Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I made quiche!
I made a quiche tonight and I am quite proud of myself. It turned out great. The crust is golden brown, it set up well and it is loaded with yummy veggies. Now I can't wait for breakfast tomorrow!! Making the quiche was really easy (and sort of fun). Basically I beat some eggs and milk together, threw in some roughly chopped fresh mushrooms and some red bell peppers for color and then salt, pepper, nutmeg and cheese. Sorry to Julia Child, but I am making my quiche the American way! Europeans typically don't add cheese to their quiches. So after mixing everything up, I poured it into the crust. The recipe made WAY too much filling so I microwaved the rest for a little snack. Then I baked it for about 40 minutes and now it is cooling. I had considered adding other veggies and some meat. Now I am glad that I didn't because that would have been way way too much. However next time I can try some different ingredients. This quiche thing is part of the French diet. As long as I watch my portion size, I love eating the French way!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Randomness for a random day
Yesterday and Monday, eating the french way went pretty well. Today, not so well. I can definitely tell that boredom leads me to snacking. Recognizing this is important in preventing random snacking. I really need to be watching portions. That is a big deal with this change in diet. Monday and Tuesday dinner portions were a bit big. Every other meal portion size has been pretty reasonable.
On the music topic; things have changed a bit. My interest in the Backstreet Boys is diminishing, much to the pleasure I am sure, of my husband and rock loving sister! I still like them, but I don't think I would classify them as one of my top ten favorite groups. Maybe I am just getting older, maybe the group's dynamics have changed too much with one of the members leaving the group, who knows. The Eagles are probably my number one favorite right now. I am searching, with little success, for the live version of Hotel California on Amazon MP3 downloads. I'll take suggestions from anyone who knows where I might be able to buy it. The truly live version starts out with a Spanish(?) trumpet solo that is sooo cool.
On the writing topic-I am about to make mass revisions to a story I am writing. It'll be interesting and a challenge because I am basically recasting 90% of the story. Why? well the original characters are not working very well. I am running into problems and honestly, I don't like a few of them! In the end, this change will give me more flexibility, but the next week or so will be a bit of a challenge as I am still developing the replacement cast. The original cast was five friends who were living in Kansas and Florida over a two year period with some flashbacks. It will be the same story line for the most part with five new people. Part of me is tempted to drop the number down to four to make things simpler. We'll see if that happens. Another challenge and something I feel is bad form is creating characters to fit a situation that is already written. I will probably have to make some plot revisions as well so that my characters can develop their own personalities. I guess I'll just have to see what happens.
On the music topic; things have changed a bit. My interest in the Backstreet Boys is diminishing, much to the pleasure I am sure, of my husband and rock loving sister! I still like them, but I don't think I would classify them as one of my top ten favorite groups. Maybe I am just getting older, maybe the group's dynamics have changed too much with one of the members leaving the group, who knows. The Eagles are probably my number one favorite right now. I am searching, with little success, for the live version of Hotel California on Amazon MP3 downloads. I'll take suggestions from anyone who knows where I might be able to buy it. The truly live version starts out with a Spanish(?) trumpet solo that is sooo cool.
On the writing topic-I am about to make mass revisions to a story I am writing. It'll be interesting and a challenge because I am basically recasting 90% of the story. Why? well the original characters are not working very well. I am running into problems and honestly, I don't like a few of them! In the end, this change will give me more flexibility, but the next week or so will be a bit of a challenge as I am still developing the replacement cast. The original cast was five friends who were living in Kansas and Florida over a two year period with some flashbacks. It will be the same story line for the most part with five new people. Part of me is tempted to drop the number down to four to make things simpler. We'll see if that happens. Another challenge and something I feel is bad form is creating characters to fit a situation that is already written. I will probably have to make some plot revisions as well so that my characters can develop their own personalities. I guess I'll just have to see what happens.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The French Diet Day 1
I went shopping last night and bought more produce than I think I've ever bought before. I am really looking forward to trying it all. The newest vegetable of everything I bought was a leek. They hardly even fit in those annoying plastic bags they give you to put produce in. So for the first two days of this change in diet, I am supposed to make a soup of these leeks and drink the broth. Easy enough. I cook the leeks according to direction, but I must say they aren't as flavorful as I expected. They sort of smelled like an artichoke (yummy with melted butter) looked like over sized blades of grass or something and didn't have much of a taste to them. The broth that I am supposed to drink didn't look like anything more than heated water with a PALE greenish tinge. I was not overly impressed. I understand the purpose of these first two days is to retrain my taste buds so I am going to make some slight improvisations. The leeks went into a veggie soup I am cooking for my lunch this upcoming week. The broth went down the drain and I am sticking with just some bland veggies like carrots and celery. Tomorrow will be a little tough, but Monday will be nice. I have planed to make some oatmeal with a little maple syrup on top, some cantaloupe and water. That is something encouraged on this diet change is to drink more water. We surprisingly lose a lot of water while we sleep and need something when we first wake up. Many people however reach for juice for a nice shot of sugar first thing in the morning. Water is hydrating, refreshing and brightens your complexion. Lunch will be 1 cup of my veggie soup, half a turkey and swiss sandwich with a little bit of pesto and either pineapple or something citrisy (I don't think that's word, but whatever!). Dinner is going to be pasta primavera and a small salad and a bit more fruit. All in all, that may sound like a lot of food, but honestly I will have had 3 servings of fruit, 3 servings of veggies, 1 serving of protein and 2 carbs. Very few fats and sugars which will come from the bit of syrup at breakfast and the dressing at dinner. I'll probably end dinner with a small bit of chocolate. I have some fancy dark chocolates that are at least 60% cacao based. YUM! So far on a scale of one to ten, I'd give today a five. I have had good intentions, but haven't done too well due to plain leeks just suck! Tomorrow will be much much better!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Been A While
I have a lot to talk about at least! I'll start with the latest.
Today I enrolled in classes at KU. I am taking 15 hours which is a bit of a let down to me. I was hoping for 18-21 hours. I know 15 hours is still a full load, but I know that I can manage more, especially since most of the classes are gen eds. I am taking, anthropology, geography, math (ick), Intro to Drama (reading plays, not acting!) and intro to teaching. It's a pretty good schedule and that will wipe out all my gen eds and get me started on my English and education courses. The reason why I can't take more classes is because of that intro to drama. They say I have to finish that class before I can enroll in any other English classes. So, waiting for future semesters are: Shakespeare, Early American Lit, British Literature after 1800, Native American Literature, Fiction Writing, Rhetoric and Writing, Writing Nonfiction and Fiction Writing. I know that sounds like a lot, but I am really looking forward to it all (except the British lit--so complex)
Another thing on my mind lately is diets. I know this sounds very critical of me but these are my thoughts and this is my blog!
Going on a diet is dumb!!!! I know that I am not in the best shape and I am no dietitian, but I think I know enough that when I hear that someone is going "on a diet" that something is off. Going on a diet sounds like it is something you will eventually go off of. I've been doing a bit of reading and researching and I don't believe it is possible for anyone to "go on a diet". Everyone has a diet. It's what we eat; whether our diets are good or bad is another story. I think what people mean to say is that they are going to change their diet-for better or worse. What do I mean by for better or worse? Well, the grapefruit diet for example is definitely a diet change for the worse. All grapefruit, all the time?? Or the Atkins diet, no carbs (including a ban on some veggies and most fruit) and all the meat you want. Sure there is some success with these diets initially, but the results don't tend to stick and people tend to gain the weight back and then some when they end the "diet". On these sorts of diets, people tend to feel deprived of the things they enjoy and if they do indulge in their no-no foods, they feel guilty and often times binge thinking 'well, I've already screwed up'. I don't understand the logic behind these "diets".
In addition to the crazy diets is the crazy exercise routines that some people punish themselves with. (Running on the treadmill for 2 hours, followed by an hour on the StairMaster) I am currently reading a book called "French Women Don't Get Fat" and the book discusses that French women (and many European women) are amazed at what American women(and men) do to their bodies. Here are 10 key points of the French "Diet":
1. Eat a variety of foods
2. Occasionally indulge in the things you enjoy
3. Eat until you are satisfied, not full
4. Watch portion sizes
5. Measure your success by how clothes fit and how you feel, not by the number on the scale
6. Focus on your food-not tv, not work, not driving down the highway
7. Get 30-45 minutes of activity daily
8. Try eating in courses
9. When you feel hungry...EAT!
10. Drink lots of water
This is what I have learned about changing a diet for the better so far. I looked at how I am currently eating. Decided what changes need to be made, what portions I am eating, etc. When I look at what I eat, I realize I consume too much sugar and preprocessed foods and super sized portions. I enjoy doughnuts though so cutting those out of my diet would not make me happy. According to the French style of eating I can keep doughnuts in my diet, but limit it to a special treat,only have one and maybe have some fresh fruit or yogurt with that doughnut. Another option is, maybe I'll have the doughnut and then pass on the mojitos at happy hour.
The French and European style of dining is also based on eating in courses, taking your time and focusing on what you're eating. Typically, my lunch is a PB and J sandwich, a cup of applesauce, and a fruit rollup in front of the computer. As I am working to improve that lunch I will eat int he break room with coworkers, trade the PB&J for half of a whole grain chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato and a little mustard (watching the serving size 2-3 oz. of meat is all that is needed), trade the applesauce in for a medium apple (the read deal!), add in some yogurt and the fruit roll up? I like it, so it stays, but no sugary afternoon snacks. I will also pay attention to the taste of my food and how I am feeling. If I am satisfied (not full) after the sandwich and apple, no need to go ahead and keep eating.
As for exercise, most Europeans walk A LOT more than most Americans, but 30-45 minutes of daily activity is recommended, whether you walk, bike, play some sport or whatever, just move!
I think the French are really on to something here. So while my coworkers are complaining about how hungry they are since their current diet is limited to coffee and celery, or as they try to count points and figure out which foods best match their blood type, I'll give my European influenced change in diet a try and enjoy eating! We'll see how it works.
No new news in writing, but some of the songs on repeat on my Sansa include: Freebird (Lynard Skynard, The Wind Cried Mary (Hendrix), Give Me The Simple Life (Steve Tyrell), What'd I Say Part 1 &2 (Ray Charles) and Rocket (Def Leppard).
Today I enrolled in classes at KU. I am taking 15 hours which is a bit of a let down to me. I was hoping for 18-21 hours. I know 15 hours is still a full load, but I know that I can manage more, especially since most of the classes are gen eds. I am taking, anthropology, geography, math (ick), Intro to Drama (reading plays, not acting!) and intro to teaching. It's a pretty good schedule and that will wipe out all my gen eds and get me started on my English and education courses. The reason why I can't take more classes is because of that intro to drama. They say I have to finish that class before I can enroll in any other English classes. So, waiting for future semesters are: Shakespeare, Early American Lit, British Literature after 1800, Native American Literature, Fiction Writing, Rhetoric and Writing, Writing Nonfiction and Fiction Writing. I know that sounds like a lot, but I am really looking forward to it all (except the British lit--so complex)
Another thing on my mind lately is diets. I know this sounds very critical of me but these are my thoughts and this is my blog!
Going on a diet is dumb!!!! I know that I am not in the best shape and I am no dietitian, but I think I know enough that when I hear that someone is going "on a diet" that something is off. Going on a diet sounds like it is something you will eventually go off of. I've been doing a bit of reading and researching and I don't believe it is possible for anyone to "go on a diet". Everyone has a diet. It's what we eat; whether our diets are good or bad is another story. I think what people mean to say is that they are going to change their diet-for better or worse. What do I mean by for better or worse? Well, the grapefruit diet for example is definitely a diet change for the worse. All grapefruit, all the time?? Or the Atkins diet, no carbs (including a ban on some veggies and most fruit) and all the meat you want. Sure there is some success with these diets initially, but the results don't tend to stick and people tend to gain the weight back and then some when they end the "diet". On these sorts of diets, people tend to feel deprived of the things they enjoy and if they do indulge in their no-no foods, they feel guilty and often times binge thinking 'well, I've already screwed up'. I don't understand the logic behind these "diets".
In addition to the crazy diets is the crazy exercise routines that some people punish themselves with. (Running on the treadmill for 2 hours, followed by an hour on the StairMaster) I am currently reading a book called "French Women Don't Get Fat" and the book discusses that French women (and many European women) are amazed at what American women(and men) do to their bodies. Here are 10 key points of the French "Diet":
1. Eat a variety of foods
2. Occasionally indulge in the things you enjoy
3. Eat until you are satisfied, not full
4. Watch portion sizes
5. Measure your success by how clothes fit and how you feel, not by the number on the scale
6. Focus on your food-not tv, not work, not driving down the highway
7. Get 30-45 minutes of activity daily
8. Try eating in courses
9. When you feel hungry...EAT!
10. Drink lots of water
This is what I have learned about changing a diet for the better so far. I looked at how I am currently eating. Decided what changes need to be made, what portions I am eating, etc. When I look at what I eat, I realize I consume too much sugar and preprocessed foods and super sized portions. I enjoy doughnuts though so cutting those out of my diet would not make me happy. According to the French style of eating I can keep doughnuts in my diet, but limit it to a special treat,only have one and maybe have some fresh fruit or yogurt with that doughnut. Another option is, maybe I'll have the doughnut and then pass on the mojitos at happy hour.
The French and European style of dining is also based on eating in courses, taking your time and focusing on what you're eating. Typically, my lunch is a PB and J sandwich, a cup of applesauce, and a fruit rollup in front of the computer. As I am working to improve that lunch I will eat int he break room with coworkers, trade the PB&J for half of a whole grain chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato and a little mustard (watching the serving size 2-3 oz. of meat is all that is needed), trade the applesauce in for a medium apple (the read deal!), add in some yogurt and the fruit roll up? I like it, so it stays, but no sugary afternoon snacks. I will also pay attention to the taste of my food and how I am feeling. If I am satisfied (not full) after the sandwich and apple, no need to go ahead and keep eating.
As for exercise, most Europeans walk A LOT more than most Americans, but 30-45 minutes of daily activity is recommended, whether you walk, bike, play some sport or whatever, just move!
I think the French are really on to something here. So while my coworkers are complaining about how hungry they are since their current diet is limited to coffee and celery, or as they try to count points and figure out which foods best match their blood type, I'll give my European influenced change in diet a try and enjoy eating! We'll see how it works.
No new news in writing, but some of the songs on repeat on my Sansa include: Freebird (Lynard Skynard, The Wind Cried Mary (Hendrix), Give Me The Simple Life (Steve Tyrell), What'd I Say Part 1 &2 (Ray Charles) and Rocket (Def Leppard).
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