I am going to be very vague here, but you’ll get the picture. I walked into a room where two women were splitting the last of two pieces of cake. One woman looked at me and said “Biz, do you want a piece of this cake?” Before I could open my mouth, the other woman said “she can’t eat that, she’d diabetic.”
I explained to her that I am on insulin, and if I gave myself enough insulin to cover the cake, I could, in fact, eat a piece of cake. This woman looked right at me and said “No, you can’t have cake.”
I then proceeded to make my lunch. I took my plain zucchini out of the microwave and started to salt and pepper it, when this same woman said “you can’t have salt either!” I was like “WTF?” Meanwhile this woman was heating up her Lean Cuisine that had 1400 mg of sodium and her giant piece of cake and went back to her desk, with this last bit of wisdom: “You really need to take care of yourself.”
The whole incident just got under my skin – who has a right to tell me what I can and can’t eat? Of course I can eat whatever I want, there are obviously just better choices. Which really got me thinking. Long time readers know I have done calorie counting, low glycemic, low gluten, South Beach over these last 2+ years here at My Bizzy Kitchen.
After reading TJ’s post, it suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. Why don’t I do what I know works? In 1999 I lost 70 pounds in a year on Weight Watchers. I kept it off for years up until a few years ago when I was put on insulin. And I like the new program. It steers you away from 100 calorie packs and to real food, which is what I eat anyway.
So what do you think about me joining Weight Watchers? Do you like the new program?
Okay, now onto the food! Literally 30 minutes before I had to leave for work yesterday morning I decided to make apple pancakes with nutty topping. I hadn’t even gotten dressed yet! But oh, my goodness, I am so glad I did! The nutty topping made these pancakes!
I adapted this recipe – I left out the real maple syrup from the nutty topping, and because I was in such a hurry, I didn’t read the directions all the way through. It called for 1 cup of buttermilk and 3/4 cup of skim milk, but what I didn’t read was that you needed to add the milk 1/4 cup at a time to get the right consistency.
So my pancakes, while super flavorful, were almost like apple crepes!
Put apples in the microwave and cook for 1 minute.
Mix flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt in one bowl and mix well.
Mix 1 cup buttermilk, milk eggs and honey in another. START WITH 1/4 CUP OF MILK to begin with, adding the remaining 1/2 cup to get the right consistency.
Serve with nutty topping and sugar free syrup.
Nutty Topping
(1/4 cup serving: 111 calories, 9.5 fat, 3.9 carbs, 1.6 fiber and 4.4 protein)
1/4
cup slivered almonds
1/4
cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/4
cup sunflower seeds, hulled
1
tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
Heat dry non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and pepitas and cook for a few minutes, until the almonds start to turn light brown.
Add sunflower seeds and sesame seeds and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
My friend Marcia made a comment yesterday that she was channeling my energy on her treadmill workout and because of that comment I decided to kick some booty at the gym. Thanks for the extra push Marcia! 😀
I ended up running/walking a 5k at lunch! Now, I am not breaking any speed records here – it took me 45:53, but I stuck with it!
Back at work, I heated up my zucchini chili boats. I love the “burn” marks of the Tabasco! I am sure my stomach lining looks the same!
403 calories, 44 carbs, 24 protein 14 fat and 7.4 fiber
And then, what normally happens when I have a tougher workout – I should have given myself less insulin at lunch because the exercise still lowers my blood sugar even an hour after I work out. About 2:00 I tested it and it was 50. So I had a piece of Special Dark chocolate (for the antioxidants – right!) and a 10 ounce apple juice. 225 calories later, I was good to go.
My menu planning has gone to the way side this week – Tony hasn’t had much of an appetite, and all the things I planned are just too rich for him yet – like beef stroganoff and pork chop milanese. I knew Hannah had a short window for dinner before going to school so I decided to pick up Jimmy John’s.
I got a #2 Unwich – which is the roast beef sandwich, but I asked them to add turkey, ham, cucumbers, cherry peppers, and provolone cheese. My idea was to make myself a chopped salad by adding diced apple to my salad at home.
He buys me cheese! He went to Sam’s Club yesterday and brought me home these two cheese. Oh.my.gosh these are amazing!
First up:
I had never had this before, but it is close to gruyere, which I love
And the next was this one:
It was interesting because it looked like a hockey puck when I opened it. Once I sliced it in half I could peel off the wax.
So delicious. So I maybe had about 300 calories worth of cheese and apples as an appetizer – the combination of the sweet apple to the tangy cheese was amazing. I plan on making a puff pastry apple/cheese appetizer for Christmas. 😀
I have to give a shout out to my Hannah. She called me when she woke up and the conversation went something like this:
Biz: “Morning Hannah!”
Hannah: “Morning Mom!”
Biz: “Well, I am sorry, but I decided to make pancakes at the last minute, and the kitchen is kind of a train wreck.”
Hannah: “That’s okay, I’ll take care of it.”
Tony told me later that while Hannah was cleaning, she was muttering under her breath “I don’t know why I bother because she’s just going to mess it up as soon as she walks in the door!”
And her cleaning didn’t stop at the kitchen. She took one of my bathroom drawers and took it from this:
To this:
yep, she even bought me a new basket!
I have strict instructions to keep it this way – wish me luck!
Wow, the nerve of some people. It always amazes me how people like to give “advice” on things they may not really even know much about. Unless someone has credentials after their name, I really have a hard time listening to what they have to say about “facts”, because there is so much misinformation out there in regards to all sorts of conditions, diets, etc. You and your doctor are the ones who know what you can and can’t eat, and you are the only one who knows what’s worthwhile eating even if it isn’t the best choice.
I’ve tried doing Weight Watchers twice and got frustrated with it. A lot of it came down to needing to increase my activity instead of limiting my food. Then I spent $600 for an elliptical trainer and have only used it 5 times in the 2 years I’ve had it. When I get on the machine, I start thinking about all the productive things I could be doing. So I’m now focused on doing activity that doesn’t feel like I’m excerising. Like walking Sophie when the weather is nice.
My friend Brandon has been on WW for a couple of years and has lost 70 lbs. He looks like a completely different person. So it definitely works. I wish the best with it. Do it for you because it will make you happy, and the lady should mind her own business. 🙂
I hate self-appointed food police. This is what I would say to her in my head but would be too wussy to actually say: “You need to shut your f—ing mouth!” >:D
I’m really excited about the changes WW made to their program — like you, I once lost weight on it, but this is the first change since I first started that has me excited about it.
Can’t wait to see all your yummy eats on the new program!
Wow, what a b!tch – who acts like that?!?! Actually I know who acts like that, people who aren’t completely happy themselves. Don’t let her get you down! Oh, and I want a zucchini boat asap please 🙂
What a rude b!tch that person was! Not to mention ignorant. I can’t stand unsophisticated blabbermouths. 🙄 There’s no reasoning with them, either. Nothing gets through to them. Screw ’em. You can smile and know the whole blogosphere is LOLing at her dumbness. 😀
On a separate note: OMG! I want that zucchini boat! YUM 🙂
You practically wrote a book with this post! What a shame that lady at work is so rude!
I think the new Weight Watchers program is awesome. I am a life time member and I went last week to get the new materials. I am so impressed that WW is finally focusing on “real” food, nutrition and the science behind it all. This has to be the best program they have come up with. I think people who have never had success before will have a great result from this program. The less junk you eat the less junk you crave. This program makes it easier to choose the right foods!
I posted all about this today, stop by and see my post!
OH hell no! Biz, I’d have smacked that woman upside her head, if not with my fist, with a HUGE PIECE OF MY MIND. Where the hell do people get off saying ANYTHING like that to ANYONE!? My blood is literally boiling for you. You handled that much more gracefully than I.
I get comments like that a lot, but never that bad. I can’t even handle those comments. I’m a dietitian, not perfect. My god, flipping food police of the world are going to drive me to drink!
P.S. What I know of the new WW plan sounds AWESOME.
I am on Weight Watchers, lost about 50 lbs on it years ago. I LOVE LOVE the new program, and I actually thought of you (and another friend who is diabetic) when it was explained. It really encourages, OK requires, low carb eating and keeping sugars in check. Essentially it is now a high protein, low carb diet. But the best thing is the vegetables and fruits (most anyway) are zero points. It naturally leads you to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and “real” food in general. I lost 3 lbs this week (um more than I lost in the previous 10 combined) despite a big dinner/drinks out. It was just the change I needed. I knew the old program so well, I knew how to game it like a pro! It is a bit more work now with the calculator, but I think it was a good change and not just change for the sake of change.
I’ve had people say those exact words to me – “you can’t eat that” – and I just wanted to punch them…after I picked my jaw up from the floor, in utter amazement that ANYONE would say something so stupid! Next time, go all “bitch, please” on them. 😉
I like the new WW and think it might be a good fit for you, especially since you know it worked in the past. I’m so happy that they are going toward the “real” foods now – it really sounds like a good program!
Hannah needs to come to my house after she leaves Helen’s.
Can Hannah come to my house and organize for me?! I think you should have made up some absurb calorie and fat content number and thrown at that lady and said “you really should learn how to make better choices in caring for yourself:…busybodies get on my nerves! A few months back I bought a couple of Weight Watcher’s cookbooks, and have been happy with all of the recipes I’ve tried so far…if I could only discipline myself to weight and/or measure the food portions!
Oh that would have pissed me off!!! I did WW many years ago and am intrigued with the new program. Maybe, just maybe, it will get me back there. I do hate counting points though.
What a rude co-worker. I’d be offended and put off by her too. She should mind her own business!!
In my journey to lose over 100 pounds I never ONCE told someone else they needed to lose weight or not eat something they were eating. That’s just insulting!
I am also a diabetic, and I have followed your blog for a long time. I have always wondered why you did not go back to WW. I’ve been on the new plan for the past week and have lost two pounds. It is now very diabetic friendly, it favors protein and fiber over carbs and fats. As you know, you’ll still have to be aware of the carbs if you are taking insulin.
While I know the new plan isn’t calorie based, I think I’ll still be using caloriecount for the carbs – its worked well for me on my insulin intake so far.
My friend Marcia made a comment yesterday that she was channeling my energy on her treadmill workout and because of that comment I decided to kick some booty at the gym. Thanks for the extra push Marcia! 😀
My menu planning has gone to the way side this week – Tony hasn’t had much of an appetite, and all the things I planned are just too rich for him yet – like beef stroganoff and pork chop milanese. I knew Hannah had a short window for dinner before going to school so I decided to pick up Jimmy John’s.
It was interesting because it looked like a hockey puck when I opened it. Once I sliced it in half I could peel off the wax.
So delicious. So I maybe had about 300 calories worth of cheese and apples as an appetizer – the combination of the sweet apple to the tangy cheese was amazing. I plan on making a puff pastry apple/cheese appetizer for Christmas. 😀
To this:
Wow, the nerve of some people. It always amazes me how people like to give “advice” on things they may not really even know much about. Unless someone has credentials after their name, I really have a hard time listening to what they have to say about “facts”, because there is so much misinformation out there in regards to all sorts of conditions, diets, etc. You and your doctor are the ones who know what you can and can’t eat, and you are the only one who knows what’s worthwhile eating even if it isn’t the best choice.
I’ve tried doing Weight Watchers twice and got frustrated with it. A lot of it came down to needing to increase my activity instead of limiting my food. Then I spent $600 for an elliptical trainer and have only used it 5 times in the 2 years I’ve had it. When I get on the machine, I start thinking about all the productive things I could be doing. So I’m now focused on doing activity that doesn’t feel like I’m excerising. Like walking Sophie when the weather is nice.
My friend Brandon has been on WW for a couple of years and has lost 70 lbs. He looks like a completely different person. So it definitely works. I wish the best with it. Do it for you because it will make you happy, and the lady should mind her own business. 🙂
I hate self-appointed food police. This is what I would say to her in my head but would be too wussy to actually say: “You need to shut your f—ing mouth!” >:D
I’m really excited about the changes WW made to their program — like you, I once lost weight on it, but this is the first change since I first started that has me excited about it.
Can’t wait to see all your yummy eats on the new program!
Yea – you swear like a drunken sailor just like me! 😀 Tune in tomorrow for some good eats!
Wow, what a b!tch – who acts like that?!?! Actually I know who acts like that, people who aren’t completely happy themselves. Don’t let her get you down! Oh, and I want a zucchini boat asap please 🙂
What a rude b!tch that person was! Not to mention ignorant. I can’t stand unsophisticated blabbermouths. 🙄 There’s no reasoning with them, either. Nothing gets through to them. Screw ’em. You can smile and know the whole blogosphere is LOLing at her dumbness. 😀
On a separate note: OMG! I want that zucchini boat! YUM 🙂
OMG – you ATE? You are not supposed to eat!
Uh, I’m sorry. But that woman deserves to be slapped. I would gladly do the job, Biz. Just say the word.
OMG some people shouldn’t be allowed to have a mouth!
your daughter is so sweet to do that!
Great post! I had to laugh when I read about your coworkers lecture. People love telling others what to do, don’t they?
You practically wrote a book with this post! What a shame that lady at work is so rude!
I think the new Weight Watchers program is awesome. I am a life time member and I went last week to get the new materials. I am so impressed that WW is finally focusing on “real” food, nutrition and the science behind it all. This has to be the best program they have come up with. I think people who have never had success before will have a great result from this program. The less junk you eat the less junk you crave. This program makes it easier to choose the right foods!
I posted all about this today, stop by and see my post!
OH hell no! Biz, I’d have smacked that woman upside her head, if not with my fist, with a HUGE PIECE OF MY MIND. Where the hell do people get off saying ANYTHING like that to ANYONE!? My blood is literally boiling for you. You handled that much more gracefully than I.
I get comments like that a lot, but never that bad. I can’t even handle those comments. I’m a dietitian, not perfect. My god, flipping food police of the world are going to drive me to drink!
P.S. What I know of the new WW plan sounds AWESOME.
I don’t like people that feel the need to give their two cents when no one really asked for it….don’t let her get to you…you are the QUEEN of FOODIE!
She is deflecting her own poor eating on you 🙂
I am on Weight Watchers, lost about 50 lbs on it years ago. I LOVE LOVE the new program, and I actually thought of you (and another friend who is diabetic) when it was explained. It really encourages, OK requires, low carb eating and keeping sugars in check. Essentially it is now a high protein, low carb diet. But the best thing is the vegetables and fruits (most anyway) are zero points. It naturally leads you to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and “real” food in general. I lost 3 lbs this week (um more than I lost in the previous 10 combined) despite a big dinner/drinks out. It was just the change I needed. I knew the old program so well, I knew how to game it like a pro! It is a bit more work now with the calculator, but I think it was a good change and not just change for the sake of change.
That’s great Jacky – congrats on the loss this week! I hope to be a big loser like you next week! 😀
I’ve had people say those exact words to me – “you can’t eat that” – and I just wanted to punch them…after I picked my jaw up from the floor, in utter amazement that ANYONE would say something so stupid! Next time, go all “bitch, please” on them. 😉
I like the new WW and think it might be a good fit for you, especially since you know it worked in the past. I’m so happy that they are going toward the “real” foods now – it really sounds like a good program!
Hannah needs to come to my house after she leaves Helen’s.
Can Hannah come to my house and organize for me?! I think you should have made up some absurb calorie and fat content number and thrown at that lady and said “you really should learn how to make better choices in caring for yourself:…busybodies get on my nerves! A few months back I bought a couple of Weight Watcher’s cookbooks, and have been happy with all of the recipes I’ve tried so far…if I could only discipline myself to weight and/or measure the food portions!
hannah’s pretty awesome 🙂 as is tony! but you already knew that!!
and i don’t have much wisdom, but i say just do what you feel comfortable with 🙂 If things don’t work, we can adapt!
Oh that would have pissed me off!!! I did WW many years ago and am intrigued with the new program. Maybe, just maybe, it will get me back there. I do hate counting points though.
What a rude co-worker. I’d be offended and put off by her too. She should mind her own business!!
In my journey to lose over 100 pounds I never ONCE told someone else they needed to lose weight or not eat something they were eating. That’s just insulting!
I am also a diabetic, and I have followed your blog for a long time. I have always wondered why you did not go back to WW. I’ve been on the new plan for the past week and have lost two pounds. It is now very diabetic friendly, it favors protein and fiber over carbs and fats. As you know, you’ll still have to be aware of the carbs if you are taking insulin.
While I know the new plan isn’t calorie based, I think I’ll still be using caloriecount for the carbs – its worked well for me on my insulin intake so far.