Pasilla Peppers

I bought 2 Pasilla peppers at Gelson's the last time that I shopped. For those of you who don't know what they are, let me describe them. They are large, dark green, shiny peppers with a mildly hot taste. I have had them at Mexican restaurants stuffed with cheese and melted to a gooey goodness that is delightful. I'm sure that was my attraction when I purchased them at the grocery store. I looked at them and imagined them stuffed with cheese and I bagged them before I could even think. Tonight, before they went bad, I decided to cook them. I broiled them in the oven until they turned black and placed them in a paper bag to steam. Then, I easily peeled the charred skin away and diced the softened flesh. I added it to my vegetable chicken soup and it gave it a spicy flavor that added another dimension to my low calorie dinner. The best thing about watching my weight, is the satisfaction I get from cooking more creatively.

Election Day!

I love Election Day! In an election year, I try to watch all of the debates and I try to read as much as I can about all of the propositions. Unfortunately,  I have grown more and more cynical the older I get, but I still try to be optimistic about the future of our country. Back to Patti's plate.......I usually order pizza. The second I get home on election night, I turn the TV on and I watch the results all night long. Someone orders pizza delivery, and I mindlessly eat, usually caring more about if I get a corner piece than who actually wins. (That's a little exaggeration; but you are correct, Vanessa, not much.) Anyhow, tonight was different. I started a new tradition. I defrosted White Roughy fish fillets from Trader Joe's and decorated them with blueberries and red peppers. I added a green salad and though I could definitely eat more, I am happy with the portion that I received. Hmmmmm. I wonder if that is what our entire country is thinking right now.

 

 

Another boring salad

As I was taking a picture of my dinner tonight, I came to the conslusion that I may be getting a little boring with my "good" dinners. I scrolled through my blog a bit and I concluded that if I wasn't cheating, the food didn't look very exciting. The salads look monotonously similar. So this blog is helping me in more ways than just serving as a food journal and making me accountable. It also is helping me see that I need to get more creative in my cooking to keep me interested in healthy eating for the long run. I don't know what I'll be eating tomorrow, but I know I need a change.

Monday Morning

When trying to lose weight, there are so many variables that enter into the equation.
1) Which diet is best?
2) Will you have the help of family and friends?
3) Will you be able to eat like this forever?
4) Will you be able to combat emotional eating?
 These are just a few thoughts that come to mind. I think one of the biggest hurdles to overcome, is learning to tune out those people who may unknowingly sabotage your effort. These are the well meaning people who tell you the "right" way to lose weight.
Let's face it. All overweight people know how to lose weight. We've lost hundreds of pounds before. The problem is that we always gain back more than we lose. The vicious cycle never seems to end. However, for some people it finally does. Eventually, for those who are lucky enough, they finally figure it out. And the light bulb moment usually comes on through no help of anybody else. It is their own personal realization. It won't happen if you give up. It only happens if you keep trying.
So often the "fat mind" is stubborn. It hates to be told what to do. When a skinny ___________(insert spouse, parent, relative, friend, co-worker, stranger) tells a fat person what to eat and how to eat, the fat person often does just the opposite. They are already out of control with their eating, so instinctively they try to muster a little control by not listening to the other person. It's counterproductive but understandable. I can think of plenty of times that I have acted in that way. I know for sure that my Dad did.
Anyhow, I think I have possibly gotten to the point that I will continue losing weight. I don't intend to be perfect every single day. I will try to recognize which days I need to really watch it and which days I can take a break. I need to learn the best way to do it for me. It may mean being selfish or acting like a hermit now and then, but I need to remember that self preservation and care is ultimately a gift that we give to those who really love us.

 

 

The long version

There are some restaurants that are just easier to totally avoid rather than try and abstain from eating my favorite foods. Lucy's El Adobe Cafe is one of those restaurants. I have probably been going there for almost 50 years. It's my home away from home. I ate my first BBQ taco dinner there when I was about 9 years old and I have wanted to order it every single time I have gone back since. When my husband suggested that we take my mother there on Saturday night, I knew I would be in trouble. However, just because I have a weight problem, doesn't mean I should punish Tony for my lack of willpower. I agreed to go. I tried to make some changes from my usual El Adobe experience.  I didn't order the freshly made delicious guacamole. But, I did eat the hot, crunchy  tortilla chips. I couldn't pass up the incomparable quesadilla with mild peppers especially when my husband added jalapeños to it. Normally I would order the taco dinner, but I ordered a boiled bean tostado with a fresh (not fried) corn tortilla on the bottom. Who was I kidding? I just ate a bowl of chips!  Add the special Santiago margarita and my diet was totally gone. Now, maybe I would have had more willpower if I was going there more often. But, I haven't been there in over 3 months, and it was Saturday night, and well.....oh well.

Last night

Today's entry could either be really long or really short. I am going to opt for the short version. My husband and I took my Mom to dinner last night.

 

Splurge

I don't mean to overwhelm you with pictures, but, really? Last night I ate dinner at the home of my good friend, Lynn. Lynn is the type of person who over thirty years ago, introduced me to Iranian caviar. She had all of the accompaniments to go with it perfectly displayed. It was beautiful and delicious and something I will never forget. I tell you this to warn you; I knew what I was getting into last night. I didn't think I was going over and asking her for celery and carrot sticks. I was totally prepared to splurge, and splurge I did. We started off with a chilled Hendrick's martini, served in our own stainless steel ice cold mixer. Then, we sat in the den to "catch up" while snacking on duck pâté, creamy foghorn cheese, crispy fruit infused crackers, and olives that I thought were fake. (So shiny and beautiful) This ex- Nutritarian was in heaven! We moved into the kitchen where dimly lit candles twinkled and the smell of roasted chicken permeated the room. I don't remember when I enjoyed a meal more. Lynn instinctively knows that attention to the smallest details really makes an evening. I so appreciate everything she did for me. (She has always been an expert at caring for others.)

 Thank you, Lynn. Patti's plate has never looked so good!