I have enlisted my husband for another task. I want to lose about ten pounds (that I know I have put on slowly again), but I’m afraid if I look at my starting weight, I’ll just be discouraged. So, when I got on the scale this morning, I asked him to look at the number, record it, and not tell me what it is. Then, as I continue to weigh myself, he will have to continue looking, recording, and keep it a secret from me. The only thing I want to know is the weight difference each time. When I proposed this to him, his initial reaction was laughter. But, he agreed to do this, and so it begins. I already demanded to know if it was under a certain number, and he reluctantly told me. Now I need to keep myself in check, and not ask him any more about what number it is. I realize it wouldn’t be fair of me to ask him to do this, and then constantly bother him with questions. I’m hopeful that I will be able to do this, even though losing ten pounds often seems impossible. I will soon find out if not knowing is better than knowing. I’m wondering how it will impact my weight loss; I’m hoping it will be easier since I won’t be the one knowing the number! Not knowing gives me one less thing to obsess over, and instead I can focus on what recipes I want to make. I think we got off to a good start with making a five spice grilled kabob recipe last night. I’m kind of over the usual burgers and brats, and I’m onto more interesting, and healthier, options. Over the next few weeks, we’ll see what else I can find to help me with this new adventure.
No to sugar, yes to alcohol? May 23, 2010
This past weekend I went to a bridal shower/bachelorette party and spent a decent amount of time with some girls I didn’t know. We had a pretty good time chatting and talking about the bride-to-be, and of course eating. However, when the mother-of-the-bride came around handing out plates of whoopie pie desserts, I found it interesting that the thinnest girl at the table stated “No thanks, I gave up sweets.” She then went on to say that she has found she drinks more since giving up sugary foods, and often has a glass of wine as dessert. Somehow, this all didn’t add up to me, but no one else at the table found anything contradictory about it. She also went on to say how much she missed sweets, and for a while it was almost torturous to deny herself everything sweet. I would certainly have a problem if I tried to do what she’s doing, and so I’m a firm believer in eating sweets, just not too many. I see no reason why we shouldn’t enjoy something absolutely yummy; life is way to short not to! This isn’t the first time I’ve heard someone who is weight/calorie conscience talk about essentially substituting wine or alcohol for the “bad foods.” The last time I heard this from someone, I believe she stated that she didn’t believe that calories from beverages count the same way calories from food did. Again, this sounded completely absurd, and was a complete rationalization. Beverages can be loaded with calories, and have very few healthy attributes, and so can be detrimental to any diet. Of course there’s the argument that red wine offers some healthy benefits, however too much of that can also be detrimental. In the same way I’m all for eating sweets, I’m all for having a drink with friends. If enjoyed in moderation, not only are both enjoyable, but consuming these have helped me stay on a healthy diet. As the girl last night stated, denying herself of it only made her want it more.
A Happy Mother’s Day May 12, 2010
I offered to make a dessert for a Mother’s Day cookout at my parents house. The hunt was on to find something very tasty, yet not gut-busting. I found exactly what I wanted on what else, but the Eating Well website! I know this isn’t a surprise, since if I need a recipe for any kind of food, this is my go-to place. What I found was even better than I imagined it would be. It was also super easy to make, so who could ask for more than that? If it wasn’t enough that I was experimenting with a new recipe for my Mom’s special day, I decided it would be good to add a white chocolate butter cream to the cake. I know this made the cake slightly worse calorie/fat-wise, however with the cake portion being low-cal, made with whole wheat flour, and no saturated fats, I couldn’t resist adding something special for my Mom. For those interested in a tasty, simple dessert (and for those who like chocolate), here is what I had found: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/one_bowl_chocolate_cake.html
To Be or Not To Be… May 5, 2010
…vegetarian? I will be the first to admit that I probably could never be vegetarian. At least, not completely. However, since meat is often so expensive, and we really don’t need to be eating tons of it to stay healthy, we try to eat several meals a week that require no meat. Beans have worked their way into our diet big time; everything from black beans, kidney beans, great northern beans, and even the great pinto beans have made it to our dinner plates. Being the super source of protein that they are (and fiber!), they are a great substitute for meat, and I found I love eating them more than I could have imagined. As I peruse the Eating Well website, I can find just about any food I could ever be looking for. Tonight, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, I made a vegetarian taco salad. It was so delicious, I didn’t miss the meat one bit! I love a good taco salad, and usually they are loaded with fat and calories. All the bad things we certainly don’t need, even on Cinco de Mayo. This one uses a nice mix of black beans, brown rice, and corn as a base for the salad; add some chili powder, oregano, and cilantro fresh salsa, and this was one delish meal. Even though I could never eat a completely vegetarian diet, it is amazing how many vegetarian dishes out there are just awesome. This is one of them. Try it for yourself! Enjoy. http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/vegetarian_taco_salad.html
