I am trying a few vegetables, per my nutritionist. Each vegetable has a 3 day trial period, where I eat the same one for 3 days and see how I feel. After the 3 days is up, I can move on to the next vegetable on the list. The trickiest part is that I am not a cook and am clueless when it comes to cooking vegetables, particularly in the soft way the nutritionist wants. I started with sweet potato for a few reasons:
1. I LOVE them. Love love love.
2. I know how to cook them. More on this soon.
3. I can easily make it at work.
Okay, so that being said, I will tell you a little about my 3 days of sweet potato.
On day 1, I wasn’t very hungry and decided to have just half a sweet potato. I put it in the microwave as I always do, but set it for half the time since it wasn’t an entire sweet potato. Well after the 5 minutes, I go in to get in and the ENTIRE KITCHEN is filled with smoke. It starts spreading to the whole apartment and we are freaking out, trying to get the smoke away so the sprinklers don’t start going off! As you might have heard, Tracy Morgan’s apartment had a fire and the sprinklers turned on and ruined everything he owns. Well, the boy lives there too so we did NOT want this to happen. We frantically opened all the windows and the door. The neighbors complained and sent employees from the building to his apartment to see if there was a fire. There was SO much smoke — all from 5 minutes of microwaving a sweet potato!
I am now banned from using his microwave.
On day 1 postponed, I used Carrots ‘N’ Cake’s sweet potato fries recipe. The boy and I both love sweet potato fries, and these were incredible! I highly recommend everyone makes this on their own. It was very easy and so delicious. Because we shared them, I ate a pretty small amount and I think I felt fine.
Note: I also ate a meal with this that included cheese.
On day 2, I microwaved a sweet potato at work for lunch. I added some ricotta and applesauce and it was very delicious. And then the bloat began. And then I unbuttoned my pants. And then I unzipped my pants. I couldn’t close them back up and had to remain like this, and go home like this at the end of the day. Now, this wasn’t the worst I have been. There have been a few occasions where I had to leave work, go to a store, and buy new clothes just to get me through the rest of the day. I have spent quite a bit of money this way, and it stresses me out to no end. I began to buy and wear pants to work that are a few sizes too big for me so they would fit my stomach. However, I look absolutely ridiculous on my legs and butt. I look like I am in clown pants — yet they are the only pants that fit my bloated belly
So after eating the sweet potato and feeling uncomfortable, I reached what I believe to be an all-time low. I ordered maternity pants from the internet.
This way, the stomach part will stretch while the rest of the pants will hopefully fit well.
It is hard for me to separate the idea of fat from the idea of bloat. My bloating and other associated problems are messing with my head — which brings me to my question for you. As I mentioned, I met with the psychologist at my GI’s office. I am strongly considering a hypnosis program she does, designed especially for GI problems (particularly IBS which I don’t have, but it is the same idea). I spoke to my doctor about it and he said it won’t help my symptoms, but it could be good for my mental health if I am particularly struggling with my situation. It is a 14 week program, with 7 sessions. I will go every other week for a session.
Because the doctor is out of network, there will be a cost to this. It won’t be full price because I do have some out of network coverage. My amazing mommy has offered to assist with this, as she just wants me to feel better! I am just debating with myself now on if it is worth it. I don’t want my mom to use her own money for something that I am not sure will do much, that will take up a bit of my time from work and won’t help my core symptoms.
But maybe it will be a great thing for me. Maybe it will help me get into a better mindset so that I will not be terrified of getting dressed in the morning, won’t decline invitations to events because the thought of getting dressed and being around food causes extreme anxiety, won’t feel gross and giant and hate myself all the time, won’t get stressed out about doing normal everyday activities.
Please comment with your thoughts on this. I’d love to hear what you think and will take everything under consideration.
On day 3 I made the sweet potato in the boy’s oven. It was frustrating because the microwave takes 10 minutes, and the same thing in the oven takes 45-60! But I am not allowed to use the microwave anymore! So I made the sweet potato and when it was ready mixed in some Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread and ricotta cheese. It was delicious, I devoured it. Then I felt awful.
Really, really awful. Like I had a brick in my stomach. I had to get up from the couch where we were watching TV and go lie down. It was an extremely unpleasant sensation, and after 2 unsuccessful attempts I think it is safe to say I cannot eat sweet potatoes. At least not whole ones – I think I might be okay if I eat half, which will be a future test.
Here is the list of the foods the nutritionist gave me to try:
Vegetables
Sweet potato
Winter Squash: acorn and butternut
Zucchini/ Summer squash
String beans
Carrots
Beets
Asparagus tips
Fruits
Canned peaches, in fruit juice not syrup
Canned pears, in fruit juice not syrup
Mandarin oranges
Applesauce – all natural, no added sugar
Please comment with any suggestions on how to cook the above vegetables! Keep in mind they need to be cooked soft for my condition.
NYC Anger
I have a lot of anger and aggression when it comes to traveling in New York City, be it walking or subway travel. The other day I experienced something in the subway that has happened to me many times before, and it makes me SO angry.
I have an unlimited ride monthly metro card. This means I pay $81 every month and can get into the subway for the entire month. I pay for it ahead of time.
So the other day I swipe my card and the machine doesn’t let me in and the screen reads SWIPE AGAIN. Okay, no big deal, I swipe again. I still can’t get in and this time the screen reads JUST USED.
Just used?? JUST USED??! I TRIED to use it, and you said to SWIPE AGAIN! Obviously it wasn’t JUST USED or you wouldn’t have told me to swipe again! (Sometimes the message is SWIPE AGAIN AT THIS TURNSTILE).
This means I can’t use it to get on the subway now. It means I have to buy another one.
If this was a one time thing, I wouldn’t think much of it. But, it happens ALL THE TIME. And when it happens, the only way to get in to the subway is to buy a new MetroCard. Actually PURCHASE one when I already spent a lot of money for the entire month! Why should I have to give them more money when I already paid!
I have a theory, crazy as it sounds, that MTA has this in place on purpose, as a way of getting a little more money out of customers. I know it sounds ridiculous and you think it’s just a glitch — but it happens often enough that if it IS a glitch, it should have been fixed by now. It makes me really angry, and I just have a hard time believing it. Sometimes I get the SWIPE AGAIN message and then I get in fine with my next swipe. I believe that happens sometimes, no big deal. But when the machine says SWIPE AGAIN and then says JUST USED — well, I don’t believe it’s a mistake. I really don’t.
That is my New York City rant for the day.
NYC Blogger Meetup
Speaking of New York City, I am VERY excited about the blogger meetup being hosted by FitnessNYC. I’m really looking forward to March 14 to meet some very wonderful girls, including Sara from EatFabInNYC and Brynith of my new blog obsession, BEE Lifestyle.
NY bloggers who read this and are attending the March 14 meetup, please comment and introduce yourselves to me! I’d love to catch up on your blogs before we meet.
28 comments on Veggie Trial 1, NYC Blogger Meetup, Subway Rant and Maternity Pants
2Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Veggie Trial 1, NYC Blogger Meetup, Subway Rant and Maternity Pants
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[…] had cheese. The sweet potato probably didn’t bother me as much that night because it was a smaller portion. Which brings me to my next point, which I will discuss in the following […]
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[…] discovered the solution to my pants at work problem! As you might remember, I purchased maternity pants because of my disproportionately large tummy as a result of eating lunch. This is because of my GI […]
Santana
March 2, 2009 at 11:03 am (16 years ago)I like asparagus grilled or pan fried with a bit of balsamic vinegar reduced over it.
Any of your veggies can be steamed or roasted really easily with a tiny bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
In the roasted veggies that Matt and I did with our pork and apples, we used beets, carrots, and squash I think (the link is in this blog post: http://pink.jemts.com/archives/91). Really easy and it brings out the natural sweetness without the risk of washing out the flavor that steaming or boiling can have.
My dad cooks winter squash by slicing in half, removing any seeds, laying on a baking sheet with the cut side up, and topping with a bit of butter and brown sugar to bake…then he just scoops it out with a spoon and eats!
Dori
March 2, 2009 at 11:14 am (16 years ago)Santana — thanks, but how long do I cook for!
Mallory
March 2, 2009 at 11:04 am (16 years ago)Wow! Santana is so gourmet!! And it looks like she’s stealing my recipes!
Mallory
March 2, 2009 at 11:34 am (16 years ago)Depends on the size of things! The softer things will cook in way less time than the rest. For roasting veggies I usually go with 350 or 400 degrees (my oven temperature is wonky, so I usually adjust it a lot)…if they are spread out with space between them, check after 20 minutes or so. If they’re sort of bunched up in a casserole dish or something (I like glass pyrex-type dishes for roasing veggies) they’ll probably take at least 30 minutes. Just check them every so often…poke with a fork to test! Usually I put some garlic in with them and when I start to really smell the garlic from the other room, that is when I start checking. If they go a little too far, the worst that happens is they’re softer and some parts might get nice and caramelized (which is delicious!)
robin
March 2, 2009 at 11:58 am (16 years ago)blog meet up? can i attend??
Dori
March 2, 2009 at 12:04 pm (16 years ago)Contact Melissa from http://fitnessnyc.wordpress.com for the info!
Maggie
March 2, 2009 at 12:14 pm (16 years ago)I think hypnosis sounds really cool, and worth a shot. I have a really good asparagus recipe for you – http://www.thesaladgirl.com/2008/03/24/asparagus-and-sesame-salad/ – you can leave out the carrots though.
sara
March 2, 2009 at 1:05 pm (16 years ago)Ok I don’t have any good suggestions. I am highly lame and enjoy steamed veggies, so I am extremely unhelpful. That being said I am very excited for 3/14!!!
S
sara
March 2, 2009 at 1:07 pm (16 years ago)Oops I forgot to comment on the maternity pants thing. That is a brilliant idea. You need to be comfortable (as comfortable as you can) in your own body and doing daily activities. And when this is all said and done we can have a party and burn them 🙂
S
matthew
March 2, 2009 at 1:07 pm (16 years ago)I am usually skeptical about thing like hypnosis but if you think it will help then go for it. Mental health is as important as physical.
Also, are you seriously banned from using his microwave?
Dori
March 2, 2009 at 1:17 pm (16 years ago)I no know if it help, boy. And yes, I banned from microwaves 🙁
Jen, a priorfatgirl
March 2, 2009 at 1:17 pm (16 years ago)I give you props, I wouldn’t have made it through day # 2 and would have quit the whole experienment. I love me some squash though, I usually cut it in half and bake it for 30min, then when it comes out its all mushy and nummy. Kind of looks like baby food but when you sprinkle a little splenda brown sugar on it, it is so good!!!
Dori
March 2, 2009 at 1:18 pm (16 years ago)Jen – thanks for the squash advice! You made me decide to do this as my Veggie #2, I LOOOOVE mushy and nummy foods!
Bee
March 2, 2009 at 1:43 pm (16 years ago)Dori!
Thanks so much for your comments and your link! I’m loving your blog too- almost as much as I love sweet potatoes (and trust me, that is everlasting love). I wrap a wet paper towel around them before I put them in the microwave so it kind of ‘steams’ them – it helps.
My other favorite method of cooking them is to actually steam them, until they’re a little mushy. After that you can either eat them by themselves, put a little butter on them or go crazy and whip them with butter, cinnamon, a little heavy cream and a little brown sugar. Just a sweet treat every once in a while!
As a fellow NYC-er I also find many problems with the subways, but I buy the $81 metrocard monthly and rarely have the ‘just used’ screen pop up, even if it says ‘swipe again’ it still won’t let you in?? That sucks! I know the MTA did it so you won’t swipe yourself and 10 of your friends in all at once, but still, they should fix that glitch! Good luck!
-BEE
http://www.BEELifestyle.com
Sarah (Tales of Expansion)
March 2, 2009 at 3:50 pm (16 years ago)is it at all possible that the ricotta/dairy is what is causing probs? sounds like the plain sweet potato didn’t do you in the same way …
i’ll miss you on the 14th! i’m going the 21st. but i sooooo hear you on the metrocard drama. that has happened to me so many times. i’ve gone and literally CRIED to the person in the booth (when there is one) to no avail. they still make me buy a new card. so effing ridic.
since you’re banned from the micro, all those veggies are amazing roasted. same way as a sweet potato wrapped in foil for 45 mins (esp the beats!) or in a big roasting pan chopped in pieces with olive oil, balsamic, s&p (i actually have a roasted veg tutorial on the blog if you want to check there). YUMMMM. dying for roasted veggies now.
Dori
March 2, 2009 at 3:56 pm (16 years ago)Thanks, Sarah. I actually did have cheese when I had the sweet potato the first time — it was on the side though so I didn’t mention it. Dairy is basically the only thing I can eat without a problem. I have some form for every meal — the bloating happens when I eat veggies, oatmeal and anything else with fiber!
Missy
March 2, 2009 at 5:16 pm (16 years ago)I feel your pain with the stupid subway! I never got my $60.00 back! It makes me soo angry!!!! For veggies, the only thing I know how to do is slice up zuccini and squash and put it on a pan on the stove! I add balsamic or spray butter, salt, pepper, and they get nice and soft like you like them! Can’t wait for the meetup!!
Danielle
March 2, 2009 at 5:31 pm (16 years ago)So sorry about the sweet potato, hopefully you will be able to eat 1/2 at a time.
I’m so disappointed, I can’t make it to the dinner on the 14th so I’m going for the brunch, I wish I was able to meet you! Oh well maybe another time!
elise
March 2, 2009 at 5:59 pm (16 years ago)…i WISH i could go. im going to be back on the west coast for a bachelorette party. i hope we can do another one though, bc i think it sounds so fun to meet everyone
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
March 2, 2009 at 6:11 pm (16 years ago)Dori,
So very sorry about the sweet potato. Maybe if you tried them plain they wouldn’t bother you so much (like the fries). Maybe the ricotta combo is the killer.
I say go for the hypnotist sessions. It’s definitely worth a try as our mental health is just as important as our physical well being!
I love just slicing a butternut squash in half and roasting if face-up in a 425 degree oven until done (45 minutes or so). Then I eat the whole thing with almond butter or coconut oil on top – peel and all! Also great for fries. Make them just like you did the sweet potato fries! As far as asparagus goes, I just steam or roast them. For roasting, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, and cook in a 500 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Yum!
Kelly Turner
March 3, 2009 at 11:29 am (16 years ago)boo- i wish I was in New York
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
roberto
March 3, 2009 at 2:51 pm (16 years ago)could it be the combination of the sweet potato with cheese that makes you bloat? notice that on day 1 you didn’t add any cheese to the sweet potato – it was mostly seasoning.
Dori
March 3, 2009 at 3:11 pm (16 years ago)There was cheese on day 1, I just didn’t write about it!
Diana (Soap & Chocolate)
March 13, 2009 at 2:11 pm (16 years ago)Hi! I’ve been clicking through the names/blogs of the folks coming to the blogger meetup tomorrow night and just read your call for other attendees to reveal themselves, so here I am! Look forward to meeting you in real life. 🙂
Hangry Pants
April 26, 2009 at 1:19 am (16 years ago)Aw I am sorry about the maternity pants. You are so sweet and cute and funny and I am sorry you have to go through all of this anxiety. Hugs!!!!
Terence
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