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!
That is really frustrating- I don’t know why people put their noses where they don’t belong….What a beautiful breakfast. I want to make it this weekend. And I haven’t been to JJ’s in forever- I always enjoy how fresh their ingredients are. And their pickles totally rock.
Hi, Biz! Thanks for stopping by my new blog the other day and for leaving a comment. I am just now getting around to visiting your blog and journey. Wow, you are Busy! 🙂 Love the pictures and recipe-sharing. You do what feels best for you… what you can do for life. I like what I have heard about the new WW program as well. I hope you have a great day! Janelle
I’ll watch my mouth and just say… what a crab ass. Who the hell does she think she is!? I hope her Lean Cuisine gives her diarrhea!
I think any diet plan you decide to go for is a great idea. You know your body and what works/doesn’t work. In the end if you’re being healthy and happy w/ yourself that’s what matters.
I LOVE the nutty topping idea!!!! Also, your unwich salad turned out awesome!
Can my Christmas present be to borrow Hannah??? Pretty please??? I’ll pay her!!! hahaha I need help, badly.
You had a piece of chocolate and apple juice to raise your blood sugar. I would have smeared a big fat piece of cake all over my face and walked right past that colleague!
You’re a much stronger woman than I, Biz!
I say go for WW if that’s what works. Even if the food plan doesn’t end up being your thing, the support group atmosphere and ongoing motivation is awesome!
Sounds like your coworker is seriously misinformed. Unless she received the Chocolate Cake and Salt Educator of the Year Award, she needs to shut it! <~~That's about as 'nice' as I can put it…
I hate when people inject their two cents into things that they don’t know anything about. It’s different when you’re knowledgeable about a topic, but not when it’s just stuff people *think* they know. Annoying.
Wow, what an ignorant, rude person! Who made her the lunchroom doctor/nutritionist? Maybe she’s jealous of all the yummy stuff you fix? (Those zuccini chili boats look fantastic! And *drool*, those apple pancakes with nutty topping.) I think you handled the situation very well, but I’m sorry it got to you. It seems to me that you take great care of yourself, with tasty-yet-healthy food and exercise and good blood glucose management.
Oh, and anyone who knows anything about psychology would know that toxic waste “helpful advice” like that makes a person WANT to do the EXACT OPPOSITE. Keep your elbows out, Biz, and know we’ve got your back. 🙂
Um, I’m sorry…”she” could be a very nice person in real life…but what a bitch! Who says that?!!? I think that you know your body and if WW has worked for you in the past, do it! I think it really leaves you open to eat good foods and “re-teaches” eating in moderation/etc, my co-worker used it and lost nearly 80 pounds 🙂
oh my gosh, punch her in the face. seriously. i’m pretty sure that would make you feel better, and she did tell you to take care of yourself right? 😉 you’d only be taking her advice.
i loved ww, it’s been the only thing that has ever worked for me too, gosh, i should start up again. i haven’t checked out the new program, but i’ve heard great things about it. your daughter is such a sweetheart, how cute! and i love the cheese, i need to have glenn read this post!
I have a low tolerance to ignorance. I was asked by a co-worker if Ryan had killed anyone. Are you for real?! That’s just rude and dumb to say the least. I’m cordial when I see her but I try to stay away. I don’t need that nonsense- I’ve got bigger fish to fry!
I’m awful with WW bc I rarely track. I have heard good things about the new points plan though. And I love that fruit is 0 points!
People have no right to tell you what you can and can’t eat especially when they don’t even know what they’re talking about! You’re smart enough to know how to eat to handle your condition.
Those pancakes sound fabulous! MMM! Breakfast any time of the day is good for me!
Biz you should read the book titled Intuitive Eating. It is written by two RD’s and provides some great advice on how to get away from the dieting mentality. I can’t believe some lady had the balls to tell you what you can’t eat yesterday……some people. Glad you brushed it off.
Hi Biz,
thank you for finding me, and the answer to your question is of course, any friend of TJ’s is a friend of mine ;-).
I started on WW when I first started on my journey, I have lost 80 pounds and have been able to for the most part – give or take a few pounds, keep it off. I am looking to get to goal. I have really stayed the same for the last year and I want to finish what I started.
Looks like a great new revised program, although I am finding it a little overwhelming right now I know that I will catch on!
Good for you for recommitting, it’s a great time to start the new year off on the right track.
I would also suggest to take what others say with a grain of salt, (no pun intended ;0)) because usually behind those types of comments there is jealousy or something deeper that that person has not dealt with in their own lives. Keep doing what you are doing!
I can’t believe your colleague! Rude, rude, rude!!!! I am sticking up an imaginary middle finger on your behalf!!!
You day’s food looks great, and yay, if you decide to go for W W. It’s definately helped me lose, and I’m excited for the new program (it’ll be introduced at our meeting today). Look forward to hearing what you think!
PS: I’m a cheese geek too. Not calling you a geek, just a lover of good cheese. I have an aged gouda that I like to sample from time to time. mmmmmm cheese. I used to actually ask for the Hickory Farms cheese basket for Christmas. LOL
Ok, a) i would’ve kicked some booty and made a snotty comment about HER lunch. b) I just re-joined WW for the umpteenth time and LOVE the new program… we’ve got quite a bloggy support group going (on twitter, so you’ll have to learn!:)) and there’s a website too… I’m already down 6 lbs!
Some people just need to keep their big traps shut! That’s all I have to say about that 😉 Okay, maybe one more thing… the NERVE!!!
Anywho, I think you are doing fabulous managing your diabetes and eating well. However, if you feel like you could use an extra kick in the pants, WW is a great program to do it!
Love how she had what to say to you, all the while stuffing her own face! You’re nicer than me, I’d have said something back, but with a smile, you can say a lot through a smile 🙂 I found weight watchers worked well for me, anything would work if you stick to it, but I found it helped by making me conscious of everything I ate. I need to get motivated again. Five years of not smoking is no longer and excuse to drop twenty pounds! Good luck with the WW!
That is really frustrating- I don’t know why people put their noses where they don’t belong….What a beautiful breakfast. I want to make it this weekend. And I haven’t been to JJ’s in forever- I always enjoy how fresh their ingredients are. And their pickles totally rock.
Hi, Biz! Thanks for stopping by my new blog the other day and for leaving a comment. I am just now getting around to visiting your blog and journey. Wow, you are Busy! 🙂 Love the pictures and recipe-sharing. You do what feels best for you… what you can do for life. I like what I have heard about the new WW program as well. I hope you have a great day! Janelle
I’ll watch my mouth and just say… what a crab ass. Who the hell does she think she is!? I hope her Lean Cuisine gives her diarrhea!
I think any diet plan you decide to go for is a great idea. You know your body and what works/doesn’t work. In the end if you’re being healthy and happy w/ yourself that’s what matters.
I LOVE the nutty topping idea!!!! Also, your unwich salad turned out awesome!
Can my Christmas present be to borrow Hannah??? Pretty please??? I’ll pay her!!! hahaha I need help, badly.
I’ll see if she can make a visit to the south suburbs – but I warn you – she will be ruthless with what she will want to throw out!
haha I’d need it!!!
You had a piece of chocolate and apple juice to raise your blood sugar. I would have smeared a big fat piece of cake all over my face and walked right past that colleague!
You’re a much stronger woman than I, Biz!
I say go for WW if that’s what works. Even if the food plan doesn’t end up being your thing, the support group atmosphere and ongoing motivation is awesome!
Your comment about walking around with a smeared piece of cake all over my face made me laugh out loud – thanks Tina! 😀
Sounds like your coworker is seriously misinformed. Unless she received the Chocolate Cake and Salt Educator of the Year Award, she needs to shut it! <~~That's about as 'nice' as I can put it…
Ha – shut it! Love it Erin 😀
I hate when people inject their two cents into things that they don’t know anything about. It’s different when you’re knowledgeable about a topic, but not when it’s just stuff people *think* they know. Annoying.
Since you mentioned crepes, I’m now drooling.
Wow, what an ignorant, rude person! Who made her the lunchroom doctor/nutritionist? Maybe she’s jealous of all the yummy stuff you fix? (Those zuccini chili boats look fantastic! And *drool*, those apple pancakes with nutty topping.) I think you handled the situation very well, but I’m sorry it got to you. It seems to me that you take great care of yourself, with tasty-yet-healthy food and exercise and good blood glucose management.
Oh, and anyone who knows anything about psychology would know that
toxic waste“helpful advice” like that makes a person WANT to do the EXACT OPPOSITE. Keep your elbows out, Biz, and know we’ve got your back. 🙂Thanks Pubsgal! 😀
I don’t like when people judge each other, it’s so yucky! We all know what is best for us more than any other person.
Those pancakes look so thin and decadant; they remind me of crepes!
Um, I’m sorry…”she” could be a very nice person in real life…but what a bitch! Who says that?!!? I think that you know your body and if WW has worked for you in the past, do it! I think it really leaves you open to eat good foods and “re-teaches” eating in moderation/etc, my co-worker used it and lost nearly 80 pounds 🙂
oh my gosh, punch her in the face. seriously. i’m pretty sure that would make you feel better, and she did tell you to take care of yourself right? 😉 you’d only be taking her advice.
i loved ww, it’s been the only thing that has ever worked for me too, gosh, i should start up again. i haven’t checked out the new program, but i’ve heard great things about it. your daughter is such a sweetheart, how cute! and i love the cheese, i need to have glenn read this post!
I have a low tolerance to ignorance. I was asked by a co-worker if Ryan had killed anyone. Are you for real?! That’s just rude and dumb to say the least. I’m cordial when I see her but I try to stay away. I don’t need that nonsense- I’ve got bigger fish to fry!
I’m awful with WW bc I rarely track. I have heard good things about the new points plan though. And I love that fruit is 0 points!
People have no right to tell you what you can and can’t eat especially when they don’t even know what they’re talking about! You’re smart enough to know how to eat to handle your condition.
Those pancakes sound fabulous! MMM! Breakfast any time of the day is good for me!
Biz you should read the book titled Intuitive Eating. It is written by two RD’s and provides some great advice on how to get away from the dieting mentality. I can’t believe some lady had the balls to tell you what you can’t eat yesterday……some people. Glad you brushed it off.
Thanks for the suggestion – I’ll check it out! 😀
Hi Biz,
thank you for finding me, and the answer to your question is of course, any friend of TJ’s is a friend of mine ;-).
I started on WW when I first started on my journey, I have lost 80 pounds and have been able to for the most part – give or take a few pounds, keep it off. I am looking to get to goal. I have really stayed the same for the last year and I want to finish what I started.
Looks like a great new revised program, although I am finding it a little overwhelming right now I know that I will catch on!
Good for you for recommitting, it’s a great time to start the new year off on the right track.
I would also suggest to take what others say with a grain of salt, (no pun intended ;0)) because usually behind those types of comments there is jealousy or something deeper that that person has not dealt with in their own lives. Keep doing what you are doing!
I can’t believe your colleague! Rude, rude, rude!!!! I am sticking up an imaginary middle finger on your behalf!!!
You day’s food looks great, and yay, if you decide to go for W W. It’s definately helped me lose, and I’m excited for the new program (it’ll be introduced at our meeting today). Look forward to hearing what you think!
I would have slapped someone if they were telling me what to eat! You are the only one that knows what you need. Your food looks great 🙂
PS: I’m a cheese geek too. Not calling you a geek, just a lover of good cheese. I have an aged gouda that I like to sample from time to time. mmmmmm cheese. I used to actually ask for the Hickory Farms cheese basket for Christmas. LOL
Ok, a) i would’ve kicked some booty and made a snotty comment about HER lunch. b) I just re-joined WW for the umpteenth time and LOVE the new program… we’ve got quite a bloggy support group going (on twitter, so you’ll have to learn!:)) and there’s a website too… I’m already down 6 lbs!
Congrats on the – 6 so far! That being said – we need to do happy hour soon!
Some people just need to keep their big traps shut! That’s all I have to say about that 😉 Okay, maybe one more thing… the NERVE!!!
Anywho, I think you are doing fabulous managing your diabetes and eating well. However, if you feel like you could use an extra kick in the pants, WW is a great program to do it!
Love how she had what to say to you, all the while stuffing her own face! You’re nicer than me, I’d have said something back, but with a smile, you can say a lot through a smile 🙂 I found weight watchers worked well for me, anything would work if you stick to it, but I found it helped by making me conscious of everything I ate. I need to get motivated again. Five years of not smoking is no longer and excuse to drop twenty pounds! Good luck with the WW!
Your zucchini looks so good!