I’m off to a good start this morning! I decided that instead of workout out first and then coming home for breakfast and morning of Stats, I would rather get the Stats over with so I could enjoy my workout and the rest of the day. So I set the alarm for 6:20 and got started on Stats around 7. I’m all finished and it feels GREAT!!
I had a cup of tea with my first lesson…
And made a bowl of oatmeal for my second…
With a medium banana (cut into small pieces and whipped in on the stove top), flax and PB –
Breakfast kcal ~ 400!
Workout
We’re headed to a new YMCA (an “express” one that is brand new just a few minutes farther than our normal gym) for a change of scenery. I hope it’s not too crowded!! I’m taking two good magazines 🙂
Today
Now that my required assignments are complete, I can enjoy this Saturday (if only the sun would come out!!) I also already did some chores (washing the dishes in HOT water was never so enjoyable since our house is so cold!). We’re having my mother in law over for dinner and are probably walking to Blockbuster to rent a movie. No other big plans!
Sarah says
Hi everyone!
Quick question: I count my calories, and try to eat around 1200 (I have about 3-5 more lbs to lose to reach my goal!) There are some days however when I’m done eating for the night, and full, but I’m still 200cals below my goal. Does this ever happen to you? Should I eat empty calories for dessert even though I’m not hungry or is it ok to be under net? I’ve heard so much about not eating enough slowing down your metabolism and putting your body into “starvation mode”. Any opinions on this?
Also, now that I’m finally close to my goal (after a few years of serious diet/exercise) I have to start thinking about maintenance. Honestly, I’m terrified! Part of me is so used to being on a diet and eating only 1200 cals that I don’t even feel like I’m depriving myself, and can’t imagine eating much more. Any tips on making the transition, how many cals I should eat a day (I’m 20yrs old, 5’2 and will hopefully be 113lbs soon!)
Thank you so much for this blog, you seem like such an amazing person, and have really been a great inspiration to me : )
nicole says
What kind of oatmeal is that? It looks delicious!
Becky says
I saw you mentioned the “Kerf Terf” yesterday, and someone else talked about it in response to the overload of questions. Anyhow, I was watching TV w/ my boyfriend last night, and he was watching a show about saws(he’s strange, I know). I just wanted to let you know that I learned that the kerf is the thickness of a saw. I thought about you when they said it! Have a great Saturday!
Brianne says
Sarah- how long have you only been eating 1200 calories? That is just too low! 1200 is the BARE min. we need to just survive (give or take based on height). Since you mentioned you are active I’m worried you already put your body in a semi starvation mode. Kath was eating 1226 NET calories a day.. which is the amount needed for survival PLUS an additional 500ish calories to fuel her workout and other light activity throughout the day (putting her at 1700/1800 cal per day). She has recently increased her net to 1326 due to increased walking since starting school. I get really worried when I hear/read about people eating so little. It is near impossible to nourish your body on so little fuel. Congrats on your weight loss (I still think that is an accomplishment) BUT I really hope you start eating more! I would just slowly increase by a few 100cal a day. If you eat more slowly you shouldn’t gain weight. Please don’t be afraid of food.. it should be enjoyed and never be feared!
Laura says
Hey Kath! Just wanted to let you know, I’m new to the blog, and am absolutely addicted!! You are awesome and give me so many ideas to implement into my own cooking.
Quick question: What kind of peanut butter do you buy? I usually buy Smart Balance because it has less sugar vs. Jif, and I was wondering what your thoughts were. I just REALLY do not like natural peanut butter (the kind you have to mix up…).
Lisa says
Brianne, I completely agree with you in the fact that I as well am worried about how many people post that they are trying to loose weight by seriously restricting calories. When I first started dieting I tried that approach, which led to severe binge-eating and general unhappiness. Now, luckily, I educated myself and I am fit and happy. However I often cringe at all the quick-fix promotions that I see out there and so-called ‘diet foods’ that are ridiculously low calories (ex. ‘diet’ frozen dinner that are only 260 calories which will be the only thing the person eats for their meal). Its almost bombarding. There is way too much emphasis out there on restricting calories to loose weight rather than making RIGHT and SMART food choices.
Kath, I really liked your write-up on making food choices that are nutritionally beneficial for your body and mind, and I am actually going to head out now and buy the book you recommended (sorry! no royalties ahah).
When I used to be a personal trainer I was shocked about how some clients had been virtually brainwashed into beleiving that food was the enemy at all costs, and I am sometimes purely sickened at how are society has become. That is my I love blogs such as this one and eatliverun.com that promotes sound nutritional practices aimed at overall health and HAPPINESS! Thanks again and sorry for the long rant!
mel says
Hey laura! I thought I hated natural pb too bc the nasty oil on the top and bc you have to keep in the fridge usually, but i recently tried skippy natural pb and it is amazing!! You don’t have to stir it or anything and it taste just like regular! I eat it everyday!! haha! You’d like it!! take care
mel
tvk says
Mel,
Skippy natural pb is a good alternative to the stir-and-refrigerate kind, but it does have palm oil added to maintain its consistency. Palm oil has saturated fat, but also, the process of growing and harvesting palm oil is detrimental to the rain forest, and populations of certain animals, like orangutans. Have you or Laura tried the kind of nat pb that has a bit of honey stirred in? It’s amazing, and although it has a bit of added sugar, it may be an alternative to palm oil. Just a thought!
sirenjess says
What kind of oatmeal is that? It looks so creamy.
the husband says
The oatmeal is Quaker Oats rolled oats. It’s 1C total of oats, plus 1C skim milk and 1C water. Then add 8oz of banana (remember this is for two people). Stir frequently, especially as liquid begins to thicken, until done. Sprinkle flax, brown sugar, peanut butter, etc and snack away!
Kath says
Sarah,
I second Brianne and Lisa’s posts! 1200 is way too low – I hope you mean NET of 1200?? I think if you are under your target for the day and are full you shouldn’t force yourself to eat empty calories, but my experience is I am hungrier than usual the next day if I’m short one day so I just eat a little more that day. What’s most important is that you’re eating enough over the course of a few days – one day too big or too small won’t hurt as long as you’re eating a good balance.
As for maintenance, you didn’t lose the weight overnight, you’re not going to gain it back overnight either. Just ease into it.
Laura,
It’s not bad to mix it up and put it in the fridge – then it’s just like regular PB. But if you absolutely hate it, at least get a brand that does not have “partially hydrogenated” anything on the ingredients list. Mel and TVK gave good advice – palm oil isn’t the best, but it’s better than trans-fats.
Kath