kodaly's Profile

I love cptnruthless's idea of chalkboard paper on the fridge. And something more neutral and warm on the walls. Usually when I'm dealing with ugly brown stuff, I try to work with it rather than against it. I think even a dark brown would work on those walls, though it might be too dark. I'd go with mossy green, as others have said.

On another note, isn't it so sad that pretty much every single affordable rental kitchen in the US looks like this?

The miso salad from 101cookbooks is pretty cheap, can be made in huge quantities, and is universally loved by everyone I've made it for. It also fits the bill of "unusual," although it does share some similarities with the ubiquitous asian-ramen-noodle-slaw-type dishes that always seem to show up at cookouts. Still, I think it's much better than those. Here's the recipe:

http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/chopped-miso-salad-recipe.html

I like to swap out the tofu with roasted mushrooms!

wow, I just realized the person from the first picture and I must be kindred spirits. I have both that same teapot AND the timer stuck to the oven. And mine coordinate as well! cool!

Actually, now that I look at the picture again, I have an old timey fan exactly like that. I guess we just both really like retro appliances, which isn't all that crazy or unique...but still. 3 for 3's pretty weird.

also, if you haven't already, visit 101cookbooks.com for amazing healthy recipe ideas from Heidi Swanson!

This is a subject near and dear to my heart. It's part of the reason I obsessively read this site (and others like it). I figure, if I can't reasonably eat the foods I lust after, at least I can look at them and imagine some later, luxurious and worry-free time when I can eat them without guilt. It's a double edged sword, though, because sometimes I despair when I see what delights foodies the world over are indulging in at any given moment. Of course many of the foods featured in blogland are healthy too, and I think a nice pile of greens or a roasted carrot can be just as enticing as a homemade loaf of bread or a bowl of pasta or a chocolate chip cookie sprinkled with delicate flakes of sea salt...but still, sometimes you want the cookie. Or seven of them. Washed down with a giant glass of whole milk.

Things I've found helpful, in addition to reading food blogs:

-challenging myself to cook new things
-using spices in everything
-eating (mostly) vegetarian - and that means actually eating heaps upon heaps of vegetables, not just the 'anything that's not meat' diet
-eating enormous green-based salads all the time
-ignoring my normally frugal instincts to purchase metric tons of plain 0% greek yogurt
-exercising at least 3 times a week; more if possible
-setting short-term, behavior-based goals (instead of long-term, numbers-based goals. For example, it helps me to say "I will exercise 3-4 days a week for the next 2 weeks" instead of "I will lose 15 pounds in the next 6 weeks." The latter really sets me up for disappointment, which leads to giving up; the former builds momentum and can be self-perpetuating).

I've lost about 75 pounds in a period of 4 or so years. I've also gone from eating a totally sh-t diet (peppered with an occasional granny smith apple) to eating almost 100% whole foods. It happened in stages, though, with definite ups and downs. I've got about 15-20 pounds to go before I'm no longer in the dreaded 25 BMI range, and it's hard.

I completely agree with previous commenters who mentioned making peace with food. In the end, even though I know I'm going to keep trying and worrying about my weight forever, I'm certain that feeling OK about food for the rest of your life (if you can achieve that - easier said than done) is more important than being the exact right weight as determined by Michelle Obama and your insurance company.

Also, do you ever read Ed Levine's "Serious Diet" posts on SE? Even though I think he's sometimes a little silly with his diet exercise routine, it helps to know that at least some seriously food-minded individuals appear to have the same struggles I've experienced. I can't imagine what it's like to be on a diet and have all manner of delicious, one-of-a-kind foods appearing right under your nose at every hour of the day as part of your actual job.

It's nice to see the topic featured here as well. While I know it isn't glamorous (or necessarily advisable) to post about diets on a blog that celebrates food, it's a relief to see the issue acknowledged.

this is ridiculously old but i just saw it and happened to notice - he got a piece of shell in the bowl! come on!

this might be a really silly question, but does anyone think i would have problems making this by hand, without a mixer? i'm so intimidated by baking, but i really want to make these cookies! i don't have a mixer...i guess i could just buy one, but i'm overwhelmed by the implications of this relatively minor investment in kitchen equipment.

I think it really depends on the person, but type 2 is quite different from type 1, in my experience. Having lived with a type 2 diabetic for years (and having had a too-close-for-comfort encounter with the condition myself), I would advise against sending cookies to someone who has just been recently diagnosed. Not for the purpose of saving him from the doom and destruction of a few extra carbs in their diet, but rather to avoid stirring up any troubling food-related emotions he may be experiencing. This time of year is already fraught with copious anxiety over food choices, particularly for a diabetic, and the double-whammy of a recent diagnosis is likely to stir up some extra worry.

As an alternative, what about a care package with some holiday-spiced teas you pack yourself, or roasted and spiced nuts, or some combination of low-gi winter fruits (apples, pears, oranges) and cheeses? this might be received as less of an agonizing temptation and more of a thoughtful, caring gift.

it's ridiculous, but i love ordering omelets at diners. a big greasy (usually overcooked, always over-cheesed) omelet, wheat toast slathered in butter, mushy potatoes, and a bottomless cup of bad coffee. it doesn't make sense - i could easily make the same thing 10x better at home. i can't explain it, but i doubt i'll ever stop.

haha i have to admit my heart fell a little when I read the sentence knocking grocery store gouda. i'm probably missing something, but i've only ever bought grocery store smoked gouda and it tastes perfect and amazing to me!