The sun just came out. How rude! Needless to say the weather was not run conducive so I went to the gym. 35 mins on thet ET + 15 minutes running at an incline. Plus some abs. Got it done! I also have a new magazine – Natural Health – that I like so far (I got a super offer for a $10 subscription to a few magazines and of course I had to take it!)
Snack
After my workout and a quick shower I snagged a handful of trail mix to eat during my commute, as I was getting really hungry.
On To Lunch!
The star of my pasta salad is Presidential Fat-Free Sun-Dried Tomato and Herb Feta. It’s got SO much flavor, especially for being fat free! I have never really like feta that much, but this will be making more appearances in our house. It’s only 35 kcal per ounce – and packs more flavor than many of the full-fat fetas out there!
I hope I can remember all the ingredients in here:
- 4 oz whole wheat penne
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1 small/medium zucchini (about 5 oz), chopped and seared in a skillet
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (definitely use real tomatoes when they’re in season and good!)
- About 15 chopped kalamata olives
- 8 oz block of feta, diced
Dressing:
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 heaping tsp sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- Juice of half a small lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- Oregano
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
Toss all ingredients in dressing! Makes 3 servings, about 330 kcal each.
It’s a bit runny (probably from tomato juice), but tastes great!
Also had a really juicy red pear –
And celery with about 1/2 tbsp almond butter –
All together –
This lunch was about 505 kcal, 14 grams fiber, and 28 grams protein.
I’m meeting with my adviser this afternoon to talk about summer school the fall. The schedules are NOT on my side. I’m probably going to have to do 2 months of NIGHT SCHOOL this summer to fit in both chemistry and this nutrition class I need since they are offered at the same time during the day. Ugggg. And that’s 5 weeks of class from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a 3 hour break to drive from one to the other. NOT cool. We shall see, but I have researched all of my options. Let’s up the school just opens another session!
Off to Medical Terminology!
Anonymous says
Wondering about the feta cheese – where did you find it?
Lauren says
This is super random, I made an egg salad sandwich today with 4 eggs, plus some lettuce, so needless to say it was over flowing! Do you all have any tips for how to eat overflowing sandwiches, such as egg salad?
Also, Kath, and everyone in general, how do you all prevent yourself from thinking of food? I find myself thinking of the next meal….Kath, I know this must be hard especially with a blog!
Laurie says
I just love your green little spoon!!! I wish Crate and Barrel still had the green ones, I looked online and they only have the spoon in white and blue, but I’m really loving the green color!
arimcg says
I love pasta salad, especially with sun-dried tomatoes and feta!!
Anonymous, you can find feta in any grocery store.
KarenR says
Lauren, I detest egg salad, but with tuna or chicken for example, I usually eat whatever falls out of the sandwich like dip, with celery or crackers or something. This is best done when no one is watching. It’s not delicate!
I don’t see anything wrong with thinking about food all the time. Dreams are calorie-free! But seriously, I think being a more creative cook and enthusiastic eater is good for your health. People who never think about food can eat at McDonalds with a clear conscience.
SarahF says
Kath-that salad looks absolutely delicious. I think I will be making it within the next few days. I only have one question-I don’t own a food scale, so what would you say (approximately) 4 ounces of penne pasta would be before I cooked it? I looked it up online and it said about a cup-but it looks like you have a lot more than a 1/3 a cup of pasta (since you said it gives you 3 servings) there.
Lindsay says
I did not know they made Fat Free Feta! I’ll have to try it… Good luck with the school schedule… Since I work full time and go to school part time, I have become quite accustomed to having night classes from 6-9… you get used to it, although it’s still not pleasant! I am literally counting down the weeks until I am done so hang in there! It will be worth it in the long run 🙂
Sarah says
*gasp*…Kath, you have no idea how excited you just made me…haha. That lunch would be so easy for me to make and bring with me to classes and it looks sooo delicious! I’m a huge fan of feta cheese, and can’t wait to give this a try!!
THANKS for the idea! 😀
Liz says
Kath – what do you think about Happy Herbert’s oat pretzels? I know you’re a big kashi crackers fan, so you probably eat those instead, but do you think they are a healthy real foods option? Thanks!
Sar says
“I don’t see anything wrong with thinking about food all the time. Dreams are calorie-free! But seriously, I think being a more creative cook and enthusiastic eater is good for your health. People who never think about food can eat at McDonalds with a clear conscience.”
KarenR – thinking about food all the time is the definition of an Eating Disorder. I should know, I had one. People who never think about food CAN eat McDonalds witha clear conscience, like I did yesterday. That’s because its all about moderation. Eating McDonalds once every few months may be just what you crave, and if you’re listening to your body, it will not affect your weight at all.
And Kath, I have been reading your blog for some time now, but it troubles me. If you’re eating “real” food, then why do you have to eat fat-free feta? Cheese has fat in it, and that’s okay, because a little fat, even saturated dairy, can be part of a healthy diet. Same goes with Sugar. While the “Average American” diet contains something like 40 teaspoons of sugar per day, having one or two for one or two cups of coffee or tea should be no big deal at all.
I love healthy cooking and eating and like the recipe ideas on this blog, but it reminds me of my eating disordered past. Beware the constant calorie / fat / protein counts, these are functions your BODY and not your MIND will be able to control.
Sar says
(ps. i am 5’9 and 140 pound runner, so don’t think that my advice comes from a standpoint unconcerned with health)
Cara says
I remember how frustrating that was when I was in school. Geesh!
At least on your days there you can have great lunches like the one you had today!
Laura says
ARRGGH! Did anyone else know that the second ingredient in most types of Girl Scout cookies is partially hydrogenated soybean oil? I wasn’t all that upset when the husband bopped in all happy with SIX boxes last night, as I’m not a major sweets person. But I was looking forward to having a couple Tag-A-Longs and Samoas! Bummer!
Molly says
Sar-
I agree with everything you said. And it sounds like youve made great progress, congrats!
I too was curious why Kath opted for the ‘fat free’ cheese.. doesnt fat free normally have more additives? Why not just have a smaller portion of low fat cheese?
Molly says
“I don’t see anything wrong with thinking about food all the time. Dreams are calorie-free! But seriously, I think being a more creative cook and enthusiastic eater is good for your health. People who never think about food can eat at McDonalds with a clear conscience.”
I think its important to note that this is a difference between “thinking about food all the time” and being a creative/enthusastic cook. You can be the latter, and genuinely ENJOY cooking, without thinking about it all the time.
I believe the healthiest people are those who can eat at McDonalds with a “clear conscience.” You shouldnt feel guilty for eating any one food. It’s just food! The repeated act of eating at McDonalds would be worrisome, yes. But I admire the people who can eat fast food then go on with the rest of the day and pick up with their healthy eating habits after that.
Kelly L. says
I’m going out on a limb here but does anyone know of a website that lists vegetables and their flavor profiles in a way that is like “If you like X then try Y” There are certain vegetables I love and certain ones I despise and I would love to try new ones but I don’t want to waste the money on something if it tastes like something I already hate. Get what I’m saying?
For example, I love green beans, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and corn. I hate lettuce (all types), radishes, cucumbers and raw tomoates. What’s a girl to do?
Susan says
Kath,
how do you freeze your mini pancakes so they don’t get icy?
Also, is most of the protein from your lunch from the cheese? It’s high in protein lunch for a meatless lunch!
Sar says
Just to clarify. I don’t “never think about food”, but I think about it way less now that I have begun to recover from the ED. one of the hallmarks of disordered eating is fearing that anything “unhealthy” you eat will cause you to almost instantly begin to gain weight, which isn’t true. the only “real” thing that causes weight gain is TOO MANY Calories (and can also be symptomatic of too much stress).
We all have a Certain amount of calories that should be consumed in a day, and this can be filled in a variety of ways. It basically doesn’t matter where the calories come from, although the body does crave “the basics” if you listen, such as grains, veggies, and lean protein. that doesn’t mean you ONLY have to eat this healthy food though, as there are sometime calories left over or foods you crave that you may as well give into so you don’t binge on them one day. It didn’t matter that I had a McD’s cheeseburger yesterday, because it was bookended by a breakfast of cereal and fruit and a dinner of soup/chicken/veggies.
I think a good exercise for those of us who worry too much about eating is to one day just decide to eat WHATEVER you want. Maybe it’s that donut for breakfast, or greasy potato chips with your sandwhich at lunch. one or two days of this behavior makes you realize that your body is on your side.. the only reason I don’t eat donuts for breakfast everyday and chips for lunch is it just doesn’t make my body FEEL good. you have to trust yourself and not be a slave to “whole grain” labels and other “health food” marketing traps.
And honestly, I miss the days when I really DID ‘never’ think about food except when I was about to eat it, and I strive to gain that back now. There’s no need to be shackled to arbitrary nutrition guidelines. Eating REAL food should be about good, natural, fresh, and flexible, IMO.
Sorry to have semi-hijaked the forum, but I hope my ramblings have provided some insight as to my concerns about overly-obsessed with healthy eating and/or food.
stuck in a cubicle...sigh says
ah, schools. no consideration…hehe.
sounds like my days now. i work from 9-5 (or 9-4 school days), do a 1.5 hr commute from my office to school and do A&P class 6-9. and Chem class 9-2 on saturdays.
my summer semster only has one stinking class i need and i have to take it 6-9 four days a week. ugh. i can sneak out early twice, but 4 days… hope i don’t get fired. 🙁 boo to everything!
Sar says
and thanks for the agreement Molly =]
Smiles says
Sar, i havent ever written in but must comment that i whole heartedly agree with you 100%!! Well said and im glad someone has the courage to be honest, i also think thiking about food all the time is the start of an eating disorder, a recovering eating disorder or denial or an eating disorder, all can be at different varying degrees too!! I too have overcome an ED and thank goodness for people like you to bring us all to grips with the facts!!
VeggieGirl says
the sun still hasn’t come out yet here, and I don’t think it will – the weather these days is just so unpredictable and unpleasant! but at least it isn’t raining or snowing, so THAT’S good :0)
mmm, the pasta salad, red pear (LOVE the red starksimmon variety), and celery/almond butter snack look sensational!
yeah, my class schedule is crazy as well – I sure do hope that you won’t have to take classes over the summer! :0(
enjoy your medical terminology class! “see” you for dinner!
Amandamoo says
Lauren-
4 eggs seems like too much egg for one egg salad sandwich… maybe use less egg to reduce the “overflow factor”.
Or… I like sandwiches like that open-faced so that I can pile it high on each slice of bread!
BethEllis says
Sar/Molly,
I also completely agree that constantly thinking about food can lead to a lot of troubles. I definitely think about food a lot as I’m trying to get in shape and eliminate dairy consumption. However, if a friend wants to grab a margarita and chips one night, I don’t let the calories bother me and still enjoy myself with no regret.
I love reading this blog because of the food ideas, but I think someone in Kath’s position has to constantly be thinking about food/calories, and that’s just unhealthy. I know that when I mentioned this blog to my parents, they gave me an odd look and found it quite ridiculous that someone would devote so much time just to keeping a record of daily consumption. You have to have a very good head on your shoulders to track everything this way and not let it overwhelm your lifestyle.
Marla says
BethEllis/Sar/Molly,
I totally agree. I like to see the recipes on this blog. I have to admit Kath has some great ideas and I really enjoy the pictures.
However, many probably have the reaction that BethEllis’ parents had. I showed it to a coworker and she made comments such as “get a life” and “who has time for that.”
This got me to thinking…who does have time for that? Well, Kath does. Because her time is completely devoted to this blog. Yes, she goes to school, but she does not work, and from what she types, does nothing to contribute to the community or anyone else. I guess if I had no reponsibilities, I might fall into the “obsessed with food” trap also. I think it’s important to find things in your life that “fill you up” other than obsessing about food. For example, volunteering, church, social group, etc.
Elina says
Sar and Molly, I don’t mean to disrespect your opinions but I don’t think that “thinking about food” affects everybody the same way. Perhaps because you both have had eating disorders, always thinking about food has a negative connotation but that’s not necessarily the case for others. I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with planning meals, thinking about food, etc. to make sure that you stay healthy. Noted, some people are more extreme about constantly eating unproccessed foods than I am, but that’s something I admire (although I do feel I need some flexibility in my life and adding splenda or eating a cookie at the end of the night if I have the calories is ok with me). I also don’t think that that’s going to lead to an eating disorder of any kind. Passing on McDonalds is a choice and a good one at that. If that’s something you MUST have once in a while, that’s fine. For others, it’s just not worth it. Real food includes fat free cheese, I think, because it means that you can have a pear with it (instead of extra calories from the fat in the cheese)… the point is to think about the whole day’s worth of food and make sure that it’s balanced. Sorry for the long message, I just had to say something… and again, I really don’t mean to offend anyone here, just voicing my opinion on the subject.
Lauren says
Sorry, I should have been more clear, I meant more along the lines of just wanting something in your mouth- like when you study or are at work ex: gum. I would like to be where I don’t need gum, drinks (non alcoholic), etc while I am sitting at a desk. I didn’t really mean I am thinking/dreaming about food all the time, it’s my mouth that wants to be busy.
Amy C. says
Kath, that looks amazing! mmmmmm Send some up to Boston if you don’t mind. 🙂
I think fat-free feta counts as real food. All they do is remove the fat from it. I get where some of you are coming from and I can understand not wanting others to worry about protein, calories, etc. You all seem to have a healthy outlook on what to eat, etc. But you have to appreciate the fact that some of us do have to count calories (or points in my case since I do WW to lose about 15 pounds) to maintain or get to a healthy weight. Just my two cents. 🙂
PS says
Marla said:
“This got me to thinking…who does have time for that? Well, Kath does. Because her time is completely devoted to this blog. Yes, she goes to school, but she does not work, and from what she types, does nothing to contribute to the community or anyone else. I guess if I had no reponsibilities, I might fall into the “obsessed with food” trap also. I think it’s important to find things in your life that “fill you up” other than obsessing about food. For example, volunteering, church, social group, etc.”
Uh, a bit presumptuous, don’t you think?
Sonia says
That pasta salad looks yum. Need to try it sometime although I love mozzarella cheese better than feta. I saw this sandwich at Central market today – fresh mozzarella cheese and tomato sandwich with pesto and arugula on semolina bread…that sounded so good and tasted fantastic.
Any ideas how many calories I tucked in?
I always find it tough to guestimate calories when eating out.
KarenR says
Yeah, I didn’t really mean to start anything. I am about as far from having an eating disorder as you can get, so I apologize that I didn’t even think of it that way. My point in choosing McDonald’s as my example has nothing to do with the fat or calories or sodium or any of that. What I meant was that it isn’t “real food” with “real flavor.” Their emphasis is on convenience and low price rather than flavor or quality. There are also significant environmental problems that are really off topic in this forum. I’m not judging anyone for having an occasional cheeseburger craving, my point is that a culture that values mindful eating (on a macro scale) doesn’t produce a McDonalds on every corner.
And there are lots of people who think about food all day who don’t have eating disorders, like chefs, for instance.
Stacy says
Elina, I agree that “thinking about food” can affect different people in different ways. I think about what I want to eat next a lot….I like to eat. I try to eat mostly healthy, but this afternoon my mind has been on Cadbury Mini Eggs! I know that if I eat some mini eggs, I’ll work out a little harder. I think the most important think is to eat mostly healthy and try to be active, if you’re someone who likes to eat or cook it may be perfectly natural to think about food or your next meal.
Michelle says
I disagree with the statement that there is nothing wrong with constantly thinking about food – “dreams are calorie-free” – that is a preoccupation, thinking about anything constantly is NOT healthy.
I also don’t agree with the statement that a preoccupation with food = eating disorder. I know, because I had one too! An eating disorder is mental AND physical behavior that is disordered. I don’t want to downplay the mental component of an eating disorder at all (it really is a very big one). I do think, like some have said above, that preoccupation w/ food it is a precursor to unhealthy behavior.
I also want to say that over the couple of weeks that I’ve been reading, Kath is an inspiration for healthy eating! I don’t think we can assume what she thinks or if she has a preoccupation based on a blog. The blog is mainly devoted to food, and that is what she’s trying to pursue a career in. Of course it is going to look slanted!
Also – I really have been wondering why Kath’s meals, especially lunches – have so many components – yogurt AND fruit AND a veggie AND something else – instead of one dish. Well I did that today and I know why! I feel so much more satisfied. It was like 30 minutes of snacking 🙂
Tammy says
I have been a point counter for about 2years. I am now going to switch over to calories. A little nervous to switch..but the WW points just does not seem to be doing anything for me. What do you all think is better points or calories? Thanks everyone.
Elina says
Marla, I don’t think that’s very nice to offend Kath on her own blog. Kath is very inspirational to many of us, and that’s worth a lot. She lost weight and is sharing her experience of maintaining the weight with us. That IS giving back. I hope to stop counting calories (for the most part) once I get to my goal weight, but that’s just me. Kath, keep up the blog, and please continue sharing your recipes with us!
KH says
I think Elina makes a great point regarding the fat-free cheese. The reality is that we have to stay within a specific calorie range in order to maintain our weight (or lose if that is the goal). BUT, we also want to maximize our nutrition which means eating a VARIETY of foods from all food groups. As well, as volume eaters (like Kath), many of us want to get the most bang for our buck (as MUCH food as possible within our calorie range). For these reasons, selecting fat-free cheese makes sense. It allows Kath to have MORE food (while staying within her calorie range), and more VARIETY in her food to maximize nutrition. Having full-fat cheese would have packed in so many calories that she would have had to eat less food (and risked feeling unsatisfied) and ended up with less variety (i.e less nutrition).
Choosing foods with a low energy density is the key to volume eating. Kath chooses to volume eat and therefore must choose foods of low energy-denstity. It is a great choice. She gets a huge amount of nutrition within her calorie range. Others may prefer to have the full-fat cheese and be satisfied with less food. That is their choice and it is fine as well. However, for most of us, if we want to maintain our weight we CAN’T have BOTH high energy-density AND high volume. It’s not going to work! It is not about deprivation – it is about making choices (and Kath makes very smart choices).
Lauren says
I know that I don’t have an eating disorder, but I do have an obsession with food and working out…specially with food. Even my parents have pointed out and friends how I am always worrying about the next meal, what I will eat, and when. Sometimes I do worry about what I eat and if it’s healthy or will fit into what I should have calorie wise for the day and honestly I hate it. However, like Sar said there was a point where several times a week I would allow myself to have wahtever which would turn into a huge binge of mainly chocolate and peanut butter foods like “puppy chow” and make me feel sick and regret it. I only just created a blog now to keep account of what I am eating and how I am exercising because in the past two years I have become severly anemic and my doctor honestly thought I had a true ED or wasn’t eating. In fact, I was gorging myself in foods, specially carbs at night, and not gaining. I now am just wanting a healthy and normal relationship with foods. I wouldnt say I eat fast food really, but instead I eat dessert every night and sometimes after lunch too. I think each person has their way of treating themselves and for some it may be drinking wine or beer, others dessert, and others a donut or fries from mcdonalds. Just because someone doesn’t eat at mcdonalds and refuses to have that sort of food doesn’t mean they are being restrictive because they may be indulging in other ways like wine at night…
Katers says
Marla, You said something nasty on the morning entry about other readers. Now you’re say nasty things about Kath. What’s the common denominator here?
There is a way to evaluate and debate without being rude and insulting.
Elina says
Tammy, I think counting points is basically the same as counting calories but counting calories is more accurate. Not sure if you will see a real difference between the two, except counting calories (to me) seems easier because calories (for most things) are publically available and websites like calorieking, sparkpeople, fitday, etc. help you track them.
Ange says
I have a couple of comments-
I wonder what is so wrong with a teaspoon of sugar, as long as it is included in one’s daily intake? Kath you seem almost scared to consume any added sugar to the point of going against your negative ‘gut feeling’ about Splenda. Why do you think this is? Just curious on your thoughts.
Secondly, I agree with BethEllis:
“I love reading this blog because of the food ideas, but I think someone in Kath’s position has to constantly be thinking about food/calories, and that’s just unhealthy. I know that when I mentioned this blog to my parents, they gave me an odd look and found it quite ridiculous that someone would devote so much time just to keeping a record of daily consumption. You have to have a very good head on your shoulders to track everything this way and not let it overwhelm your lifestyle.”
Personally, I can’t imagine myself putting so much time into planning, measuring, portioning, counting, preparing, thinking, etc., yet at the same time, I live a very healthy and balanced lifestyle. I too wonder what Kath could do with her time, but thankfully I can make my own choices for my own life. I choose not to devote so much time to food, and chose to spend my time others ways. Instead of entering out 12 cherry tomatoes and 6 olives on calorie king, I would much rather feel secure with the fact that I just ate a healthy meal and spend some time with my fiancee, catching up with family, or studying. I have to take all of that other stuff with a grain of salt when reading the blog. I do love the ideas it gives me and inspiration to try new things, so I will keep reading. I just think everyone needs to realize that Kath’s approach is not by any means representative of the public, even the very health-conscious public.
Amandamoo says
Kiala –
Where’s your sense of humor when we need it?
MK says
Tammy-
I’m not sure if WW still does points like they used to, but when I did it, a “point” was a calculation of calories, fat and fiber. If you would eat something that had, for example, 100 calories and lots of fiber, it would be fewer points than something with 100 calories and little to no fiber. If that’s the case, it would seem that counting calories would be more accurate. Yes, fiber is good, but I think the points system would sometimes let me eat too many calories just because I was eating a lot of fiber too.
KarenR says
I would just like to be very clear: I said “Dreams are calorie-free” as an ill-advised attempt at levity. (My next sentence began with “But seriously…”) I do not count calories or eat fat-free cheese, in fact I have a completely different eating style than Kath. I have no desire to judge or evaluate anyone else’s eating style, I just failed to “read the room” as it were. Mea culpa.
Marla says
Katers,
I made three comments this morning. The first was a suggestion that people do some research on Stevia before putting into into their bodies. The second and third comments were merely jokes. However, it is kind of funny to see how many marijuana smokers came out lol. Sorry, not judging, it’s just funny.
Regarding “nastiness” toward Kath, it was merely an observation. This blog’s readers mainly consist of twenty-something women without children (and yes, I know not all of you fall into this category), so maybe you think it is normal to be so obsessed with yourselves (meaning not having children).
I am merely suggesting that Kath explore other areas of her life besides her food intake. I enjoy this blog as well as the “Eat Like Me” blog. However, I see Christin as a much more well-rounded person. She volunteers, works (two jobs if you count the blog), and takes care of her family. I would like to see Kath be a little less into “look how good I am.” I just like the attitude that Christin has toward life. It is not rigid, and I think Kath should try it out.
Finally, Kath is not your best friend. You don’t have to defend her like some wounded animal. She actually probably needs a reality check. She leads a very sheltered life.
Kiala says
Correct me if I’m wrong – and I’m NEVER wrong – but I thought Kath was putting so much effort into this blog because not only does it help people but because it will help her immeasurably in her future career.
Now, the reasons we all look at it so much every day…that’s another matter entirely.
Kelly T says
First, i think Kath gives back through this blog and reaches a bigger audience than any church group or anything else can. if you pick any random meal and read the comments you will see them overflowing with people thanking her and telling her what an inspiration she is. she gives a face to people out their struggling with weight or health issues, showing them that it can be done and i think that should be commended.
Secondly, i am a personal trainer, and i think about food a lot. i run our nutrition blog, i host nutrition seminars, i test out recipes before posting them, etc. it doesnt interfere with my everyday life, because it is my everyday life. it just all depends on HOW you are thinking about it. if you are constantly dogging on yourself for wanting food, or dreaming of cookies, or scrutinizing every calorie, then, i say you might not be in the best mindframe, but if you take a positive approach and are trying to plan and make the best decisions for your body, you health, your mind, and your family, i dont see anything wrong with that. you only have one body, i would think if anything deserves that much attention, that would be it.
put it in perspective: id be more concerned about the mother that doesnt care at all and stuffs fast food down their obese childs throats daily, than someone who is trying to live a long, fullfilling, healthy life.
Marla says
Pretty sure the main purposes of this blog are to indulge Kath’s OCD tendencies and keep her calorie counts recorded as well as to further her career…
PS says
Ok, then you can stop reading any time, right, Marla? Why would you bother?
caitlin (in FL) says
ha ha marla — i love how you think saying someone leads a “sheltered life” and “needs a reality check” doesn’t qualify as “nastiness.”
kath may not really be our “friend,” but i’d never want to be yours!
Ana says
great discussions going on here! (i like how, for the most part, they haven’t turned hostile and hope we can keep it that way) I have so many mixed feelings (as I’m sure a lot of you do) about the comments said above. In the spirit of being nice (and not rude) I hope my comment doesn’t upset anyone, but I wanted to jump in the discussion (I LOVE hearing everyone’s thoughts and experiences!!^_^). Marla, that comment above did seem a little mean…you don’t really know that much about Kath’s real life, and she seems to have a great many friends and to be a generally nice person ^_^ About constantly thinking of food (*sigh* another recovered anorexic here-I never realized how many there are and it depresses me a lot…) I used to think about food 24/7 and plan EVERY snack and meal to a T. When it came time to eat, I ate what I planned despite my real cravings. That’s one thing I have noticed about Kath-though she does a lot of pre-planning, she also does a great job of listening to her body and if she wants something other than planned, she gets that! My obsession w/food led to many MANY binges that always left me feeling gross and bloated (oh, and hating myself, can’t forget that). It has taken 2 YEARS for me to gradually accept my body’s natural cues and I whole-heartedly agree with that statement about how you really CAN trust your body. Kath’s blog (as well as several others) are one of the tools I used to help me accept my body and listen to its needs. I have also benefitted SO MUCH from havinga great support community of fellow bloggers whose love/concern of food has helped me feel less alone and encouraged me to pursue more adventurous dishes (I used to rely on pre-packaged, portioned foods, but now I LOVE cooking my own meals!) I also agree that everyone is different, and maybe it is ok for some to think about food?? I know it was bad for me (and feel SO free now w/out stressing about my next meal), but I certainly can’t speak for everyone. As for fast food, occasional indulges are fine-we have already established that they won’t kill you. People certainly tend to binge if they deny themselves something for too long, but also, people can very easily fall prey to habits, and many people start to crave fast food and cookies simply b/c they indulge TOO often. Again, I honestly believe the best appraoch to ANYTHING (eating, exercise, etc.) is “everything in moderation” Can’t wait to hear more thoughts on the subject. Everyone have an awesome Tuesday (almost halfway through the week!!^_^)
Kelly T says
I dont think Kath is cheltered, haha, i think Kath gets out more than i do. Wine bars? Lectures? Brunches? Lunch with friends? i cant remember the last time i did any of that stuff. And im 21, i should be out waking up in strangers apartments not remembering how i got there. and if i didnt have to work, i wouldnt, and you know you wouldnt either.
she gets paid for the blog, so thats a job right? and she puts a lot of effort into it which is admirable.
Nancy says
(I posted this earlier but wanted to re-post in case it got lost in the mix of comments… I just want to get to the bottom of the cramp issue I was having this morning… no food til AFTER the workout, but still got cramps! 🙁
Hi Kath!!
Question- when you do your “reverse” workout day, do you ever feel discouraged as time goes by to go to the gym, does getting the workout over first thing in the morning help get it out of the way and make you feel better? This morning I FINALLY got up to workout in the morning! My friend came along with me and that definitely helped me get up! It feels like it was so long ago since I was up at 530 but I have to say I am very proud and it feels soooooo good The only thing that bummed me out was an issue I was having….
I usually run but since I was kind of tired and didn’t want to feel tired running, I started off the first half hour walking while continuously increasing the speed and incline but I noticed towards the end I was getting a cramp. Then when I hit 30 mins and went to run, I could barely make it to 5 minutes because it hurt so bad! I continued walking the entire hour and managed to get about 15 minutes running in towards the end, but when I got off that cramp was really killing me!
Do you think it was because I was walking at first and talking and I normally don’t do that? I didn’t eat anything beforehand so I can’t put my finger on a specific food that caused it because my stomach was on E. I was actually nervous to eat because when I normally workout after dinner at night time, I notice I get cramps if I eat things with fat, like peanut butter. But if I have a salad, I am usually good to go about an hour afterwards. What do you guys think?
I know this is a long one… sorry! I just want to figure this out because I would hate for this pain to cause me to stop going in the mornings… it’s only been 1 day so far!
I appreciate any advice….
~Nancy
Susa says
I haven’t read all of the comments (ja, I have a life too *lol*), but I think K. gives a lot through her blog.
Many people don’t know what healthy eating looks like and when they just hear/read about it it just doesn’t seem doable.
She shows it is possible to eat healthy on the go, breakfast, lunches and snacks are quick, easy, portable (and good!) and dinner is a reasonable amount.
Jeez, I am glad she’s eating some good amount of healthy food and I don’t read about “Snack: 100kcal Oreo-Snack-Pack and a Diet Coke” and obsessive kcal counting.
I am glad she shares with us and puts a lot of effort into making it look nice and easily readable (there’s a ton of food blogs out there that just don’t do it for me, sorry).
Also, I’d assume she will become a R.D.-so it’s her job and she better be able to make healthy eating desirable for her clients ;).
I work in fitness so I love to read and write and talk about fitness-just a passion. 🙂
Leave it up to the person to decide what is unhealthy and what not. And I can say there’s also a lot of *very unhealthy* blogs out there.
-Susa
Gemma says
Love her or hate her, this blog is certainly ‘food for thought’…
Personally I love discussions on here for the most part…I think we can try to keep them civil as possible. Everyone has an opinion…that is part of what Kath accepts when she has a public blog with comments.
She obviously gets many benefits from this blog…some altruistic, maybe some not…!
Gemma says
Susa- I don’t know if you noticed, but Kath took out the ‘obsessive’ cal counting because readers got tired of it. She still does this day in and day out with Calorie King, only she doesnt talk about it much anymore. I don’t think her obsession with counting every last morsel has diminished at all. We just don’t SEE it as much.
Susa says
Gemma-see, I do the same with my workouts that I track meticulously…
I think everyone has some kind of weird obsession with something (I have a friend who is an obsessive cleaner-she touches up the paint on her walls once a week!!!!)…I guess it’s a need to control and it’s powerful when you can control yourself like that.
You keep a tight grip on one area in your life and it makes the chaos around you (or maybe in your head??) feel more controllable.
My opinion. 😉
I like the discussions too 🙂
Gemma says
haha touching up paint once a week..I don’t know why but that made me laugh!!
You are right, there are many obsessions in this world…everyone has something to overcome and work on.
Romina says
I just love how pasta can be made into anything, even salad!
Alison says
I think Kath shows what it looks like to eat healthy and that it is possible even when on the go. I always thought eating healthy and losing weight meant no fun but Kath shows you can have delicious meals and still lose and then maintain weight.
Kiala says
I am a complete control freak and so is my husband. This makes marriage fun. But I also try to be really honest about my shortcomings and the fact that I do tend to obsess about food and exercise when I’m not busy with other things. I have to say that while this blog has not stopped me from doing that, it’s stopped me from talking at Dane about it constantly. And for that, he is grateful. Thank you Kath.
And I also like the discussions and honestly, I like the arguments too. It’s a part of blog culture. Accept it. Enjoy it.
Katers says
Kiala, you are beyond cool.
LolaFunk says
I have an eating disorder, and I just wanted to know (from the recovering ED-ers) how you guys not binge and how you eat without feeling gross and stuff. This may be the total wrong place to talk about this, but I was just hoping I could get some help.
Im at a healthy weight (5’5, 115), and actually the star of my track team which means I get tons of exercise, but I hate my body and I think Im chubby and my fat hangs over the side of my running shorts, and its just so hard to deal with. So stressful.
I dont know whether Kath counts every morsel that goes into her mouth, but I applaud her (and everyone else that does this!) for being able to eat 3 meals a day, and snacks, and be happy with themselves and not gain weight, and even if they do, they just accept it and make changes to lose it.
She seems happy with her eating habits, which is something I strive for so so so much, and she can stop when she’s full, or eat a snack when shes hungry.
Even if shes obsessive…she seems to be ok with it, as does her husband. Theyre just having a good time posting food and recipes for us to see. I appreciate it.
BethT says
Clearly we are all a little obsessive about food, positively or negatively…or we wouldn’t be reading a food blog.
Seems like a no brainer to me.
Paige says
Maybe it’s fine to THINK that Kath needs a reality check, but it doesn’t seem fine to SAY it. I’m just saying it seems fine to debate the merits of fat free cheese (which is not considered a whole food by the way – they do need to process it differently to get the fat out and they often add non-natural ingredients to keep the overall taste/consistenc). And it also seems fine to ask Kath why she is okay with fat-free cheese in light of her comment about preferring turkey to veggie-turkey. That stuff is helpful debate, I think. But who is helped by the purely negative stuff? It’s been said before, but the option if you don’t like it is to not read it. Not that everyone here should love and agree with everone else (that would be kind of dull), but criticism should probably be constructive, rather than just making mean assumptions about people we don’t know and who clearly have more of a life than just what we see on their blog. Just throwing it out there, not that there’s not already enough discussion along these lines.
Nicole says
Tammy,
I’m making a switch, too…from counting calories (religiously) to not counting at all (yikes!!). It’s kind of nerve racking, but I desperately needed to stop my obsessiveness. I still measure some things but I don’t write it down and drag out the calculator a million times a day. I feel like I should try focusing on getting in my food groups. Plus, I want to learn to listen to my body better-eat when I’m hungry, stop when I’m full, and treat my body right. There’s A LOT more that goes into it, but what I’m getting at is that maybe you should switch to guestimating (sp?) and just tune into your body. After two years, you know what your body needs and how to manage portions if weight loss/management is your goal. Either way…do what’s less “life-consuming” for you to keep from becoming too focused on numbers…maybe that made sense?! good luck!
Heather K says
Marla-
“This blog’s readers mainly consist of twenty-something women without children (and yes, I know not all of you fall into this category), so maybe you think it is normal to be so obsessed with yourselves (meaning not having children).”
I am twenty and without children. I used to have an eating disorder not to say that my attitude toward food still isn’t obsessive, but I have a much healthier mindset, now. I try to eat whole foods and make sure to get enough fat, calories, CHO, protein, and exercise, and the main reasons for this is because a couple years ago I got myself thinking about when I would someday have children. I know that what I put into my body will definitely affect my babies’ health. I count calories and fat, CHO, protein right now and hope to eventually not have to do this. I eat what my body is craving though, and after I have eaten breakfast and lunch (both of which I try to make balanced) I do my calculations just to see what else I need to get in the rest of the day. I don’t necessarily think that thinking about food is bad.
christina says
yummers, that pasta looks awesome, I am hungry!
Heather K says
I would also like to say that I think fat free cheese is definitely real food. I would be concerned if Kath never ate any fat, but she eats nuts, nut butters, oils, and other healthy fats. Those contain healthy fats, and cheese has lots of saturated fat, which isn’t bad in moderation. Kath does have full fat cheese (remember the muenster?) Personally, I would rather save my discretionary calories for a piece of chocolate or something more satisfying and would opt for the fat free cheese sometimes.
Gemma says
I personally will never put fat free cheese or sour cream or what have you into my body again. After looking at the ingredients list I was horrified to be quite honest.
Kath says
Lauren,
I usually just put as much on my sandwiches as feels eatable and then have the rest on the side in a bowl. I did this with my bean salad a while back. It’s fun to have an extra little portion and certainly is easier to eat that way.
Anon,
I got the feta at Harris Teeter.
SarahF,
I’d guess the pasta was about a cup to a cup and a half uncooked. I don’t quite remember but it was a little more than half of my 2 cup measuring cup (which I used as a holding receptacle).
Liz,
I have never heard of or seen Happy Herbert’s oat pretzels. Fill me in!
Susan ,
The pancakes do get a little icy but it doesn’t usually affect their taste. I re-heat them in the microwave for 15 seconds or so and then toast them.
stuck in a cubicle,
Wow, you have some schedule. I’m sending you de-stress vibes 🙂
Tammy ,
I Elina and MK gave great answers to your WW points question – I agree with both!
Ange,
I am not scared to consume sugar in my coffee – I had some the other morning. I also eat plenty of desserts – sugar is my friend, in moderation that is! However, I don’t really want to start everyday with a teaspoon (or 3) of sugar. It does add up. I think a better plan would be to just wean myself off all sweeteners, which is what I’m working on.
Nancy,
If I’m really busy I like to get my workout done so I can focus on my other tasks, but recently I have enjoyed flip flopping my routine. Going to the gym doesn’t hang over me much – actually I look forward to a good sweat with a new magazine while i’m in the middle of chemistry!
I have no idea about your cramp – I’m not really and muscle/physio expert. Maybe just a fluke?
Marla,
You pointed out that instead of putting your time into a blog you would rather spend time with your fiance, your family, and study – do you not see me writing about all of the above on a regular basis? I have plenty of fulfilling things in my life – many of which you just don’t hear about.
Re. The Feta Cheese Discussion,
First off, here is THE reason I bought the cheese: There was a sample on display. I tried it. Loved it. It was on sale. It went into the cart. I do consume full-fat cheese often (muenster last week, brie over chicken recently) and this was just a variation of cheese in my diet.
Sar, you said “thinking about food all the time is the definition of an eating disorder.” My understanding is that eating disorders are diseases that affect a person both mentally and physically in a negative way. A reminder that this is not a loose term to throw around and we should be respectful of those that do suffer from the disease.
I think it’s perfectly natural to think about food and there is no doubt it is totally personal and dependent on the person. I think many people think about food proportionally to the level of fulfillment of the activities in their lives. How often do you think about your next meal when you’re having the time of your life shopping or on a roller coaster? It’s when you are bored or unsatisfied with your current activity that food comes to mind most. I certainly experienced this at my previous job in PR. Now that I am much happier with where my life is headed, I feel fulfilled and actually think about food much less than when I worked all day in a field I didn’t like – yes, even with a food blog. This blog is more a recap of my food life than a preoccupation.
When I ate without thinking about what I was eating, I gained 30 pounds. Some of us have to put more thought into it than others. I liked KH’s quote “It’s not about deprivation – it is about making smart choices.”
David Katz, MD, wrote the following quote that I think makes a lot of sense:
“We’re hardwired to obsess about food. Our ancestors’ primary focus was their next meal, and evolution ensured that the focus stayed with us. Scarcity has plagued us until relatively recently: our parents and grandparents experienced it during world wars and the Great Depression and it’s the reason they demanded we clean our plates….So thinking about food is only natural and believe me, you’re not alone.”
Lastly, I’ll mention again the growing collection of comments and emails I have kept of positive feedback from the blog. I think the majority of readers come here for ideas, inspiration, interesting discussions, good questions and new information that is shared each day in the comments. If running this blog has helped just one person live a healthier life, then it is all worth it to me.
Kath
Marla says
Heather K:
The point of the quote:
“This blog’s readers mainly consist of twenty-something women without children (and yes, I know not all of you fall into this category), so maybe you think it is normal to be so obsessed with yourselves (meaning not having children).”
was to show that most readers of this blog are youg and inherently self-centered (I am including myself in this by the way). I am young and without children. Sometimes I just get tired of the “me, me, me” mentality. It is the American way I guess. ” I did this today, I ate this today, I stayed within my calorie range today, I went to this restaurant today, I tasted more wine today.” I am just so tired of it, and that is what I see in Kath. That is why so many people hate Americans.
I just wish some would look outside themselves and see what else is going on in the world. I am not claiming to be an expert on this. It just makes me sad to think that many annorexics are on here clinging to every calorie Kath posts. I think the saddest thing is that these same women are claiming that Kath is doing something so selfless by posting this…don’t you see the irony there?
BethT says
How can you judge anyone by what they post on a blog, for pete’s sake?
Just because we’re here and “clinging to every calorie” does not necessarily mean we have nothing else going on. How’s the air up there on that soapbox?
Lauren says
you comment that there are annorexics out there clinging to every post that kath makes, but obviously you have been on this blog several times to reply to posts from kath or other bloggers…so i dont think it’s right to sterotype when there are other ppl that read this often as well…and no i am not annorexic nor have i ever been but why cant we just read this, comment, and move on without starting a big deal. ppl are opinionated and that’s the real world however some opinions should be kept to themselves to a certain extent
Lorrie72 says
Say what you will, open opinions makes this blog more interesting. The sugar-coated (pardon the pun) “I can’t decide if I should put a teaspoon of sugar in my coffee” discussion is a little boring.
Christianne says
I would just like to say I’m in my twenties with two kids and I like to stay informed on health issues like nutrition and exercise for them. I grew up as a couch potato eating bowls of cereal and macaroni and cheese. Even before I had kids I knew when I did have children I wanted them to have an example that was different than the one I had. In other words, it may have started out being just about me but I always knew it would one day benefit my family as well. My little girls definitely get their share of Cheetos or whatever b/c I think that food has its place in childhood but they also get plenty of fruits and vegetables. They are growing up watching a mommy that cooks and exercises and I hope that when they are adults these things will come more naturally for them than they did for me. SO, if you are twenty something and without kids I don’t think it’s all that bad to be self-absorbed, do it NOW before you have a family and if you are obsessing about HEALTH issues I don’t really see the problem and if you have a family one day they will most likely benefit from it. That’s my two cents. Gotta run — kids need me!
Christianne says
One more thing, I kind of think of cooking as art. That may sound corny but if you think about it all art pleases some sense, it’s usually auditory or visual but why can’t art be something you taste? It takes skill to put together a delicious meal and the way Kath does it is usually pretty darn creative and that interests me. I know how to eat something low calorie and healthy and I don’t need a blog for that. I come here because of the artful way in which Kath does it. If we were all on here talking about music or paintings would we be any better? There is no escaping the fact that what we put in our mouths affects how our bottoms look but if it didn’t would it be more acceptable to read this blog and obsess over food? So now you have four cents…
KarenR says
Christianne, I hear you. I am a 36 year old mother of 3 and I think about food all day because I am responsible for 5 people’s nutrition and all the attendant shopping and chopping. It’s lucky that I love food so much, as far as I’m concerned. Otherwise, I’d be saying “screw it, let’s order pizza” 5 times a week instead of once.
Marla, I share your frustration with our self-absorbed culture. But in my opinion the very last reason people hate Americans is because of our all-consuming interest in food. It is my firm belief that it is Americans’ lack of interest in food as a serious subject that allows for such a toxic food culture that we have exported to the rest of the world.
Elizabeth says
Marla,
You’re reading Kath’s blog. About her life. Of course she’s going to talk about what she did, where she ate, and what wine she tasted. That’s not a “me, me, me mentality,” that’s what her blog is about. Her life.
For the record, Kath, keep up the good work. I enjoy getting new recipe ideas from you and think your photography skills are fabulous. (I just tried wilted spinach with turkey bacon and hot sauce last night…to die for! 🙂 )
Marla says
I didn’t write that. Someone else did…. I have yet to see you do anything with your time that is not centered around yourself.
Kath says
Sorry, it was Ange.
Alison says
Thanks Kath! I love your attitude and the great ideas! And I’m with you when you say “When I ate without thinking about what I was eating, I gained 30 pounds. Some of us have to put more thought into it than others.” When I don’t think about it I just eat, eat, eat so I need to focus and slow down.
BC says
That pasta salad looks AMAZING! I am a college student (history major, as well), and I often spend all day on campus and need ideas for meals that will transport well. This blog is so helpful since you also eat on campus and give me great ideas!
Just a note… I think Kath handles all of the comments on this blog with grace. You can really tell that she takes the time to respond to whatever issues someone raises without being overly-emotional. Kudos.
Ashley H says
Holy cow!!! so many comments!
That meal looks great!
I hope you can find an alternative schedule that will work for you better!
Katie says
Kath,
Love celery with PB. It’s a comfort food for me…with raisins, of course, so it’s “ants on a log.” It takes me back to after-school snack. What kid turns down ants on a log as a snack?!
I appreciate the blog. The time and care you spend on it is evident, and a very selfless use of your time.
Kiala says
I’m starting a new blog.
It’s called allaboutmarla.wordpress.com and in it I will discuss things about Marla and I will be typing with the hand that is not holding an adopted african baby who’s diaper is filled with cash money that I give to charities and churches and homeless people.
I’m excited!
I’m going to go eat a bowl of splenda now.
Tara says
I hope that you guys don’t find this post attacking. I am just a little confused on this critiquing of Kath and perhaps I am running to defend a “wounded animal” but maybe we need more of that in this world. Perhaps it is helpful to support the people who spend their time helping others. Few points for some posters:
* I kind of wonder why people feel obligated to give Kath a reality check. Someone mentioned that Kath should spend time doing community work to help others, so I wonder how these posters are spending time. Is it for the good of mankind to criticize how someone runs their blog? Is that a good use of time? I am just a little confused on that…
* I wonder what gives us the authority to say that Kath is obsessed with this blog and has no life. I have said this before and pardon the repetition but we are only seeing a portion of Kath’s life.
* Is a cookbook writer considered someone with an eating disorder since they spend a lot of time planning recipes? So why does thinking about food always mean an eating disorder?
* I know some of you don’t read a lot of the comments on the blog, so sometimes it is easy to assume that Kath puts things on the blog for her benefit. Just an update, because I have read this blog for a while: Kath has said several times that she is at the point that she doesn’t need to count calories, but she does it to give people a sense that the meals that look large (aka, last night’s mountain of cauliflowers) are surprisingly balance in calories. So I wouldn’t use the calorie argument to say she has some eating disorder.
*I’ll echo what I’ve heard many people ask many times: If you don’t like the blog, then what motivates you to read it? I am just confused on that…if you are truly worried about Kath, then why not send her a one-on-one email expressing your concerns. I am not a psychologist, but I would assume publicly critiquing someone who you think has eating issues may not be the way to actually help them.
Kath, sorry to continue this discussion on the blog, I am sure you wished people to move on. But perhaps people who feel that it is ok to critique how you spend your time helping others aren’t necessarily the people to take advice from. Just remember the positive comments. You do a great job. I don’t have an eating disorder, but I love cooking. I know the blog does take some of your time, and I am grateful, it has changed how I have seen food. I now get delight out of eating “real food” and enjoy cooking even more.
Please keep up the great work. You are an inspiration to many. Thank you for the snapshots of a healthy lifestyle.
Clara says
hahahaha Kiala you are too hilarious and awesome… can’t wait for that new blog!! xD
Kath, I love that you said that if you helped just one person live a healthier life than this blog has been worth it. Well, you’ve helped MANY people lead healthier lives. For me, it’s just INSPIRING to read your posts. I don’t really think negatively about you being obsessed over every calorie, actually I don’t really care if you are or not, I just always feel inspired and happy to go and have a fun and productive day of my own after reading your posts 🙂 So thanks!
Katers says
Ditto on Clara’s post. On both accounts. 😀
Alison says
Oh my gosh, Kiala, I’m laughing out loud. Hilarious!
Anon. says
I too must admit that although I love this blog… it also can stress me out sometimes. Seeing how “perfect” kath eats and DOES SHE EVER TAKE A DAY OFF OF WORKING OUT?? …very rarely. and never any desserts or after dinner snacks? It just seems so.. abnormal? I seem to feel guilty now if I take a day off or have a few sweets here and there. I know I shouldnt be comparing myself to her though.
Kath says
Anon,
Actually, I took a day off working out yesterday. I had wine with dinner, and I plan on having ginger cookies tonight.
Kath
Andi says
Kiala- You are hilarious!!!
Emma says
I agree with Tara…your blog has become a daily read for me…you motivate me, inspire me to try new foods, and provided me with lots of great new recipes. And I have found that having my own blog is really fun- it’s something I’m excited about, and many people close to me think that even in my short time of blogging, I have become more positive and upbeat. Kath ignited the blogging fuse in me, and I’m so grateful for her introducing it to my life. The blogging community is intellgient, supportive (for the most part!), and creative- and a great place to learn about yourself.
I’m thankful to Kath for providing a place to learn about healthy lifestyles….THANKS Kath for all of your hard work! I love your attention to details (the font colors on your “sunrise” type the other day) and hearing about your meal planning! Why is thinking about your nutrition and always striving to be healthy a crime? I could find far worse behaviors!
Susa says
Re. “all about Kath”-well, it’s her blog *lol* and it’s about her eating.
While it might be nice to see a different side of Kath I got here because I want to read about healthy eating and not about which plants she put in her yard or how annoyed she got that Ross didn’t have the purse she’d hoped she could buy…
I am not American (as you can guess) and I couldn’t say from reading this blog “I really don’t like those Americans” 🙂 (I do, and I like their openmindedness about food!lol)
~Tara-yes. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write this.
Cait says
I agree Tara! Some people seem to be coming back to picking apart what they see on the blog and making assumptions like they are so much better than Kath or the blog readers they don’t even know because they don’t do any community work? I find that so funny. Don’t advise someone on how to be a better person until you take a look at your own life and take the advice you are so quick to give.
Susan says
Kath…….you can’t please everyone, so don’t worry about the naysayers! Most of us love ya!
p.s. I would like to try your oatmeal pancake, it the regular one you say 1/2 tsp bp, but in the pumpkin one you say 1 tsp bp. Is this correct? b/c you used less oatmeal in the pumpkin.
Kath says
Susan,
The amount of BP doesn’t really matter – I just put some in. The more you use the fluffier the pancake gets, so sometimes I use more (hence the pumpkin pancake amount). I wouldn’t use more than 1 tsp though.
Hope you like it!
K
Confused says
I’m a little confused how is it listening to your body if your PLANNING to have cookies tonight? I just don’t understand. Everything food related is planned to a T. That isn’t normal. I love you Kath and I’m sure you are a wonderful person and your meals look fabulous but it’s kinda unrealistic.
Kath says
Confused,
“Planning” meaning I was craving ginger cookies and if I wanted one (or two) I was going to have some. Let’s not read too far into it….I am only human.
K
goalie30 says
Kath, I found your comment funny about not wanting to run outside this morning, because it was “overcast” and probably about 50 degrees not good weather to run in, so you turned inside for your run. You would probably never run outside until June if you lived here in the Midwest where I live! I have been PSYCHED, because all 3 of my runs last week, for the first time since about December, were ALL outside, because it’s been just over 8 days since our last snowfall, and the temperature has finally warmed up to a “balmy” 38 degrees! lol
Anyways, I’d like to add my 2 cents to this interesting conversation that’s been going on today about Kath, her blog, and if her eating/exercise habits are overly-restrictive or not. I think it would benefit both Kath and KERF”s readers GREATLY if Kath would stop posting 1) calorie counts with meals 2) exercise time/ distance. Instead, I think if she broke down her meals to just the numbers she reached at each meal for food groups, or if she measured it like eatlikeme does at self.com instead of listing calories/fat/protein, etc I think readers would still have a great idea of portion size and proper nutrition with variety, but the website would seem less obsessive, and it would prevent readers from comparing and contrasting their own diets and daily intake, or lack there-of, to what she is eating.
Since it is a food/diet blog, Kath could probably get away w/ not posting anything at all about her exercise plan. I think she posts it to help round out here diet plan, to show that it takes more than just eating right to lose weight and to maintain weight loss, which is definitely true. But, many readers seem overly concerned with Kath’s daily calorie count compared to her daily calories burned. I think it does make the blog seem a little too obsessive by posting all of this information, and performing over an hour of cardio 7 days per week, while it may work for Kath, is 1) not necessarily a realistic goal for the every day women 2) it’s NOT necessary to perform this much cardio at a high intensity this many days per week to reap cardiovascular benefits or to even help lose weight 3) and it could eventually lead to stress fractures, and overuse injuries or flat-out overtraining/burnout.
Kath herself has stated that her daily exercise/fitness routines are just a picture of what she does, but by posting all of this information, it leaves too much room for readers with past and present eating disorders/ body image issues/etc. to take her information too personally and literally. If Kath still felt the need to mention her exercise, I think just mentioning that she got up at 5am and went to the “gym” for about an hour and did some elliptical and upper body routines would be more than enough information. Listing all of her walks and every other form of activity she gets in each day along with the time spent and intensity she performed it at is again an overkill.
Doctors and PAs, like myself, don’t expect our patients or ourselves to be “perfect” all of the time, it takes the joy out of living if one doesn’t occasionally have an ice cream cone, a few french fries when we go out to eat on the weekend, or if one doesn’t have a day or two off from exercise per week to rest the body and mind to prevent burnout, mental staleness, and injury. That doesn’t mean your days off from exercise need to be complete sloth-like with no movement from the couch or your bed for 24 hours! Most people and women in particular, are so busy with every day chores like chasing kids (if you have them!), going up and down the stairs to get laundry, and walking the many aisles of the grocery store/ carrying groceries into the house, you’d be surprised how much “exercise” you still get in on your “off” days from workouts! And this is coming from the mouth of someone who played 3 Division I sports and used to workout for a minimum of 3 hours a day every day in highschool and college. Even I do not expect this of myself, I always have at least one or two off days per week. I eat something small and sweet for dessert at least once per day. And I go out to dinner 1-2 times on the weekend and have small, controlled portions of what I want, regardless of calorie count. My weight has been the same with this plan since I graduated from undergrad and stopped my college insane workout schedule and boring, restricted eating plan in 2002. And I have no idea how many calories I eat or how many calories I burn each day.
Either way, it’s Kath’s blog and what she types is what she chooses to, she’s gone way out of her way to be kind enough to share more of her life and daily habits with her family, friends, and entire internet than the majority of any of us would ever imagine, so she expects some criticism to an extent. Every blog out there I’ve seen could use some tweaks to it, but I think keeping the readers in mind by making these changes I mentioned above would help her spend less time on the blog over-all, and help readers not compare their own lives so closely with how Kath is living hers.
Anon. says
goalie… you said everything PERFECTLY. Right on about mentioning EVERY form of activity. Thank you.
LolaFunk says
Kath, I love the fact that you add calorie counts. It reminds me how much we can eat when we make healthy choices. Please keep it in!
goalie30 says
People who are really interested in calorie counts can also look up that information on their own, even if she just gives portion sizes/ food group sizes.
Megan says
First of all, Kiala,-very very funny.
Goalie-I understand your point and while I agree with much of what you wrote, I have to say this still seems unfair to Kath. Why is it her responsibility to go out of her way to make sure that any single person will not feel offended or compare their life with hers? This seems like an impossible task and one that should be placed on the shoulders of the individual reading the blog to decide for themselves that it is not right for them, and then walk away.
You are not paying for a service, you are not entitled to anything, this is a blog and it is for FREE. I hate how people love to criticize and dictate to others what they should do, when really if you don’t like it you can just stop reading.
I love this blog and I love the calorie counts and the logging of excercise, nothing she has ever written has offended me or made me feel bad about myself. Especially to the extent that some people have done on the comments today–I guess I must accept that there are people out there that are so insecure with themselves that they must look to others and imitate exactly what they do in order to feel good about themselves. Honestly, I didn’t even know that was possible until I read this blog.
Kath-Keep up the great work, I love the blog and I think you handle the comments with a restraint that the commenters don’t even deserve.
goalie30 says
Megan, I personally do not feel bad or take what Kath post’s literally; I merely made my observations and suggestions to Kath, because there were so many comments by bloggers today that seemed to reflect distaste in the way Kath presents some of her information. I by no means am trying to force Kath to make changes that she doesn’t want to, and I agree with you in the sense that it is the viewers own discretion to decide what is right, wrong, and best for their own body. However, all reality, there are a lot of impressionable minds out there and some people take blogs and internet information quite literally. I have patients every day coming to my office with information they’ve printed from online websites about health information they are worried about or believe that has no ounce of truth to it or very little merit, and I have to set them straight on some of these things. So some helpful input from the readers such as I gave would be just a means of feedback for Kath to let her know what I see going on w/ the readers to see if my ideas would simply help open up more free time for her, because she obviously spends a lot of time/energy on the blog, and to help make it a little more realistic for readers.
Emma says
Haha! I keep coming back to read all the drama! It sort of makes me laugh. Yes, I agree with Megan- this blog is for those interested…if they don’t want calorie counts or minutes/calories burned in excercise…there are many other food blogs out there for them!
Frankly, I think so much of it is peoples’ insecurity and especially jealousy. Kath lives in a beautiful house- everytime I see different pictures of it or pieces of it in the video I think “wow pretty! I would love to live somewhere like that when I’m older” , she has a husband who supports her healthy habits and does them with her- cooking, bread making, exercise, and she has goals and a purpose to her life. Alot of people are probably jealous you quit your job and are going back to school to do something you are passionate for. Frankly, I think that is so awesome- I dont think it’s ever too late to switch careers- my dad went back to school in his 50s to become a nurse! I find people who complain about their lives and their miserable jobs really plain sad…TAKE ACTION and do something about it. You have that power! Life is too short to be a mopey grump!
Again, I don’t mean to keep this going on and on, but I just wanted to add!
Have a great night Kath! I’ve already “PLANNED” to make your banana oatmeal for breakfast! 🙂
LolaFunk says
Is anyone going to answer my other post about EDs? I would really appreciate it.
goalie30 says
Lola, you should probably talk to your parents about setting up an appointment with a registered dietician or nutritionist to help you get on tract for eating a healthy diet to help you support your active lifestyle as an athlete. There are a LOT of female athletes in the track arena with disordered eating issues, and in my years of high school cross country and track, I saw a lot of very talented girls and women falter in their running and bow out of racing and even scholarship opportunities for college competition because of injuries and burnout from over-training and under-eating. It sounds like you have a LOT of potential in your sport, especially if you are a top athlete on your team. Don’t waste your talent or potential by letting it be crushed by an eating disorder. Seek some help while you have time so you can learn how to eat like an athlete, food to an athlete should be fuel, not something that you deprive yourself of. You don’t see race car drivers only filling their gas tanks halfway! Same goes for runners, you can’t run hard and fast on an empty “tank”; once you eat a clean, well rounded diet, you will find as a runner that your body will eventually lean out on its own from the good foods and hard training that you are giving it. The top female runners that you’ll see this summer in the Olympics are lean, but they are not body fat free. I ran and raced against quite a few of the top US girls who are trying to make it on the Olympic team this summer in the distance events, and they all eat enough and frequently to meet the demands they place on their bodies. They also maintain their periods/menstrual cycles as well to prevent estrogen deficiency which can lead to osteoporosis and stress fractures. These girls should be role models for you and an expert in athlete nutrition and possibly even a sports psychologist can help you get on track…maybe one day you’ll be one of those girls we watch on tv running around the track! 🙂
Kelsey says
Kiala…so funny!
And to all the pessimists who felt like sharing their negativity with us tonight…the last time I checked, this was Kath’s blog. That means she can write whatever she wants in it. She can leave out whatever she wants. And the last time I checked, you all were free to stop reading her blog if you didn’t like it.
Anne says
This is getting kind of ridiculous. Kath is not telling us how to live our lives, she is just showing us how she chooses to eat and be healthy (and is spending a commendable amount of time doing so!). We have all benefited from her blog in some way, and honestly, it isn’t anyone’s place to judge her lifestyle.
kay says
As a volume eater myself, I really like the calorie count. It shows people that you can have balanced, satisfying and healthy meals with half the calories of a BigMac! Like the kale chips (what a great idea that I didn’t know about!)!
Kath, didn’t you ask your readers about the calorie count posting and decided to continue posting?
LolaFunk says
Goalie30-
Thank you so much! That was really inspiring.
🙂
Clara says
kath, please do not change anything about your blog! I think your exercise and calories details, along with the activity you do throughout your day, is very wellrounding to the blog and makes it a very nice read throughout the week. It’s like sitting down a few mornings a week with an interesting novel (your blog). That might sound weird, but that’s what it feels like to me (since I strive to exercise and eat well daily, in a similar way to you… so your habits are very relevant to my life!)
Who cares if other people don’t like it? you don’t have to change your blog for them – as others have said, they can just not read it! And as YOU have said, you have gotten tons and tons of POSITIVE feedback about this blog the way it is now 🙂
Kiala says
I know this is Kath’s blog, but thank you all for thinking I’m funny.
Sometimes I think it’s just me.
God, and ok, I’m gonna do it this once…happy face emoticon.
🙂
goalie30 says
Hey LolaFunk, are you still out there? If you are, there is a really good sports nutrition and training book co-authored by Suzy Favor Hamilton that was written just a few years ago that I think you find to be an EXCELLENT read, to get an idea of how to train and eat properly as a young women who does distance/track running. Suzy used to be one of the top 1500m runners in the US and was an outstanding highschool and college athlete who also ran on the US Olympic team more than once. If you can find a copy of her book at a local book store or amazon.com I think it would a answer a lot of your nutrition questions….
Susa says
Goalie I like what you’ve written-thank you!
Do you blog?
People need to understand and learn that there’s no need to be perfect. Don’t put yourself under that stress. Enjoy life, lose the tight-lipped look and do what is good for you (yes, I too know there’s some out there imitating everything on this blog)…and realize YOU ARE ENOUGH!
When you die-how do you want to be remembered?”Oh yes, Susa, that was the one with the really clean baseboards!” (I felt I needed to have the perfect house and thinking like that helped me loosen up)..umm, no, thank you.
🙂
Becky A. says
Goalie-This is Kath’s blog, let her do with it what she wants. Its not going to cure anyone’s eating disorders if she stops posting calories or her workouts. I wish everyone would just stop criticizing. Its not getting anyone anywhere.
Becky A. says
Also, instead of Kath changing her blog, I think people who try take it too seriously and compare their calories/exercise to her should get a reality check. None of us are the same, and we never will be. What works for Kath won’t necessarily work for you, and no one should feel bad about themselves because they can’t do what she does. Its just not realistic.
ps says
Kelsey-exactly!
Kiala-thanks for making me laugh. I love your blog.