I posted on how I got fat, and the book I read, my crazy philosophies, and the things I did to be not fat anymore, and part of me naively thought that it could really make huge changes for people. It’s something that I feel crazy passionate about (don’t get me started talking about calorie counting, it’s always hard for me to stop), and there have been many nights where That Husband has turned to me and said “I’m really tired, can we talk about this another time?”
I just want to convert all of you to the marvelousness that is a life filled with the knowledge that comes with calorie counting and an absence of self-imposed dietary restrictions. I have now wised up, and I realize that it ain’t gonna happen (for all of you, I know some of you are trying and to that I say “Go! Go! Go!”), and so I came up with a plan that allows me to both continue my preaching in a fairly unobtrusive way and motivate myself to start counting on a regular basis once again.
Here is how this is going to work:
- I will take pictures of everything I eat on a random day each week (Yes, everything, no matter how small or inconsequential)
- I will log everything into Fitday
- I will write a post and include those pictures and a chart of my nutrition stats and intake
- You will read it, and hopefully those who don’t use it start to see how fitday works, and where the calories they eat might be coming from.
Here is what I ate on Wednesday, February 4, 2009:
Click to Enlarge
I combined all of these together to make a breakfast burrito. It’s my favorite breakfast. I like to use one yolk for the flavor, but I pair it with several egg whites to get the protein without the fat. The cheese is fat free (it’s gross, but lots of protein, and I can’t really taste it in the dish), and the tortillas are definitely an indulgence I am willing to splurge on (I wish I would change to something with more fiber, but these tortillas are SOOO good).
I love eating tuna and crackers, mostly because I can cram so much protein into such a little serving. I miss my regular mayo, but I switched to light and it’s made a huge difference in my fat intake over time. Mayonnaise/peanut butter and other pasty products are hard to measure because they don’t come off of the spoon easily. I usually weigh mine using my scale (I put it on the grams setting) so my measurements are really exact.
This is the same dish (I didn’t have tuna twice), I just wanted to show you the crackers. Have you tried these Kashi Stoneground 7 Grain crackers? They are oh so delicious, and my personal favorite, also nutritious.
I finished off the night with a bowl of butternut squash soup.
It’s important to remember that you can end up drinking a lot of your calories through liquids. I only drink milk (fat free) or water, always, because I either want zero calories, or lots of protein. I added 226 calories to my day by having 20 oz of milk, but I also got 22 grams of protein out of it, which I think is a fair trade.
This is 10 oz.
And this is 10 oz.
I know my choices were a little bit influenced by the fact that I knew I was eating that day and then going to write a post about it, but skewed results don’t bother me too much because in the end it worked out better for me. There aren’t many days where I meet all of my goals (less than 44 g fat, less than 15 g sat fat, more than 80 g protein)
What do you all think of this series? Would you like to see it continue, or is it just a waste of my time?
February 9th, 2009 on 12:28 pm
This seems like it might be a lot of work… so I’d say you should post the detailed information only if you’re already writing this stuff down anyway… but if this helps you to logging what you eat, go for it.
I have to mention, I started writing down what I eat and roughly counting calories about 3 weeks ago, and I’ve already lost 6 pounds. Neat! Since I have about 20 pounds still to lose, though, I’m always interested to get meal ideas, since I find that I do best on days when I plan out the whole day’s menu in advance.
I find that information like “these crackers are tasty and healthful” and “breakfast burritos work for me” is very useful, because I don’t want to get stuck in a food rut.
OK, seriously, I now need to stop hanging around your blog and do some of the work I told myself I would do today! Ack!
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February 9th, 2009 on 12:34 pm
So what would you do about things you do not make yourself? Like say, a coworker has a birthday so another coworker brings in a homemade rhubarb pie to celebrate? And you have absolutely no idea whatsoever went into said pie?
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February 9th, 2009 on 12:41 pm
Jenna I have loved your weight loss series. I don’t know about pictures of everything you eat, but the advice you have shared certainly has opened my eyes to the way I eat.
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February 9th, 2009 on 12:47 pm
I loved it! I’ve been watching my portions and what I’ve been putting into my body in a MUCH less scientific way than you are doing it, but this will help me to see what exactly that translates to.
Also of note - I’ve lost 25 points since we were real life friends back in college… Nothing compared to everything you’ve done over the past couple of years.
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Jenna Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Don’t be ridiculous. 25 lbs is a huge accomplishment! It’s the same amount of work as 50 lbs, just half the amount of time, you know?
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February 9th, 2009 on 12:49 pm
What a great idea! I admit that your calorie counting looks like a great idea to me, but I’m hesitant as to how doable it would be for me. I’m looking forward to seeing how this works on a day to day basis and getting some good, healthy ideas. Who knows, hopefully this can help inspire me to make some much needed changes. I know this will probably be a lot of work for you, but I really appreciate it.
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February 9th, 2009 on 12:53 pm
Intersting series. Their is a blogger who does this for Self Magazine (eat like me) - she takes pictures of everything, but doesn’t count calories.
PS I would recommend eating more fruits/veggies and fiber!
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Cate Subrosa Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 4:44 am
I agree!
Jenna - it looks like you only got 1 portion of fruit or veg this day!
I find all of this stuff quite fascinating, so I’d like you to continue, but not if it’s loads of work and no fun for you.
Personally I would be starving if that was all I ate in one day! Less that 1400 calories? No thanks!
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Jenna Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Haha, I’ll have to post a disclaimer next time to remind people that this is just one day in my life! It’s important to remember that I believe in nutrition over time, not on a day to day basis.
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February 9th, 2009 on 1:13 pm
I’ll enjoy this series. I’ve started using fitday and writing down calories. My problem is if I have one thing and can’t figure out the content - say, our monthly office luncheon, or a celebratory dinner out with friends for her bday, etc…- then I get really discouraged and bummed out and feel like I’ve failed. I mean, what’s the point of putting in the 1000 calories I did count if I went out and got something and have NO idea how many calories there are in it? Is it better to guess and include it and just log it in as best you can? Or don’t count at all that day? B/c 1000 calories only for that day is inaccurate (obviously), but guessing and keeping it at 3000 calories is better than not guessing at all, ignoring fitday, and consuming 10,000, right? I wish it was simpler to just know how many calories you put into your body every day. Even if it were awful, I’d just like to know. And it really does help me to know - one of my favorite foods used to be Chipotle’s burritos, till I found out they have like 3000 calories, and I have literally not had one since. Knowledge is power. Anyway, my point is - yes, I like this series. You’re motivational and inspirational. Keep up the great work!
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lindseytron Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I know what you mean when you talk about frustration in not being sure about the calories, etc. in foods from friends, restaurants, and all that.
I find that it is definitely better to estimate and log as best I can (trusting fitday’s pre-programmed foods or internet research). Sure it’s not as accurate as most days, but like Jenna emphasized in her weight loss posts, it’s most about calories over time. I just figure that it will all kind of even out - the items I sometimes forget, and those that I’ve had to over estimate to enter.
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February 9th, 2009 on 1:15 pm
I think it’s interesting to see other people’s weight loss programs/progress.
I also wanted to say that to make your tuna more nutrious (with out TH being there) to add celery, bell peppers and cucumbers. I sometimes also add a bit of either low-fat sour cream instead of mayo or mustard to give it a bit of a zing.
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Christiana Reply:
February 9th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I use light sour cream too! (and celery + bell pepper is delicious!)
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Jenna Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 9:32 am
You reminded me of my favorite ingredient with Tuna Fish-Pickle juice! I’ll have to pick up a can of pickles next time I am at the grocery store. Yumm.
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lindseytron Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Tuna with pickles is almost the only way I will eat it. Delicious.
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February 9th, 2009 on 1:58 pm
I love reading about weight loss success, and I think these posts are interesting, so if you like doing them keep it up!
Also, if you want a more Asian flair to the tuna Target has a fantastic wasabi lemon dip/dressing in the sauce aisle, it’s the Archer Farms store brand, it’s amazing! Mix a little with the tuna, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, and it’s awesome over brown rice
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February 9th, 2009 on 2:14 pm
I think we might be tracking twins. I don’t use fitday, but I do use an excel spreadsheet and the daily plate. I started taking a picture of my dinner every night and sending it to the boy via text message because it keeps me accountable. We’re both on a mission - me 7-8 lbs and 30 lbs for him so it will be an interesting journey!
And I love reading your stuff, especially when you see what other people snack on. It gives you ideas because I eat a yogurt and an apple A LOT.
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Jenna Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I’ve never heard of a system like this, but I think it’s a really great idea! I might start something like this with my husband, except he will be encouraging me to eat less, and I will be encouraging him to eat more
The poor boy just can’t seem to eat enough, I don’t know how he can “forget” but he does!
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February 9th, 2009 on 2:43 pm
NOT a waste of your time - I totally love this kind of thing. I’m such a nerd!
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February 9th, 2009 on 2:53 pm
I love the Kashi Tasty Little Crackers, my favorites.
I like your series because you are very honest about it. Knowing what you eat gives ideas to everyone. Although like mentionned above you should add some fresh fruits and vegetables (although this was a one day example you should still have some, if only a bit of lettuce).
I’m curious though, have you researched the consequences of a high protein diet?
I’m wondering because the nutrion facts state that you eat over 100% of your daily needs but counting it for a 2000 cal diet when you aim more for 1200-1300…
I’m not a fan of milk personnaly, I know it’s hard for your body to digest (in the animal world no adult animal eat milk past infancy, there is a reason for it). I don’t like the taste of it on it’s own either, I only use it to cook. I’d much rather have water.
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February 9th, 2009 on 2:54 pm
Like MHB said, it seems like a lot of work.
I really love reading your food-related posts (recipes, fitday, weight-loss, etc.) and will always read more. That being said, If you only wanted to take photos of some of the foods (like ones you make or are particularly interesting) or do a weekly summary, I wouldn’t enjoy them any less.
Thanks to you I’ve started using fitday as well. I joined forever ago after reading its praises on other sites and never even used it once until your most recent posts. I have to say thank you!
I’ve always wanted to lose maybe 10-15 lbs but it was never a priority. Recently though, I had some health issues present themselves and I’ve had to restrict my diet like I never imagined.
So instead of starting fitday to track weight loss Iike I expected, I’ve found myself using it to monitor my nutrition and keep myself accountable on all the foods that are newly not allowed.
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February 9th, 2009 on 3:12 pm
I like this series A LOT! I think it’s very interesting to see what other people eat and also to get ideas for my own meals!
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February 9th, 2009 on 3:41 pm
This does seem like a HUGE commitment, (especially the pictures) however; if it keeps you on track and you enjoy it I think it will be worth it. Do it for you, not for us!
I should note: I do find all of the food posts very interesting.
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February 9th, 2009 on 4:36 pm
Yes! Keep it up! Love this! I am a natural voyeur and I feel like I can learn from this and get tips to help my own eating (which has been out of control these days!!!).
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February 9th, 2009 on 4:59 pm
I think it’s interesting! I will definitely enjoy posts like this in the future (or more ranty posts about your eating philosophy, for that matter).
Also, I highly recommend Marion Nestle’s “What to Eat,” if you haven’t read it already. It’s a pretty far-reaching book about nutrition and food regulation and how to read supermarket labels and all sorts of stuff-very interesting, and taught me a LOT.
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February 9th, 2009 on 5:32 pm
Hi, Mrs. Avocado - I stalked you over from weddingbee and love the new blog layout! Anyway, I love the weight loss series - I’d been doing Weight Watchers for a while but with not super great results, mainly because I tried to eat a TON of low points foods with the hopes of being able to eat MORE. They aren’t as filling, and so the whole WW thing doesn’t work for me. So I am currently trying out FitDay (per your suggestion) and see that in my pie chart a huge slice is called Alcohol. Since I didn’t have any alcohol today, I’m wondering if thats a code word for sugar? Do you know? Also, what are the differences between the online versiona dn the desktop version?
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February 9th, 2009 on 6:03 pm
I’ve been enjoying your series of posts on this, but I’d encourage you to maybe consider eating more fiber and whole foods. Fat-free cheese and I can’t believe it’s not butter are not food.
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February 9th, 2009 on 7:37 pm
Hi- I found your blog through Weddding Bee and I’ve been meaning to leave you a note to say I think it is great- very interesting! This talk of food and diet reminded me of a post you wrote a while back about how tired you were all the time. Just wondering if that has gotten better for you. The post really reminded me of how I felt before I found out I had hypothyroidism. I meant to write you back then and suggest maybe you get yours check out. Hope it was just a phase and you’re feeling better. Keep up the good writing!
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February 9th, 2009 on 7:44 pm
I love this series! It’s really opened my eyes to what I eat, and inspired me to go back to counting calories!
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February 9th, 2009 on 8:56 pm
Keep doing this, please! It’s very motivating and it even gives me ideas of what to eat.
Also, I love that you’re willing to post pictures of everything you eat (I am a sucker for any and all photographs, especially ones of food!)
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February 11th, 2009 on 11:35 am
Thought you might get a kick out of knowing that you turned a total stranger on to your calorie counting ways
I am a Seattle bride…so I followed your posts on the Bee. Which then brought me to your blog where you talked about your weight and fitday.
I checked out the site right then, and was IN LOVE! I signed up and have been raving to everyone who will listen about what a great site it is. I can’t get over all the charts and graphs!! haha
I have only been doing this for a week, so I can’t say “and I’ve lost a zillion poinds!”
But I can say that you brought me to a great site and when I count my calories I think of your wonderfully thought out “Vera Wang” analogy
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