Food Diary: June 8, 2010

I've been playing around with the idea for a while of posting what I eat during a day.  In part, so I can look back and see what I eat (and maybe work in a little more variety), but also because I've had a few people ask.  Plus, I'm always a little nosy and figure others are the same way =)

These photos are all from Tuesday, and that was a pretty typical mostly at-home day for me.  When my doctor suggested I might be insulin resistant last fall, she recommended I focus on smaller meals and more of them.  I'm not insulin resistant, but the smaller meals have been really good for me and I've continued with them.  I generally eat 5 smaller meals a day - but I find it easier to think of it as 3 meals and 2 protein-based snacks.   When I eat this way, my energy levels stay more constant, I don't seem to have the headaches that have plagued me for so long and it seems to keep my metabolism moving.  It does take a little more planning at times, but it's definitely worth it.

Here's what I ate on Tuesday:

Can I just tell you how much it freaks me out that some people don't eat breakfast?  It's never occurred to me to skip it, even though I'm usually not really hungry when I wake up.   I've been on a cottage cheese and fresh peaches kick lately.  That's probably about 3/4 c. of cottage cheese and a whole peach.  Right now, it feels like the perfect summer breakfast - a little protein, a little sweet and not too heavy.

Mid-morning snack, usually around 10 am when I start to feel a little hungry.  A small handful of almonds and a small banana.  I'm finding that the more protein I can add in, the better I feel.

Yep, I'm still stuckon the whole grain Wasa crackers, Laughing cow cheese and bell peppers.  It's easy, it fills me up and I don't have to think about it too much.  I'm eating a little more fruit than usual right now, but all of my favorites are in season right now and I like to take advantage of that.

Umm...more almonds?  Yes sir!  We had a doctor's appointment in Orlando yesterday afternoon and almonds are my on-the-go snack.   I made up a small snack box to keep in the car (and usually have a bag or two in my purse as well) - they're easy to eat and don't go bad or get funky in the heat.  My other go-to afternoon snacks are cheese or fruit.

This is a pretty typical supper for us - pork chops, red potatoes and wilted spinach (Tom and the kids had some mixed veggies from the freezer - they all have issues with spinach).  The pork chops were marinated in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and given a quick fry (no added oil - just what clung from the marinade).  The potatoes were roasted at 400 with more olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic.  And the wilted spinach - that's one of my very favorite veggies.  Throw a few handfuls of baby spinach in a saute pan with a tablespoon or so of water and just let it wilt.  Season with a little fresh cracked pepper and sea salt...if you can get a really fresh baby spinach, it's even better.  

 

I am really careful not to deny myself sweets (knowing that for me denying nowusually only leads to binging later), so I try to plan in some sort of dessert or evening snack every day.  Tuesday night, it was about a quarter cup of chocolate covered raisins.  Other nights, it's a scoop of ice cream or a few pieces of dark chocolate.  I do try to keep refined sugars to a minimum in my diet, but I'm okay with a little bit that I really enjoy.

And that's it!  That was about a 1700 calorie day, and that's pretty typical for me while I'm trying to lose.  Some days are more (usually if we eat out), some days are less.   I'm going to aim to do this every week or so.  Should be interesting to see how I do when we're eating on the train in a few weeks, and I'm hoping it will help keep me a little more accountable when I'm in California.

And since you made it this far, what are your go-to snacks?

written 06/08/10

Comments

[lynette johnson]

Verry Nice Sam! More protein = more energy. More carbs (of any kind) = less energy. That's what I've been learning lately! Wish I had done this at Your age! (that feels weird to say that). I've been told to do a complete protein day twice a week. I find I'm not Nearly as hungry for the carbs as I thoth I'd be. I always Thot I could Live On potatoes n rice. I haven't any for a couple months & am quite surprised how I don't miss it at all. I love milk but cut it out completely & again! Can't believe how I don't miss it!! My mussels & organs are happier now!!

[Lynette johnson]

PS. Hot flashes are all but Gone. That won't mean anything to you today. Just put it in your pocket & save it for later!!! =(•v•)=

[Stacey]

I am one of those people who has to force myself to eat breakfast. I can't stand eggs, unless they are very very scrambled and if I make them myself I almost get sick to my stomach when I crack them. The gooey clear stuff grosses me out. I guess I don't have time for breakfast and it's not something I've ever made a priority...but I'll eat cereal anytime of the day.

[Samantha Widlund]

I can't do eggs at home either - just the smell of them makes me gag. I will order them at restaurants once in a while, but I tell the server they have to be "really well done, brown, scrambled, dry and they can't glisten". They're the only thing I will send back if they're not the way I ordered them!