A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[pearlieq]

7/17/05

9:00am

--2 whole wheat tortillas
--2 eggs
--1/4 cup 2% cheese
--3T salsa
--1 kiwi

These little rollups are tasty, but very hard to eat neatly!

DH will be home tomorrow! Yay!!! The kitties haven't been sick since Thursday afternoon (knock on wood!). The vet did refill Magellan's Amoxil, but other than that they seem pretty normal.

I'm going to the mall with a friend of mine today. This is the same woman I used to go to Curves with. She's been getting on my nerves a bit lately--we've only been friends for a couple of months and the honeymoon is over. She's not a dumb woman, but it seems like she insists on being ignorant. So far her only interests seem to include her husband, her dog, scrapbooking, and socializing. There's nothing wrong with that, per se, it's just that I'm looking for a little bit more. Conversations are starting to die pretty quickly once we've exhausted those topics.

I think she feels a little guilty/defensive around me about the whole Curves thing, because she brings it up over and over, saying how Curves didn't "work" for her. Of course it doesn't "work" when you just stand there, barely moving, on the recovery stations and don't change your eating habits at all!!! It's like she's blaming Curves for having an ineffective program, and it drives me nuts but I usually hold my tongue because we're friends. She keeps bringing it up over and over as if she wants me to agree with her and give her some kind of absolution that it wasn't her fault she didn't exercise very hard or skip the McD's run right afterwards. I just can't do that, so I try to change the subject as fast as possible.

Her latest drama is that she thinks she might be pregnant. Wouldn't the logical response to that be to go get a test? She doesn't want to--she insists it's "impossible" because she has PCOS, that she's not sure if she wants to be pregnant, etc. I can understand all of this, but none of it is helped by being in the dark. Then she asks if I think she should drink at our upcoming Bunco!!! I had a real hard time keeping my mouth shut there. She seems to be looking for someone to take care of her, and I'm honestly not sure I get enough back from her to make it worth my while to take on all of her problems and insecurities.

The thing is, I have a very bad tendency to cut people loose if they don't meet my expectations. Which is my perrogative, I guess, but I'm going to run out of people really fast if I keep letting them go every time they get on my nerves. I'm very happy with DH, but I miss having a woman best friend. I've drifted apart from my old best friend from high school--we'll always care for each other, but it's just not the same now. I guess maybe my problem is I'm looking at the women I meet as potential best friends rather than just someone to pal around with for a few hours when it's convenient. Maybe it's just not possible to form that kind of friendship with someone when you're an adult. I don't know.

For the meantime, I'm going to try to enjoy clothes shopping and try really hard not to get annoyed with her. Hopefully it will be a fun afternoon.

Thanks for listening to me ramble...

2:45pm

--1 strawberry poppyseed salad
--2" piece sourdough bread

We got through a lot at the mall--I got a few new tops and a new pair of shorts and I spent nearly all of my spending money for the week at Bath & Body works, mostly picking up leftovers from their big sale. I got enough for several Christmas gifts, so I'm pretty stoked.

My friend and I did all right. We kept it pretty light and focused mostly on the shopping. It was fun and nice to talk to another human being, since Ive been in so much over the last few days.

4:00pm

--1 piece pumpkin custard

My friend mentioned ice cream while we were out and that got me jonesing for some. I decided to stop at McDs on the way home since they have killer low-cal cones. I was in the driveway with my dollar in hand before I realized I was taking a break from fast food this week. So, I took my little self home, and I had some of my custard, which was quite yummy.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do for dinner. I was thinking of making spaghetti pie, but I may put it off until tomorrow as it one of DH's favorites and I thought it would be a nice treat to welcome him home. Maybe I'll get a sandwich, or just throw something together. I was thinking about going for a walk later, but I may skip it today since I'm a little sore and it's so darn hot! I've got Curves tomorrow either way.

5:30pm

--1 light string cheese

7:00pm

--1pkt South Beach peanut butter cookies

8:00pm

--1 chicken/bacon/ranch wrap
--1 pkt baked sour cream & onion chips

Well last night was quite an adventure. We lost power completely at about 6:30pm. Which was fine for a couple of hours while it was still light out, but got dark and hot very fast. Ugh! It finally came back on about 4 hours later, and mercifully our network came back up so I can work, but TiVo's still hung up so the TV isn't working. Not a big deal, though.

 

[lillygator]

Hi pearlieq! Looks like you are on your way to a great day!!
Have a fun time shopping at the mall!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

What a great day you had yesterday! As far as being hungry every three hours, that is ok as long as you are eating all the right foods. Remember, you can lose weight the best with 5-6 small meals every day. That means eating almost every 3 hrs or so. The difference is all in the food choices.

Sorry to hear about the friend thing. I am with you. I would much rather have a meaningful best friend relationship than just a "more than acquaintance" kind of friendship. It is hard to find. I still talk to my best friend from HS. We don't live in the same state anymore and don't talk as often as we would like, but it is nice to call each other and rant, so to speak when we need a listening ear. The closest friend I have that lives nearby is pulling away now. We have been friends for almost 4 year and talked almost everyday. It was great, but she had a car accident earlier in the year and now things aren't quite the same. I don't know how much of the pulling away is a result of the accident or it is her making a concious decision. At any rate, I find myself in a similar position as you right now and can relate.

Hope your day goes well and if the Curves issue comes up again just simply say "I am sorry you feel that way, but I find that it has really helped to keep me on track and I'm going to continue with them." Maybe she will get the hint.

 

[rcyannacci]

Hope you have fun at the mall!

I so hear you about the friend issue. It's tough, isn't it? Cultivating a friendship isn't as easy as it was when we were all on swingsets. Just remember that it's a two-way street- if you're not getting anything back, then it might be more of a frustration. I'm actually pretty lucky that one of my HS friends just moved to Austin. We socialize in different circles, but generally get together once every 2 weeks for dinner or something- we think similarlly and really enjoy our conversations.

I agree with Leslie on the Curves discussion- no reason for you to hide your success with the program. Maybe she'll surprise you with how happy she is for you.

Have a great day!

 

[kardiebelle]

Have a fun time. Just because the scale is not moving maybe you need to reduce the calorie intake a little more now. Rememer 2000 is the calorie intake to maintain the weight that you are at now. So maybe the 2000 was less than what you usually ate and now you are leveling off again. Maybe try to reduce it to 1800 or 1700. Then you might see results again. This is just a thought. I am not a profesional in no way. SMILES

 

[pearlieq]

Rememer 2000 is the calorie intake to maintain the weight that you are at now.

If that were the case I would be in big, big trouble!!!

I appreciate you thinking of me, though. I'm feeling pretty comfortable with my calorie plan.

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

I have not dared to open the door to the outside. The temp says it is less than yesterday and the wind is blowing, but I am afraid that it is hot and not really as nice as it appears to be.

Great job yesterday. I would love to get some Panera's. I haven't been in months. Glad to hear that the shopping trip went well and WTG on skipping right on by the big bad wolf......ah, I mean McD's.

Keep up the great work and I will catch you later.

 

[pearlieq]

7/18/05

8:45am

--2 ww tortillas
--2 eggs
--1/4 cup 2% cheese
--3 T salsa
--2 kiwis

If it ain't broke...have it for breakfast again!

Busy day today! DH is coming home so I want to get the house picked up a bit, pretty myself up a bit, and get to the store and fix dinner. Somewhere in there I need to get to Curves too. I think I'm going to do that pretty soon just to get it done and out of the way.

Mercifully, I don't think we lost anything in the fridge/freezer from the power out last night, and luckily our network came back online so I could work. TiVo seems to have hung up while restarting, so we don't have TV, but I can live with that!

1:30pm

--1 LC lemon chicken
--1/2 cup peas
--1 light 'n fit cup
--1/2 cup rocks & twigs
--2 carrots
--2 T hummus
--1 apple

I really, really like that breakfast. It holds me for a very long time. I did a full workout at Curves and I'm only just getting hungry now.

I'm getting ready to head off to the grocery store after lunch. The kitties are very cute--they're curled up together on the couch and no one is growling, hissing, or swatting at anyone! They're actually peacefully asleep!

5:00pm

--1 pc pumpkin custard

I made the mistake of waiting a little too long after lunch to get to the store. I was actually kind of hungry when I got there. It was OK, only a couple of things jumped into the cart that didn't need to be there.

I did have fun picking out my treats for the week. I've been trying to pick out one or two things each week just for fun. This week I got fish sticks and a pint of the Haagen Daaz reduced fat cherry truffle. I wanted microwave cheese popcorn too, but I put it on my list for next week.

Our fence comes Wednesday! I can't wait!!! I heard through the grapevine that the neighbor behind us would have preferred we didn't put the fence in, but tough beans! It's our property! Plus, it's her annoying husband that sits in the backyard and gives commentary about our lawn/yard projects. Can't say I'm too sad about having a little barrier between us!!!

7:00pm

--1 piece (1/12 of pan) spaghetti pie
--1 1/2 cup broccoli, sauteed with chicken broth and garlic

The spaghetti pie turned out, mercifully, and my reunion with DH was joyous! He seemed to really miss both me and our home, and I was proud of that. I'm glad to know that I've created a home for him good enough to miss.

8:40pm

--1 piece spaghetti pie

Hungry again!!!! I think I'm going to have a 1/2 cup of my ice cream a little later and then call it a night.

9:45pm

--1/2 cup Haagen Daas reduced fat cherry chocolate truffle

It was pretty good--kind of a poor man's Cherry Garcia. I only saved 20 calories over the "real thing". Next time I'll just get my Ben & Jerry's!

 

[eeyore25]

Good afternoon,

Your breakfast does sound YUMMY!!! I may have to try something like that. I am always looking for something new for breakfast!

I hope the rest of your day is good.

Have a great, healthy day!

 

[Mykelogan]

I agree!! Sounds like a yummy breakfast recipe!! I will have to make it for dinner some day this week!

The sleeping kitties sound adorable!! I love seeing my cat asleep, though usually he likes to fall asleep in my arms while I am typing! hehe! At night he sleeps with a death grip on my left arm nestled against me. LOL! he is a neurotic cat! Before I forget, give that Tivo a slap upside it's control panel for me!! TV should always work!! hehe

Have a great Monday night!

Mike

 

[Cruise04]

Well hello there sorta neighbor. I'm in DeKalb - was funny to see where you were from in you profile.

I just glanced through your journal and I have to say that I'm very proud of you for sticking through this. I would have gotten discouraged and quit back on page 5. You are rocking!!!!!!

Something that you should do, if you haven't yet, is to read back at the beginning of your journal and see how far you've come a far as food choices. You have made some great changes and are doing great!!!! I wish we lived a bit closer together as I'd love to be your workout partner and work on this together - I have 134 to lose and I'm gonna do it - darned it, I'm gonna do it.

Keep on
Chris

 

[rcyannacci]

Hey pearlieq- here's the recipe. Its for both zucchini and peppers, but we just did the squash. It's so yummy!!!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_30881,00.html

Stuffed Zucchini and Red Bell Peppers

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, grated
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 large egg
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup dried plain bread crumbs
1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
2 zucchini, ends removed, halved lengthwise and crosswise
1 short orange bell pepper, halved and seeded
1 short red bell pepper, halved and seeded
1 short yellow bell pepper, halved and seeded
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Lightly drizzle the olive oil into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Whisk the onion, parsley, egg, ketchup, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the cheese and bread crumbs. Mix in the turkey. Cover and refrigerate the turkey mixture.

Using a melon baller or spoon, carefully scrape out the seeds and inner flesh from the zucchini, leaving 1/8-inch-thick shells. Be careful not to pierce through the skin. Fill the zucchini and pepper halves with the turkey mixture, dividing equally and mounding slightly. Arrange the stuffed vegetables in the baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed vegetables.

Bake uncovered until the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown and a thermometer inserted into the filling registers 165 degrees F, about 45 minutes. Transfer the stuffed vegetables to a platter and serve.

 

[Storygirl]

Hi Pearlieq!

I am so glad your DH is home - I have read through your journal and it is apparent how much you love him and how close you both are...it is just wonderful to see!!! I totally understand how you can miss him so much while he's gone.

Spaghetti pie intrigues me...may I ask how you make that? It's not on my "approved list" (low carb) but DH and DS absolutely love pasta.

Hope your Tuesday is wonderful!!

Jenn.

 

[pearlieq]

Here's the recipe for the Spaghetti Pie--it's very adaptable for low carbing!!!

Crust:

--8 oz spaghetti, cooked (You could sub low carb pasta here, and only use 6oz to cut carbs even more. You could also use spaghetti squash.)
--1 T butter
--1/2 cup parmesan cheese
--2 eggs, well beaten
--1 T parsley

Filling:

--1/2 lb ground beef
--1/2 c. chopped onion (sub onion powder if you're worried about carbs)
--1 can italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
--1 6oz can tomato paste
--1 T. sugar (substitue Splenda)
--1 t. oregano
--1/2 clove garlic, minced
--10 oz frozen chopped spinach, well drained
--1 cup ricotta cheese
--1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 8"x8" pan with cooking spray.
To prepare crust: Mix all crust ingredients together and press into pan. Be sure to press the pasta up the sides of the pan to form a full crust.
To prepare filling: cook ground beef and onion together until done. Drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and garlic. Heat through.
To assemble: Spread spinach on top of pasta crust. Spread ricotta cheese on top. Add beef/tomato mixture on top of cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Serves 6. These freeze very well.

If you're going to make this low carb, add in a cup or so of chopped mushrooms while you saute the beef. That will add some more substance to it.

 

[Mykelogan]

Ooohhh!! Yummy recipes abound!! I gotta get cutting and pasting to save em!! Thanks you guys!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!

Glad that your DH is back home and you have companionship once again. You know you have done well when a DH is glad to come home from his mama's and is not tempted to stay there. It also shows his committment to you and your marriage.

What a great day you had!

I was doing some reading last night and there was a small mention about plateaus. It said that it is the body's way of readjusting to your new lifestyle after losing so much and is a very good thing. Once your body readjusts its chemistry, metabolism, etc, it will be ready to lose again. So hang in there, you have a good plan and it will work!

Have a great and wonderful day!

 

[goldcupmom]

Good Morning, Pearlie!

Glad DH is home and kitties are better and peaceful.

Spaghetti Pie sounds terrific. Gotta add that to my must make list.

Hope you are having a great Tuesday.

 

[pearlieq]

7/19/05

9:30am

--2 ww tortillas
--2 eggs
--1/4 cup 2% cheese
--2 T. salsa
--2/3 cup blueberries

I'm sure I'll get tired of this breakfast soon enough, but for right now I'm really enjoying it.

I got up fairly early this morning, did some kitty chores, logged in to work, and then went for a nice long walk. I covered about 2 miles at a 3 mph pace, and it felt great. I just don't think I'm aerodynamically set to go any faster in my current body, so I'll have to make up with duration. Either way it was a beautiful summer morning--it had the same feel as those wonderful mornings stolling out of the hotel to the bus stop for a day of adventure. I found my MP3 player, and I really enjoy listening to music as I walk.

I'm looking forward to today. I volunteered to bake items for our local farmers market to benefit the animal shelter where we got Magellan and Diana. I'm going to run out to Aldi over my lunch for some basic supplies. Later tonight DH promised me a trip to Bakers Sqaure since I've been jonesing for it. I'm going to get their yummy grilled cheese, with fruit instead of fries, and a half piece of whatever pie strikes my fancy. Then it's off to Meijer to pick up the rest of the baking supplies. They said they didn't need brownies, but everything else is fair game. So far I know I'm going to make pecan toffee bars, blueberry muffins, lemon poppyseed bread, and pretzel candies. Not sure what else yet. If any one has any ideas for baked good that can be turned out in large quantities that are reasonable in cost, I'd love to hear them!!!

1:30pm

--1 piece spaghetti pie
--20 Rainier cherries

I got most of my supplies at Aldi--I added mini pineapple-upside down cakes the the list of things I'm baking. Hopefully all of it's pretty easy and turns out well.

I was thinking as I was driving to the store this morning that I feel great. I feel happy, healthy, hopeful, and energized. I feel great about myself and what I'm doing and I was wondering why I would ever want to give that feeling up. When I don't take care of myself I'm lethargic, depressed, and surly. I generally just spend my time going from fix to fix of junk. I wonder what would posses me to want to behave in a way that's going to make me feel like that.

TOM is coming, and I'm darn near terrified. I hate how I feel then. I hate what happens to me. Most of all I really hate that I have no control over it. I can change my behavior and try to work around it, but I can't make it not happen and I really resent that. I don't want to feel bad, and I know it's coming.

4:45pm

--2 whole wheat tortillas
--1 cup cooked chicken breast
--2 T light ranch dressing
--7 grape tomatoes

For some reason I was really craving these wraps. I hope one can't OD on tortillas. Luckily they're only 45 cal each and loaded with fiber. These are really hitting the spot and I think they'll hold me until dinner!

My Diana has really been lot more affectionate recently--she used to give us a very wide berth and avoid touching. She's sitting on my knee at the moment, purring away, and meowing at me when I stop scratching behind her ears because I need to type. It's nice to think that she trusts us a bit more. She still has very strict rules--touching is only permitted if she initiates contact. There will be NO picking her up. Only one hand may be used at a time, keep movements/laughter/coughing/sneezing to a minimum and NO FUNNY BUSINESS. If we attempt to pick her up, groom her, or even move in any way that seems shifty, she bolts and we're given the silent treatment.

Magellan just came by and ran her off, because of course DH and I are his sole property and should be at his disposal at all times. It doesn't necessarily mean he wants to socialize, but we should be available if he should decide he wanted to, and that can't happen if Diana is ungraciously taking up our time and attention. They really are a pair, those two!

7:00pm

--1 grilled cheese sandwich
--1/2 cup fruit
--1/2 of a 1/2 piece of caramel pecan silk supreme pie

We had a nice dinner and got the rest of the baking supplies. I also bought a mini-bundt cake pan. It was $16, and I balked at buying it, but DH encouraged me to. He's very kind and generous about me getting things I want, but I'm the one who has to watch the bottom line. It works for us. It was, again, just so nice to be with him today!

Thanks for the Special K bars recipe--they sound tasty!

I spent 45 minutes this evening unwrapping Hugs for the pretzel candies. I didn't even taste was--I just wasn't that interested.

Mike, the white chocolate pretzel candies are super simple. Preheat the oven to 200. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set out either tiny twists or waffle pretzels and cover each with a Hershey Hug. Bake for 4 -5 minutes until the candy is softened. Press an M&M into each, being sure to get the candy pressed into the pretzel. Cool thoroughly and store in an air-tight container. They're great munchies for parties. There's also a great variation that uses Rolo candies and pecan halves as toppers.

10:45pm

--1 light string cheese

I was pretty hungry before bed and hoped this would quiet my stomach and let me sleep. It helped a little, but I was still kept awake for a while by a hungry tummy!

 

[LilMamiBella]

That spaghetti pie sounds yummy! Will have to try it out.

 

[eeyore25]

Hi!!! Hope you are having a great, healthy day. Congrats on getting that walk in.

Have a great time baking, that is very nice thing that you are doing.

Also, have a great time at dinner, it sounds like you are making healthy choices for dinner!!!!

Keep up the good work, you are doing great!