Year 3, Day 236: Halloween Town Bites it

Very interesting day. I met my brother and his daughter at King's, a bowling alley in Boston where the Cheri movie theatre used to be. That is of interest because 1) It was a premiere movie house in Boston for nearly 50 years, and 2) It's where Emily's Dodge Diplomat was stolen when we were watching "Jurassic Park." It is a great bowling alley, but it is very, very over-stimulating. Do you really need music videos on large diamond-screen videos above every lane? Isn't it possible to bowl without ear-splitting, ice-skating loud level music? We ate there, and the food was good, if not too tempting for me (ate a few nachos and such). After that, we attended possibly the worst children's event on a a large scale I've ever been to. It was called "Halloween Town" and it had been advertised all over the place, especially in kid's magazines. When we got there, there were lots of agitated parents, unthought through line management, bad events, and lots of people who were truly, truly, not in the Halloween spirit. Having spent over $40, were going to make the best of it.

Breakfast
1 Slice Balthazar Bread
2 6-minute Eggs
crusts of ruby's bread
very bad coffee (dunkin donuts)

Lunch:
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing and Grilled Chicken
A few nachos with 'poured' cheese
a few french fries
guacamole

Snack
2 Clementines, Grapes

Dinner
Steak TIps
Roasted Peppers
Salad
a bite of corn

Year 3, Day 235: Poker

Poker day is upon us again. Tried to eat right. Poker night a little rougher than usual. I was not playing well and I continued to lose money. Losing money naturally leads to eating more. Eating more leads to shame, and that leads to playing badly and then the cycle continues. No surprises there. Plus, I love Chinese food. I tried to order only SoBe friendly stuff, but the truth is it's probably loaded with hidden sugar, flour, MSG, corn starch, fat, and God knows what else. But it sure tastes good.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russo's ($6.69)Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 Honey Crisp Apple

Dinner/Poker
Almonds & Cashews
Pistachios
Boston Lite Popcorn
Chinese Food:
Moo Shi x 2
Kung Pao Chicken
Double Cooked Pork
Sesame Beef
String Beans & Beef
Spare Ribs

Year 3, Day 234: Tennis Again

Emily and I could not get our usual court time so we opted for 8:30-10:00pm which she objected to on the grounds that it was too late. It meant that we ate dinner first and then played tennis, but our first choice (Sweet Basil) was crowded so we went Indian which Emily doesn't really care for. I found some things to like, but as usual, Emily ordered badly and was displeased with the smell, and taste, of her food. We split sets, 4-6 and 7-5.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russos' (5.75)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
2 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
4 STicks Beef Jerky
Coffee

Dinner: Masala Art
Shrimp & Cucumber Salad
Grilled Dinner
Okra

Editorial Note: As of this post, I am no longer going to write a 'top and bottom,' only a top, until further notice, or I get caught up. It's been hanging me up.

Year 3, Day 233: 6:30AM Wakeup Call for Underwhelming Blueberry Muffins

Emily threw away the uneaten Whole Foods mini muffins and said "You bake them, I'm never going to buy them again." You don't have to ask me twice. COnfirming that you could make the batter ahead of time, I prepared blueberry muffins for morning baking. I thought, how charming of me, to fill the house with delicious baking muffins smell. I got up at 6:30, greased the pans, filled them, warmed up the oven and put them in, then went to take a shower and start the morning ritual. Ruby wanted a muffin, but then said it was 'too hot' and didn't want to eat it. She opted for toast and butter, as she's been doing lately. Emily doesn't really eat in the morning, and Magnolia gave her two mini-muffins a respectable tumble, but didn't really eat them. I brought half a dozen to work, where they took up unwanted room next to another colleague's uneaten muffins.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries (Driscoll, not Canadian)
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

3 Blueberry Muffins

Lunch: Shangri-La
Moo Shi x 3
Chicken with Cabbage
Pea Pod Sprouts
Tea

Snack
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
2 oz 50% Jalapeno CHeddar
1 Honey Crisp Apple


Dinner
A little cauliflower


I was not hungry when I got home. Possibly caffeine overdose? We'll never know.

Year 3, Day 232: Tuesday

A brisk walk on a surprisingly hot day- I wore my jacket and a collared shirt; I was hot when I got to Russo's, but Emily called and asked me to get cauliflower and cabbage. It was so heavy I had to buy a Russo's bag (I hadn't brought my honey bag). By the time I got back I was sweating, and unhappy. I don't like walking. I'm in a bad way.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries (Driscoll, not Canadian)
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russo's ($5.65)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocin

Dinner
Bacon Cheeseburger
Broccoli & Snowpeas

A few bites with Apple and Honey.

Feels like slippage. It's difficult, here right in the new year to feel slippage. Must strengthen resolve.

Year 3, Day 231: Monday with Bernard

Today I was really scraping the bottom of the barrel. it's time to change breakfasts-- can i do it?

Breakfast
Kashi
Old strawberries
frozen blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened soy milk
coffee


lunch: russo's
$5.65
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

snack
1 honey crisp
4 sticks beef jekry
1 extra smokey

Dinner Bernards
Chicken Soong
Boneless Spareribs
Broccoli

Another Monday, another night at Bernard's. Aside from the cost, I am finding the whole experiencing quite enriching. Ruby is learning better how to act at a restaurant. This means she has learned to put the napkin on her lap, and only occasionally makes bubbles come out of her ginger ale. She can stay seated for the whole meal and generally eats well. She said to me 'there aren't many kids here." I think that observation made her notice that this isn't your draw-on-the-table kind of restaurant. Also, she likes broccoli in a white sauce.

Year 3, Day 230: Soccer, Magnolia's Party

We had her party at the JCC which is of course a problem because you have to have it on Sunday and everything has to be kosher- or does it? I went out of my way to get kosher cupcakes and pizza (blah) but was it worth it? Nobody was checking and nobody cared, I could have had superior papa gino's pizza that was five minutes away instead of driving a half hour to brookline, and thereby missing most of the party. Stinkadoodle. On the plus side, Magnolia only cried once, and generally had a good time.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
Microwave Popcorn
Boston Lite Popcorn
Beef Jerky
1 Clementine

Lunch
Greek Salad & Tuna (tasteless)
Cheese of two slices of kosher pizza

Dinner
Chicken, Rib Eye Steak
Broccoli
Salad

Dessert
A lot of apple crisp

I was glad I did my workout yesterday. Today, it was run-run-run. On top of it all, I burned my finger on the grill, and overcooked the apple crisp.

Year 3, Day 230: Spooky Walk

This morning the town of Needham and its children all get dressed up and meet on the town square, where they are divided into five groups that go through the town, store by store, to trick and treat and ask for (and get) lots of candy. Of course, some were better than others: The bowling alley were all dressed up like Pirates of Caribbean (and had the best candy). The bakery had fresh baked halloween cookies with icing (no cookie saw the inside of a trick or treat bag). Except for the part where your kid gets 10x the amount of candy he'll get on Halloween, the event was a great idea and a lot of fun. The weather was nice and a good, brisk walk was had by all. Ruby was an angel, and Magnolia was a cow. Am I biased? They were the cutest ones there, though I did love the baby dressed as a bee, and there were several impressive Red Sox tribute costumes.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
Magnolia's Peanut Butter Bread

Postworkout Snack
Yogurt and More Peanut Butter

Lunch: Stone Hearth PIzza
Mixed Greens with Feta and Chicken

Dinner
Steak Tips
String Beans

Ate at the new pizza place in town. It's much better than the one near me. But the salad was nothing special. Went to the gym 7 miles in 6.5 minutes, 50 ab crunches, 20 squat thrusts

Year 3, Day 229 Back to Shangri-La

We were wrong about Shangri-La. It is in fact, fantastic. We just didn't order the right things. Now we are hooked. We may leave Chang Shin Yuan behind, though its proximity makes that nearly impossible. The memory of its blue-tinged scallops, though, may make me drive that literal one extra mile.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
1 Extra Smokey
1 Honey Crisp that had several small bites in it, making it brown in those areas
1 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Lunch: Shangri La
Mooshi Pork 2
Beef with Chinese Celery
Pea pod tendrils

Dinner
Tilapia Sweet & Salty
Broccoli

Skipped the funky chunky popcorn. But it was hard. Oh my God that is the greatest thing ever.

Year 3, Day 228: Project Makes Me Go Off Leash

Emily and I were supposed to play tennis or see a movie tonight, but instead we went to "the collection" which is the new name for the Natick Mall, which is still half Natick Mall and now, half Newbury Street. Very chic. We went to the Met Bar and I ordered a hamburger with 'nearly everything' that came in the smallest, non-threatening bowl I had ever seen. I thought it was going to be this huge mass of food, but it was tiny. I wanted to order the guacamole burger with this or that change, but they don't allow changes, so I was forced to order the burger I wanted a la carte. Kind of ridiculous for a burger bar.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
1.5 Boston Lite Popcorn
1/2 Honey Crisp Apple
3 Sticks Beef Jerky

Lunch: New Ginza
Edamem
Sashimi Plate
2 x Salad

Dinner: Met Bar
2 Buffalo Shrimp (took off the fried part)
Cheese burger with chili, jalapenos, fried onions, guacamole

Dessert:
Brownie SUndae

Then we got to talking about the project behind our house and ordered a dessert- a brownie sunday- that came unassembled, just three hot brownies (a butterscotch brownie, chocolate brownie and congo bar) and a bowl of ice cream. Not much to look at it but sure tasted good. And for a few glorious moments while we were eating it-- everything was OK. Isn't that how I got to be 50 lbs overweight in the first place?

Year 3, Day 227: Food Biz Kids Tests Your Products

From foodprocessing.com:

Food Biz Kids: Unanimous praise for Pretzel Chips

Our panel of eighth-graders like that Pretzel Chips 'don’t have any fat.'

Jack Grant, 8th grade:
Baked Pretzel Chips are very good. The packaging is plain, needs more color and bigger writing. When I opened the package, the smell of dijon mustard filled my nose. The Baked Pretzels are very crunchy, which is straight up awesome. This product would attract anyone with good taste.

Jessica Shatkin, 8th grade:
Baked Pretzel Chips are a good snack for anyone. They’re healthy, so it’s OK to eat them and still feel good about yourself. Anyone who likes a crunchy snack will enjoy these. The honey dijon flavor is addictive and a perfect candidate for “finger lickin’” food. Baked Pretzel Chips are a heart breaker.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Not Your Average Joe's
Chicken Chopped Salad, side of Sherry Dressing
Diet Coke

Snack
80 Almonds
30 Chocolate Covered Edamame
4 Beef Jerky Sticks
1 Clementine
1 Honey Crisp Apple

Dinner
Salmon
Salad
1 cauliflower, a few string beans

Chocolate edamame, dessert pretending to be health food, did me in.

Year 3, Day 226: Happy Birthday Magnolia

Magnolia's Birthday. Started with cupcakes, ended with lollipop and ice cream. Ah, kids.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch
Russo's ($5.85)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms

Snack
50 Almonds
1 Honey Crisp
1 Old Smokey
4 Sticks Beef Jerky

Dinner
Turkey Tips
Boneless Spareribs
Broccoli
Cauliflower

We had to traipse all over the known land to find kosher cupcakes. And I'll tell you something else: they're no better than Entemann's at the Store 24, but they do cost more.

Year 3, Day 225 Lots of Pork

Today we went to see an ad agency that was pitching us. As usual, they fed us. It was excellent. Surprisingly, the food came from Baker's Best, which is about a mile from me. Even more surprisingly, I never eat there because I think it's overpriced and mediocre. But maybe the catering wing has it going on.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: P&S
Pork Tenderloin
Caesar Salad
Chicken Breast

1 Honey Crisp Apple
1 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

5 Sticks Beef Jerky

Dinner: Bernard's
Boneless Spareribs
Hot n Sour Soup
Broccoli
Shrimp Soong

Dessert
Grapes

Another Monday, another night at Bernard's. Funny, I waited my whole life to explore a Chinese menu, but now I'm finding that I enjoy the fact that our waitress (Lynn) knows what we want we come in and we don't even have to order.

Year 3, Day 224: Whipped Butter Makes Good Neighbors

Though the day featured a more than average number of chocolate chip cookies (3) and some french toast with syrup (3); I managed to get a workout in, though it was only 4.5 miles in 40 minutes and 50 ab crunches. I had to hurry it up because I had to squire Ruby to soccer, and there's a bit of work involved in getting on the equipment (shin guards, etc.). Glad I'm not a hockey dad.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Aquitaine Bis
Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
Caramelized Onions
A few french fries

Snack
1 Honey Crisp Apple with Super Chunky Peanut Butter

Dinner
Beef & Broccoli
Chicken & Asparagus
Salad

Dessert
2 Chocolate Chip Cookies

I learn the secret of Ruby liking multi-grain bread is whipped butter. After carefully observing her eating absolutely ANYthing in a restaurant with whipped butter on it (bread sticks, the tablecloth), I realized I should buy some, even though it is ridiculously expensive compared it to its regular counterpart, considering the only added ingredient is non-edible air. Worked like a charm, though.

Year 3, Day 223: Surprising Ingredients in Your Fast Food

Went to the festivus at Newton Center. It essentially is a collection of four or five electric rides (small trains, etc.) and had some popcorn. The kids love it there. And so do I; I have come to despise the big rides in my old age.

Surprise Ingredients In Fast Food
by John Andrews
from newstarget.com

The movie Supersize Me has probably had more of an effect than the producers anticipated. Since then, in the fast food industry, there has been a market trend promoting menu items that appear to be healthy. But most of these menu items have ingredients that health conscious consumers would prefer to avoid.

Most health conscious consumers consider healthy foods to be things like raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, and clean meats like wild Alaskan salmon, or free-range chicken or turkey.

Some ingredients that health conscious consumers consider unacceptable are MSG (or free glutamate, or free glutamic acid, including anything hydrolyzed or autolyzed), trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils [3]), artificial colors, artificial flavors, and most preservatives.

Many so-called healthy fast food menu items, upon closer inspection, do not live up to the health hype. Most of the meat from any of the major chains has anything but a simple ingredients list. They add emulsifiers, preservatives, MSG, artificial colors, trans fats, and hidden ingredients under generic labels such as spices, or natural and artificial flavors.

Some of these food additives are not foods at all, but are chemicals that are generally recognized as safe. Most of these additives cannot be found at your local grocery store, probably because they aren’t food. But some can be found at your local hardware store, though in inedible products like low tox antifreeze, silicone caulk, soap, sunscreen, and play sand.

The ingredient information in this article came straight from the various fast food restaurants’ web sites.

McDonald’s

The egg’s reputation is recovering, but scrambled eggs as a part of McDonald’s breakfast include much more than egg. Their pasteurized whole eggs have sodium acid pyrophosphate, citric acid, and monosodium phosphate (all added to preserve color), and nisin, a preservative. To top it off, the eggs are prepared with liquid margarine: liquid soybean oil, water, partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oils (trans fats), salt, hydrogenated cottonseed oil (trans fat), soy lecithin, mono- and diglycerides, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate (preservatives), artificial flavor, citric acid, vitamin A palmitate, and beta carotene (color). Though not all bad, these added chemicals may be the reason why homemade scrambled eggs taste so much better than McDonald’s.

For coffee drinkers, it would seem fairly safe to just grab a quick cup of coffee at McDonald's on the way to work. But many health conscious people would object to it also including this list of ingredients: sodium phosphate, sodium polyphosphate, Di-Acetyl Tartrate Ester of Monoglyceride, sodium stearoyl lactylate, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium citrate, and carrageenan. Do health nuts still drink coffee?

Salads can usually be counted on to be a “what you see is what you get” item. But McDonald’s adds some interesting ingredients. The salads with grilled chicken also have liquid margarine.

Several salads have either cilantro lime glaze, or orange glaze added. Along with many of McDonald’s sauces, both the cilantro lime glaze and the orange glaze contain propylene glycol alginate. While propylene glycol is considered "GRAS" for human consumption, it is not legal for use in cat food because the safety hasn't been proven yet [10]. Propylene glycol is also used "As the killing and preserving agent in pitfall traps, usually used to capture ground beetles" [10].

The chili lime tortilla strips that are included in the southwest salads have several ingredients used to hide MSG. They also contain two ingredients that advertise the presence of MSG: disodium inosinate, and disodium guanylate.

The chicken has sodium phosphates (of an unspecified variety). It could be trisodium phosphate (a cleanser), monosodium phosphate (a laxative), or disodium hydrogen phosphate [11]. Why would McDonald’s add sodium phosphates (a foaming agent), and dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent in their crispy chicken breast fillets? It isn’t dishwasher detergent.

Burger King

It’s interesting to note that the BK Veggie Burger has six ingredients commonly used to hide free glutamate (MSG): calcium caseinate, hydrolyzed corn, yeast extract, soy protein isolate, spices, and natural flavors. At the end of the ingredients list, it states This is NOT a vegan product. The patty is cooked in the microwave. Was that a warning statement?

Burger King has three salads to choose from. The TENDERCRISP Garden Salad, the TENDERGRILL Garden Salad, and the Side Garden Salad.

A salad may be a little boring without a dressing like Ken’s Fat Free Ranch Dressing which includes titanium dioxide (an artificial color, or sunscreen, depending on use), preservatives, and the ingredient seemingly mandatory in all ranch dressings: monosodium glutamate.

Once again, as is typical with the fast food industry, they took a simple thing like chicken, and added a long list of ingredients.

TENDERGRILL® CHICKEN BREAST FILET
Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, Water, Seasoning (Maltodextrin, Salt, Sugar, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Garlic Powder, Spices, Natural Flavors, Onion Powder, Modified Corn Starch, Chicken Fat, Chicken Powder, Chicken Broth, Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate, Citric Acid, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Dehydrated Garlic, and Artificial Flavors.), Modified Corn Starch, Soybean Oil, Salt, Sodium Phosphates. Glazed with: Water, Seasoning [Maltodextrin, Salt, Sugar, Methylcellulose, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Partially Hydrogenated Sunflower Oil, Modified Potato Starch, Fructose, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dehydrated Garlic, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavors, Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate, Chicken Fat, Carmel Color, Grill Flavor (from Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil), Chicken Powder, Chicken Broth, Turmeric, Smoke Flavor, Annatto Extract, and Artificial Flavors], Soybean Oil. [12]


Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch:
Burgers on Grill
Roasted Peppers
Lettuce with Feta and Balsamic

Snackz
Tamari Almonds

Dinner
Chicekn & Asparagus

Dessert
Two Cookies

Surprising Ingredients Part II:

Taco Bell

Taco Bell’s website didn’t have much emphasis on health. Under the nutrition guide, at the bottom was a link to Keep it Balanced, a token nod to health. It had no serious information on how to really eat healthy. They recommend foods like pizza and tacos (no surprise) because they may include ingredients from several food groups at once. Including several food groups does not necessarily mean it’s a healthy food.

The seasoned beef, carne asada steak, spicy shredded chicken, and even the rice all include autolyzed yeast extract (hidden MSG). Disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate are flavor enhancers used in synergy with MSG [7,8]. Therefore, menu items with disodium inosinate and/or disodium guanylate also contain MSG. This includes the avocado ranch dressing, southwest chicken, citrus salsa, creamy jalapeno sauce, creamy lime sauce, lime seasoned red strips, pepper jack sauce, and seasoned rice.

According to Wikipedia, dimethylpolysiloxane is optically clear, and is generally considered to be inert, non-toxic, and non-flammable. It is used in silicone caulk, adhesives, and as an anti-foaming agent [6]. Appetizingly enough, it’s also included in Taco Bell’s rice.

Wendy’s

At Wendy’s, there are several tempting salads. The mandarin chicken salad seems healthy at first glance. It has diced chicken, mandarin oranges, almonds, crispy noodles, your choice of dressings, and five different varieties of lettuce. Then reality takes a bite when you check the ingredients list. The almonds are roasted and salted. The crispy noodles are not whole grain. The mandarin orange segments are not freshly peeled oranges; most likely canned. The diced chicken has added autolyzed yeast extract (MSG), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, sodium phosphates (soap?), salt, more salt, sugar, modified cornstarch (sic)[1], and the universal umbrella ingredient list: spices, natural flavors, and artificial flavors.

In the ingredients lists for the salad dressings, one surprise was titanium dioxide in the Low Fat Honey Mustard Dressing and the Reduced Fat Creamy Ranch Dressing. It’s a very versatile chemical. It can be used to manufacture paint, sunscreen, semiconductors, and food coloring [2].

Wendy’s Southwest Taco Salad is a salad with Wendy’s chili. Once again, the chili has hidden MSG: autolyzed yeast extract, spices, artificial flavors, natural flavorings, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate (MSG give-aways). It’s puzzling to try to understand why their chili would need to include an anti-caking agent such as silicon dioxide (also known as sand, or glass powder).

See if you can spot the sunscreen, MSG, and soap in this Wendy’s ingredient:

Seasoned Tortilla Strips
Whole Corn, Vegetable Oil (contains one or more of the following: corn, soybean or sunflower oil), Salt, Buttermilk Solids, Spices, Tomato, Sweet Cream, Dextrose, Onion, Sugar, Cheddar Cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes), Corn Starch, Modified Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Nonfat Dry Milk, Garlic, Torula Yeast, Citric Acid, Autolyzed Yeast, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Artificial Colors (including extractives of paprika, turmeric and annatto, titanium dioxide, red 40, yellow 5, blue 1), Disodium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: MILK.

Apparently, taste really is all that matters at Wendy’s.

Subway

If a sandwich is advertised as healthy, one would expect that the bread would be whole grain. Not so with Subway’s wheat bread. While it does have some whole wheat flour, it’s the third ingredient, listed just before high fructose corn syrup [4]. None of Subway’s breads are whole grain. Ammonium sulfate (a fertilizer) is also added. Unfinished sandwiches may be composted. The bread also contains azodicarbonamide. From Wikipedia,

Use of azodicarbonamide as a food additive is banned in Australia. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive has identified azodicarbonamide as a respiratory sensitiser (a possible cause of asthma) and determined that products should be labeled with May cause sensitisation by inhalation [5].

Most of the meats at Subway contain MSG and/or sodium nitrite.

KFC

The chicken, the gravy, and even the rice all have monosodium glutamate added. Not surprisingly, the chicken in the salads also has MSG. For a healthy menu item, the House Side Salad without dressing has nothing more than iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, and tomatoes.

KFC claims 0g trans fat per serving for all their fried chicken. But The Extra Crispy Chicken, Colonel’s Crispy Strips, HBBQ Wings, Boneless HBBQ Wings, Fiery Buffalo Wings, and more have partially hydrogenated soybean oil listed in the ingredients. So if the trans fat content is below 0.5g per serving, they can round down to zero and claim zero grams per serving.

In Closing

The salad a la carte may be the only healthy thing to eat at a fast food place. The side salads offered at the fast food places are hardly a meal, and hardly what one would consider a real salad.

Regarding MSG, it is helpful to remember this statement from Wikipedia when reading food labels.
Under current FDA regulations, when MSG is added to a food, it must be identified as monosodium glutamate in the label's ingredient list. If however MSG is part of a spice mix that is purchased by another company, the manufacturer does not have to list the ingredients of that spice mix and may use the words flavorings or spices. Even food that uses the no msg label may therefore have MSG that is added from a spice mix from another company under current FDA regulations.[9]

As with most meat products in fast food restaurants, consider any meat, including on salads, to include MSG, chemical preservatives, and trans fats. Even seemingly simple items like rice can have ingredients like anti-foaming agents.
References

[1] http://www.wendys.com/food/Nutrition.jsp

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_dioxide

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fats

[4] http://subway.com/subwayroot/MenuNutrition/Nutrition/frmUSIngredients.aspx

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azodicarbonamide

[6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimethylpolysiloxane

[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disodium_inosinate

[8] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disodium_guanylate

[9] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monosodium_glutamate

[10] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

[11] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_phosphates

[12] http://www.bk.com/#menu=3,-1,-1

About the author
John Andrews is an electrical engineer currently living in Utah. He earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 2001 at the University of Utah. John has adopted a whole foods lifestyle rich in raw fruits and vegetables. This lifestyle change has produced a noticeable improvement in physical health, appearance, and mental clarity. He savors knowledge and is eager to teach others how to be healthy.

Year 3, Day 222: 15th Anniversary, Part II

As a continued celebration of our anniversary, I took the day off. In the morning as usual, I got the kids off to school(s) and hit the gym for an uninspiring 65 minute workout of nearly 6 miles. Emily and I planned to have lunch and play tennis but the scheduling didn't work since they only had a one hour court available at 2 and she was late getting out of work so we grabbed some chinese at Kantin (Super 88) and skeedaddled over to the tennis court,where she took the first set 6-3 and it was even 4-4 when our time ran out.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Postworkout Snack
6 oz Stonyfield Yogurt
Peanut butter

Lunch: Kantin
Beef with Chinese Broccoli and Oyster Sauce

Snacks
Spare Ribs
1 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Dinner: Spiga
Chicken
String Beans
Caesar Salad
bread bits

Dessert
1 Oatmeal Cookie from Neighbor

That night Emily was quite exhausted so I let her pass out while I took the kids to the new restaurant down the street. It disappointed on several levels. How bad does a restaurant have to be if it's a block away, sells pizza, you have two kids and you don't want to go back? That bad. Really.

Year 3, Day 221: Wicked Happy 15th Anniversary

So for a long time we knew that we wanted to see "Wicked" and it so happens that it was going to be playing around our anniversary, so I dutifully tried to get tickets for a night sometime near our anniversary. Luckily for me, I actually got tickets ON our anniversary. Emily was happy, but I think she thought I pooched it by not spreading it out more.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russo's ($5.77)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
4 Sticks beef jerky
50 pistachios
1 honey crisp apple

dinner: penang
fried things
sweet things
yukky

My neighbor suggested we eat at Panang, which luckily, was just two blocks from the Opera House where wicked was playing. Of course it was a torrential rainfall and we were running late. The menu was quite strange so we ordered about three people's worth of food. We got the Roti (Home made pancake) which naturally, was delicious. I did not get Kung Pao frog, but I did get Sambal Shrimp and Emily got a special drink. We pointed to a few other things and I'm afraid I can't describe them other than I have, above. The waiters and waitresses were helpful, signaling their alarm at our possible distress at what we were pointing too. Fortunately, dinner was ready quickly and we had plenty of time to get to the theatre. The show, which made me think my hearing is going, was excellent. I can only imagine how incredible it must have been with its original stars.

Year 3, Day 220: Trip To New York City

There is so much to say about a trip to New York City, but for this blog entry it will have to suffice that for me, it means getting up before crop-dusting hour to make sure I can get on plane at the right time. All this really means is I have to vie past a few tractor trailers on the way to the highway, but it's nothing I can't handle.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Airplane Snack
Almonds, Cashews
1 Small Apple (Kind unknown)

Lunch: Better Burger
1/2 pound beef burger
veggie slaw, veggie chili (too much curry)

Dinner
Steak
cauliflower
2 onion rings
asparagus
seafood (shrimp, oysters, crab legs)

A colleague and I had the pleasure to be taken out to a nice restaurant in mid-town for steak and seafood. The food was great, and so was the company, though we were on a tight-timetable. I had an onion ring for the first time since I can't remember but I was LOVING IT so hard that I had that scary-tingly feeling that I needed to break out of the restaurant lest I consume every onion ring in site. Luckily, our car came and we vamoosed to the airport.

Year 3, Day 219: Cookies Are Everywhere

Though I forgot why I titled this entry this way, it doesn't matter. The statement is as true now as it was then, and really, it's not helping me any. I love cookies. I love nearly every kind of cookie there is. Except, I'm not that crazy about the colored Italian cookies that smell like marzipan and come in the tin. Really, I could do without those. But chocolate chip? Ginger snap? Wafer? Oreo? I mean come on, that's what I'd be eating right now if I weren't so afraid I would gain all 50lbs back following the cookie binge.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Lunch:
1/2 Chicken Rollup
Ham & Cheese with Mustard
Cole Slaw

Dinner
Hamburger
Onion
Broccoli
Salad

Dessert
Apple

On the plus side, the honey-crisps are so fantastic that I must eat one every day. They have a short-lived season and I have noticed a significant difference in the ones they sell at Volante farms and other farm stands and the ones sold anywhere else (Russo's, Whole Foods). Stick to the farm stands-- like taking the road less travelled, it makes all the difference.

Year 3. Day 218: No school & 88 worst foods

From Slashfood.org

The 88 most unhealthy fast food items
Of course, a lot of people would say "just avoid fast food altogether!" But sometimes you just need a Wendy's double cheeseburger and fries.

The folks over at A Calorie Counter have looked at the nutritional info for all of the fast food outlets (McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, A&W, Arby's, Hardee's, In-N-Out Burger, Jack in the Box, Little Caesars, Papa John's, Pizza Hut, Domino's, Sonic, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy's, White Castle, Popeyes, Del Taco, Carl's Jr., and Dairy Queen) and have compiled a list of the 88 worst foods you can buy, in terms of the amount of trans fats. After the jump, the 10 worst. The link above gives you the whole list.

1. White Castle Homestyle Onion Rings (sack): 30 grams
2. White Castle Fish Nibblers: 16 grams
3. KFC Chicken Pot Pie: 14 grams
4. Burger King Hash Browns (large): 13 grams
5. White Castle Chicken Rings (20 rings): 13 grams
6. Jack in the Box Fish & Chips (large): 12 grams
7. Jack in the Box Bacon Cheddar Potato Wedges: 12 grams
8. White Castle Clam Strips (sack): 12 grams
9. Dairy Queen Chicken Strip Basket (6 piece): 12 grams
10. White Castle French Fries (sack): 11 grams.

The whole list is here http://www.acaloriecounter.com/fast-food-trans-fat.php

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 Honey Crisp Apple
2 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Lunch: Wonton Kitchen
Spicy Pork with Broccoli

Dinner
Chicken with Asparagus and Broccoli

Rice Crispy Treat (s)
1 bite of Apple Honey Crisp

Isn't it amazing that Hardee's is not even on this list?

Year 3, Day 217: That's What I'm Talking About

When you're on a bender, going to the gym is a lot like waiting to exhale. (Not the awful movie).
At the gym: 7 miles in 65 minutes. 50 reps on the ab machine. 14 squat thrusts.

Breakfast
Kashi
Heritage Flakes
1 Green Banana
Driscoll Strawberries
Old Blueberries
Coffee
Unsweetened Soy Milk

Lunch:
Salad with Feta, Cabbage
Some Brisket from Blue Ribbon

Microwave Popcorn

Snack ~ Soccer
1/2 Apple with Peanut Butter
1 Stick Beef Jerky
Cashews & Almonds

Dinner:
Chicken & Asparagus Stir-Fry

1/4 Honey Crisp Apple (split with Ruby)

I don't know that I'll ever get to care-free food life, but I do know that on workout days, It sure does feel good to eat pretty much whatever I want.

Year 3, Day 216: On a Flying Guitar

We woke up at 8:46 and we had a 10:30 date with Steve songs. No time for the usual breakfast, and not much stomach for it either. One of the first times that Ruby, Emily, Magnolia and I all went to the same paid-for-event. We all love Steve songs, though the Capitol is not excellent for kids shows since its aisle space is limited and kids really want to mosh, or whatever the kid equivalent of moshing is. When the music starts, Emily and I both think we're going to break into hysterical sobs--we are on the razor's edge of an emotional breakdown lately due to the construction--but at least one of us avoids it. The concert, mercifully, is short, and we high-tail it out of Arlington in record time. However, we are pulled over by the pull of Blue Ribbon BBQ.

Brekafast
2 SLices Jane's Bread
SUper Chunky Peanut Butter

Snack En Route
Beef Jerky
Some Popcorn

Lunch: Blue RIbbon Arlington
Sausage, Cole Slaw and Eggplant

Dinner (Party for Noelli)
Some inside of chicken enchilada
a chip with salsa con queso
a bite of plain quesadilla
mole chicken
carne asada

Post Dinner
2 Clementines,
Apple with Peanut Butter
More nuts

I'm not sure why I ordered eggplant with nutmeg at Blue Ribbon, and the rest of the day wasn't any more sensible. I can only hope that tomorrow I wake up and there's a session at the gym waiting for me.

Year 3 Day 215: October & Poker

A walk-less week and a tennis-less week makes me grumpy and frustrated. Then even though I look forward it, my night of being out with the guys, I realize it's not great for the program, so it's with some mixed emotions.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 Honey Crisp Apple

Lunch: Fordee's
Mediterranean Platter/Schwarma Plate

Dinner/Poker
Boston Lite Popcorn
Cashews, Almonds & Pistachios
Chinese
Moo Shi Pork
Kung Pao Chicken
Boneless Spareribs
String Beans with Pork
Chicken with Ginger and Scallions

They say 'the more you resist the more you can resist' and similarly, 'the more you give in, the more you give in.' Sometimes a week without proper exercise can feel like swirling around the bottom of the drain getting ready to get sucked in. In lucid moments I can remember that one night, even one week, really won't break a diet, especially one that's been going strong for three years. On the other hand, it's that fear that will get me to the gym on Sunday, even if it is distracting me from winning at cards.

Year 3, Day 214: No Tennis, No Walk No Nothing

It was hot today, and no kind of a day for a walk. Unfortunately, our tennis date was scuffled when we failed to reserve a court and none were available. Instead, we went on a date to Blue on Highland, a chic new restaurant in Needham that is secretly owned by Steven Tyler & the Hard Rock Cafe gang. It was quite good, and the dessert menu boasted four items that I love: cheesecake, chocolate bread pudding, chocolate cake and a brownie sunday. As usual, we got no dessert and went home.

Breakfast
(back to normal)
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russos' ($5.95)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
1 extra smokey
4 sticks beef jerky
2 clementines
1 honey crisp

dinner: blue on highland
arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
mahi-mahi with spinach, jicama
a few french fries

At least if I had gone a walk we could've had dessert...

Year 3, Day 213: Reese's Peanut Butter Cake

Friendly's Reese's Peanut Butter Cake (from www.junkfoodblog.com)

Imagine yourself eating a giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup weighing in at 3.75 pounds.

Now imagine the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup being made out of ice cream.

That's what this new ice cream cake from Friendly's is like.

Friendly's is a chain of restaurants throughout the Eastern USA, and are known for their ice creams and ice cream cakes.

Their new Reese's Peanut Butter Cups variety is made with two layers of Friendly's premium peanut butter ice cream separated with chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, then covered with deep, dark chocolate truffle and bordered with whipped icing.

You can pick one up at any Friendly's locations...
http://www.friendlys.com/locations/

Breakfast
Kashi
Heritage Flakes
1 Green Banana
Driscoll Strawberries
Old Blueberries
Coffee
Unsweetened Soy Milk

Lunch: Russo's ($6.25)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
1 Honeycrisp Apple
4 sticks beef jerky
.5 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
1 Entire Bag of Orville Redenbacher

Dinner
Pork Cutlets
Broccoli

Did I mention I used to work at a Friendly's? It was my very first job. I quit when I had the chance to go away to my father's house in Long Island with my then-girlfriend. The manager had wanted me to work an extra shift when I wasn't scheduled to work and he told me I either had to work it or lose my job. I think I told him I would mail him back my herring-bone itchy-wool friendly's shirt they made me wear. My boss also had an 's' whistle and was joking with me in that unfunny way that only bosses have not to 'overscoop' him. He lived in fear that his young employees would violate the scooping volume/rules and run him out of business. Though Friendly's (and other ice cream shops) all over the world are filled with young employees, I don't know too many of them that go out of business from being 'overscooped.' I could be wrong, though.

Year 3, Day 212: When the World Gives You Flies...

Tuesday found me a bit under the weather. Fly infestation is back.

Breakfast
Jane's Bread
Super Chunky Peanut Butter
A Few Mini Wheats

Lunch: Demo's
Chicken kebab
Greek salad

Snack
1 Honey Crisp Apple
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
30 Smokehouse Almonds

Dinner
Caesar Salad
1/2 Ribeye Steak

The exterminator explained it all to me. She said "did you have a bad smell in your house about two, three weeks ago?" Sound of jaw hitting the floor. She said "those flies will be gone soon, they're your best friends." You could have knocked me over with a feather. Really. A feather.

Year 3, Day 211: Bleak Outlook

Monday. Nut Day. Nuff said. Six dollar salad is a known 'cry for help.'

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
1 oz Boston lite popcorn
1 honey crisp apple
3 sticks beef jerky
10 pistachios, 30 smokehouse almonds

lunch: russo's ($6.05)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

dinner: Bernard's
mongolian beef,
pea tendrils
a few boneless spareribs

dessert
a few cashews
a few chocolate chips
a few bites of super chunky peanut butter

Emily and I continue to bum out about the construction in our back yard. Quite overwhelming. Can't blog about it.

Year 3, Day 210: Fitness-a-thon and Eat-a-thon

More tennis; I played both my brother-in-law, and my sister-in-law. I beat my bil 6-4, and lost to my sil 4-6.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch:
Fritata (by Amy)
1/2 chicken sausage, 1/2 pork sausage
salad

1.5 apples
a few tablespoons peanut butter
1 oz Boston lite popcorn

dinner: Bernard's
moo shi pork (2 pancakes)
shrimp soong (1 lettuce wrap)
1 boneless sparerib
pea tendrils

Wherein I demonstrate that I can eat Chinese food nearly every single day.

Year 3, Day 209 Fitness-a-thon

Got up this morning with a sore neck and shoulders, but went to the gym anyway, doing my customary 6 miles in 65 minutes. Not tremendously fast, but still good. Then my brother in law and I played three sets of tennis, which he won 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. It has been a long while since I've played with anyone who could go three sets (except his wife, my sister-in-law).

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch:
Fritatta
Chicken Breast
Assorted Cheeses
Salad

Snack
Almonds & Cashews
Several parts of donuts

Dinner: Elephant Walk
Salmon
Heirloom Tomatoes
Trout
Lots of Wine

Having been looking around Chowhound, Yelp and such before I went out the vineyard, I had spotted "The Hole"-- legendary for having the best donuts anywhere. It so happened that my brother-in-law and sister-in-law were 'down the cape' and my bil loves donuts, so I mentioned it. They went and returned with every conceivable donut. This, of course, sent the household in an apoplectic frenzy of donut-avoidance, eating, and then running away from the donut bag. Later that night, we went out for a luxurious dinner for four at the Elephant Walk. We were going to go to Burdick's in Cambridge for an all-chocolate night-cap but alas, they were closed. So like young tourists, we went to the North End and got a canoli. (Big kudos to Emily for getting us there, since every single road, exit and sign has changed). The Red Sox game was on so the place was lit up like a pinball machine. In a secondary amazing feat by Emily, she found a free parking spot, and we cruised around for 20 minutes till we remembered we were old, and then drove home.

Year 3, Day 208: Bad, Bad People Behind My House

Ruby had trouble going to bed. Then she was up in the middle of the night. Then up at 6:15. Not very promising for a day. When I came home at night I noticed they had totally taken down the forest behind my house. There was no wine, so it was straight to the chocolate.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russos' ($5.69)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
Jerky
1 Honey Crisp Apple
1.5 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
30 Smokehouse Almonds

Dinner
Steak
1 Applegate Organic Hot Dog
Cauliflower

Dessert
1/3 Dark Chocolate with Almonds

A dark day. I can barely type.

Year 3, Day 207: Chinese Food Train Out of Control

We went to Shangri-La today and we were duty-bound by the code of restaurant-samplers to order everything we read about it in a restaraunt review. Sadly, it was not as good as the stuff described in Chowhound. Another strike against the so-called 'traditonal media.'

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Shangri-La
Bean Curd Skin Roll
1 Spicy Ravioli
Sprouted Pea Tendrils
Chun King Pork
Pork Meatball

Snack
The last of 4 sticks of jerky
100 Pistachios

Dinner
Romaine, Cabbage, Tuna, Feta, Balsamic

On Monday, Emily had signed me up for a massage at a new concept place called "Massage Envy." They are, I suppose, aiming to bring the massage world to mainstream (and from the looks of it, Corporate) America. By lending it legitimacy (see: paying by credit card, real signs, no odors) they are hoping to lure those curious massage-needers who were to afraid to call someone from the back of the Phoenix or duck into the office near where they get their taxes done. You can't judge a concept by one masseuse, but I'm not sold.

Year 3, Day 206: Ruby Sick?

Ruby had a stomach ache this AM. Laura sick earlier this week on Bus. We gave her the benefit of the doubt. Minutes after bus pulled away stomach illness went away, but right around dinner it returned. We determined it was constipation... I made a blender drink of prunes, apricots, blueberries, yogurt and honey and made her drink it. We'll see if that stirs things up.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Stay at home snack
6 oz stonyfield fat free plain yogurt
super chunky peanut butter

Lunch
Salad & 2 Steak tips

At work snack
1.5 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
4 Sticks Beef jerky

Dinner
Chicken & Peppers
Hamburger/Cheddar
Cauliflower
20 Cashews

When Emily returned, I headed to work. This of course, meant more snacks. When I returned, everybody seemed fine, no worse for the wear.

Year 3, Day 205: Bad Scallops!

Part of my routine is visiting our favorite Chinese restaurant around the corner. Though I usually demur from eating scallops (bad scallop eating experience when I was younger) my colleague today wanted them so I acquiesced. Unfortunately, my timing was bad as we both determined that they were not fit for eating. The bad news: I had already eaten one when I suggested their unfit quality. Back at work, fearing an attack of bad-scallop-itis, I downed one hundred almonds. The final insult was that there was no walk today.

breakfast
kashi (too much for first time ever= i may be reaching saturation
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

lunch; chan shin yuan
pea tendrils
spicy beef with celery
bad scallops (returned)

snack
1 honeycrisp apple
5 sticks beef jerky
100 almonds
1 coke zero (too sweet)

dinner
hamburger
shrimp
steak
broccoli
1 very silly bbqed cauliflower

Maybe Bobby Flay can cook cauliflower on the grill. But I'm quitting that particular vegetable and cooking medium combination.

Year 3, Day 204: 5768 Getting Started

First day of the new Jewish year begins with the same old breakfast. I realize I write about this a lot, but it's on my mind.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee
Quebec Strawberries (netted at Volante, natch)


Snack
4 Stick Beef Jerky
1.5 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Russo's $5.69
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini


Dinner: Bernard's
Boneless Spareribs
Shrimp Soong with Lettuce LEaf
Broccoli

Tonight was the pilot "Daddy and Daughter date." Ruby takes a clay class close to where I work. The class ends at 6pm. So the idea was: I leave a bit early (5:45), go get her, and we go out to eat somewhere. We were supposed to go to Cabot's, which is a great hamburger and ice cream place, but of all things they turned out to be closed on Mondays. So much for the well-thought out plan. I asked her where she wanted to go instead. She said 'the place with the meat." Several unhelpful clues later, I realized she was describing Bernard's, an upscale Chinese restaurant in a nearby mall. So we went there. It's funny, I always want Chinese food, but Emily rarely does. So now my daughter wants to go. Go figure.

Year 3, Day 203: The First Day of the New Year

Workout today, 7 miles in 58 minutes. Felt good, went fast. Sweated a lot. Not tired. Then 60 Ab crunches (bad neck feeling) and 20 squat thrusts. I had to get out there of in a hurry because X was looming. For those of you who have not been following, X is a team member at the gym who properly suspects me of having not worked out with a trainer, which I suppose is a no-no. They want you to have a good consult before working out on all the equipment. I tried to do that a few times, but honestly it just didn't work out. I'm hoping the relationship between me as a paying customer and him as a service provider will not pass into some kind of other horrible situation where I am upbraided for my lack of rule-following.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch;
White Fish & Lox
1 Slice Balthazar Bread with Cheddar Cheese
Peppadews
More Goat Cheese
3 Deviled Eggs

Snack
1.5 Honey Crisp Apples
.5 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
14 Almonds

Dinner
Steak Tips
Grilled Peppers
Salad

Other
Inside Out Whoopie Pie

I decided to make a devil's food cake today. It was supposed to be a whoopie pie, with two layers of cake and one layer of whoopie, but due to breakage out of the pan, I tried to ice them together but the whole affair just reeked of desperation. As usual, we brought it to our neighbors, who devoured it, but only rated it 'fair.' To be honest, that was probably kind.

Year 3, Day 202: Another Fast Done With

Well I must say that I dislike fasting but since starting the South Beach program it's been a different cup of tea. It's definitely difficult to go without food (and mostly without water) but breaking the fast has become more challenging, too. My old breakfast was bagels, cheese, etc. And mostly I've avoided those. But in my new, relaxed "phase three" mode, I let myself have it.

Break Fast
Cashews
1 Slice Challah
1 Glass Red Wine
1 Glass White Wine
Coffee
1 Whole Wheat Everything Bagel
Cream Cheese
Lox
Whitefish
Assorted Cheeses
Chicken Soup
Peppadews
Pickles

1 taste of ice cream
1 square of chocolate

We had a bunch of folks over including Jillz and following the breakfast we watched the Red Sox game. As tradition has it, we pepper our fanatical Red Sox fans with questions that they find irritating but answer because they love us and they're at our house. The Red Sox need help and we summon up the rally monkey. This has the desired effect and we all go to bed happy, and very, very full.

Year 3, Day 201: Yom Kippur Evening

Yom Kippur night means not eating for a whole next day. Eeek.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
4 sticks beef jerky
1 honey crisp apple
1 bag microwave popcorn

lunch; russo's ($5.95)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

dinner:
steak
cauliflower
20 cashews

The idea is that for your last meal of the year you eat meat, and for the first meal of the new year you eat dairy. Jewish law forbids meat and dairy from being consumed at the same meal, which is why I cannot generally observe the kosher laws, since it would have prohibited me from having a bacon cheeseburger, which is simply one of the greatest foods known to man. That aside, we had a modest meal and I, prepared to fast.

Year 3, Day 200: Date Night, ZBA and Erev Yom Kippur

Today was better than yesterday in that I did not have to eat improperly refrigerated food. I did, however have to eat Driscoll Strawberries, which I think is a violation of the Geneva Convention. Me and a co-worker went for a not-so-fast walk today.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russo's ($5.65)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
Microwave Popcorn
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
30 Almonds

Dinner: Farm Grill Rotisserie
Grilled Chicken over Greek Salad
2 pieces of pita bread (toasted)
Lima Beans

Emily and I played a set of tennis outside (our usual internal court was taken) and though she took the early lead 3-0, I caught up and it was 6-6 one hour later when it got too dark to play. We went over to the FGR for dinner and it was actually quite nice. Then we zipped over to the ZBA meeting where our objections were naturally, overruled.

Year 3, Day 199: Broken Refrigerator

Have you ever realized something was wrong, but not really understood what it was? This was the case as I went through the morning breakfast ritual, until the painful realization dawned upon me that our refrigerator was broken. Now I have a lot of problems with our refrigerator. First of all, I don't like it. Second of all, it was supposed to have an ice maker but it doesn't, or it wasn't connected, or something but the bottom line is I have to make ice in ice trays and someone in my house who is tall enough to reach the ice trays without a chair is always putting them back with only one ice cube in them. But I digress. So I realize the refrigerator, is in fact not working. I call the number on the refrigerator and they tell me they can't get anyone to my house until Monday. Does that work for me? I ask how I can get it done sooner. The people at Maytag tell me to call the local repair shop they are contracting with and see if they will come sooner. I call them and ask and they say "Maytag tells you to call because they could have us come sooner but it costs more so they have you do it. But we can't come out any sooner unless they pay." I hung up the phone and started working Angie's List.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russo's ($5.05)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini


Snack
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
1/2 Honey Crisp Apple
1.5 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Dinner
Romaine, Broccoli, Tuna, Balsamic

I finally got a local guy that would come by today and do it, and he fixed it for a hundred and something dollars. I continue to hate my refrigerator and long for the day when I can rip its door off and put it out on the street.

Year 3, Day 198: Day of Meetings in New York

Got up at 6:30AM so I could work out in small, poorly ventilated, hot gym with television on at a volume that would deafen nursing home residents. Did about 5 minutes on the stationary bike when the elliptical (crappy little one, home machine, not professional strength) opened up. I did a 30 minute work out, and so was slightly late for my room service breakfast.

I ordered an omelet and wheat toast. They brought me white toast in cellophane which I left exactly as they delivered it. It also came with hash browns (unadvertised) which I inhaled like a lover's scent, taking one sinful crispy bite and putting the rest away to waste.

Breakfast
Omelet (ham, cheese, onion, mushroom, pepper).
coffee

Snack
1 Banana
3 Strawberries

Lunch: 15 East
Soup
Heirloom Edamame
Sashimi Platter

Various/Train Snacks/Dinner
Almonds & Cashews & Smokehouse Almonds
6 Sticks Beef jerky
1 Honey crisp Apple
5 dried apricots
1 oz Boston LIte Popcorn

Following my unfortunate choice of black and blue tuna at Wolfgang's last night, I was not feeling very good or very hungry when we broke for lunch at around twelve. Again, we had managed to choose an excellent lunch spot with the help of some very credible in-corporate advice. However, the thought of more uncooked fish was literally turning me green, so I ordered eel, but the waiter suggested it wouldn't be enough, so I ordered the sashimi platter. Out of financial and biological obligation I ate it, but I did not enjoy it as I should have, so it was quite a waste overall.

In a fury of last-minute luck, we managed to get on the 6:00pm train instead of the 7:00pm. Of course, this meant no dinner was available, so I ate what I had with me, which was just as well, because the thought of the Amtrak dinner was literally going to make me hurl.

Year 3, Day 197: Big Trip to New York (Again)

Today I once again prepared to go to New York State. It's the third time within 10 days and to three different parts of the state. It is for work and lots of big meetings.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Milled Flaxseed
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russo's ($5.21)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Train Snack
1 Honey Crisp Apple
Nearly Poisonous Almonds

Dinner: Wolfgang's
Mixed Greens
Shrimp Cocktail (4 Shrimp, weighting a pound)
1/2 slice of canadian bacon (why a side dish, I don't know)
Black and Blue Tuna
Broccoli sauteed in garlic and olive oil (but tasted funny)
Cottage Fries (which were really potato chips)
2 Glasses red Wine, 1 glass Riesling (way too sweet)\

My colleague and I picked Wolfgang's as the place to go after vetting many different places in New York to have dinner. Though it is a famous steak house, I for some reason decided I needed to eat a piece of fish, and so ordered the black and blue tuna. This was a mistake. It wasn't that it didn't taste good, it's that I am a true blue idiot for going to one of New York's premier steak houses and ordering fish. Really, it's not a defensible choice. Everything else was quite good, but as is frequently the case after a night at a New York steak house, the night was full of fitful sleep, club soda and I think a few Tums.

Year 3, Day 196: New Gym Equipment

Today all the elliptical were full so I found myself on a new piece of equipment, which I think is some sort of next-gen elliptical cross trainer. I did 3 miles and about 30 minutes. Then i did 100 Ab crunches and 30 squat thrusts.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Milled Flaxseed
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Breast of Chicken/Broccoli

Snacks: 1.5 Corn Muffins, 2 Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Bag of Microwave Popcorn, Yogurt & Peanut Butter

Dinner: Salad/Hamburger/Cauliflower

The baking continues. Now I am trying to make the perfect chocolate chip cookies. While they always come out "good," in the words of U2, "I still haven't found what I'm looking for." I love cookie dough, and I love making cookies. But the perfect chocolate chip cookie is still eluding me.

Year 3, Day 195: Back from New York x2 Out of 3

Except for the rather cruel cutoff time (8:30AM), the hotel breakfast is really swell. It would be nice if they would change the menu occasionally, but I guess they are in business to serve the business traveler, not to tickle the culinary funny bones of the occasional family traveler. Ruby likes the waffles but it would be nice if they could turn out a tasty muffin instead of serving the heat-n-serve type.

Breakfast
Everything Omelet
Honeydew
Bacon
Coffee, too much

On the road/pre-snack
Tamari Almonds (luckily Ruby found love with Tamari almonds and took them away from me)
Dried fruit

Lunch/Shady Glen
Cheeseburger with Mustard
Garden Salad
2 Onion Rings, 2 French Fries

Bag-popped popcorn

Dinner
Salad/Tuna/Feta/Balsamci
2 tablespoons peanut butter

My brother had told me about this place called "Shady Glen" that he'd heard about on the phantom gourmet. Their claim to fame was that they serve 4-slice cheeseburgers that have been cooked into a triangular cheese tent. We pulled over to go there and the line was long and we were all hungry and cranky and Ruby and I got into a fight because she wouldn't behave and I told her we couldn't go and she should get back in the car. Then the line disappeared and Emily was stuck in the car with both kids crying and couldn't get out. I didn't have a coat on and it was the type of place where I knew if I got up my seat would be gone in a Connecticut second. I called her on the cell phone and hoped for the best. Though nobody ordered a cheeseburger (except for me) we determined that it was a charming place but a bit too far from the highway (15 minutes) to be worth a regular trip. And really, the food was like bowling alley food but you had to wait longer and there was no bowling. When we got home, exhausted, we ate what was in the house, which is of course, was made of nuts.

Still, it was good to be home.

Year 3, Day 194: Mood Foods

Staying at the hotel means a hotel breakfast. Usually a big omelet for me, and some kind of sugar-shock for Ruby. Ordinarily we'd carry a lot of stuff back for Emily and the baby (who sleep late) but they're not staying at the hotel, so it's just us. As usual, there's very few people at breakfast, and Ruby is the only kid for MILES.

Breakfast
Omelet with mushrooms, onions, peppers, cheese, ham
honey dew, cantaloupe
almonds, cashews, apricot

lunch:
turkey/cheese/sweet peppers/onions rollup
diet dr. pepper

dinner;
more almonds and some tamari almonds
brisket, turkey
heirloom tomato salad

Mood Foods
Your brain depends on a variety of nutrients to keep itself balanced. Cheetos and beer are not on the list. The scoop on six snacks that will help kick your mind into gear

Your Mood: Anxious
You need to stay sharp through a grueling job interview.

Your Meal: Half a grilled-chicken wrap at lunch, hold the mayo

Here's Why: Eating between 4 and 5 ounces of protein helps your brain create dopamine and norepinephrine, neurochemicals that keep you alert, says Judith Wurtman, Ph.D., author of The Serotonin Power Diet.

Your Mood: Stressed
You have to meet a deadline without being overwhelmed.

Your Meal: A handful of sesame seeds while you're working

Here's Why: Stress hormones can deplete your body's supply of magnesium, reducing your stress-coping abilities and increasing your risk of developing high blood pressure, says Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of Food & Mood.

Your Mood: Restless
You need some serious shut-eye before the big day.

Your Meal: Nonfat popcorn half an hour before you go to bed

Here's Why: The carbs will induce your body to create serotonin, a neurochemical that makes you feel relaxed. "Make sure it's fat-free, because fat will slow the process of boosting serotonin levels," says Somer.

Your Mood: Depressed
Problems at home are doing you in.

Your Meal: Grilled salmon or sushi for dinner

Here's Why: A study in Finland found that people who eat more fish are 31 percent less likely to suffer from depression. And skip sweet, simple carbs -- the inevitable sugar crash can actually deepen depression.

Your Mood: Insecure
Your confidence is waning as the night wears on.

Your Meal: A snack-size chocolate bar when she's in the bathroom

Here's Why: Chocolate contains a host of chemicals to brighten your mood, Somer says, including anadamine, which targets the same receptors as THC, and phenylethylamine, which produces a cozy, euphoric feeling.

Your Mood: Flummoxed
You've forgotten your last two deadlines.

Your Meal: Pineapple chunks for a snack or a cup of berries in your oatmeal

Here's Why: Antioxidants from the most-colorful fruits and vegetables help pick off the free radicals that wear away at your memory. "Because your brain consumes so much oxygen, oxidants do heavy damage there," says Somer.

Go to the next page and learn how your diet can prevent migraines...

Foods that Cure
Minor tweaks in your diet can help fend off everything from splitting headaches to heart attacks. Three dietary tweaks from Joy Bauer, R.D., author of Joy Bauer's Food Cures:


Migraine Headaches
Migraines have many food causes. Keep a meal log for a month to see which triggers affect your head.

Eat This: Foods rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and salmon, help reduce inflammation, a catalyst for migraines. Riboflavin, found in lean beef and grains, helps cells maintain energy reserves, which can prevent the onset of migraines.

Not That: Nitrites, found in deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs; aspartame, the artificial sweetener found in diet soft drinks; caffeine


Irritable-Bowel Syndrome
One in five Americans is affected by IBS. A careful diet is the best cure.

Eat This: Soft foods and foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, barley, bananas, and sweet potatoes

Not That: When symptoms are strong, limit vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which are hard for the body to break down. Other common triggers: dairy products, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine



Cardiovascular Disease
A diet of heart-healthy fats may help prevent you from being one of the 1.5 million Americans who have heart attacks each year.

Eat This: Foods that boost good cholesterol (HDL), like canned tuna, mackerel, olive oil, avocado, and most nuts

Not That: Trans fat-laden foods, such as margarine; refined carbohydrates, which spike blood-thickening triglycerides; sugary soft drinks, juice, and white bread


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?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=sexual.health
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2007 RODALE INC. ALL rights reserved

Year 3, Day 193: Trip to New York

Doesn't this headline ever get tired? I sure get tired of writing it. We head West to New York to both celebrate 5768 and to visit my father who has just had surgery. He warns me to stay 'thin and limber' to avoid needing the same surgery. So I can just add surgery to the list of things besides apnea, diabetes, etc. etc. I need to worry about and stay on the program. I must confess, it has been a rough few weeks, and even I am at a loss to explain why. However, major surgery for a parent could be stress-inducing, I'll grant you. Then there's the new year and the day of atonement...and then there's this new job....

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

On the road snack
Wee bit of beef jerky
some hard boiled egg-white
2 prunes, 1 dried peach

Lunch
3 pickles
1/2 leek omelet
cashews/almonds

Dinner
1 slice brisket, 1 slice turkey
heirloom tomato salad
pickles & peppers

1/2 honeycrisp apple

1 bite of a brownie

I did a lot of cooking and shopping at Russo's for the holiday, really the fist time I ever brought baked goods to a holiday celebration. The crisp was a hit, and so were the brownies, even though the experts agreed they were overcooked by a few minutes. I used the cooks illustrated recipe, and I must tell you, they are good-good-good (the recipes). I am going to try their corn muffin and chocolate chip cook recipe next.

Year 3, Day 192: L'shana Tova

Okay, I do believe in omens: my freezer is on the fritz and my basement is full of flies. Neither of these things is very encouraging and we must be OK with leaving them in their state as we pack the car (again) and head to New York.

Breakfast
Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
1 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
4 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 Apple
Strawberries

Lunch: Panera
Greek Salad
+1 Fuji Apple (Small)

Dinner:
Chicken Breast
1.5 Ears of Corn
Salad

Dessert
Tiny pieces of pie crust and brownie that fell off on the paper

I am now on Brownies and pies. We'll see how that goes over.

Year 3, Day 191: OMG Return of the 100 Nut Day

You really can't get around it: 25 Nuts=170 Calories, Therefore 100 is nearly 700 calories. There's really no way to make that OK, unless possibly you're running a marathon.

Breakfast
Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
6 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 Very Bad Pink Lady Apple
100 Almonds

Lunch: Russo's ($5.21)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Dinner
Fish
Cabbage & Balsamic
Edamame

Feel quite bad after my flour binge last night and nut-binge this afternoon. Really bad. Lots of stress in my life right now: Father in hospital, trip to NY for the holidays, travel to NYC next week.

Year 3, Day 190: Back to School Night

I was busy as a bee baking last night and I got to bring my wares to the School, where, sadly, no one ate very much of anything. I think this is because 1) nothing is labeled and 2) there is so much sugary-sweet stuff; I just think it's an embarrassment of riches. Everyone would eat a few things, but it was literally a Chinese Buffet of dessert items; apple cake; several kinds of chocolate chip cookies and of course, my banana cake and my spice cookies.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
6 Jerky
2 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Lunch: Russo's ($5.21)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Dinner
Hamburger
Hot Peppers
Cauliflower
Pickle

Dessert
2 Spice Cookies
1 Slice Banana-Toffee Cake

Yeah, well I broke down and ate some of my own stuff. What are you going to do?

Year 3, Day 189: Return From Woodstock

We got up and improvised a breakfast with some takeout eggs from a local market and a few other ingredients. Then David and I set sail on some of the worst driving conditions I've ever witnessed. We white knuckled it through the worst patch and then were inspired to go to Bub's Barbecue, allegedly near Northampton. However, they gave us bad directions and we bailed. I had to make it back for Ruby's soccer game so we just stopped at a Stop and Shop (v. depressing) got some diet cokes and got back on the road.

Breakfast
Egg, Sausage and Cheese
A few slices of cheese (Horseradish Cheddar and Pepper Jack)
2 Melon SLices, 1/2 papaya slice
Coffee

On the road snack
More Popcorn
Coke Zero

Lunch:
1 Beef Kebab, Green Peppers, hot Peppers
Cheddar

Post Soccer Snack
6 oz Stonyfield Yogurt
Peanut Butter

Dinner
1 Chicken Breast (Grilled)
Big Salad

Various cookie doughs and banana dough. I have been grilling nearly every day since I got home from Martha's Vineyard, which is incredible when you think that I've had the grill since 2003 and had only used it once previous to Martha's Vineyard.

Year 3, Day 188: Trip to Woodstock

My father is having surgery on Monday, and it's quite a tricky and intense one. It will last 5 hours and it will take weeks or months of rehabilitation. We figured we'd go have one last hurrah. In the AM I made corn muffins and snuck in a workout. It helps immeasurably to have worked out before going on a long trip, I was totally calm and relaxed. But maybe that has something to do with not having to pack for the kids or keep them entertained...

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

A 60 minute workout, 5.5 miles

Lunch
Salad, with Tuna
1 & 1/2 corn muffins (but they were small)

On the road snack
popcorn, mixed fancy nuts

Dinner: Emerson
1 Glass of Wine
1/2 spring roll
1/2 whole wheat roll
house salad
swordfish with broccoli
a bite of cheesecake
a bite of apple crisp

later on at the ranch
2 glasses wine
more mixed nuts

David and I had a terrifying ride to the Catskills region, where my father lives. Many times we couldn't see the highway we were on and when we arrived on the local roads, we witnessed lightning coming down from the sky, in a thick ropy sword unlike anything I've ever seen before. As we continued to travel towards our destination we came across the point where the lightning had hit--a transformer that was currently on fire in the middle of the road. We had considered stopping at a store a long the way but literally as we pulled into its parking lot we saw their lights go out-- we continued to drive. As it was the lighting meant we had to go to a different restaurant, but C'est la vie.

Year 3, Day 187: Shangri La, Ginger Gookies

We discovered that the cousin of the owner os Chang SHin Yuan has a restaurant in Belmont called SHangri-La. We went with high hopes and am glad to say we were not disappointed. We eschewed such Chinese favorites as pig ear soup and crispy sour tripe for their more traditional successes like "tea-smoked duck" "twice cooked pork" and "sprouted pea pods." Their were no forks on the tables; no caucasians in the restaurant. We feasted.

Breakfast
Kashi
No Heritage flakes, had to use Flax Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
6 pieces jerky
2 oz Boston Lite Popcorn
1 Apple

Lunch: Shangri-La
Tea-Smoked Duck
Sprouted Pea Pods
Twice Cooked Pork

Dinner
Salmon
Cauliflower

Ginger cookies (2)

My friend and colleague Carolyn gave me an incredible Ginger Cookie recipe that is literally, the best thing I ever ate. The only thing missing is fresh pieces of ginger that I might put into the next batch. A great baking arrow to add to my weapons basket.

Year 3, Day 186: Tennis

Watching the US Open at Night it's very inspirational. Emily and I got out on the court and played three sets. I won the first set 6-2, but Emily took sets 2 and 3, and 4-6 and 2-6. We skipped going out to eat to come home see our kids and watch more tennis.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
100 Almonds
1 Old Smokey
4 Sticks Beef Jerky

Lunch: Russo's' ($4.78)
Romaine, red pepper, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Dinner:'
Egg/Cheese/Turkey Bacon Joseph's Wrap
Salsa

We didn't play any tennis on Martha's Vineyard, despite bringing our rackets, so it was good to get out on the court again.

Year 3, Day 185: Popcorn Can Kill You

Consumers, not just factory workers, may be in danger from fumes from buttery flavoring in microwave popcorn, according to a warning letter to federal regulators from a doctor at a leading lung research hospital.

A pulmonary specialist at Denver's National Jewish Medical and Research Center has written to federal agencies to say doctors there believe they have the first case of a consumer who developed lung disease from the fumes of microwaving popcorn several times a day for years.

"We cannot be sure that this patient's exposure to butter flavored microwave popcorn from daily heavy preparation has caused his lung disease," cautioned Dr. Cecile Rose. "However, we have no other plausible explanation."

The July letter, made public Tuesday by a public health policy blog, refers to a potentially fatal disease commonly called popcorn lung that has been the subject of lawsuits by hundreds of workers at food factories exposed to chemicals used for flavoring.

In response to Rose's finding, the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association issued a statement Tuesday recommending that its members reduce "to the extent possible" the amount of diacetyl in butter flavorings they make. It noted that diacetyl is approved for use in flavors by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

One national popcorn manufacturer, Weaver Popcorn Co. of Indianapolis, said last week it would replace the butter flavoring ingredient because of consumer concern. Congress has also been debating new safety measures for workers in food processing plants exposed to diacetyl.

The FDA said in an e-mail it is evaluating Rose's letter and "carefully considering the safety and regulatory issues it raises."

Fred Blosser, spokesman for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, said it is the first case the institute has seen of lung disease apparently linked to popcorn fumes outside the workplace.

The occupational safety arm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is working on a response to the letter.

William Allstetter, spokesman for National Jewish Medical, confirmed the letter was sent by Rose, a specialist in occupational and environmental lung diseases and director of the hospital's Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic.

"There have been no other cases that we know of other than the industrial occupational ones," Allstetter said.

Rose acknowledged in the letter that it is difficult to confirm through one case that popping buttered microwave popcorn at home can cause lung disease.

However, she said she wanted to alert regulators of the potential public health implications.

Rose said the ailing patient, a man whom she wouldn't identify, consumed "several bags of extra butter flavored microwave popcorn" every day for several years.

He described progressively worsening respiratory symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath. Tests found his ability to exhale was deteriorating, Rose said, although his condition seemed to stabilize after he quit using microwave popcorn.

She said her staff measured airborne levels of diacetyl in the patient's home when he cooked the popcorn. The levels were "similar to those reported in the microwave oven exhaust area" at the quality assurance unit of the popcorn plant where the affected employees worked, she said.

David Michaels, of the George Washington University School of Public Health, who first published Rose's letter on his blog, The Pump Handle, said the finding is another reason for federal regulators to crack down on diacetyl exposure by workers and consumers.

"This letter is a red flag, suggesting that exposure to food flavor chemicals is not just killing workers, but may also be causing disease in people exposed to food flavor chemicals in their kitchens," Michaels wrote on his public health policy blog.


Breafkast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: New Ginza
Edamame
Double Salad
Sashimi (no white rice)

Snack
1 Old Smokey
2 oz Boston Lite Popcorn

Dinner
Salad with Feta
Broccoli
String Beans
Grilled SHrimp

Some of Magnolia's Chocolate Cheesecake
1/2 Jello Pudding

Still trying to get back into the swing of the things. Haven't been back to Russo's yet. Who said "Wake me when September comes?"

Year 3, Day 184: Back to Grind

Oh God, please don't make me go back to work. Please. Please. Please. Please. It's so immature to plan ways to go back to Martha's Vineyard in the middle of the night and then make up a lie about it to your boss and staff. But sometimes that's what you have to do when it's 3AM the night before you go back to work after 10 days.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Chan Shing Yuan
Moo Shi Pork
Shrimp with Vegetables

Snack
4 oz Dale THomas Popcorn
.5 oz Boston LIte Popcorn
'Beef Jerky

Dinner
Pork
Cauliflower

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Year 3, Day 183: Red Sox Game

My big plan was to come back from Martha's Vineyard, and then Ruby and I would go to a Red Sox game on Monday night (Labor Day). But Ruby had had a play date, and had absolutely had it by the evening, and so Emily and I went to the game. We couldn't stay long because we were seated next to two drunken louts who were not only loud and drunk but judging by their collection of beers, they had no intention of slowing down on either. Though we were seated behind first base, they were so loud, the people at home plate could hear what they were saying. Later on, my friend Jill told me about Fan Services, but by then it was too late. We skipped. En route, Emily and I could not believe how different the T, Kenmore Square and the entire Fenway Park experience had become. We were literally like time-travellers trying to cope with a new, strange future. Of course, everyone was just laughing at how we didn't know how the T ticket system worked.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch
Hamburger
Salad
Ribs
Hot Dog
1 chip, 1 cauliflower, 1 broccoli

Dinner:
Breast of Chicken, Hot Dog
String Benas
1/2 Ear of Corn

Dessert
Blueberry Crisp
Glass of Wine

I continue baking (especially with all the leftovers from the Vineyard) and I keep up the wine program. I'm finding it very relaxing and wine-licious.

Year 3, Day 182, Back to the Grind (Pre Grind Edition)

Today was back to the gym. Seven miles in 65 minutes. 100 Ab crunches. Plus 40 Sit ups. Then, a lot of almonds and cashews. But what the hell, the 34s still fit. When the stress gets going, I start baking. Today it was banana cake with Toffee chips and pecans.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch
Tuna/Salad

Other
Almonds
Cashews
1 Slice of Toscano Salami
1 Slice of Banana Toffee Cake

Dinner
Trout
Broccoli

Labor Day Fireworks
Popcorn
Glass of Wine

Tonight we went out to see "Labor Day Fireworks" whatever that is. Magnolia had a great time until the fireworks started---I immediately had to cart her out, crying hysterically to the nearby Star Market, where I endeavored to keep her occupied at every 'crack' of thunderous sounding roman candle explosions. There was a lot of improvised talk whenever there was a noise, "Is this bunny scared? Does he want some hamburger rolls?" A lot of not very imaginative patter was spawned from the unkempt shelves of a picked-over Star Market (Shaw's). Though Emily and Ruby and their friends could have gotten home on their own, Magnolia and I needed to stay in the market, so we just ended up shopping. I think she was no worse for the wear, but we learned our lesson.

Year 3, Day 181: Return from the Vineyard

"When you find the place that your heart belongs, you'll never leave" - Written in Your Heart, Babie in the Princess and the Pauper

Today reminded med of Courtney telling me 'the germans are coming'. It was his way of saying 'hurry up, there's no time to dawdle." Emily and I made our ferry for 11:00am, which for most parents is eons of time, but as our kids have been getting up at 9 and we were supposed to be there at 10:00AM and it was in Vineyard Haven, not Oak Bluffs, we thought we'd be pressed for time. Additionally, when you're trying to get out of a rental house after a week, there a lot of nooks and crannies to un-inhabit. Forget just getting your stuff out; you have to leave the place better than you found it. Plus, feed and round up your kids. That's a lot to do in about an hour. We made it with seconds to spare.

Breakfast
Kashi (plus some Annie's Honey Bunnies and 2 Min-Wheats)
heritage flakes
strawberries
blueberries
banana
unsweetened soy milk
coffee

EN Rote to Ferry
A Few bites of Emily's Peanut Butter Bread
a bite of a chocolate croissant, a bite of a chocolate donut

Ride Home/Lunch
3 Sticks Beef Jerky
2 Roll Mops Roast Beef, Cheese & Mustard
2 Cheese Sticks
1 Bite of Zucchini Bread

Snackz
Almonds, Almonds, Almonds
1 Jazz Apple (Split with Ruby)

Dinner
Steak Tips
1 Ear of Corn
Salad with Feta

Dessert
1/2 CHocolate Peanut Butter Thing (purchased from Chocklit shop on Island)

One of the first times in recorded history of me and Emily, and our nascent family that we ever returned from a trip and felt kind of sorry about having to be home. The music ("High School Musical 2" and "Princess and the Pauper") the nearly perfect (though not hot weather); the company (my family and her family) and the fact that I kicked my laptop to the curb meant that we really, honestly had a relaxing vacation. And even though we still had a few days to ourselves before it all started again, we could all already tell, without saying anything, that we missed our second home on Martha's Vineyard. We still wanted to be there, where no one called us, no cars ever drove by (unless it was the Garbage Man trying to avoid picking up the garbage) and the calming ocean was everywhere. I guess there's always next year...

Year 3. Day 180, Vineyard, Day Seven

Ah the last night. I woke up again determined to walk the ~3 miles back and forth to Katama Market even though the morning was misting and the garbage man had run away from me coming out in the AM in my skivvies.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

All Sorts o Snacking:
Microwave Popcorn
1 Small bite of a cinnamon roll
various almonds and cashews
2 beef jerky sticks
a few bites of pesto pasta

Lunch: The Right Fork Diner
Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
a bite of Ruby's Hamburger
5 French Fries with Ketchup

Dinner:
Flank Steak, Shrimp
Salad, Corn

Dessert
1 Reeses & Death by Chocolate Cone

Again, I tried to get back on track, but again the vacation and the intrusive through disorder of having to return to the mainland really got to me. I succumbed to another full ice cream cone, several ears of corn and who knows what else.

I did swim for about 30 minutes though.

Year 3, Day 179, Vineyard Day Six

After last night's SoBe debacle, I got up this morning and walked to the Katama market instead of driving. It's about 1.5 miles each way, so it was a good walk. It won't make up for yesterday (or today, for that matter) but I know that every little bit helps, physically and psychologically.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch:
Hamburger
Salad

Snacks
Popcorn at Oak Bluffs
Dried fruit
almonds, cashews
fruit nut chew
sahale sanck
few slices of zucchini bread
crumb cake

Dinner
Ribs, Brisket
Salad
Glass of wine

Today's plan was to have my Mom, her SO, and my brother and his family, who were vacationing in ever-so-near Cape Cod come over on the ferry and hang out with us. We initially thought we were going to take them out to Edgartown or Oak Bluffs and go shopping, but we decided at the last minute to just bring them to our house to hang out. Fortunately, we had told them to bring their swim suits! I had the good presence of mind to go shopping (again!) for stuff for the grill. Amazingly, really amazingly, the grill at this house was EXACTLY the same as the grill I purchased in 2003 when I bought my house but used only once. For some reason, this one is easy and I'm really getting the hang of the grill thing. We had a great time with everyone swimming, and snacking, and resting and having a good time. We had set up the golf game and David helped me set up the badminton net that my brother in law had left for us. He beat me, but it was good exercise.

Year 3, Day 178, Vineyard, Day 5

Could be the worst SoBe diet day in three years. Yet, that has kind of a majestic poetry to it, too. After all, where would you want to go hog wild if not on vacation, and where would you expect your worst day to come in a seven day vacation, but right about in the middle? The only thing that can be offered up is that I went for a three mile bike ride this morning, and did my 40 situps also. Though I think I'll need a few days in the gym to recoup from this one.

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snackz
3 Handfuls of Go Lean Crunch!
1 Bite of Balthazar Bread with Super Chunky Peanut Butter
1 Bag Microwave Popcorn
Cashews

Lunch
Meat of a Lobster Roll
Greek Salad
10 French Fries with ketchup

Dinner
Steak Tips
Cabbage Salad

Dessert
1 Ice cream cone (Reese & Death by Chocolate)

Emily's sister and her family went home today, which was kind of sad because it meant we were going to be alone on the island, which really meant we were going to have get more into the routine and less 'let it all hang out.' We were able to take it easy because where we were situated, Ruby was able to walk over to her Aunt's place, which was pretty swinging when you wanted to take a nap or something. We bravely soldiered on, and had lunch at a GREAT place called the Right Fork diner which is everything you want in a diner. I could have done with a little air conditioning and a few less flies, but otherwise perfect. I did however eat a lot of french fries which made me feel bad.

THEN Emily wanted to take the girls for ice cream (which had been the habit all week) so we all drove the six miles to Oak Bluffs and went to Richardson's where they did indeed have some of the yummiest ice cream I have ever had. I begged the Ukrainian dipper boy not to 'overscoop me' but he insisted saying "you can eat it, you can eat it." How could I explain to him that my ability to eat it was not in question? I paid for the four cones and we all sat in the slightly cool ocean air, licking away in silence. Ruby and Magnolia both helped me finish my enormous cone as we watched tourists and locals mix it up.

We're on vacation.