I hope everyone out there is enjoying their tuesday! Of course, I wish you all were here because we are enjoying the most beautiful weather….(you all will hate me once again!) it is 73 degrees and sunny! Gorgeous!!! My muesli combo held me perfectly over til lunch (I did, of course, feel a little hungry–I’m always hungry—but brought peppermint tea with me to class, which helps greatly!) and I came home and made a DELICIOUS lunch with my leftovers from last night!!! I made a chicken, apple and cheese sandwich on a whole wheat bagel and it was fabulous. Here’s what I used: 2.5 ounces of roasted chicken, 1 light laughing cow cheese, 1 tsp honey mustard, 1 whole wheat bagel and about 1/4 of a fugi apple. I toasted the bagel, spread on the cheese and sandwiched everything together! On the side I had the remaining apple chunks and also a carrot I had chopped for last night’s dinner but didn’t end up using. I love bagels so much…they always fill me up and I’m not left with that “wanting more” feeling. Although I did just have a tiny bit of dark chocolate! ;)Now I’m on my way to Tampa…have any of you ever been to Flemings steakhouse before? I think I will order the “petit filet” again and specifically say “NO BUTTER” because now I know all steak houses pretty much drown their meat in it! Its good to be a nutritionally aware American!
Since I didn’t have a banana with breakfast I’m going to use it to make a little snack to take with me for later this afternoon. I love banana + peanut butter so I’m going to sandwich 1 tbsp pb into 1 banana and wrap it up in plastic wrap! The perfect tasty portable snack! 🙂
This lunch was about 517 calories…and very filling!!!
I’m taking the rest of my chicken leftovers home to give to my mom and brother for their dinner tonight! Hopefully they will enjoy it as much as I did…I will DEF. roast a chicken again now that I know how and feel comfortable!
Oh, and I’m sort of nervous—-Ryan hasn’t seen my new, “new” hair yet! Still feeling like its super short…eeek!
VeggieGirl
January 29, 2008 at 6:02 pmahh, it’s 46°F here (which is basically summer weather, haha), but EXTREMELY windy (and breezy). Enjoy your lovely weather for me!!
Ironically, I HAVE been to Fleming’s before – but obviously I didn’t order what you ordered, haha ;0)
peanut butter & banana? perfect portable snack indeed!!
I’m sure Ryan will love your new haircut!! Don’t worry!! :0)
Claudia
January 29, 2008 at 6:06 pm-52 degrees Celsius here…and no, we don’t get snow days…
I am definitely jealous 🙁
jenna
January 29, 2008 at 6:11 pmVeggieGirl,
What did YOU order at Flemings? Do you eat seafood?
Mandy
January 29, 2008 at 6:19 pmAre you kidding? Ryan is going to love your hair!!! It’s adorable! I don’t know how anything could look bad on you!
peanut butter & banana is my FAVORITE snack!!!
and lunch looks so good!! I think we are going to try roasting a chicken this week 🙂 This may be silly to ask… but do you think there’s any difference in roasting a turkey? a small one?
And about the KIND bars… I was curious – do they hold you over for a long time? I noticed there wasn’t a lot of protein in them.. I seem to be pretty protein based… but was curious how long you can last after having one with having to eat again?
Thanks Jenna! Have fun tonight!
Trina
January 29, 2008 at 6:45 pmJenna, Your hair looks fabulous! You’ll have to tell us what Ryan says!
That sandwich does look really good too, I might have to roast a chicken soon!
I have a question that anyone might be able to answer…I usually eat half of my calories during the day (all day long) and then the other half at dinner/dessert (dessert is usually plain yogurt with fruit).
I am just wondering if this isn’t a good way to distribute calories or if it doesn’t matter at all. I work a pretty sedentary job during the day (if you can’t tell since I am obviously on the comp!!) but when I get off work is when I go do my workout for the day, which is why I like to save a lot of calories for dinner/post workout. I started to think it might be a bad thing that I have so many calories lumped up at dinner…what do you all think?
Hope everyone is having a great start to the week!!!
Sara
January 29, 2008 at 7:05 pmWhat a yummy looking lunch!
My boyfriend and I recently went to Fleming’s on our trip to California. He just loves steak, and I don’t eat it at all, so when we travel I try to find steakhouses with delicious menus that I can still find something on.
We shared brushetta with smoked salon, and I had an awesome spinach salad with mushrooms and goatcheese. For my main course I had their salmon fillet and it was SO good! My guy said his steak was one of the best he has had. They also have a dessert sampler that you can get to try a few tiny pieces of the desserts, ours had a lava cake, chocolate cake and I think a few others. All were great!
Have fun, and I’m positive Ryan will adore your hair, it looks great! 🙂
TC
January 29, 2008 at 7:14 pmRyan is sure to love your new hair–it’s super cute!
I just wanna say thanks for talking about your love of macaroons! I live in Philly and there’s the cutest patisserie here that makes macaroons. I got a raspberry one today at lunch, and I loved it. Never would have tried if I didn’t read your blog–thanks!!
Ashley
January 29, 2008 at 7:31 pmTrina, I basicly do the same thing with my calories..I eat about 300 for bfast, 300 for lunch and then about 600 – 700 for dinner and dessert. I never know if this is a good way to distribute, but usually I never feel hungry throughout the day, so thats how I base it. Once in a while I will snack on somthing small between lunch and dinner if I have to, but most times it works for me.
Im not saying its healthy in any way, I really have no idea, but your not the only one who does it. Just thought I would let you know.
And Jenna, Your hair looks awsome! Im sure Ryan will love it.
Ana
January 29, 2008 at 7:42 pmcait-i used to/still do! have the same problem! (thinking about and planning my next meal/snack always makes me crave it NOW) i really haven’t found anything that works per say, but i used to be extremely restrictive and now i allow myself anything i am craving, only in a decent amount. i have found that, overtime, this has made me a happier eater and i am not constantly thinking about what i can’t have. also, instead of planning exactly what i am going to eat next, i write out an “outline” of possible combinations. then, when it actually comes time to eat, i sit down and think “what do i really want?” i use the list for ideas and sometimes i eat what i plan, and others i go a different route completely. i find this has really helped me. hope it gives you some ideas. good luck! restriction is a road i know well and is no place i want to visit again!
Shelley
January 29, 2008 at 7:43 pmmmm that sandwich looks REALLY good.
to answer a question that was asked yesterday (I figured it’d be more likely to be seen here) about workout exercises: I’ve learned a lot of exercises through magazines (mostly Shape). I’ve subscribed for two or three years, and in every issue they have a cardio workout, a full-body strength routine, a section that targets certain muscle groups, and probably a couple more exercises. They all come with tips of what to do and what not to do. I think it’s really great, and it’s helped me a lot. I already knew a little bit just from having to go to the weight room once or twice a week when I was running cross country in high school, but learning different exercises has helped me vary my workout and continue to challenge my muscles.
also, you could check out the different group exercise classes. I’ve learned a lot of new exercises there too. 🙂
Ana
January 29, 2008 at 7:47 pmquick question about muesli-can you buy it here or is it an european (do u us an or a there?? lol!) product? looks good, but i haven’t seen anything like it in the grocery stores around here. maybe it’s in a special section? thanx!
VeggieGirl
January 29, 2008 at 7:56 pmno, no, no – I’m a vegan. I spoke with the chef at Fleming’s ahead of time, and he prepared a lovely dish featuring roasted vegetables (brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, garlic), sauteed chard, and lentils – delish!!
Sam
January 29, 2008 at 7:56 pmThis is for anyone. My mom and I have an ongoing debate going every time we cook pasta as to when to weigh pasta-before or after cooked. How do you all do this?
Danielle
January 29, 2008 at 8:27 pmHi all,
I’ve been so afraid to roast a chicken but I’ve recently been really inspired to try 🙂 I have a question for Jenna or any other knowledgeable poster… how deep does the pan have to be? I don’t have a lot of pots and pans because it’s my first year living in an apt with 2 other girls but I was hoping I wouldn’t have to buy something new. That would take away from this cheap, delicious, never-ending meal! Thanks for your help everyone!
Kate
January 29, 2008 at 8:30 pmHi Jenna,
I was just wondering what brand of honey mustard you use and did you roast the apples or just add raw slices?
The sandwich looks awesome. I often have bagel sandwiches too. I find them very satiating and I live in New York so we have the best bagels around!
jenna
January 29, 2008 at 8:53 pmSam,
the proper way to to weigh the pasta BEFORE you cook it! 🙂
Danielle,
I just use a shallow (about 1 inch or so maybe?) roasting pan..you can get this anywhere–very cheap at target!
Kate,
I’m not sure what this is called to be quite honest. I just picked it up quickly because it looked different and said “since 1905” on it. I’m in tampa but when I get home to Orlando I will check and let you know! And I would kill for a NY bagel!! yum!
Mandy,
KIND bars are actually the few bars that DO hold me over! I like the taste of the kashi bars but I’m always hungry again in like 30 minutes. The KIND bars, while they don’t have mega protein, have tons of healthy fat in them from the nuts..this is what keeps you going! I used to be all about the protein too but then i learned that Americans eat WAY to much of it! I eat way to much of it and I don’t even try or even eat meat every day! I used to like zone perfect bars but got sort of burned out on them. I like Clif bars for a pre-workout snack..but I really lean towards bars that are strictly fruit and nuts in the afternoon for a pick me up. They usually hold me over for about 3 hours til dinner.
Ana,
I can’t remember the store exactly I bought that at but I know it was in America and it was in Florida. Probably the Fresh Market. You can find regular old muesli at any grocery store…it comes in regular and sugar-free kinds and is in a smaller box with the cereals.
Sam
January 29, 2008 at 9:14 pmJenna, do you use a measuring spoon for things like mustard and jam (you give the amounts so thats why I am asking) Enjoy your steak dinner!
jenna
January 29, 2008 at 9:18 pmSam,
I never do…I just scoop or squeeze and eyeball it! A lot of people DO measure things like this if they are counting every calorie they eat but I sort of find that a bit too much….plus i already have a million dishes to wash, as is!
Thanks, I will enjoy dinner! Now I’m contemplating salmon though after one reader’s response.
VeggieGirl, I want YOUR flemings dinner!!!!!
aimee
January 29, 2008 at 9:19 pmTrina, I find that if I distribute my food over the day, I’m a lot less hungry. Usually I have breakfast around 7:30am (oatmeal or high fiber cereal with fruit), but then eat my lunch throughout the day rather than sitting down at noon.. I usually get hungry every three-four hours, and I also exercise either at noon or after work (between 5 and 6). Then I come home and eat dinner around 6:30 or 7. I don’t think it’s “unhealthy” to eat this way.. I just think everyone’s different and it’s important to do what works for you.
ashley
January 29, 2008 at 9:29 pmHey Everyone! I’d love to have everyone’s answer on these questions along with Jenna’s. I get about 1200-1400 calories a day, I recently started looking at about how much fat I eat and I probabley only eat about 10-maybe 15 on the high side per day (all healthy fats by the way) is this too low? should i be eating more fat and how much should i be eating? also I saw that you said Americans eat too much protein Jenna, how much protein should I be eating (I’m 5’9 1/2 about 128) My last question is I found out I’ve been eating below my bmr for some time now, I exercise daily also 30-50 min 5-6 days a week cardio, should I just start eating right at my bmr and my body will re-adjust itself? how do I figure in calories burned from exercise? I don’t want to gain weight but I want to be healthier and I’ve found as I’ve been slowly eating more I have more energy so I know it’s the right thing I just don’t know how to do it. Have any of you been in this situation before? Sorry for the long post everyone, I really appreciate the input!
Courtney
January 29, 2008 at 9:48 pmthis is a silly question and probably obvious, but i still want to ask anyway! how do you sandwich your banana and PB in wax paper? do you just spread PB all over the banana and wrap it up? I must know because I am always looking for good portable snacks! haha thanks 🙂
mel
January 29, 2008 at 10:10 pmHey Ashley! I’m no specialist but it doesn’t seem like you are eating near enough and you seem to be really thin for you height. I am 5’6 and weigh about 120-123 and consider myself to be slim. I maintain my weight by eating close to 1800-2000 calories a day and I work out about 4-5 days doing cardio for about 20-25 and weights for about 20 mins. If you are hungry or your energy is low- that is for sure a sign you should be eating more. You will not gain weight bc with the amt of exercise you do now and the few calories you eat your body is probably craving more! jUst my opinion though!! I know when I don’t eat enough I’m tired and irratible and my energy is sluggish!! Take care!! xoxo
mel
Trina
January 29, 2008 at 10:25 pmThanks for your input Aimee! I would love to hear from anyone else, too. I know that interpreting your own body signs is a huge part of figuring out what works best for you, but I have a really hard time doing that. I think that I am definitely a creature of habit and once I get stuck in a way of doing things, it is hard to change.
So, even if I am doing things that maybe aren’t ideal, it is really hard for me to tell if my body is telling me that I need a change or should be doing things differently. Does that make sense?
So maybe in addition to what I already was asking, some input on being able to figure out what is best for you would also be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks all!!
Sam
January 29, 2008 at 10:26 pmMel,
You said you do weights for about 20 minutes. What type of exercises do you do? And how did you learn them? I hate doing weights because I find setting up the machines takes so long!
Arika
January 29, 2008 at 10:42 pmTrina, when I read your question it sounds exactly like my day. I usually eat about 800 or 900 calories between breakfast, lunch and a small pre workout snack, and then eat 500-700 calories post workout at dinner and dessert. I also have a sedintary day job and I find I am satisfied with having slightly lower calorie intake earlier and then feel I need more after my workout. I think a calorie in is a calorie, and it doesn’t matter so much how you distribute them as long as your body is satisfied and nourished. I do however try to avoid eating after about 8pm, just because I don’t like feeling stuffed when I go to bed. Also when I say dessert that usually means some fruit and yogurt, a half cup of light ice cream with berries or a square of good quality dark chocolate, so its not a heavy dessert. Its more like Jenna’s approach…just a small treat to cap off dinner and hit my sweet tooth : )
I have a question for all of you now. I have found that when I workout first thing in the morning (around 5:30-7am) that I have so much more hunger all day then I do on days when I workout in the afternoon (5pm-6:30pm) and tend to take in more calories on those days. Does anyone else experience this? I enjoy the feeling of getting the workout in first thing, but honestly I love afternoon workouts, and only do the morning ones on days I know I can’t make it after work. I would be interested in hearing your opinions. Thanks.
jenna
January 29, 2008 at 10:48 pmAshley,
For your height, you do seem quite slim. I also believe that that number of calories is incredibly low…especially if you are exercising as much as you say. Like Mel, I am 5’6″ and weigh about 120 pounds and I eat about 1900 or so calories a day just to maintain….I think you should incorporate some more “:healthy” fats into your diet, because right now is does seem a little low in the fat category and not all fat is bad fat! I’m not sure what you eating now for snacks, but why dont you try some nuts and fruit or trail mix instead? That way you would be getting the benefit of some more heart healthy fats. Its really hard for me to tell you anything really diet-wise because this is just over the computer and I can’t actually meet with you in person. If I were to meet with you I would take your measurements and further analyze your diet and probably put you on a higher calorie diet plan. I don’t think you would really gain too much weight if you increased your calories a little, I just think you might have more energy and just feel better throughout the day. I would say you should aim to eat about 50-60 grams of protein a day. 60 is on the high side, but thats usually what I eat without even trying. Again—its nearly impossible for me to diagnose whether you are eating not enough without meeting with you..this is the best I can do blog-wise!
Megan
January 29, 2008 at 11:05 pmhow would you measure 2.5 ounces from a roasted chicken? Have fun at Fleming’s and tell me how it is!!! There is one in Boston which I’m dying to go to!
ashley
January 29, 2008 at 11:06 pmthanks for the advice Jenna! I’ve been eating yogurt and fruit for snacks but i’m starting to incorporate like half a pb&j wrap with fruit or similar things to throw some healthy fats in there. I’m like you, I eat a lot of protein a day without even trying I was just curious what I should be getting around. Thanks so much again for the tips!
jenna
January 29, 2008 at 11:06 pmArika,
I feel the same way about being more hungry on the morning-workout days. I can’t give you a real explanation for this, except that your metabolism gets jump started really early and sends a signal to your brain to feed it more! I usually DO end up consuming more calories on days when I have a good sweaty workout or run first thing…That’s not “bad” though–its just your body saying it needs more and its not such a significant caloric difference (at least with me) that I would hinder what I eat.
I also think those that eat small meals throughout the day are doing the right thing. its a proven fact that eating small meals throughout the day is great for our metabolism. The reason I eat the way I do is because of my living situation right now. When I move back here and actually live a “grown-up” life, I’m sure my eating patterns will change as well. Ryan doesnt like to eat til 8:30 at night for crying out loud! I will have some serious adjusting to do! Anyways, whatever works for you is fine…some people like breakfast to be their “big” meal of the day and others choose lunch. I like to more evenly space everything out so I can enjoy snacks as well.
Just my 2 cents 🙂
jenna
January 29, 2008 at 11:09 pmMegan,
2.5 ounces of chicken is like palm sized. Maybe about a half cup of chicken? Sorry I cant give you a better answer, but I’m really not exactly sure!
jenna
January 29, 2008 at 11:22 pmCourtney,
I sliced the banana into 2 halves then each half lengthwise so I have 4 sections. I spread PB on 2 sections and sandwich them together so I have 2 little banana sandwiches. Then I wrap each one in clear wrap and put it in my purse! easy and portable!
Ashley H.
January 29, 2008 at 11:47 pmHi Jenna,
This is my first time posting. I love that you love yoga. I am a certified yoga teacher (though I don’t teach yet… just finished my undergrad degree). Also, I went to the yoga journal conference in San Francisco this month (it was my grad present and it was AMAZING esp since I never leave the East coast). Anyway I just wanted to say you and I must have the same haircut now. I cut 10-ish inches off last month immediately after graduation to donate it. I used Katie Holmes’s bob as the inspiration. I do a short short half ponytail (barely makes it) with 2 hair clips for the shorter pieces to hold it back when I work out.
Courtney
January 29, 2008 at 11:53 pmthanks Jenna! have fun at Fleming’s!
Megan
January 30, 2008 at 12:01 amI just had some farm raised salmon, and I just wondering your thoughts on that? About the chemicals they use?
Dinai
January 30, 2008 at 12:21 amRandom Question for anyone to answer:
WARNING: Kind of gross subject matter-
For the past week, everytime I go to the bathroom it is loose and watery. I haven’t been able to go normally for some reason, and I’m beginning to wonder if it’s because I’m eating yogurt everyday.
I didn’t use to eat yogurt frequently, but now I do as a snacks and part of breakfast, but I did used to eat yogurt often, so why am I getting these reactions now (I recently bough Stonyfield Plain Nonfat Yogurt)…
Or could it be because I eat sugarfree gum everyday (around 7 sticks a day).. but I’ve been chewing gum for quite a while as well.. why would I be getting reactions now all of a sudden?
Anywho, just wondering what anybody would advise me to do.. I’m sick of going to the bathroom all watery and loose!
what can i do to get rid of this mild case of diarrhea?
thanks!
Arika
January 30, 2008 at 12:36 amThanks for your input Jenna. I certaintly don’t mind eating the extra food on the days I am more hungry from a morning workout. I just find it odd that I can basically workout for the same amount of time and the same intensity, but for some reason the time of day that I exercise really affects my whole days appetite.
Anyways, I hope you have a great time tonight, and don’t worry Ryan will of course love your hair! On a funnier note, I took this yoga/pilates fusion class last night and man oh man am I sore today! I was in the class doing what the instructor says and I am thinking to myslef this doesn’t seem like a very challenging workout. Well let me tell you…I was so wrong. My body is sore in places I didn’t even realize I was working, haha. It was awesome, and I wanted to say thanks, because I hadn’t tryed any yoga in a few years and you inspired me to give it another go.
mel
January 30, 2008 at 2:04 amhey Sam!! I really love to lift weights and the results of toned muscles lifting gives me! I usually do a mix bt machines and free weights- for machines, I like to do leg presses (about 70 lbs 40-50 times), a hamstring machine to tone the back of your legs, a machine that works your inner and outer thighs, and a machine that works your bicepts and shoulders. I like to use free weights to do leg lunges, squats, squats with my legs facing outward (to work the inner thighs), side to side (stand up and just lean to one side and the next holding a weight (about 8 lbs) in each hand) to work the love handles! haha! i also like to do tricept dips on just a bench, calf raises, and some sit ups. Of course I don’t do all of these each day, but I like to alternate so i don’t get bored!! I promise your muscles won’t get big, just toned, if you do pretty light/medium weights and more reps!! happy lifting!! 🙂
mel
Melissa
January 30, 2008 at 2:06 amHi,
I just had a few products that I thought you all might enjoy. Justin’s Nut Butter packets. They are 100 calorie servings and come in all kinds of flavors from cinnamon peanut butter to honey almond. you can find the website by googling. Great for travel and portion control.
My nutritionist actually recommended them, hungry girl has too.
I agree about the Kashi chewy bars, but the GoLean Crunch bars (some are only 150 cals.) keep me going forever. Just be sure to look for Go Lean crunch not tlc crunchy or Go Lean Chewy.
Thanks for all your great ideas and delicious looking recipes Jenna. You make a really classy sandwich 🙂
Liz
January 30, 2008 at 3:03 amI asked this the other day…but just wondering if you guys ever go back for seconds…i find myself doing this a lot! Do you usually dish up dinner, eat and be done, or go back for more? Not saying either way is right or wrong, and I’m sure it is dependent on how much you dish up in the first place…but just curious!
Megpie
January 30, 2008 at 3:22 amHi Jenna!
Just wanted to say…you shouldn’t worry too much about your hair! I am a hairdresser, and I think your new cut looks great on you! Short hair is definitely “in”. I have to say I see all the time that short hair can just make people look more sophisticated and put together! You know when you have longer hair it is so easy to just throw your hair into a ponytail than trying to style it! But with short hair it CAN be effortlessly cute. And I know, I know on an annoying hairdresser side note: the beauty of hair is that it grows… and you’ll see it’ll seem like your new short hair will grow so much faster! 🙂 Just had to give you a couple words of hair encouragement, because you look so cute its not worth worrying over! Oh and I’m going to make your maple sandwich bread recipe sometime this week (I got all the ingredients!) I cant wait. Thanks a lot!
Alyssa
January 30, 2008 at 3:49 amAbout the weather, I don’t think it can get much colder than the 12 degrees below zero it is here in MN…
sp
January 30, 2008 at 4:07 amflemmings….delicious. 5 words –white truffel mac and cheese
mel
January 30, 2008 at 4:15 amhey liz! it depends on what I have! I go back for seconds if I am still hungry but I usually try to stick to healthy choices like I’ll get more cottage cheese, salad, veggies, tuna, etc. I usually put a lot of food on my main plate so I tend to be full from all of that, but i never let myself go hungry after a meal bc i’ll just snack a lot later! if I’m eating dessert and want more, I try to add a banana and pb to my bowl of ice cream or piece of cake so I don’t have double dessert (which I easily could every single day bc I love it! haha)
Liz
January 30, 2008 at 4:32 amHey Mel, I’m the same way, I usually go back for the healthy stuff that isn’t way too high in calories…i love getting seconds, but try to make it as innocent as possible. Usually don’t let myself get more dessert cause that would definatly be disaster haha! (I have a massive sweet tooth!)
jenna
January 30, 2008 at 2:07 pmThanks, Megpie! 🙂
Melissa,
Thanks for the pb recommendation! I will def. keep my eyes open for those!
Dinai,
I would seriously go to the doctor about this because it sounds like you are dehydrating yourself! I’m thinking that perhaps you are lactose intolerant…or allergic to something in the gum. I would stop both and see if the problem fixes itself..if it doesnt–you need to see someone because this could become a serious matter!
Trina
January 30, 2008 at 4:50 pmJust wanted to say thanks to Arika and Jenna for your input on the “distributing of calories” questions!! You were a great help, and I feel better now knowing that it is ok!!