Lunch

Flax=AMAZING

WOW. Way to go flax!!!!!! For the first time in a very long time, I was kept full until lunch–no need for a morning snack! I’m thinking it must be the ground flax on my french toast because I ALWAYS am hungry for a morning snack! I guess the award-winning super combo of whole grains, healthy fats, fruit and protein really shined today….and I will def. be using flax in my breakfasts from now on! Amazing and I’m thinking it was worth the ten dollars I paid last night! I wasn’t even “famished” on my way home from class today at 12:30…I felt hungry, yes, but not gut renching starving! When I got home I fixed a light lunch for myself because I wasn’t over the top starving.

The other day my roommate and I were cleaning out the bottomless hole we call the freezer and found a package of Morningstar Farms veggie corn dogs. Now, we both LOVE Morningstar farms stuff but just couldn’t remember who bought the corn dogs! So, we decided to just share them 🙂 I had one for lunch today (made in the micro but I HIGHLY suggest you take the 20 minutes and heat in the oven because its a world of difference) with 1/2 cup of Horizon Organic 2% cottage cheese and a ripe, juicy plum. I dipped my “corn dog” in honey mustard.

After I ate I felt full and satisfied but not weighed down. I then came into my room and computed out the calories of my meal to post on here for y’all. I was shocked at how low it was! I debated for a second if maybe I should go eat another corn dog or have some hummus and crackers but then I stopped and thought to myself: “I’m full. Why should I eat more just because my lunch computed out to be lower calories than normal?” So, in true intuitive eating style, I listened to my body and instead had a small piece of black licorice. I think its silly to eat just for the sake of eating….if you are full, you are full—you should respect your body in that way. When I look back on this meal I see that I had protein (veggie dog + cottage cheese), dairy (c-cheese), fruit and carbs (veggie dog). I could have had some veggies, but, hey, I’m not perfect!

I’m trying to get back to my old way of eating more “mini-meals” in the day instead of one large meal, anyways. It’s better for your metabolism, for sure! So don’t you worry…I will be having a substantial snack later on 🙂

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Lunch was about 280 calories.

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  • Jen
    February 6, 2008 at 6:24 pm

    How are the Morningstar Farms corndogs? Worth eating? I tried the brauts and didn’t like them. I do like the breakfast sausage, though.

  • Beth
    February 6, 2008 at 6:24 pm

    Jenna,

    Two questions for your culinary wisdom 🙂 You used frozen peppers the other night, since those are cheaper do you think I could defrost those and eat them as I would raw peppers? Or are frozen peppers really only for stir frys, etc.

    Also, besides cost, does pre chopped garlic have any negatives?

  • Laura
    February 6, 2008 at 6:25 pm

    Jenna, how many mini meals a day do you do? Does dinner stay around 300 calories as well?

  • Sam
    February 6, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    This is a question for Jenna or if someone else knows. Sometimes when I am eating a pita I don’t want to cut it in half . Do any of you know how to cut a pita so that you have two large circles- the top and bottom?

  • jenna
    February 6, 2008 at 6:28 pm

    Laura,

    I dont have set calories for any meal….no..I’m sure dinner will be more than 300 calories. Most my meals are…today was just lower for some reason. I eat every 2 1/2-3 hours and that’s what has worked for me for years. I don’t like the feeling of being weighed down after a large meal so I divide my meals out. None of my meals and snacks ever have set calories I “strive” for…but at the end of the day I think I eat around 1700-1900 calories a day. Eating frequent small meals has said to raise your metabolism, give you more energy and keep you from overeating. But…its whatever works for yoU!

  • Lisa
    February 6, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    yuck! (not the corn dog) but I was so disgusted that my all natural vanilla flavored yogurt had 33g of sugar/cup. So this week, at the grocery store, I thought I would just go back to the Light and Fit vanilla yogurt b/c it only had 7g of sugar. I was starving by the time lunch came so I scarfed down the flavored yogurt and felt great….for a second…then I felt yucky b/c of the horrible after taste the artifical sweetner left in my mouth!! eww…my lunch was just ruined. I also tried the plain lowfat yogurt over the weekend and it was ok…after I added a bit of strawberry jam to it to give it a less bitter/tart flavor. Hmmmm…I’m in such a dilema! I love yogurt but can’t get over the 33g of sugar and the plain is just so different. I guess I might have to just force myself to like the plain stuff… :/

  • Anna
    February 6, 2008 at 6:36 pm

    Jenna, you’re making me nostalgic with your talk about Charleston. I went there for undergrad too (class of 2005), but I’m in Indiana in grad school now (bleh). You sound like (no offense– I studied abroad in France too, and LOVED it) quite the Francophile 🙂 Did you eat at Rue de Jean and Fast and French in Charleston? Those were two of my favorites!

  • Mandy
    February 6, 2008 at 6:41 pm

    Jenna – I am so sorry to ask this question but for your moms BBQ chicken recipe, when she says 1 1/2 lbs of chicken thighs, is that the weight AFTER they have been deboned and skinned? Or before?

    And when you make your butternut squash… do you use light brown sugar or dark? Does it matter?

    Thanks!

  • Eliza
    February 6, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    intuitive eating reminds me a lot of what I learned in my stress management class about mindfulness and mindful eating.

    VERY interesting. I suggest you read about it.

  • Sarah
    February 6, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    intuitive eating! Something I have heard about, but not yet mastered:) I am still relying on the eat every three hours thing (I do the mini meal thing, like 6 times a day!)

  • melissa
    February 6, 2008 at 7:03 pm

    Hi Everyone!

    I just asked this question on a different blog, but I thought I would post it on here as well. I always enjoy the responses this blog gets!

    I have a question: I’m leaving for a 4 day cruise tomorrow and am concerned about the food that’ll be available to me while I’m on the ship. It’s my first time going on a cruise and I’ve heard tons of things about the tempting buffets and tasty meals that’ll be offered. I obviously know to watch my portion size, not to eat anything fried and to bring my own healthy snacks – but does anyone have any other advice for me?

    Thanks and have a very happy Wednesday!

  • Rachel
    February 6, 2008 at 7:11 pm

    Hi! You can delete this if it’s inappropriate, but I started my own food blog and wanted to share the link!

    http://snickitysnack.wordpress.com/

  • Kristin
    February 6, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    Lisa,

    I used to have the SAME battle with yogurt! I couldn’t bring myself to eat plain yogurt, at all. So I switched from flavored to vanilla, and then tried the plain… still couldn’t do it. THEN I tried Fage. I absolutely HATED the gross, bitter taste… but loved the texture. I started by adding a bit of fruit and honey, pom seeds or some maple syrup to my fage every time I ate it, and grew to love how long it kept me full, and the cool texture. Eventually, the more I ate Fage the less I needed the sweetener added, and now I enjoy it plain for a snack, or with fruit/nuts/extras as part of a meal. I’ve tried other brands of greek yogurt, and I now love the bittersweet taste! I’ve even re-tried plain yogurt, and I’m totally fine with it now! It just took some getting used to. I still eat nonfat flavored as treat a few times a week, but prefer plain for the lack of sweeteners and more protein. Good luck!

  • Nicole
    February 6, 2008 at 7:16 pm

    Lisa–
    Try plain yogurt with some honey–you control the amount so get exactly the sweetness you want. It also, for whatever reason makes the yogurt really smooth, which I think is really good. I also really like to cut up/smash in some banana.

  • Courtney
    February 6, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    Hi Melissa! This is just a blurb of what I would do/bring on a cruise if I was in your situation!

    I would bring some fruit for each day (I’m not sure what cruise buffets serve since I’ve never been on one, so they may have fruit, but I would bring it anyway to be prepared): apples, bananas, oranges, peaches, pears, anything that really can sit out and doesn’t have to be refrigerated! I would bring my own jar of natural peanut butter because I can’t live without that stuff, and you can always enjoy your apple and banana with a tablespoon or two of some good PB. Target sells single serving cereal bowls, so if you like cereal look out for those, they have Kashi Heart to Heart and Cheerios, those are the ones I always buy! Also think about snacking in between meals, bring some Kashi or Luna bars, those always do the trick.

    As for the buffets and tempting foods, I think you should just focus on getting most of the food groups in and include a little fat, protein and fiber in each of your meals to keep you full and energized! Start out with small portions, because you can always go back for more if you aren’t completely satisfied. Like Jenna said in her lunch post, listen to your body! When you feel full stop eating, and when you are eating enjoy it! Also, treat yourself to a little desert if it looks good! You and everyone else deserves a treat once in a while! 🙂

    I hope this helped a little bit! Enjoy your cruise, I’m jealous!

  • Patricia
    February 6, 2008 at 7:20 pm

    I was just in Charleston this Saturday and I had lunch at Fast and French! I’ve been there twice and I love it!!!

  • Courtney
    February 6, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    lucky you! I never went to Fast and French, but I really do miss 82 Queen and Hank’s Seafood…and King Street…and running along the Battery as the sun sets…

  • VeggieGirl
    February 6, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    I know, isn’t the flax fabulous?? I always have it in my smoothies :0) so glad that you like it too!! it’s very satiating.

    so I see you went with the Morningstar Farms corndog – hooray for cruelty-free ;0)

    eating mini-meals is so much better on the digestive system – good choice for your eating-style!!

  • Trina
    February 6, 2008 at 7:40 pm

    Jenna, I LOVE your recipes and I finally decided to go onto your recipe page to print some out. I just had a quick suggestion (I know you are super busy so you might not wanna do this..) but it would be really awesome if you divided your recipe page into sub-pages. For example, you could click on “breads” and all of your bread recipes would be there.

    Just an idea!! It would be much easier to find all of your wonderful recipes that way 🙂

    Thanks for all the work you do!! I can’t wait to try some of these recipes, it’s making me hungry just thinking about them!

  • melissa
    February 6, 2008 at 8:10 pm

    Thanks, Courtney – you’re a great help!

    I’ve already got my Kashi bars and apples all packed up and ready to go! Lets just hope they don’t go through my luggage and find it all!

  • jess
    February 6, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    Quick re-post of a question about the chili. I LOVE the new forum-like aspect of the comments by the way, so as long as you don’t mind me re-posting a question I don’t mind that it gets lost among the interesting discussions about flax/yoga/other things (that is Not a sarcastic comment by the way, I really do love how this has turned into a happy healthy community of sorts!!)

    Quick question about the chili recipe, the nutritionals are per ‘bowl’- What is the difference between a cup and a bowl? (in restaurants, too? measurement-wise, haha. Is it just double or something? just curious because I thought that it would be a pretty significant difference)

    Thank you!
    -jess

  • VeggieGirl
    February 6, 2008 at 8:20 pm

    Jenna, I saw the comment you left for me on Brianne’s blog – I responded to it, but I also wanted to know if you had a preference as to which day(s) I send you? yesterday’s plan? today’s plan? haha, I just want to make sure I send the plan(s) you’re interested in :0)

  • choco9
    February 6, 2008 at 8:33 pm

    Melissa,

    I am not sure you’re allowed to bring fruit on like that and yes, they may remove it from your luggage. Believe me, you don’t need to take fruit anyway. There will be fresh fruit at every buffet, most likely.

    It is difficult to make ALL healthy decisions on a cruise. There is A LOT of food. Just try to walk a lot and keep it toned down. But it’s vacation right? Enjoy some of those indulgences you usually deny yourself. I did on a cruise I went on (actually, I totally pigged out) but made sure I was active and even used the gym a few times and walked off the boat MAYBE one pound heavier, if that. And then lost it when I went back to good eating habits. And I got to enjoy myself!

    Poiint is, I wouldn’t get too wrapped up in taking thigns along. There will be plenty there and you can make good choices.

  • Anne P
    February 6, 2008 at 8:40 pm

    Wow, both you and Kath commented on the flax keeping you full today–I need to try some of that stuff!

  • Kelly
    February 6, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    Hi Jenna,

    How may grams of flaxseed come in the packets fo flax? I went to the website of the manufacturer that makes them but it doesn’t say. It says that 12 grams of flax supply 5-6 grams of protein but it doesn’t say how many grams are in a packet. Would you mind posting the NI of this product or perhaps taking a picture of the box?

  • hk
    February 6, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    veggiegirl- i posted on brianne’s wall too, but im not sure you saw it… if it’s not too much of a bruden, would you be willing to email me a few days of what your meal plan/ composition looks like? let me know! thanks!!my email is hopekrause@gmail.com

  • Andrea
    February 6, 2008 at 8:50 pm

    what is briane’s blog address?

  • Scott @ One Food Guy
    February 6, 2008 at 8:54 pm

    This is the second blog I’ve read today that mentioned Flax as a supplement to breakfast that helped hold off hunger all the way to lunch. I’m going to have to try out some flax with my breakfasts.

  • jenna
    February 6, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Hi Jess 🙂

    I don’t measure my chili out…but I’m thinking a cup would be 1/2 a bowl. I have large bowls that I eat my cereal and soup from and I just consider that to be a serving size. It’s not exact but I hope that helps!

  • jenna
    February 6, 2008 at 8:56 pm

    I LOVE FAST AND FRENCH!!! Thats one of my favorites. I lived right behind it on Queen Street! 🙂

  • Annie
    February 6, 2008 at 9:05 pm

    Jess, I am not positive about this, but I think in restuarants a cup is typically 8 oz (1 cup) and a bowl is typically 16 oz (2 cups). Dont quote me on that though, just what Ive noticed when Ive gotten soup at different places. Hope that helps.

  • jenna
    February 6, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    Mandy,
    My goodness don’t be sorry to ask such a great question! I’m thinking that is before they have been deboned and skinned (like right when they are out of the package) although I am not very familiar with chicken thighs so I can’t be totally sure. I know my mom usually makes this with the breast meat so it’s a tad healthier….I feel silly even asking but perhaps you can go to the store and just ask the butcher for 1.5 pounds (or whatever the amount) of chicken thighs and then go from there?

  • jenna
    February 6, 2008 at 9:22 pm

    For everyone that wonders: Morningstar corndogs are AMAZING. I’ve been eating them for years and gotten my whole family hooked. One of them makes a great afternoon snack as well! I havent tried the brautwursts…I stick with the “chicken” nuggets, the soysage and the corndogs. YUM!!!!

    a note should be added that I actually have NEVER in my entire life tried a regular corn dog with real meat! Can you believe that?! So…these taste great to me but I’m judging them against nothing! 🙂

  • jenna
    February 6, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    Can I go on the cruise too?????? I LOVE cruises and unfortunately ALWAYS eat and drink way too much on them but its just so much fun. The good thing is that the 24 hour buffets always seem to have a great fruit selection!!! I like to load up with a huge fruit/yogurt/granola plate to start each day because then I eat less during it. Its not too hard to make healthy food decisions because there are about 1000 options and cruises have to have foods suitable for all diets (vegetarian, vegan, so on)–so you are bound to find something great and healthy to eat. Now, its the DRINKING that is the hard part. I had my first mojito on a cruise and there was no turning back.

    That reminds me! My parents got Ryan and I a 4-day cruise for Christmas. We just have to figure out where and when we want to go!!! It will probably be over my summer “vacation” in June and I’m already super excited 🙂

  • jenna
    February 6, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    Beth,

    I would stick to fresh peppers for just plain eating. The frozen ones would turn out too soft I think…and mushy. I buy them just to use in stir fries! They are great to have on hand. I can’t think of a con to chopped garlic….I buy fresh personally but I dont see why you couldnt by pre-chopped? Anyone have thoughts?

  • ecs
    February 6, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    don’t worry, you’re not alone – i’ve NEVER in my entire life tried a “real” corndog either!!

  • VeggieGirl
    February 6, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    **hk:

    I did see your comment on brianne’s blog, no worries :0) please let me know if you have a preference as to which day’s plan(s) you prefer.

  • VeggieGirl
    February 6, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    **hk:

    ahh, disregard the last part of my comment – you DID state your preference! sorry, it’s been a long day, haha :0)

  • Cara
    February 6, 2008 at 9:37 pm

    Hey Jenna,
    I’ve just come upon your blog recently, and I have to tell ya that compared to the other food blogs you’re my favorite – because you’re diet is most similar to mine. I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life (my parents are vegetarians and my mom never ate meat even when she was pregnant with me!). I’m so happy I was raised that way and plan to always be a vegetarian – to me it doesn’t feel like deprivation at all and my body is very healthy. There are so many creative ways to eat a satisfying plant-based diet (I do eat dairy products, though)!!!

    oooh and I LOVE Morning Star corndogs too! Morning Star products in general are great, but mm, the corndogs =] hehe. Also have you tried Sunshine burgers? They are a type of garden burger made w/ ground veggies and sunflower seeds that are SO delicious. I love chopping up one in a salad!

    anyways, thanks for your great blog and way to go on your healthy diet!!!

  • Becky
    February 6, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    Ok so quick question for anyone who sees this:
    I’m going out to TGI Fridays for my friend’s birthday in about an hour. Most of the stuff on their menu is loaded with fat and calories, but I checked online and the “Kung Pow Chicken” is on their “healthy” menu. Would this be a good choice? What other healthy options are there at that restaurant? When I’ve gone in the past I’d always get the Sizzlin Chicken and Cheese, haha. Not anymore!

    Jenna, thank you so much for the blog! As someone who has had eating and body image issues in the past, I really think you are a true inspiration!

  • Laura
    February 6, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    Does anyone know how many calories are in the flax packets?

  • Ashley H
    February 6, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    hi Jenna Just a few weeks ago I tried Kath’s oatmeal pancake and i had the same effect that you had with your french toast this morning (I wasnt even close to as hungry!) I think it was the two egg whites! Just thought you would think it was interesting.

  • Brianne
    February 6, 2008 at 9:58 pm

    Laura- I believe Jenna said they were 50 cals a pack.

  • Rachel
    February 6, 2008 at 10:04 pm

    Becky – TGI Fridays now has a line of “sensible portions” that come on a normal sized dinner plate instead of a platter. They’re sized more like what you’d serve yourself at home, and have calorie information I think. Go with one of those!

  • melissa
    February 6, 2008 at 10:06 pm

    JENNA: Thanks for the cruise insight. I’m so anxious to see all of the tasty options that they’ll have available! You’re from Tampa – correct? You absolutely must try a corndog from Mel’s Hotdogs (right by Busch Gardens.) I used to be completely obsessed with them when I was younger! Now, I opt for their “Light Mel” hotdog if I ever frequent there. It’s such a treat!

    CHOCO9: Thank you as well for your post about my cruise. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough! I would be devastated if they took my fruit away. I’m experiencing a slight obsession with it lately – especially apples and oranges!

    BETH: I purchase both fresh and chopped garlic. I use them both for different things. If I’m making a salad dressing, I’ll use fresh garlic, but I opt for pre-chopped garlic if I’m just cooking veggies, chicken or fish in a skillet. Both are fabulous. Pre-chopped is just simpler and quicker or everyday use.

  • Sarah (another one!)
    February 6, 2008 at 10:07 pm

    Becky,
    TGI Fridays has a whole section of the menu thats “Healthier”. They don’t list the nutritional stats but they say that each meal is under 500 calories. If none of those sound appealing, just get what you feel like with some modifications. Ask for dressing/sauces on the side, and maybe sub extra veggies instead of fries. But since this is a special occasion, try not to worry so much and just enjoy yourself! And since it’s a birthday, make sure you at least have a bite of cake : )

    Jess,
    When I worked as a waitress a cup of soup was 1 ladle and a bowl was 2. So I guess a cup is half a bowl—like Jenna said 8 vs 16 oz.

  • Becky
    February 6, 2008 at 10:08 pm

    thanks rachel! i think i’ll go with one of those.

  • VeggieGirl
    February 7, 2008 at 3:15 am

    **Laura:

    The flax packets have 50 calories in them. I hope you see this comment!

  • Jennifer
    February 7, 2008 at 3:03 pm

    Melissa– I’m so jealous about your cruise! The comments about the buffets reminded me of some good advice from the “French Women Don’t Get Fat” book–when faced with buffets, the author first surveys everything that is there to get an idea of what looks *really* good. Then first she gets a plate of fruit/veg/salad, something healthy and filling. Second, she goes back with a plate to get small portions of only the very best looking stuff, and since she’s already partly full from the produce, ends up eating a lot less. I love using this strategy because I feel like I’m getting all the yummy indulgent stuff, but am actually eating mostly good foods! But as Jenna said, definitely enjoy yourself and don’t worry too much about food, have a great time 😉

  • Cara
    February 7, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    My trip for the veggie corndogs is to heat it up in the microwave until its warm and then toast it in my toaster oven, as long as it would take to toast some bread. It is crispy and delicious. mmmm I want one now 🙂