Live And Forgive
This has been one hectic weekend! Starting with Thursday, I had three parties/get -togethers to attend, so it was a lot of excitement for me. <—– Dork. All fun times that I wanted to share, but picture taking was either awkward or not possible due to assisting at the party. Just imagine lots of wine, snacks, yummy food and dessert! 
I’ve really tried to “live and forgive” this weekend. What I mean is that I went to each of these gatherings without fretting about what to eat. I allowed myself to indulge in small amounts of whatever looked good, including desserts. I picked and nibbled on only the foods that I enjoyed eating. If it didn’t taste as good as I thought, I stopped eating it. That may not sound like a huge deal, but it was a whole new ball game for me. Normally, I eat just to eat, whether it tastes great or not. This time was different and I couldn’t help but thinking that this is probably how “normal eaters” or “naturally thin” people eat. That was a good feeling. 
Along with the indulgences, I also didn’t exercise in the true sense of the word. However, I did get a lot of movement because I didn’t sit down much these past few days! I planned on doing my usual Sunday run, but when I woke up this morning, my legs and feet were stiff and sore from helping out at my friend’s party. I was on my feet for the better part of 6 hours, so I was really feeling it today. I decided to skip my run and not feel guilty. There is always tomorrow!
For now, the party’s over! Back to regular eats…
I really needed coffee this morning…
Like the new cup???
The husband does not think it is as funny as I do
Since there was no exercising, I got to have a nice leisurely breakfast of pancakes! I haven’t had pancakes in eons, but I picked up this mix in the supermarket a while ago and have been wanting to try it…
It is sugar-free, however no addition of artificial sweeteners…
The milk protein concentrate was an interesting ingredient. When I opened the package, I noticed a familiar protein powder-type smell. Hmmm… that probably would account for the high protein content of this mix…
I had my doubts, but I gave it a try anyway! I followed the package directions for the low-fat preparation. I served them drizzled with a little agave syrup and a side of strawberries…
Verdict: they were okay. They tasted more like a bread than a pancake. And there was that different texture that was reminiscent of those protein bread products –dense and eggy. They might make for a good sandwich though! But pancakes…. fail.
Lunch was better. I made a chickpea wrap with 1/2 cup chickpeas, salsa, lettuce and another new food find…
How exciting that Laughing Cow is coming out with these fun new flavors?!
It was creamy with a slight kick and paired well with the chickpeas…
Bustin’ loose…
I’ve lost my wrappin’ touch 
In the afternoon, the daughters and I went to visit Gram. She had goodies for us that we couldn’t resist – candy and chocolate sent from Italy! I dove for the torrone ( a nougat candy) which is my favorite…
Then, she showed this chocolate…
I cannot say no…
It was delightful. Just a small taste is so rich and satisfying. So different than a Hershey bar!
After our chocolate tasting, we headed home to have dinner with the in-laws. I was feeling pooped so, I made it simple – Mediterranean Pasta Salad…
- brown rice pasta
- chickpeas
- red onion
- tomatoes
- green pepper
- roasted red peppers
- kalamata olives
- lite feta cheese
- olive oil + vinegar to taste
I wasn’t sure how the brown rice pasta would hold up for a salad, but it was perfect! The texture is the same – remember, the secret is rinsing the pasta with cold water immediately after draining!
A simple salad with homegrown tomatoes and cukes rounded out the meal…
Time to rest, then back at it!
Have a great day, everyone!
How do you handle eating at parties/get-togethers? Do you try to stay on the healthy eating track or do you party like a rock star?
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
23 comments
I can’t find that flavor yet of Laughing Cow! I really want that one!
I try to make good choices when at parties but lately it has been difficult… If I eat a bit too much, I always remember that I can make better choices for my next meal and try to move on…
Happy Monday!
I do as much mental preparation as I can BEFORE the party. If I have a general idea what might be served, I can decide what I will/will not do and that seems to help. I absolutely cannot take the party like a rock star approach! I’ve learned the hard way that my partying like a rock star lasts through that event and on into next week!!
I definitely party like a rock star, lol. Lucky for me, I don’t go to many parties!!!
Great Job on your weekend!!! Great way to go about it! love your wrap! I usually try to nibble on what ever is the best for me. However yesterday I was in a similar situation that you were, and there were these sweet potato chips(WONDERFUL) from Costco…..had a little trouble staying away from them….especially after I dipped one in the guacamole:)
I stay pretty close to on track. I may pick one special treat and split it with the hubs
I can’t find that flavor LC yet…just the blue cheese (which is delish!!!) I thought that flavor would be good on a wrap too! YUM!
YUM to the pasta salad, the chocolate & good job at the party! I limit myself, but never go hungry. I eat before I go and then I am less tempted to get snack happy.
LOVE the new coffee cup!!
At Parties I usually Party like a Rock Star. I think the key is Portion Control, I eat a bit of everything but try not to go overboard with eating to much at the sweet table or eating things that I’m not to crazy about. I save it for things that I really LOVE.
Marisa – where did you find the new LC flavors? I live in your area and haven’t been able to find them yet. Are they at Giant??
Marisa Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Jess, I got this one at Pathmark. Hope you find it – it’s really good!
You know, I think you totally were successful at the party – you had a plan to enjoy in moderation and not eat things that didn’t seem worth it. I LOVE that you stuck to it and even listened to your body about your run too. That’s a LIFESTYLE! WTG!
That’s funny that the pancake mix makes such a big thing of sugar free – why?!
I MUST find that new Laughing Cow Flavor..I can’t say I’ve really looked, I just want it
I’m waiting to find those laughing cow cheese new flavors! Sounds so good.
I’m not a pro at making wraps. My wraps always bust all over the place.
I still struggle with the gathering eating. I love how you were able to stop eating if you didn’t think it was worth it! That is awesome.
I just had to comment when I saw the torrone. I LOVE that stuff, and actually, I’m in Cremona right now – where Italian torrone comes from! I’m marrying someone from Cremona next month, so there had better be a ton of the stuff at the wedding!
Marisa Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
How cool!!!
It sounds like you did well with your parties and all the temptations.
That chocolate looks good too.
I pre-eat before going to parties if I don’t know what is going to be served. I will eat a Boca on a sprouted bun and throw an apple and a Kashi bar in my purse for a back up snack. I don’t throw caution to the wind, that is far too dangerous for me!
great job on just enjoying the parties!! i started to realize once I stopped obsessing about what I’d eat, i ate less and like you stopped if it wasn’t any good
Waaaa . . . I can’t find any of the flavored Laughing Cow cheeses
Glad you had a great weekend!
I totally understand about the eating! I am trying to learn to eat like a “normal” person and it can be very difficult at times. Years of habit are hard to break! Kudos for your choices this weekend! That Laughing Cow and wrap look delicious…wishing I had tortillas right about now
“live and forgive” love it! I try to stay healthy with the food mostly because i’m partying like a rockstar with the alcohol – eek!
I can’t wait to try that new flavor of laughing cow!
I hate when my wraps don’t hold up.
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Live and forgive…I LOVE it.
…I don’t think my husband would like that mug either, but I think it’s pure genius
[...] was leftover Mediterranean Pasta Salad over mixed [...]