A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[Cruise04]

I'm also sorry that I missed your birthday - sounds like it was a very good one!!!!

Okay - nosey nelly here now - where is the IKEA????? I didn't know you all were getting an IKEA. I got a catalog last week in the mail but I didn't pay any attention to the "ad" thing that was announcing the grand openings. It's so much closer to go there than Schaumburg so I'm very excited - bad temptations for me though!!!!

I know what you mean about Lane Bryant. I buy all my clothes from them online. I don't like much of what they have in the stores because of the look they are going for - I'm not a lowcut, revealing person and that's what most of their clothes are. But it sounds like you had a couple of great days with friends.

Congrats on going to Vegas - I want to go but we seem to not be able to work it in - someday!

Keep on
Chris

 

[pearlieq]

9/26/06

9:00am

--2 oz Pringles

Well, I woke up this morning to a big kitty mess. Seems one of them (Magellan, if I had to guess) ate a big rubber band (where they got that, I don't know...) and then it came back up. I was irritated and frustrated after cleaning it up, so I went and had some Pringles, because apparently Pringles have some kind of magic carpet cleaning ability. Who knew?

I caught myself pretty early and put them away. I've been pretty sloppy in the last month and really meandering without focus. I need to find a way to find and channel motivation to stay on track. I'm excited about this Vegas trip and I'm looking at it like a bit of a carrot to chase.

My goal is to have my silver clippie before we go!

10:00am

--2 chick'n patties
--1 light bun

After a more proper, if nontraditional, breakfast, I feel ready to face the day. My project at work is coming along, but it really feels like a big logic puzzle. I've already promised myself that when I finish the part I need to do today I can take the rest of the day off. I'm going to try to get some chores done and I'm going to have some kind of exercise. I'm trying to push myself to go to Curves, but even a walk would be great.

For Lesli and Chris, about the IKEA, the new one is really convenient. Much easier than Schaumburg. It's in Bolingbrook and you would just take I-88 East to 355 South. It's right at the Boughton Road exit on 355. It's hard to miss the giant blue and yellow building. I would definitely recommend making the trip out there!!!

2:00pm

--1 vegan pad thai
--1/2 cup peas

Well, I finished my work project for the day, and have cleaned up my kitchen and gone through my coupons. I still haven't drummed up motivation to exercise, but the day's not over yet. I was thinking about it, and while I still firmly believe in exercise, sometimes I wonder if we overstate its importance. If I keep my eating under control, I "save" over 2000 calories a day. A long walk is only about 200-250 calories and Curves is only 300-400 calories. Yes, I know you boost your metabolism, build muscle, and increase your overall fitness, which is why I still believe in exercise, but the eating portion is so much more critical. I would have to spend nearly 4 hours working out at full intensity at Curves to burn off one carton of Ben & Jerry's. Best to focus on not eating the B&J's, know what I mean?

4:00pm

--1 whole wheat bagel with light cream cheese and nsa jam
--1 veggie pocket sandwich
--sm handful raisins

5:00pm

--1/2 cup Ben & Jerrys

I went through a big carb munchie thing this afternoon. It was not what I had planned ideally, but it could have been a lot worse.

I think I finally figured out the solution to the Ben & Jerry's thing. Let's just call it Extreme Portion Control. I had an inspiration today--I took the whole dang container, turned it upside down, got the biggest knife I could find and sawed right through the dang thing! I cut the whole carton into fourths--no more taking the whole carton to eat! It was perfect. I grabbed one section, enjoyed it, then was DONE!!!

6:10pm

--5 veggie dumplings w/a bit of peanut sauce
--4 chicken/ranch/cheese cups
--1/2 can light fruit cocktail.

I like these little cups--it was nice to get rid of some of the rest of the chicken. I've got one more packet of made up taco chicken and then another 3lb pack of breasts. I have one last portion of meatloaf (dinner tomorrow). We ate the last of the sausage on Friday, so with the exception of 2 cans of tuna, we're almost meat free!

8:30pm

--2 chicken/ranch/cheese cups

I took DH to the driving range after dinner, so while it wasn't quite an Ironman triathalon or anything, I did get some exercise today. It was nice to get out and get some fresh air. I would like some more Ben & Jerry's tonight, but I'm going to try hard to resist. I know I can have more tomorrow.

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Pearlieq!!!!

I always hate to clean up after the furbabies!!!!! Sorry to hear that you had to deal with that first thing!


Way to go on controling yourself with the pringles!!!!! that is great


Keep up the good work. I know that you will have that new clippie before you go to Vegas!

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Pearlieq! .

Sounds like your kitty was channeling mine this morning! hehe
Hope the furbaby is feeling better.
When you said "I know I can have more tomorrow." you hit upon one of the major lessons i have learned these past months. There will be more... more ice cream, more hotdogs, etc. I think sometimes I forgot that!
Hope you had a good Monday night and you have a great tomorrow!

Go Red Team!
Mike

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

Well, seems like you have taken portion control to a whole new level. If it works, then it's a good thing. Remember, everything in moderation. Food and exercise. Of course, maybe my exercise is a little too moderated, but you get the idea.

I hope you have a good day today and keep on losing.

 

[rcyannacci]

What an excellent idea with the B&J carton! It's even exercise cutting through frozen ice cream .

Poor Magellan...poor rubber band...poor your floor...Hooray the miracle that is Pringles!!!

Hope you have a great day!

(Oh, and remember, building muscle is also building metabolism, so you can actually burn more calories, even at rest.)

 

[Cruise04]

Sorry to hear about the kitty mess - YUK. Candi has gotten into a couple of small rubber bands, we have no clue how because we swear (or my dh does anyway) that they are getting thrown away. Well anyway, she is bringing them out the other way. Neither is better but....

Good job on the portion control. What a great idea!!!!! Keep it up.

Keep on
Chris

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi pearlieq!

I hope your furbaby is feeling better today. I think I know exactly what you mean when you say Pringles have magic carpet cleaning ability. Doritos do too!

I really enjoyed reading your insights about eating and exercising. I think I am finding out that portion control and food choices are the key to weight loss as well. Exercise is important, but I think it's easier to watch what we eat then to spend 4 hours in the gym burning off B&J's. Great points, pearlieq!

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday! Best WISHes in getting your silver clippie!

 

[pearlieq]

9/27/05

8:30am

--1 cup lowfat organic yogurt
--3 kiwi fruits

Well, I actually felt pretty good this morning. I got up, logged in at work, got a decent breakfast and got on with my day. Hopefully today's a great day!

11:40am

--1 Snickers Honey Oat marathon bar

Well, I finally made it to Curves! I find it's a little easier to stomach if I think of it as weight training and not just an aerobics-type work out. I did 2 rounds of double sets on the weight machines, but I only did one round on the recovery stations. It felt better to be focusing on my muscles. I just like taking walks so much better. Still, if I can get myself there twice a week at least I can keep up my muscle strength.

As I was leaving they were handing out these "customer appreciation" bags which had lots of product samples. I got a soy milk, the marathon bar (pretty tasty and reasonably nutritious. I would get one as a snack again), a Q-Smart bar, 100 calorie pack of peanut cookies (both to be saved for DH), a Tide sample, and some coupons. It was a nice little perk.

For the afternoon I'm going to go get freshened up and dressed now that I'm back from the gym, then I'm going to put shopping lists together and run to the store. I'm also going to work on our Vegas trip and maybe read a little or go chat with the neighbors if they're out. Dinner tonight is going to be meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas--in other words, easy!!! I don't know what we're doing tonight, but I know I'll be watching House!

2:00pm

--2 boca burgers, no cheese
--1 apple

It feels really good to eat--I'm starving! My bro got me an Amazon gift certificate for my birthday so I'm having fun thinking of ways to spend it!

I should be off to the store in a little while here. I'm doing kitty baking for the next 3 weekends straight, plus working at their garage sale on two Saturdays. Busy is good, right?!?

5:20pm

--1 light whole wheat English muffin
--1 T neufchatel cheese
--2 mini clementines

DH should be home in about half an hour, which is great because I'm ready for dinner!!!

6:00pm

--6 1/2oz meatloaf
--1/2 cup mashed potatoes
--1/2 can peas
--1 cup grapes

Goodbye meatloaf! DH honestly looked a little sad to see this one go. I was planning on having some Ben & Jerry's later on, but I spied a low sugar brownie mix on sale when I went to the store. I offered DH the choice and he wanted brownies. I shaved about 700 calories off the recipe by using lowfat yogurt in place of all of the oil and one of the eggs. That usually works out really well for me. It made an 8x8 pan, and if I cut them into 9ths each one will have 160 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 7 grams of fiber. Now the only obstacle is not finishing the rest of the pan when I'm home alone with them tomorrow! I've already informed DH he's taking some with him to work.

8:00pm

--2 low carb brownies

These are amazing! The yogurt gave them a very dense, fudgy texture. I'd almost call it rubbery, but in a good way--almost like a custardy texture. These are definitely winners!

9:30pm

--1/2 med cheese pizza
--1/2 cup Ben & Jerry's
--1 low carb brownie

Uh, that wasn't really me, right? Bad, bad, bad!

 

[goldcupmom]

Hello, Pearlie!

I think if you put the Ben & Jerry's directly on the brownie, you get to choose which one has calories, one cancels out the other!

All in all, sounds like you haven't had a bad day!

So, what is 'kitty baking'? This could be interpreted many ways , but I know not in a bad way!

Hope you're having a good evening!

 

[Mykelogan]

Hey Pearlieq!!

I have many ways in mind if you need help spending that gift certificate!!
Love your way of sprucing up the low carb brownie mix! Good job!!!
I think you were possessed at 9:30pm by an evil weight gain oogity-boogity!!! I hear they flee from exercise and healthy food choices! Good luck taking care of it!

Have a happy & healthy tomorrow!
Mike

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Pearlieq!!!!

Your brownies sound great. Way to go on the low carb receipe!!! I am going to have to try that.

Hope you are having a great Wednesday!

keep up the good work

 

[pearlieq]

9/28/05

8:20am

--1 low carb brownie

OK, just because I stumbled last night does not mean that today has to go to hell too! Admittedly, this is not a great start to the plan, but I can bounce back from this--the nice thing about these brownies is that they're not sugary, so while they taste great they really don't set me off. I still need to go get something small to round this into a decent breakfast, though.

Goals for today:

1.) Take a nice long walk
2.) Eat regular, healthy, balanced meals
3.) Make it through the afternoon and post-dinner binge times without losing control!
4.) Keep up with recording things in Fitday.

9:20am

--1 string cheese
--1/2 cup grapes

11:15am

--1 boca burger, no cheese
--1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes
--1/4 cup grapes

I know I'm going to need to eat later, but I was starving come mid-morning. I need to figure out something decent for lunches--I can't go on getting all of my nutrition in patty form.

3:30pm

--2 chick'n patties
--1 light bun
--1 brownie

4:00pm

--1/2 cup Ben & Jerry

Struggling a little here, but I think I can hang on.

So far my walk has been rained out, but it's clearing a little. Maybe I can at least get around the block or something. I have ther urge to go to IKEA tonight for their grand opening. We'll see if DH is amenable...

7:30pm

--1 mozarella cheese sandwich on focaccia
--1 sm order fries
--2 sm pieces of toffee torte
--1 1/2 sm chocolate toffees
--16 oz lingonberry soda

Can anyone guess where I was last night? That's right! IKEA!!! I was hoping to get a few small items for gifts for my best friend and my goddaughter. I mostly struck out, and it was very crowded given that it was opening day, but we still had a nice time.

10:00pm

--1/2 brownie

Yay! The brownies are gone! I feel pretty bad, I was feeling kind of weak and hinting for a pizza or taco bell run. Mercifully, DH didn't bite and I went to bed with my virtue still intact. I really need to work on the after dinner binge urge.

 

[keenercam]

Pearlie -- Your day sounds great so far! Your brownies sound a lot like the texture of the No Pudge brownies that are made with sugar free fat free yogurt. Very yummy. I usually use a flavored yogurt like strawberry or raspberry or cherry vanilla and that touch of flavor makes the brownies even better.
Great job on getting to Curves.

Have a happy Wednesday!

 

[Lesli54]

Good afternoon, Pearlieq!

I think you are turning today around quite nicely. You can do this and your goals look very managable.

It's raining here so I hope your walk doesn't get rained out or it misses you.

Have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

9/29/05

9:00am

--1 whole wheat english muffin
--1 T cream cheese
--1 egg
--3/4 cup grapes

DH and I both got a late start this morning. Magellan got kicked out of the bedroom at 6:00am because he kept deciding to attack the window shades and it was making a lot of noise. Of course, once we put him out he began yowling at the door. After about half an hour I went out and slept on couch in the loft outside our bedroom, partially because our old bed was bothering my back and partially just to shut him up. Unfortunately DH and I both got pretty comfortable and he hit the snooze many, many times!

Today is Curves day! I've got a meeting just before lunch, but I think I'll either go just after it, or stay in, have some lunch and go in the early afternoon.

I thought I'd try something new today and plan out the rest of my meals. It feels uncomfortable so far, but I'm willing to give it a try.

S: 1 South Beach Bar
L: 2 cheese pizza roll-ups (whole wheat tortilla, pizza sauce, 1/2 cup 2% mozzarella), 1 cup tomato soup, 1 apple
S: 1 blueberry yogurt smoothie (3/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries), 1 100 cal bag popcorn
D: Chicken Parmesan (2 sm baked chicken breasts, 1/4 cup 2% mozzarella, light pasta sauce), whole wheat rigatoni, green beans
S: 1/2 cup Ben & Jerry's

1:30pm

--2 cheese pizza rollups
--1 cup tomato soup
--1 apple

AM snack was missed. I went out to run some errands before lunch and meant to grab it to take with me but forgot. The soup is really good--it's organic and I got it at Trader Joes. It's nice on a cool day like this.

I got some clothes--a pair of black jeans that are 24s and a little tight (the 26s were just too big. Yay!), a soft, fuzzy purple sweater, and a plum colored t-shirt with the word "hope" written on the front in rhinestones. All of the proceeds for the shirt go to St. Jude's Childrens research hospital. Plus it's darn cute! After that was a quick stop at the Dollar Tree for gift wrapping supplies. They have the best stuff and it's so cheap! They have baskets, beautiful bows, and those big curl cascades at 3/$1. I don't know I survived before them!

I think I'm going to push Curves day until tomorrow and go take a nice long walk. It's such a beautiful, brisk fall day--being outside was really making me happy and I want to get back out there!

5:30pm

--1 South Beach bar

Well, I had a wonderful walk. I even left my mp3 player at home and just had a nice time being alone with my thoughts. Afterwards I wasn't that hungry, so I got cleaned up and got into reading upstairs. Which of course meant that I let myself get waaaay too hungry, because the kitchen is just much to far away for me to go fix my snack.

So, by the time I ate I needed something NOW so I didn't make my smoothie or popcorn. I think I might try the smoothie for breakfast tomorrow.

7:10pm

--2 small baked chicken breasts
--3 oz whole wheat rigatoni
--1 cup light spaghetti sauce
--1/4 cup 2% cheese
--1/2 can green beans

DH called right after I finished my afternoon snack and said he was stuck at work dealing with some kind of technical problem. I tried to wait for him for a while, but I just got too darn hungry. In the past I would have waited for him and then gone nuts and eaten everything in sight by the time he got home. The ideas of pizza and a pantry free for all did cross my mind, but I buckled down and fixed dinner as planned. Yay me!

I'm not crazy about this sauce. It's Ragu light, and I just don't care for the flavor blend--too much basil and not enough salt. I have another jar, but I think it's going to go in the food pantry pile. Hopefully someone who will enjoy it will get it.

9:45pm

--1/2 cup Ben & Jerry's

And that's it for me for the night. Also the end of the Ben & Jerry's. Hopefully I don't come across any more anytime soon. I was serious when I said I needed a break!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

You are off to a great start today. Trying to plan the meals ahead may be a little awkward at first, but at least you are trying to switch some things around to see what will work best for you.

Keep up the great work!

 

[pearlieq]

So, what is 'kitty baking'? This could be interpreted many ways , but I know not in a bad way!

Yeah, that might not sound right if you didn't know what I was talking about...

Our local animal shelter runs a bake sale table at the farmers market. I like to help baking for them, and it benefits the cats they house, hence "kitty baking".

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi pearlieq!

Shopping for new clothes and a leisurely walk on a beautiful fall day? Ahhh... Sounds like a great day! Hope the rest of your day went well!

Have a wonderful Friday!

 

[Strings]

Hi pearlie,

It sounds like you had a productive day. The clothes sound really cute. Congrats on the new size. Planning meals does take some practice, but it really helps me stay OP. (well, sometimes) Have a great walk.
Take care,
Beth