Thursday, July 23, 2009

clams & pinot grigio



Gourmet magazine gave me an idea for dinner with clams in white wine. Clams are a good source of B-12 and iron for good health. I found an article that describes buying clams and cleaning them as well as preparation, click here. Also, I will be cooking them with Pinot Grigio wine that I enjoy drinking. Pairing this wine with seafood is recommended, here are notes on wine. This week I have changed the intensity of my daily exercise routine to a higher level. I will be including specific sculpting and abs exercises about 1-1/4 hrs alternating each day with 1 hour cardio whole body burns. Today is my third day and scheduled is cardio burn. I do feel the muscles feeling worked. So I alternate the day's exercises to rest parts of my body that need it.

Today's food diary

Morning tea and also throughout the day
1 cup expresso sometime during the day
1 hour Cardio Burn
1 serving Whey Protein mixed with water after workout

Lunch
Big Romaine Salad with Turkey Breast
140 g Romaine Lettuce
80 g Roma Tomatoe sliced
65 g Jenny 'O Turkey Breast smoked in strips
12 g Walnuts for crunch
2 T Wish-Bone Light Sweet & Spicy French, 50 calories

Snack
Smoothie for a humid day... to sip while I take a walk
I use a Kitchen Aid blender on High 10 seconds, Makes 16 oz.
This Smoothie is 150 calories and is very filling.
1 cup ice
145 g Strawberries fresh
60 g Plain Yogurt, full fat
62 g or 1 medium Banana

Dinner
Seafood Dinner, Clams with French Bread
2 pats Butter, full fat salted, cook garlic in butter briefly, then add spices
2 Cloves Garlic sliced and 1/4 Tsp red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
70 g Pinot Grigio Wine with 1 splash of water bring up heat
2 lbs Clams in shell steamed covered, 7-10 minutes
10 parsley sprigs chopped for garnish on seafood
1 T Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese grated over seafood dish
4" French Bread Plain or sourdough
=>Optional 1 glass of Pinot Gris wine, then add 122 calories 5 fl oz

Snack
70 g Blueberries
1 Tall glass of Iced Tea

Nightcap
Something hot to drink while I do paperwork
2 cups Tea and Stevia, decaffinated

This is 1,000 calories: 107 grams carbs, 78 grams protein, 28 grams fat
Vitamins-A 496%, Folate 115%, B2 101%, B3 128%,
B12 2802% this score is up from the clams in food diary
Vitamins C 192%
Minerals Copper 147%, Iron 325%
Omega-3 107% and Omega-6 40%
Meals and snacks are at 2 to 3 hours.
I use vitamins and mineral supplements on things I am low on.
Today's food diary=> 30:40:25:(5 alcohol) protein:carb:fat:alcohol

Saturday, July 18, 2009

la jolla

Today's day trip was to La Jolla (la hoy ya), California which is 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego via freeway. This part of San Diego county is quite beautiful as well as a quiet coastal town. It has premium homes on the coastal way and has friendly occupants and visitors. A very low key place to visit. You will really enjoy your shore walk or picnic with gorgeous views. La Jolla has some nice executive homes with sweeping outstanding views. Click here to view La Jolla homes. On our visit there was La Valencia which is a hotel and restaurant. La Valencia I have visited and dined many times before.. and in their lounge I like to listen to their evening sounds i.e. modern jazz sometimes. Click here to view La Valencia Hotel and her amenities. It was a fun day walking and viewing one of my most favorite spots in San Diego.



The picturesque view of La Jolla Cove.


The entrance of La Valenica Hotel.


The boardwalk near La Jolla Cove.


Very old church named, "Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church".


A long shot view of our walk.


This is a remnant of Gaitorhead which is only the head now. The neck deteriorated a long time ago.


A quiet moment as a couple talks and views the bay.


A view out to sea as a wave comes in.


A closeup of a crevace along the shore.

Monday, July 13, 2009

rancho santa fe

Sightseeing today in Rancho Santa Fe. It is located in the north county of San Diego. It is not the average place to live but it was on our Trip List of things to see today. If you are wondering what an average home looks like. Here is a link of the homes for sale there presently, click here. We took a walk down the main street to window shop. We passed by The Inn and I took pictures of the long green and flowering walk way. The Inn is an historic place we visited on our day trip in Rancho Santa Fe.


Sitting and admiring the small garden on main street Rancho Santa Fe.


Mille Fluer a quaint restaurant and bar in the heart of small downtown Rancho Santa Fe.


A street view of The Inn and restaurant.


The walk way leading into The Inn.


Sitting while my girlfriend window shops.

Friday, July 10, 2009

today's my birthday

Today's my birthday and we went to Sea World in San Diego, California. Sea World is located on the bay and shore having a cool breeze. The temp outside was in the high 70's and was nice to be outside walking. I wore sunglasses and sunscreen. My shoulders did suffer a sunburn. Today's food diary took a vacation day from calorie restriction. Here's how the day went.

Today's food diary

Morning
Croissant and expresso coffee
Bottled water during walking

Lunch
At Sea World they did have a nice seafood menu.
Grilled glazed Salmon with grilled veggies and french fries
Diet drink
Cheese cake with cherries on top

Snack
Large soft Pretzel with cream cheese inside
Bottled water during walking in park.

Dinner around 9 p.m.
Asian Noodle Soup

Nightcap
Stayed up late to unwind from trip to Sea World
Alot of cold drinks from being outside and walking all day.
Diet Cranberry and Pomegranate juice and bottled water



Dolphins dancing.


Baluga whale jumping.


Two whales posing. Which one is Shamu?


Shamu jumping for visiting crowd.


View of small pond during our walk through park.


Rapids Ride the corkscrews move water next to the boat lift.


Wild boat ride on the rapids.


This was my lunch partner... patiently waiting for a handout.


Of course! I have pics of flamingos.


Whale smiling for the trainer.


High whale jump for the crowd.


Trainer's fun whale ride.


How fast can Shamu swim? Click picture for closer look at answer.


A passing jump and swim for the crowd.


Ominous view of remains of a Mega Shark's teeth.


The sign reviewing the Mega Shark's teeth.


Seal enclosure. From crowd, "Dude, you need to do something for food."


Seals swimming and feeding. The dude hasn't learned a trick yet, oh well.


Special Guided Tours. These children were singing and laughing. We followed for a while and laughed with them.


Penguins viewed behind glass on man-made cliffs and water.


Penguins



Penguins under water swimming.


Wild Arctive ride entrance.


Looking up to view shark passing by.


This time the shark shows off his teeth. Maybe it's time for feeding?

Thursday, July 9, 2009

is coffee good for you

Dr. Nancy discusses with Mayo Clinic Dr. Hensrud and Nutritionist Keri Glassman regarding science and benefits of coffee. One part of the discussion noted antioxidents and fiber from coffee. Coffee in moderation has benefits, view clip here.

Today's food diary

Morning tea and also throughout the day
1 cup expresso sometime during the day
20 minutes Pilates Cardio, pilates machine
239 g or 1 cup of Cream of Wheat
2 T evaporated milk drizzled on top of cereal

Lunch
Salad with Chicken dressed with Blue Cheese Dressing
140 g Romaine lettuce
85 g Baked chicken shredded
12 g Walnuts
2 T Lite Blue Cheese Dressing by Litehouse

Snack
Smoothie for a muggy day
I use a Kitchen Aid blender on High 10 seconds, Makes 16 oz.
1 cup ice
135 g Strawberries fresh
60 g Plain yogurt, full fat
70 g or 1 medium banana

Dinner
Seafood baked together served with steamed veggies
113 g Arctic Cod frozen, baked with the shrimp
45 g Shrimp frozen, baked with Cod
2 pats Butter, full fat
100 g Carrots
85 g Broccoli
85 g Zucchini
Veggies are measured raw then steamed with variety of spices

Snack
110 g Blueberries
1 Tall glass of Iced Tea

Nightcap
Something hot to drink as I catch up on paperwork
2 cups Tea and Stevia, decaffinated

This is 1,000 calories: 105 grams carbs, 74 grams protein, 33 grams fat
Vitamins-A 1005%, B2 102%, B3 Niacin 193%, B6 95%,
Vitamin-C 249%, Vitamin-K 225%
Minerals Iron 217%, Copper 119%, Magnesium 101%
Manganese 205%, Phosphorus 106%
Lipids: Omega-3 275% and Omega-6 44%
Meals and snacks are at 2 to 3 hours.
I use vitamins and mineral supplements on things I am low on.
Today's food diary=> 30:40:30 protein:carb:fat

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

croutons

Ina Garten "Barefoot Contessa", cooks Roasted Chicken and Croutons, mmmmmmmm. She is one of my favorite chefs to watch. Watch Ina cook Roasted Chicken and Croutons as she describes her trip from Paris.

Today's food diary

Morning tea and also throughout the day
1 cup expresso sometime during the day
20 minutes Pilates Cardio, pilates machine
239 g or 1 cup of Cream of Wheat

Lunch
I had a craving for the crunch of Croutons and Caesar Salad
140 g Romaine Lettuce
115 g Chicken breast rotisserie baked yesterday, diced
15 g Walnuts
7 g Croutons by Fresh Gourmet Classic Caesar
1 T Litehouse Caesar, full fat thick dressing, diluted with 1 T water

Snack
Smoothie for my walk and chat drink on the go
I use a Kitchen Aid blender on High 10 seconds, Makes 16 oz.
1 cup ice
140 g Fresh Strawberries
50 g Plain yogurt, full fat
65 g or 1 medium Banana

Dinner
113 g Dijon Crusted Tilapia w/Oven Roasted Garlic by World Class
135 g Broccoli
1 T Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese grated over it

Snack
80 g Blueberries
100 g Almond Breeze, for Vitamin D and E

Nightcap
Something hot to drink as I read my Gourmet magazine
2 cups Tea and Stevia, decaffinated

This is 1,000 calories: 107 grams carbs, 75 grams protein, 33 grams fat
Vitamins-A 451%, Folate 129%, B3 Niacin 124%, Vitamin C 271%
Minerals Iron 216% Manganese 195%
Lipids: Omega-3 116% and Omega-6 48%
Meals and snacks are at 2 to 3 hours.
I use vitamins and mineral supplements on things I am low on.
Today's food diary=> 30:40:30 protein:carb:fat

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

you are not alone

I am a hopeless romantic and I still remember my first love through this song. One of my favorite songs is You are not Alone by Michael Jackson. Michael's funeral is this morning. I will fondly remember him.

"You are not alone" by Michael Jackson

Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
and leave my world so cold
Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You've always in my heart
But you are not alone
'Lone, 'Lone, Why, 'Lone
Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
Then forever can begin
Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
but you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
But you are not alone
Whisper three words and I'll come runnin'
And girl you know that I'll be there, I'll be there
For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
You are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
But you are not alone
for I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
But you are not alone.....

Song by Michael Jackson

Sunday, July 5, 2009

fireworks

Last night we watched fireworks from on top of our water tower almost 20 feet high in back end of our acreage. We have a well. I braved it through the climb up there and really never felt safe while sitting there. The neighbors sounded their excitement when a great burst and sparkle lit up the sky. I found a video on fireworks from last night. Though it's not from where I am it was nice to see. Fireworks July 4th, 2009 in New York City viewed.

Today's food diary
I am working on loosing a couple pounds that I gained recently. I have made progress but it's best to average it after a few weeks.

Morning tea and also throughout the day
1 cup coffee sometime during the day
20 minutes Pilates Cardio, pilates machine
130 g Gala Apple

Lunch
100 g Fresh Spinach
22 g Walnuts
2 T Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette

Snack
A smoothie for a nice day while I walk the property.
I have a Kichen Aid Blender set on High for 10 seconds. Makes 16 oz.
1 cup ice
135 g Fresh Strawberries
50 g Plain Yogurt, full fat
75 g or 1 medium Banana

Dinner
Shrimp and veggies with Pomodoro Sauce
300 g Zucchini large dice or medium 2 inch sticks
50 g Onion large diced
242 g or 1 cup of Pomodoro Sauce homemade
207 g Extra Large Shrimp
5 g or 1 Tbsp of Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese on top
This dinner makes a lot, ... enough for leftovers.

Snack
129 g Blueberries
7 Almonds
2 Glasses of Iced Tea

Nightcap
2 cups Hot Tea with Stevia, both decaffinated

This is 1,000 calories: 110 grams carbs, 76 grams protein, 33 grams fat
Vitamins-A 338%, Folate 112%, B2 102%, B6 101%,
Vitamin B12 100%, Vitamin C 203%, Vitamin K 437%
Minerals Cooper 186%, Iron 159%, Manganese 267%
Omega-3 231% and Omega-6 71%
Vitamin D 79% in food diary plus outside walking with hat, sunscreen
Meals and snacks are at 2 to 3 hours.
I use vitamins and mineral supplements on things I am low on.
Today's food diary=> 30:40:30 protein:carb:fat

Saturday, July 4, 2009

summer foods

I recently went fruit shopping and a wealth of summer foods are on display. Kiwi, cherries, strawberries, blueberries and more. The summer foods and veggies aid in the reduction of the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Click here and read article on Summer Foods.

Today's food diary
I had gained a couple pounds recently and will compensate with exercise and food. Today may be low on the calorie side but evenly balanced between protein/carb/fat 30:40:30.

Morning tea and also throughout the day
1 cup coffee sometime during the day
20 minutes Pilates Cardio, pilates machine
28 g Whey Protein mixed with water after workout

Lunch
100 g Fresh Spinach
22 g Walnuts
10 g Cranberries
2 T Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette
2 Tall glasses of Iced Tea

Snack
I made a fruit smoothie to enjoy on a warm day. Makes 16 oz serving.
I have a Kitchen Aid Blender set on High for 10 seconds.
135 g Fresh Strawberries
50 g Plain yogurt, full fat
100 g or 1 medium Banana
1 cup ice cubes

Dinner
Zucchini baked with Panko crumbs with olive oil and spices;
bake 425 F for 40 minutes or more
Use a white Cordon Bleu tart baking dish 10 inch which you will eat on.
Or, a baking dish you can bake and eat on.
200 g Fresh Zucchini sliced in slim wedges then cut 2 inches long
Light spray using Olive Oil Spray Pam which is easier
Add Spices Ancho Chili Pepper spice, Season Salt
10 g Panko Bread Crumbs sprinkled on top then lightly spray Olive Oil Pam
Bake zucchini for 40 minutes till crispy and golden brown
After baking then top with in the following order
91 g Grilled Chicken Breast shreded
65 g Roma Tomato diced small
1 T Balsamic Vinegar sprinkled on top, baking dish will sizzle.
Garnish lightly with parsley if desired, makes dish presentation look nice.
Optional grate lightly on top Parmigiano Reggiano, but add calories
Optional French Baguette bread served with it, but add calories

Snack
80 g Blueberries, great source of antioxidents
34 g Fresh Kiwi fruit, contains 35% of RDA of Vitamin C
2 Tall glasses of Iced Tea

Nightcap
2 cups Hot Tea with Stevia, both decaffinated

This is 900 calories: 102 grams carbs, 71 grams protein, 30 grams fat
Vitamins-A 353%, Folate 104%, B3 Niacin 107%,
Vitamin B6 109%, Vitamin C 215%
Minerals Copper 119%, Iron 86%, Manganese 248%
Omega-3 160% and Omega-6 70%
Meals and snacks are at 2 to 3 hours.
I use vitamins and mineral supplements on things I am low on.
Today's food diary=> 30:40:30 protein:carb:fat

Thursday, July 2, 2009

food imposters

Eating good but what about packaging that says or looks like good food. Are the following items good for you? Fortified water or green pasta or packaging that says real fruit included. It depends on what the labels contents reveals. The Today Show had a clip on Food Imposters, please click. Search down page for video link that says Health Food Imposters located in middle of page and also the other videos are very interesting too.

Today's food diary
Morning tea and also throughout the day
1 cup coffee sometime during the day
20 minutes Pilates Cardio, pilates machine
125 g Fresh strawberries
115 g Plain yogurt

Lunch
Pastrami Flax seed bread sandwich
2 slices Flax seed bread with rye seeds, double toasted
60 g Roma tomato sliced
105 g Pastrami Beef
18 g Provolone Cheese
1 T Real Mayonaise
1 T Spicey Mustard, label reads neglible of zero carb/protein/fat, 5 calories
1 glass Pink Lemonade by Great Value, zero calories and sugar free

Snack
70 g Thompson Green Grapes
1 tall glass of Ice Tea, zero calories

Dinner
Big Salad with Salmon by Kirkland
100 g Fresh Spinach
12 g Dried Cranberries
165 g Kirkland Salmon with juices

Snack
84 g Blueberries
1 cup Ocean Spray Cranberry Pomegranate Juice, 5 calories, Splenda

Nightcap
5 g or 1 T Ghiradelli Plain Cocoa mixed with hot water, 18 calories

This is 1,000 calories: 109 grams carbs, 77 grams protein, 34 grams fat
Vitaimin-A 372%, B3 Niacin 151%, B-12 197%, Vitamin C 248%
Minerals Iron 156%, Manganese 190%
Meals and snacks are at 2 to 3 hours.
I use vitamins and mineral supplements on things I am low on.
Today's food diary=> 30:40:30 protein:carb:fat