As many of you know, my mom is very ill. As a result, I've kind of been grabbing meals whenever and however I can. Many times this is a standard sandwich, since it's easy and simple.
Unfortunately, I have a horrible habit of eating potato chips with sandwiches. I like the contrasting texture of the potato chip's crunch. I also feel the need to have "just a little something" with a sandwich, and chips just seem to be the perfect accompaniment. (Why else would they always come with sandwiches in most restaurants and delis?)
I've been trying to come up with a healthier substitution for potato chips as a sandwich side dish. Pretzels and corn chips really aren't a better solution. Baby carrots or cucumber slices provide a crunch, but they're not really satisfying when it comes to taste. Anyone have a better suggestion?
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
No Exercise!
Because of a (hopefully) minor complication, my doc told me to avoid exercise for a while. So what have I been doing in the meantime?
Well... my mom has been terribly sick, so I've been spending plenty of time with her. When I'm not at my parents' house, I'm usually:
Well... my mom has been terribly sick, so I've been spending plenty of time with her. When I'm not at my parents' house, I'm usually:
- Napping
- Reading
- Eating
- Watching TV
Homestyle Restaurants
Depending on where you live, you may be familiar with "homestyle restaurants." The meals are supposed to mimic "homecooking," and generally include classic favorites like mashed potatoes, meatloaf, fried chicken and hamburgers.
In my part of the world, we have a homestyle restaurant on every neighborhood block. Quality differs, and in some cases may be just a step above the typical diner or "greasy spoon." Other homestyle restaurants, however, may actually come close to imitating the type of meals Grandma used to put on the table.
Choosing a healthy homestyle restaurant meal isn't always easy. Around here, butter is added to every vegetable. (Except green beans, which are cooked in ham broth.) Many dishes are fried, and the "wheat" bread is rarely 100% whole grain. Salads in homestyle restaurants are typically nothing more than some iceberg lettuce with a tomato slice and a couple of carrot shreds.
As a result, we try to avoid homestyle restaurants as much as possible. When forced to eat at one, however, I usually stick to these menu items:
In my part of the world, we have a homestyle restaurant on every neighborhood block. Quality differs, and in some cases may be just a step above the typical diner or "greasy spoon." Other homestyle restaurants, however, may actually come close to imitating the type of meals Grandma used to put on the table.
Choosing a healthy homestyle restaurant meal isn't always easy. Around here, butter is added to every vegetable. (Except green beans, which are cooked in ham broth.) Many dishes are fried, and the "wheat" bread is rarely 100% whole grain. Salads in homestyle restaurants are typically nothing more than some iceberg lettuce with a tomato slice and a couple of carrot shreds.
As a result, we try to avoid homestyle restaurants as much as possible. When forced to eat at one, however, I usually stick to these menu items:
- Baked potato
- Vegetable or seafood soups
- Broiled fish
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day Dinner
My previous Valentine's Day would have included:
Today, however, Hubby and I dropped things back a notch. No wine (since it's not good for Baby), and lunch out instead of dinner. My lunch wasn't the greatest--crab cake sandwich and onion rings. But hey... that's what the Baby wanted!
By the time the day is through, I'll probably have consumed a total of 2,200 calories. Much less than previous Valentine Day celebrations... and almost right on target for a pregnant lady needs.
The biggest saving grace is the lack of wine... since a bottle can easily have 1,000 calories (and it wasn't unusual for me to drink a bottle on my own during "special" occasions). Whew! It's always hard to believe how many calories I was really consuming during the days I was still drinking.
- Expensive restaurant meal with wine... including dessert.
- Wine at home
Today, however, Hubby and I dropped things back a notch. No wine (since it's not good for Baby), and lunch out instead of dinner. My lunch wasn't the greatest--crab cake sandwich and onion rings. But hey... that's what the Baby wanted!
By the time the day is through, I'll probably have consumed a total of 2,200 calories. Much less than previous Valentine Day celebrations... and almost right on target for a pregnant lady needs.
The biggest saving grace is the lack of wine... since a bottle can easily have 1,000 calories (and it wasn't unusual for me to drink a bottle on my own during "special" occasions). Whew! It's always hard to believe how many calories I was really consuming during the days I was still drinking.
Domain Registration
(Sponsored Post)
I own a few different blogs, but most of them rely on the blogger platform domain name. However, I've been thinking about using a domain registration service for some of the more popular ones.
Registering a domain name would give my visitors an easy-to-remember website URL for my blogs. If I want to increase traffic and boost my blog's performance, a domain name is practically essential.
Paylessdomains.com.au is a great service for bloggers who want a new domain name. It's relatively inexpensive, and it offers lots of extra features (for a fee), such as web hosting packages, email hosting and SSL Security Certificates. Register for more than one domain name and you can get discounts, too. The service is perfect for anyone looking for an Australian domain name.
I've registered domain names in the past, and the process is always very simple and easy. If you're hoping to boost traffic and develop a popular blog, a domain name is an inexpensive way to create a memorable blog URL.
I own a few different blogs, but most of them rely on the blogger platform domain name. However, I've been thinking about using a domain registration service for some of the more popular ones.
Registering a domain name would give my visitors an easy-to-remember website URL for my blogs. If I want to increase traffic and boost my blog's performance, a domain name is practically essential.
Paylessdomains.com.au is a great service for bloggers who want a new domain name. It's relatively inexpensive, and it offers lots of extra features (for a fee), such as web hosting packages, email hosting and SSL Security Certificates. Register for more than one domain name and you can get discounts, too. The service is perfect for anyone looking for an Australian domain name.
I've registered domain names in the past, and the process is always very simple and easy. If you're hoping to boost traffic and develop a popular blog, a domain name is an inexpensive way to create a memorable blog URL.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Taking It Easy
So because of a minor pregnancy complication, my doc advised that I "take it easy" for a little while. This means I've been spending the last couple of days on the couch. I am the quintessential couch potato. I'm surprised that the TV remote control hasn't become permanently embedded in the palm of my hand.
Another downside to "taking it easy" is that I'm trying to spend very little time on my feet, which means I am eating meals that require very little kitchen prep. My typical daily menu includes a few frozen dinners and the occasional delivery pizza or Chinese. Not exactly the healthiest foods.
Fortunately, Hubby is off work for a few days... so he can cook for me and pamper me! We just loaded up on a bunch of groceries, so he has plenty of ingredients for healthy meals. Now I only need to convince him that salad is a better dinner choice than fish 'n' chips!
Another downside to "taking it easy" is that I'm trying to spend very little time on my feet, which means I am eating meals that require very little kitchen prep. My typical daily menu includes a few frozen dinners and the occasional delivery pizza or Chinese. Not exactly the healthiest foods.
Fortunately, Hubby is off work for a few days... so he can cook for me and pamper me! We just loaded up on a bunch of groceries, so he has plenty of ingredients for healthy meals. Now I only need to convince him that salad is a better dinner choice than fish 'n' chips!
Kustom Fitness Website
(Sponsored Post)
The web can be a great tool for anyone looking to get fit, lose weight or become healthy. And it doesn't have to cost a lot of money! Kustom Fitness is a free website that allows you to plan your diet, track your goals, schedule workouts and more!
Kustom Fitness is also a great social networking website. You'll be able to meet friends and workout partners who share the same interest in fitness and weight loss. By joining a group of likeminded folks, you'll be more likely to stick to your healthy lifestyle since you'll have support and encouragement from others.
The website even offers Kustom Fitness Mobile, which allows you to stay connected through your cell phone!
And though there are a few additional services that require payment, most of these tools are absolutely free!
The web can be a great tool for anyone looking to get fit, lose weight or become healthy. And it doesn't have to cost a lot of money! Kustom Fitness is a free website that allows you to plan your diet, track your goals, schedule workouts and more!
Kustom Fitness is also a great social networking website. You'll be able to meet friends and workout partners who share the same interest in fitness and weight loss. By joining a group of likeminded folks, you'll be more likely to stick to your healthy lifestyle since you'll have support and encouragement from others.
The website even offers Kustom Fitness Mobile, which allows you to stay connected through your cell phone!
And though there are a few additional services that require payment, most of these tools are absolutely free!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Maternity Exercise Gear
At this point, I can still squeeze into some of the larger exercise sweatpants and shirts that I purchased after finding out about my pregnancy. But in a very short period of time--probably just another few weeks--I'm going to have trouble fitting into my workout clothing. As a result, I've been doing some browsing for maternity exercise clothes.
The results? In the secondhand market (eBay, thrift stores, etc.), there's almost no maternity exercise clothing. The same is true of discount stores (like Wal-Mart). There are some very pricey specialty stores that sell maternity workout gear, but the cost is crazy! A 3-piece yoga suit like this one costs $118! That's way ridiculous!
Since I'm not running or doing anything super strenuous, I don't really need fancy moisture wicking fabrics. I'll probably be ok in just plain cotton tees and shorts this summer. It's not the best choice, but it's certainly the most economical.
The results? In the secondhand market (eBay, thrift stores, etc.), there's almost no maternity exercise clothing. The same is true of discount stores (like Wal-Mart). There are some very pricey specialty stores that sell maternity workout gear, but the cost is crazy! A 3-piece yoga suit like this one costs $118! That's way ridiculous!
Since I'm not running or doing anything super strenuous, I don't really need fancy moisture wicking fabrics. I'll probably be ok in just plain cotton tees and shorts this summer. It's not the best choice, but it's certainly the most economical.
Get Paid To Blog
(Sponsored post)
Many bloggers are trying to monetize their blogs, and why not? It's a great way to earn a few bucks for doing something you love. And now there's a new program in town--named Smorty--that allows you to write your opinions about websites, services and products in exchange for payment.
If you're an opinionated person and you like to share your thoughts, Smorty is a great way to get paid to blog. Personally, the idea of getting paid for blogging appeals to both the frugal and practical aspects of my personality.
The process is simple! Sign up, wait for your blog to be approved, and then accept opportunities as they arise. Opportunities do go quickly, but plenty are available for even small bloggers. In no time at all I had gotten this blog approved and was writing my first post for money.
So if you're looking for a way to blog for money, check out Smorty. It's simple, easy and fun, too!
Many bloggers are trying to monetize their blogs, and why not? It's a great way to earn a few bucks for doing something you love. And now there's a new program in town--named Smorty--that allows you to write your opinions about websites, services and products in exchange for payment.
If you're an opinionated person and you like to share your thoughts, Smorty is a great way to get paid to blog. Personally, the idea of getting paid for blogging appeals to both the frugal and practical aspects of my personality.
The process is simple! Sign up, wait for your blog to be approved, and then accept opportunities as they arise. Opportunities do go quickly, but plenty are available for even small bloggers. In no time at all I had gotten this blog approved and was writing my first post for money.
So if you're looking for a way to blog for money, check out Smorty. It's simple, easy and fun, too!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Sushi Without The Fish
Ok... they may not be the healthiest meal in the world. But they're terribly tasty and relatively easy to make, plus Hubby enjoys the leftovers in his lunchbox. They're basically a very plain sushi roll.
I simply make up a batch of sushi rice with my trusty rice cooker. (Don't waste your time or money on a cheap-o rice cooker. Spend the cash and buy a Zojirushi Rice Cooker and Warmer. It's totally worth the money.)
Then I take a sheet of toasted nori (sometimes I cut the sheet in half) and slather on the rice until it forms a thin layer. Sometimes I add veggies (like avocado) on top, other times I just leave it plain. I roll it up as I would a roll of sushi, then cut into pieces. That's it! Sometimes I cut one roll into two pieces and just eat it in bites like a hotdog.
(Here's a link to simple instructions that illustrate the steps I take: http://sushifan.com/make_sushi.html)
I could make it healthier with short grain brown rice instead of white sushi rice... and sometimes I do. Nori is pretty healthy--it's a sea veggie--so I feel I'm at least getting my vegetables when I eat this snack. And if I use a filling like avocado or asparagus, I get a little nutritional boost, too.
I simply make up a batch of sushi rice with my trusty rice cooker. (Don't waste your time or money on a cheap-o rice cooker. Spend the cash and buy a Zojirushi Rice Cooker and Warmer. It's totally worth the money.)
Then I take a sheet of toasted nori (sometimes I cut the sheet in half) and slather on the rice until it forms a thin layer. Sometimes I add veggies (like avocado) on top, other times I just leave it plain. I roll it up as I would a roll of sushi, then cut into pieces. That's it! Sometimes I cut one roll into two pieces and just eat it in bites like a hotdog.
(Here's a link to simple instructions that illustrate the steps I take: http://sushifan.com/make_sushi.html)
I could make it healthier with short grain brown rice instead of white sushi rice... and sometimes I do. Nori is pretty healthy--it's a sea veggie--so I feel I'm at least getting my vegetables when I eat this snack. And if I use a filling like avocado or asparagus, I get a little nutritional boost, too.
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