It’s All Greek to Me

The ever so lovely people from Chobani sent me some new flavors to try, after I beggedasked them to help a girl out! 

I am in LOVE with Chobani.  For those of you who have not had it, go out and get it right nowit’s Greek yogurt and contains a whopping 14-18 grams of protein per serving!  I’ve tried Oikos and I’m not sure if I had a few bad ones, but they tasted pretty sour to me (not to mention, it costs almost TWICE as much at my store).  But Chobani has never failed me!  However, my store only offers the vanilla, strawberry, peach, and blueberry flavors.    So Shari at Chobani sent me the honey, pomegranate, pineapple, strawberry banana, and raspberry to try.

I was so, so excited when I came home last week to discover them on my door step!

First, I tried the Pomegranate. Now, I should preface this by saying I’ve never had a pomegranate (or anything pomegranate flavored).  This was honestly just okay – I would eat it again, but not one of my faves.

Next up was raspberry.  This, hands down, was the BEST raspberry yogurt I’ve ever had!  SO creamy and I loved the real raspberry chunks in it.

Then there was the strawberry banana….LOVE this combo!  The only other S-B yogurt I’ve had is Yoplait.  Lemme just tell you….Yoplait ain’t got nothin’ on this, peeps!  Out of these 3, this was by far my favorite. (Can’t find the picture….) 

I’m anxious to try the honey and pineapple.  I’m slightly addicted to anything pineapple flavored, so I have a FEELING that will be my fave!

Thank you SO much, Shari, for letting me try these! 

Hope you all are having a FABULOUS weekend!

 

Check out Prevention RD’s LARABAR giveaway! 

 

Song of the Week:

- “Colorblind” by Counting Crows.  Probably one of my favorite “slow” songs.  Anyone seen “Cruel Intentions”?  Yeah…one of my favorites.    I remembered watching it every day (no joke) for about a month in college when I was going through a really bad breakup.  How cliché!  But seriously….this song is beautiful.

Let’s Talk Calories

Confession:  I am more than a little embarrassed to admit this, but I first began calorie counting when I was 17 years old.  And I have counted calories every single day since I was 17 years old.  As you might know I’m getting wiserapproaching 30, so that is a long time, folks.  There might be a day now and then when I eat too much and binge, but even then I have a fairly accurate ballpark figure.

So why not stop?  Well, I have tried before, and it just creates such anxiety in me that I’m scared to do it again.  I do not write down the numbers everyday, and it’s become so second nature that I hardly even think about it anymore.  (Plus, I’m phenomenal at addition in my head now, LOL).  Of course I want to stop one day, but the thought of not doing something I’ve done for almost 13 years scares the shit crap out of me.  I’ll be honest, too – I’m scared of gaining weight.  I know that sounds extremely superficial, but I’m afraid of losing that “control.”

Why do people count calories to begin with?  Well, for me and many others, it simply works.  One of my best friends is trying to lose about 50 pounds.  She’s recently started working out for the first time, and she’s tracking her calories daily.  She was astounded when she went to eat a salad at Wendy’s and the dressing had as many calories as the salad itself!  Back in the day, she said she would have poured the whole dressing packet over the salad.  Because….salads are good for you, right?  Yeah.  It truly is amazing to find out the calories in certain foods!

I was with my aforementioned friend last night (and another friend, who has had issues with restricted eating before), and we were all discussing counting calories.  In the nicest way possible, I just told my friend who is trying to lose weight that I didn’t want her to get caught up in the numbers.  I know it works, and I realize people should/might do it to lose weight, but I would never wish it to be a lifetime habit for anyone.  I feel hypocritical in saying that because of course I still count, but it’s kind of like the feeling that you want to prevent others from making your mistakes….ya know?

Do you count calories, or have you ever?  If you did and now you do not, how did you stop?

Check out:

- ilaxSTUDIO’s Favorite Things Giveaway!

- Sweet and Fit’s FiberOne Giveaway!

Fat Acceptance Movement and the Super Bowl, Baby!

WE DID IT!!

I know those of you who aren’t football fans really want me to shut up could care less, but I can’t help it!    I’m so proud of my team.  I would seriously give a limb to go to the Super Bowl, but alas I am not made of millions.  I will be cheering for them verrrry loudly from home!

So recently I’ve seen a few things here and there in the blog world regarding the Fat Acceptance Movement.  Basically, it’s a movement to end prejudice against fat people.

I have mixed feelings on this.  First and foremost, I hate the word “fat.”

I will never forget being a little girl on the play ground, and one of my friends and I got into a fight.  She came at me with, “Well, your mom is fat!”  I burst into tears, as my mom has struggled with her weight my whole life.  I was still upset that night when I got home, and my mom asked me what happened. I really didn’t want to tell her, but I told her the gist of what had happened.  I’ll never forget that she smiled and said something like, “Well, I am!”  She put on a brave face for me, but I know it had to hurt her.

Also, I see a difference between being overweight and being unhealthy.  I know being one doesn’t neccessarily mean you are the other.  Will the Fat Acceptance Movement encourage those who are overweight and unhealthy to stay this way?  We all know there is an epidemic of heart disease and diabetes in our country.  Will the FAM to anything to change this?  I’m just asking because I’m really not sure.

However, I know the point of the Fat Acceptance Movement is to end prejudice against overweight individuals.  Of course I am all for that.  Just ask my sisters – we grew up watching “Little House on the Prairie,” and one of the episodes that made us sob uncontrollably was the one when Nel refused to acknowledge the “Fat Lady” in the circus was his sister.  (It’s right up there with the episode about the “little person” who gets made fun of, but that’s a whole different post LOL). 

I don’t think any person should be treated differently based on their race, social economic status, weight, or anything “superficial.”  Furthermore, like I stated above, just because you might be overweight by technical standards does not mean you are automatically unhealthy.

So I am torn.  What do you think of the Fat Acceptance Movement?  And have you ever seen “Little House on the Prairie?”  Seriously – it’s a great show.  I attribute my high sensitivity level to that show alone. 

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby

So…..I’m happy to report that in an effort to fulfill one of my New Year’s resolutions, I tried a new workout this week.  Spinning!  I had done it once before, yeeeears ago, but it’d been so long I’d really forgotten all about it.  The verdict?  I LOVED IT.  I’ve already been 3 times this week, and I’m planning on going tomorrow!

See, I miss that sweat dripping workout I would get when I ran.  This has been the only thing since running that really makes me sweat profusely.  Sure, I’m doing other things, but it’s nice to have something intense to add to the mix…ya know?  And I feel kind of limited because of my knee.

And *so far* (fingers crossed) spinning hasn’t made my knee any worse.  I’m hoping that continues, because I know of someone who had knee problems who said spinning aggravated her knee.  In the mean time, I’m going to continue with at least 2-3 classes a week for right now.  It’s really helped my mood a lot, too – oh, cardio - I have missed you!!

Fashion Question

Confession:  I am not a big shopper.  I love wearing cute things, but I probably only go shopping for myself 5 or 6 times a year (unless I need something specific). 

So here is my dilemma….where are all the cute clothes right now?!  I went shopping last weekend and seriously – I got nothin’!  (I usually love Express, Anthropologie, H&M, ForeverNot at all Close to 21, but none of these places had hardly any cute shirts or tops.  What gives?!  Is it just that spring is coming, so they have gotten rid of all the cute wintery clothes?

Where do you shop for clothes?  Do you like shopping, or would you hire a personal shopper in heartbeat (like me)?

Friday’s Song of the Day:

I am in love with the Glee soundtracks right now!  It’s one of my favorite shows, and I miss it right now while it’s on hiatus.  Anyhow, this is one of my favorite songs from the first soundtrack.  Just watch it and tell me you don’t find Will Schuester unbelievably sexy.  Plus, who doesn’t like “The Thong Song”?

Happy Friday!

A New Chicken Casserole

When I posted about my need for quick, easy, yummy meals, sweet Emily e-mailed me some new recipes!  All of them look delicious, but I decided to try the King Ranch Chicken Casserole First.

Serves 6

1 10 oz. can chicken breast, drained
1 can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
1 can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
1 can Rotel tomatoes
8 corn tortillas, cut into fourths
1 cup fat free shredded cheddar
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup celery, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Methods/steps
Sauté onion, garlic and celery in a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray until tender. Add soups, Rotel tomatoes and chicken; heat and mix thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Spray 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Layer 1/2 of tortillas in bottom of dish. Pour 1/2 of soup mixture over tortillas. Sprinkle 1/2 of shredded cheese over soup mixture. Repeat layers ending with cheese. Cover with foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Uncover and cook additional 10 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information:
205 cal., 2.4 g. fat, 2.5 g. fiber

(I have to admit….I didn’t know what Rotel tomatoes were.    I thought they were a type of tomato – nope, just a brand name, Holly!  But these were SO good.  I got the mild because I’m wimpy like that, but it added a little kick to the dish).

This was SO wonderful!!  In fact, I’m making it again this weekend.

Speaking of the weekend….is it here yet???  What are you all looking forward to this weekend?  I’m looking forward to a *big game* on Sunday (so nervous), and I’m going out with some friends on Saturday.  C’moooon, Friday!!

Quinoa Showdown

Thank you SO much for all of your advice on my little quandary! 

Nicole gave me some GREAT advice, passed on from her mom:  she said if you have a big decision, take 3 days to think about it.  Whatever you think you should do first thing when you wake up on the 3rd day, you should do it.  I love that!  Well, I don’t know when the third day of my decision was, but I decided I am dropping my class.  A huge weight is already lifted off my shoulders!  I’m going to take the next few months to still buckle down and save as much money as I can, then I’ll probably start looking for a new job in the spring/summer. 

In a way I feel like I "failed myself," but I can still take the class this summer and get into the program in January if I change my mind.  Plus, it’s not "failing yourself" if you’re doing what you really feel is best for you – right?

It’s VERY interesting to see how many of you like/don’t like your jobs!  I will say, I envy those of you who love your jobs.  I think that is so rare, especially in this economy when a lot of people (myself included) stick with jobs just because they are comfortable.

Anyway….onto the food!

I had some quinoa to use up, so I decided to make two quinoa recipes last week.  I am seriously obsessed with the stuff!

The first, Quinoa with Chickpeas and Tomatoes, was honestly just okay.  I did make some modifications: I used a can of diced tomatoes instead of a fresh tomato, and I subbed cilantro for parsley.  I felt like it needed more flavoring?  I definitely would recommend more than the measly 1/2 teaspoon of cumin!  (But then again, I’m obsessed with that stuff).

The second, Quinoa Tabbouleh, was much, much better!  I subbed cilantro for the parsley again (shocker?!) and omitted the carrots.  This is SO refreshing!  I’m just pretty much realizing how much I love cucumbers.  They taste like watermelon, without the sweetness.  Is that a confusing description or what?

A few pictures from the big game on Saturday…..SO excited for next weekend already!!  Just ONE more game….

 

 

 

Yes….that’s my dad with Ravens fans.  I think he talked to as many Ravens fans as Colts fans!  He kept thanking them for coming to our city.  He meant well but I was seriously afraid some guys were going to think he was being an ass!  Nope, that’s just my kind hearted dad for ya. 

Not Feelin’ It

My Anatomy class started this week and, to be honest, I’m just not feelin’ it.  I know, I know…it’s only one class (!).  But my anxiety level was through the roof last semester because of my Anatomy class (I have to get an A if I want to get into the Nursing Program) and juggling all of the other things I have going on right now.

Furthermore, I’m really not sure if this Nursing thing is for me.  I don’t talk about it a lot with people, because I’m sure they’d get extremely tired of my fluctuating mood towards this career path.  But honestly, I’m just not convinced it would be for me. 

I had a girl’s weekend last week with 4 friends, and while we were sitting around talking about our jobs, I realized that none of us liked our jobs.  How sad is that?!

I’ve been saving some $$ in anticipation of going back to school, so it at least gives me comfort if I find another job (that I like, or can at least tolerate) where I make less $$, I’d be okay.

Anyway, I’m trying to decide now whether I should complete my Anatomy Class this semester or drop it.  It’s not the $$ that I’d get back, it’s the time loss and stress I know I’ll experience in the next 4 months.  Tell me what to do! 

Maybe it’s turning 30 this year, but I really feel like a big life change is needed on my part….job change, career change – hell, I’m even looking up apartments in different states today!

Do you ever feel like you want to create a big change in your life?  Do you ever follow through, or do you just like to think and dream about it?  Our family does it often, but we usually don’t follow through.  It’s very annoying, but at least I get it naturally. 

Also, if you work, do you like your job?  I want to know!

I feel horrible for not posting this earlier, but we all know of the recent tragedy that has occured in Haiti.  Not to get all preachy preachy, but it’s SO easy to sit back at these things when they’re not “in your own backyard” and simply think how sad it is.  It is sad – but there is also something we can do about it.  America is in a recession, but even $5 or $10 will make a difference!  The Huffington Post published this article stating how we can donate to the Red Cross and help those in need.  I know sometimes America can get a bad reputation, but I know first-hand how giving and caring we can be.  It’s amazing to see how the whole world has come together to help those in Haiti – remember, even a little bit makes a difference!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend….I have a big game to attend tomorrow – I am so nervous!  GO COLTS!! 

Friday’s Song of the Day:

I love the song “Breakdown” by Jack Johnson, but I heard this version (w/Handsome Boy Modeling School) on Pandora one day.  I love it!  Still sexy Jack’s voice, but with a little bit of hip hop mixed in.

Sweet vs. Savory

I am an oatmeal addict.

Clearly.

This is the oatmeal I got from Costco – yes, just for me.  10 pounds of oats!  I put the Larabar there so you can tell just how big this sucker is.  I have problems. 

I have my standard oatmeal for breakfast every morning (oatmeal + banana + PB + cinnamon), but I decided to up my game and make savory oats for dinner, at Fitzalan’s suggestion.

Into the mix went 1/2 cup oats (cooked on the stovetop), 1 cup mixed veggies (broc, cauliflower, red pepper and corn), 1 tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese, and topped it with some sliced green onions.

OMG.

I don’t know why I was so scared to try this?!  It was wonderful – I think the cream cheese + cheddar cheese was crucial.

This is going to be a life saver now that my class has started again!

Are you a sweet or savory person?  I’m definitely a sweets person – no doubt about it!  But I almost always crave something savory by dinner time, especially now that it is.so.cold outside.  (Although we are going to be almost up to 40 degrees tomorrow….heat wave?!!)

Oh…..Sugar, Sugar

My sister e-mailed me this recipe for Vanilla Sugar Cookies from Joy the Baker a few weeks ago.   Joy’s website is amazing – she is funny, a phenomenal photographer, an amazing self-taught baker, and she lives in L.A.  Basically….I want to be her, people.

Anywho, I am on the constant mission to find the perfect sugar cookie recipe!  I grew up with my grandma’s recipe.  I’ve made a few different SC recipes in the last couple of years, including this one for Christmas.  But, yeah…it’s an obsession to try new recipes. 

These.were.amazing.

Very light and airy, and though I usually like my cookies super dooper soft, these had a tiny crunch to the edges and I still loved ‘em. 

I’d definitely recommend using pure vanilla extract (I usually use imitation, but it makes a huge difference in this recipe!) or the seeds of the vanilla bean.  I saw vanilla beans at my grocery store for $12, so, yeah, I didn’t use those.  But I bet that would make it even better!

I made them Monday for our “Bachelor” night and took the leftovers into work.  I even had this note waiting for me when I picked up the empty container at the end of the day:

Just made my day!  Doesn’t take much.

Is there a recipe you can make over, and over, and over again – trying to get it juuuust right?

How about that Bachelor scandal?!  I mean….really?!

Check out Brandi’s Crofter’s Organic Spreads giveaway!

and Iowa Girl Eats Amy’s Kitchen Giveaway!

Does This Make You Feel Better…..or Worse?

So I’ll be the first to admit that I love looking at pictures of celebs.  What they are wearing, what they do….it’s a guilty pleasure, I know.

But this?

(It’s a picture of Leann Rimes wearing shorts, and a teeny bit of cellulite is showing – if you don’t wanna click on the link). 

In a (bad) way, this made me feel better about myself.  I mean….she works out all the time and is obviously a very thin girl.  But on the other hand, it also makes me sad for her. 

I do love that my favorite Kardashian sister stood up for herself when talking about her cellulite.  She’s right; most women have it or will get it!  I can tell you that I had it when I weighed a sickly 108 pounds, and I can tell you I have it now.  I used to be extremely self-conscious to wear a bathing suit for that reason – I was terrified, actually!  Now?  I look at all of the real women around me who have it, too, or maybe they are self-conscious of stretch marks or their thighs.  We all have flaws….that’s what makes us real.

What do you think of these types of pics?  Do they make you feel better (in a bad way)?  Or do you just feel sorry for them?