WHAT a fun night!! Unfortunately, I overdid it, but that’s why I eat healthy most of the time! Yay for squiggly lines 🙂
Our night started at Under the Grape Wine Bar – a favorite of ours! We’ve known the owners since the bar opened a mile from our old apartment a few years ago and we were within walking distance of a plethora of fabulous wines by the glass. They have free tastings every Saturday and we try to go as often as we can.
Well, we met our friends Maran and Joe for a glass before dinner tonight and were greeted by Barb, the wine store’s owner, who poured us all complementary glasses of a fabulous red, Atteca. THEN, she brought over ANOTHER open bottle on the house! Wow!! We didn’t want to drink 1.5 bottles before dinner so we left some for the next loyal customers, but it was so nice of her! I probably had 7-8 oz of wine?
Here’s Maran and me drinking to friendship!
On to dinner at Jade, an Asian restaurant in Ballantyne Village, a hip shopping center/destination in South Charlotte.
I ordered a glass of Riesling, although I totally did not need more wine. But it would have been too sad to just get water.
The husband and I wanted to try as many flavors as we could, so we ordered a number of appetizers.
Steamed Gyoza Dumplings with Chicken (I had two)
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps with Mushroom, Pepper, Tofu and Pine Nuts – (I had two)
And Lemongrass-Vodka Shrimp – MMMMMMMMMMM! (I had two!)
For my “dinner” I just got the seaweed salad (which was heavy on the sesame oil) and the Seafood Miso Soup (which was disappointingly NOT heavy on the seafood!)
We also tried a piece Maran and Joe’s sushi 🙂 And I ate a few generous bites of the husband’s beef + noodle dish.
OH YEAH – And I ran into ALLY at dinner!!! I looked over and there she was on a date!!!! I hope I didn’t embarrass you Ally 😉 She even said in her snack post that she couldn’t post dinner because she was going out. I do have to say that her date was pretty cute!!
Sweet Tooth Takes Over
But after dinner is when the real trouble started. Maran and I wanted to split the simple green tea ice cream but our waiter said to go to Kilwin’s across the street (if you haven’t heard of Kilwin’s, it’s a really expensive chocolate, fudge and ice cream shop). I haven’t had REAL ice cream in SO long that I got a double scoop of fudge brownie and rum raisin. It was FABULOUS!! The rum raisin was just like egg nog – a wonderful unexpected surprise since it’s not a flavor I would ever order.
So on top of the big creamy ice cream, i had about 3 servings of this delicious dark chocolate fudge. I am well aware of how many calories per ounce real ice cream and fudge are yet I really enjoyed them tonight like I would have as a child. Tomorrow I will remember it for the fun experience it was and will be back to my normal habits.
It was a SWEET night, see you tomorrow!
Scone Request
Oh yeah, speaking of sweet things, I want to make scones. The crumbly English kind. But I want to make them healthy enough so I can enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack without feeling like I’m eating butter and heavy cream. I’d like to use Smart Balance and whole wheat pastry flour, if possible. Any ideas or recommendations!?
Julz says
Kath, I want to thank you for showing us such a healthy relationship with food. It’s so important to NOT allow food to run your life and so many fear going out and decide against being with family/friends bc they don’t want to “ruin” or “destroy” everything. But you show us that it’s not about that, in fact, it’s not about following a DIET of healthy food, but rather when you have a healthy LIFESTYLE, you can enjoy your time with indulgences, decadence, and those special times with family and friends. Thanks for helping us all to remember this 🙂 You rock!
Kelly T says
what an eventful night!
This is why it bothers me so much when people give you crap about how you eat healthy all the time. It allows you to go out and have a night where you can eat whatever you want and not feel guilty. Good for you.
Romina says
“I overdid it, but that’s why I eat healthy most of the time”
That’s one of the best quotes I’ve read in a while. Its inspirational. I hope people will read that and understand what it means to eat healthy, and to indulge at the same time. =)
Kelly L. says
Looks like you had a great time. I agree, when you eat good most of the time you can go out and enjoy yourself occasionaly. You did just that. Kudos to yoU!
ChocolateCoveredVegan says
Yay for the occasional indulgence. After all, what good is life if you don’t enjoy it? Happy Saturday :o)
Maria says
Aw, what a fantastic night out, with great flavours! You and Maran both looked lovely – I really like your knotted pearl strands. 🙂
BethT says
KILWIN’S!!! I went to Appalachian and lived off of the Kilwin’s in Blowing Rock. I heart it.
BethT says
oh, and i was so busy thinking about Kilwin’s I forgot to ask my question. 😀
Did you have many splurge meals like this when you were losing weight? Whether planned or unplanned, how did you move on without feeling guilty? And/or did you just exercise restraint and say no to things you wouldn’t say no to now that you’re maintaining?
Meghan says
Hey Kath,
I’ve been reading this blog for quite some time but it’s the first time I’ve commented. I find it so refreshing that you aren’t beating yourself up over a night of indulgence!
Now to your baking question. Generally, butter spreads are not appropriate for baking because they don’t have the same properties as butter and therefore alter the texture and ingredients in the recipe. I found http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=5743.msg85268 this recipe that uses margarine or shortening for butter and also uses whole wheat pastry flour. The reviews say that they are crumbly scones! Now I know you’re probably thinking “ew, shortening!” but you can supposedly buy smart balance shortening. Hope this helps!
Ally says
I can’t believe we ran into each other!
Looks like you had an exciting night and no, you didn’t embarrass me 😛
Kate says
That ice cream place sounds good. The website says there’s one in Gatlinburg, where my family vacations every summer, so I’ll look out for it!
Jill says
I love your attitude – it’s such a motivation for me! I wish I could go to NC and follow you around and try to gain it from you… as well as the cooking skill! Anyway, I’ll just second the shortening thing from Meghan, I think there is a healthier version of shortening out there… and I know a lot of them are less sat. fat than butter and all that.
eliza says
YAY. kath youre awesome
you make me not feel so bad for being a college student and taking 3 shots of whiskey and eating chips tonight
ill eat healthy tomorrow;)
and i just chugged some water but had to check in before bed. night
gottahavefaith says
I highly recommend the whole wheat scone recipe in the Laurel’s Kitchen Bread Book. I just ate some yesterday. They are delicious and they use all whole grain flour the sweetener is strictly optional. They do use butter, but only two tablespoons in the whole batch. You could try substituting margarine, but I doubt it would be the same…for scones, you really need the solidity of cold butter to make the texture turn out right. I’m always amazed that the Laurel’s Kitchen recipe turns out so well with as little butter as it does.
It’s a pretty old cookbook, so if you can’t find it, I’ll drag out my copy and find you the recipe. But if you can find it, BUY IT. It can be hard to make whole grain bread and baked goods turn out right, and that book is utterly invaluable in that respect.
Christie says
I came across another blod and was plannon on making one of her scones …
here is the site check it out and let me know what you think
http://www.uniquelittlebits.com/ULB/Categories.html
Jennachica says
Beth T, I just wanted to make a comment on your post about ‘splurge meals’ while loosing weight. I’ve lost 93 pounds over the last two and a half years, the ENTIRE time I always had one ‘cheat’ night everyweek (sometimes two!). I personally did it for my own sanity and also so to avoid binging episodes which I had been known to have in the past. When I saw splurge I don’t mean heavy salads, etc., but pizza, pasta, cake, the likes. I eat very healthy and clean all week, as well as get plenty of excersice, and I found with my little indulgences I was healthier and happier for it. No one wants to torment themselves by skipping nights out with friends or feeling guilty about having that brownie, that is no way to live!
That being said, when I decided to loose weight there were a few things that came completely out of the diet for me, which included all heavy cream sauces, full fat cheeses (except on pizza!), chocolate bars, pop, hard alcohol, donuts, just to name a few. That was a personal choice, I decided instead to save my cheat nights for things that I truly loved and would only eat at restaurants, you have pick your battles and enjoy living life to the fullest! I do beleive that when I go out to eat or are on vacation I try to not order any old thing that I can have any old day. Hope that helps a bit!
Oh, Kath, those shrimp lettuce wraps look amazing! Can you take a guess as to what was in them so I can attempt at making it at home?
hk says
YUM what a fun night! So funny you ran into so many friends!! Looks great, enjoy your Saturday/Sunday swap 🙂
mel says
Yumm!! I love lettuce wraps (esp. PF changs!!). I would love to make them too!! Maybe if you experiment sometime you could share the recipie? Your night looks so fun and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! You deserve it! Have a great reverse Sunday!!
rachel k says
i tried smart balance in a berry cobbler last night–i also used 1 part ww flour to 3 parts white. it didn’t turn out how i wanted it, but it may be due to factors other than smart balance.
it’s a good idea to try though–seeing as it is so much lower in calorie and the fats are good.
i like kilwins too–it’s hard to walk by the store and not resist the sweet aroma!
rachel k says
rather–it’s hard to walk by and RESIST the aroma.
Michelle says
Aww, you and Maran look so cute!
Ice cream and fudge are totally worth a splurge 🙂
Of the pacific soups -carrot, butternut squash, and corn which ones do you prefer to add to soups the most? I might be missing one?
Ashley says
Hey Kath, so glad you tried Kilwin’s….my husband and I were introduced to it by our friends and we think it is A-mazing!!!!!! Their chocolate bars (i like the dark chocolate ones) are also fantastic. We only go there once in a blue moon b/c it is dangerous!
Enjoy your Sunday…mine is slipping away from me, too! Hate it when that happens. ;o)
Lauren says
I am really glad you gave into your indulgences and had a good night! You still ate a really light and healthy dinner even though you gave into dessert so you really have no worries! hope you enjoyed it!
wish i could be like you and only give in rarely…instead mines like daily!
Jennifer says
Jennachica- thanks for your comment and congrats on all your hard work!!! You are an inspiration to many.
kim says
I’ve tried smart balance on my scones, I thought it affected the texture of my scones though. My gran’s recipe calls for using unsalted butter which works nicely. I usually use a mix of whole wheat and regular. Happy scone making. I’ve put oats in my scones on occasion as well.
Carynne says
I don’t know how vegetable oil compares to butter/margarine in terms of health, but this is a fantastic and really easy vegan scone recipe. I’ve made it several times, and it has always turned out well. (I always just use soymilk instead of soycream.) Enjoy!
Plain Scones (from Vegan With a Vengeance)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp baking powder (thats a lot…but that’s what it says)
1/4 cup sugar (plus an extra tsp for sprinkling on top)
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup soy cream (rice or soy milk is an ok replacement, but the cream really works better)
3/4 rice or soy milk plus 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the oil, soy cream, and milk with vinegar. Mix until just combined; the dough should be clumpy and not sticky. Even if there is still a light dusting of flour, that’s okay.
Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto the greased cookie sheet and pat the tops just a little bit to round them out; sprinkle with a bit of sugar. Bake 12-15 minutes until slightly browned on the bottom and firm on the top.
Berry Scones: Fold in 1 1/2 cups fresh berries.
Chocolate Chip Scones: Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the liquid ingredients, add another 2 Tbsp sugar, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Maple Walnut: Add 2 tsp of maple extract to the liquid ingredients, add 2 Tbsp of sugar, fold in 1 1/2 cups of walnuts.
Kate says
Wow, I’m in the same boat with everyone else that it’s really good to see how amazingly well you balance things out! I think it’s a really good idea to save splurges for eating out, so you have the splurge and then it’s done–no more snacking at home day after day until the “goodie” runs out! I’m also curious to know how you handled unhealthy treats while losing weight if you wouldn’t mind sharing.
I have to second that Vegan with a Vengeance recipe above–I’ve made it tons of times, often in a restaurtant where it sold out really, really fat. My only changes to make it healthier would be to use whole wheat pastry flour for all of the white, then to use 1/4 cup of Earth Balance (seriously, the BEST margarine ever) instead of the oil and all soy milk and no creamer. I make my scones in the food processor to increase the crumbly factor–mix up the dry ingredients, cut the margarine in, put the mixture in a bowl and add the liquids. Good luck finding a recipe you like!
kay says
Kath,
I think VeggieGirl made scones not too long ago. You liked her pumpkin bread so maybe the scones will be to your liking 🙂
I admire your healthy relationship with food as well like many other readers!
Jennachica says
Jennifer- thank you so much, its been a LOT of hard work but the benefits have been MORE than worth it.
amy says
have you ever tried Nature’s WAy pumpkin
flax granola? I bet of would be great if you added pumpkin and yogurt.
Jennifer says
Kath and others:
Do you ever feel guilt after splurging? If you wake up in the morning and aren’t feeling great due to what you ate and or drank, do you ever feel guilty or upset about it?
kath- I have wondered if you feel this way too, because you often seem moody and not yourself the day after a splurge. And you have said a few times that you feel gross, so I am curious if these feelings are symptoms of DEEPER feelings…such as loss of control, guilt, or worthlessness. Thoughts?
Kath says
Thank you for all of your nice comments 🙂
BethT ,
I definitely had my share of splurges when I was losing – probably why it took me so long to lose all my weight! But my splurges were mostly “worth it” events – parties, holidays, birthdays, etc. I rarely would just overeat Mexican food (but that’s not to say it didn’t happen). My mentality has always been eat as healthy as I can on normal weeknights so the splurges can fit in easier – weight loss included. But I think now that I’m in maintenance I do allow myself more “middle of the road” splurges like a little more at a dinner out that’s not necessarily a special occasion.
gottahavefaith ,
I looked for the recipe online with no luck. Guess I’ll check when I’m in a bookstore next (I was today but couldn’t remember the author’s last name!)
Jennachica ,
Congrats on the 93 pounds!!!! AMAZING!
Michelle ,
My favorite for soups is carrot, but the husband prefers the butternut. The corn would be good too but I haven’t done that recently. All are good!
Hi Carynne!!,
That recipe looks great – I’m saving it for the next time I try ’em. Are they at all like the Saratoga’s?! Their scones are my all-time favorites.
Jennifer ,
My “grossness” is a hangover/dehydration. The past few times I’ve overeaten I have also overdrank and I’m sure that’s why I feel horrible and have been grumpy the next day (plus not sleeping well!) I really don’t feel guilty because I know it’s all in my power to eat healthy when the new day begins. I know exactly what to do to get back to my normal self so I just starting doing it again.
Kath
gottahavefaith says
The author is Laurel Robertson. I Here it is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laurels-Kitchen-Bread-Book-Whole-Grain/dp/0812969677
Sarah says
EASY SCONES
2/3cup (diet) lemonade
2/3cup cream
2 cups SR flour (I have used 1/2 wholemeal)
Fold all together and roll with some extra flour.
I have also made ones with diet strawberry yoghurt but can’t remember the recipe.
amethyst says
Hi Kath,
I’m in the UK and found you a very typical British scone recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Buttermilk-Scones/Detail.aspx
It’s very traditional to use buttermilk and makes them light. I’m sure you could substitute your preferred fat choice and it would still work. Worth experimenting…
I haven’t made scones for a long time but when i was at Uni I used to love making cheese scones with wholewheat flour. The recipe that inspired me then was from ‘Cranks’ (a wholefood restaurant chain that used to be popular here). Best cheese to use, if you want a savoury version, is mature cheddar or blue cheese, you could add walnuts too for added health and taste benefits.
Food for thought anyway…;-)
Enjoy! Happy studying too!
A x