I have a new spot to study/eat. It’s a little lounge with study tables and couches with a nice atmosphere, wireless internet, plugs for my computer, and is in the building my class is in so I don’t have to travel. I just hope no one else hears me chewing or smells my salmon because there are others studying nearby. So far, so good.
Salmon Salad with carrots, celery, canola mayo, mustard, and dill.
Crackers
Apple slices (the other half of Tuesday’s apple – two days old and not that brown!)
Swiss yogurt + pumpkin for mixing
Dessert: mini muffin
All together for ~532 kcal.
I’m trying to eat more for lunch since I’ve had problems the other T/TH being hungry during classes. I think I did a good job packing more filling things today. We shall see!
I know this looks gross, but here’s my method of transporting salmon salad and then just dumping it onto my plate. It was also easy to mix!
To class I go! Shame on them for scheduling it right in the middle of lunch hour..
Cara says
I pack my lunch the same way. Although I do not pack plates. Do you pack your plate everyday?
Kath says
Cara,
It’s a paper plate and unfortunately I throw it away. I need disposable things for this semester because I have so much to carry. Hopefully next one I can eat at home or will have more time to go back to my car. I’ve been packing it to show you guys my food in a prettier fashion, but I’m running low on plates already!
K
Rachel says
Hi kath, don’t know if you remember my problem, but you recommended that I give up gum, which I did. Knock on wood, it works!!!
My question is WHY? I thought sugar alchols were actually supposed to make you go to the bathroom more.
Your lunch looks good as always!
Megs says
Hi Kath –
Saw this recipe and thought of a fun roll for the hubby to try and has some whole grains! 😉
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1696590
Andrea says
That lunch looks good! I think I need to eat more at lunch. I follow Weight Watchers right now and I find that its hard to stay within my points range is I it HUGE meals. I try to it as healthy and natural as possible. I do not eat many packaged/processed foods at all. My snacks conisist of veggies, fruit, light string cheese, light yogurt, or nuts.
Anyone else follow Weight Watchers?
I am 5’6 and weigh 147pounds. I was at my heaviest Sr year in HS, 178. yikes! I am now 26yrs old and am always struggling with my weight and self esteem issues. Although I am at a healthy weight right now, I would like to get down to 140. (which was my lowest i have ever been)
Elizabeth says
I have a question about the Ezekial bread you mentioned this morning. I was looking at it in the store yesterday. How do you thaw it out (piece by piece)? Do you have to toast it, or can you just thaw it in the stove in aluminum foil, or does that mess up its texture? Any advice is appreciated.
Andrea says
sorry- I find it hard to stay within my daily points range IF i eat huge meals. Even if its all composed of healthy foods, the pts add up.
Hope that clears it up.
Allison says
We have a guy at work, who will warm up his Salmon or some other fish in the shared microwave during out lunch hour. It makes the whole (tiny) room smell so bad! Maybe I should direct him to this post so he can think of a non stinky way to eat his salmon! 🙂 enjoy your classes today.
Jds says
hello, this looks like a very large lunch. looks good, BUT do you find you are eating more because you are more active and in college again? I work at a desk job in a cube and its just a killer how one wants to snack .. its the 9-5 deal and gets dark early and no gyms around in the country so its hard to work out in the mornings when it’s frigid cold. i am getting married in the spring and was wondering.. do you recommend dieting and losing weight first (by eating healthy controlled foods) then exercising when the weather warms up to get the tone? Thanks!
Janie says
Andrea-
I follow Weight Watchers too, and I have found the same thing about eating huge meals. I have found that it is easier for me to have more smaller meals. (basically more snacking, but I really pay attention to what my snacks are) I tend to use the same foods that you are as my snack choices though. Congratulations on all the weight loss you have already achieved, I have just started and have a ways to go!
Sam says
Kath, is there a reason you choose salmon over tuna? Just taste or health?
Also, you used to eat alot of smoked salmon. Is smoked salmon cooked- or is it like sushi?
Dorothy says
Elizabeth –
It takes me forever to go through a loaf of bread, package of english muffins, etc… so I’ve been freezing mine for awhile.
The two methods that work best for me are to either, defrost the bread in the microwave and then toast it in the toaster (to get a good texture), or, and the method I use now, my toaster has a ‘frozen’ button on it, so I just push that, and it comes out perfect!
Hope this helps!
Erin says
Elizabeth,
I love the ezikial breads and thought I’d chime in on how I eat them. I keep it in the fridge per the bags recommendation (the freezer is preferable if you plan on keeping it around for quite a while, but I don’t!) and then pop the two slices I use for a sandwich, etc. in the microwave for about 30 seconds and it gets a little warm and nice and nutty. If I’m having toast or want a bit more crunch to my sandwich I’ll toast them in the toaster just like I would a regular piece of bread. It’s not acutally frozen when kept in the fridge so it doesn’t really have to “thaw”, just warm up a little bit to make it softer. I hope that helps answer your question! It’s really great bread!
Ala says
haha Kath, I just think it is hilarious that you bring that plate to school with you!!!
I would never lug along dishware…I’m too lazy!
Christianne says
Sorry if you have already answered these questions: Is that canned salmon? I have wanted to try canned salmon but until now have been a little squeamish — don’t know why, I’m fine with tuna. Also, when you use avocado do you split it with your husband or are you able to save it so that it doesn’t turn brown? I love avocado but don’t use it that often since it turns brown so quickly. If you have a tip I’d love to know.
natalieee says
how do you keep your apples from not browning!!?? do you squirt lemon juice on them, or do something to them?
ana says
*thought you guys might enjoy this! ^_^
Celebrate Oatmeal Month
POSTED: January 18, 2008 Save | Print | Email
Email: “Celebrate Oatmeal Month”
*To: <–TO Email REQUIRED!
*From: <–FROM Email REQUIRED!
Article Photos
Start the New Year with a celebration of Americaís most beloved 100 per cent whole grain, natural rolled oats. Why? Because January is Oatmeal Month! The month when we buy and eat the most oatmeal. Warm up a chilly morning by serving the family a great-tasting bowl of Creamy Maple Cranberry Oatmeal. Tangy dried cranberries and rich maple-flavored syrup add a new and tasty twist to this breakfast favorite. Not only does a touch of wheat germ stirred in just before serving add crunch and an extra nutritional boost, it perfectly complements the wholesome nutty flavor of oats making this a dish the whole family will love. But taste isn’t the only reason oatmeal has been a family favorite for more than 130 years oats are also a good source of fiber. Research shows people who eat more fiber are more likely to have a healthy weight.1 Since fiber helps slow digestion, people feel full after an oatmeal breakfast and stay satisfied longer. And remember, old fashioned oats, quick oats, steel cut oats and instant oatmeal are all whole grain oat products. Because all three parts of the grain remain after milling, they all provide the same nutrients in the same amounts. The only difference is how the grain is cut, steamed and rolled ñ and this only affects cooking time and texture. Think of oatmeal as your blank breakfast canvas and get creative with sweets and spices and flavorful fruits, nuts and crunchies!
CREAMY MAPLE CRANBERRY OATMEAL 3-1/2 cups skim or lowfat milk 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/3 cup maple-flavored syrup, regular 2 cups oatmeal, uncooked) 1/4 or light cup toasted wheat germ
1. In medium saucepan, bring milk and salt to a gentle boil. (Watch carefully.) Stir in oats, cranberries and maple syrup. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook 1 minute for quick oats, 5 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Let stand until desired consistency. Stir in wheat germ. 2. Spoon oatmeal into four cereal bowls. Drizzle with additional syrup, if desired. Serve with milk or yogurt, if desired. MAKES 4 SERVINGS MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: In 3-quart microwaveable bowl, combine all ingredients except wheat germ. Microwave on HIGH 6 to 7 minutes for quick oats and 9 to 10 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of liquid is absorbed. Let stand until desired consistency. Stir in wheat germ. NUTRITION INFORMATION: 1/4 of recipe Calories 360, Calories From Fat 30, Total Fat 3.5g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Cholesterol less than 5mg, Sodium 90mg, Total Carbohydrates 70g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Protein 15g. Courtesy of Family Features
melisa says
Kath,
What kind of heart rate monitor do you use? Is it one that you wear on your wrist? I am thinking of buying one and I really want one that I can enter my height and weight for an accurate calorie burn count.
the husband says
RE: Ezekial bread
When we buy it frozen, we just stick it in the fridge and usually use it up in a week… although now that I’ve resolved to bake more and always have homemade bread on hand, we’ll have to see!
RE: Salmon n’ stuff
Kath’s lunch today had canned salmon.
We bought a bunch of canned salmon and tuna at Costco last week, so we’re just switching it up for fun. I prefer the taste of tuna though!
And smoked salmon is not “cooked” in the sense of applying heat to it, but it’s not “raw” either. Smoking is a method of preservation and sanitation, just like cooking. Curing is another method (it makes something very salty and inhospitable to bacteria and other nasties). When smoking and curing are combined (like bacon), it makes for excellent food preservation. How do ya think all our colonial ancestors did it!?
RE: avocado
We just cut out a small portion of our avocado and put the unused back in the fridge… it may turn slightly browner but no effect on the flavor. They usually last us about a week.
RE: apples
Kath said a couple days ago, “you know, i’m just gonna slice some apple to eat later and who cares if it turns brown?” and that’s how it happened.
Beth says
Seeing your bag (again) and reading your recent post about being more environmentally friendly made me think about another awesome thing I got from reusablebags.com:
http://www.reusablebags.com/store/wrapnmat-p-2.html
It is great if you take a lot of sandwiches!
Alison says
Good to know about the avocado! I made your taco salad the other night and have avocado left but was afraid to eat it. I guess I’ll just ignore the color and enjoy it!
Anonymous says
melisa, in FAQs it says she uses a Polar F4 HRM. it has a chest strap that (i think) transmits the signal to a watch. i don’t think that model has the finger-sensor on the watch though (which isn’t as accurate anyway)
c. leews, i really like the Country Choice multigrain hot cereal (130kcal/1g fat/6g pro per 1/4c) and Old Wessex? multigrain w/ flax (140/3/6)… they both come in a canister at some grocery stores and Whole Foods and i’ve seen the country choice @ Trader Joe’s too. i like making 1/2 a serv of multigrain with 1/2 a serv of steel cut… water… nuke it for 3mins… done. 🙂
elizabeth, you can keep avocado from browning by just brushing the cut surface with some lime (or lemon) juice.
natalie, some apples seem less prone to browning. i cut up a pink lady and a cameo like 2 or 3 days ago, and kept the slices kinda intact (so it looked like half an apple) and covered it with a little plastic wrap and put it in a tupperware in the fridge and it was pretty good! still crunchy and only the slightest tan on the two exposed sides.
Anonymous says
To add to Kath’s never ending list- why is cheese low moisture? Packages seem to “brag” about it
texasfoodie says
The way to keep avocados from browning after you’ve cut them open is to leave the pit in with it. So if you have avocado slices you are saving, or if you make guacamole and have leftovers, keep the pit in with it in the container in the fridge. Doesn’t turn brown.
Glad I could contribute something I’ve learned from my 5 years living in Texas.
AJules says
This is for Kath or anyone who eats the 100 cal bags of popcorn.
Can someone measure out how many cups of popcorn you get out of the bag? It would be very helpful. 🙂
Monica says
Kath-
How many net cals did you aim for when you were trying to drop the weight? or did you always aim for the 1200ish amt of nets? can you share a bit more about that process if it is different than the maintence one you describe in the FAQs?
THANKS!
Kate from CK says
Kath,
Thanks so much for everything you do! My husband and I tried your taco salad last night (minus the avocado and fage). I loved it! It was to dry for the boy though. I am thinking it was because we didn’t have the fage. What do you think?
Also, I tried the oatmeal pancake this morning and loved it! Normally I do not like the consistency of oatmeal but I loved it this way! Thanks so much!
eliza says
kath, why give up gum??!
Shelley says
to everyone concerned about produce turning brown:
ever seen those infomercials about the “green bags” that supposedly keep produce fresh a lot longer? ok, well they actually work! I’ve never used them, but a good friend of mine recently tried them and LOVES them. I usually vacuum seal my produce, and it stays fresh for at least as long as it takes a single girl to finish whatever it is without having to eat it ad nauseam. I’ve never tried apples or avacados, b/c I’m too lazy to cut up apples and I keep forgetting to buy avacados, but it’s worked for everything else 🙂
B_healthy says
this is a good one…. how on earth do you motivate yourself to do stats homework ?? argh.. i keep putting mine off and its due monday!
Anonymous says
I bought all the ingredients to make your soup. Quick question. You first sauted the turkey. Where do you put the turkey while you are making the soup. Wouldn’t the fridge make it too cold? Thanks!
former stats stuent says
Hello B_Healthy. I had to take 3 stats/research methods classes for my grad work. I am among the math challenged. I simply made myself go to the library directly after class (joined by my room-mate who was in the same major as me) and did it right there while the concepts were still fresh. I then made sure to go to office hours/ask my prof (who was great) to fill in gaps. You’ll feel better getting it off your plate. I found flashcards for each formula helpful. But more importantly understanding the underlying theory. My prof made us memorize them all. Good luck. Happy sigma!
SC says
http://order.tupperware.com/pls/htprod_www/tup_show_item.show_item_detail?fv_item_number=P10055421000
http://order.tupperware.com/pls/htprod_www/tup_show_item.show_item_detail?fv_item_number=P10055361000
thought these may help your plate delimma…the first one is nicer and more plate like, but the second is smaller and more portable 🙂
arimcg says
make sure you save the pit with the avocado – don’t throw it away! it helps stop it from turning brown.
Kath says
Thanks for all the great comments!
And to The husband for helping me out with my workload 🙂
Rachel,
SO GLAD it worked!!
Re: Sugarless gum and the reason I gave it up:
I recently gave up sugar-free gum. I read in Dr. Weil’s book “Eating Well for Optimum Health” a case study about a woman who was having all kinds of constipation and bowel troubles and after many diet analyses they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her. Finally she realized she had been leaving her gum (sugar-free) off of her diaries. The doctors told her “nonabsorbable sugars xylitol and sorbitol in the gum draw water into the gut, increasing its activity.” She gave up gum and was cured.
SO
When I was working I used to chew between 3-5 pieces of Orbit Sweet Mint a day – mostly out of boredom. I’d feel “hungry”, have a piece of gum, and my boredom “hunger” would go away.
WELL, without going into the specifics, I was having some bowel troubles. Nothing major or gross, but Mon-Fri. my bowels weren’t moving quite as well as they would on Sat.-Sun. I thought it was too much fiber, IBS, stress, etc. but when I read this case study I realized that I don’t really chew the gym on the weekends. I cut it out of my diet and (knock on wood) have had NONE of my troubles in almost a month now.
It’s been tough giving up the habit – especially when my mouth could use a refresher around 10 a.m. but I’ve learned to just drink water more. I doubt everyone would have this trouble with the sugar alcohols, and I’m sure I could have a piece every now and then and wouldn’t notice, but I’m hesitant to have even one!
Hope that was a helpful explanation to many of you!
JDS,
I used to eat bigger lunches when I was working because I could pack better foods thanks to microwave and toaster oven access. This lunch was a normal amount for me.
I would combine working out and healthy eating for optimal health as well as weight loss. Both are equally important! Dieting alone is tough because you have less calories to work with – add some activity too and you can eat enough to feel satisfied and lose weight at the same time. Congrats on the wedding!
Ana,
Yay for oatmeal! Guess what I’m having for breakfast!?
Beth,
Cool! I wonder how dirty it gets though…
Re: low moisture cheese,
I have absolutely no idea!
AJules,
I’ve never measured but I’ve seen “5 cups = 100 calories” in the nutritional databases, but it seems more like 3 cups to me.
Monica,
I was eating a NET of 1226 during my weight loss. I am not sure if during the past few months of maintenance I have lost, gained or maintained because I do not weigh myself. I think I’ve probably lost a little more but gained a little over the holidays, so I’m even? I continued to eat 1226 into maintenance but am more lenient with portions than before. Now I’ve moved my net up due to my lifestyle changes. The healthier I eat on a regular basis (no slip ups), the more it moves up because I don’t need to “lose” to balance out a gain if there are no gains. But when it all comes down to it, I eat when I’m hungry. HTH.
Kate from CK,
Glad you guys liked it. The Fage (and avocado and hot sauce) definitely add some moisture. But I think taco salads are generally pretty dry. Perhaps you could use some light sour cream if you don’t like the Fage? Or add some salsa (which I don’t like).
B_healthy,
No motivation here.
Re. Turkey,
We just left it in the warm skillet. It wasn’t out long enough and was still hot enough that we didn’t need to worry about bacterial dangers. But it heats back up in the soup, so no worries if it does get cold.
SC,
Thanks for the suggestions, but I can’t really deal with any tupperware in my small backpack. I have to be as compact as possible. I might just have to have a less photogenic lunch and take the photos from the bags.
Jori says
Kath I noticed that you don’t do any exercises such as yoga or pilates. Is there a particular reason?
Kath says
Jori,
I wish I did, but I find them a little boring. If I had more time………
It was a resolution for going back to school to add some flexibility and yoga to my workouts. I’m working on it!! I hope to get to a class soon, or at least do one of my yoga DVDs!
K
Marcy says
Kath you said that you love diet tonics because noone knows your not drinking. But I always feel akward ordering it because then people do know. any suggestions?
Kath says
Marcy,
Sorry, I only know of one way to order them. I would just casually say you’re not up for a heavy night of drinking. Or go order from the bar.
K
Mandy says
Hey kath –
I tried to post this earlier and got an error message… so I hope I’m not posting this twice!
I’m just curious… how long before your work out are you having your pre work out meal? 🙂
And thanks for the butternut/turkey/kale/apple recipe. i can not wait to try it out!
Mandy
Kath says
Mandy,
I usually eat around 5:15 and my workout starts at 5:45 or so. I stick to light carbs – toast, etc. – because I can workout immediately. If I had yogurt/milk/vegetables I’d have to wait over an hour.
Kath
Beth says
Hey Kath, the sandwich wrap is coated with this plastic on the inside so you can wipe it out or clean it with a sponge pretty easily…I love it.
Anonymous says
hey SC i use divided plates and tupperware because i am super picky and don’t like my food touching or mixing 🙂