no no, not the economic kind although that is being taken into consideration around here too. but i’m talking calories… i’m budgeting my calories. big time.
after playing with a few different methods of how to make this whole weight loss thing happen in my world, i finally decided that i had to go back to counting calories. there is just no other way. for me. i’m too much of an eater. too devious with my rationale. so this keeps me painfully honest. and with a nutritional computer program i can enter all the details of my food and – voilà – it’s been this many fat grams today, that much fiber… and since i have decided to stick to 1000 (yes 1000) calories a day, while making it all pretty nutritious – as in none of the "100 calorie snack packs", of for instance, oreo mini cakesters or those minuscule weight watchers cakes – every thing i eat matters. luckily, i like a challenge. 1000 is low but if you don’t crap it up with empty calories, it’s amazing what you can cram in there.
wait.. was that just the sound of every male reader clicking away from this post and ceF forever?
i won’t bore you with the specifics of what i eat most of the time… well maybe i will, but not right now. it’s all fairly plain. all close to the earth with the exception of some boca burgers and protein shakes. and then i cook. and then i think… is this even blogable? i mean i’ve made about 3 pots of soup since i last posted. most of them are all variations of this lentil soup. and i highly, but highly recommend this soup. and lately, i’ve been on a kale kick so that’s the green that gets tossed into the pot. a bag of my rancho gordo cannellini’s mingled quite nicely with some french green lentils, and for the non-weight-conscious i grated a bunch of parmegiano into the bowls. everyone loved it with big hunks of bread. but i was happy with this soup all on its own. i mean, my life is good. and i can eat baguettes and cheese again one day. just not today. or tomorrow. or february, march. or april. and you know what? i will LIVE! and come spring i will feel and look better. it’s the big cheese/baguette trade-off of ’09..
so the other night i had to use up a big beautiful pristine looking head of cauliflower. i sliced an onion and put it, along with the florets onto a baking sheet and then sprayed it with a misting of olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt. the vegetables roasted for awhile on high heat and required some moving around every 15 minutes or so for a total of about 45 minutes. i also threw some walnuts into a pie tin and toasted them until they turned deep golden brown. god, i love toasted walnuts…
i put a pot of water onto boil and took out some whole wheat spaghetti. when the pasta was cooked i tossed it into a bowl with the roasted cauliflower and onion and hit it with a touch of olive oil, thyme, meyer lemon juice, a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes. it’s crowning glory was a sparse sprinkling of the toasted walnuts. my portion was 2 ounces of spaghetti which alone was 180 calories. and yes, dear readers, 2 ounces is not much. it’s even kind of amusing. but i loaded on the roasted cauliflower and when it was said and done, i was pretty full.
i know i know… multi textured very beige food…
it’s a version of this recipe from alice waters that i made last april, sans cheese and the oil was cut to probably about 1/8 the amount i’d have normally used. and we loved it. and yes, there was no salty, richness of the ricotta salata. no extra virgin olive oil to coat each strand of pasta that would have made it taste the way it would in a perfect world… but i can eat these things again one day. just not today. maybe in may… and you know what? at the risk of being redundant, i will LIVE! and i will fit into all my very cool summer clothes again. and my jeans. i miss my jeans. i miss my other body… it’s under the extra poundage though… it’s there waiting to be freed…
and it’s a one day at a time thing. it’s all in the consistent chipping away at the extra blobules of fat on my body that has taken not only my good health and energy, but even some of my joy. and like, that’s totally crazy…
no pasta, pork or pudding is ever going to be worth that…
in the name of full disclosure:
dear readers, i am fully aware that this is a touchy subject for many of you. our culture demands women to be model thin and it is has made us into a gender plagued with eating disorders and deprivation. this country is getting fatter by the year, juvenile obesity is on the rise. commercials tell us to eat crap food, desserts at many of the national chains check-in at 1000 calories alone – and a fine dinner out is usually about 1500+ calories - EASY, not to mention the wine… and then we all go and sit in front of our computers. it’s confusing. but in the end we must all find our way.
i’m not the thin girl. i never have been – ever in all my life. but at 5’9" with a medium frame i look pretty damn good at 140 (better at 135 – but i just can’t get there so i’ve given up) and can still pull it off at 150. but i let the black stretchy pants assure me i was ok. and the next thing i knew i weighed as much as cary, who at 6’2" is 165. i am posting this for the world to see. i am 47 1/2 years old. i have limited mobility due to an injury that happened when i was 18. i use a wheelchair. and this is no excuse for anything. we all have our shit. i’m lazy and should get my ass to the Y every day to swim. i’m a strong swimmer. in the spring and fall i bike, but that’s a seasonal thing….
like you, food is a strong passion for me. i know great food and have been fortunate enough to be around it much of my life. i’ve traveled to eat for years, i’ve thrown my hands up in despair of the local restaurants and taken to my own kitchen. i. love. to. eat. i’m a plate cleaner from way back.
it sure would be really nice to be naturally thin, to have the metabolism of a hummingbird… but it was not to happen for me in this lifetime. my family fights fat. my brother eats out nearly every night – lavishly. and also hits the treadmill hard every single day. it’s the only way he can maintain. my dad used to eat light all week, come home from work every evening and do his floor exercises followed by a healthy dinner – and then he’d let loose on the weekends, whereas my mom smoked a lot of cigarettes and drank a lot of coffee to stay svelte… her parents were both obese.
and so it goes.
since there is no magic pill. i count calories. and i hope for some enlightenment that will lead me to a way of better balance once i get back down. god knows i’ve danced this dance before… and, i apologize. i know i have changed the tone here at ceF with a focus on the FRET. but i need to stop the madness.nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. you can quote me on that. it’s (ahem) totally original!
i appreciate having the forum to share this all with you. i hope my food will still turn you on…
ps – we adopted a puppy. meet grace. 9 weeks old. australian shepherd/lab mix. she is a very sweet girl…
welcome to the family…
63 responses so far ↓
1 lifeinrecipes // Jan 26, 2009 at 10:13 am
I like all the layers of beige in your bowl. Really.
Grace…she’s wonderful!
2 CeeElCee // Jan 26, 2009 at 10:26 am
Grace is a lucky dog.
And a cutie! Good for y’all.
3 maggie (p&c) // Jan 26, 2009 at 10:30 am
Oh, this is a wonderful post. I applaud you.
Roasted cauliflower is actually the only way I’ve ever lost weight—a big bowl of it (topped with an egg, maybe) is so satisfying and delicious and good.
4 Steph // Jan 26, 2009 at 11:09 am
Claudia,
I really appreciate this post. I think all the woman I know – and most men – have some issue with food. In this culture it’s not easy to achieve a ‘healthy’ relationship with how and what to eat.
I love your puppy! So sweet.
5 The Italian Dish // Jan 26, 2009 at 11:16 am
I actually love the way your blog is going – so many of us who love food also have to eat consciously most of the time so we can indulge a little bit some of the time. I love to see dishes like this. And you are so right to focus on the portion control – 2 oz. of pasta is really just about right. It’s hard to be strict about portion control, but that gets results. I’m in awe of you sticking to 1000 calories a day. Wow. I’m looking forward to following you along this path!
As for Grace – oh my God! She is just tooo cute! Makes my heart melt. I adopted a beautiful mutt from the shelter many years ago – she’s almost 15 now and I’ve been lucky to have her every single day. Hope you post photos of Grace along the way. . .
6 Donald // Jan 26, 2009 at 11:51 am
Hey, it’s all sooooo true, what you say. I commend you for you valiant effort and I know that you will succeed. I should take a page from your book and get off my a$$.
Great pup!
7 Julia // Jan 26, 2009 at 11:52 am
Oh, lordy do I understand where you’re coming from! For me it’s a constant debate between enjoying my life (i.e. enjoying food with abandon) and accepting my body as is, or losing the extra 20 pounds. I perpetually opt for the former, but I think there’s a balance. A big thing for me is to control my portion sizes. And drink less wine.
I’m actually posting a great, low fat Thai chicken salad tomorrow!
8 The Expatresse // Jan 26, 2009 at 11:53 am
I live in Moscow where prices are crazy. I rejected a head of cauliflower in the store today because it was almost $10US. Bought two, TWO zucchinis instead. Didn’t realize until after I had them weighted: they cost almost $10US.
WTF?
9 Kate // Jan 26, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I feel your pain and applaud your willpower – sounds like we’re about the same frame and height, and I’m trying to lose the fat and gain the muscle. I don’t mind being scale-heavy, but the flab is killing me. However, your 1000 cal/day is flabbergasting. I could never do that. I can’t even cut down to 1200 cal/day. Maybe it’s the martial arts and the barn work that requires all that energy from food. I just don’t have the same determination you do, I guess. More power to you!
As for Grace, what an absolute DOLL.
10 Jennifer Hess // Jan 26, 2009 at 12:56 pm
PUPPY BREATH!
Eeee.
(ahem) Okay, so now that’s out of the way. Lady, you are wonderful to be so up-front about this. Truly. I have also never been the thin girl, and it has, at times, been hard to balance my love of food and drink with the reality that I can’t eat whatever I want whenever I want it. But eating real food, and being aware of what I’m eating and how it makes me feel has been the key.
Keep doing what you’re doing – the lavish and the simple, and especially sharing the FRET with us. I want to read it all. XO
11 Amy at Minimally Invasive // Jan 26, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I’m glad someone is being virtuous out there for all of us. Gil and I polished off a wedge of brie over two nights (ok, mostly me, and mostly during one night in which I had half a bottle of wine) and I reallyreallyreally need to start eating vegetables again…
Where was I? Oh yeah, I’m in love with Grace. Already. Such a doll.
12 Lesley // Jan 26, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I’m so with you. I’ve been trying to stay at 1200 calories a day for this whole month. But then I end up blowing all my savings in a single day. There are too many temptations around. And it was easier when there wasn’t a man in my house who eats all the time.
So many excuses I have…
Anyhoo, low-cal means veggies and whole grains. I can support that. This dish looks delicious. But I wonder if roasted cauliflower is good. I hate raw cauliflower. I should try it.
Grace is beautiful!
13 Rhonda // Jan 26, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Claudia, I loved this post.
I am with ya sister. A few years ago — many many years, I was a model. I am the same height as you and was an athelete. It is not my natural state to be stick thin either. At 5’9 , I had to struggle to maintain 120 pounds. Looking back on it, it was sick, they were sick and subsequently, I was sick. This ideal was and is FUCKED UP!
Of course, after I retired (read became too old at 25) I started to bounce the other way (big time!). Now, at 43, I think I have a decent relationship with food. I love the book “French Women Don’t Get Fat”. Our North American relationship with food is doing us harm.
I don’t calorie count per se ( Mmmm “Per Se” — sorry, lost focus for a moment), anymore. I just budget like you described but without the detailed math.
I love to cook and I live to eat so they (whomever “they” are), will have to pry the butter from my cold dead hands. However, as no one is attempting to do this, I will just have to spread my goodies out over the week and savour each and every one of them.
This has seemed to work. 140 is good for me although I do like 135 greatly. Can’t keep there for long though.
I will keep checking in with your blog because I love your writing, honesty, and of course, your wonderful cooking and recipes.
You will succeed!!! Please do not be hard on your beautiful self .
Thank you for being such an inspiration.
14 lisaiscooking // Jan 26, 2009 at 2:23 pm
When I stop to think about how much oil I’m using, I always end up realizing things still taste good with less. Your cauliflower pasta looks delicious.
Cute puppy. I want one.
15 cookiecrumb // Jan 26, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Jeepers, your attitude about weight loss is so healthy! No guilt, just goal.
And… That spaghetti dish? My kinda food.
16 Brittany // Jan 26, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Where to start…
1. I am that girl too….but just picture the same numbers on a 5 feet 4″ frame….
Not cute.
2. I, for one, am right there along with you on your “cleanse” and (of course) will continue to read.
3. I want to make that soup. You should blog your soups, as it would make me happy- which is clearly your first priority at ceF.
4. Scrambled eggs, brown rice, spinach, and sriracha (oh, and a chopped shallot and some olive oil) is a meal that has helped me lose almost 25 lbs in the last few months. And yes, sadly I have also found that counting calories is the only way.
5. Oh my god that puppy.
So cute.
I will stop typing now,
as this has turned into a novella.
17 Rachel (S[d]OC) // Jan 26, 2009 at 3:45 pm
That bowlful of beige food looks really good. I just bought a head of cauliflower that I had planned to roast for Sir Pickypants’s dinner later this week. Maybe I’ll keep it for myself!
I’m struggling with my weight myself. I’m only 4’11″ and genetically predisposed to be zaftig with ginormous boobs and big soft belly. Despite being a big gym rat over the years (in addition to dance and riding), I have been steadily gaining and I worry about diabetes. I hate the way I look lately. I’m reading a book called The Beck Diet Solution. If you feel your resolve weaken, I strongly recommend you check it out. It has you doing tasks every day to train yourself to stick to a plan.
Very cute puppy!!
18 Cary // Jan 26, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I love you.
As a part of this discussion this is worth reading:
http://zenhabits.net/2009/01/the-zen-of-real-food-keeping-eating-simple/
There are 2 truths in this world…the bell curve and the KISS principle.
cook-eat- live well…oh…and drive fast…in parking lots
19 Choosy Beggar Tina // Jan 26, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Roasting cauliflower is my favorite way to eat it, hands down. Your pasta dinner looked hearty, healthful, flavorful, and conscientious – that’s an excellent combination in my book.
How’s the new pup getting along with your feline roommate?
20 Lauren // Jan 26, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Grace is too cute. Give her smooches from me. Oh, and the cauliflower looks amazing. I’ll have to try this recipe.
21 Cary // Jan 26, 2009 at 5:55 pm
as Bono sings….
Grace makes beauty out of everything
22 democommie // Jan 26, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Good evening, Goddesses, most particularly Claudia:
I have food issues which revolve around abuse, guess what that means. I eat when I’m feeling good, or bad, or bored, or excited. There is nothing I like doing more than eating except, possibly, cooking for someone I love.
To try not to eat has never worked for me. “Sugar busters” did, because when I don’t eat sugar I don’t feel nearly as hungry. That includes all the “whites” which makes social life much more or a challenge.
I did learn some years back, though, that if I use meats and cheeses, oils and butter and sugar and chocolate to “flavor” foods instead of being the food, it makes a huge difference. I don’t do that at the moment, but soon, when I have my kitchen I will.
As for any sort of “ideal” weight or proportions. Fuck that. We are beautiful because of our hearts, souls and minds. Of course some of us (points at himself in the mirror over the desk) have a bit more of a job convincing our fellows of that!
Cute pooch–and lucky, lucky, lucky to have a good mommie.
23 Vincent // Jan 26, 2009 at 9:31 pm
an amazing post claudia – i cant believe your honesty and candor. your following without a doubt can change food blogging – make it a more personal issue. awesome. it is a great switch to this blog, sincerely.
the puppy looks so comfy…leads everyone to feel like they would feel the same in your home.
24 Sara // Jan 26, 2009 at 9:40 pm
This looks delicious. I couldn’t do 1000 calories a day, I really admire you.
25 Ellen // Jan 26, 2009 at 11:53 pm
i find that calorie counting, while slightly neurotic, is the only sure-fire “reset” button on the body. and it only works if you stick with it for a while. i am 5’8 and lost about 35 lbs by counting calories in 6 months. since stopping counting, i have not only maintained but continued to lose a couple pounds here and there. over a year later, i am now 124 and NEVER in a million years thought it was possible because i really, really, really love to eat, cook, bake, and my family is not small. it’s all about moderation, really, and it seems like you’ve got the right idea. keep the quality of your foods high and you don’t need as much. best of luck to you!
26 TaratheFoodie // Jan 27, 2009 at 7:27 am
Grace is A-DOR-ABLE!!!! That face! Give her a kiss right there on the whiskers for me.
It’s funny you bring up the weight loss thing because I’m currently on Week 3 of my weight loss journey, counting calories as well. However, I am NOT only eating 1,000 calories – I believe you are insane for choosing that number. But to each his/her own, I’m not here to preach to you. I’m eating between 1500-1800 calories a day and working out for 45-60 min a day, 5 days a week, sometimes 6. That has brought me a weight loss of 2.5 lbs a week. I can’t ask for better than that. That always brings me the opportunity to still drink a couple beers and a glass of wine on the weekend, I still eat real cheese, only not as much, and I still eat great things for dinner, only smaller portions. I restrict myself the most through the day and I eat way more salad.
So what I’m trying to say here, is that you’re not alone – I’m over here in Cleveland losing weight with you. My goal weight should be reached on April 6th, so I too will be fitting into all my cute spring/summer clothes again. Can’t wait!
So good luck to you!
27 ponyboat // Jan 27, 2009 at 7:29 am
Congrats!! For getting back on the healthwagon, but more important for giving that sweet puppy a home! I wasn’t kidding, puppy nanny at your service! I am sure Chet and Jude are P.O.’d, but they’ll fall in line as soon as Grace figures out that she’s the boss!
BTW I am back on my weight program also, trying like you to eat real and delicious food, not lean cuisine and fat free potato chips. This recipe looks delicious, and it also looks like dinner tonight!
28 We Are Never Full // Jan 27, 2009 at 8:09 am
great post. our emails back and forth were like a synopsis of this. do your thang claudia. fat sucks (on us) and is delicious (in the mouth). oh why oh why? good luck and i look forward to more beige meals!
29 Julie // Jan 27, 2009 at 8:34 am
I like this post and I think the issue is pretty universal for your readers. (And yes, you’re brave.)
Little Grace is adorable. Life is going to be very lively at your house.
30 Chris // Jan 27, 2009 at 8:54 am
I was saddened to hear about Merrel but happy to learn about Grace. Grace will get you moving… Nothing like a new puppy to run you ragged.
31 Ali // Jan 27, 2009 at 8:59 am
I love this post and wish you well on your new kind of food adventure. I join all the others in encouraging you to continue to post.
I made the lentil soup last night and OMG. Fabulous. Just fabulous. Although, I fatted it up a bit with some roasted butternut squash, grated parm regg and of course, a poached egg. I ate it for breakfast this morning, too!
The cauliflower/pasta dish is on my weekend menu.
Grace, BTW, is just too cute. Enjoy this fun, insane puppy time. Thanks for sharing your food and life!
32 Lynn // Jan 27, 2009 at 10:15 am
Grace is damn lucky to be cleaning up the floors at your house!
As for the cauli…it’s one of my favs and you’ve just reminded me of an orangey-headed cauliflower in the drawer that needs roasting. Perhaps it will find itself perched atop some WW noodles. I know that it *should*!
33 Mary Coleman // Jan 27, 2009 at 11:52 am
You do what you gotta do, right?!
Grace is gorgeous and Cary is a lucky guy!
34 phillygirl64 // Jan 27, 2009 at 11:55 am
Grace is adorable
While I applaud the effort, I think you need to rethink your intake…If you cut back too severely, your body will think we are having a famine and start to hang on to what you have…you can’t expect to go very far w/fumes in the tank
35 Laura // Jan 27, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Hey girl,
Just started a series on Kitchen Keeping — surviving and thriving in the kitchen in lean times — over on mine. I’m really trying to be all about eating healthy, and it’s easier when I’m on a budget. No eating out, for one. Which, it’s amazing how much a greasy burger and fries and a beer (or two) do NOT contribute much to my healthy eating goals. Ha.
I freaking love cauliflower. And I am having a dirty illicit affair with walnuts right now. So pretty sure that pasta-cauli-walnut thing is going to have to go on the old meal plan this week. Thanks!
L
36 SpinachTiger // Jan 27, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I am a dog person, so I love Grace already. She looks like really good company. Maybe she can finish up the extra calories like my dogs do.
I count calories every day. Been doing it for years. BTW, we are neighbors. I worked the Her Woman’s Health Fare, teaching good sugar/bad sugar, etc. in Nashville and all the women were very interested in knowing more about good choices. And, their interest surprised me. We’re all in this together.
37 claudia // Jan 27, 2009 at 5:42 pm
TO EVERYONE
there are no words to tell you how much your comments have meant to me. it’s a touchy subject. people want to defend their choices and most everyone has a strong opinion on this topic. so i thank you for your support and understanding.
a new post is coming soon…
38 joycooks // Jan 27, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Hey girl, I wish you the best on ALL of it, you know that. And I LOVE grace!!!! she looks a LOT like Olive when she was little… so adorable. There’s nothing like a puppy to make you love life. xo
39 Jeff // Jan 27, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Hey, C –
Great to see you at “Slumdog Millionaire”! Made my day.
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to eat (and of course, make) more soup, so your blog is right on where I am.
This fall and winter for a whole myriad of reasons made most of us go to our worst, needy, comforts — like eating and drinking too much. I’m following your discourse and cooking and can’t wait for more!
Following your lead,
Jeff
40 maris // Jan 27, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I know most nutritionists say we shouldn’t dip below 1200 calories a day but I applaud your attitude and your honesty. I too, am at a reasonable weight but would feel more comfortable if I shed a few pounds and you’re totally right that counting calories is a logical way to lose weight.
Maybe you’ll burn some calories playing with your new puppy!
41 lo // Jan 28, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Grace is SO adorable… seeing that face every day is enough to make you want to really LIVE life, isn’t it?
As far as making rennovations to the food “budget”… I am so totally on board. We’re trying to eat a bit more mindfully in 2009 ourselves. We’ll see how that goes! Kudos to you for making the difficult choices.
42 Melissa // Jan 28, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Love the post. Love your determination. Love YOU, lady.
And I have had that Alice Waters recipe bookmarked from your site since you first posted it and still haven’t made it. I need to get on that.
43 Pete O // Jan 28, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I’m surprised there’s so much encouragement and support for such an unhealthy weight loss plan.
1000 calories per day? This is just deprevation. And the low energy intake will shift your metabolism nearly into reverse. You’ll gain all the weight back and then some once you start eating normally again.
44 claudia // Jan 28, 2009 at 4:44 pm
well pete
at my age i know what works for me
it’s not my first rodeo
but thanks for the input
45 Samantha // Jan 28, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Gee, Pete O! It sure sounds to me like Claudia has it pretty much together on all fronts. Why so negative? Everyone has their own set of circumstances. We encourage her because many of us also struggle and we UNDERSTAND, plus we really respect her. So there.
46 Jack // Jan 28, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Great post Claudia
You’ll get where you need to be. Different strokes for Different folks! We have been abstaining from alcohol and trying to eat less.
I’ve never been a big fan of Cauliflower though roasted might be worth trying. I can still remember vividly watching one of my schoolmates in kindergarden spit up raw cauliflower chunks all over the table after the teacher told us to pretend they were little trees. I just couldnt bring myself to like it. It scarred me for life!
High praises go to Cary for staying lean in a year when so many of us went off the rails. Tarzan probably carried more body fat!
I really enjoyed the link to Zen Habits. I tend to agree with the concept of eating real food. It seems very logical.
Love the pup too!
47 Christine // Jan 29, 2009 at 12:35 am
This hit so close to home.
I have been thin, even tiny. I have a small frame and I am short ( 5 feet even) and I cannot afford extra weight, but I put it on. And like you, I am physically handicapped..bilateral hip replacements, and bad knees. Can’t exercise like I should. I weigh about 200 pounds now..
I am currently working with the ideas that Mark Bittman and others espouse, of eating “mostly vegetarian”… and use many foods as only occasional treats. It’s a real journey, believe me. Not easy. I commend you.
And I love your blog.
48 Traci @ Soup of The Day // Jan 29, 2009 at 2:04 am
I’m there too. 2 years after the baby I still have the extra 25 lbs and just can’t seem to shake it. I’m still trying though.
I didn’t know about your injury. I’m still pretty new to the blog, so I guess I missed the previous posts about the bike and stuff. And maybe an old post with more information? Anyway. You’re pretty inspiring.
Good luck with the diet. I tried the 1000 cal thing once. Nothing happened. I think my body just went into freeze mode.
49 Brooke // Jan 29, 2009 at 2:01 pm
That roasty cauliflower totally turns me on. I’ll continue reading for more of that food porn. Beige is a lovely color.
Blog your soups. I love soups.
50 Marc @ NoRecipes // Jan 29, 2009 at 2:49 pm
My sister is a nutritionist and would kill me if she heard me telling you this, but counting calories (1000/day) works well for me too and I’ve found that skipping breakfast, eating an early lunch and early dinner seems to work well too. Then of course there’s the all-important exercise. I hate going to the gym, but if I walk for about an hour per day (walking to work for me was about 30 minutes each way), I’ve been able to keep the weight off even after going back to a more calorie level.
51 Irene // Jan 30, 2009 at 12:16 am
Good luck! Roasting lots of cubed eggplant, zucchini, onions and garlic and tossing with a few ounces of whole wheat pasta and a sun-dried tomato or two has become one of our favorite meals. Reducing calories is a great way to rediscover balance in food and to re-learn healthy habits. I do know the struggle.
52 Peter // Jan 30, 2009 at 1:52 pm
That dinner on a budget looks great!
53 jenny // Jan 30, 2009 at 3:51 pm
speaking of the lentil soup- I’ve recently fallen in love with lentils, however I’ve never made them before, so I want to try.
Do you think the soup would work if I crock-potted it?
(not sure how you feel about crock pots- they’re probably not “cool” in the foodie world, but I don’t know any better, so please be gentle!
)
54 Indeo // Jan 30, 2009 at 5:50 pm
awwww, grace is adorable! what a face! as an adoptive parent of a crazy taiwanese formosan dog, i can attest to the many days of unconditional love & frustration.
it took me 5 years to lose 148 lbs, an “entire person.” then, some aggressive ovarian tumors, surgeries, blah, blah, blah…and i hit menopause at 41! suddenly, i started gaining weight, and totally freaked out. i learned that i needed to reduce my calories before losing more weight, thanks to the shock of yet-another “female passage.” soup was my savior– filling, nutritious, & delicious. i also learned to adjust my favorite recipes by bulking up on veggies– pretty much what you’ve been doing. ah yes, and i learned not to deprive myself. sunday night is reserved for ice cream…;-)
you know your body, and what works best for you. awesome. i’m definitely trying the cauliflower & pasta recipe. it looks wonderful!
55 Heather // Jan 30, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Peter thinks he’s so funny.
Hay girl hay, I’m with you. I already commented, too, but I guess it didn’t stick. More greens helps, but adding fake fiber (psillium husk) makes me so gassy that it’s not worth it.
56 cook eat FRET - fennel and tomatoes over… anything // Jan 30, 2009 at 10:58 pm
[...] zingerman’s ← dinner on a budget [...]
57 Junebug // Jan 31, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Im thinking that at 5 feet 9 inches, you would look fabulous at 75kg! Thats just at the upper end of the healthy weight range according to our CSIRO diet guidelines here in Australia.
http://www.csiro.au/science/TWD.html
Maybe we are a little larger over here in OZ?
58 Meg // Feb 3, 2009 at 1:08 pm
1,000 calories? Ouch. I would be very, very cranky (I’m unintentionally eating about that much, but it has more to do with being sick and will hopefully end soon). Although the crazy-adorable dog might fight the food-deprived crankiness. And the dog is adorable.
59 nithya at hungrydesi // Feb 6, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Your post gave me a good laugh…though, honestly, I don’t think 2 ounces would be enough to fill me up
I would probably end up scarfing down two cupcakes afterwards thus totally undoing any healthy eating. P.s. your puppy looks like a sweetie and very huggable!
60 Joans Weight Loss Story // Feb 13, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Hello,
Cool blog, I just stumbled on it and I’m already a fan
I hope it’s not against netiquette but I have just begun writing
my own weight loss(I went down 30 pounds in a month, so pretty good
, and I was curious if you could share
my diet for your blog readers.
My latest post is fast weight loss diets
If you want to do a link exchange
that would be amazing as I want to share my weight loss success
with everyone. If I can lose that much weight then
anyone can. Whatever you do, don’t give up and you WILL
achieve all your weight loss goals!
Thanks for reading,
Joan
61 Sunny // Oct 26, 2010 at 7:25 pm
I’ve been counting calories for years.. It’s the only way I can get to and maintain a healthy weight. I’m excited to be adding P90X to my routine this next week… Should be interesting! Lovely. Pictures are great.. thanks.
-Sunny
ioLite Vaporizer
62 aus.shep.pup mix owner also!! // Nov 12, 2010 at 1:07 am
i know this is weird, but i have been looking for the other siblings of my dogs liter, and i googled “australian shepard illinois mutt’s n stuff” and i got your pics posted the EXACT same time period i got my puppy in!not to mention they look the same. so did u get your dog from an organization called mutt’sn stuff? if not nvmnd and im sorry to bother u with such a weird question
63 claudia // Nov 12, 2010 at 5:35 am
we got her from the humane society in nashville, tn….
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