Thursday:
If health scares (and shrinking clothes) aren't enough to shock me into working on my health, well then I'll just have to do it anyway.
It is just under ten weeks until my birthday. A good slice of time to work with. Lets see what I can do in ten weeks.
I tried to take the kids to see a movie (the Lego movie) today but the shopping centre was so busy that I couldn't get a parking spot. There were queues of cars going round and round, hoping to pounce when someone left. It is a long weekend here from tomorrow (ANZAC Day, which is to thank our military for their sacrifices) so I guess it was people stocking up on food for that plus school holiday crowds of parents looking for something to do with their bored children. It was weird though, I've never seen it that bad except in the days before Christmas. We gave up after a few laps of the three sections of car-park and came home and they watched Harry Potter on DVD. I was glad I'd done all my grocery shopping earlier in the week.
My dad visited yesterday with his new girlfriend, we went on a boat cruise around the lake then dinner here. He's visiting his brother today but will be back for dinner again tonight. I try not to be a food pusher but my idea of being a good host includes having food available, so chocolate biscuits on the table at afternoon tea time, dessert at dinner time, and cheese and crackers for supper. Wendy had mentioned to me that she had recently lost of lot of weight (nearly 30 kg, 60 pounds) after gaining it when her husband died, and I felt guilty later about offering her all that unhealthy food. I didn't force anything on her (I offer once and don't press) but her idea of being a good guest might include accepting what is offered, especially if the host made it themself and also I know myself that it's not a easy thing to turn down something you like if it's right in front of you. What do people suggest in this circumstance? I know that no-one needs snacks between meals or dessert but it is normal to offer. I suppose I should just make sure there are healthier options available, like fruit maybe, and continue to only offer each thing once.
Showing posts with label guests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guests. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Dad
Saturday:
Dad just came to visit for a few days, as he does several times a year. We always struggle a bit to find things to talk about, so thank goodness it's cricket season. We were able to watch a couple of games together (on TV) and talk about that. It was too hot to go out anywhere, except one visit to a toyshop so he could get the kids something.
Nothing else to report. Too hot to exercise. Too hot to think.
Biggest Loser Australia starts tomorrow. Very excited. They are taking on a whole town.
Dad just came to visit for a few days, as he does several times a year. We always struggle a bit to find things to talk about, so thank goodness it's cricket season. We were able to watch a couple of games together (on TV) and talk about that. It was too hot to go out anywhere, except one visit to a toyshop so he could get the kids something.
Nothing else to report. Too hot to exercise. Too hot to think.
Biggest Loser Australia starts tomorrow. Very excited. They are taking on a whole town.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Too much sugar
Thursday:
I am actually really looking forward to starting Whole30 on Saturday. With guests here, more sugar and refined carbs have crept in. Two desserts so far this week, I made chocolate macarons for afternoon tea (and they lasted over three snack times, so I had quite a few), wine and cider, the usual D&D binge supper. Lots of cheese because I am giving it up in a couple of days. I've been feeling a bit over-sugared. My tongue got sore after eating macarons.
My dad's girlfriend is the polite kind who will only let you make her a cup of tea "if you are having one yourself" so I ended up having more cups of tea (with sugar!) than usual. I already mentioned my wide-awake night after having a cup after dinner. I'm just not used to that much caffeine. I didn't do that again, but I was having up to four cups a day.
Yesterday before they left we were chatting before lunch and it came up that garlic upset her stomach. I had been told this before, but had forgotten. And she also mentioned that she didn't like chilli. I had a sudden panic (not showing on my face, I hope!) as I had steak marinating in chilli and garlic in the fridge to make Thai beef salad! Not much chilli, I wouldn't serve something spicy when I don't know the eater's tolerance, but there was still the garlic. Luckily I had a chicken in the fridge so they went for a walk to the park with the kids while I got that bird hacked up and oven baked in about 30 minutes. I'm sure they would have been fine with sandwiches or anything, but it was a real stress moment for me until I worked out my lunch alternative. I am the planning kind. And I really didn't want dad's lovely girlfriend to feel like she was being "too much trouble" so I couldn't mention the problem.
So, anyway, they've gone and my mum and brother are coming today for two nights. I had originally planned two desserts and other stuff but I've toned it right down. I've bought ice cream and raspberries (the same as we had earlier in the week) for dessert one night, and I will make a batch of chocolate cookies as my mum can't have preservatives in most bought stuff. Apart from that we have plenty of fruit and I'll make normal healthy meals. I do not have to add cream to everything just because we have visitors! My mum is always a challenge to cook for because of her extensive food intolerances (it's me who spends a lot of time on it, she'd be happy to have the same thing every visit) but I've got that sorted.
And on Saturday (they'll leave after lunch, but I'll start first thing in the morning) I'll be on Whole30 and I bet my body will thank me for a break from sugar and alcohol and refined grains. Going to miss cheese though!
While shopping this morning I looked at every brand of packaged bacon and every one had sugar. I usually buy from the deli but didn't trust them to know whether it had sugar or not. Sigh. But I read somewhere the idea of dipping asparagus spears into a soft-boiled egg and that sounds really nice.
I am actually really looking forward to starting Whole30 on Saturday. With guests here, more sugar and refined carbs have crept in. Two desserts so far this week, I made chocolate macarons for afternoon tea (and they lasted over three snack times, so I had quite a few), wine and cider, the usual D&D binge supper. Lots of cheese because I am giving it up in a couple of days. I've been feeling a bit over-sugared. My tongue got sore after eating macarons.
My dad's girlfriend is the polite kind who will only let you make her a cup of tea "if you are having one yourself" so I ended up having more cups of tea (with sugar!) than usual. I already mentioned my wide-awake night after having a cup after dinner. I'm just not used to that much caffeine. I didn't do that again, but I was having up to four cups a day.
Yesterday before they left we were chatting before lunch and it came up that garlic upset her stomach. I had been told this before, but had forgotten. And she also mentioned that she didn't like chilli. I had a sudden panic (not showing on my face, I hope!) as I had steak marinating in chilli and garlic in the fridge to make Thai beef salad! Not much chilli, I wouldn't serve something spicy when I don't know the eater's tolerance, but there was still the garlic. Luckily I had a chicken in the fridge so they went for a walk to the park with the kids while I got that bird hacked up and oven baked in about 30 minutes. I'm sure they would have been fine with sandwiches or anything, but it was a real stress moment for me until I worked out my lunch alternative. I am the planning kind. And I really didn't want dad's lovely girlfriend to feel like she was being "too much trouble" so I couldn't mention the problem.
So, anyway, they've gone and my mum and brother are coming today for two nights. I had originally planned two desserts and other stuff but I've toned it right down. I've bought ice cream and raspberries (the same as we had earlier in the week) for dessert one night, and I will make a batch of chocolate cookies as my mum can't have preservatives in most bought stuff. Apart from that we have plenty of fruit and I'll make normal healthy meals. I do not have to add cream to everything just because we have visitors! My mum is always a challenge to cook for because of her extensive food intolerances (it's me who spends a lot of time on it, she'd be happy to have the same thing every visit) but I've got that sorted.
And on Saturday (they'll leave after lunch, but I'll start first thing in the morning) I'll be on Whole30 and I bet my body will thank me for a break from sugar and alcohol and refined grains. Going to miss cheese though!
While shopping this morning I looked at every brand of packaged bacon and every one had sugar. I usually buy from the deli but didn't trust them to know whether it had sugar or not. Sigh. But I read somewhere the idea of dipping asparagus spears into a soft-boiled egg and that sounds really nice.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Whole30
Tuesday:
Tim is back at work today after a week off (plus it was a public holiday yesterday - Labour Day to celebrate when the Unions negotiated eight hour working days). He set his alarm which he never usually needs to do, but we just started Daylight Saving on Sunday so with that and being on holidays we've been sleeping in until about 9.30 every day! Back to the daily grind.
My dad and his girlfriend came to dinner last night and I served an entrée of melon cubes with freshly squeezed orange juice poured over, casserole with mashed potato and salad, and a small serve of ice cream with chocolate and raspberries. Right up until about 2 seconds ago I thought that the Vienetta (ice cream with chocolate flakes) wouldn't have many calories because we only had a small slice each, but I just went and had a look at the empty box and even that was 250 calories! Dessert is definitely a "sometimes food".
After dinner I had a cup of tea with our guests. I have no idea why, I never drink caffeine after about 3pm. If offered, I will decline and say it keeps me awake. But last night I was just in automatic social mode and had a cup. And it most certainly did keep me awake! Still staring at the ceiling at 1am and after.
I am going to do Whole30, starting on Saturday which is when my mother and brother leave after their visit. The timing will mean there are a couple of big parties near the end of the 30 days, but I figured that if I got that far it would be easier to resist junk near the end than if I tried to start now with school holidays and houseguests etc. I've signed up for the daily motivational emails.
I don't know if I 100% agree with the Whole30 diet principles, but as you know by now I like trying new things and reading up on this stuff. There is lots of info on the website and I've ordered the book from the library. It's only 30 days, so it won't do any damage even if humans are meant to eat grains after all. I have a lot of issues with inflammation so I am hoping the food restrictions will help me. I suppose I'll put the calorie counting on hold for the month, or maybe keep track just for interest sake. I'm not supposed to weigh myself during, just at the start and the end. I've gone from weighing myself every day (for 3 years) to once or twice a week, but I think if I feel like I've lost weight I'll want to check and see how much! So that might be hard. I'll have to remember to take other measurements and a photo too. We took photos at the Tulip Gardens so I do have recent ones (can't seem to post any pictures to this blog though! Annoying, I used to be able to) but you're supposed to have an underwear one. (No way I would post that one even if I could!)
Tim is back at work today after a week off (plus it was a public holiday yesterday - Labour Day to celebrate when the Unions negotiated eight hour working days). He set his alarm which he never usually needs to do, but we just started Daylight Saving on Sunday so with that and being on holidays we've been sleeping in until about 9.30 every day! Back to the daily grind.
My dad and his girlfriend came to dinner last night and I served an entrée of melon cubes with freshly squeezed orange juice poured over, casserole with mashed potato and salad, and a small serve of ice cream with chocolate and raspberries. Right up until about 2 seconds ago I thought that the Vienetta (ice cream with chocolate flakes) wouldn't have many calories because we only had a small slice each, but I just went and had a look at the empty box and even that was 250 calories! Dessert is definitely a "sometimes food".
After dinner I had a cup of tea with our guests. I have no idea why, I never drink caffeine after about 3pm. If offered, I will decline and say it keeps me awake. But last night I was just in automatic social mode and had a cup. And it most certainly did keep me awake! Still staring at the ceiling at 1am and after.
I am going to do Whole30, starting on Saturday which is when my mother and brother leave after their visit. The timing will mean there are a couple of big parties near the end of the 30 days, but I figured that if I got that far it would be easier to resist junk near the end than if I tried to start now with school holidays and houseguests etc. I've signed up for the daily motivational emails.
I don't know if I 100% agree with the Whole30 diet principles, but as you know by now I like trying new things and reading up on this stuff. There is lots of info on the website and I've ordered the book from the library. It's only 30 days, so it won't do any damage even if humans are meant to eat grains after all. I have a lot of issues with inflammation so I am hoping the food restrictions will help me. I suppose I'll put the calorie counting on hold for the month, or maybe keep track just for interest sake. I'm not supposed to weigh myself during, just at the start and the end. I've gone from weighing myself every day (for 3 years) to once or twice a week, but I think if I feel like I've lost weight I'll want to check and see how much! So that might be hard. I'll have to remember to take other measurements and a photo too. We took photos at the Tulip Gardens so I do have recent ones (can't seem to post any pictures to this blog though! Annoying, I used to be able to) but you're supposed to have an underwear one. (No way I would post that one even if I could!)
Friday, October 4, 2013
Halfway through the holidays
Saturday:
Well the first week of school holidays is over. My husband will be back to work on Tuesday. We haven't done a lot this week, both Aiden and I have been sick (yes, again! so frustrating). My father-in-law is visiting for several days at the moment, then my dad and his girlfriend will come for a couple of days, then my mum and brother, so we are pretty much booked up for the rest of the holidays with houseguests. It's nice to see them all, but a bit tiring, when I'm not well I'd really just rather sit around and watch TV and read rather than have to be social. Luckily they are all family so I have a fair bit of leeway on how I behave! Tim has done most of the housework and some of the cooking so that has made it a lot easier.
Yet again I am napping instead of exercising. It makes me sad and angry and frustrated and I have to keep reminding myself that my very minor illnesses are a mere blip in a great life.
On the up side my new contraceptive pill seems to have fixed all the girly problems.
I find having houseguests very challenging in terms of my diet. I am learning, to my sorrow, that I am a food pusher. I use guests as an excuse to cook fancy (unhealthy) food to impress them. Afternoon tea. Dessert. Supper. I get cranky with my dad when he doesn't eat my dessert because it's got cream in it (poison!) as he washes down his heart medication with a bottle of wine and then eats half a block of chocolate. I go to a lot of trouble cooking for people instead of spending time with them. I need to get a handle on that. It's not good for my diet, or for theirs! Why I am forcing unhealthy food on people? I need to keep all that celebration food for Christmas.
Well the first week of school holidays is over. My husband will be back to work on Tuesday. We haven't done a lot this week, both Aiden and I have been sick (yes, again! so frustrating). My father-in-law is visiting for several days at the moment, then my dad and his girlfriend will come for a couple of days, then my mum and brother, so we are pretty much booked up for the rest of the holidays with houseguests. It's nice to see them all, but a bit tiring, when I'm not well I'd really just rather sit around and watch TV and read rather than have to be social. Luckily they are all family so I have a fair bit of leeway on how I behave! Tim has done most of the housework and some of the cooking so that has made it a lot easier.
Yet again I am napping instead of exercising. It makes me sad and angry and frustrated and I have to keep reminding myself that my very minor illnesses are a mere blip in a great life.
On the up side my new contraceptive pill seems to have fixed all the girly problems.
I find having houseguests very challenging in terms of my diet. I am learning, to my sorrow, that I am a food pusher. I use guests as an excuse to cook fancy (unhealthy) food to impress them. Afternoon tea. Dessert. Supper. I get cranky with my dad when he doesn't eat my dessert because it's got cream in it (poison!) as he washes down his heart medication with a bottle of wine and then eats half a block of chocolate. I go to a lot of trouble cooking for people instead of spending time with them. I need to get a handle on that. It's not good for my diet, or for theirs! Why I am forcing unhealthy food on people? I need to keep all that celebration food for Christmas.
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