Hi guys! This is going to be quick because I’m off to the pool with my book to lay out for a little while (don’t hate me!). My roommate and I decided it would be a sin to not take advantage of the 80 degree weather we are having today and I am so pale I’m an embarrassment to the state of FL. For lunch I put together hummus on a whole wheat bagel and had cucumbers and a plum on the side. I used about 4 tbsp of hummus on the bagel. It was SO good! I just haven’t felt at ALL like eating meat lately…the thought of it actually makes me want to gag. What’s up with that?!
For a snack this morning I had 2 clementines and a string cheese on my way to school. I think I am going to my first spin class ever this evening…I’ve always been scared to go because it looks so intense but they have a 30 minute beginner introduction before the class tonight so I think I will go to that first to get my bearings straight, then go to the class and hope for the best! I’ll keep you all updated! Hopefully I won’t fly off my bike or die or huff or puff the whole time!!!!!! 😉
Roughly 428 calories.
Beth
February 4, 2008 at 5:40 pmJenna, I have been reading your blog for a while and love it. I have two questions I would love to hear your opinion about. In your faq you said that you believe that we don’t need 3 glasses of milk a day. Which I agree with. But do you take calcium pills? Or do you think that’s not necessary either?
Also, I know you are trying to cut back on splenda. The unnatural foods that I like have aspartame or sugar alcohols. What are your thoughts on those products? Thanks!
Mallory
February 4, 2008 at 5:42 pmSpin class is so great! You are going to love it. It’s hard but don’t get discouraged. It gets easier every time. (Not that you are going to have any problems!)
Elizabeth
February 4, 2008 at 5:44 pmHave fun! I love spin class – so fun! I finally broke down and bought a pair of bike shorts – SO worth it (even though they are expensive) if you end up going often, as they really do make it more comfortable.
arimcg
February 4, 2008 at 5:47 pmYou’ll be fine! I was intimidated by spinning at first too, but it’s so fun and the time really flies by, especially if the instructor (and the music) is good. Have fun.
Lisa
February 4, 2008 at 5:51 pmI agree! Spinning is great! I went to my first intro to spinning class a couple of months ago and I loved it. It’s a great endurance workout as well as a lower body workout! I went to a 75 min spin class and you don’t even pay attention to the clock!
Katie R
February 4, 2008 at 5:57 pmJust out of curiosity… where do you get your bagels? I love bagels but the proportion size prevents me from eating them!
You are going to LOVE spinning! It’s probably my ultimate favorite thing to do… spinning and yoga… you can’t get any better. It’s not scary… its absolutely amazing! Just start off slow and easy and you’ll see how much you love it! If you get really into it like me (I’m a bit of a spin-freak) you should by bike shoes which make the ride even better!!
emily
February 4, 2008 at 6:14 pmHi! I have asked this before, but I think it got lost in the shuffle (you have a very popular blog!!) and I was just wondering if you knew whether or not I could substitute regular flour for cake flour? I have heard that it is just sifted alot more or something?! I am trying to make the half moon rolls from the Apples for Jam cookbook! Thanks!
Beth
February 4, 2008 at 6:15 pmDon’t fear the spinning 🙂 The important thing is to GO AT YOUR OWN PACE. When you’re new it’s tempting to do everything the instructor says (“Jack it up to level 87!!!”), but if you’re not used to the intensity you’ll keel over once you get off the bike. Just take it slow at first and you may find yourself addicted!
Allison
February 4, 2008 at 6:17 pm80 Degrees!?! I can’t even begin to describe how jealous I am! I thought it was lovely when we hit above 32 and I can see blue skies! enjoy the sun for me too!
Also, I can’t wait to see how you like spinning…I’ve been apprehensive about trying it as well…maybe I’ll get up the gumption this week!
blueberrybabe
February 4, 2008 at 6:36 pmi second the bagel question Jenna- which brand do you use? for all the other ladies reading- same question? i (think) i really like bagels but i never buy frozen ones (or the name brand ones you buy in a supermarket) bc i always thought they weren’t as tasty as “real” bagels- like not fresh from a bagel shop. but then i never get the ones from bagel shops because i worry about them not being healhty whole grains/some of them are bigger than my head. what do other readers do? thanks! and just for fun what are your favorite bagel toppings!?
chandra
February 4, 2008 at 6:36 pmThis question is for anyone really… I’m also a little tired of having meat sandwiches all the time lately (one of the easiest things to pack for lunch though!), but I REALLY don’t like hummus. Are there any other “spreads” or protein subsitutes (besides PB) that go well on wraps/sandwiches?
melissa
February 4, 2008 at 7:01 pmChandra: I’m not certain if you have access to a fridge or not, but whenever I get tired of meat, I substitue tuna, salmon or refried beans. The tuna and salmon can go in conjunction with sprouts, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, etc. They really give my sandwiches or wraps a different flavor and texture that keeps me from getting bored. Refried Beans also spread really well on sandwiches and wraps and keep me full and energized. Hope that helps!
Have a happy Monday!
chandra
February 4, 2008 at 7:11 pmYou know, right after I submitted that comment I thought about refried beans! lol I love beans, that would be an excellent idea! Fish is a great idea too, I mixed that in last week. 🙂 Thanks!!
Tina
February 4, 2008 at 7:11 pmChandra- you could also use guacamole as a “spread” on sandwiches!
Annie
February 4, 2008 at 7:26 pmChandra, Alot of the times I put cottage cheese on a sandwich with tons of veggies, and I think it is so good! Might be weird to others though, Im not sure.
jenny
February 4, 2008 at 7:30 pmannie, i do that too! i do it in a wrap though but its so yummy!
jenna: a non food question for you. i know you work as a waitress some nights, and i’ve recently applied for a job as one too (need extra cash desperately!) and the guy called me saying i could go down for a “trial shift”. I am absolutely nervous now and have no idea if it will make/break me. any tips on waitressing well? thanks!
Anne
February 4, 2008 at 7:31 pmoh my GOD so jealous i want to go to the pool!!!!! have fun 🙂
Blaire
February 4, 2008 at 7:36 pmYou will LOVE spinning! I’ve been taking group classes for the past two years and it is completely addictive! It is the best workout I have ever had– 700 calories for a 45 minute class! The instructors I have mix up the music by having techno, 80’s, rock, so it makes it so fun! I’ve met alot of neat people in the class too! Enjoy!
katie #2
February 4, 2008 at 7:39 pmI’ve been madly in love with avocado spread on sprounted grain bread lately. Just mash a ripe avocado (a potato masher works well) add a dash of fresh lime, cumin, pepper, garlic (optional: chopped scallions, red pepper, cilantro.) Just cannot get enough of avocados. And they have all that healthy omega-3 fat too! Delish!
Lynn
February 4, 2008 at 7:41 pmJenna and yoga people………I did an power yoga class (heated room). We did not hold any poses for very long at all (we just went through the poses alot). I am sore in the back of my legs and spine (from down dog), is this b/c of muscle building or more likely stretching?
jenna
February 4, 2008 at 7:49 pmJenny,
I’m actually a hostess, not a server!!!! 🙂 You will do great…dont be nervous!
Caryee
February 4, 2008 at 8:00 pmHi Jenna and fellow foodie females ;)! I would like to third the bagel question. There’s nothing like a toasted, chewy, whole-grain bagel!!! But I know that Einstein’s, Panera, Noah’s and the like are 350-450 calories each…and most have enriched flour and/or high fructose corn syrup. Got any good suggestions for english muffins, wraps, or pita breads too?
One more thing– today I am not counting calories. I just kinda thought “Okay breakfast. I need a fruit, protein source, grains and perhaps some good fat.” So I got a banana, slice of wheat toast, peanut butter, and pomegranate jelly. Done! Then I said. “Hello lunchtime. I need vegetables, dairy, grains, and something fruity and sweet.” I picked up a handful of baby carrots, a nonfat yogurt, a string cheese, some Kashi heart 2 heart, and blueberries.” Easily done, once again. I am not frantically checking nutrition labels, taking out measuring cups, etc…none of that. Just eating healthy, listening to my body, feeling full, energized, and satisfied.
THANKS FOR THE GREAT TIP JENNA!!! Keep leading the way 🙂
Mandy
February 4, 2008 at 8:06 pmhaha jenna, don’t worry about being pale 🙂 I lived in florida the first 20 years of my life and I NEVER had a tan… lol You could always spot me a mile away in between all the tan people 😉
jenna
February 4, 2008 at 8:09 pmEmily,
You really shouldn’t make that substitution…….cake flour has MUCH less protein that regular flour and therefore the baked good will be much lighter and not as dense. It doesnt have anything to do with the amount of times it is sifted. I would invest in some cake flour for that purpose! its right next to the regular flour in the grocery store. 🙂 I LOVE that cookbook! The photos are gorgeous as well.
mel
February 4, 2008 at 8:12 pmjenny, I am a waitress and you have NOTHING to be nervous about! Just smile, be nice to customers (sometimes I have to fake it! haha) and have fun..well for work. If you mess up-who cares? everyone messes up all the time bc you have so much going on at once sometimes. Your future boss prob just wants to show you the route and how to do things..no big deal. I had to train 5 times before being on my own! good luck
Jenna or anyone! I bought a couple of light green pears the other day (i forgot the name) and tried to eat one that night and it was kind of hard. so I cut it up and sat it on the counter along with the one i didn’t eat…they are still both hard. this may be a dumb question, but are pears supposed to be a harder fruit on the outside, or are they just not ripe yet? thank guys!!
Mel
Amy
February 4, 2008 at 8:15 pmJenna, I left a question the other day that I think got lost in the shuffel.
You have introduced me to a lot of different grains, I remember you saying quinoa (sp?) is a complete protein. Do you like the taste better of quinoa, couscous, or bulger- those seem to be the popular ones. I want to try one to start with (is one more satisfying or whole grainish?)
Brittany
February 4, 2008 at 8:21 pmLove the blog Jenna! I’m at FSU and we’re having awesome weather too. Yay for 75 degrees. What University did you go to? I’m not sure if that has been answered before…I’m just curious!
kelly
February 4, 2008 at 8:35 pmCHANDRA-a really good spread that i love in place of hummus is if you mash white beans and mix them with the some salt and pepper and a tiny but of olive oil. i dont like hummus much either but the white bean spread is one of my favorites.
LYNN- i am a certified personal trainer. you are most likely sore from the stretching. when you strech beyond your means for an extended time, like holding a pose, small muscle fibers tear and leak lactic acid which makes you sore. the good news is, when you hold positions for about 30 seconds, your muscles permanently deform (become longer) and you become more flexible. Kepp at it…you will be amazed how fast you can increase your flexibility.
Lynn
February 4, 2008 at 8:52 pmThanks so much Kelly! I really appreciate you answering my question! To follow that up, so to help prevent osteoporosis, would you say that although yoga lengthens and stretches muscles it wouldn’t help build bone like weight lifting (although the back of my legs feel so much tighter today!)
Kelly, if you don’t mind my asking one other question. I am trying to exercise in the early mornings. I am usually hungry first thing, but am trying to avoid having two breakfasts. Do you think a piece of fruit would be enough and then breakfast after, I don’t want low blood sugar either. it hard since I don’t want to eat back all the calories I burn. Thanks again!
Exercising involves a lot more science than I ever realized until I started reading some articles!
NCCarter
February 4, 2008 at 8:56 pmHi Jenna,
I just started Spinning last week and love it. I was scared I’d get too tired and fall right off the bike, but it was great. I’m changing 2 of my workouts each week to Spinning now…I feel great when it’s done. Plus, I think in just a week it’s improved my cardio. I ran this morning and it was so much easier for me than it’s ever been. Can’t wait to hear how you liked it!
mel
February 4, 2008 at 8:59 pmJenna, I know what you mean about meat. I love turkey, ckn, and fish but sometimes I get in those moods. I made tilapia friday night and saved leftovers but haven’t had time to eat them. I just opened the container and I thought I was going to barf bc the smell. Fish is my favorite- I just dont know if I waited too long or if my tiredness is making me feel sick (I had a lab for journalism this am at 6!! ) who knows? haha
Anne
February 4, 2008 at 9:07 pmJenna! So I finally bought a LaraBar today to try since I’ve been seeing them on your blog and on Kath’s sometimes too. I got the “apple pie” one and… SO amazing!!! Definitely going and buying more tomorrow 🙂
melissa
February 4, 2008 at 9:15 pmHi & Happy Monday!
I have a quick question for anyone willing to answer. I typically eat a Kashi Chewy Trail Mix bar as my afternoon snack. It holds me over for about an hour so. Are there any other bars out there for about the same amount of calories (140) and protein (6g) that just might keep me fuller for longer? I’d love to find one with more protein, but not many more calories.
Thanks!
Mallory
February 4, 2008 at 9:43 pmMelissa-
Can you also eat a small piece of fruit with your bar? That sometimes helps!
Sarah C
February 4, 2008 at 9:56 pmin regards to BAGELS:
I recently tried “The Alternative Bagel”. I bought them from Publix…They are soooo yummy! They have 110kcal each but are much larger than the teenie tiny Thomas ones that are 150kcal…I tried the cinnamon ones but they have other flavors too! And all are made with whole grains and are a good source of fiber and protein. Here is their website:
http://www.westernbagel.com/
for english muffins I like the light Thomas Whole Grain ones…100 kcal and soooo yummy! I think someone also mention wraps, and since I’m on a roll…I like the Flat Out wraps, they have a bunch of flavors (sundried tomatoe, spinach, etc) all are lowfat, high protein and fiber, etc. Here is their website:
http://www.flatoutbread.com/movie.html
Also, I thought I’d chime in on the Spinning discussion (since I’m an instructor 🙂 )
It is sooo important to make sure:
1. You brind PLENTY of water and don’t be afraid to leave class to fill your bottle if you run out…the rule of thumb is 40 oz for 40 minutes!
2. Stretch before AND after class
3. Ask your instructor to help you set up your bike properly the first couple of times you go
4. Bring a towel…you’re gonna get really sweaty!
5. If you feel like you can’t keep up with the rest of the class, remember that you control your resistance, so if you need to, turn it down a little and just ride, grab some water, and when you’re ready rejoin the class. It is soooo much better just to take a little break than to quit half way through!
**and just as a side note…your butt is going to hurt SO bad after the first few times you spin…but it will get better! and the first class you go to is going to feel like you just survived hell, but give it a second try at least! i promise it will be easier (note that I said “easier, not easy!)
Sorry for the marathon post, like I said, I was just on a roll today!
ibex hk
February 4, 2008 at 10:07 pmLuna bars-180 kcal
GO Lean Crunch (Kashi) Caramel Peanut- 150 kcal
Kind Fruit & Nut- 150 kcal
Clif Kids Zbars- 130
Luna Sunrise Bars- 180 kcal
those are a few that I’ve liked in the past.
Like jenna, bars never fill me up for that long, and I usually enjoy a snack that’s a bit less processed…but these are certainly good in a pinch. Let me know what you think and how they work on holding your hunger.
happy monday!
melissa
February 4, 2008 at 10:32 pmThanks for the idea, Mallory!
Sometimes I do have fruit with my bar. I also have fruit at lunch on most days – like an apple as my side. So, I wonder from time to time if that would be too much fruit for my daily intake. I appreciate the suggestion.
Ashley
February 4, 2008 at 11:08 pmMallory- Larabars have a little bit of higher calorie count but they work wonders and are all natural you might want to give those a try.
VeggieGirl
February 4, 2008 at 11:15 pmAhh, I envy your weather conditions, for sure – enjoy the sunshine for me, Jenna!! oh and there’s nothing wrong with you not feeling like eating meat :0)
good luck with your spinning class!!
**as for the discussion regarding Larabars:
I eat one everyday – they’re fabulous! I highly recommend the Apple Pie, Banana Cookie, Pecan Pie, Pistachio, Cashew Cookie, and Gingersnap flavors.
Andrea
February 4, 2008 at 11:30 pmveggiegirl:
do you usually eat lara bars as a snack midmorning/afternoon? or with a meal? i’ve been wanting to try them maybe as a supplement to my lunch as i am a vegetarian and need new protein source ideas
Bev
February 4, 2008 at 11:42 pmJenna,
Do you make your own hummus ?
VeggieGirl
February 4, 2008 at 11:50 pm**Andrea:
I eat them as a mini-meal, with an apple and dried apricots. This mini-meal is not only calorically-dense (about 540 calories altogether – which is good for me, since I am trying to gain weight), but rich in fiber (15 grams), healthy fats (10 grams from the Larabar), and a good source of iron and other vital nutrients. This mini-meal is very filling, nutritious, and delicious; and most importantly, it keeps me going/energized for my afternoon classes and other activities.
Anou
February 5, 2008 at 12:08 amhey everybody, I actually just posted a couple of times and this is going to seem kinda random. The more I think about it, the more I think I have emotional overeating issues. I am a 20 yr old girl, I have never been overweight, maybe a bit chubby. After highschool, I realised I was gaining alot of weight because of my endless habit of eating junk food all the time. When i reached 150 pounds, I decided to take matters into my own hands and slowly started losing the weight. I did it very healthfully, by changing one habit at a time, taking baby steps. After I started exercising at home with dvds, and then i signed up to the gym and got a trainer and got even more results. I actually never thought I was going to be successful, I lost about 30 pounds and I am now 120. My problem is, i feel that recently i ve been thinking about food all the time. I always think about my next meal. Now I know there was a whole debate about wether to keep a food diary or not. I started keeping one to hold myself accountable for what i ate, but now i feel like its making me feel even more guilty when i do overeat. I dont know what to do and I think I ve been gaining a couple of pounds. Should I keep the diary or ditch it ? I just wrote this cause I feel so bad that i just ate a really bad dessert and then because I had the aftertaste in my mouth i ended up going for some cookies so now i just ate way too much and feel stuffed. I am tired of feeling guilty or eating out of boredom ! Thanks in advance for any advice.
alex
February 5, 2008 at 12:23 amJenna,
What kind of bagels do you buy?
katie #2
February 5, 2008 at 12:35 amWe haven’t heard from Jenna in a while. I hope she is okay…I have never heard of a spinning casuality, but… (ha, ha)
Eliza
February 5, 2008 at 12:45 amhi guys and Jenna! 🙂
So, for the past 2 days I have been feeling rather lethargic and just overall yucky..like I am about to get the flu.
Do I go to the gym or not?!
I never know really when to take it easy..
Let me know what you guys would do.
~Eliza
Katelyn
February 5, 2008 at 1:01 amChandra – My husband loves tzatziki sauce and we used to buy it from the pita pit until I decided to save some money and just make it. It turned out really well. It’s made out of cucumbers, nonfat plain yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a few other simple ingredients. You can find a recipe for it on cookinglight.com. I like to add extra cucumber to it and a little dill too.
mel
February 5, 2008 at 1:17 amI kinda have felt sluggish all day today bc my lack of sleep so I decided to forgo the gym. I usually love to go, but when I have days when I’m so exhausted or sick, I always decide to rest instead! I just ate a great dinner and made hot chocolate and a cookie and I’m going to bed soon like a loser! I cant wait to feel better and more energized tomorrow…isn’t sleep glorious? haha
jenna
February 5, 2008 at 1:29 amHi everyone! I’m sure you all have noticed my new FAQ section, but just wanted to make sure you were going there to find your questions and answers because thats where I’ve been answering them! I’ve already answered the bagel question, hummus, calcium….I’ve actually been silently working on it all afternoon! Just wanted to make sure you all knew thats where the answers are—I want to make THIS section more of a discussion area for you all because I’m seeing great discussions going on here between you girls and want it to keep going. I’ll moderate if need be but it works better for me to answer questions in a separate space and let you all have this one for yourselves.
Happy discussions!!! 🙂
Amber
February 5, 2008 at 3:25 amalso in regards to BAGELS
this is a bit more of a project but really easy to make and you can do it at the beginning of the week and have a bunch for throughout the week. also they are soooo good they taste like NY bagels, i started making them because i wanted to be able to control what went into my bagel (ex: no fructuse, refined flour).
1. dissolve one pack of yeast and 2T of raw honey (or raw cane sugar) in 2C warm water.
2. add 2C whole wheat flour and 3T of vital wheat gluten and start mixing until soft dough formed.
3. put on floured board and gradually knead in 3 more cups of the whole wheat flour. dough should be firm and nonsticky.
4. let rise for about 1.5 hours in warm place.
5. divide into about 10 even pieces (this comes to about 300cal each).
6. shape into bagel shaped rings. then let sit for another 15min.
7. throw the bagels into a deep pot of salted boiling water turning frequently for 3 minutes.
8. after this step now it is time to season: aka salt, onion, poppy, sesame, whatever you like, i put oats on top
9. then bake on well greased cookie sheet at 425 deg. F for about 22 minutes.
i would say that this whole process takes on and off 2hr but well worth it and a fun sunday thing to do. and remember 1 of these bagels has about
9 grams of fiber
300 cal
completely whole wheat!
hope you try them and enjoy!
twinks
February 5, 2008 at 6:51 amHey ladies! The alternative bagels from Western bagel really are good, as another reader mentioned.
I am a spinning fool. No, in reality, I am a runner with an injury, and spinning is one of the only other things that feels like a great workout.
Lastly, has anyone used or is currently using the NuvaRing? Have you had side effects?
Thanks lovely ladies, and Jenna of course!
Amber
February 5, 2008 at 3:49 pmtwinks,
i know this is off the topic of food, but i was using the NuvaRing for about a month, i kept the same healthy eating habits and excercise as i always had, and i gained 10lbs from it. so i went off of it right away! also if you’re prone to depression it can cause that too. hope this helps.