Today was so pleasurable and I blame it all on the blue sky, bright sunshine and mild temperatures. I didn’t even need a winter coat!
Class + 2,400 Steps
The dietitian who came to our class today was great. She’s 37 and a recent Winthrop grad who made a switch from PR to Nutrition because she wasn’t getting anything meaningful out of PR (sounds familiar!) She now works in corporate wellness for LiveWell Carolinas, which is the largest health care employer in NC with over 23,000 employees. Sounds like a job I would really like! She asked us a few questions to win prizes:
Q: What’s the first thing we tell our clients to look at on a nutrition label?
A: The serving size!
Yours truly got it right, and I won a little pedometer. I have never worn a pedometer before and put it on after class for fun. Since the day was gorgeous (and Christy couldn’t walk on the track today) I did a 20 minute loop around campus and logged 2400 steps! I was at 5,000 when I took it off before dinner tonight (which includes my trek back across campus). I bet with my workout I’m probably around 12,000-15,000 per day! I’m going to wear it all day tomorrow and see. Did you know only getting 4,000 steps is still considered sedentary?
On my walk I stumbled across this pretty tulip – my favorite flower!
Snack
When I got home at 4:30 I made a cup of Kashi GoLean with vanilla hemp milk and a few walnuts for snack. I ate it peacefully on our terrace – no reading material or computer – just me and and the sun and my snack 8)
Perfect Dinner
I couldn’t have planned a more perfect dinner to have tonight (I’m on my own while the husband is at his class). I studied until 7:00 – my assignment took me longer than I’d planned – and was starving and freezing cold by the time I wrapped things up. All I wanted was a huge bowl of hot soup and that’s exactly what was on the menu! I made the house all cozy and enjoyed every hot bite 🙂
Leftover squash and kale soup in one of my new bowls!
Verdict: It DEFINITELY got better with age!!!
Along with a serving of TLC Sesame crackers –
And hot tea –
Dinner was about 450 kcal, 12 grams fiber and 20 grams protein.
Mariposa – Here the up close photo you requested of two of the bowls my grandmother sent 🙂 Obviously I ate my soup in the one on the right!
Night guys!
Sarah says
Congrats on winning the pedometer! 😀 I seriously don’t think I would have thought of that as my first answer…
I LOVE your photos lately…so “springy” looking. Can’t wait till the snow disappears from my backyard! 🙂
nutritionnut says
Hey Kath. I love your blog and have been reading it for a few months now, I think you are a great example of balance and admire how you always find the time to prepare something healthy for yourself and eat it in an attractive way! I have tried to do the same! I am also maintaining a weight loss (~55 lbs for about 3 yrs) I am very healthy sometimes too hard on myself, but just wondering how you never loose motivation to work out, I feel a little burnt out and it is harder to go lately, my body is just tired, wondering if you ever feel like this and any tips you may have? Thanks, keep up the good work, look forward to your meals everyday:)
VeggieGirl says
Between the gorgeous weather, winning that pedometer, and enjoying delicious meals/snacks, I’d say that you definitely DID have a great day!! I hope that your Friday goes just as well.
Night, Kath!!
Laurel says
Hi Kath,
I’m wondering if there’s any reason you use low fat as opposed to fat-free yogurt? I eat vanilla low-fat yogurt now (Stonyfield Farms brand) and like it because of the sweetness (supposedly fat-free has more sugar in it). I’m thinking of switching to plain but it’s so unpalatable, even if I mix in fruit (just not sweet enough). Then if I add sweetener (like honey) doesn’t it defeat the purpose?
I’m stuck in a food rut lately. Whenever I think of eating vegetables I think of cold, unappetizing things–cold, out-of-season lettuce, bland, tasteless carrot sticks, etc. As a result I’ve hardly eaten veggies lately because I can’t stomach them. I bring them to work, get hungry and then eat junky things (e.g., pretzels, chocolates) because there’s nothing else. Any advice? I’m so tired when I get home from work and the gym and never feel like cooking.
For those of you that have read Geneen Roth’s books and follow her methods—how long did it take you to get to your ideal weight and get food issues under control? I started following her “program” (for lack of a better word as it’s not really a program, persay) in December and, as she said would happen, gained weight. It’s been hard getting those 5 pounds off and I just can’t risk gaining more weight, but my compulsions are just out of control lately. Any help?
Thank you again Kath, for all of your hard work. You are a real inspiration. And thanks to your wonderful readers. You have a great community here.
Lindsay says
Hi Kath ~ Sounds like you had a great day… Just wanted to say I love the bowls you just received, hope you enjoy them… And again, to reiterate the previous poster, I love your blog and you are a great inspiration 🙂
anon says
A pedometer, just what you need..
Romina says
I love pedometers! I got one from a cereal box a few years ago, it was so exciting to know how many steps you take. Of course it’s tough to know how far you walk, but it makes you aware.
Sarah says
Laurel—Veggies don’t have to come in the form of cold salads and cut up veggies! Veggie soups are a great alternative, as well as sweet potato fries or sweet mashed potatoes, roasted brussell sprouts, zucchini&summer squash stir-fries, etc…Kath has some great vegetable soup recipes that you could always try out too. 🙂
If you simply want to add flavor to things like snow peas, carrots, red peppers, cucumber slices, etc., try dunking them in a bit of low-fat ranch dressing or hummus. It really helps to boost the flavor. 🙂
Julia says
Kath- I’m wondering why you think its necessary to ‘get in your walk’ when you already workout every morning PLUS you walk all over campus? Do you ever think that’s a bit extreme? You said you had to up your net calories because you walk so much now, so I just don’t understand why you feel the need to add yet another walk when you have clearly worked out much beyond necessary.
It concerns me because I used to have exercise bulimia where I constantly had to be moving all day long to burn calories. I would workout, play a sport, then come home and bike or skate. It was extreme and looking back on it very unhealthy….I hope you aren’t going down that route.
Katers says
Boo, anon! Pedometers are fun! I had one in college and would always try to “beat” my “highest score”. So fun! My heart rate monitor comes next week – woohoo! And I’ve got another weigh-in on Sat! I’m working hard to make my goal!
Betsy says
those bowls are gorgeous!! I bet they are a welcome addition to your wonderful collection of kitchenware!
oh-and seeing that tulip is pretty enviable too.
kale for me tonight as well! Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Ruby Red Vegan says
I’m so jealous of your sunshine! That must have made your bowl of cereal even more enjoyable (you win double because hempmilk is just so good to begin with!).
Crackers and kale-squash soup sound like the perfect dinner!
Katers says
Ooh, and Laurel, tonight I had a huge craving for mac and cheese. But I knew that wouldn’t be enough to keep me going/wasn’t nutritionally sound. So I threw in some broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes and mixed it all up! Yum! Sneaking veggies in meals can be a great way to bulk up a smaller dish (for us volume eaters) and get more nutrients!
Kristie says
That weather you have looks gorgeous! I’m so jealous as I sit and stare out the window at slush and snow. No fun.
Your squash and kale soup looks just delicious. I really want to get around to making it sometime really soon!
And congrats on the pedometer! I love having numbers to track and try to beat.
chandra says
As always, I am extremely jealous of your beautiful weather!! You know what the high temp in Des Moines is predicted to be tomorrow? About 16 degrees!! Please, soak in a little warmth and sunshine for me – maybe even send it my way!! 🙂
Shelly says
Well, I had a bit of an over-indulgent day today– I feel like I should eat “clean” foods tomorrow to sort-of detoxify, and get back to my usual self. Any suggestions? What do you guys try to do/eat after an extravagant eating day?
kay says
Those bowls are so pretty! They seem to be the perfect size too! And of course, your dinner looks amazing! 🙂
I thought it was a little freaky but the photo that you posted earlier with grapes on your hand… I see a skull in the background!! Does anyone see this??
Kath, do you ever bake things? Like cookies etc.?
Erin says
Hi Kath, I love your blog and look forward to reading everyday!
One question, I never see you mention almond milk and wondered if you had given it a try. It is fabulous in everything, is super low cal, and makes your famous oatmeal even creamier.
Just thought I would ask….keep up the good work!
Caryee says
Shelley, I’ve been wondering that same question too!!
I would first suggest to drink plenty of water tomorrow. It helps keep the digestive track moving and your hunger at bay.
I would think some “detoxifying” foods would be juicy fruits, like an apple or pear, or easy to digest foods like a banana. Perhaps some steamed veggies or fish. For grains, quinoa or barley is great! I would stay away from anything saucy, oily, heavy-dairy or cheesy.
kay says
I like almond milk better than hemp milk as well. The vanilla and plain are both really good! 🙂 Hemp Milk taste a little weird to me for some reason.
I have a question to Kath and all readers:
I hope it doesn’t sound weird! How many times a day do you shower, and do you get dry skin at all?
Sometimes I workout in the AM and PM a little bit each time and shower each time then I shower before I go to bed and it seems that my skin gets kind of dry and I have long hair so it is a pain!
Strange says
WHY are there so many people with eating disorders or previous eating disorders reading this blog? The food obsession among this group of commentators is pretty disturbing.
Shelley – foods do not “detoxify” you. That is the purpose of your liver and kidneys. They do it very well.
Brianne says
Your day looks great! I really admire your ability to keep up your blog daily! its so fun to read. I am having a hard time keeping up with mine lately but that is really Sienna’s fault… =P
goalie30 says
Pedometers are good for people who are usually pretty sedentary (ie sit in front of the TV all day or sit at the office all day and the only walking they do is from their car into the office). I try and get my patients to walk at least 10,000 steps a day, but they usually do not also head to the gym in the morning and get a rigorous 45 minutes of cardio in along with walking around campus/ up and down stairs/ etc throughout their day. I wouldn’t suggest a pedometer for someone who is already active unless walking is their main exercise during the daytime and they wanted to log their minutes/miles/steps; otherwise, I think it edges on being a little over-extreme about counting how many calories and many minutes of walking one is getting in addition to their already daily workout routine.
There is no such thing as a “detox diet”…if you splurge one day, go back to a standard, well rounded, but healthy, diet with appropriate portions of all the appropriate food groups the next day to get your body back on track and drink plenty of water. Most people when they “over indulge” one day tend not to over indulge in fruits and veggies, so make sure your get plenty of these in along with some protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, and your system will be fine. If you feel you really over did it more than just one day in a row, getting a little moderate exercise in will help with keeping your calories and weight in check. Moderation in everything should be the goal; it sounds corny but everything will balance out in the end if you follow this.
Betsy says
i LOVE almond milk (blue diamond vanilla unsweetened). it’s great and cereal and as just a glass by itself. i find hemp milk too thick like that. I put the hemp milk in my oatmeal though and it makes it amazing.
Tina R. says
–GOALIE30–
I read one of your comments a while ago about ground flax and its hormonal effects. Since it acts like estrogen, from what I understand, do you know if it will cause one to get her period when she otherwise has stopped menstruating due to intense exercising? Thanks!
sickgirl says
I have what I hope is just a 24 hour bug. Not sure if it’s something I ate or what. Don’t want to rush off to the doctor unless I don’t get better soon. I’m sorry to be graphic, but just vomiting and well, diarrhea all day and night. Every 1/2 hour or so. Got progressively worse after lunch. I’m not sure if it coud be lactose intolerance or something like that. I can’t keep fluids down. Tried having a little gingerale, water, not good. I’ve lost a pound today from lost fluids. I slept much later but did a very light workout just on a stationary bike before things got really bad. WedMD said go to doctor if it lasts more than a week. Does any one have any tips on stopping this stuff. Should I just drink fluids tomorrow and then bland stuff, toast etc in a day or so?
Stacey M says
I love how some people here complain about commentors who have or have had EDs, as if any of this is normal. NEWSFLASH, folks: obsessing about food so much that all you do is drool over pictures of stranger’s meals, 3x daily (or more, if you read more than one “blog”) is NOT normal! (Ask anybody; namely a man.)
So, obviously, those who do read are either a) very hungry, and thus take pleasure in seeing someone else eat (perhaps food they consider/may have once considered “forbidden”), or b) use Kath’s “disgustingly perfect” (someone else’s words) lifestyle to compare to their own (“Kath didn’t eat dessert today; why can’t I stop binging on chocolate?”/”Man, she goes to the gym way more than I do… I am a failure.”/”Damn, I don’t get anywhere near 4,000 steps — thanks Kath, for bringing to my attention that I am actually a sedentary waste!”) Of course, people mask all this with the guise of “She’s just so darn healthy — I want to cook like she does.” If this were the case, a simple bulleted list of meals eaten/ingredients would be satisfactory, without all the extra life details (pictures, calories, restaurant/vacation food choices, time spent at gym/studying, all of which inevitably kinda serve to make the reader feel somehow guilty/unproductive.) I don’t know why this happens, but it does. I’m sure others will deny these feelings, but we know they exist, involuntarily. So, while it’s definitely interesting to read/see, I must say the healthy food blogger-blogee relationship is pretty much a no-win situation for the reader, who is obviously oversensitive to food issues in the first place!
This is by no means a criticism of Kath — I think she is a very well-intentioned person, and appreciate and admire her efforts and lifestyle! I know people are going to get all hot and bothered about my frankness, but in an effort to resolve these ED-recoveree-resentful ‘holier-than-thou’ types, I’m just stating the facts, folks. Let’s be honest with ourselves!
jenna says
Pedometers are so fun! I have one and I wear it when I run so I can track my mileage. I used to wear it (for kicks and giggles) when I was a server at a restaurant because I literally ran my butt off all night long. Turned out I was “walking” like 5 miles every night by just waiting on tables! So crazy!
Your day sounds so nice. I love those plates. I’m a sucker for anything and everything vintage. When I lived in Charleston I always shopped at this little hole in the wall thrift store that had a whole room of vintage kitchen gear. That’s where I got my tea kettle and plates that I still use everyday! When we take out Charleston trip I will take you there! 🙂
Paige says
Actually, I’m an avid reader of Kath’s blog and totally not obsessed with food, nor do I have disordered eating issues. This might be because I am in my early 30’s (prob makes me the oldest reader here!) I was definitely more obsessed about food, my weight/looks in my 20’s and I have to say, with age comes wisdom and contentment. Not to mention a life that requires working harder and less time to obsess! I read this blog for healthy meal ideas (Katers, that veggie mac and cheese sounds delicious), cooking tips, and because I truly enjoy healthy food and cooking. And I find that in my daily life, people like to talk about food, but not that much, and I like it a lot (and probably should have entered a food-related profession)!
I think it’s so great that so many young girls are trying to be healthy, and think it’s actually *normal* for women in their teens and twenties to have food “issues”. The great thing about this site is that it really appears that everyone is interested in getting or staying healthy, not in fad diets, even if there may be some people who are more worried about calories and weight than others. It’s a great environment and I think we should all try to keep it that way, which means expressing opinions without criticizing others. In a world where girls can be catty and competitive, I love reading commments from girls – strangers – who truly seem to care about helping each other and providing one another with great advice.
Last – we all eat dessert from time to time, even Kath. So how bad off can any of us truly be? 🙂
Keep blogging, walking, and eating, Kath, and to everyone who feels like they’re still struggling – I really think your lives will change as you get older and you’ll all be just fine!
Monica says
Stacy M.,
I think your post sounds like someone is in a bad mood… First of all, nothing is normal in this world. Everyone has their own ways of doing things. Let people be different and value them as such.
You mentioned that those who read food blogs are either a) hungry or b) comparing. Which one are you since you seem to be reading this blog as well?
How do you know what everyone who reads this blog is thinking? Perhaps, you are projecting your own emotions onto others. If you think that this blog is affecting you in a negative way, I hope that you find a solution.
By the way, just because you say “This is by no means a criticism of Kath” does not take away that it was a criticism.
The husband is gonna get you for this one! 🙂 Just kidding here. He is very protective of Kath!
mel says
I don’t think we should compare ourselves to anyone in terms of calorie intake and daily exercise bc we are all so different and are needs are unique (even though I’m guilty of it sometimes) Thats why I don’t compare myself to women in Hollywood and on magazine covers, bc I don’t want to spend my life striving to be perfect (although they are not!) I love Kath’s blog for the motivation, atmosphere and meal ideas..not for the amount of food she eats or exercise she gets. I only workout 3-4 days a week – cardio for 20-30 and weights for about 15, but that works for me and I like to eat pretty healthy but love to get drinks and dinner out with my friends every week! To each her own!!
sexywife17 says
Kay, I totally went back to the grape picture and saw the skull! It looks like Voldemort is reflected in the glass! Freaky!
Kath, I just wanted you to know that you have inspired my husband and I to exercise more regularly, but, even more than that, you’ve inspired me to try to listen more carefully to my body and what it needs to be better. After several weeks of consistently working out in the morning I know that 95% of the time it makes me feel WAY good. This morning I could tell that my muscles really wanted a rest…so I just relaxed and didn’t work out this morning. No feelings of guilt at all because I knew that it was what my body wanted. So, what I’m really trying to say is “Thanks for sharing with us all how you give your body what it really wants- to be healthy and strong and happy!”
P.S. I thought of you at a restaurant tonight where I was able to eat enough to be thoroughly satisfied but stopped before I felt uncomfortable. I enjoyed the experience so much more not leaving the restaurant feeling gross in my jeans. Thanks!
LT says
I understand your point, Stacey M, but it is a bit presumptuous.
I just discovered these blogs a month or 2 ago & my cooking has never been so inspired & creative! that’s why i love them….they’ve opened up my eyes to a whole world of different foods & recipe ideas…real people cooking real food…
Oh & yeah some people are obsessive about calories or feel guilt when comparing themselves to Kath…but I think these ppl will be that way in all aspects of their lives no matter what….until they get a healthier mind-set of course.
LT says
HAHA! the “skull” in the grape pic! it’s like one of those optical illusion things b/c it took me so long to see the skull b/c all i could focus on was the COW!!!
ser says
I just want to throw out there that I am also a reader in her 30s who enjoys this blog as an inspiration to cook healthy, beautiful food. Having two little boys, I need to be reminded to nurture myself, and this blog is very helpful in that.
As usual, Kath, I love your blog!
Kath says
nutritionnut ,
Glad you like the blog 🙂 I do get a little tired of my routine and take that as a cue to change it up. If I don’t feel like going to the gym, I go running or walking, or I think about trying a new machine or combo. Bringing a new magazine or just watching TV for a change helps to mix it up. I think my magazines really help with boredom because I get to read something new each day!! Sometimes we just go to a new gym for variety. (I realize that isn’t an option for everyone since we’re YMCA members and have about 10 to choose from in the city.) I’ve been wanting to try some new yoga + pilates classes too but I need to buy a yoga mat first (they don’t provide them and I gave mine to GoodWill when we moved) and don’t want to spend $16 🙁 I just need to get over that and buy one! So my best advice is variety!!
Re. Anon and Goalie,
I am curious to know how many steps I do walk around campus and around my house and think it will be fun to wear for a day. No, I am not going to wear the $1.00 plastic pink pedometer I won in class everyday from now on as some sort of obsessive exercise goal. Pedometers have helped tons of people get more activity into their days, and I think as an R.D.-in-training it was very interesting for me to wear it for a day. I definitely got more excited about climbing the stairs to my third floor classroom. I will certainly remember this when dealing with future clients.
Laurel ,
I hate the taste of plain non-fat dairy products with the exception of skim milk (although I do much prefer 1 or 2%). I think there’s something extra sour about it without the fat. So I’ve always just gone with low-fat.
As for your rut, I agree that there’s nothing appealing about cucumber in the winter. I eat so many more raw veggies in the summertime, but it helps when they’re readily available seasonally too! In the winter we roast veggies a lot and also make tons of soups (which I guess is kind of obvious 🙂 ) Try a thick soup this weekend!
Julia ,
I walked yesterday because it was gorgeous out!!! What’s wrong with a 20 minute stroll in 70* weather? I don’t think calories or exercise crossed my mind. My other option between classes was heading to the dark computer lab to play on the Internet. Which option would you choose?
Shelly ,
After an indulgent day I just try to eat as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible. Smoothies, salads, fruits. Nothing with a wrapper! Drinking more H20 than usual also makes me feel better.
Re. Voldemort’s Skull on the Grapes,
I DON’T SEE THE SKULL!!?!?! Can someone help me out on where it is!
Erin,
I’ve had the unsweetened almond milk before. I didn’t think it was that great and preferred skim milk (which I think has more nutritional benefits but I’m not sure without looking at the labels side by side). I might get it again sometime though. I think it’s great for a liquid base for smoothies or cereal – but not nearly as good as hemp milk! I guess the debate is the added sugar/calories in hemp vs. almond. I’d rather have the marshmallow flavor and a little more sugar 🙂
Stacey,
I have a Word document that is over 35 pages long of comments and emails I have saved over the past few months from readers telling me all kinds of positive feedback. From an increased interest in cooking, to 10 pound weight loss, to a new love for AM exercise. Maybe you aren’t really getting anything out of the blog, but many others are. Please don’t be so quick to assume that your opinion matches all others.
sexywife,
So glad to hear of your progress! Totally agree with you that leaving a restaurant feeling satisfied is way better than leaving stuffed. It definitely took me a looong time to learn that!
Ser
Thanks for your comment 🙂
Kath
Mariposa says
Thank you so much for the pic of the bowls!!! Mine at home are SO close to that… same colors, about the same size too.. I’ll try to get a pic so you can see how similar they are.
Now when I snack on cereal, i’ll think of this blog.. LOL!!!
And I totally understand the need to “keep moving”. I have a desk job, sit down for most of the day. But every hour I get up and pace the halls for five minutes. I get too tired sitting down all day. And I use any excuse to go for a walk outside, I can’t wait until it gets really warm around here… then i will be forcing my office mate to go for walks with me instead of eating lunch inside! I’m just saying I understand the need to feel like walking more… even when according to calorie burn – you don’t NEED to. 🙂 a walk is good for the soul- as is sunshine!
PS says
I had to come out of lurkdom to comment on the “skull” in the glass reflection…
I must be a real dog lover, because I see a black and white dog face, not a skull! lol
Rebecca says
Personally, I love this blog. I love food, cooking, and the way eating healthfully makes me feel. I do not think you have to have an unhealthy relationship with food to enjoy reading a food related blog. Since I started reading Kath’s blog I have made the pumpkin oatmeal pancakes (which I now eat every day for breakfast), the veggie lasagna, the stuffed peppers, and I made oatmeal that didn’t come in a packet for the first time in many many years. I think Kath is a great inspiration to those of us who are looking for new healthy ideas to keep our own diets interesting.
goalie30 says
Tina R/ Flaxseed and periods:
I don’t believe flaxseed has THAT strong of a hormonal effect to cause an amenorrheic woman (one who doesn’t get periods) to suddenly have periods. I have started using flaxseed on my cereals in the past month, and I am on birth control pills and my period has not changed at all. If someone doesn’t have their period, because they over-exercise and their bodyfat is too low, the only way they will resume their period is to either cut back on the cardio and/or gain a few pounds back. It is definitely not a safe thing, long term, to not have periods due to exercise and/or being underweight, because it puts the woman at a higher risk or stress fractures, osteoporosis, and even problems with fertility down the road. Even the best female marathoners in the world usually get periods, even though they are low weight/low body fat, most of them still eat enough calories to support their training and their periods, look at Paula Radcliffe for example. She just had a baby last year and she runs over 100 miles a week and can’t weigh more than about 110 pounds! So one can still be slim and work out hard, but if you’re not eating enough calories to support your activity and your periods, it is definitely not a good thing.
goalie30 says
sickgirl:
it sounds like you have “gastroenteritis” the medical term for a viral infection in your stomach and intestines…for some reason spring time is the time of year for this bug to rear its head, although I’ve taken care of patients at all times of the year with it, it tends to come in spurts.
Anyways, my best recommendations would be to rest and drink plenty of fluids, on a regular basis. It may sound funny, but Pedialyte is the best way to stay hydrated while you’re having nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Small, frequent sips every 15-30 minutes initially. Do not eat if you are having vomiting. Once your stomach has settled down and you’re no longer nauseated, you can continue hydrating with water and pedilayte then go to a bland diet, with kids we call it the “BRAT” diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast) until you no longer have the diarrhea. This viral syndrome can last from 48 hours to 7-10 days! If you start having blood in your stools or you can’t keep any fluids down, you should seek treatment at med center or ER so they can give you anti-nausea/vomiting meds and also IV hydration. Feel better soon!
Katie says
Love those new bowls!! And I am SO jealous you have flowers out already. I’m really craving Spring big time. Your whole post is making me long for it — that and your dinner! yum!
Caitlin says
I have to agree with (most of) what Stacey M said. Nobody reads Kath’s blog 3+ (and I emphasize the “plus” because some readers comment all day long!) just to get recipe ideas. And if you need THAT much inspiration to eat healthy and get moving, well, there may be a bigger problem.
I especially agree that the blogger/reader relationship is a little skewed here. If you shower Kath with compliments you get her praises and a sweet little reply. If you cross the line into “negativity” or criticism, you get snide or smart-alecky responses like the ones to Anonymous, Goalie, or Julia. OK, I get that maybe that’s just her personality, but frankly I think a definite line was drawn early on in this blog between blogger and reader. It reminds me of, like, a repressive government that doesn’t allow citizens to criticize their ruler! (:))
P.S. Pedometers = lame. Just live your life! Counting steps is SUCH a waste of time! If you want to walk more, JUST. WALK. MORE!
Clara says
Caitlin’s comment is the most ridiculous I have ever read on a food blog that it actually made me laugh at loud. Comparing Kath to a repressive dictator????!! hahahaha
Kath, just wanted to tell you that the vast vast majority of us do NOT view you as an oppressive dictator, but rather as a very helpful friend who so kindly puts all the work in the blog that she does to give us all healthy meal/life ideas and inspiration. I love that you include tidbits from your life – i.e. your workouts, studying, highlights from the day, friends, etc. because it makes you so much more relatable – and whenever I read an entry I honestly feel happy and inspired to go and have a happy, healthy day too.
And by the way, some people are curious to say, how many steps they take in a day. Some people like numbers and exact measurements and its fun to them. I’m like that and I think Kath is like that, and I’m all for letting us have our pedometers – it’s fun for us! to each their own….
Also by the way, you said that if you say something nice to Kath she says something nice back, and if you criticize her you don’t get a satisfactory response. Umm, excuse me, but isn’t that just HUMAN NATURE?! when the accusation from someone strikes Kath as absurd, as these accusations are, she’s not going to say “thank you” sweetly. Hello! lol
well have a nice day everyone!
Clara says
and by the way, how is THIS:
Re. Anon and Goalie,
I am curious to know how many steps I do walk around campus and around my house and think it will be fun to wear for a day. No, I am not going to wear the $1.00 plastic pink pedometer I won in class everyday from now on as some sort of obsessive exercise goal. Pedometers have helped tons of people get more activity into their days, and I think as an R.D.-in-training it was very interesting for me to wear it for a day. I definitely got more excited about climbing the stairs to my third floor classroom. I will certainly remember this when dealing with future clients.
a “snide or smart-alecky” response?! it makes perfect sense to me!
Caitlin says
Blah blah blah. Glad I could make you laugh!
Oppressive dictator: yes, I like that comparison. Bloggers are not our “very helpful friends.” This is not preschool.
“No, I am not going to wear the $1.00 plastic pink pedometer I won in class everyday from now on as some sort of obsessive exercise goal.” = SMART ASS.
goalie30 says
i only made my comment about the pedometer monitoring as a warning to fellow bloggers who may take their exercising too far; it wasn’t an attack on kath by any means, although i think she took it that way. i think some of the younger viewers of this blog look up to kath so much that some of them try to emulate everything that she does and i just wanted to voice my concern that most people who exercise enough already do not need to wear a pedometer on a daily basis, which kath is not doing, she said she was going to wear it for a day just to test it out. ya, that is fine. but some readers on here may take it as she is going to wear it all day every day and they too maybe should be doing this on top of their already sufficient work out schedules. i just thought it would be good to clarify for other readers that they didn’t need to worry about using one on a daily basis unless they were very sedentary; sorry if i offended anyone or kath
Tara says
Few comments:
First, I just wanted to share that my husband was having cholesterol issues and a while back he took our school challenge to wear a pedometer and get steps in. For his busy life, having a 10,000 step goal was great because by 12pm, he was already part way through his “work out.” He paced while food was microwaving, walked around the block, etc. It helped him so much. He lost 30 pounds and it was a way that didn’t require him to take 30 minutes OUT of his day. It worked for him and it COULD work for some. (capital letters not yelling, I am just so excited about it).
I read this blog many times a day. I check frequently to see if Kath has posted. I enjoy it because I enjoy food. I enjoy cooking. I enjoy people who enjoy food. I enjoy the happiness that comes with living healthy. I do not have an eating disorder just because I check this daily. I am curvy and I love who I am. I do not obsess over weight. I am also a student and like to hear ideas on how another student schedules healthy living into her life. Even though I am not a close friend of Kath, and only know her through some questions I act, I feel as though she has a life I am interested in and am excited when I see new posts. It is just always great to see how someone in a similar situation as I am is living life.
I do think that Stacey is onto something, although it is painful to see it presented in such a resentful manner. I don’t understand why people feel the need to post so much negativity on this blog. Gosh, just don’t read it. Seems like a mature reaction to me. But anyway, I do think you are on to something. I woke up today, skipping my workout and not craving oatmeal for breakfast (-: For a split second, I thought, “Gosh, I wish I was as disciplined as Kath.” And then I realized, she is human too, and perhaps the blog doesn’t paint the entire picture of her. People don’t post the bad stuff much on the world wide web….natural reaction, you just don’t necessarily do that. Kath isn’t perfect, but she charts her successes on this blog. What is wrong with that? Although Kath does put in what we call “bad” moments (although I HATE that term), perhaps we don’t see all of those moments.
I had to take a moment to realize that my situation is different. I work full time and go to school full time (both my husband and I have this schedule), so my life is different. If people read this blog and feel this sense of “I wish I were perfect like Kath” guilt, then perhaps taking a second to realize that we all have our quirks and we are all in this together….we are all striving to encourage one another to live a healthier (not perfect) lifestyle.
I hope I worded this ok. I am basically saying that Kath is doing a great job. She is just charting the positive steps she is taking. Even though that little voice in our heads (that many people hear) says, “You’ll never be like her,” we need to tell that voice to shut up and feel encouraged to make small good decisions, and not fret over the bad ones. We are human. We aren’t perfect.
You guys are great! Keep up the work Kath! (hope you didn’t mind that I suggested that you make mistakes in life and omit them from the blog).
Clara says
Totally agree with Tara… very well said. And goalie, too, I see your point and it is a very valid concern and I recognize now that it wasn’t a criticism to Kath. I can’t believe that someone would, though, criticize Kath for wearing a pedometer for a day or two out of curiosity and then when Kath calmly explained that she was not going to use it as an “obsession”, call her a smart ass!
THAT is immature behavior, Caitlin. And you know what they do teach you in preschool that you should apply here? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it! Don’t spend your time insulting Kath on her blog and annoying the many, many readers who enjoy it very much and, no matter what you think, live their own happy and healthy lives!!!
Becky says
Tara I agree with the majority of your points and I respect the tactful manner that you illustrated them. It is proof that women can have intelligent debates and discussions without resulting to an attack of character.
One thing I wanted to point out is that even if you had the exact same lifestyle as Kath, it shouldn’t matter what she does (if we are to truly take your point to heart). You said that you work full-time and go to school full-time, so you can’t compare yourself to Kath. However, I think the main point is that we shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to Kath in the first place, or anyone else for that matter. We are our own unique individual, with our own unique problems, concerns, incomes, stressors, etc. It is such a challenge not to compare as women and is something I am still struggling with. I just think its good to point out that even if I was in the very same position and daily schedule as Kath, it shouldn’t matter if I skip a workout or eat a huge piece of cake when she does neither.
You are probably right that there are indeed negative aspects in Kath’s life that she doesn’t report, but again this shouldn’t make a difference about how I feel about myself. Whether she is 100% thrilled everyday or not, it shouldn’t matter when I think about how I feel about myself. In an ideal world of course. 😉 It’s something I am striving for, not to get caught up in the comparison trap.
I agree that this place is a great place for support with what we are all concerned about – living a healthy and balanced life!
Tara says
Very well said!!! I think there is a fine line between taking tips from how people lives their lives to actually comparing our lives with them. I think people (including myself) can cross this line, thus resulting in perhaps a guilty conscience. I struggle with that, I admit. But I think we need to keep being aware that looking at how other people live their lives need not be a bad thing….the bad moment could perhaps be when we start feeling guilty from that experience.
I highly doubt Kath set up this blog to make people feel guilty about their lives. There are probably things that each of us do that she would admire. I feel like the point of this blog is to show one person’s perspective on trying to have a healthy lifestyle. Great job, Kath! It is inspiring!
Becky says
I agree with you Tara….I don’t think there is a woman that doesn’t struggle with comparison and occasional guilty feelings (even Kath I’m sure, she is only human!). There is SO much pressure on women today to do it all, to be it all, and to have it all…I think this is what makes women so competitive with each other!
It is sad when I think about it and I too get caught up in it at times. I really hope this community can learn from each other’s struggles and grow in our own skin.
Kath says
Re. Comparisons,
I applaud you guys for turning this discussion to such a positive direction – comparison gets us no where and does nothing to make positive changes. It’s more effective to accept what you have and make the best of it.
I think you are also right about my thoughts being generally positive on here too. Although I do share struggles and rough days relevant to the blog, I can’t share everything because some of it is too personal. My life is not perfect! While I may have a good grasp on living healthy, there are probably other segments of life you all have mastered much better than I have.
Kath
Emily says
I love reading this blog. It has given me so much inspiration to continue in my healthy eating ways. I love the food she cooks, i looove cooking, and am always looking for new ideas. I also am studying to become a registered dietician, i like to hear about her classes, and her labs. I like that she makes her healthy lifestyle fun, and exciting. How cool that she gets excited for kale soup. Its just refreshing. And to everyone who thinks she’s obsessive, i think she isn’t. She’s just writing down every detail of one aspect of her life because people want to read it. If you chose one area of your life to write a blog about, it would probably sound like you were obsessed with it too. I am sure there is a lot more to kaths life than eating healthy and excercising, but the blog isn’t about that. She also is going to go into a profession where she is going to help people with their own nutrition, don’t you think its best if she fully understands and lives the lifestyle she will be recomending to her clients? I think she’s doing a great job, and i will continue to read. Thanks kath for keeping me inspired!