I'm thisclose to opening a bottle of wine that is tucked in my desk drawer (don't ask!!)
What I'm saying is I'm having another day and I apologize for the delay (that's all I seem to do lately huh?) and will post more later.
Thank you for your understanding.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
I just ate...
about 8 pretzels with cheddar cheese
2 small handfuls of cashews
2 bites of pasta salad
about 8 more pretzels with Laughing Cow
And I haven't even eaten dinner yet which was going to be goat cheese ravioli.
It still might happen.
I obviously got a huge case of the munchies tonight. I also bailed on the walking thing. I climbed the stairs to my apartment and my legs were aching. I did walk to class (3 miles) last night and to and from work (4 miles) today.
I need to get back to this working out thing though. This ain't right.
It seems appropriate that I take this moment to post my first draft of my Food Writing assignment. It needs a whole lot of tweaking but I'm pretty happy with it overall.
I'd love to know your thoughts.
My task was to write about an ingredient I love - which is shrimp - and how I prepare it now compared to how I did 60 lbs ago. Here is the result.
***
Dieting is like trying to end a really long relationship. You tend to remember the good times while ignoring all the reasons you shouldn't be together anymore.
Some choices you make through the process are easy ones. You can avoid going to fast food places so you aren't tempted by the seductive scent of french fried potatoes. You can change your routine and start buying more things at the Farmer's Market because the chances of you running into frozen pizza while browsing the stalls is close to zero. In time you can strategically plan your day to make certain foods a distant, if somewhat fond, memory.
If you are lucky though, you can work through the issues enough that you can end up being friends with your past loves. If you both change enough sometimes your relationship can evolve into something not exactly hostile, even incredibly cordial.
Luckily in the two years I have spent losing weight I have been able to maintain a very good relationship with several of my exes. So many of the foods I once loved I am still able to eat. This is not to say that there aren't some who pop up and tempt me when I least expect them. Sometimes I turn my back and declare myself done with them. Sometimes we'll have a quick chat and I'll move on. But I'm happy to report that the bulk of those who were so very bad for me have been banished for good.
But then, there's shrimp.
Shrimp is one of those foods from my past that never really went away. Shrimp was one of the good guys. It's always seemed benign, non-threatening, and dependable. It's safe to say that the flavor of shrimp can err on the bland side but it has real potential. It all depends on who it hangs around with. The possibility is there for shrimp to start running in the wrong crowd, dipping itself in batter and taking a dip in boiling oil. I tend to like shrimp best when it lives on the edge, tossed in a spicy tomato sauce or swimming in curry and coconut milk. It adds just the right dose of excitement.
I also have a soft spot for shrimp as the boy next door, doused in a garlicky marinade, grilled on the barbecue, served with a side of potato salad.
I like to think of shrimp like that guy you dated in high school. Back then, you were too young to know that breaded and fried popcorn shrimp wasn't all that good for you. Years later, when you run into him at your reunion all grown up and chilled on a bed of ice with lemon you realize how much you still have in common.
When you meet again all might seem rosy on the surface but there's still the chance that the things that made you incompatible will rear their ugly heads. One night he'll be all light and healthy and tossed in lemony vinaigrette with baby spinach, the next stirred into a creamy risotto. If you're not careful soon you'll find yourself at a seaside shack chowing down on greasy fried morsels.
It's a slippery slope, this being friends with your ex thing.
These days shrimp and I hang out at home more often than not. I remember fondly the days of my youth, when I threw caution to the wind and picked the most figure foiling preparation imaginable. These days I go light on the butter, easy on the oil, and introduce shrimp to a new set of friends consisting of leafy greens and vibrant vegetables.
I even think it's safe to say we're back together.
2 small handfuls of cashews
2 bites of pasta salad
about 8 more pretzels with Laughing Cow
And I haven't even eaten dinner yet which was going to be goat cheese ravioli.
It still might happen.
I obviously got a huge case of the munchies tonight. I also bailed on the walking thing. I climbed the stairs to my apartment and my legs were aching. I did walk to class (3 miles) last night and to and from work (4 miles) today.
I need to get back to this working out thing though. This ain't right.
It seems appropriate that I take this moment to post my first draft of my Food Writing assignment. It needs a whole lot of tweaking but I'm pretty happy with it overall.
I'd love to know your thoughts.
My task was to write about an ingredient I love - which is shrimp - and how I prepare it now compared to how I did 60 lbs ago. Here is the result.
***
Dieting is like trying to end a really long relationship. You tend to remember the good times while ignoring all the reasons you shouldn't be together anymore.
Some choices you make through the process are easy ones. You can avoid going to fast food places so you aren't tempted by the seductive scent of french fried potatoes. You can change your routine and start buying more things at the Farmer's Market because the chances of you running into frozen pizza while browsing the stalls is close to zero. In time you can strategically plan your day to make certain foods a distant, if somewhat fond, memory.
If you are lucky though, you can work through the issues enough that you can end up being friends with your past loves. If you both change enough sometimes your relationship can evolve into something not exactly hostile, even incredibly cordial.
Luckily in the two years I have spent losing weight I have been able to maintain a very good relationship with several of my exes. So many of the foods I once loved I am still able to eat. This is not to say that there aren't some who pop up and tempt me when I least expect them. Sometimes I turn my back and declare myself done with them. Sometimes we'll have a quick chat and I'll move on. But I'm happy to report that the bulk of those who were so very bad for me have been banished for good.
But then, there's shrimp.
Shrimp is one of those foods from my past that never really went away. Shrimp was one of the good guys. It's always seemed benign, non-threatening, and dependable. It's safe to say that the flavor of shrimp can err on the bland side but it has real potential. It all depends on who it hangs around with. The possibility is there for shrimp to start running in the wrong crowd, dipping itself in batter and taking a dip in boiling oil. I tend to like shrimp best when it lives on the edge, tossed in a spicy tomato sauce or swimming in curry and coconut milk. It adds just the right dose of excitement.
I also have a soft spot for shrimp as the boy next door, doused in a garlicky marinade, grilled on the barbecue, served with a side of potato salad.
I like to think of shrimp like that guy you dated in high school. Back then, you were too young to know that breaded and fried popcorn shrimp wasn't all that good for you. Years later, when you run into him at your reunion all grown up and chilled on a bed of ice with lemon you realize how much you still have in common.
When you meet again all might seem rosy on the surface but there's still the chance that the things that made you incompatible will rear their ugly heads. One night he'll be all light and healthy and tossed in lemony vinaigrette with baby spinach, the next stirred into a creamy risotto. If you're not careful soon you'll find yourself at a seaside shack chowing down on greasy fried morsels.
It's a slippery slope, this being friends with your ex thing.
These days shrimp and I hang out at home more often than not. I remember fondly the days of my youth, when I threw caution to the wind and picked the most figure foiling preparation imaginable. These days I go light on the butter, easy on the oil, and introduce shrimp to a new set of friends consisting of leafy greens and vibrant vegetables.
I even think it's safe to say we're back together.
Crazy Day
I could bore you with all the details about fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling! Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes...the dead rising from the grave! Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!
Instead I'll just tell you work sucked this morning and better get better ASAP.
But now...here's what I've been eating.
Lunch yesterday - hot dog, oven fries, garlic pickle.
For dinner last night - eaten in class (more on that later) whole wheat pasta, steamed broccoli and asparagus, roasted tomatoes, baked chicken in Ken's Light Romano and Basil, tossed in a bit more dressing.
Breakfast this morning Jim Lahey bread (made last Friday - too much whole wheat flour - must buy more baking stuff soon) with PB.
And because I need to laugh a little I will give you some random ponderings/facts:
1) If you asked I'd tell you Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood are my favorite American Idols - but I have a kind of crush on Chris Daughtry. As a matter of fact he makes the Top 25 Most Played on my iTunes.
2) As does Latest Mistake by Mandy Moore. No judging please.
3) If you can name the origin of the quote in my opening paragraph you are either a movie buff or must be nearly as old as me.
4) I have not really worked out since my surgery. I've walked a lot but haven't run at all. Not to mention gone to ZUMBA!!!! This cannot stand. I miss Ben. :( And Flo Rida. And Shakira. It's bad. I was in a store the other day and That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings came on and I started kickboxing. It's past time to get back to it people.
5) I'm going to attempt a 3 mile run tonight. The weather is gorgeous and I really have no excuses.
6) This also might have to do with the fact that I'm getting weighed tomorrow. :)
7) I cannot watch Real Housewives of NJ the same way anymore knowing Teresa has no money. I kept expecting to see this giant yard sale and her kids crying as they pack up their clothes and cart them all away.
8) Speaking of Real Housewives, Danielle from NJ could give Kelly from NY crazy lessons and that is saying a TON.
9) It's two and I haven't eaten yet.
10) I didn't bring chocolate to work and I don't think I even have a quarter to get dark chocolate almonds from the machine in the kitchen. Travesty!
Alrighty. With that - I'll be back later when I will also post the first draft of my Food Writing article for your perusal/dissection. :)
Instead I'll just tell you work sucked this morning and better get better ASAP.
But now...here's what I've been eating.
Lunch yesterday - hot dog, oven fries, garlic pickle.
For dinner last night - eaten in class (more on that later) whole wheat pasta, steamed broccoli and asparagus, roasted tomatoes, baked chicken in Ken's Light Romano and Basil, tossed in a bit more dressing.
Breakfast this morning Jim Lahey bread (made last Friday - too much whole wheat flour - must buy more baking stuff soon) with PB.
And because I need to laugh a little I will give you some random ponderings/facts:
1) If you asked I'd tell you Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood are my favorite American Idols - but I have a kind of crush on Chris Daughtry. As a matter of fact he makes the Top 25 Most Played on my iTunes.
2) As does Latest Mistake by Mandy Moore. No judging please.
3) If you can name the origin of the quote in my opening paragraph you are either a movie buff or must be nearly as old as me.
4) I have not really worked out since my surgery. I've walked a lot but haven't run at all. Not to mention gone to ZUMBA!!!! This cannot stand. I miss Ben. :( And Flo Rida. And Shakira. It's bad. I was in a store the other day and That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings came on and I started kickboxing. It's past time to get back to it people.
5) I'm going to attempt a 3 mile run tonight. The weather is gorgeous and I really have no excuses.
6) This also might have to do with the fact that I'm getting weighed tomorrow. :)
7) I cannot watch Real Housewives of NJ the same way anymore knowing Teresa has no money. I kept expecting to see this giant yard sale and her kids crying as they pack up their clothes and cart them all away.
8) Speaking of Real Housewives, Danielle from NJ could give Kelly from NY crazy lessons and that is saying a TON.
9) It's two and I haven't eaten yet.
10) I didn't bring chocolate to work and I don't think I even have a quarter to get dark chocolate almonds from the machine in the kitchen. Travesty!
Alrighty. With that - I'll be back later when I will also post the first draft of my Food Writing article for your perusal/dissection. :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
Eggs and Cheese
I know. Me and eggs weren't getting along for a while. But I'm trying again.
I had almost a dozen eggs sitting in my fridge and I needed to start to use them. I decided to make a huge egg casserole.
Spinach, goat cheese, and bacon.
With potatoes on the side.
Expect to see this over a bed of spinach this week, maybe with a spoonful of ricotta. Yum.
Tomorrow I'll tell you about my article for class, what I ate for dinner and other such exciting things.
See you then!
I had almost a dozen eggs sitting in my fridge and I needed to start to use them. I decided to make a huge egg casserole.
Spinach, goat cheese, and bacon.
With potatoes on the side.
Expect to see this over a bed of spinach this week, maybe with a spoonful of ricotta. Yum.
Tomorrow I'll tell you about my article for class, what I ate for dinner and other such exciting things.
See you then!
Back from the beach
Happy Monday! I am back after being MIA for the weekend on the shores of New Jersey. Even though I was a tad whiny and refused to spend too much time at the beach where the sun was too hot and the water too cold.
Also I am here to confess that my knowledge of New Jersey has been gleaned mainly from reality TV. Sad, but incredibly true.
Please note that I do not judge the entire state based on this knowledge. Thank you.
I have to say once you get the heck out of Newark and Elizabeth it's pretty pleasant. At least in my very limited experience. :)
I can't help it. I'm a Long Island girl at heart.
Dave and I went to a lovely B&B in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. It was cute, comfortable and incredibly quaint.
You also have him to thank for reminding me to take pictures. :)
Dinner both Friday and Saturday was at the Engleside Inn.
We started with sushi - a delicious Lobster Roll. I loved it so much I wanted it for dinner Saturday too.
Yummy bread. The rolls were piping hot.
I had crabcakes and Old Bay fries. These were de-licious.
He had Seafood Fra Diavlo.
Saturday
Breakfast was a little fruit, a half bagel with peanut butter, a bite of coffee cake and half this slice of sausage casserole.
Lunch was at the Beach Haven Fishery. For him was Tex Mex fried shrimp sauteed with salsa.
For me was mussels marinara and shrimp cocktail.
Dinner was back at Engleside. I had the lobster roll again and then wasabi scallops. I ate them so fast you almost didn't get a chance to see them.
The gentleman had prime rib with more Old Bay Fries and a salad.
Sunday - the drive home...
Breakfast. The hot entree was waffles but I'm not a huge fan so it was a whole bagel for me - 1/2 with butter, 1/2 with peanut butter, strawberries and a banana. For the second day I took, but did not eat the coffee cake.
Then on our way back north we went and climbed the Barnegat Lighthouse. The last time I attempted to climb to the top of a lighthouse was in Montauk. I was 60 lbs heavier. This was a much more pleasant experience.
Then we ran through the drive thru at Wendy's and I got a small Frosty. :)
A little while later we stopped at a Chevy's
There were a few chips and salsa consumed.
I ate half of this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.
Dave had a burger.
And at around 7:20 ish I arrived home, none the worse for wear. I ate a few pretzels with hummus and that was my dinner. I crashed at 9:15. All in all it was a great way to officially start the summer.
I'll be back later with today's eats. We'll now be back to a more regular posting schedule I promise. I have Food Writing tonight. I just wrote something about dieting being like ending a long relationship. After the critique tonight maybe I'll post it here too. :)
Hope you all had a lovely weekend as well.
See you later!
Also I am here to confess that my knowledge of New Jersey has been gleaned mainly from reality TV. Sad, but incredibly true.
Please note that I do not judge the entire state based on this knowledge. Thank you.
I have to say once you get the heck out of Newark and Elizabeth it's pretty pleasant. At least in my very limited experience. :)
I can't help it. I'm a Long Island girl at heart.
Dave and I went to a lovely B&B in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. It was cute, comfortable and incredibly quaint.
You also have him to thank for reminding me to take pictures. :)
Dinner both Friday and Saturday was at the Engleside Inn.
We started with sushi - a delicious Lobster Roll. I loved it so much I wanted it for dinner Saturday too.
Yummy bread. The rolls were piping hot.
I had crabcakes and Old Bay fries. These were de-licious.
He had Seafood Fra Diavlo.
Saturday
Breakfast was a little fruit, a half bagel with peanut butter, a bite of coffee cake and half this slice of sausage casserole.
Lunch was at the Beach Haven Fishery. For him was Tex Mex fried shrimp sauteed with salsa.
For me was mussels marinara and shrimp cocktail.
Dinner was back at Engleside. I had the lobster roll again and then wasabi scallops. I ate them so fast you almost didn't get a chance to see them.
The gentleman had prime rib with more Old Bay Fries and a salad.
Sunday - the drive home...
Breakfast. The hot entree was waffles but I'm not a huge fan so it was a whole bagel for me - 1/2 with butter, 1/2 with peanut butter, strawberries and a banana. For the second day I took, but did not eat the coffee cake.
Then on our way back north we went and climbed the Barnegat Lighthouse. The last time I attempted to climb to the top of a lighthouse was in Montauk. I was 60 lbs heavier. This was a much more pleasant experience.
Then we ran through the drive thru at Wendy's and I got a small Frosty. :)
A little while later we stopped at a Chevy's
There were a few chips and salsa consumed.
I ate half of this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.
Dave had a burger.
And at around 7:20 ish I arrived home, none the worse for wear. I ate a few pretzels with hummus and that was my dinner. I crashed at 9:15. All in all it was a great way to officially start the summer.
I'll be back later with today's eats. We'll now be back to a more regular posting schedule I promise. I have Food Writing tonight. I just wrote something about dieting being like ending a long relationship. After the critique tonight maybe I'll post it here too. :)
Hope you all had a lovely weekend as well.
See you later!
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