer with girls that are in extensive inpatient treatment for their eating disorders. i take extreme offense to the comment that I am a bad example to young girls with EDS. i can show you the piles of letters i recieved from girls thanking me BECAUSE i am so young and I have shown them that they CAN better. i now what they are going through and I offer them hope.
This is what these girls are afraid of. People that dont understand whats behind their disease and making snap judgements about them.
EATING DISORDERS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH FOOD. its just like drugs, or cutting. Its a coping mechanism. I may be young but i had to grow up fast. I had to fend for myself. I have been forced to be an adult for most of my life. You dont know my situation, and frankly you dont deserve to.
JennS says
Kelly T, I think you are strong, and you’re right, ED’s are not about food.. its like any other disorder.. its in the mind. Thats whats hard about it.
Angie says
Kiala,
The word “plucky” makes me smile. I wonder if that makes me plucky. (Just smiled.)
Kiala says
Exactly, Kelly.
Well said.
There is a difference between a frank and open discussion of eating and societal issues and personal vicious attacks.
Let’s try to keep things above board, ladies.
Clara says
Kelly T – I really like your blog and I find your whole attitude totally realistic and refreshing. Go you!
Kiala – I loved that you said reading this blog is like reading those magazines that emphasize being “perfect” with everything and having a plucky, can-do attitude. I love those magazines and that’s probably why I like this blog! Hahaha. I’m just one of those who are inspired by up-beat-ness 🙂
p.s. i still think you’re funny
JennS – I took the quiz at Self. I scored somewhat high. yeah, I like eating healthy and do think about food a lot and value being slender and fit. whatever! I’m not depressed and am pretty happy with my life so I don’t think there is anything I need to drastically alter with my attitude, personally.
Everything is so individual.
Alyssa says
Kelly T,
I kind of agree with “eds have nothing to do with food”, but I think for some people (like me) food has something to do with it. Wait, maybe I do agree with it…I developed an ed because I wanted to lose weight because I wasn’t happy with the way I looked, etc. etc. So I guess I dieted/restricted food to make myself happier, so in that sense I used food as a coping mechanism, right? I think I understand what you’re saying now. I think we figure it out the more we recover, at least I hope 😛
Kiala says
Thank you Clara. I think you’re nice.
And I read those magazines, too. I just wonder how good they are for my mental health and self esteem. I think it depends on the day.
I worked as a receptionist at a hair salon for four years and that almost KILLED me. I just wish women could be nicer to other women.
Like you just were.
k says
I agree with the comment that EDs are not about food. The food is just a tool that people with eating disorders use. Its about unresolved feelings, anxiety, depression, control, low self esteem… And abusing food to either fix or ignore a problem, or using food to abuse your body. Its not about vanity or being skinny, at my thinnest I knew I looked gross but I felt that I needed to binge and purge as a crutch just as someone drinks to feel better.
EDs are one of those things that you can’t understand unless you see firsthand the hell it is. I really don’t want anyone to have to experience an ED but I’d hope that before they made a rant or comment about an ED, they’d at least be sensative and well informed.
PS says
Kiala is both funny *and* wise.
Oh, and to keep on topic…Matt’s oatmeal is not a recipe I’ll ever try. 😉
Mandy A says
I don’t chime in very often… but I don’t feel as though Kath has any type of ED. I love her page for the ideas and I feel her relationship with food is healthy!!!!
And the 2/3 of a serving… I don’t feel that was her measuring at all. I think that was an estimate of what her usual breakfast is
SeeMe says
I have just come to the realization that I should not read this blog anymore. It’s the same completely recycled crap every few weeks:
Step 1: Kath makes a seemingly innocent post.
Step 2: Someone calls her on her ___________ (insert supposed eating disorder, perfectionism, OCD, etc)
Step 3: People take part in both sides of the debate
Step 4: Things die down and we go back to commenting on oatmeal until the next cycle begins
I think I need to find a different way to spend my down time at work.
KC says
That’s OK, no need to get into individual situations. I DO understand, as I’ve struggled both with disordered eating and an alcohol addiction. I, too, have had family members suffer through addictions, which is a whole different angle. I am also quite a bit older than you which may be why I have a different perspective. That’s all OK. I do just want to clarify that I NEVER said about food and how it relates to eating disorders. I could go on all day about the intricacies of addiction and how it plays out in the individual. I was commenting about food and how it relates (or doesn’t relate) to your blog and your comments on other blogs. I absolutely did not mean to offend you on the level of your eating disorder; that would never be my intention.
angelcubbie says
I too agree that EDS have nothing to do with food, food is just something that you can control and (At least for me) feel like you need to. I had an eating disorder years and I remember when I was gaining weight to be healthier, I felt like I was becoming “real” and the idea terrified me, I don’t know if that makes any sense to someone who hasn’t had an ED or been very thin, but the loss of total control over my weight and becoming more of a healthy weight made me feel like I was having to face the real world too, something I think I was hiding a bit from with my obsessiveness over food. I, like Kelly I believe although I don’t know her history, had to grow up young.
Bottom line here though, this blog has in no way negativley impacted my recovery from awhile ago. It gives me recipe ideas and it’s fun to read, I like those perky magazines too. Engoy the blog for what it is or don’t read it. These discussions are interesting, but there’s no need to attack Kath or speak spitefully about her “perfectionism”. If you feel her blog and lifestyle is so stringent for you that it negativley impacts you, read a different blog. Otherwise take it for the entertainment, (Because blogs are fun) and the window into someone else’s world it is, much like a book. Discuss things that are interesting here if you like, because debates are fun, but don’t trash Kath’s lifestyle, she won’t change it for you.
Do you burn books and yell insults at them when you start reading them and decide you don’t like them? No, you put the book down and choose a different one. Same concept.
angelcubbie says
sorry that was a bit long. I type fast.
DmL says
I enjoy this blog and get some good ideas from it…although I doubt I’ll ever be as eclectic as Kath is with all of her meals. That said, I do enjoy this discussion, like to hear other’s opinions and find this dialogue a bit more interesting than oatmeal and “yum that (food) looks so delicious!” Not trying to make anyone angry, just stating my opinion which we are all aloud to have 🙂
Teddy says
I’m not a sweets in the morning type person, but i’ve never thought of savory type oatmeal. great idea!!
Tara says
While the cat’s away the mice will play….
Kelly T says
k – exactly. I felt, through the situation i was in, that i took up more space than i was worth.It was a multitude of things: I didnt deserve to eat, if i just shrank i could be ignored instead of avoid the awful things hurled at me everyday, i didnt understand why I couldnt see that I “couldnt do anything right”, but it all boiled down to someone constantly telling me i was not good enough. So i decided to be strong, and push away something that everyone else needed. but i did not need food, I was stronger than that. But i realized i became a slave to food, instead. Even though i wasnt eating it, it took over my life.
KC- thank you, i appreciate that. I dont know where you are in your recovery, but by getting to the root of what caused it, it helped me to see how silly fixating on something like food can be. I started reading food blogs (but not commenting) years ago, because i didnt know how to eat properly. i didnt know if turning something down meant i was restricting and if eating a peice of cake was binging, as i have dealt with both anorexia and bulimia. Now i have learned what my body needs to function, and am set. I think reading the blogs is different for me, because i have one of my own. These people come to my site and ask questions. i check out their blog and ask them questions. we all can learn from eachother and support eachother. i think if you were far enough in your recovery that you are at a peaceful place with food, you woldnt have said that you dont believe it is possible. but it is, and you will eventually get there if you keep working on it.
angelcubbie- i know exactly what you mean by becomeing “real”. i wanted to be skinny so that people thought i was tiny and fragile and delicate: i wanted someone to be able to scoop me up and be scared they might break me. so they had to be gentle, because gentle means loving. now its so transparent to me what i really wanted, someone to take special care of me and worry about how I was feeling, but i didnt know how to articulate that. I wanted people to worry about me, because no one ever had before. food was just the natural choice for me. some people sleep around for the same reason, they just want to be loved.
i actually think this is a great conversation, besides the hurls at Kath. Man, shes not even here to defend herself. i think of it like, if you knew someone, and your personalities just didnt mesh well, would you go their house a few times a day and tell them everything you didnt like about them? no, youd just stay away. shes opening up to people that want to hear it. those that dont, she doesnt expect you to come around, and shes ESPECIALLY not going to change for you.
Kelly T says
i just pictured angelcubbie screaming at a book
Leena says
SeeMe- I can see your point about the comments section going through the same ‘recycled’ crap over and over, same patterns, etc. It is true, when you look back over the months. For Godsake, even her being on vacation has sparked a debate again just like the good old days.
The way I see it is pretty simple.
As women, as human beings, we all have our ‘issue(s)’ that we need to overcome in our lives. Many of us rehash the same problem over and over and over and over and over again until it all *clicks* for us, and we grow and mature.
Perhaps, this is what is happening with Kath right now, in her decision to stop counting calories. Perhaps, this is something she is trying to grow from and to step away from the obsession.
It doesn’t surprise me that these debates keep happening over and over in this blog. if you think about it, MANY women on this blog are currently trying to overcome some issue with food, self-acceptance, etc. Therefore, I think it is only natural that the issue is brought up time and time again. We haven’t solved it yet, we are not ‘at peace’ with ourselves, so why be at peace when commenting on this blog if we hear this nagging voice saying that something is just *not right*…we have the right to debate, to argue, to rehash old topics we don’t think have been resolved. Everyone brings a unique approach to this community and everyone has different needs and reasons for coming here.
flipflops says
One girl/guy’s OCD perfectionism is another’s day to day routine. Comment if you choose, it’s all relative. Ever watch Wife Swap (that show cracks me up, they all get so mad/families who get candlelit dinners every night and folks who nuke cans of pork and beans) There’s room for us all out here whether we want to riff on oatmeal or gently encourage others to look at a differing view point. Or even a little fiery debate, right? 🙂 I actually enjoy the occasional chuckle-head too chicken to post a real first name. So on this blog we’ve got groupies, croupies (critic/plus groupie) and chuckleheads. Maybe Kath can do a questionnaire to see who’s who. Chuckleheads are kind of like watching that lone dancer bust awkward moves in the middle of the dance floor oblivious that they might want to wait ten seconds before hitting post and subjecting the masses to the verbal diarrhea. Kath is a grown-up with a blog that I’m sure she quite enjoys and will also be a way to enhance professional credentials. That’s her thing. I noticed she doesn’t seem to delete the naysayers/that does take a certain openness. Aren’t our individual choices only a problem if it’s hurting ourselves/others. What’s the dividing line between living versus disorder? I think some of us might read too much into this. Some innocently meant comments (i.e. bikini post response, get taken out of context, online you don’t get to see/hear the poster) Sorry for my longwinded post.
Kelly T says
amen, leena.
Kath isnt perfect, and im sure shes just not the type of person that likes to air her insecurities on the internet. some people are. i try not to lament, i just like to offer my experience and hope that it might help even just one person.
im not a loser, i just had some sessions cancel on me so i dont have anything to do and i find this conversation interesting.
Leena says
Oh and Kaila…I couldnt agree more about your magazine comment:
“I think, however, that reading it is similar to reading magazines and some magazines…most magazines…perpetuate this idea of never making mistakes and doing everything perfectly all the time. With a plucky can do attitude.”
I subscribe to a couple magazines (Shape, Glamour)…mainly for entertainment at the gym. And I use the word ‘entertainment’ very loosely…I think many of us want so hard to BELIEVE that a happier, greener pasture is on the horizon, if we just do X, Y, and Z….we will finally be happier. That is why magazines that claim to give women the power to a simple, happy life sell so well. We buy into it. Much like some buy into this blog and Kath’s portrayal of a perfect life.
Thats why diet schemes, pills, gizmos sell so well. We buy into the hype. It is all one clever marketing scheme, sucking people back in every time.
Leena says
flipflops- THIS:
‘Chuckleheads are kind of like watching that lone dancer bust awkward moves in the middle of the dance floor oblivious that they might want to wait ten seconds before hitting post and subjecting the masses to the verbal diarrhea.’
cracked me up! I LOVE it!
Jessie says
It will never cease to amaze me that people who claim they “can’t stand Kath or this blog” continue to comment negatively. If they didn’t read it obviously they couldn’t comment. I also think its quit comical that people insult others by saying they have no lives because they spend time reading these things. Let me ask you a question, one person spends time reading/commenting something she loves, the other spends time reading/commenting something she claims disgusts her…which one here needs to “get a life?”
angelcubbie says
I second the Amen to Leena
Kelly T – Your words about becoming real and why you wanted to be thin struck me very deeply, I can’t tell you how deeply, but I think they just made me examine the reasons I wanted to be super tiny in a whole new light. I can’t tell you how much that just changed my whole perspective and how much that just explained to me. Thank You.
On another note, the comment after made me laugh. I don’t yell at books.
Ok maybe my astronomy book a little ; )
Alex says
I made Kale Chips tonight and they were amazing!
Thanks Kath!
brownies... says
rachel k + tracy:
thanks for your suggestions! i think a box of brownies to try and make w/ applesauce is worth a shot:) ill try to cook it less so they come out fudge like:D
Leena says
Can I just say that WIFE SWAP needs to get a new idea?
Its always the dirt poor, new-age hippies VS. uptight, rich bible thumpers.
Its comical, but it gets OLD.
Ashliqua says
This is a really interesting discussion and I found alot of the comments really struck a chord with me.
Kelly T–I think you are really brave for sharing everything you did. I have never had an ED and your comments gave me an understanding I otherwise would not have had.
angelcubbie–you are totally right, blogs should be fun. Discussion is great but spiteful comments against Kath are totally pointless…she’s not going to change for an anonymous stranger.
Jessie–so true! Everyone should just do what makes them happy–that IS having a life!
Jackie says
angelcubbie- I think think Kath will entirely change herself and her behaviours due to the comments on this forum, but I don’t you think that part of her reason to stop counting calories again was due to the debates and stories by readers on her blog?
Jackie says
I meant I DONT think Kath will entirely change her behaviours….etc
Tara says
I think there are some interesting discussions in these posts, some done with tact, and some (unfortunately) without. But I guess I think it’s interesting that some people have the perception that Kath is “OCD” or has some “Perfect Life.” I know I keep saying this, especially when the cheap shots come out while she’s on vacation, but a blog represents the positive characteristics of a person. How weird would it be if Kath started a post with, “Matt and I got in a fight today.” Not many people would make their problems open to the world. Blogs usually represent the positive in someone. There are accusations that Kath is conceited and names stuff after herself. First of all, most of the time she isn’t the one naming it. And second, why does everyone think Kath sees herself as perfect? I think she has insecurities just like the rest of us, but doesn’t find the need to tell the world.
And I repeat what others say: if you don’t like the ED-tendency or OCD stuff on the blog, why do you read? If it’s obsessive to take 7 pictures of one dish, then what does it mean to look at the 7 pictures of 1 dish? At least what Kath does has some correlation with what her career is. What does looking at websites and critiquing the person who invests time in them have to do with one’s future?
And just to “prove” that not all people on this blog have ED, I got a 5 on that quiz (but I must mention that even though I don’t think I have an eating disorder, I though the questions were extremely inaccurate and didn’t take into account any external factors – i.e. is “dieting” considered the same as just “eating healthy”?).
anon says
Kath was valedictorian of her HS, played soccer, gets exempt from finals for her amazing grades, etc. etc…..of course she’s a perfectionist!!! DUH!!
THat’s just her personality. You can just tell that she approaches everything in life (school, work, eating, working out) with the same focus, organization, structure, and all that jazz. It doesn’t seem unusual to me when she measures/counts/prepares food b/c you just know that she does that with everything…it’s not like it’s JUST food.
Now, if I tried to be as structured as she is, it would totally be disordered eating for me b/c i just gotta go with the flow sometimes.
Nothing new is being said here, just saying you kinda need to take her behavior with a grain of salt. Unless you’re the valedictorian type, you prob. shouldn’t even TRY to model Kath’s eating behavior b/c it will make you feel like a failure (maybe, possibly, just guessing)
LT says
FOOD is more than just fuel for the body.
It can evoke memories, emotions. It defines cultures. It brings people together. Cooking can be a creative outlet, like any art form. I love food & cooking for these reasons.
CourtneyS says
As a sidenote, I think people are making too much of the Self quiz. I read that article when I got my issue in the mail and frankly, I think it’s reactionary and over-stated. Also – and I give credit to Self’s staff for a great magazine – but people are talking about it like it’s a peer edited medical journal. No, it’s a QUIZ in a magazine. As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder, I think it grossly misrepresents the experience of real eating disorders, which many people have bravely shared in these comments.
Jessie says
Tara- Yes, Kath probably has insecurities, but we’d never know it because she is often too busy boasting about how great she is. Sure, I have amazing things that happen to me in my life, but I don’t feel the need to shove it in people’s face every chance I get. It is called modesty. It is fine to talk about successes, but there is a ‘happy medium’ that I think Kath lacks. Everyday it is…’oh I think I aced this test, my professor emailed me personally saying I was exempt from the final exam, I bought this and this and this, oh but dont forget we are *really* pinching pennies here [insert shots and videos of their immaculate looking kitchen and pristine house]…oh look at our perfect flowers and herbs, arent we great!?
I am obviously embelishing here, but day in and day out you can see why readers tire of hearing someone boast about how great they are. The blog just isn’t very realistic to a lot of people. I think Kath would benefit to including more of a well-rounded approach to life, instead of trying desperately to make her reader’s think she is the perfect student, wife, daughter in law, friend, etc.
Kelly T says
i dont get it. should she mess up her house on purpose? turn down invites to hang out with her mother in law? fail her tests? burn her money?
Tara says
I hear ya on some things. I can’t find much wrong with how she lives her life…or at least how she’s represented on the blog. But I guess if it bugged me enough to feel I have the right to attack her, then I would just stop reading the blog, rather than making it my life mission to “humble her” (not that I think she needs humility).
At this point, I am grateful for all that she does. I don’t care if it looks like she is worlds more disciplined than I am…it gives me a goal to work towards and I like that. I am sure there are things I do that she would look up to. Or things you would do that she would look up to. This is just a representation of the good things she accomplishes in her life.
JessieP says
Just like to point out that there are two Jessies on here, the one saying Kath “boasting about how great she is” is not me, i will be updating my name so i don’t get mixed up with that Jessie who is clearly quit negative and pretty much a snot!