I had a really great afternoon and dinner tonight! It all started with a really fun starbucks date with Kate, a blog reader in the Tampa area. We are going to try to set up a dinner group of women, focusing on the book “French Women Don’t Get Fat”…aka how to eat for pleasure and employing Parisian lifestyle tricks! I’m super excited! If any of you are interested and in the Tampa/St.Pete area def. let me know because we are looking for girls! 🙂
I walked to Starbucks today (about 20 minutes each way) not only because it was GORGEOUS outside, but also because I just love to walk! I got a tall iced vanilla soy latte…my weakness! I love soy lattes–I think they taste better than regular ones! Later on I had an apple and half a chocolate chip cookie as well 🙂 I made the cookies though so I know they were not filled with artificial things…I gave some to Ryan a couple weeks ago and they have been in the fridge.
Dinner was shrimp scampi, like I said. Now this recipe (I listed it) is very rich and DOES have an entire stick of butter in it (gasp!)!! But, its SO good and worth it if you want to make a really nice meal for your family or friends. I highly recommend it! The breakdown of my meal probably was: 1 slice french baguette, 2 ounces angel hair pasta (not whole wheat, regular) and 6 large shrimp. Don’t forget the buttery, wonderful sauce!! 🙂 I also had about 1.5-2 glasses of red wine with my family.
After dinner Ryan and I went out for frozen yogurt of course! I had cheesecake/cookie dough twist with oreos on top. delish! Now we are home and all set to lay low and watch a movie on TV since I have to be up and on the road at 8:00 tomorrow to get back to Orlando to work from 10-4. Short, but good weekend!
Most of you agreed that estimated calorie counts on meals is beneficial to you, so I will continue to do that. However, I’m only going to list it for meals I make because then I know the calorie count instead of just randomly guessing (which you can do as well as I can). When I do list calories, I like them to accurate so I don’t feel comfortable just guessing at things I don’t prepare. I DO know that the calories in my frozen yogurt were about 150 or so…But I really don’t know how many were in my dinner/wine. I don’t really worry about it that much…its not my overall approach to count exactly and I don’t want to lose the pleasure of my meals by scrutinizing every morsel when it is prepared for me to enjoy. I hope you all understand!
Marnie
February 3, 2008 at 1:38 amPlease no more pics of that ice-cream…….it looks sooooooo good!!
Do you have a favorite hummus sandwich/wrap/pita combo? Whichever grain you use!
Marsha
February 3, 2008 at 1:52 amJenna,
I plan to make your smoothie tomorrow (already froze the banana!). I know some people add oj to their smoothies. Do you think that adds alot of flavor or just extra calories (I was thinking like 2 oz, so I am not sure if I would be able to taste it)
Also, I don’t know if you would know, but any idea how to recreate the ice cream you get in tampa (I realize I would need an ice cream maker). It always looks SO good! Enjoy your night!
jess
February 3, 2008 at 1:53 amHey Jenna, sounds like you managed to make the best of a short amount of time- way to savor it! As far as the calorie thing goes, I look at seeing the number as sort of an interesting afterthought, but I agree that focusing on it TOO much takes the pleasure out of really enjoying a meal (at least when someone else is cooking, Way too much thinking/guessing involved) so do whatever keeps you sane and happy 😉 The last thing that the readers would want is to burden you with stressing over tallying calories (which can become a fixation pretty quickly, although thankfully you have healthy habits and a good head on your shoulders!). Thanks so much for all that you do and have fun snuggling
-a tip for all you fage fans!!!! (at least those who live near a trader joe’s), tj’s makes their Own brand of greek yogurt with the same nutritionals as fage 0%- it’s amazing, the same consistency, Nearly an identical taste (although I haven’t done a blind taste test yet- but I’m thinking about it! haha) and Much more affordable. In fact, I just bought 16 oz. for under $3-psyched!
-Hope everyone has a great sunday! I’m hoping it doesn’t rain because there’s a great farmers market right by me that I love to ride my bike to each week. If you’re a football fan- enjoy the game!!!
-jess
Kelly
February 3, 2008 at 2:45 amCan I just say you are so refreshing, real, and inspiring. Have you always had this approach to food or did it take time?
VeggieGirl
February 3, 2008 at 2:46 amsounds like you had a great afternoon and night, indeed!! what fun you had, for sure!! and Jenna, no worries about not posting calorie counts for meals you don’t make – you do great, so you don’t have anything to worry about anyways! :0)
mel
February 3, 2008 at 2:50 amjenna- just wanted to say I really admire your positive attitude about food and life. everyday I look foward to checking your blog and it always puts me in a good mood bc it is so light and refreshing. Keep up the great work! xoxo
Mel
Evie
February 3, 2008 at 3:08 amYum! A soy latte sounds good, but I’ve never had one.. will try it next time, though!
I’ve had tea with a splash of vanilla soymilk… makes all the difference in the world!! I found that I didn’t even need Splenda… it’s yummy just as with the splash!
A question about natural PB: do your refirgerate the PB you grind or keep it at room temp?
katie #2
February 3, 2008 at 3:10 amI so agree! I must say, if you weren’t so sweet and generous, I’d be a little jealous of you! Honestly, you have so much going for you PLUS you have the most friendly relationship with food as I have seen. I wish I could be so casual about eating a hearty meal (and dessert!) as you. My role model, for sure! This blog is pure pleasure!
Kelley
February 3, 2008 at 3:16 amI know how you feel!
Lynn
February 3, 2008 at 3:28 amI was reading the old post and someone mentioned that you are supposed to continuously mix natural pb- is that true (my jar says you only need to do it once)?
Jenna, I agree your blog is the best! You make everyone feel like your their friend!
Amy
February 3, 2008 at 4:03 amJenna, I know you are big freezer person, but my question is (like you) I like variety- I get so sick of all pitas or all bread, etc. How do you guys solve this problem. I know freezing works, but I don’t exactly want a few months worth of rolls and other bread products sitting in my house at one time! Any ideas?
MOnica
February 3, 2008 at 4:08 amHey Jenna,
I just had a personal question… Don’t feel obligated to answer it, but I am also in a long-distance relationship so I was just wondering if you had any tips. My bf and I live 10 hours apart and now only get to see each other every three weeks or so. I think that you and Ryan might have also recently transitioned to the LDR thing. How have you made that work so well? I am finding it really difficult now that we are no longer in a position to see each other as often as we did. Any advice on what works for you all?
Thanks!
Stefanie
February 3, 2008 at 5:21 amHi Jenna!
I’ve been reading your blog for weeks now but this is the first time I’ve posted. I’ve really been enjoying your posts! And I’m going to try your quick white bean and broccoli recipe this week.
Also, I live in the Tampa Bay area myself! I’m sure you’ve answered this one before, but where are you studying? UCF? I graduated from there back in 2000. 😉
Katelyn
February 3, 2008 at 5:21 amHey MOnica,
I’m sorry you’re down right now. I feel your pain! I moved about six hours away from my boyfriend to go to school and it was such a difficult time for both of us! You are so lucky to be able to see him even that often, considering you live 10 hours apart, but it is probably really hard to leave each time too. When I first moved away, I flew home about once a month and I would always be so sad when I had to leave. The first few days after leaving him were always the hardest for me. I would leave and his life would go on without me, the life that I knew with him, but it gets easier. I promise. All I can say is to make friends, friends, and more friends. I immersed myself in meeting new people and trying fun, new, and exciting things. I found that I was such an independent person and that I really could rely on myself. I will always remember that time as one of the most exciting adventures because I continued to live my life while away, even though it was not easy to do without my boyfriend a large portion of the time. It strengthened my relationship with him so much though and we both came to appreciate eachother so much more and what little time we had to spend together. In fact, we are now happily married going on eight months. Have fun, be adventurous, make friends, and get to know yourself. It’s hard. Really HARD sometimes! Might as well make some memories though, ya know. Hey, then when he comes to visit, you can share your life away from him with him. Enjoy the time away. I know it’s hard sometimes. Hope you feel better soon! I apologize if this all sounds really corny 🙂 hope it helps!
Ashley
February 3, 2008 at 8:46 amJenna- I used to always get soy lattes but then I thought that it was probably better for me healthwise if I got skim lattes because of the calcium and stuff. Which do you think is better healthwise? or what is the difference nutritionally to help me make a decision?
PS your frozen yogurt looks ridiculously good! Where do you go? We have a golden spoon by us and it seems very similar.
Thanks this blog has been an amazing help for me! 🙂
Steph
February 3, 2008 at 11:53 amJenna,
Beautiful dinner! I dont know where that healthy frozen yogurt place is in Tampa. I would like to try it next time I go to visit my family!
I would also be interested in the “french women” group if they meet on the weekends.
Also, I wrote you an email, let me know if you get it.
Steph
Danielle
February 3, 2008 at 12:11 pmHi Jenna,
You have no idea how serious I am when I’m saying you are exactly the person I hope to be some day. I love the French women books and Mireille’s outlook on the pleasure of eating but most days I fall short, even if it’s just for a moment, to the modern day all or nothing, good or bad, diet trends. Reading your blog everyday helps to keep me focused on healthy living goals, not just healthy eating, and reinforces the importance of the “joie de vivre.” Thank you 🙂
P.S. I wish I lived closer! I’d love to sign up for the dinner group, that’s right up my alley!
CAMI
February 3, 2008 at 1:34 pmI Sooooo wish I was in the area so I could join your group for dinner. I loved that book and it’s so true. I had the chance to go to Paris for a cooking class a couple of years ago and it was so much fun. I walked everywhere seeking out David Lebovitz’ favorite chocolate stores. Had the chance to meet him when he did a chocolate presentation for our very small class. It was such fun!
The best part of class though was learning all about the style and how to get the best flavor out of your food. So simple, just use the freshest local ingredient and keep it simple.
I think in the US we obsess so much about food and we are so focused on instant gratification that we fail to just take the time to sit and relax, to actually taste our food, to prepare meals instead of granola bars…
Tell us all about your dinner group. Those of us far away, will continue to live vicariously.
Heather(II)
February 3, 2008 at 1:44 pmI think I saw another Heather on here, so that’s why I am II. Jenna, you have an awesome blog and what appears to be a great relationship/balance with food and living. How about a New England branch of the dinner group?!?!
Erika
February 3, 2008 at 2:13 pmWHERE do you go for frozen yogurt? That looks amazing!
Alicia
February 3, 2008 at 2:45 pmThat’s what I love about Jenna. She loves food and eats everything in moderation. Now, that’s my kind of woman:P
ally
February 3, 2008 at 3:17 pmThanks for a great blog Jenna and thanks for the Trader Joes/ Fage tip Jess!
katie #2
February 3, 2008 at 4:22 pmHi Jenna – I too wish I could participate the French Women.. group! When it takes off, it would be might be really fun if you could incorporate some of the discussion take-aways into your blog. Take care!
mel
February 3, 2008 at 8:13 pmi wish i lived close to Tampa so I could be a part of the group!! I’m in KY and thats a really long journey! haha sounds like a blast though! Good luck Jenna!
Sarah (another one!)
February 3, 2008 at 9:15 pmRe: Peanut butter
Natural peanut butter should be refrigerated after opening, but regular doesn’t have to be. With the natural, I think it’s only really necessary to stir once so that the oil gets mixed in, but I’ve found that if I don’t stir it occasionally, it gets sort of dry once I get about 2/3 of the way through. I don’t stir every time I use it, but whenever I remember I put my muscles to work : ) (maybe 2-3 times per jar) and it seems to work for me.
Evie
February 3, 2008 at 9:54 pmI buy Skippy brand natural PB (it boasts NO NEED TO STIR), so should I still refrigerate it after opening?
I wish I could grind my own PB!
Emily #2
February 4, 2008 at 1:53 pmHey guys,
I meant to introduce myself before. I’ve been reading the blog the last couple weeks andreally like it. I think it’s great to be able to share our thoughts on food and living a healthy lifestyle. It’s hard to have a healthy perspective on food/excercise/weight lately but it’s great to see so many girls who do! Thanks for encouraging me to do the same. I also try to eat healthy and workout most days a week. I also have a passion for natural foods!
I have one comment for Jenna about your frozen yogurt. I am addicted to frozen yogurt and think it’s a great treat. I noticed you usually get sprinkles or cookie crumbles etc. I dont know if you realized it but those toppings add almost as many calories as the frozen yogurt itself. A serving of sprinkles have about 100calories. It’s not that I don’t think you should eat them obviously you can have your dessert the way you want it, but I just didn’t think you realized because of the calorie count. Hope that’s helpful!
jenna
February 4, 2008 at 2:03 pmEmily,
See my comment in the FAQ section about that frozen yogurt. The yogurt itself was only 80 calories….I did realize that the calorie count on toppings is high but I love oreo crumbles! haha!
Emily #2
February 4, 2008 at 2:09 pmOh ok, I’m glad you knew! I read a whole article about the toppins on icecream and I see a lot of girls who are trying to limit their calories and then go and get a sugar cone(100calories each!) and sprinkles and I wish they knew! I’m addicted to Tasti-d-lite, which we have here in manhattan(omg there’s three surrounding my apt), and I get it all the time!
tami
February 5, 2008 at 12:37 amHI JENNA,
I LOVE YOUR BLOG. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU HAD THE RECIPE FOR YOUR MOM’S SHRIMP SCAMPI (OR IS IT A SECRET). IT LOOKS DELICIOUS!
jenna
February 5, 2008 at 1:30 amHey Tami
Its in my recipes section at the top of the page! Enjoy!
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