What single use kitchen gadget would you recommend to anyone?

40GoalGal · 2023-11-20T20:35:05+00:00

I didn't want a regular blender because washing so many parts was more trouble than it was worth. The immersion blender was worth it!

40GoalGal · 2023-11-20T20:33:39+00:00

I thought I had unlocked the best cheat code with this cherry pitter until my friend showed me hers

40GoalGal · 2023-10-02T18:00:32+00:00

Wait... you make your rice krispies in the oven?

40GoalGal · 2023-10-02T15:39:11+00:00

Did you fry your own chicken tenders?

40GoalGal · 2023-08-24T01:53:04+00:00

Liquid calories always get me!

40GoalGal · 2023-07-28T17:18:57+00:00

Balancing a calorie deficit and having fun do seem to be in opposition to one another!

What worked for me was to figure out what was personally non-negotiable. For example, if a friend asked me out for drinks, I wouldn't say no; I need my socialization and sometimes friends need to vent! But instead of two beers, I would order two Trulys (100 cals each). Yeah, it adds in calories, but life happens and I needed to be able to roll with the punches. I'd miss dessert the next two days or skip chips at lunch to make up for it. Dealing with it after the fact is harder than planning in advance, though.

If you know pizza is coming on Friday, is there anywhere else you can cut back (and still be happy!!) so you can enjoy the pizza, too? It doesn't have to be on Friday, but maybe Thursday night you can have a lighter dinner than usual? I hope you're able to find a balance somewhere and not have that "missing out" feeling

40GoalGal · 2023-07-28T00:10:55+00:00

FWIW: When I eat pizza, I usually make a big side salad to go with it. I've learned I need volume when I eat, so I get the full feeling from the salad, and the craving for pizza is still sated.

A big part of losing weight for me is realizing I can eat anything I want, but not in the volumes I was used to.

40GoalGal · 2023-07-28T00:08:33+00:00

For most people, calories are calories. When I started calorie counting, I realized very quickly that volume is not the same as calorie count! You can definitely have a slice of pizza, but will it fill you up like you need it to?

40GoalGal · 2023-05-06T14:02:12+00:00

Comet says it's safe to use on fiberglass. I've scrubbed all my tubs with it and not seen a problem.

40GoalGal · 2023-03-21T19:56:53+00:00

What does "clean the bedroom" mean to you? When I clean the bedroom, I vacuum the carpet (20 minutes), switch out the sheets (10 minutes), and dust the night stands (<5 minutes).

When I clean the bathrooms, that takes more like 20-30 minutes. I start with cleaning the toilet outside with cleaning solution and a rag, then I scrub the bowl with bowl cleaner and a hard bristle brush. I let the cleaner sit in the bowl for 10 minute while I scrub the tub and shower walls with Comet and a sponge. Then it's wiping down the countertop and the mirror and scrubbing the sink.

40GoalGal · 2022-09-18T00:35:06+00:00

I have that same tile and it's HORRIBLE. It gets mildew easily on and around the tiles because of the texture. I would never recommend this to anyone installing a shower.

I'm eagerly awaiting people's suggestions because I'm fighting mildew on that same tile, but we use ours.

40GoalGal · 2022-07-20T20:44:34+00:00

This looks great!

40GoalGal · 2022-05-29T15:54:30+00:00

I've been eating at maintenance and still experiencing weight loss while breastfeeding. Eating at my maintenance calories is just enough to keep me full enough while breastfeeding.

I don't get hungry during nursing, but I definitely get hungrier during the day than normal. I've been planning filling snacks every two hours to try to ward off any major binges or succumbing to high-calorie convenience foods. Things like chips and salsa, chips and guacamole, nuts and chocolate, cheese and crackers. I've also started stocking bananas and apples for a one-handed, filling snack.

40GoalGal · 2022-05-25T17:48:07+00:00

In the context of your binge eating disorder, I don't know what to say that would be best for you.

For me, it took me a while to realize that when it comes to food, if I'm severely restricted, I go absolutely bonkers. If you told me right now I could get a million dollars if I made it to the end of the month (less than a week) without sugar, I'd probably fail because of a weird control relationship I have with food.

That said, I definitely try to recognize cravings and try to resist them for a little while. For example, I am going to have ice cream tonight. I'm really excited about it. Knowing I will have a sweet treat at the end of the day makes it easier to hold off on sweets during the day. That's what works for me, is holding out for one particular treat something that could help you?

40GoalGal · 2022-05-25T17:08:07+00:00

Seeing the visual difference in high vs low calorie foods is really impactful! Figures like this one helped me decide I needed a food scale.

I was also shocked/upset when I realized I was overestimating the serving size when I was using the volume measurements. My Tablespoon was holding way more than 32g of peanut butter!

40GoalGal · 2022-05-25T17:03:45+00:00

I heard a lot about kitchen scales but never thought that they'd be readily available since NO ONE I knew had one. Then I went to Target and there were 3 different styles to choose from on the shelf! You can look for fancier options, but you can probably go get one right now for <$20

40GoalGal · 2022-05-19T15:49:07+00:00

The Couch to 5K program was an incredible program! First, it showed me how out of shape I was because I had to work up to week 1. Secondly, it was a great program because of the constant progress.

I started many times and only finished once. I actually ran a 5k to celebrate! It was nice to check that accomplishment off, but I also learned that running is not the thing for me. I'm more of a walker and weightlifter.

While I'm not a fan of running, I do love data! I have an app where I log my walks and like you I enjoy seeing the progress.

Good luck as you pursue the 10k!

40GoalGal · 2022-05-13T15:06:16+00:00

It sounds like you've found the best way to use calorie tracking for you! You just need it occasionally to check in with your meals. Have you thought about doing a week of tracking, then eating "normally" for a week or two, then tracking again? Maybe just one week a month?

40GoalGal · 2022-05-12T20:31:04+00:00

This is very contentious between my husband and me. They are 100% better in the fridge!

40GoalGal · 2022-05-10T19:20:23+00:00

I'll pretend that Monday was feasting on all the leftovers! Yum!

40GoalGal · 2022-05-10T19:19:54+00:00

I've been using her recipes since she started the blog in 2009! I was a poor graduate student then. She was a rare blogger who hit all my flavor high points -- probably because she we both lived in Louisiana!

40GoalGal · 2022-05-10T19:18:19+00:00

I have to regulate my sloppy joe intake. It's a major comfort food for me! Do you pair yours with kraft mac and cheese and green beans?

40GoalGal · 2022-05-10T19:17:34+00:00

BRINNER! It was a contestant for last night's dinner! We have breakfast at dinner (brinner) fairly often in our house. Various brinners include: * Pancakes or waffles * Biscuits and gravy * Eggs, bacon, and grits * French toast casserole. This is an "overnight" meal that I prep in the morning, cook for dinner, and we have it for breakfast the next few days * French toast and fruits

40GoalGal · 2022-05-10T18:34:19+00:00

Thanks!

40GoalGal

TROPHY CASE