Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Cooking so my heart won't explode

Last night's theme was recipes. Every time I make one I like -- or find one in a magazine -- I throw the paper version on my desk, then enter it into Mastercook (eventually).

So there I was. Typing up recipes and searching the Internet when I became despondent. Why, you ask? I'll tell you. The best looking recipes were not something I could feasibly eat right now. They were full of whole milk, butter, bacon, chocolate... all the things that make life good.

In Weight Watchers, they make a big deal about not feeling deprived. You can eat whatever you want, they say! Simply reduce your portion size or plan for it! Technically that's true. I could make the peanut butter hot chocolate recipe and drink a 1/4 cup of it and stay on track. I could make the bakery version of the chocolate cream pie and have 3 bites. (And throw away the leftovers for a nasty guilt complex.) The truth is, when I have to put my spoon down and walk away, even though I got to nibble on my treat, I will still feel deprived.

The only way I won't feel deprived is if I fall face first into the chocolate pudding and eat until I pass out.

I don't often feel this way. I'm usually happy with the choices and the very specific definition WW relies on for deprived -- it means to take something away or to withhold it and I guess since you get a small bite then it hasn't been taken away in its entirety. Loophole, much.

But in my recipe searching, I find I am much more impressed by recipes that achieve full flavor in a healthy way. That's why I'm always so excited to share the recipes I've made from www.skinnytaste.com. I can have realistic portion sizes that fill me up, and not break the points plus bank.

Yeah, yeah. The things I am whining about are wanting to overindulge in the behaviors that got me overweight in the first place. Who am I to nitpick about WW motivational strategies?

Maybe we can all pretend this isn't a whiny entry about doing stuff I need to do (but don't wanna) and pretend it's a celebration of healthy, good tasting recipes instead. Speaking of which, if you have any of those recipes you'd like to share, please link them in the comments.

5 comments:

Lily said...

I liked this one: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/11/crock-pot-minestrone-soup.html

I of course used Italian seasoning instead of the fresh herbs, but it was still delicious. Especially with a piece of sourdough bread for dunking which is probably a no-no for those on WW. For me, this recipe is just to get me to eat my veggies.

Folly Blaine said...

Oh, nice find. Thanks, Lily! I am also a fan of the Italian seasoning.

AZGypsie said...

Cristy, please email me your address. My email is azgypsie@aol.com

MommaJen said...

Have you seen Cooking Light magazine or their website (www.cookinglight.com)? My MIL got me a subscription and they've got some great recipes!

Thanks to them, I now add shredded carrots and mashed kidney beans to my Sloppy Joe's (no, I don't put less meat like they say, but I use ground turkey!). :)

Folly Blaine said...

AZGypsie, I've just emailed you. Thanks again for hosting that giveaway! I'm very excited to be the winner. :)

MommaJen, it's funny you should mention Cooking Light. I have a book sitting next me, "the best of Cooking Light." I've made several tasty things from it. "Chicken with Olives and Lemon" is my favorite so far. You can see the recipe online here: http://tinyurl.com/4qxdffj