We’re having spring today and I can’t wait! The high is 74* and the sun will be out! But it’s only spring for a day since tomorrow is looking like a colder rain and storms. I am hoping to take advantage of today’s great weather with a run around 9:30. I also need to study my flashcards some more, so I might halve the run and walk some of it.
I started the day at 5:15 with a cup of hot tea.
Around 7, I made a delicious bowl of Trail Mix Oatmeal. I used TJ’s Nuts for Raspberries mix, which I broken into pieces with the handle of our can opener to make it more bite size. Those little bits of chocolate never disappoint!
I also had coffee, SANS SPLENDA! It wasn’t as fun to drink as sweet coffee, but I liked it more than I thought I would. I think I just need to get used to it. And I think we need to only buy quality great tasting coffees. We love Fresh Market’s coffees, but we’re almost out of our French vanilla-Hazelnut blend!
Breakfast was about 470 kcal, 11 grams fiber and 19 grams protein.
I’ve got Stats and Studying to do, then I’m off to class (eating lunch first!) and then my Exam. It’s almost Spring Break!!! I CANNOT believe I get spring break. A whole week to do nothing? Of course I’m going to try to be as productive as I can and finish my two projects and get ahead in my classes. My parents are coming to visit this weekend and my mom is staying for 2 days to hang out with me on my turf. I’m excited!!
Lunch’ll be up around 4 today. See you then!
Katie says
So jealous of your spring! I LOVE the idea of the raspberry mix. Rasperries are my ultimate favorite. and trail mix anything is amazing. Enjoy your day! 🙂
rhodeygirl says
good luck today!
GreenTea says
Good morning all!
I have a couple questions…
I was looking at Kath’s lunch from yesterday and saw that enormous scoop of hummus. I am not a big fan of it, but I try to make myself eat it every once in a while (every other week or so?)…is this a good idea? I’m hoping maybe eventually I’ll grow a liking to it since I pair it with foods I love. Maybe I just tried a bad kind??
Secondly, my boyfriend and I work out A LOT. We’re training for a full-length triathlon, and I’m concerned b/c while he is in great shape, his food choices are poor. One example: I read what is in a power bar…OH MY GOSH…No one should ingest that! Do you think Clif bars are a good alternative? Or even more to his liking are the Clif Builder bars (20 g protein)…are they okay? Any other suggestions?!
THANKS!
Love the blog and everyone here is so nice and helpful!
Lindsay says
Kath ~ 74 degrees, that’s like summer here 🙂 I am super jealous of your nice weather… I am excited it’s been 50 degrees here – that’s my spring hehe…
Green Tea ~ I love Cliff Bars and especially love them before a workout… I usually only eat half of one at a time, but your boyfriend can afford the extra calories probably… If you simply look at the ingredients, what I like is that you can understand EACH and every single ingredient… there is nothing in there that I don’t understand… When I buy “energy bars”, I like making sure of that… I haven’t looked at the Cliff Builder Bars though, but I would assume that they are similar? Check the ingredients 🙂
rhodeygirl says
P.S. I made your classic oatmeal for my cousin and she loved it too!
Have you ever thought about writing your own cookbook? I bet it would sell really well! You and your husband and all your simple, hearty, healthy creations. Sounds like a winning combo to me!
Danielle says
Kath,
Or anyone else….I have a rather lengthy situation. It started back in Feb of 07- I got really sick and could barely eat anything. I lost 20 pounds and after multiple tests, finally had my gall bladder removed in April. After this I got a little better but still have a major problem w/ acid reflux which I take medicine for but it does not always help. I also began to like the idea of losing weight so I started excercising and eating a lot healthier. Well b4 I knew it I as down to 103 and stayed at this weight for about three months. I lost my period but I am not sure if that was due to weight loss or discontinueing my BC pills (I have it back now- doc put me back on the pill). Well since I am 5’3.5″ I decided that I had to gain weight. Ideal weight for my height is 115 to 120. Well I put on 5 pounds in a month and have now been maintaining 108 for a month. I eat 2000 calories a day sometimes a little more or less and only excersise M, W, F- 30 min cardio, T, TH- 30 min strength. Should I start drinking like ensure or something to gain more weight or do you think I am good at 108? It’s so confusing! I don’t want to start eating junk food to gain. I already eat things high in calories such as loads of peanut butter! Any advice would be great… Thanks!
VeggieGirl says
It’s going to be 50°F here, which is equivalent to your 70°F weather, haha – hooray for gorgeous weather conditions!
Mmmm, love your Trail Mix oatmeal variety – I’ve never had dried raspberries before, so that part sounds especially enticing!
Best of luck with your studying and taking your exam; and of COURSE enjoy the outdoors today, for sure! :0)
Lesli says
Good morning all! I hope you all have plans to enjoy the spring weather if you are getting it! Kath, just a thought, but have you thought about trying or have you ever tried cinnamon in your coffee? I tried it one day about a month ago and I love it! I drink it no other way now.
Possible discussion topic for everyone. I have lunch time meetings a lot at my job and I always pack a healthy lunch to take with me. At one meeting that happens every month they sit out a lunch “buffett” of cookies, chips, and soda and all other 20-30 people eat that for lunch, which is fine if that is what they want to do. However, I have to deal with all of them not only staring at my lunch but now making several comments. Not that they are rude comments and I smile and take them in stride, but what does that say about our society? I could never make a comment to someone drinking a Coke and eating a Twinkie but everyone on the planet thinks it’s ok to comment on my eating because it appears healhty? I see this as a perfect example of how off track the majority of our societies eating habits are. What do you all think? I was really hoping to get some other perspectives. Have a great day everyone!
K says
Danielle – It’s hard to say what is a healthy weight for your body and whether you should gain more weight and how much. It can take a while for your body to “heal” and be able to resume menstruation again (because not getting your period is a sign that something is not right in your body).
I frequent RunnersWorld.com’s nutrition discussion board and there was a good post regarding athletic women losing their periods and how to get them back: http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/668106477/m/8231026634.
It might give you some more insight/tips into your problem. Hope it helps!
K says
Ok, I just tried my link and it doesn’t work… 🙁 So, just go to www.runnersworld.com – Discussions – General Nutrition and the post’s title is “chicas: getting it back!”
Cait says
Danielle – I had my gall bladder removed when I was 16 (I’m 24 now) after about 2 years of pain. Right after I still had pretty bad acid reflux, but now everything seems to have calmed down. My best advice is to eat smaller meals more times during the day (without the extra bile your gall bladder produces to help you digest, big meals can cause me serious pain). Your body might just be adjusting.
Kath – I tried the “kale chips” last night but I found that they were so light and crispy that they basically crumbled all of the place as soon as I touched them. Did you have this problem?
Thanks! Enjoy the weather!
Kris10 says
Lesli,
The same thing happens to me when I opt out of high-fat or sugary sweets offered at work. When a co-worker comments on my food choices, I politely explain that I’m making an effort to eat well and appreciate that he/she noticed and would love his/her support. That method typically works and has actually led to some of my co-workers making changes in their own diets to mirror my goal of healthy eating. Not everyone will take kindly to the fact that you’re opting out of these treats, but remember that this likely stems from their own insecurities. They could feel bad or guilty about not eating well or living a healthy lifestyle. Just be kind and patient with these people while keeping in mind that it’s your body and your call as to the foods you put into it.
Kate says
Lesli, I’m a junior in high school and I get the same thing from my friends when I bring “healthy food” for lunch. And, like you said, I would never comment on the fact that they’re eating pizza, fries, and cookies everyday. It’s a weird position to be in. But I like the explanation kris10 gave.
Kathryn says
Hi Kath – love the blog. Just being nosy…why do you get up so early? To be with the husband as he gets ready for work, or do you study in the morning? Sorry for being nosy, but I love to have models of other people’s days to understand how I can hopefully make my schedule better too!
Betsy says
your trail mix oatmeal always looks just fanstastic…the melting chocolate is mouthwatering!!
Lesli
I bring my lunch everyday to work and always have a ton of huge carrots. Everytime I wash them, someone will make a comment, “oh, you eat too healthy” “eat some fries” “you’re going to turn into a rabbit!” “live a little”. ugh. every. single. time. I just roll is off and pretend to laugh, and basically ignore it but it’s so annoying. but, inside, i know i’m soo much healthier than they are and that gives me satisfaction.
KC says
Danielle,
It sounds like you should really address this question to a doctor or registered dietician. Lately it seems like a lot of people have been asking questions about serious and/or legitimate medical issues, and I’ve noticed that a lot of the responses seem more based on opinion/hearsay than anything else. This blog is great for a lot of things, but medical advice is not one of them.
Romina says
Trail Mix oats … great idea! =) Super convenient.
I’m very jealous of your weather! We’re having freezing weather here, without the snow… arg!
Danielle – I went through a similar situation. You lost your period because you lost weight, your body went into survival mode and doesn’t see menstruation as necessary so it shuts off all unnecessary processes. If you want to gain weight, gain muscle, exercise and eat more, gradually though. You don’t want to pack fat onto your body, but healthy toned muscle will make a huge difference.
Amalia says
Hi Kath! My dad wanted to give up sugar in his coffee and he started adding cinnamon to the beans before grinding them. I know how much you love cinnamon, so you might try it!
Susan says
I tried oatbran this morning……def prefer oatmeal, like you 🙂
Also the other day, I asked about freezing oatmeal pancakes, I literally meant, how do you freeze them. Meaning how do you store them. Do you just stack them on eachother, etc? Thanks and have a good day!
Diana says
I have been reading this blog for a long time but this is my first time posting!
Basically, Kath (and others) who enjoy wine– and enjoy sweetened coffee/tea– I thought you might be interested in this article I read yesterday in the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/11/AR2008031100723.html
Kath, maybe the kind of wine you like provides some clue about whether you’ll be able to adjust to a Splenda- and sugar-free life! (As for me, I hate myself for loving Lambrusco, a.k.a. lamjuiceco!)
K says
Regarding Romina’s response to Danielle’s question – an underweight, under-fueled body needs added muscle AND fat. Fat is a necessary for a woman’s body to effectively function, have a period and therefore be fertile and able to support a baby. Perhaps Goalie – or someone else – could explain the medical/scientific facts of this better than I could! Of course, you should continue to workout some (how much, I’m not sure) and eat healthy… but gaining a bit of fat along with the muscle will probably be necessary to resume normal body functions (menstruation).
Courtney says
Danielle, sounds like you need to make a doctor’s appointment. If you’re eating well and exercising, maybe your body is happy where it is for now, but you should really speak to your doctor about the specifics.
74 degrees…I wish! It’s freezing in Boston.
Tammy says
Question…I want to make the Butternut/kale soup..do you think chicken would work in the recipe instead of turkey?…thanks kath!
Erin says
Another vote for cinnamon in your coffee.
I add it to the beans as well and it makes the coffee taste so good. I drink a lot of it…all black as tar and delicious, no sugar needed!
Nancy says
Kath-
MMmmmMmmMmm the French Vanilla-Hazelnut Coffee sounds delicious- where do you buy that brand from??
Justy2003 says
Lesli-
I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve had people criticize my healthy eating/exercise habits, but I try not to let it bother me because I KNOW that I’m doing something helpful for myself and it will allow me to live a longer, happier, healthier life. I actually had one person say to me once that it didn’t matter if I worked out and ate right…I could die in a car accident so eating/exercising wouldn’t cause me to live longer in that situation. A little pessimistic, no?
Anyway, I do find it really sad that people feel the need to criticize healthy choices…and encourage “unhealthy” ones. I believe some of this probably stems from their own issues with food/weight/health/etc. I think these comments about healthy eating says says a lot about our country and the mentality of “dieting” here. I’m not “on a diet”. This is my lifestyle…healthy! I think there’s a “health trend” right now that is much needed in our overweight country…let’s just hope that it’ll start to put more focus on real, whole foods as opposed to 100 calorie packs and “sugar free/fat free” everything soon!
SarahF says
Kath, it’s official-I love you & this blog!
Last night I tried spaghetti squash for the first time, and absolutely loved it! It was so delicious and filling & I felt really good knowing I was feeding my body with some healthy fuel. And then this morning I had my oatmeal with mangoes-which is something I never would have thought of. But I love oatmeal and I love mangoes-so the combination was possibly the greatest thing I’ve ever had! 🙂
I have a question for everybody-it’s more out of curiousity than anything. A few weeks ago I posted that I was slowly gaining weight (about a pound every couple of weeks) and I wasn’t sure if it was muscle or fat. Well, I have continued to gain weight (I’m up from 135 to 142) but I can tell now that it is muscle. My clothes all fit looser & I’m more defined. I’m curious as to why this is happening though, because I only do cardio (I run 2-3 times a week, swim 1-2 times a week, do pilates once a week, and a cardio core class (hardcore cardio) 1-2 times a week). I’m ok with gaining the weight (I am 5’11 after all) I’m just curious as to an explanation of how this is happening.
Thanks everyone! 🙂
ser says
Another great coffee option is to add cardamom (whole seeds, not pods, are the best but ground will do) to the grinder while you grind your beans. If you add too much, it will be bitter, but just a bit gives a great flavor to the coffee, especially if you add milk.
Lesli says
Justy-
Very well said! I HATE marketed food like 100-calorie packs. I get in semi-arguments with my mother about this sometimes because she is attempting to become more healthy, which I fully support, but she either buys these or attempts to make her own low-cal desserts, which works for her, but she gets so defensive when I won’t eat it. I try to explain to her that I would rather have an apple and PB to fill me up and give me nutrients rather than 100-calorie Oreos that will do nothing for my body or hunger when I need a snack. This most certainly is a lifestyle and I would absolutely love to be able to make others understand that.
Caryee says
happy thursday everyone 🙂
regarding the posts on lost of menstrual cycles: over the past year, I have lost 20 lbs. i am a former competitive soccer player, currently 18 years old and in college. i lost the weight mainly by watching portion control, ingredients list (no HFCS, heavy saturated fats, lots of sugar), eating only 3-4 times/a day (as opposed to mindless snacking throughout), eating less meat, and running more.
i have not had my period for 8 months. i’ve seen a nutritionist about this and an RD as well, and the advice i have gotten is to UP MY CALORIES because my body “doesn’t see menstruation as necessary” and uses the calories for other things like hair, nail, growth, etc. However, I must be honest and admit my vanity in that I do NOT want to gain the weight back. I have struggled with this dilemma…do I want to stay slim and “unhealthy” (i.e. loss of period, increased risk of bone density problems), OR do I want to eat more (this is a scary thought), gain weight, and have children (in the future, of course)??
K, thank you so much for sharing the Runners’ forum. It helped open my eyes that a LOT of women are going through similar situations. I will continue seeking medical advice and the support of such groups.
My advice to you ladies out there with similar problems: PLEASE seek the support of medical help. It’s been so hard for me to figure out the root of the problem on my own (is it stress? under-eating? over-exercising?) so it’s like including more eyes to figure out the puzzle. Although it’s a struggle and hard to come to terms with, it’s the BEST step you can take to becoming healthier, wholer, and (I suspect) happier.
JC says
Sarah F – I hate to break it to you but unless you are doing some SERIOUS weight lifting (which you already indicated that you are not), you have NOT gained 7 pounds of muscle over the course of a few weeks. Not possible. Just talk to a bodybuilder to find out how much work it takes to gain 7 pounds of muscle. It does not happen simply by doing cardio activity like you are.
Tara says
Pardon the nosiness, but did you opt to not work out today or did you intentionally not post it because people asked you not to? Just curious!
Tara says
Oh oops, I missed the top paragraph. Sorry, I’m still waking up here in CA (where it is OVERCAST today!)
KarenR says
I want to third (fourth?) the recommendation to see a doctor about medical issues. There are so many factors to consider. For example, my 3 young daughters are super skinny so (per their doc) I have to really pump them up with healthy fats (and some unhealthies, like plenty of butter – they’re kids, they can handle it!) But if you’ve had your gall bladder out, I would think you need to take that into consideration. I understand the frustration, though. My kids have such great eating habits naturally, I hate to say “no more salad for you, have some cookies!” So I encourage them to eat dressing.
Any Top Chef fans here? Good season premiere last night for those who like cooking (and drama!)
SarahF says
JC-that’s exactly my confusion! I know that I’m not doing enough to be gaining that much muscle (though to clarify-it hasn’t been a couple of weeks that I’ve gained the 7 pounds of muscle, that’s been a couple of months, it’s been a couple of weeks since I posted my question regarding gaining weight if it’s muscle or fat) but I also know that I am gaining weight, yet my clothes are looser and I look more toned. You ladies are all so knowledgable about this that I thought maybe someone has experienced this, or knows why/how it’s occuring?
LisaR says
I agree with KC about needing to talk to a doctor.
I like to ask questions on similar issues here, on this blog, just to get a general idea of what others are thinking about health, weight etc.
I asked a question a couple of days ago about my body fat%…yes this is a question for me to ask my doctor but it takes me 2 months to get into her so I come here to see if anyone else has gone through similar situations while I wait. I think it helps raise awarness? lol who knows but I think everyone knows that this isn’t a medical forum so take things lightly and just use this blog as a guide!
Kelly L. says
In regards to no period…
I really reccommend the above thread at Runners World. I just went and checked it out and it has some very good advice for those of you struggling with this issue.
Kelly L. says
Let’s have some fun!
What is your favorite recipe for dessert (healthy or not)? If you have it post it or send a link!
I’ll go first: This is SO NOT HEALTHY but it is delcious.
Chocolate-peanut butter cake with cream cheese and butterfinger frosting:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/231746
Like I said, this is not an everyday induldgence. I had it at Thanksgiving and had a honkin’ slice. So gooooooood.
Caitlin says
I am a dessert FANATIC! (And not ashamed to admit it) I could never pick one favorite but a friend recently made this Paula Deen recipe…
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cooking/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_24562,00.html
…and WOW. They were incredible. And not healthy at all. (2 sticks of butter and a box of powdered sugar!) But was over it before it was in my mouth.
Tara says
This is a-mazing and it’s in Bobby Flay’s Grilling for Life cookbook. It is a FANTASTIC cookbook with healthy recipes:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_32009,00.html
Laura says
Lesli – My family are all very overweight (I am 5’9 and used to be 270 lbs in high school…I am now 23 years of age,155 lbs and run 5-6 days a week).
Over Thanksgiving break, I told my mom I would be bringing a Cooking Light version of Pecan Pie for our family dinner. She said ‘We don’t want that Richard Simmons crap here.”
I think when anyone is negative about your healthy eating habits it just boils down to jealousy. You love your family and friends (and vice versa) but I think that they definitely feel threatened by your conviction to eat right and stay in shape. I get along extremely well with most of my family members and friends but face a lot of negative comments when I make sure I stay on track and keep my eating habits in check. Sure, we all splurge every now and then on fries or a cookie but some people do not have the self control to abstain from eating that junk.
I used to think I could never give up soda, cake, pizza, etc but knowing what it does for your body (nothing!) should be reason enough to change your habits.
So you bring your healthy food to your lunch meetings and hold your head high because I believe it’s just jealousy that these people know they should be eating healthier and want to find the scapegoat in the group…
Laura
BethEllis says
Leslie,
I agree with Laura 100%. If someone comments negatively on your healthy eating habits, it is ALWAYS jealousy because they wish they had the willpower to do the same. My mom is a marathon runner and very healthy eater and says she gets the same feedback from her co-workers. Let them be jealous and just keep modeling your healthy ways. Who knows, maybe you’ll influence them to live a healthier lifestyle.
Marcy says
Kath,
how do you get the bottom layer of your pumpkin cake recipe to reach cake consistency?
Rach says
Caryee,
Something similar happened to me too. About 2.5 years ago, I lost my period for about 6 months. I lost 10 pounds rather quickly because I increased the amount I worked out, but I was still within my normal weight range and had a healthy diet. But, I was working in a very high-stress environment. My doctor told me that my quick weight loss coupled with the stress caused the loss of my period. I was prescribed progesterone to take over several days and that jump-started everything again.
I obviously don’t know if you are underweight or not, but if you aren’t, just wanted to pass on that stress could be a factor.
Amanda says
74 is *hot* summer day here in Maine!
Angie says
I want to add to the discussion about people making comments about healthy food.
A friend of mine had bypass surgery two years ago and lost most of her friendships and a relationship with her mom along with her excess weight. It took a while, but she eventually patched things up with her mom after realizing a few things.
One of those things was that every time she talked about how happy she was to be losing weight, to be dropping sizes, and to be eating healthy, her mom took it as a personal attack (since her mom was overweight). Her mom felt that every comment was a judgment on her inability to change her own life.
I think people comment about healthy eating habits for the same reason. It might be a skewed way of thinking, but seeing a person pass up a Twinkie for a carrot may feel like an attack. Eating is very emotional for lots of people, especially for people who know they need to lose weight, but don’t know how (or why) to say no to the cookies and Cokes. So I don’t think it’s just jealousy. I think it’s more complicated.
When someone teases me for my healthy habits, I just laugh it off and say “Just trying to stay healthy.” It gets old, but I also know how hard it was to be heavy, so I try to sympathise with those who just aren’t ready to make the changes it takes to be healthy.
ppp says
hey kath (or anyone) – i have been tracking my calories/nutrient intake on calorieking (thanks kath!) and noticed that i have a pretty high sodium intake – i eat healthy 95% of the time, but i guess sodium sneaks in here and there…. anyway i know that you are supposed to keep the daily mgs to below 2000 – do you have any tips about low sodium diet or cooking?
thanks in advance, hope everyone is having a great day!!
annon says
Sarah F, I am confused, are you the girl who posted on jenna’s blog a while back that you are on track team? You didn’t seem heavy.
courtney says
Caryee- I lost my period of about 6 months when I was under weight. It took a while but I finally got it back when my body was at a healthy weight. I get my period regularly now and its a good feeling knowing I’m healthy and can do all the things I want to do. I know I am going to want to have children, and even just going through a long stage of missing your period can hinder your chances of having a child. I would never want that. When it comes down to it, your looks are by no means more important than your health. You should treat your body well. Being at a healhty weight does not mean you are fat or unflattering. I am just under 5’7″ and weigh 115. My body is functioning correctly and I have much more energy. It may be hard but you have to see that you are missing out in life if you are trying to maintain an unhealthy weight.
Ally says
Yum!
I’ve recently given up splenda and diet sodas, it’s a hard task!
I have been using a lot of stevia instead but i’m trying to wean myself off of that as well.
Susan says
Beth Ellis what does your mom say to people.
I personally feel it is easier for overweight people to order salads b/c then people say “good for them, they are trying to lose weight,” but when I do it because I am thin, people are like why are you dieting. they ignore the fact that you may like salads and being healthy. Anyone else who’s thin feel akward ordering salads?
Kath says
GreenTea ,
I am very picky about my hummus – there are lots of kinds I don’t like. I hate most store-bought brands. A few grocery stores in my area make a really good hummus and I get those on occasion. I make my own sometimes, but I always forget that’s an option! I would look for some “homemade” brands in your grocery stores (made fresh, not mass-produced) and give them a try. And I always think the flavored ones are better than plain!!
Although I don’t know if I’ve ever had a “real” Cliff bar (only the Z kind) Cliff has a great line of bars that are made with much better ingredients than many of the energy bars out there.
Rhodeygirl ,
I’d love to do a cookbook, but I’m not sure we’re (the husband and I) “unique” enough, you know? What niche would we fill? But if anyone wants to offer us a contract, I’d sign it in a heartbeat 🙂
ENJOY those recipes!!!
Danielle,
I agree with everyone else that you should probably visit your doctor with your concerns. Hope all turns out oK for you.
Lesli ,
A reminder that what you eat is YOUR business so who cares what they think! But I realize it can be awkward with colleagues. I would bring something discreet to eat during those lunches or have a little of it before or after the meeting and tell the others you already ate if they ask. When I worked and we had a catered lunch, I would often have some of the main course (a slice of pizza, portion of lasagna, half a huge sandwich, etc.) and then bring my own sides like an apple, some veggies, some trail mix to have with it. People rarely noticed that I was eating foods other than what was brought in. The others gave excellent advice too!
Cait ,
It sounds like you overcooked them. Maybe because you started with a lot less kale than we did and needed to reduce the time? If you try them again, that’s my best suggestion. Keep your eye on them and they’re done when just the edges start to brown.
Kathryn ,
I am 100x more productive between the hours of 5 and 3 p.m. ish than I am the whole rest of the day, so I’d rather get to bed early and get an early start. It helps that I’m a morning person and get too tired to do anything in the evenings. I exercise first think on MWF and study then exercise on TTH. I really like getting so much done before lunch!
Amalia,
I will have to try the cinnamon, but I won’t be able to make it regularly because the husband barely tolerates cinnamon and he would NOT be happy if I started spiking our coffee with it! But the next time I’m here alone, I will definitely give it a try.
Susan ,
I put the oatmeal pancakes in a freezer-safe ziplock all together and stick them in once they are cool. There might be a better method, but that’s what I do!
Diana ,
Thanks for sharing the article! I had lots of fun taking the Budometer quiz. I am a Sensitive Taster, which matches my pref. for wine to a T!
Tammy ,
Although I kept saying turkey in the video, we used chicken in our most recent batch! They are definitely interchangeable. So is ground turkey/chicken. And beans.
SarahF,
So glad you liked the squash!! My only response to your weight gain (because I have no idea if it’s muscle or what any more than you do) is to get rid of that scale!! You said you’re feeling more toned and your clothes are not tight, so you’re doing something right. That’s why I gave up the scale – it just didn’t agree with my observations. Perhaps it’s a combo of muslce and an increase in weight due to eating/drinking more to fuel your workouts so you have more volume of food in you all at once all the time. That’s my best guess?
Marcy ,
The pumpkin cake is not really that cakey – it’s more like pumpkin pie but the top gets like a cake. My deepest inside layers are always pretty moist. Wish I knew of a technique to make it all like the top layer!
ppp ,
Although I don’t eat that many high sodium foods, I’m consistently at 2,300-2,400 mg of sodium (according to my food diary too). Are you in the 3,000’s or mid-2,000s? If you don’t have high blood pressure or need to watch sodium for a specific reason, I wouldn’t worry about anything in the 2,000s. But you could see if there are a few foods that are keeping your numbers up like deli meat or cottage cheese.
HeatherK,
If you do a search in the yellow box for “collards” you’ll pull up all of our recipes we’ve done. There should be some ideas there! http://www.recipezaar.com is also good, as is http://www.myrecipes.com.
Kath
rhodeygirl says
Kath you are killing me! I just went through some of your archives (search: berry oatmeal) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything you and your husband have made! I think tomorrow I am going to try making berry oatmeal, and when it warms up I’ll def be making smoothies… and next week I MUST make oatmeal pancakes… or at least attempt again… since yours look so tasty!
Keep it up!
SarahF says
Annon-no I’m not that SarahF (I believe she’s Sara F-it always confuses me too). It’s not that I’m heavy because I am thin, I just can’t figure out how I’m gaining weight because I’m doing cardio but gaining muscle (not fat).
I have the same problem as you Susan-I always try to eat healthy, and as soon as you get a water to drink or a salad to eat you have to start dealing with people thinking you’re a heavy dieter, or rolling their eyes at you (I’ve walked into conversations with people talking about what I ate for lunch and judging it because it was all healthy). It’s almost like as soon as you are thin, you should eat crappy food. But if you’re not thin, then you’re judged for eating that same crappy food. It doesn’t make sense to me!
Sarah C says
On period loss:
Other things besides weight loss can cause the loss of you period. I went 9 months with out mine and went to several doctors and always got the same response…gain weight. Easier said than done for me. Genetically I am tall and thin, just like my mom, and although I eat like a horse, I dont gain. Plus, when I stopped getting my period, I hadn’t dropped any weight or increased exercise. My point is, I finally went to a doctor who thought it may be stress induced. I got numerous tests done and it ended up that I just had low estrogen levels and a cist. He put me on bc and I’ve had regular periods since.
The best thing to do is find a good doctor who will do more than tell you just to gain weight. Although there is a good chance that is the solution, it may not be!
ps says
Angie, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head, exactly.
Laura, next time just serve them the “healthy” dessert and don’t tell them until afterwards, when they’re raving about how good it was!
Kelly L. says
Sarah C- Birth control forces you to have a period. It basically puts a band aid over the problem. You can be underweight or have another medical condition preventing you from having a period and still have one on the pill. That’s why women might no know they have a problem unless they are off the pill.
Heather K says
I just bought some collard greens! Any suggestions on what to do with them for dinner? Thanks!!
Smiles says
Sarah C
i must tell you, you are completely mistaken in thinking that birth control is fixing your problem!! BC is giving you an artificial period so you dont experience bone loss, it is masking the issue of why you dont have a period, whether stress, weight, heredity, or exercise issues!! It isnt your body producing its own period, it is fake hormones giving you one! Estrogen in women’s bodies equals fat, when you have enough fat you have enough estrogen to give you a period, if you dont have enough estrogen then you dont have enough fat, if the issue is amenorrhea! since you have been small all your life and not restricted eating you might have a different issue, but in most cases runners or people who restrict their eating to lose weight are deficient and adding more fat to your diet will usually help solve the problem, however it takes lots of time!! i am a 33 year old mother is 2, one from fertility when i was too skinny and had not enough fat to have my own period, the second one natural when i wised up and decided to gain some fat on my body and have my own little girl!! i know it seems like an awful thing to have to gain weight and mostly fat but its the only way!! it works and there are forums oiut there with other women in this same situation!
Melissa (L.A.) says
Some coffee recommendations:
Believe it or not, the Don Francisco brand coffee that you see in the markets is actually pretty darn good! Get whole bean and grind them yourself for even more intense flavor.
Another great coffee – Illy brand (Italian). A bit pricey but so worth it. yum! 🙂