Well, I handed in my poster, sat through 2 1/2 hours of lecture and now I’m finally able to enjoy Friday! During class this morning I snacked on 1/2 a clif bar. I like to eat before I become truly pain-in-the-gut starving because that is not only better for you (not likely to overeat later), but also because it’s more comfortable! When I got home from class I threw together a great salad with what was left in the fridge.
Here’s what I used:
1 gardenburger
1 big carrot
a little sliced onion (what was left in the fridge)
the rest of the bag of spinach (about 2 cups I would say)
kashi crackers and sliced pear on the side and Annie’s low-fat gingery dressing on the salad. It was awesome! I LOVE Gardenburgers but after a few recommendations, I will be on the lookout for a new burger when I go to the store tonight: Sunshine Burgers. The ingredient list only has like 4 things on it…all very healthy (brown rice, sunflower seeds…) and yummy. I love to branch out and try new things!!
I’m out to run a few errands!
Fiber-licious! haha!
VeggieGirl
February 8, 2008 at 5:47 pmHere’s to no more classes, lectures, or projects!! Well, until Monday, that is ;0)
I’m telling you, you’ll be throwing out those Gardenburgers once you bite into a Sunshine burger – so wholesome, flavorful, and just all around AMAZING!! I do hope you find them today, at W.F. (in addition to all my other recommendations, haha)
Amy
February 8, 2008 at 5:52 pmJenna,
I don’t know if you saw my post the other day but did you prefer the chunky roasted veggie soup you created or heidi swanson’s? Do you think adding cream either soup would just add unnecessary calories?
Would you mind explaining the difference b/w leeks and onions.
Lunch looks tasty!
Amy
February 8, 2008 at 5:53 pmVeggie girl, I was looking at your blog….if you don’t mind my asking where do you go to school? In the picture of you baking cookies your dorm room kitchen looks so nice!
Annie
February 8, 2008 at 6:02 pmHi Jenna. Just wondering, how many servings of fruit do you say you eat on an average day. I was looking at the pyramid rec. of 1.5 cups, and I think I eat way more then that. For bfast, I usually have berries, caneloupe, and maybe either banana or orange or somthing. Usually equals about 1.5 cups right there.. Then for lunch ill usually have a sliced apple, pear or plum. Obviously its not bad for me, but doyou think I should be eating something else instead of the fruit. I still think I get in all my vegis and grains, w/o exceeding my calories or anything. Just wondering your opinion on the 1.5 c recomendation they set. Thanks! Try and enjoy your short weekend.
Brianne
February 8, 2008 at 6:05 pmWOW that looks so good! I really like gardenburgers too- I haven’t had one in a while though! I’ll keep my eyes open for the sunshine burgers too- those sound so great!
Kelly T
February 8, 2008 at 6:21 pmthe sunshine burgers are delicious. you guys should definately check them out.
sperly
February 8, 2008 at 6:33 pmjust a little tidbit about soy burgers..
sometimes when you cook them in the microwave, they end up sort of mooshy (gross right?!).. especially the ones you’re supposed to cook inside the package like the boca products.
if you don’t have time for an oven, but you still want that crispy texture, i found out you can just put them in the toaster! it usually takes like 2 times through to get it completely cooked, but it gets sorta crispy on the edges and it’s great!
i’ve never had a sunshine burger.. but i’ll be on the lookout!
JennS
February 8, 2008 at 6:34 pmjenna, thats very exciting about you moving back in September 😉 i am getting married this spring and it is SO exciting! i love the planning (i have a coordinator but didnt hire a planner cause i wanted to do it myself. We are going to JAMAICA for the honeymoon) even more exciting we are having an all natural “honeY” cake for teh wedding cake and all organic foods.. except one thing i had to indulge in…. a chocolate fountain. AMAZING.
Cathy
February 8, 2008 at 6:39 pmHi Jenna! I know, I know, I have not posted in so long….I am sorry! Your blog looks amazing these days and is so popular now which is so wonderful!! Looks like there are some amazing people on the blog! Keep up the great work, I love reading your blog every day!
JennS- Congrats on your upcoming wedding! I have been married for a little over a year now….oh gosh, more like a year and a half actually! Time flies! I LOVE your cake idea AND chocolate fountains are just the BEST!! Good luck with all the planning, it’s so much fun!! I didn’t hire a planner either for the same reason. I was able to do all the planning myself and being Type A personality, this was a smart decision! 🙂
Ashley H
February 8, 2008 at 7:12 pmThat salad looks great I think I will have that for lunch too! I wanted to let you know that I tried the vinegarette you made last night and loved it! I am extremely picky about dressings and it was perfect with the spinach too! You have given so much good advice when it comes to food thanks!
PS You inspired me to also try a spinning class at my gym today! I have always been to intimidated but i am going to give it a go! I mean it cant hurt right! lol 🙂 Thanks again!
Greta
February 8, 2008 at 8:16 pmHas anyone ever heard of using Glucommannan, a water soluble fiber supplement to help you feel fuller longer? The January/February issue of Women’s Health suggests using it in their article The Perfect Body Diet. If you have had any experience using it, I would be interested in your feedback.
Annie
February 8, 2008 at 8:46 pmGreta, I read about Glucommannan in their book too. It seems like its too good to be true, and its the first time I ever heard of it. The book says its a liquid that you add either to smoothies, eggs, baked goods, whatever you feel like. I believe that they said it was some sort of fiber that is suposed to keep you full for a few extra hours, but Ive never even heard of it before reading this book so I dont know how much of it is true or how healthy it is. Id love to know if anyone else had any info about it though.
Laura
February 8, 2008 at 9:22 pmJenna, I am just curious if you have noticed a positive difference since you haven’t been counting calories?? I am trying to lean that way and eventually stop for good (at least consistently!). Just wondering what your experience has been so far!
emily w.
February 8, 2008 at 9:42 pmI have a quick question! This is kind of silly but I would like any insight! I was just eating some corn tortilla chips and got to thinking…the only ingredients are whole corn, vegetable oil and salt. Therefore, do these count as a grain?…a vegetable?….I usually count them as a grain but where’s the grain?! I am all of hte sudden confused! haha
HokieShelley
February 8, 2008 at 10:03 pmCorn is the grain 🙂 It is a vegetable too I believe. Someone please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. I think if you eat it as just plain corn (on or off the cob) you count it as a veggie, but if you eat it as chips, popcorn, tortillas, cereal, etc. you count it as a grain.
Sara F
February 8, 2008 at 10:09 pmSo…I haven’t posted on here forever, but I had a little free time this afternoon and decided to check in on the conversations. Anyway, I have a question about calorie counting. I have struggled in the past, not with an eating disorder, but with pretty restrictive eating. I have learned how to eat in a much more balanced, healthy way for my body and I know I’m eating enough, but sometimes I still find myself counting calories. Its just force of habit, but old habits die hard and this one I’m having trouble kicking. Anyone have any advice or little tricks for how they put calories out of their mind throughout the day? Thanks.
Sara F
February 8, 2008 at 10:12 pmJenna-
I don’t know if you’ve tried this, but plain yogurt of fage with a cup of sliced fruit, and a little honey, all sprinkled with flax is a pretty delicious breakfast. The flax gives it a sort of nutty flavor and replaces granola well if your in the mood for something different. Some times I add in some pumpkin or sunflower seeds as well.
linds
February 8, 2008 at 10:23 pmI feel like that too.. I am also trying to stop counting my calories but it sometimes feels like I have a subconscious running tally that I just can’t stop doing.. I still have a set max number of calories in my head and whenever I eat over that amount then I go back over what I ate that day and try to count up the calories for real! It’s so annoying! I mean, if I’m not stuffed then I obviously didn’t eat too much. It’s like I can’t excuse myself for being a little bit hungrier one day. I just want to forget about those silly little numbers!! If any ex-counters have tips I’d love to hear them!!!!
emily w.
February 8, 2008 at 10:49 pmThanks! That’s what I thought, I was just confused for a second! lol
Ashley
February 8, 2008 at 11:23 pmI was just curious, how much flax are you adding to your oatmeal in the morning, one tablespoon or two? also my flax says its 90 cal for two tablespoons, weren’t you saying yours was 50 for two? do you know why there’s the difference?
jenna
February 8, 2008 at 11:36 pmAshley,
I have NO idea what the difference in the flaxes are….this was my first time buying flax so I’m a newbie at it. Perhaps in the little packets there is a tiny bit less than the serving size of 2 tbsp, therefore it is 50 calories not 90. Your guess is as good as mine!
To All:
Its very freeing not counting calories, though I know it can be a difficult thing to break yourself of if you are new at it. Honestly, when I DID count calories it was much harder for me because I never had before and I suddenly felt restricted because (gasp-10 grapes = something like 30 calories..how many “could” I eat??!) THAT IS SILLY, GIRLS!!!!!!! I have no idea how many calories were in my lunch, snack and dinner today but I’m pretty sure it is the same as, or even maybe less than, it was when I counted. Your body gets in a system and you can totally tell when you eat more or less that you are used to. YES, it IS hard at first…but stay with it. I’m sure none of you are spooning out half the peanut butter jar now that you don’t measure out a tbsp anymore. I’m pretty sure each and every one of you is totally and completely fine…and probably eating less because you are being careful! Life is WAYYYYY too short to count your grapes. Oh, that’s a good one 😉
Kelly T
February 8, 2008 at 11:55 pmQUALITY of calories is what we all should be concerned about, not quantity. 200 cals in a brownie is not the same as 200 cals of whole grains and protien
jenna
February 9, 2008 at 12:01 amAmen!!!! 🙂
linds
February 9, 2008 at 1:23 amOh I definitely know it’s about quality.. I have never “saved up” a day’s worth just to splurge on dessert or silly things like that.. I guess, having been a verrrry restrictive eater for a year and counting (ballparking, never weighing and counting calories for every single gram consumed) for nearly 3 years trying to stop counting is like learning to swim for the first time. Like putting your head under water.. If you’ve never done it before it’s harder to trust that you’ll be able to come back up for air. But the more often you do it, the easier it will get. I’m sorry if that was an annoying question and I’m sure it’s frustrating to respond with the same types of answers so frequently.. Thanks for doing it anyway. Jenna your blog helps a lot, you deserve all of the role model comments and I am working towards having the same type of relationship with food that you have.
Laura
February 9, 2008 at 2:21 amJenna-
Thank you for this: ‘Life is WAYYYYY too short to count your grapes’
Might I just add: HELL YEA!!!! 😀
I am struggling with it too. To be honest I havent been able to go a full day without counting calories.
Ladies- do you think maybe starting small works…as in, not counting the calories for a snack or just one meal, and working your way up? I might try that…