Well... "Adventures" is probably a strong word, but I spend alot of time at HEB, it seems, and have a few observations/pet peeves.
First of all... at peak times, say Sunday afternoons and immediately after work... why do people bring the WHOLE family and allow their children to push an ADDITIONAL, unnecessary cart? Just clogs up the aisles and leads to me taking a lot of deep breaths. Honestly, taking everybody along to the store seems painful to begin with, but having a kid who can't see over the top of the cart lingering behind - would create a whole lot of anxiety for me! I can see wanting to entertain the kids, and of course sometimes you can't avoid having tag alongs. My poor mom had tag alongs probably 99% of the time she went to the store and she almost always refused to go at peak times (it was an option for her since she was home during the week, obviously not an option for everyone). We usually got to ride in the buggy - once we were too big to sit up front, we got to sit under the cart, back in the day when the carts had more room underneath, which was a big treat. When we got too big for that, she would patiently let us push the cart (or for a "big" shop, push the additional overflowing cart) until Andy and I were fighting over who got to do it and ran the cart into her heels, tearing her very delicate skin. I take my own 30-something tagalong sometimes, who people probably think I should leave at home because he's usually hanging on the cart with his head bent over his phone, looking at game scores or updating his fantasy football team... I usually park him in one spot with the cart and run down the aisle which is pretty handy. Nothing worse than traffic jams on the cereal aisle. We have spent many an hour together in HEB, and I really love his company but sometimes its easier to just do it alone without having to make any explanations :) Shhh!
I get such satisfaction about saving money at the grocery store, especially when I get free items with HEB's in store deals! Even more so if it was something already on my list. It pains me to buy the name brand item. Richard is a bit of a snob and hates it when I buy store brand cereal, cookies, or crackers. When I was younger, it really embarassed me that we shopped at PriceLo and Budget Chopper as opposed to the classier Randall's or Kroger stores. I bet I would feel differently now. I spent $90 this week on an extensive list including, but not limited to, 6# boneless skinless chicken breast, 2# pork tenderloin, 1# lean ground turkey, 2# large shrimp, beer, tons of fresh produce... I'm usually pretty good at guessing what my bill would be but I was thinking $120+ so that was a pleasant surprise.
The upside of grocery shopping at peak times: SAMPLES! It is so hard for me to pass up a sample, even if it's not something I particularly like or am apt to buy. Especially the sushi. I'll probably never buy a tempura roll or dumpling, but that's all they ever sample and I almost always take one. I LOVE the Cooking Connection at HEB, where they make "easy" meals (read: meals where you add their expensive gourmet-ish products). Its fun for ideas, and if you're hungry the little samples take the edge off, but I don't very often buy what they're making (because I'm cheap and/or don't want to use some high fat/calorie ingredient thats in it... but a bite sure doesn't hurt!)
Just call me Suzy Homemaker... I have finally realized how much easier it is to do one shopping trip on the weekend than stop by most days after work to pick up a few things. So I've been planning meals ahead of time. I'm trying to do at least 1 crock pot meal, 1 go-to meal with ingredients I can easily keep on hand (spaghetti, stirfry, tacos, turkey burgers), 1 new or special meal, and then 1 more simple meal. I try to let Richard have at least 1 request per week, and I also love going through my cookbooks to find new things to try. I also started organizing my grocery list... why haven't I done this before? It took 3 drafts, but I organized myself to sections of the store in the order I reach them as I go through (produce, meat, bread, canned goods, cold, frozen... etc) to keep me from having to navigate back across the store. It worked so well!! Maybe one day I'll try the art of couponing like several of my friends have. For now I'm trying to stock up on things I use regularly when its on sale so my pantry isn't completely depleted at the end of the week.
Update on my weekly attempt at the crockpot: Pork chops and rice, from the little booklet that came with the crockpot. I was a little disappointed, but I don't particularly like pork chops to begin with. Also, the extended cooking time of the rice plus the seasonings made it taste a little too Thanksgiving-ish, and that's not my favorite. Last week I also made Steph's (http://www.blogahon.blogspot.com/) recipe for roasted chicken, which was delicious! Richard requested enchiladas, but I couldn't bear to make them the traditional way (with all that oil... I'll eat it if someone else makes it, but I can't SEE it), so I made a "healthy"version which was good... but I thinking I'll stop attempting Mexican food because I just can't do it like his mom!
This week:
Last night I made charro beans and guacamole for a "fiesta" dinner party. The beans were a huge improvement from my previous attemps and tasted much more like what you'd get in a restaurant. Next time I'll use less bacon.
Tonight I'll be making Thai Curry Coconut Shrimp with Basil Lime Couscous for an Oscar night dinner. I've made it before, and it was really good. Hopefully it won't be a let down, which sometimes happens when I really liked something the first time.
Tomorrow night I'll be using the crockpot to make pork carnitas. Basically, I'll be slow cooking the meat all day, and then shred it and eat it in tortillas like tacos. We'll eat leftover beans with it. I don't think I've ever had that, but Richard sounded excited so I'll cross my fingers for a success!
Tuesday night Mom and I have been going to dinner and then Bible study and Richard works late so he can have leftovers.
Wednesday I'm going to make Amanda's (www.bjandaj.blogspot.com) crockpot recipe for Santa Fe Chicken with rice.
I have ground turkey to make turkey burgers and Tex-Mex Calzones (also courtesy of Amanda) on whatever other nights I need to cook. I think I'm set for the week! Hopefully having a plan will decrease spending for eating out (cooking also creates leftovers for lunch for both of us!) and help me eat healthier meals all week long rather than ordering pizza or some other temptation.
What tips do you have to make your life easier?
Gotta go find my apron!
Love, B
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Crock pot adventures!
First of all... I'm back!
Bridezilla did rear her ugly head just a little bit... but hopefully not too many people were scarred in the process. The HEB bagger who announced that he liked to put people's groceries in as many bags as possible (really? and did you just say that out loud?) got a little taste of my wrath... more of the evil eye and re-education of why that was not a good thing. Then my brother made the mistake of drinking the last of (MY) milk and I woke up to eat my daily oatmeal with milk and splenda two days before the wedding... it wasn't pretty. He definitely thought I was a wee bit bridezilla-ish, but handled it pretty much in stride. Surprisingly, I think I handled R's lack of timeliness (an hour late to our rehearsal and only arrived 30 minutes before the wedding started... could have strangled him!) in a relatively calm manner. I have yet to let him forget about it, though!
We survived the wedding and actually enjoyed it and had a blast on our honeymoon. I STILL haven't ordered my wedding album, so I also don't have the images yet to post, but one day I will. Can't believe we've already been married for 3 1/2 months. Between my two grandmothers passing away within 6 days of each other in early December, going to 4 weddings (2 of which one or both of us were in), and his school/work schedule, it has been chaotic but things have begun to slow down (for me at least).
Valentine's Day was a success... R redeemed himself from last year by sending me beautiful tulips to work and surprising me at home with a card, wine and best of all... hired someone to clean our bathrooms and kitchen! My efforts seemed pale in comparison, but I got a card, made him a cd and made steak for dinner with orzo and green beans.
On to cooking...
I have been trying to cook more and finally busted out the crockpot to actually use (besides to make queso!) I went out on a limb and made pot roast.... huge success! So easy and so good. I really expected to come home to it all dried/burnt up. Instead I came home after work to my house smelling amazing and a delicious dinner already made! I was wanting to use it to make something a little healthier (but still simple and yummy) so I found a recipe for "Italian Chicken" which sounded strange (chicken, italian salad dressing, and potatoes?) but was also a big success! Richard raved about it and said he couldn't stop thinking about it and had to have leftovers the next day. My goal is to try one new crockpot recipe a week so I have a good repertoire to rotate through and make my life easier. Sorry I don't have pictures, but here are the recipes:
4 chicken breasts (I used 1.5# chicken breast tenderloins... same thing just already cut)
1/2 cup Zesty Italian salad dressing (I did not use the "lite" version, maybe you could)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4-6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (I used 4 unpeeled, but still cubed, gold potatoes)
(I also added 2 handfuls of baby carrots and 1/2 onion pulled apart and 1 cup of chicken broth because I knew I would be gone for at least 9 hours)
Layer the chicken breasts, 1/2 of the next 3 ingredients, the vegetables, and then remaining 3 previous ingredients in the crock pot.
Cook on low 7 hours.
Do you have a good crockpot recipe? Please share in the comments!
(I just recalled what else I've tried to make in the crock pot: beans. R loves beans and really wanted me to make some. When he was a bachelor he lived on beans, eggs, and corn tortillas. The first time, I put too many beans in the pot and wasn't able to put enough liquid so they were REALLY dry. The next time was better but R admitted on our honeymoon that he didn't really like them! I hate to even attempt "mexican" food because I know it won't be like his mom's!)
Love, B
Bridezilla did rear her ugly head just a little bit... but hopefully not too many people were scarred in the process. The HEB bagger who announced that he liked to put people's groceries in as many bags as possible (really? and did you just say that out loud?) got a little taste of my wrath... more of the evil eye and re-education of why that was not a good thing. Then my brother made the mistake of drinking the last of (MY) milk and I woke up to eat my daily oatmeal with milk and splenda two days before the wedding... it wasn't pretty. He definitely thought I was a wee bit bridezilla-ish, but handled it pretty much in stride. Surprisingly, I think I handled R's lack of timeliness (an hour late to our rehearsal and only arrived 30 minutes before the wedding started... could have strangled him!) in a relatively calm manner. I have yet to let him forget about it, though!
We survived the wedding and actually enjoyed it and had a blast on our honeymoon. I STILL haven't ordered my wedding album, so I also don't have the images yet to post, but one day I will. Can't believe we've already been married for 3 1/2 months. Between my two grandmothers passing away within 6 days of each other in early December, going to 4 weddings (2 of which one or both of us were in), and his school/work schedule, it has been chaotic but things have begun to slow down (for me at least).
Valentine's Day was a success... R redeemed himself from last year by sending me beautiful tulips to work and surprising me at home with a card, wine and best of all... hired someone to clean our bathrooms and kitchen! My efforts seemed pale in comparison, but I got a card, made him a cd and made steak for dinner with orzo and green beans.
On to cooking...
I have been trying to cook more and finally busted out the crockpot to actually use (besides to make queso!) I went out on a limb and made pot roast.... huge success! So easy and so good. I really expected to come home to it all dried/burnt up. Instead I came home after work to my house smelling amazing and a delicious dinner already made! I was wanting to use it to make something a little healthier (but still simple and yummy) so I found a recipe for "Italian Chicken" which sounded strange (chicken, italian salad dressing, and potatoes?) but was also a big success! Richard raved about it and said he couldn't stop thinking about it and had to have leftovers the next day. My goal is to try one new crockpot recipe a week so I have a good repertoire to rotate through and make my life easier. Sorry I don't have pictures, but here are the recipes:
Marie's Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (http://www.allrecipes.com/)
4# chuck roast
salt and pepper to taste
1 packet dry onion soup mix (like Lipton's)
1 cup water
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (I used unpeeled baby potatoes)
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
(Note: I used at least 2x the amt of carrots/celery called for... I like veggies)
Season roast with salt and pepper and brown in large skillet on high heat on all sides
Place roast and remaining ingredients in slow cooker.
Cook on low 8-10 hours
4 chicken breasts (I used 1.5# chicken breast tenderloins... same thing just already cut)
1/2 cup Zesty Italian salad dressing (I did not use the "lite" version, maybe you could)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4-6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (I used 4 unpeeled, but still cubed, gold potatoes)
(I also added 2 handfuls of baby carrots and 1/2 onion pulled apart and 1 cup of chicken broth because I knew I would be gone for at least 9 hours)
Layer the chicken breasts, 1/2 of the next 3 ingredients, the vegetables, and then remaining 3 previous ingredients in the crock pot.
Cook on low 7 hours.
Do you have a good crockpot recipe? Please share in the comments!
(I just recalled what else I've tried to make in the crock pot: beans. R loves beans and really wanted me to make some. When he was a bachelor he lived on beans, eggs, and corn tortillas. The first time, I put too many beans in the pot and wasn't able to put enough liquid so they were REALLY dry. The next time was better but R admitted on our honeymoon that he didn't really like them! I hate to even attempt "mexican" food because I know it won't be like his mom's!)
Love, B
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Will Bridezilla rear her ugly head?
So, seeing as how today is the last day of September and the last time I posted was the first day of August... I've been a wee bit negligent on the blog. So much has been going on, but it hasn't really seemed blog-worthy and I've been un-inspired on the nutrition front. I haven't been cooking much, but I did cook 2 yummy, healthy, easy Rachael Ray dishes in the last week... Bel Aria Chicken and Pasta and this yummy balsamic chicken with spinach and cannellini beans. As Rach would say, DELISH!
How many days to your wedding, you ask? 37, not that we're counting. Its a little surreal at times. We're both so excited about the quickly approaching date of the big day, being married, going on our honeymoon, etc... that I forget about what that really means. Like the fact that my name is going to change. Am I really going to introduce myself with a different name than the one I've used for the last 29 years? And develop a new signature? Not that the name change is the big thing about marriage, I guess its just one of the most obvious to me at the moment. Am I really going to share a home with someone, a home that will be "ours"... bills, paychecks, responsibilities?? I am really excited about seeing R on a daily basis... right now, I'm lucky to sneak in 5 minutes with him during the week as he's coming in to work and I'm leaving.
I'm positive I'm not the only bride to be who gets anxious as the wedding gets close, but man, I wish it wasn't that way! My friends before me seem to have handled it so well, I don't even remember them being anxious. Probably because I was oblivious :) I am trying not to "sweat the small stuff" but it is not easy! I know this isn't the first time in my life I've been anxious and it dawned on me that the Bible has a lot to say and a lot of comfort to give on this topic... I was reminded of one of my favorite passages yesterday:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
I think it's normal to be anxious. I'm praying, though, that instead of anxiety, my heart can experience and display that supernatural peace that just doesn't make sense to others because it transcends our human understanding. I especially want my gentleness to be evident to others instead of Bridezilla rearing her ugly head, mouth, and attitude. I covet your prayers too!
I would also like to say that the anxiety that comes with planning a wedding has been more than matched with an incredible outpouring of love from my family, friends, and church family. I am amazed over and over again at people's generosity and willingness to demonstrate their support and love.
In other exciting news, R and I are part of a church plant that is officially launching this Sunday at 10am! Living Stones Church will be meeting at Trent InternationalE School behind First Colony Mall. Learn more about this exciting new church committed to not existing for itself: www.lscsugarland.org My good friend, Amanda, has been using her administrative and other gifts to serve alongside her husband, Brian, who is the associate pastor. We are eager to see what God has in store for us there! Join us :)
No promises on future updates. It might take a while, or you might be sick of hearing from me. We'll see!!
Love, B
How many days to your wedding, you ask? 37, not that we're counting. Its a little surreal at times. We're both so excited about the quickly approaching date of the big day, being married, going on our honeymoon, etc... that I forget about what that really means. Like the fact that my name is going to change. Am I really going to introduce myself with a different name than the one I've used for the last 29 years? And develop a new signature? Not that the name change is the big thing about marriage, I guess its just one of the most obvious to me at the moment. Am I really going to share a home with someone, a home that will be "ours"... bills, paychecks, responsibilities?? I am really excited about seeing R on a daily basis... right now, I'm lucky to sneak in 5 minutes with him during the week as he's coming in to work and I'm leaving.
I'm positive I'm not the only bride to be who gets anxious as the wedding gets close, but man, I wish it wasn't that way! My friends before me seem to have handled it so well, I don't even remember them being anxious. Probably because I was oblivious :) I am trying not to "sweat the small stuff" but it is not easy! I know this isn't the first time in my life I've been anxious and it dawned on me that the Bible has a lot to say and a lot of comfort to give on this topic... I was reminded of one of my favorite passages yesterday:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
I think it's normal to be anxious. I'm praying, though, that instead of anxiety, my heart can experience and display that supernatural peace that just doesn't make sense to others because it transcends our human understanding. I especially want my gentleness to be evident to others instead of Bridezilla rearing her ugly head, mouth, and attitude. I covet your prayers too!
I would also like to say that the anxiety that comes with planning a wedding has been more than matched with an incredible outpouring of love from my family, friends, and church family. I am amazed over and over again at people's generosity and willingness to demonstrate their support and love.
In other exciting news, R and I are part of a church plant that is officially launching this Sunday at 10am! Living Stones Church will be meeting at Trent InternationalE School behind First Colony Mall. Learn more about this exciting new church committed to not existing for itself: www.lscsugarland.org My good friend, Amanda, has been using her administrative and other gifts to serve alongside her husband, Brian, who is the associate pastor. We are eager to see what God has in store for us there! Join us :)
No promises on future updates. It might take a while, or you might be sick of hearing from me. We'll see!!
Love, B
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Peanut, Peanut Butter... (and JELLY!)
Peanut butter is a staple in most pantries and a common part of the American diet. It is inexpensive and requires no refrigeration. For a long time, I wouldn't eat peanut butter. Like many things I wouldn't eat for several years, I claimed I didn't like it but, truth be told, I was avoiding it more because it is notoriously high in calories and fat. And I was a calorie counter. Or a fat gram counter. It depended on the day. Since then, though, I've started to look at food more from the angle of the nutritional value it provides, rather than the calorie/fat stats on their own. And also, I appreciate convenience. PB&J was my Saturday morning staple before my long runs during marathon training. The bread and jelly provided carbs and the peanut butter "stuck to my ribs" (thanks to the fat and protein) without making me feel sick. Not sure of the science behind that, but it worked for me! I also appreciate puppy chow and peanut butter m&ms, although I can't really justify the nutritional value there :) But if you need to put on some weight, that's the way to go! (Not that I have ever had the need to gain weight, sadly.)
2 tablespoons, the suggested serving size, provides on average 190 calories and 16gm of fat. To put this in perspective, the average person needs about 2000 calories in a day and the recommended dietary allowance of fat at that calorie level is about 65 grams. I would like to point out that "average" doesn't necessarily describe most people's needs. A lanky teenage boy who is active might utilize 3000 calories a day. A sedentary elderly woman might use 1200. A sedentary small-ish woman in her late 20s might use 1500. That same woman might use 1800-2000 if she exercised regularly. There are many factors: age, activity level, gender, weight, height, muscle mass, metabolism, genetic factors... blah blah blah. So it is hard to just throw out a number that covers everyone. Bottom line: if you're gaining weight, you are eating more calories than you are burning; if you're losing weight, you are eating less calories than you are burning. In addition, the number of carbs/protein/fat you need are generally proportional to the number of calories you need.
A general recommendation of where you should get your calories from is 50-60% from carbohydrates, 25-35% from fat (no more than 10% from saturated fat), and 10-20% from protein. I am not advocating figuring out exactly what you are consuming, the point here is everyone should eat a balanced diet! No fat-free or carb-free diets please. Unless you want dull skin and hair (if you had no fat in your diet) or no energy (if you had no carbs).
Back to the topic at hand: peanut butter. I take issue when peanut butter is promoted for it's protein content because I think its misleading. It would really be hard to get enough protein from just eating peanut butter. 2 tablespoons has 7gm of protein, appx the same amount in 1oz. of meat/poultry or 1 egg. I'd have to eat 14 tablespoons of peanut butter to meet the low end of my protein needs for a day. Nothing wrong with it and yes, it does contribute to your protein needs - but not the most dense source out there. I also object when peanut butter is blasted for it's high fat content because it is actually reasonable in its saturated fat content (3gm/serving or 16% of the RDA) and provides a good amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (according to my Hill Country Fare jar, 7gm of the total amount of fat are from monos). Fat is higher in calories but also helps you to stay feeling full longer and may prevent you from going for a snack soon after you've already eaten. Peanut butter can definitely be incorporated in a healthy diet without fear of weight gain if you eat it in reasonable quantities and with consideration to the rest of your meals.
The question proposed to me on this blog many weeks ago was from the girl who forced me to eat massive quantities of afore mentioned peanut butter m&ms - she wanted to know about the differences in types of peanut butter and if she must continue to eat the natural kind. Generally, brand to brand, the nutritional content is very similar. Here is the breakdown on 4 types of Jif peanut butter (all for 2tbsp serving):
Regular Creamy (Regular Crunchy has the same breakdown)
Calories: 190
Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 7gm (Sugars 3gm)
Protein: 7gm
Ingredients: ROASTED PEANUTS AND SUGAR. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: MOLASSES, FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT.
Reduced Fat
Calories: 190
Fat: 12gm, 2.5gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 15gm (Sugars 4gm)
Protein: 8gm
Ingredients: PEANUTS, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, SUGAR AND SOY PROTEIN, CONTAINS 2 PERCENT OR LESS OF: FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), SALT, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, MOLASSES, NIACINAMIDE, FOLIC ACID, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ZINC OXIDE, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE, AND COPPER SULFATE.
Natural Jif
Calories: 190
Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 7gm (Sugars 3gm)
Protein: 7gm
Ingredients: MADE FROM ROASTED PEANUTS, SUGAR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: PALM OIL, SALT, MOLASSES.
Simply Jif
Calories: 190
Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 6gm (Sugars 2gm)
Protein: 8gm
Ingredients: MADE FROM ROATED PEANUTS, CONTAINS 2 PERCENT OR LESS OF: FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, MOLASSES, SUGAR AND SALT.
With the exception of the reduced fat variety, you can see that the basic nutrition profile is essentially the same. The reduced fat kind has 25% less overall fat but only like 15% less saturated fat than the original. There is 2x the amount of carbohydrates than the original. That is because generally when you remove a essential ingredient you have to replace it with something else - in this case, it appears to be corn syrup solids (and a crapload of random stabilizers). Yum! I am not a proponent of reduced fat foods when they are altered in this way, especially because the calories are the same here. (Reduced fat dairy is different - they generally make it the same way, just skim off various amounts of fat.) The Natural Jif is unique because you probably recognize all the ingredients that fall into that 2% category. The Regular and Natural are comprised 98% of peanuts and sugar. Simply Jif is comprised of 98% peanuts, the sugar is included in that last 2%. However, there is only 1gm less sugar in the Simply Jif than the regular or natural. In my opinion, you should eat the one of those 3 that you like the most because nutritionally there is very little difference. If you are a purist and don't like not recognizing those last few ingredients, stick with the Natural.
Hope this was useful information for you. Feel free to leave your thoughts on peanut butter in the comments and any other nutrition topics you're curious about!
Love, B
PS - 97 days to the wedding!
2 tablespoons, the suggested serving size, provides on average 190 calories and 16gm of fat. To put this in perspective, the average person needs about 2000 calories in a day and the recommended dietary allowance of fat at that calorie level is about 65 grams. I would like to point out that "average" doesn't necessarily describe most people's needs. A lanky teenage boy who is active might utilize 3000 calories a day. A sedentary elderly woman might use 1200. A sedentary small-ish woman in her late 20s might use 1500. That same woman might use 1800-2000 if she exercised regularly. There are many factors: age, activity level, gender, weight, height, muscle mass, metabolism, genetic factors... blah blah blah. So it is hard to just throw out a number that covers everyone. Bottom line: if you're gaining weight, you are eating more calories than you are burning; if you're losing weight, you are eating less calories than you are burning. In addition, the number of carbs/protein/fat you need are generally proportional to the number of calories you need.
A general recommendation of where you should get your calories from is 50-60% from carbohydrates, 25-35% from fat (no more than 10% from saturated fat), and 10-20% from protein. I am not advocating figuring out exactly what you are consuming, the point here is everyone should eat a balanced diet! No fat-free or carb-free diets please. Unless you want dull skin and hair (if you had no fat in your diet) or no energy (if you had no carbs).
Back to the topic at hand: peanut butter. I take issue when peanut butter is promoted for it's protein content because I think its misleading. It would really be hard to get enough protein from just eating peanut butter. 2 tablespoons has 7gm of protein, appx the same amount in 1oz. of meat/poultry or 1 egg. I'd have to eat 14 tablespoons of peanut butter to meet the low end of my protein needs for a day. Nothing wrong with it and yes, it does contribute to your protein needs - but not the most dense source out there. I also object when peanut butter is blasted for it's high fat content because it is actually reasonable in its saturated fat content (3gm/serving or 16% of the RDA) and provides a good amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (according to my Hill Country Fare jar, 7gm of the total amount of fat are from monos). Fat is higher in calories but also helps you to stay feeling full longer and may prevent you from going for a snack soon after you've already eaten. Peanut butter can definitely be incorporated in a healthy diet without fear of weight gain if you eat it in reasonable quantities and with consideration to the rest of your meals.
The question proposed to me on this blog many weeks ago was from the girl who forced me to eat massive quantities of afore mentioned peanut butter m&ms - she wanted to know about the differences in types of peanut butter and if she must continue to eat the natural kind. Generally, brand to brand, the nutritional content is very similar. Here is the breakdown on 4 types of Jif peanut butter (all for 2tbsp serving):
Regular Creamy (Regular Crunchy has the same breakdown)
Calories: 190
Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 7gm (Sugars 3gm)
Protein: 7gm
Ingredients: ROASTED PEANUTS AND SUGAR. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: MOLASSES, FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT.
Reduced Fat
Calories: 190
Fat: 12gm, 2.5gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 15gm (Sugars 4gm)
Protein: 8gm
Ingredients: PEANUTS, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, SUGAR AND SOY PROTEIN, CONTAINS 2 PERCENT OR LESS OF: FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), SALT, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, MOLASSES, NIACINAMIDE, FOLIC ACID, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ZINC OXIDE, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE, AND COPPER SULFATE.
Natural Jif
Calories: 190
Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 7gm (Sugars 3gm)
Protein: 7gm
Ingredients: MADE FROM ROASTED PEANUTS, SUGAR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: PALM OIL, SALT, MOLASSES.
Simply Jif
Calories: 190
Fat: 16gm, 3gm saturated
Carbohydrates: 6gm (Sugars 2gm)
Protein: 8gm
Ingredients: MADE FROM ROATED PEANUTS, CONTAINS 2 PERCENT OR LESS OF: FULLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS (RAPESEED AND SOYBEAN), MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, MOLASSES, SUGAR AND SALT.
With the exception of the reduced fat variety, you can see that the basic nutrition profile is essentially the same. The reduced fat kind has 25% less overall fat but only like 15% less saturated fat than the original. There is 2x the amount of carbohydrates than the original. That is because generally when you remove a essential ingredient you have to replace it with something else - in this case, it appears to be corn syrup solids (and a crapload of random stabilizers). Yum! I am not a proponent of reduced fat foods when they are altered in this way, especially because the calories are the same here. (Reduced fat dairy is different - they generally make it the same way, just skim off various amounts of fat.) The Natural Jif is unique because you probably recognize all the ingredients that fall into that 2% category. The Regular and Natural are comprised 98% of peanuts and sugar. Simply Jif is comprised of 98% peanuts, the sugar is included in that last 2%. However, there is only 1gm less sugar in the Simply Jif than the regular or natural. In my opinion, you should eat the one of those 3 that you like the most because nutritionally there is very little difference. If you are a purist and don't like not recognizing those last few ingredients, stick with the Natural.
Hope this was useful information for you. Feel free to leave your thoughts on peanut butter in the comments and any other nutrition topics you're curious about!
Love, B
PS - 97 days to the wedding!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
5 weeks and 1 day of being a homeowner
Phew! What a busy summer this has been! I'm officially in the last year of my twenties and the summer is more than halfway over... Not that summer coming to an end is nearly as much of a bad thing as it was when I was younger and didn't work year round. My summer is no different from my fall, winter, or spring except for having the privilege of enduring the excruciating heat and humidity. Not to mention all the rain - which at least has kept it from being as hot as it could have been. The discussion of the weather only furthers the point of my rapidly advancing age...
Today the realities of homeownership really set in. I mean, I started getting the point when I was bombarded with bugs and had to quickly enlist an exterminator and then realized the grass does not cut itself - nor does a lawn boy cut lawns for free. I was excited to get my very own lawnmower for my birthday and got to break it in last weekend. I must say that mowing my own lawn feels like much less of a chore than doing it at my parents'. (Not that that happened very often. My dad would swear to you I never did.) Nonetheless, I can't wait for Richard to be back to 100% and living here so it can be his job! Also, did you know that when you own a home, there is no one in the "office" to let the maintenance man in if there is an issue that needs attending to? So you have to be home... or find someone to fill in for you. I need a stay at home wife :)
My morning started with my dishwasher causing water to shoot all over my island (which shockingly was not free of clutter). I quickly opened it to stop the machine and the water stopped gushing. When I did my walk through the project manager warned me this could happen but made it sound like any water that backed up would shoot neatly into the sink - not all over my counter. I ran the disposal (thought I was so clever) and tried it again - to no avail. So I called the Perry project managers and they arranged for a plumber to come out - thank goodness for the warranty. It was a little bit more of an ordeal arranging for someone to let the plumber in, but it got taken of :) There was a kink in some hose so they replaced it. After work, I got home to my working dishwasher... and a stack of bills. GEEZ!! Did you know that utilities cost more to cover a house that's 3 times the size of my apartment? I expected it, sort of... but the reality doesn't set in until you open that envelope! Plus, there was a leak in my water line which I believe is the reason for my exorbitant water bill ($150 for just the water - not the deposit, sewer, or mud fees - it was $300 in all!). And my electric bill includes the apartment... can't wait to get rid of that sucker!
All that to say... I LOVE my new house! I love looking out at the water from the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. I love my huge master closet. I love my beautiful kitchen. I love being able to just walk out my front door and go for a run (not that it's happened alot - but I foresee this in my future!) I love that neighbors I don't know wave at me when they drive by and I'm in the driveway.
I keep ticking off items on my wedding to-do list. My wedding dress is in and I go next Monday for my initial alteration appointment! I have officially accomplished the dress, finding a reception, reserving the church & minister, cake, choosing a florist - we have yet to iron out the specifics, choosing a dj, ordering save the dates (except I underestimated - don't be hurt if you don't get one!), choosing bridesmaid dresses. I won't talk about what I have left because I may start hyperventilating! Actually I'm fairly calm about it - maybe because I'm in denial and therefore procrastinating. Also, in case you're wondering - only 101 days to go! Not that I'm counting :)
I have done leg work on the peanut butter topic so get excited because it is coming soon!
Love, B
Today the realities of homeownership really set in. I mean, I started getting the point when I was bombarded with bugs and had to quickly enlist an exterminator and then realized the grass does not cut itself - nor does a lawn boy cut lawns for free. I was excited to get my very own lawnmower for my birthday and got to break it in last weekend. I must say that mowing my own lawn feels like much less of a chore than doing it at my parents'. (Not that that happened very often. My dad would swear to you I never did.) Nonetheless, I can't wait for Richard to be back to 100% and living here so it can be his job! Also, did you know that when you own a home, there is no one in the "office" to let the maintenance man in if there is an issue that needs attending to? So you have to be home... or find someone to fill in for you. I need a stay at home wife :)
My morning started with my dishwasher causing water to shoot all over my island (which shockingly was not free of clutter). I quickly opened it to stop the machine and the water stopped gushing. When I did my walk through the project manager warned me this could happen but made it sound like any water that backed up would shoot neatly into the sink - not all over my counter. I ran the disposal (thought I was so clever) and tried it again - to no avail. So I called the Perry project managers and they arranged for a plumber to come out - thank goodness for the warranty. It was a little bit more of an ordeal arranging for someone to let the plumber in, but it got taken of :) There was a kink in some hose so they replaced it. After work, I got home to my working dishwasher... and a stack of bills. GEEZ!! Did you know that utilities cost more to cover a house that's 3 times the size of my apartment? I expected it, sort of... but the reality doesn't set in until you open that envelope! Plus, there was a leak in my water line which I believe is the reason for my exorbitant water bill ($150 for just the water - not the deposit, sewer, or mud fees - it was $300 in all!). And my electric bill includes the apartment... can't wait to get rid of that sucker!
All that to say... I LOVE my new house! I love looking out at the water from the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. I love my huge master closet. I love my beautiful kitchen. I love being able to just walk out my front door and go for a run (not that it's happened alot - but I foresee this in my future!) I love that neighbors I don't know wave at me when they drive by and I'm in the driveway.
I keep ticking off items on my wedding to-do list. My wedding dress is in and I go next Monday for my initial alteration appointment! I have officially accomplished the dress, finding a reception, reserving the church & minister, cake, choosing a florist - we have yet to iron out the specifics, choosing a dj, ordering save the dates (except I underestimated - don't be hurt if you don't get one!), choosing bridesmaid dresses. I won't talk about what I have left because I may start hyperventilating! Actually I'm fairly calm about it - maybe because I'm in denial and therefore procrastinating. Also, in case you're wondering - only 101 days to go! Not that I'm counting :)
I have done leg work on the peanut butter topic so get excited because it is coming soon!
Love, B
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
0 weeks to closing! I'm a homeowner!
Thank goodness! And you will also be glad to know I have cooled off a bit since my last post, and realized that my world is not actually going to end. The photographer sent me a link to my pics Monday afternoon, and I was pleased with her work overall. Unfortunately I turned out looking like myself and not a supermodel... haha... so it wasn't everything I hoped :) I have to pick 20 for my little book and 10 additional ones that may make it in, plus one to get a big print of. The link is www.mkphotoblog.com/BethandRichard - if you feel like flipping through it, I'd love your input on which ones to choose.
I didn't really expect to be nervous about the closing, but I definitely was. Looking back, there was evidence of that in how anxious I was over not getting calls back and whenever they asked for something else. I really knew it when I almost cried getting a cashier's check at the bank this morning! It didn't help that the mortgage people called at 4pm yesterday saying they needed documentation on 2 deposits made in March - both legitimate checks from work, but I had no stub because... it was in March and the money had gone through to my account! Apparently, they want to know where every bit of your money is coming from when you are getting a loan! I had no idea how I was going to get documentation, but 2 different people in our business office saved the day! The closing was much less painful than expected - probably because I wasn't dealing with the mortgage company, just the title company.
As I sit on my couch in my apartment, like I have done every night for the past several years, it still does not feel real that I own a house! I'm guessing it will start to kick in when I actually move in on Saturday. I feel incredibly blessed. Richard and I drove from the title company to the new house and stayed long enough to get the keys and walk through the house again. We then drove back to Houston in the midst of the horrible rain that ultimately flooded the road my apartment and office are on and lightning struck a light pole at the Kroger between I-10 and the apartment. Took an hour to go 3 miles. What an end to the day!
On a side note: Bachelor, anyone? It's the show I love to hate and just can't stand to miss. I blame this blog - www.ihategreenbeans.com The author writes HILARIOUS recaps every week. I manage to watch the show despite being gone Monday nights and not having DVR... thank you abc.com! The book I need to finish and boxes I need to pack and apartment I need to clean do not thank you, however... sigh.
Still to come: The peanut butter debaucle (is that a word?) - really, one of these days...
Hope your week is going well! Thanks for being excited with me about my house and listening to me blab about it and willingly looking at the pictures on my camera I have shoved in your face :)
Love, B
I didn't really expect to be nervous about the closing, but I definitely was. Looking back, there was evidence of that in how anxious I was over not getting calls back and whenever they asked for something else. I really knew it when I almost cried getting a cashier's check at the bank this morning! It didn't help that the mortgage people called at 4pm yesterday saying they needed documentation on 2 deposits made in March - both legitimate checks from work, but I had no stub because... it was in March and the money had gone through to my account! Apparently, they want to know where every bit of your money is coming from when you are getting a loan! I had no idea how I was going to get documentation, but 2 different people in our business office saved the day! The closing was much less painful than expected - probably because I wasn't dealing with the mortgage company, just the title company.
As I sit on my couch in my apartment, like I have done every night for the past several years, it still does not feel real that I own a house! I'm guessing it will start to kick in when I actually move in on Saturday. I feel incredibly blessed. Richard and I drove from the title company to the new house and stayed long enough to get the keys and walk through the house again. We then drove back to Houston in the midst of the horrible rain that ultimately flooded the road my apartment and office are on and lightning struck a light pole at the Kroger between I-10 and the apartment. Took an hour to go 3 miles. What an end to the day!
On a side note: Bachelor, anyone? It's the show I love to hate and just can't stand to miss. I blame this blog - www.ihategreenbeans.com The author writes HILARIOUS recaps every week. I manage to watch the show despite being gone Monday nights and not having DVR... thank you abc.com! The book I need to finish and boxes I need to pack and apartment I need to clean do not thank you, however... sigh.
Still to come: The peanut butter debaucle (is that a word?) - really, one of these days...
Hope your week is going well! Thanks for being excited with me about my house and listening to me blab about it and willingly looking at the pictures on my camera I have shoved in your face :)
Love, B
Friday, June 18, 2010
Am I being unreasonable?
Ok peeps... I need to know if I'm unnecessarily upset. Let me set the background here by saying that I have had several incidences of frustration recently stemming from people (generally companies I am wanting to give my business to) not doing what they say they're going to do when they say they're going to do it. Example numero uno, my mortgage company - this woman refuses to return my calls. She has to "prioritize" her work, and my closing on Tuesday apparently is not priority. All I want is a $%^&* return phone call to say she received my fax!!! Oh, and to look at the documents I sent, but that's secondary. Just give me the freaking time of day! I have talked to my wonderful Perry saleswoman, Santosh, who has tried to intervene for me and assures me that everything will be ok. So I'm trying not to sweat that one too much.
Here's the one that is seriously irking me: Remember the engagement pictures Richard and I took 3 weeks and 2 days ago? The ones the photographer told us she would get the proofs to us for in 3 weeks? I thought 3 weeks seemed like MORE than enough time, but I'm not a photographer... whatever. Mind you, this is her full-time job and I don't think she's all THAT busy. So today, 2 days after her own deadline, I emailed asking what the status of the pictures was. She emailed back, saying oh, I was about to email you... my husband had an appendectomy on the 8th and I've been playing nurse and then my computer got a trojan, which made it really slow. Ok, this is a nice girl, and these are fairly legitimate excuses. She says she will try to have them to me next week. My main gripe here is that she didn't bother to let me know on or before when she said she'd have the pictures to me. Where's the line between being a demanding jerk and letting people walk all over you? People I'm paying thousands of dollars to? She did apologize, but it really seems like an afterthought. What would you do? I want to let her know I'm not happy with how she handled it... and also I wonder if this is just a really bad sign for the important event: the actual wedding.
I think I'm extra annoyed because I do work in a field where the customer is #1 and there are such high expectations for customer service. I'm also extra annoyed because between my realtor and salesperson I have had great customer service and the bar is set high. Honestly though, I don't think my expectations are that high except that I think you should follow through on your commitments... is that so much to ask?
Coming soon: The low-down on peanut butter :)
Love, B
Here's the one that is seriously irking me: Remember the engagement pictures Richard and I took 3 weeks and 2 days ago? The ones the photographer told us she would get the proofs to us for in 3 weeks? I thought 3 weeks seemed like MORE than enough time, but I'm not a photographer... whatever. Mind you, this is her full-time job and I don't think she's all THAT busy. So today, 2 days after her own deadline, I emailed asking what the status of the pictures was. She emailed back, saying oh, I was about to email you... my husband had an appendectomy on the 8th and I've been playing nurse and then my computer got a trojan, which made it really slow. Ok, this is a nice girl, and these are fairly legitimate excuses. She says she will try to have them to me next week. My main gripe here is that she didn't bother to let me know on or before when she said she'd have the pictures to me. Where's the line between being a demanding jerk and letting people walk all over you? People I'm paying thousands of dollars to? She did apologize, but it really seems like an afterthought. What would you do? I want to let her know I'm not happy with how she handled it... and also I wonder if this is just a really bad sign for the important event: the actual wedding.
I think I'm extra annoyed because I do work in a field where the customer is #1 and there are such high expectations for customer service. I'm also extra annoyed because between my realtor and salesperson I have had great customer service and the bar is set high. Honestly though, I don't think my expectations are that high except that I think you should follow through on your commitments... is that so much to ask?
Coming soon: The low-down on peanut butter :)
Love, B
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