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!
Oh, I forgot to include my input on Weight Watchers! You know, it’s funny, but in the past I’ve considered recommending the program to you–I never knew you’d done it before. I love the program and the new one is even better. I really think you should go for it b/c I it is so good at keeping you on track and accountable and I think the meetings help a lot too. If we had the money, I’d already be on it! (I’ve done the program twice, both times successfully but it’s always money that prevents me from sticking with it.)
I could use a Hannah in my life to keep me on track with cleaning and organizing! LOL! Oh, I would have been soooooooo mad at that woman. It’s one thing to advise someone on what they’re eating b/c you care, but you should also be willing to listen to what that person says. It ticks me off that she was certain she was right, even though you told her otherwise. Your pancakes sound so good! Love that nutty topping. And the cheese. Oooooh, the cheese. Yum.
I’ve done Weight Watchers. It’s a good program. I like South Beach, too. I’m trying to take what works from each program and do that. It seems to be working although it’s going slow. Slow works for me.
I wish you would have told that woman how unhealthy her own freaking food was…you’re way too nice.
For as long as I live, I will never understand people. You’re one of the sweetest people I know and that conversation with ignorance really pisses me off. It was 1) none of her d*mn business! 2) ignorant!!! and 3) freaking rude! What a judgmental b*atch! Ugh!
As for WW, it is definitely a wonderful program. It might be something to look into again if you’re looking for the weekly accountability and group support.
First off Thank You for the link luv! 🙂 Second- I HATE people who tell me what to do! lol Just because she had the Lean Cuisine doesn’t mean that the cake didn’t count! lol ggrrr
I need a Hannah at home. lol That was sweet of her to clean up for you. 🙂 I was going to say I need a Tony too, but I’d go nuts on that cheese & end up with a tummy ache. lol So you can keep him ok? 🙂
I can’t say enough good things about the new WW plan. I feel so satisfied with what I eat and that’s how I know this is a lifestyle not a DIET. 🙂
I found myself angry at the “helpful office lady” for you. She is a toxic person and would be someone I would avoid being around if at all possible.
I started Weight Watchers AGAIN July 21, 2010. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am a diabetic also. I wanted to loss weight, have more energy, get off some of my medications. I have lost 25 lbs and my dr. has reduced my insulin already. I had 4 weeks of little losses and little gains that I hated, but yesterday after being on the new program 1 week, I had a lose of 2 lbs. What a welcome sight. Hopefully I am past my temporary “plateau”. I know it will happen again, but if I keep on WW the plateau will be only temporary and I can move on with my loss of weight. I started water exercise in June to get an exercise routine established before I embarked on my WW adventure.
You should do what’s right for you! But I love how people think they are so much healthier than others when they’re eating “diet foods”. They have no room to judge!
I know I’ve said it once before, but what a great daughter you have!!!!! So cute.
I think I really like the new WW program. I wasn’t one to eat a whole lot of the processed junk to begin with but now, I always go to a piece of fruit when I want something. I think the only processed stuff I’ve been eating are the chocolate goldfish grahams. Shoot me an email with any questions about the program if you want! It’s definitely working for me. I lost 4lbs on the first week with little to no exercise.
I’m so sorry you had to deal with that conversation, not pleasant for sure. Love your pancakes, they look so yummy especially with that nutty topping, yum!
That type of incident ticks me off to no end. FIRST OF ALL, shut up! Secondly, whether someone has a medical issue or not, no one should judge what another eats. Even if you saw me eating an entire block of cheddar, what right is it of yours to say anything? How do you know what else I’ve eaten that day? Maybe I’m involved in some sort of medical testing! Gah! I feel like I can’t even properly express my indignance.
Would you send Hannah to Connecticut please? I promise I’m a good cook and I’ll take good care of her, but after living 5 years in this house, my closets are screaming for help!
Oh that makes me angry too! I think you take great care of yourself! Sometimes you just have to ‘smile and nod’, it keeps your blood pressure down!
I have heard great things about the new WW program. I know people are upset because things they have with the ‘old’ points system don’t work with the new system (calculators, scales, cook books etc) but one of the reasons I stopped going was because I felt they didn’t focus enough on nutrition. A banana shouldn’t be the same points as those empty calorie packs. The new system changes that and I think that’s great!
Sometimes I feel guilty because I think you have to work so hard on beautiful meals, for us. I personally would love to see you ‘dumb down’ your meals a little LOL! I don’t eat cheese so if you gave that up (gasp, I know!) I’d be really happy!
WW works great, and now that they’ve tweaked it I think more people will join and have success. I would re-join, but one benefit of eating vegan is losing weight without trying.
Is Tony still doing South Beach? Would he enjoy your WW style of cooking if you re-joined? You are such a fabulous cook I can’t imagine him not loving it
I can’t believe that chick had the nerve to tell you that. Brings to mind a saying about a pot and a kettle. Gee, don’t let it bug you. You’re so sweet. I’m afraid I would have said something. Or performed some voodoo curse on her. But Christmas spirit and all….
You know sometimes a new diet plan is the spice we need to get us back into enthusiasm mode with losing weight. I say go back to WW. A new challenge to learn a different plan.
Even though the pancakes were on the flattish side I bet they were terrific.
UGH-I HATE what happened to you-why don’t people worry about themselves? I have had a lot of that over the years of “you can’t eat that on weight watchers…blah, blah blah.” In the end, you know what’s best for you! As for joining Weight Watchers, there’s no harm in trying it. I work for them as a receptionist on the weekends, and I can tell you that I LOVE the new program. I’m trying to get back down to my goal weight after gaining a lot of weight with the baby. If you have any questions about it, feel free to shoot me an e-mail!
Oh, Biz….I am SO sorry you had to deal with that. This makes my blood BOIL! One of my pet peeves is when people comment on others’ food/what they are eating – whether it be “good” or “bad.” Um, we are ALL adults and know what we are eating, thankyouverymuch! It’s silly but I actually get nervous to heat up my food in the lunch room at work because I’m afraid people will tease me. People like her are just ignorant, obviously – you know what you are doing!
I’ve heard a little bit about the new WW….it sounds very encouraging! I’ll have to pass this along to my mom. She’s done WW about 15 times with no “real” luck, I think mainly because she does eat so many of those “empty calorie” foods (100 cal packs galore!)
Gasp! You had chocolate! You can’t have chocolate!! Aren’t you glad you are working right side along such wise words of wisdom. You’re a lucky gal! Tee hee. People are stupid!
Your food looks awesome! You’re fortunate to have an awesome cheese buying hubs too!
Oh, I forgot to include my input on Weight Watchers! You know, it’s funny, but in the past I’ve considered recommending the program to you–I never knew you’d done it before. I love the program and the new one is even better. I really think you should go for it b/c I it is so good at keeping you on track and accountable and I think the meetings help a lot too. If we had the money, I’d already be on it! (I’ve done the program twice, both times successfully but it’s always money that prevents me from sticking with it.)
I could use a Hannah in my life to keep me on track with cleaning and organizing! LOL! Oh, I would have been soooooooo mad at that woman. It’s one thing to advise someone on what they’re eating b/c you care, but you should also be willing to listen to what that person says. It ticks me off that she was certain she was right, even though you told her otherwise. Your pancakes sound so good! Love that nutty topping. And the cheese. Oooooh, the cheese. Yum.
I think you should beat her up. (for the record I worded that nicely for your blog)
My step-son commented – Hi Joe! 😀
I’ve done Weight Watchers. It’s a good program. I like South Beach, too. I’m trying to take what works from each program and do that. It seems to be working although it’s going slow. Slow works for me.
I wish you would have told that woman how unhealthy her own freaking food was…you’re way too nice.
For as long as I live, I will never understand people. You’re one of the sweetest people I know and that conversation with ignorance really pisses me off. It was 1) none of her d*mn business! 2) ignorant!!! and 3) freaking rude! What a judgmental b*atch! Ugh!
As for WW, it is definitely a wonderful program. It might be something to look into again if you’re looking for the weekly accountability and group support.
Have a great day, Biz!!!
that was awful of your coworker. clearly she just doesn’t understand!
First off Thank You for the link luv! 🙂 Second- I HATE people who tell me what to do! lol Just because she had the Lean Cuisine doesn’t mean that the cake didn’t count! lol ggrrr
I need a Hannah at home. lol That was sweet of her to clean up for you. 🙂 I was going to say I need a Tony too, but I’d go nuts on that cheese & end up with a tummy ache. lol So you can keep him ok? 🙂
I can’t say enough good things about the new WW plan. I feel so satisfied with what I eat and that’s how I know this is a lifestyle not a DIET. 🙂
I found myself angry at the “helpful office lady” for you. She is a toxic person and would be someone I would avoid being around if at all possible.
I started Weight Watchers AGAIN July 21, 2010. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am a diabetic also. I wanted to loss weight, have more energy, get off some of my medications. I have lost 25 lbs and my dr. has reduced my insulin already. I had 4 weeks of little losses and little gains that I hated, but yesterday after being on the new program 1 week, I had a lose of 2 lbs. What a welcome sight. Hopefully I am past my temporary “plateau”. I know it will happen again, but if I keep on WW the plateau will be only temporary and I can move on with my loss of weight. I started water exercise in June to get an exercise routine established before I embarked on my WW adventure.
What a bia, I hate when people think they know what is better for you than you know for yourself. That makes me so angry!
Ohhh and I loooooove the new Weight Watchers program! Its amazing!
You should do what’s right for you! But I love how people think they are so much healthier than others when they’re eating “diet foods”. They have no room to judge!
I know I’ve said it once before, but what a great daughter you have!!!!! So cute.
Geez, some people!!!!! Just ignore the haters!
I think I really like the new WW program. I wasn’t one to eat a whole lot of the processed junk to begin with but now, I always go to a piece of fruit when I want something. I think the only processed stuff I’ve been eating are the chocolate goldfish grahams. Shoot me an email with any questions about the program if you want! It’s definitely working for me. I lost 4lbs on the first week with little to no exercise.
I’m so sorry you had to deal with that conversation, not pleasant for sure. Love your pancakes, they look so yummy especially with that nutty topping, yum!
That type of incident ticks me off to no end. FIRST OF ALL, shut up! Secondly, whether someone has a medical issue or not, no one should judge what another eats. Even if you saw me eating an entire block of cheddar, what right is it of yours to say anything? How do you know what else I’ve eaten that day? Maybe I’m involved in some sort of medical testing! Gah! I feel like I can’t even properly express my indignance.
Would you send Hannah to Connecticut please? I promise I’m a good cook and I’ll take good care of her, but after living 5 years in this house, my closets are screaming for help!
Oh that makes me angry too! I think you take great care of yourself! Sometimes you just have to ‘smile and nod’, it keeps your blood pressure down!
I have heard great things about the new WW program. I know people are upset because things they have with the ‘old’ points system don’t work with the new system (calculators, scales, cook books etc) but one of the reasons I stopped going was because I felt they didn’t focus enough on nutrition. A banana shouldn’t be the same points as those empty calorie packs. The new system changes that and I think that’s great!
Sometimes I feel guilty because I think you have to work so hard on beautiful meals, for us. I personally would love to see you ‘dumb down’ your meals a little LOL! I don’t eat cheese so if you gave that up (gasp, I know!) I’d be really happy!
WW works great, and now that they’ve tweaked it I think more people will join and have success. I would re-join, but one benefit of eating vegan is losing weight without trying.
Is Tony still doing South Beach? Would he enjoy your WW style of cooking if you re-joined? You are such a fabulous cook I can’t imagine him not loving it
Believe it or not – I cooked like this before the blog too! 😀 (well, maybe that’s a stretch, but close!)
Yes, Tony is still doing South Beach, but I think I can make our menus work for both meal plans – fingers crossed! 😀
I am usually pretty well behaved, but I would have given that woman a piece of my mind!!!!!
I can’t believe that chick had the nerve to tell you that. Brings to mind a saying about a pot and a kettle. Gee, don’t let it bug you. You’re so sweet. I’m afraid I would have said something. Or performed some voodoo curse on her. But Christmas spirit and all….
You know sometimes a new diet plan is the spice we need to get us back into enthusiasm mode with losing weight. I say go back to WW. A new challenge to learn a different plan.
Even though the pancakes were on the flattish side I bet they were terrific.
UGH-I HATE what happened to you-why don’t people worry about themselves? I have had a lot of that over the years of “you can’t eat that on weight watchers…blah, blah blah.” In the end, you know what’s best for you! As for joining Weight Watchers, there’s no harm in trying it. I work for them as a receptionist on the weekends, and I can tell you that I LOVE the new program. I’m trying to get back down to my goal weight after gaining a lot of weight with the baby. If you have any questions about it, feel free to shoot me an e-mail!
Thanks Anne Marie – I am sure I’ll have lots of questions for you! 😀
Oh, Biz….I am SO sorry you had to deal with that. This makes my blood BOIL! One of my pet peeves is when people comment on others’ food/what they are eating – whether it be “good” or “bad.” Um, we are ALL adults and know what we are eating, thankyouverymuch! It’s silly but I actually get nervous to heat up my food in the lunch room at work because I’m afraid people will tease me. People like her are just ignorant, obviously – you know what you are doing!
I’ve heard a little bit about the new WW….it sounds very encouraging! I’ll have to pass this along to my mom. She’s done WW about 15 times with no “real” luck, I think mainly because she does eat so many of those “empty calorie” foods (100 cal packs galore!)
Gasp! You had chocolate! You can’t have chocolate!! Aren’t you glad you are working right side along such wise words of wisdom. You’re a lucky gal! Tee hee. People are stupid!
Your food looks awesome! You’re fortunate to have an awesome cheese buying hubs too!
Don’t listen to what other people say Biz, you are doing awesome, and I’m pretty sure more of a diabetic expert than anyone…
I think you missed the picture of the chopped salad? Great idea though for an unwhich, their bread is pretty high in calories!