Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Apparently I actually could live on air

It looked better after it was roasted, but not much.
I'm not screwing around with this diet and it's interfering with my blog. I haven't been cooking anything except tedious low-calorie foods like the turkey breast pictured above. The recipe comes from Best of the Best from California and involves making a paste of parsley, garlic, and dried herbs into which you dip thin slices of orange. Then you stuff the coated orange slices under the skin of the turkey and put the turkey in the oven. As far as I could tell, the orange slices did nothing for the flavor of the meat, just made the skin bulge in an ungainly fashion. That said, it was a tasty and juicy turkey breast and 1.3 ounces of the leftover meat made a great lunch today when mixed with 1 chopped celery stick and 1 teaspoon of vinaigrette.

I've been on the diet for 20 days now and have lost 4.5 pounds. The weight is not exactly melting off. What excellent survivalist genes I must have! There have been a few slips, like the night at Animal and New Year's Eve, but mostly abstinence. No alcohol. No baking. Do I have to rename the blog? 

Last night, after a 140 calorie chicken sausage and a spinach salad with 1 tablespoon of vinaigrette (that was before I weighed myself this morning and cut back to a teaspoon), I went to the gym and walked very fast on the treadmill for 90 minutes. I like the treadmill because you can read the newspaper while you exercise. It's remarkable how many newspaper stories deal with having too much or too little to eat.

I read about anorexics.

I read Tara Parker Pope's depressing story about how hard it is to lose weight and keep it off. (You probably should not read this unless you are naturally slim.)

I read about kids in Congo who are so poor that they only eat every other day, a problem that puts my own "problem" in perspective.

I read a lot of other stories, too. It was my New Year's resolution to read the newspaper cover to cover every day, like the Italian mother in The Imperfectionists. Sadly, I'm going to have to modify this very enjoyable resolution because it turns out I don't have three hours a day to read the newspaper which is what the task seems to require, at least when the paper is the New York Times. The obvious solution would be to cut back to reading just the stories that interest me. Except that's what I've always done and means I end up reading mostly stories like this and this. Thoughts? How do other people filter the news so you get enough, but not too much?

Today is my husband's birthday. We are having a festive dinner tonight, including a mocha torte from Best of the Best which means tomorrow I will have something  to write about, even if I won't be able to tell you what it tastes like.

28 comments:

  1. Four and a half pounds in less than three weeks is actually terrific. When you lose a lot of weight right away, it's usually water and muscle mass instead of actual fat.

    I'd be happy to read about your diet food. I'd be happy to read anything you write, in fact. Your writing is funny and charming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FINANCIAL BREAKTHROUGH

      Life indeed is GRACE, I'am Daan Sophia currently in California USA. I would like to share my experience with you guys on how I got a loan of $185,000.00 USD to clear my bank draft and start up a new business. It all started when i lost my home and belongings due to the bank draft I took to offset some bills and some personal needs. I became so desperate and began to seek for funds at all means. Luckily for me I heard a colleague of mine talking about this company, I got interested although i was scared of being scammed, I was compelled by my situation and had no choice than to seek advise from my friend regarding this very company and was given their contact number, getting intouch with them really made me skeptical due to my past experience with online lenders, little did i know this very Company "PROGRESSIVE LOAN INC. was a godsent to me and my family and the entire Internet World, this company has been of great help to me and some of my colleague and today am a proud owner of well organized business and responsibilities are well handled all thanks to Josef Lewis of (progresiveloan@yahoo.com).. So if really you are genuinely in need of a loan either to expand or start up your own business or in any form of financial difficulty, i advise you give Mr Josef Lewis of Progressive loan the opportunity of financial upliftment in your life Email: progresiveloan@yahoo.com OR Call/Text +1(603) 786-7565 and not fall victim of online scam in the name of getting a loan. thanks

      Delete
  2. Wasn't the Italian grandma in "The Imperfectionists" hopelessly behind on her newspapers? Don't worry, not even she can keep up!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I rely on Google headlines and my husband to keep me informed. Yes, it might be lame, but it keeps me sane. I don't think any paper is worth reading cover to cover. Too many books out there to be enjoyed!

    Sorry about diet. I will probably be soon following in your footsteps, but what I do to keep from being totally out of hand is try to walk as much as I can instead of taking car, got a bike, which I love, and go to yoga, which is good for my anxious monkey mind. Finding exercise I didn't hate has helped a lot. But I'd still rather be on the couch, reading a book, drinking coffee and eating a pastry.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've been Weight Watchers-ing but modified to exclude most carbohydrates while also cutting way down on fat. So pretty much chicken, turkey and vegetables. Because Weight Watchers alone stopped working for me. So far the scale hasn't budged--well, perhaps it has gone up a little. Sigh. And I'm not thrilled with my family's attempts to mollify my frustration with comments like, "It's probably just your age." I'm also using the exercise program on the X-Box Kinect, a Christmas gift, and started riding my bike again. But nothing. I'm envious of your 4.5 lbs. I would be chuffed.

    Also, you are right about the news stories. I complained the other day that since I've cut out bread, I don't know what to eat with my freshly laid egg for breakfast, and I had to laugh. First World problem.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well, I agree with the other person who commented s/he would be happy to read anything you write. Ditto! I will give you something to investigate for your consideration. I have been intermittently fasting for 5 weeks, and it is the easiest "diet" I have ever done. I eat 2 meals a day, then only consume unsweetened liquids the rest of the time. I started this after I read about the Fast 5 Diet, but I went on it for reasons other than weight loss. Now, I don't think about what I can eat and how many calories I can eat. I just eat reasonably during my "eating interval", and eat what I like. I have lost 6 lbs. in 5 weeks, and I feel good. It has many health benefits other than weight loss, but weight loss is definitely part of it. Highly recommended.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I know this is completley unrelated to your post but I just wanted to tell you that I got your book for Christmas and I love it! I made the bagels and they were a huge hit. I loved reading the personal stories you included in the cookbook as well. I cannot wait for your next cookbook!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Write about anything. Misery or pleasure. Food or starvation. Your words are all wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I loved the "Imperfectionists"! And congratulations on your weight loss. I received your book for Christmas and read it over break. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Measuring food like that is no way to live. Looking through my old food diaries makes me shudder. I was always someone who thought that I would rather control the diet part, because the last thing I wanted to do was work out. I have recently discovered that finding a way to exercise that I love is much better. For me, it's spin class. I started going in November and I'm absolutely hooked. I have always HATED all forms of cardio - but it turns out that I love the bike. It's also that I love feeling myself getting stronger and more capable - where dieting just makes me focus on weakness and failure.

    I'm not saying that as a ploy to get drinking and baking back into your blog, either. I have yet to be bored by anything you have to say.

    ReplyDelete
  10. We do "Detox January" every year and I usually wind up losing a couple of pounds simply by not drinking -- damned empty calories!! You are doing great and, as Tori said, please be careful with all the minimalism and measuring or I'm afraid you will just lose your mind and fall of the wagon one day. But do write about your diet food! I can highly recommend Eating Well magazine for ideas (they have tons of recipes on their site, too).

    You go, Tips!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Tori -- I love spinning too! I always thought I would hate it, but when I first did it about 5 years ago, I loved it. I've done it off and on ever since, though pretty much off since last summer. I was going to go to a class today. No, measuring food is no way to live, but in the short term I need to stick to it. I put on a lot of weight in the last 18 months and my attempts to free style diet haven't worked.

    ReplyDelete
  12. spinning is awesome, especially with an instructor who has a good playlist..good luck with the jump start, sounds like you are the right track. Your readership will not suffer-we don't need cupcakes when we have your literary skilz to enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Do you have an email address? I can't find contact information on this site or an email link.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Rather than read the paper cover to cover every day, try doing just the Sunday times.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for your comments about your diet. I'm on one as well and have added tap dancing as one of my preferred exercises. It is really fun to take a tap class and laugh with other women making lots of noise with their tap shoes too.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That is one very frightening turkey breast. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  17. [url=http://www.iystwowgold.com#wowgold]wow gold[/url], I actually bring my personal games gold Regularly! Who actually cares about it what they mimic, with the winters we've on Big apple, fashionth is most significant. I really draw my with the help of socks together with this base remain very type, even just in the excellent skiing conditions! They can do a small big and so arrangement a detailed measurement affordable. It is possible to go all the time inside them. They're quite wonderful. Worth it for every single set of two we special!
    for instance the colouring & fashionth however they express water-marks easly...when i draw games gold essentially normal & identify [url=http://www.guildwars2gold.com.au#guildwars2gold]guild wars 2 gold[/url] fairly attractive...need they had somewhat more of any arc support
    games gold are the most wonderful thing really! I get these people for my birthday and would definitely order online along with went around to local store to check these folks on primary and I am commonly a over all size Six but some size 10 appeared to be waaay more suitable. I attempted in one match and then they were tickly and i did not love it even so My spouse and i dress yourself in one other twosome and then they were sooooo comfortable!!! I assume it just is dependent upon how much couple you'll get.
    this particular games gold is definitely great. it appears excellent that has a single thing u have. looking having a whole lot of enhances. and my husband and i love your shine. the nation's a huge games gold to choose.
    Most are for that reason cooool and stylish! everryone possesses games goldi <3 games gold.[*]
    Mate savors the girl brown sequin games gold! A bit too adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  18. [url=http://www.iystwowgold.com]wow gold[/url], impeccable games gold , conforme, livraison rapide puis soign¨¦e.MERCI
    [url=http://www.gw2golds.de#gw2gold]gw2 gold[/url] contrat parfaite super admirablement prot¨¦g¨¦e serieux
    Extremely pretty games gold, won't take stockings along with them despite the fact mainly because the games gold is going to expand because of this. Simply put i provide these people to school during the cold seasons along with the appearance honestly sweet together with size and games gold trim trousers.
    emballage soign¨¦, exp¨¦dition agile. [url=http://www.d3boy.com/#d3gold]d3 gold[/url] super Merci.
    I obtained games gold A couple of years back to look at has been a measurement 10, the good news is I am a proportions 8 currently and then they however. Basically because they execute played simply put i minimal huge.
    I love games gold a lot I just went to Norstroms yesterday and i saw them for the 1st time and immidiatly fell in like with them! I am nonetheless saving up for getting one other kinds. (: I am an [url=http://www.d3kiss.com/#diablo3gold]diablo 3 gold[/url] freak. haha
    I want bringing my very own games gold between the actual bus halt to errands as well as department shop. They tend to be good. I 'm glad Choice to buy these individuals.

    ReplyDelete
  19. [url=http://www.iystwowgold.com]wow gold[/url], Everyone loves the games gold, I got my initially set around May associated with This year as well as my further just this prior Christmas day, I like it! Products I have had with each other can be, aided by the 1st set of two (they has come from any ) they are just a little difficult to get off and on still various other clever very nice. Research my personal 2nd partners (via )the pair were any aged form, one of the the old feet (the people together with the squiggles) that will really didn't worry all of us but yet some sort of peice involving pelt seemed to be herniated from the boat therefore i was obviously a very little puzzled, although i be aware of is an important understand retail store i really imagine games gold might get their eccentricities. Nevertheless over-all it is definantly really worth dough, We bring in these people all the time :)
    I quite like obtaining the things which fail to be associated with the normal special day ; stand up and also found. This [url=http://www.guildwars2gold.com.au]guild wars 2 gold[/url] could that will has good health.
    These kinds of games gold work most effectively you may get. They are actually comfotable eye-catching and more importantly excellent for everybody. I have experienced my best upright traditional chesnut for two main yearsa and they continually look brand-new. I bring in these people day after day. I very recomend all of these in order to complete to purchase.
    games gold good quality was superior and i felt the website represented accurately the product's top quality.
    I like to utilize these games gold.Very best item Everest. I'll retain on getting.
    In the beginning i believed these people were hence pricy but you are entirely worth the effort. They are the mostcomfartable most beneficial [url=http://www.hahawowgold.com]buy wow gold[/url] i have invested in and that i cherish these folks

    ReplyDelete
  20. [url=http://www.iystwowgold.com#wowgold]wow gold[/url], Lastly spotted this games gold When i first read located in Vancouver for any olymics.Just as good appearing as i appreciated plus fited perfectly. For just about any uk really like Norway this should be an actual required component to get! Incredibly sunlight within the ankles and shins, and ideal for the purpose of regular take advantage of or any yard adventure! Need!
    these are typically suuper attractive games gold at the beginning however would bring individuals way more whenever they do not lemon in the link too much. probably my friend in fact remarked "yes they appear pretty odd"
    Enjoy the actual games gold
    They're not only thus good, nevertheless extremely interesting and classy! I buy enhances all the time. So, who couldn't affection a suitable nice/sparkly games gold? :) I'm keen on the little games gold. Irrrve never ignored the actual other ones a choice between.
    I had found my own bailey buttons with respect to An individual.Several years now. My home is Minnesota and additionally often bring in games gold inside the glaciers. I've truly dispersed [url=http://www.gw2golds.de#gw2gold]gw2 gold[/url] yet the perfect leaves behind minor bothersome stains everywhere. Too in the future the top end moves downwards and does not reside " up " now. You'll most likely brief bailey keys you'll want to carry thin slacks in any other case your personal denims drop out.
    These [url=http://www.guildwars2gold.com.au#guildwars2gold]guild wars 2 gold[/url] ended up beautifully made and very quite.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow, I really learn some great stuff in here. this is the best website I ever visited. hope you continue writing more.
    http://www.sellgw2.com/

    ReplyDelete
  22. We offer personal Business loans services around the world. We strive to provide high quality service and high customer satisfaction, while possible financial services. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our customers; We can give you personal loans, auto loans, business / investment loans, short term loans. You can contact us for an affordable loan now at 2% interest rate. Contact us now via E-mail: abdullahibrahimlender@gmail.com
    WhatsApp Number +918929490461
    Mr Abdullah Ibrahim

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi ! I specialize in writing on these topics. My blog also has these types of articles and forums. Please visit once.
    바카라사이트비즈

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am trying to find things to enhance my web site! I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas! 텍사스홀덤사이트

    ReplyDelete
  25. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. Excellent .. Amazing .. 토토사이트링크 스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete