Eclectic and well-rounded with an appreciation for the creative. Adventurous, Poetic, Spiritual, Storytelling Crone, getting by on 1400 calories per day.
In 2010, with a pre diabetes scare hanging over me I used this daily food journal to plan and (hopefully} execute my daily menu. With an eye to portion control I did quite well, dropping a few pounds and feeling a lot healthier. Let's move back in that direction.
From October 2nd until the 12th I was occupied by a visit from my longtime friend, Diane. We made an adventure out of an errand to take care of the long awaited task of bringing her mother's ashes HOME.
In the cooler was sliced cheese, Honey Yogurt, Cream Cheese, Ensure and Red Bull. Ancient Grains crackers and Instant Oatmeal provided the carbs. Beginning Wednesday with the trip to Yreka and Dinner at Casa Ramos. Cheese and crackers for lunch at one of the Lake Shasta Rest Areas after stopping at the Ide Adobe and the Sundial Bridge. Thursday we walked the trail at Woodson Bridge (where the Rogue River enters a Lava Tube making a Hidden Bridge) then circled Crater Lake eating salads and a croissant turkey and swiss on the deck of the Crater Lake Lodge then called for delivery by China Wok as we settled for the night in Klamath Falls. Friday it was down 97 to I-5 and up Mt Shasta for a picnic at Panther Meadows. On down 89 to Burney Falls, then Lassen Peak and a night in Chester, where I picked up individual Pizzas for dinner. Saturday I took the unplanned route and we drove 36 to Susanville then 395 past Honey Lake to Carson City where we ate lunch in a small shady park. West along 50 and the shore of Lake Tahoe then on to Sacramento. Dinner was a home cooked Szechuan Garlic Eggplant over Cauliflower mashed with cream cheese. Sunday Diane worked to clear the rain gutters and swept the patio deck then we visited the Carmichael Farmer's Market where we purchased tomatoes and stone fruit for the next phase of our trip. Stopped for a Car Wash and interior vacuum and dusting in Carmichael. Dinner at Black Angus. Monday on the road again: up 50 and over Luther and Monitor Passes for a night in Lee Vining. Lunch was a picnic with ravens at South Tufas, Mono Lake, and dinner was fried chicken at Nicely's. Tuesday, south on 395 to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and another picnic in the great outdoors (leftover fried chicken). Checked into the Bristlecone Motel in Big Pine and had a dud of a dinner at Jeffrey's Country Kitchen. They really botched the grilled pork chop but I ate it anyway. There won't be a next time -- the restaurant was filthy. Wednesday we visited Manzanar on our way to Mt Whitney. Picnicked once again at the Mt Whitney Trailhead, an active bear area! before heading to the Alabama Hills for a brief exploration. We made it in time for dinner @ 5 p.m. at the Rice Bowl in Bakersfield with my Uncle Bob. Thursday I had breakfast with Bob at IHOP and headed for home. Lunch was Red Bull, Cheese and a Plum at a Rest Area (I didn't get out of the car in the light rain). Not at all hungry for dinner. Friday I stocked up the Fridge and pantry. Brussels Sprouts and Smokies became a dinner of last resort. I can't remember Saturday except for the pork sirloin in chow mein. That morning I participated in the 3 hour World Wide Photo Walk in Old Town Sacramento. Sunday toast and coffee and I'm headed for Richmond. Chris offered me a fresh peach around noon then I picked up Mac and Cheese, Teriyaki Wings, Potato Wedges and a Fruit and Custard tart at Safeway in Mill Valley. I was headed for the Marin Headlands for an afternoon of pictures. Dinner was cold Chow Mein around 8 p.m. All and all the past two weeks were focused more on scenery and conversation than on what I ate.
In 6 days my childhood friend arrives for a 10 day visit. It will be the longest time we've spent together in 20 years. In addition to driving more than 1000 miles we will probably explore this area. The focus for the week will be healthy meals and time well spent planning and organizing.
Perhaps I didn't want anyone to know what I've been eating. Perhaps I've been busy with thoughts redirected to other goals: trip planning, guitar lessons, minimalizing... I can't make up my mind about breakfast. Logic tells me to go for the boiled eggs and get started on the new diet. Desire tells me a bagel with cream cheese and lox would be a great start. Gluttony suggest Denny's and something substantial. What's it gonna be?
Cottage Cheese with Kosher Salt and Coarse Ground Pepper
Carl's Jr Jalapeno Cheeseburger with Fries and a Sprite
Frosted Mini Wheats are the breakfast choice today. They are what I have not what I want. Leftover Pork Sirloin Chops with mixed veggies and a gravy made from condensed Cream of Chicken soup will be lunch. Dinner is not yet conceived. I'm hungry for Chinese. Never the less I settled for a nuked Yukon Gold potato with sour cream and butter and the rest of the Canadian Bacon.
After a month or more of digestive distress I have opted for a simple 'bland' diet of rice and steamed vegetables. Once back to normal I can then add favorite culinary delights.
The plan is a cup of steamed brown rice with a cup of steamed green veggies twice a day. Clear soup or broth between meals. No meat or dairy or fats during the rebalancing act.
While starting my chicken soup this morning I chose to grab a couple of slices of Tillamook Cheddar and fold them into Dark Rye slices. Makes for a convenient breaking of the fast while checking my email and getting the drudgery of the day taken care of.
I don't see anything irresistible in the cupboard or the refrigerator. Maybe I'd better take another look before heading out somewhere to look for food.
Tillamook Cheddar on Dark Rye
fresh mango slices
Smokey Sweet Potato Salad with Chilis and onions
Chicken, Cheese and Chile Enchiladas in Chile Verde Enchilada Sauce