Continuing our trend of renting British movies, we rented The Queen tonight – it was fantastic! I remember when Princess Diana died, and it was the first time I’d watched a “period film” (if you can call 1997 a period yet!) where I’d lived through the historical event and could remember my own emotions. Fun!
Outings
This afternoon, as promised, we went to a wine tasting! We tried 6 wines – all were great!
Across from the wine shop I checked out this new dessert cafe that just opened by a famous pastry chef. They had tons of free samples! I snagged two pound cakes – a lemon that was just OK and a cranberry that was dry – and split them with the husband.
MY OTHER RECIPES
Trader Joe’s
We took my mother in law to Trader Joe’s to pick up some things. I hadn’t been in a while, so we stocked up on things we can only get there –
Tiny whole wheat pitas, butternut squash (well, it was $.79/lb and that’s good!), raspberry-chocolate trail mix, TLC’s, frozen cod, frozen salmon, Good Earth Tea (can’t wait to try it!), strawberry preserves (this is my favorite jam), dill (1/3 the price of Harris Teeter’s), pom, honey and plain 0% greek yogurt, laughing cow cheese (1/2 the price of Harris Teeter!), frozen mixed seafood, sliced almonds (also HALF the price) and walnuts.
Tomorrow I’ll go to Harris Teeter for produce.
I am SO excited to try this seafood blend of calamari, shrimp and scallops!!
And I found these greek yogurts made with honey and pomegranate. They are 110 and 120 kcal for 5 oz. I’ll give my review when the time comes š
Pizza
After quite a few homemade pizzas always leaving us wanting more, we thought it was time to make a BIG one. So we invited my MIL over to help us devour it. The pizza is topped with some deli pepperoni, mushrooms, shredded colby cheese, shredded reduced-fat Italian, and herbs.
Before:
After:
The best part: CRUST
The dough took a while to rise so I had a few nuts while I waited to take the edge off my increasing hunger –
Worth the wait!
Plus a side salad made with pre-made butterhead and endive lettuces, sliced pear, homemade balsamic dressing and toasted almonds –
Plus a small glass of Chardonnay that we bought at the tasting –
All together –
Each slice of pizza was about 200 kcal, so this photo shows about 625 kcal (including the wine)
But I have to say, I was still hungry.
Seconds!
Sweet dreams y’all
Kath — I LOVE the Pom & Honey Greek Yogurts from TJs. The Pom is my favorite b/c it is a little less sweet. Hope you like them.
Kath,
Do you like TJ’s brand plain greek yogurt as much as Fage?
I asked this question the other day and you asked me to clarify. My question was that you make roasted root veggies soup often. Some recipes I have seen on other websites use cream (or half and half) in soups like butternut squash. Do you think adding this cream would add flavor or just un-needed extra calories?
Sorry, I’ve got a third question, totally off topic, but what are your favorite magazines?
Now a question for the husband. You told another reader that you will thinly slice turkey instead of buying deli meat at the grocery. How do you slice it thinly like the grocery store?
I have trouble with pants. Lands End is great and so is Sears.Kathy, how tall are you? You look tall in your wedding photo next to the husband, unless you have on high heels, he is short (no offense) or both. Just wondering!
Hi Kath,
Do you put sauce on the pizza, or just start layering first with the meat and then everything else?
I bought the dough from Trader’s once…and then didn’t know with what to layer it!
Rebecca,
I had the TJ’s greek yog. once before and from what I remember it tasted the same. Might be a subtle difference but for 1/2 the price I’ll take it!
For the soups, I think that the flavors of all the great veggies don’t really need the cream. If you’re making a soup with JUST butternut squash and vegetable broth, I think the cream would be much more useful than one with a bunch of flavors and/or using the Pacific Creamy soups as a base. We made split pea with half and half once and I couldn’t taste it at all, so I don’t think we’ll be using it again. I think you kind of have to go all out with heavy cream to really make a difference, and I’m not willing to add that much fat/calories when I think our soups have plenty of flavor already!
Ahhh magazines. I get about 15 subscriptions, but my favorites are Shape, Health, Body + Soul, and Better Homes and Gardens. My least favorite that I get is Fitness (kind of trashy compared to the others).
And as for the turkey – it’s not AS thin as the grocery stores – just not thick either. He tries to shave it off as best he can, but it’s not all smooth and shiny like deli turkey.
Amy,
5’2″ – not too tall! Husband is 6′ even. My wedding heels were only half inch wedges too – I guess my dress elongated me!
Natalie,
We actually used tomato paste for the sauce and it worked out great – not too runny! We did layers like this: paste, cheese, mushrooms, pepperoni, more cheese, herbs. Bake!
Kath
Just FYI, It’s D-I-A-N-A not D-I-A-N-N-A
Kath, how much liters does yer sigg water bottle hold? & what kind did you get? I want to buy one; they look fun.
& also. yer blog is incredible. it quite honestly inspired me. thanks mate. =)
Good to hear the TJ greek yogurt is just as good as Fage…I actually purchased my Fage at TJ, but the TJ brand was all sold out…so I’ll have to try again to get the TJ brand. I love TJ!
I went to Trader Joe’s today too and literally bought almost the EXACT same food as you! I really like their variety of frozen fish, I always buy my Orange Roughy from there because my regular grocery store doesn’t sell it. Today I also got some of the TJ’s greek yogurt—I was so excited to see how much cheaper it is than Fage, but I have yet to taste it. I’m interested to hear your opinion on the flavored ones.
Also, I just wanted to let you know that you’ve inspired me to start drinking tea. I bought some peppermint today and am drinking it now, it’s so good that I don’t even think I need dessert!
Thanks for all the inspiration and healthy food ideas you provide, enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Hi Kath,
Love the blog! I’m wondering if you drink your tea straight (any sweetener in there, sugar or otherwise?), and whether you add milk or soy milk to it. I would like to start drinking tea but the ones I’ve tried are so bland and unappetizing. They only taste good with lots of sugar in them. I don’t need extra calories from sugar, and I don’t like artificial or other sweeteners (stevia included). Any teas that are naturally sweet?
Also–do you have blog archives from when you were actively losing weight?
Can you advise on buying a heart rate monitor? I’m currently doing high intensity intervals for cardio and I think I’m working out too hard. I would like to create a more efficient workout and I think a monitor would help, but I don’t know what to look for.
Thanks for all your hard work! You’re an inspiration.
Thanks! I am deciding b/w shape and self……so you would recommend shape? I would never have time to read that many mags…I don’t know how u do it š Honestly, one day I hope to be as efficient/organized as you.
I was curious as to why you typically use pacific soup broth instead of vegetable or chicken broth in your soups? I know you all our conscious of your calories and it seems much higher in calories to use 16 oz. pacific soup? Also, any ideas what would go well with butternut squash soup (Iām having it as a light dinner, I would like some non-meat and non soy protein). Thanks!
Cristin on eat like me, said that she could not live without carnation instant breakfast. I have never had it before, and my question is, if you take a multivitamin what is its purpose? Does it make things more filling? Or just add taste?
Hi Kath– Did you make your own pizza dough or what brand/type did you use?
the wine-tasting party, trip to Trader Joe’s, movie-watching, and pizza dinner all certainly made for a terrific Saturday for you!! looks like fun!! have a wonderful evening!! :0)
I’ve been curious about those yogurts, so glad to hear about them!
I LOVE good earth tea, is it the sweet and spicy kind, because that is the BEST.
I love TJ’s brand greek yogurt, and I really love the honey and the pomegranate greek yogurts! The pomegranate one is particularly delicious. It tastes like it has POM juice stirred in – the pomegranate taste is really strong and tangy. The honey was was good, but I prefer plain greek with a layer of honey on top because I like how the honey gets a little chewy.
About the frozen seafood buyers, how do you cook the Orange Roughy? Or the seafood mix for that matter? I look forward to seeing what do you with that mix, Kath.
Kath,
Do you make your oatmeal with milk or water? Thanks!
The wine tasting sounds good! I went to a winery last year and tried several “fruit wines” such as tomato, strawberry, papaya, even chocolate/orange flavors. Instead of grapes they used different fruits and they were all really good! They also had a wine especially made to mix with eggnog š Also cranberry wine to go with turkey, fun (it was Thanksgiving time)!
What is the brand of the strawberry preserve in the picture?
I also remember what I was doing when Princess Diana died, PTSD in a small way…
Have you tried cashew butter? I have tried soy butter (cheaper than cashew!) but I did not care for it too much, had a weird taste. It is still in my fridge so I will try it again, though. My taste buds are just different at different times/days…
About your dream of ice cream at a chinese restaurant, I have the same experience but quite often I am able to go back to sleep and continue with my dream!! Although, sometimes it turns ugly!!
hi kath! i just discovered your blog and i wanted to say that i LOVE it. i also am a little floored at our similarities (i also got married in the duke gardens — in ’06, went to a small liberal arts college, love my oatmeal with peanut butter, and subscribe to 8 jillion magazines which i read at the gym (everything from cooking light to glamour to shape to rachael ray to elle). i will be reading!
ps: i live in chapel hill and we JUST got a trader joe’s! i recently discovered its awesomeness and i love those yogurts, especially the pomegranate.
I love trader joe’s! I always find myself going to whole foods, but the prices can’t be competed with! Especially when it comes to buying almonds and walnuts…speaking of which, I think I could restock as well. I’m always looking for an excuse to stop there. š
Hey Liza,
Kath has said before that she makes her oatmeal usually with 1/2 c of water and 1/2 c of milk. I like to make mine on the stove top with 1 cup of water, a banana, about 1 tsbp of pb and when it is done, add a splash of milk! yumm! haha take care
Anon-
Kath spelled Diana correctly…relax!
What kind of wine was at the tasting? I can see bottle of prosecco what else did you try? I am now becoming a big wine buff. I went to dinner last night to a steak house (ranked #2 in Texas) and has Mac Murray pinot noir and it was great.
does anyone know of any other good food blogs like this one?
personally Rebecca, I would buy SELF..especially if you want a variety of things other than exercise..Shape really concentrates on exercise and nutrition while SELF also has a variety of other topics like fashion, etc.
š
i agree, SELF is definitely my favorite of my subscriptions. I also enjoy Women’s Health, and Health Magazine.
I thought I would input because I seem to be so similar to Kath and readers (I’m 25, 5′ 4″ 121 lb, living with my fiance in NC, going to trader joes, going to graduate school for a masters in nutrition, love working out everyday, love cooking…)
I hate self, fitness and shape…. Although shape I agree is a bit better.. Don’t you all find they offer the same exact thing every month! its boring! No new innovative exercises, the ones they do suggest are usually too difficult to figure out how to do it (and i have been working out and lifting weights for 10 years) no great advice or nutrition info! BLAH! It’s all “lose weight like this celebrity did”… ick
I have to say after a few years of reading “Muscle and Fitness Hers” (which i love but its EXPENSIVE! It offers superior exercise plans, explanations, and nutrition advice)..I read a friends “Womens Health” and immediately subscribed. I love it!
For fashion I love Lucky.
For Food, my next buy will be Cooking Light because every recipe I have gotten from there website has turned out great!
Kath,
You have helped me so very much with maintaining my weight loss, encouraging me through your example to continue to work out when my schedule gets hectic and inspiring me as a foodie to explore an even greater variety of foods, thank you!
Also, have you ever tried Nancy’s Cottage Cheese? It has an incredibly pleasant slight tang, and with a little wheat germ/ground flaxseed, nuts, and raisins it’s heaven as a spread or on its own!
Just had to agree with B_healthy and hk, Women’s Health is a GREAT magazine!
Mel- only because she went back and changed it after she saw my comment
Hey Kath. Wine tasting looks great! If you love period British films, you’d love Room with a view, (older film) and Masterpiece Theater has some great stuff. Jane Eyre with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens, The Forsyte Saga, Bleak House, of course there is no substitute for the original Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth (actually they are airing all the Jane Austen works) on PBS this month! Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow was nice too. Fun to watch them with friends doing my Cape Cod version of high tea; complete with cucumber sandwiches, etc. I have taken to doing elliptical workouts while watching the food network. I noticed I went faster instinctively when Barefoot Contessa started making chocolat truffles.
Hi all,
I have about 8 mag. subscriptions! My son sells them every year for fundraising at school and I always get a ton. I love InStyle for fun fashion, but as far as health, I am loving Body & Soul. It has a lot of great info. every issue. It’s definately my favorite. I also get Cooking Light for cooking. I also just ordered Women’s Health. I think I may have an addiction!
As for Princess Di, I was sleeping and my husband (then boyfriend) woke me up to tell me she died. It was my 25th birthday. I was so sad, I cried and I have no idea why.
Hi Kath,
I love Trader Joe’s seafood blend. It always tastes so fresh, and it’s a really versatile meal starter. My favorite way to eat it is combined with whole wheat linguine, spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, 1/3 c. dry white wine, chicken broth, garlic, and tiny bit of olive oil. It’s very simple, healthy, flavorful, and mimics scampi.
Your pizza looks very yummy. It reminds me how much I like making pizza. I really don’t like store-bought or delivery pizza at all, but a homemade pizza can be so delicious. One of my friends gave me a great pizza cookbook for Christmas called “Pizza,” by Dwayne Ridgaway. It’s not the most health-conscious cookbook, but all of the recipes can be very easily adapted to be more healthful. My favorite recipe from the book is for pizza with rosemary shrimp and spicy golden potatoes – yum. (I make this healthier by using light mozzarella as opposed to full-fat provolone, and substituting whole wheat for basic crust). My boyfriend loves this too–he was initially skeptical about potato on pizza, but he agrees that they give the pizza a great texture.
Thanks, Mel!
Can’t wait to try it… I think I”ll make oatmeal this morning…
Hey Kath,
I got that yogurt last week and loved it! It’s fab. The honey is my favorite. I also got blueberry last week and that was really good too. The pom is very tart but I think you’ll like that. š
Have a great Sunday.
Just wanted to say that I think Trader Joe’s plain greek yogurt tastes exactly like sour cream. Which is a good thing if you are making something that calls for sour cream, but not so great to eat straight.
I agree with B_Healthy that Self, Shape, and Fitness magazines tend to regurgitate the same articles/tips every month. Women’s Health is a magazine that I recently ran across and immediately subscribed to–it’s fantastic.
Oh thank God you ate that third piece of pizza because if you hadn’t I would’ve reached through the interwebs and stuffed it in my mouth.
That pizza looks amazing. i want get married so I have a reason to cook amazing things and then show them off.
Im off to Trader Joe’s for ridiclously priced nuts…thanks for the hint, Kath!
i didn’t know how addicted to this blog i was until i realized it wasn’t updated this morning like it always is! does anyone know where kath is?!
Lauren, you win the award for “Most Zs in a blog comment ever”
lol. The husband is hilarious. I’m beginning to discover why Kath is so happy all the time š
Londonwee,
My Sigg holds .6L. I didn’t want anything bigger because it would be too heavy to carry around campus – plus there are water fountains everywhere. So glad you like the blog!!
Laurel,
As for tea, it depends on the moment. Sometimes I add milk only, sometimes I add splenda, sometimes i have it plain. It depends on the kind of tea and what I’m having it with. The Good Earth tea I had today is naturally sweet – so is the liquorice tea I drink every now and then.
I started the blog in September and have been maintaining my weight since around May of last year so I don’t have any weight loss pages. But I haven’t really changed much about my lifestyle since entering maintenance.
I recommend the Polar F4 or F6 for HRM’s. Depending on how much money you have to spend!
Rebecca,
I like both Shape and SELF. I think SELF has more fluff (more on beauty and fashion) while Shape is more about fitness and a little more serious. Both are very good though.
I really don’t like broth much and love the Pacific soups. I usually just add one of the 2-cup small boxes to be a base for a soup and if I need to add a little extra water or veggie broth I do. I think the boost in flavor is “worth” the added calories.
Katherine,
Multivitamins are usually recommended to get all of your daily vitamin and mineral requirements since it is hard to get them from food alone, even with a very balance diet. I take One-A-Day Women’s. You probably won’t notice a difference from taking them, but your cells will!
Tina,
The Baker of the house made it and the recipe is on his page (The Husband page at the top).
Kay,
It’s Trader Joe’s brand of jam. The all fruit kind. It’s my favorite jam I’ve come across. I have not tried cashew butter but would like to someday.
Sarah,
WOW we have a lot in common!!! I think I went to that Trader Joe’s when I was home in Hillsborough last – is it near The Loop and Southern Season? You’re lucky because you have Whole Foods!! We’re still waiting on ours….
SirenJess,
Yup, the prosecco was good! We also tried Il Coure Chardonnay and the KitFox Foxy Cab – they were delicious and inexpensive and we bought both (well, my mother in law bought some and gave us a bottle of each š ) I LOVE wine!!
B_Healthy,
Wow, someone else I have a ton in common with!! Where do you live in NC? I think I may have asked you before.
Sweet Potato Amy,
Thanks for the positive feedback! I saw Nancy’s CC today at EarthFare and was going to get it until I saw the price – $4 something – yikes! It was organic but I don’t think I could justify that much š
Kim,
Thanks for the recs! Actually, my sister and I used to watch Room with a View at my grandmothers every year when we were little ONLY to see the naked men run around the pond!!!!
Lauren,
We’re stealing your recipe!!! Look for it tomorrow night š
KellyA,
That’s so sweet – made me smile!
Kath