A Low-Cal Day Can be a Filling Day!

I've mentioned it before, but it's worth mentioning again. Sometimes, when people lose weight, and you ask them how they did it, they answer very vaguely. You've heard these lines, right?

"Oh, you know. I just worked out and stuff." ~ "Well, I just eat healthier. That's all." ~ Or my favorite, "I don't know. I'm just losing. Isn't it great?"

I am all about sharing. Sharing info, sharing successes, even sharing failures! You can learn from all of it. That said, I want to get into details. I've said that I limit my food intake to 1200 - 1500 calories per day. If you've never counted calories, this can be difficult. I had never counted calories before I started my Healthy Lifestyle journey. And while you're definitely eating less food, it doesn't mean you have to starve. Here is a detailed food log of what I ate the other day. I want to point out that I do eat meat, and it's absolutely possible to have your steak and eat it too, however this particular day, I was very veggie heavy.

Breakfast ~ A Veggie Breakfast Burrito ~ Total - 246 calories
1 La Tortilla Factory Low Carb/Low Fat tortilla - 50 calories
1 Laughing Cow Light Cheese wedge - 35 calories
2 Boca Burger Original patties - 140 calories
1 plum tomato - 11 calories
2 tbsp salsa - 10 calories
Cook burger patties in the oven. Spread cheese wedge onto tortilla. Lightly warm or toast tortilla. Chop burger patties into strips or chunks and place onto tortilla. Add sliced plum tomato, and spread salsa on top. Wrap up the tortilla and chow down.

Snack ~ 2 Mandarin Oranges (the Cuties) ~ Total - 80 calories

Lunch ~ Mushroom Risotto with Veggies and Tempeh ~ Total - 405 calories
1 cup Mushroom Risotto (from Trader Joe's) - 150 calories
2 oz tempeh - 110 calories
1/4 cup unsweetened soymilk - 20 calories
2/3 cup frozen mixed veggies - 90 calories
1 Laughing Cow Light Cheese wedge - 35 calories
Chop or grate tempeh and combine with all other ingredients in a skillet. Simmer, stirring frequently, until liquid has reduced and risotto is thick and creamy. Serve it up warm and enjoy.

Snack ~ Chips Ahoy 100 Calorie Pack, 1 bottle Vitamin Water ~ Total - 225 calories

Dinner ~ Shrimp & Angel Hair Pasta ~ Total - 295 calories
1 pkg Lean Cuisine Shrimp & Angel Hair Pasta in creamy seafood sauce - 220 calories
1 pkg House Foods Tofu Shirataki Angel Hair noodles - 40 calories
1 Laughing Cow Light Cheese wedge - 35 calories
Drain and rinse noodles very well in hot water, or boil noodles and drain well. Prepare Lean Cuisine entree according to package directions. Place Lean Cuisine contents and tofu noodles into a microwave safe bowl. Add cheese wedge, toss, and microwave for 30 - 60 seconds. Toss again to mix thoroughly and enjoy.

Dessert ~ 1 Vitabrownie, 1 bottle Guinness draught ~ Total - 230 calories


TOTAL FOR THE DAY - 1,481 calories
Pretty cool, huh?

Foodie View: Hina's Top Three Cupcakeries!

One of the things I love best about cupcakes is that they eliminate the guilt of not sharing. It's a very personal dessert, and regardless of the size, nobody hears the word "cupcake" and expects you to split it. How can you? It's a cupcake! Two bites, and you could be done. And if you did offer to share, what would have to give? "Sure, I'll share! Here, extract the maximum amount of flavor from this tiny mound of cupcake crumbs, and try to feel satisfied with that." You might as well save your cupcake for yourself, and point the other person in the direction of the platter.

That's the other wonderful thing about cupcakes. They rarely travel alone. A cupcake starts it's life in a tray with 5 or more siblings. They bake together, cool together, they even get iced and frosted together! Then it's usually onto a tray or platter, or into a box. Cupcakes like to hang out together, and that makes it so much easier to satisfy your craving.

And nobody satisfies a cupcake craving like these places! Here are my Top Three Cupcakeries in Southern California

Dots Cupcakes
400 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 568-DOTS

This place is terrific! It's right off of S. Arroyo, very close to the end of the 110 Freeway, and there's free parking located underground. Stop in at the cute little boutique-shop for a cup of good coffee, and grab your favorite flavor. If you go on a Friday or Saturday, you can try my favorites, all made with Valrhona chocolate: Chocolate Chocolate, German Chocolate, and Chocolate Cheesecake. My friend swears by the Strawberry Shortcake, but I thought it was just ok. I also recommend the Apple Pie. It's such a cute one, and very tasty!

Sprinkles
9635 Little Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 274-8765
and
in Corona Del Mar Plaza
944 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 760-0003

I must say that Sprinkles takes cupcakes to a whole new level. The cupcakes come in over 20 fabulous flavors, and they always look so perfect and trendy with their decorative dots or sugar toppings. My favorite flavor here, surprisingly with no chocolate, is the Pumpkin cupcake. It's really good spiced pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The flavors go so well together, and the frosting isn't too heavy. I also tried the Mocha cupcake, which is a Belgian dark chocolate cake (mmmmm...) with mocha frosting. The cake was terrific, but I think I was looking for a more coffee-rich flavor. Of course, if I had had it with a cup of coffee, it would have been perfect. I have also heard that the Red Velvet cupcake is one of the absolute best, a light chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. I will definitely be trying that one soon!

Yummy Cupcakes
2918 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 558-1080
and
313 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-8283

No list is complete without Yummy Cupcakes. I have never been to the Burbank location, but the Santa Monica store has free parking in the 4th Street parking lot. Yummy Cupcakes has over 100 different cupcake flavors. This is the current King of the Cupcakeries! Since they have so many fabulous flavors, they have a rotating Daily Menu with 18 flavor combinations available, and the menus are available on their website. Of course, you can always place an order for any specific flavor. A few of my favorites are: Carrot Cream Cheese (the carrot cake has raisins and pineapple), Mudslide (a coffee infused chocolate cupcake, baked with a "shot" of Irish Cream), and the Chocolate Truffle (a chocolate cupcake with a chocolate ganache center AND topping). I love the fact that they have an entire "Cocktail" flavor line of cupcakes, such as the Lemon Pinot Grigio, Blue Hawaiian, or Pina Colada cupcakes. It's something I've never seen anywhere else. And check out their upcoming menu of St. Patrick's Day cupcakes. I am heading straight for the Guiness Extra Stout cupcake with cocoa whipped cream and green edible glitter! Also worthy of note, although I haven't tried them yet, are the Cupcake Biscotti and the Cupcake-in-a-Jar. Real cupcakes, sliced and baked to a crunch, and your favorite cupcakes layered in a jar with the toppings (whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, etc...), ready to eat with a spoon. It's decadence gone wild!

I have to note that I have not found a decent cupcakery in San Diego. Not that San Diego doesn't have terrific desserts, just no cupcakeries worthy of mention. There may be a store with cupcakes just waiting to be devoured. If so, clue me in! I am always on the hunt for Great Food!

My Baby Loves ... Music!

My baby is growing up and becoming a person with clear likes and dislikes. I find this extraordinarily fascinating, and I'm sure other parents out there can relate. There's just a happy wonderment that fills you up when you realize, "Oh, the baby is enjoying this!" It's such a progressive step from the time when your child sits around and stares, to the time when they focus on something, recognize it, and look forward to their next contact with it.

My 17 month old Mr. Baby currently likes musical amusements. I am very happy about this, as studies have found that playing music can be good for your brain, and can help with language development. (Check out these articles from MedicalNewsToday.com and SFGate.com.) Getting my boy interested in music, rhythm, and musical instruments is a great start. I can't wait for him to get a little older so he can take music lessons.

This is a list, in no particular order, of his Top 3 current music related entertainments.

1. The Backyardigans
Ahhhh... The exploits of five animal friends who have fabulous singing and dancing adventures in the backyard. I can honestly say that I really enjoy watching this with my son. A few of his favorite episodes include: Mission to Mars (which guest stars Alicia Keys), Into the Deep, and Cave Party, and he just really enjoys the great music.

2. Putumayo Kids Presents: African Playground
This is a very fun and energetic collection of music. One of my favorites is Mbube, which most people will recognize as The Lion Sleeps Tonight, by The Mahotella Queens. I put this on about an hour after breakfast and we dance around the living room. I'm excited because I can see my boy is developing great rhythm!

3. Melissa and Doug: Deluxe Band Set
This great set of musical instruments includes a recorder, harmonica, xylophone, rhythm sticks, castanets, kazoo, and triangle. Mr. Baby has figured out the harmonica, and it is currently his favorite, with the xylophone being a close second.

Music captures my boy like nothing else, and I love to see him dancing around, or just bobbing to a rhythm. If your babies are into music, please share! I'm always on the lookout for more fun and educational stimulation for Mr. Baby!

Foodie View: Vietnamese food in Chula Vista

I know people on the East Coast probably don't believe me, but winter does hit Southern California. No, we're not neck-deep in snow, but for us, the need for a sweater means it's freezing! You know when it's cold outside, and you're feeling chilly on the inside, and all you want is some good food to warm you up? That's where I was about a week or so ago, so we went to Pho Hiep and Grill, a Vietnamese restaurant.

Pho Hiep and Grill
543 Telegraph Canyon Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 482-8883
www.PhoHiepGrill.com

If you've never tried Vietnamese food, you're missing out on some great eats. Pho Hiep and Grill is a decent place for your first taste of Vietnamese cuisine. It's located in a shopping center on Telegraph Canyon Road, just off the 805 Freeway, and there's ample parking. Unlike many other pho restaurants which appear a little run down, this establishment is very clean and nicely decorated. Another plus, you have to request chopsticks as they are not kept out on the table. Much more sanitary! I don't mind asking for my chopsticks. I'm just happy a few hundred other people haven't touched, licked, and sneezed on them before I got there.

The food was fresh and tasty. Although we originally went to try the pho, we decided to order less soupy entrees so that we could easily share with our baby. We ordered Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Bun Thit Nuon Cha Gio (grilled pork and egg rolls over vermicelli rice noodles), and the Com Tam Hiep (Hiep's house special combo with rice, with a pork chop, chicken, shrimp, shredded pork, and Vietnamese-style steamed meatloaf). The spring rolls are large, you get two pieces cut in halves, served with peanut sauce. Ours were quite fresh, filled shrimp, pork, noodles, bean sprouts, and mint. A vegetarian option is also available. The bun (vermicelli noodle dish) and the com (rice dish) were enormous entrees, very flavorful and satisfying. Our 17 month old baby really enjoyed the steamed meatloaf and chicken with rice, although I found the very tender shredded pork to be the best part of the dish. The bun was such a large serving of noodles, meat, and vegetables, that we couldn't finish it. However, the grilled pork was excellent. It's marinated in a honey sauce and grilled over an open flame, and it comes out tender and savory. A perfect flavor complement to the noodles and sauce. For dessert, we ordered Che Hiep (Hiep's house special dessert), a sweet red bean mixture with shaved ice, coconut milk and tapioca, topped with crushed peanuts. Much like a red bean version of halo halo. It was delicious with a sweet/salty flavor, and the coconut milk adds the perfect creamy, tropical taste.

While the food is very good, and the location is easily accessible, I have to gripe a little about the service. The staff are very polite, but they seem disorganized, and one or two seemed to have some difficulty communicating in English. When we came in, we were seated promptly, and they brought us menus and a high chair for Mr. Baby. We had just started looking at the menus when two servers started placing food on our table. It took about four minutes for us to explain that we hadn't ordered anything yet, and this was not our food. Then we had to wait nearly 10 minutes for someone to show up to take our order. We also ordered iced Vietnamese coffee to go, but had to ask for it three times (no exaggeration). It seems our order was lost or forgotten the first two times, but it may have been simply due to confusion between the three different waiters who came to our table over the course of the evening. We also had to ask for our check more than once, and by the time we got it, we were more than ready to leave.

All things considered, it was still a good restaurant. They haven't been open long (since December '07 or January '08), which may account for the disorganization. However, it seems to have built a nice reputation fairly quickly. We arrived early in the evening, around 6pm, and tables were available. When we left, there was a lineup of customers out the door. The food is good and the portions are big. The menu is a good size with six appetizers, and 44 items for bun (vermicelli noodle), pho (noodle soup), and com (rice) entrees. The prices are reasonable; our dinner of 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 desserts, and 3 iced coffees totaled around $40.

We had a good foodie experience, and it's a place we can go with our baby. I would definitely go back, and I while it's not the best Vietnamese food I've ever had, I would still recommend it as good eats. But you know me! I'm always on the hunt for Great Food. Any tips on really, truly Great Vietnamese Food hot spots?

The New Miracle Toddler Diet

Hahaha!! I love this!! I got this in my email, and it is one of the most truthful diets around. I couldn't find any author information online, but it's a great read. I hope you enjoy it, and start your week off with a smile!




Each new year brings an onslaught of new diets. The trouble is, most people don't get enough to eat when dieting (the starvation diet), or not enough variety (the liquid diet), or they go for broke (the all meat diet). As a result, people either "cheat" or quit dieting after a few days. Is there nothing one can do but blame their body size on a gland problem? Well, now there is the "New Miracle Toddler Diet.

I've noticed that most two-year-olds are trim. It came to me over a cup of black coffee and a carrot that perhaps it's what they eat. So after talking with pediatricians, x-ray technicians, and distraught moms, I was able to formulate this diet for adults. It's inexpensive and provides lots of variety.

Before embarking on this diet, however, please check with your doctor. Otherwise, you may have to see him/her afterwards.

Day One

Breakfast:
One scrambled egg, one piece of toast with grape jelly. Eat 2 bites of egg and dump the rest on the floor. Take bite of toast and smear the jelly on face and clothes.

Lunch:
Peanut butter and banana sandwich, glass of milk. Spit out several bites of sandwich. Pour glass of milk on table and slurp up.

Snack:
Two pennies and a nickel, 3 sips of stale soda found in family room.

Dinner:
Mashed potatoes, chicken fingers and carrot coins, glass of milk. Pour milk on mashed potatoes and finger paint table top. Eat half of chicken and toss rest at brother. Stick carrot coins wherever possible.

Day 2

Breakfast:
Pancakes with lots of syrup, glass of milk. Eat pancake with fingers, rub in hair. Stuff pancake in glass of milk.

Lunch:
Two crayons (non-toxic), any color, picked up from floor. Nibble on dog biscuit spilled from box in cupboard.

Snack:
Lick all-day sucker until sticky; take outside. Drop in dirt; retrieve and lick clean. Bring inside and drop on rug.

Dinner:
Macaroni and cheese. Eat half with hands; feed rest to dog. Pull off that stale gum stuck under the table and enjoy for dessert.

Day 3

Breakfast:
Quarter tube of toothpaste (fluoridated), bit of soap and bite of Kleenex. Pour glass of milk on cornflakes, add sugar and mix. When soggy, refuse to eat.

Lunch:
Two matches (unlit), half a tube of "pulsating pink" lipstick, half a cup of strawberry yogurt; leave lots on face.

Snack:
Find that sucker and lick off the fuzz. Stick to the cushion of your best chair.

Dinner:
Spaghetti and meatballs, eaten strand by strand. Roll meatball across plate many times; cut in quarters and leave on plate. Nibble on stick of mascara for dessert.

Foodie View: Hina Cooks! Super Easy Vegetarian Stir Fry

Is it incredibly vain to write a review of your own food? I fully admit, I'm bragging right now. I made a totally awesome stir fry dinner, and I am so proud of me!

It was a quick meal, an easy to make meal, a healthy meal, a vegetarian meal, a satisfying meal, and a super yummy meal! The veggies add lots of flavor and texture, not to mention color. The soy based ingredients (tempeh, baked tofu, noodles, some of the veggies) add lots of protein and help make it a very filling dish. And although I like a good steak now and then, the calories are just so high! So I've been trying to get some tasty, healthy, and above all satisfying vegetarian dishes into my family's diet.

I got several ingredients from 99 Ranch Market (but you can visit any Asian grocery store), and the rest came from Trader Joe's. I must say, I am an avid Trader Joe's shopper. If you haven't checked out this awesome grocery store, definitely visit your nearest location. They have a great variety of products and very affordable prices.

If you've read my blog before, you know I'm a busy mom, and I'm working on eating healthy and losing weight. My baby is 17 months old, and he demands a lot of attention. He also makes a lot of mess. I don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, while Mr. Baby gets into who knows what. So I appreciate "easy" dishes which don't take a lot of time, or focus, to prepare. I'm happy to say I've succeeded with this dish. So check out my Super Easy Vegetarian Stir Fry recipe!

Ingredients:
2 packages House Tofu Shirataki Noodles - Fettucini Shape (it's also available in Angel Hair shape)
3 oz. Furama Plain Baked Tofu (TJ's also has baked tofu, I just use Furama because it's easily portioned into 3 oz. squares)
4 oz. LightLife Organic Flax Tempeh (about half a package)
1 package Trader Joe's Beef-Less Strips
1/2 medium onion, diced
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups Trader Joe's frozen Stir Fry Vegetables (contains: Chinese pea pods, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, green soybeans, water chestnuts, carrots, and mushrooms)
2 tbsp olive oil
6-8 tbsp Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Mushroom Flavored Stir Fry Sauce
Optional: black pepper, to taste

In a large wok or skillet, lightly sautee garlic and onion in olive oil. Slice tofu and tempeh into strips or bite size cubes. Add tofu, tempeh, and Beef-Less Strips and stir fry for 4-5 minutes. Add frozen vegetables and stir fry for 5 - 8 minutes, or until completely cooked through. Drain Shirataki noodles and rinse thoroughly with hot water. Add noodles, sauce, and black pepper. Toss and mix well, stir fry for 4-7 minutes, or until well mixed and heated through. Serve immediately.

Makes 3 - 4 large servings. Each serving is only 362 (for 4 servings) - 482 (for 3 servings) calories. The entire wok full of food is only 1446 calories! A healthy, low cal dinner, on the table in less than 20 minutes. I feel pretty good about feeding this to my family. Pretty awesome!

If you've got any quick and easy recipes (with the emphasis on "quick" and "easy"), please share!

Hina's Fave Diet Resources

When you're taking on a huge task like losing weight, I believe in getting all the help you can. Use all the tools available to you! These are just a few of my favorite tools for battling the bulge. Check them out, and if you have any great tips or sites, share the knowledge!

Counting Calories
It's hard enough sticking to a specific number of calories per day without having to guess how much you're actually consuming. Get a food scale, some measuring cups (for liquid and dry ingredients), and measuring spoons, then check out the following sites to help calculate your daily calories.

NutritionData.com ~*~ Calorie-Count.com ~*~ and CalorieKing.com

Starting a Program
If you're new to weight loss and have no idea where to start, why don't you check out some tried and true programs? I started using Nutrisystem because it is incredibly convenient. Your food shows up, you eat and go. No cooking, no measuring. Jenny Craig is another food delivery option. Weight Watchers doesn't give you food, but it gives you the tools for eating well and in moderation. All food is assigned a points value, and you get a certain number of points every day.

Low Cal Foods and Finds
Hungry Girl is my go-to site. If you haven't seen this yet, definitely check it out. Hungry Girl and her staff check out low cal foods, find the tasty ones, and let you know about the losers - before you spend your money on them! She's got recipes, taste tests, nutrition info, and lots more. She even dishes on dishes from well known restaurants! There's tons of helpful info on the HG site.

A Buddy System
It is so important to have good support when you are working on losing weight. If you can, recruit family members. They will be around to motivate you, they can exercise with you, and they can help steer you clear of temptation. Also look for help from friends and coworkers. Most people aren't out to sabotage your progress, so the more people know you're working towards a healthier life, the more they can help and motivate you. If you don't have anyone to help you out, or if you're just not comfortable telling others about your plan, then try an online weight loss group. Sometimes just being able to vent, and hearing that you're not alone in your struggles, is enough to get you through a rough spot. And if you need a buddy, I am always ready to cheer you on!

I Didn't Fall Off the Bandwagon - I Just Never Diet

So, the past few weeks, I've been on a total eating kick. I totally splurged on two Thai restaurants (read the tasty reviews here Part I and here Part II), as well as Thai take-out, IN-N-Out Burgers complete with fries and a chocolate/vanilla milkshake, Claim Jumper (although I managed to get out without a dessert, and if you've ever been there, you know how hard that is!), Rock Bottom Brewery (again, miraculously, without a dessert), and I hit L & L Hawaiian Barbecue. I had a seafood dinner at home, a seafood luncheon, hosted a tea party, visited Starbucks and Coffee Bean numerous times, and indulged at Extraordinary Desserts. If that isn't all about fattening comfort food, then I just don't know anything about food.

All this splurging has definitely taken it's toll. My once loose jeans are feeling a little snug today. The scale says I am 6 lbs. heavier than I was last week. And I am totally ok with all of it. I'm not thrilled with gaining weight, but I see how it happened. It has taken me a long time to get to this point, but I am fine with days of splurging. I didn't sabotage myself, and I am happy that I could indulge in some really good food. Really, really good food!

I'm not saying I don't suffer from some guilt. I hate seeing that number on the weighing scale go up, and I feel the pang of feaster's remorse (especially when my jeans feel tight). That's ok, because a week or two of food indulgence does not make me a failure, nor does it cancel out all the hard work I've done so far. I indulged because there were a few special occasions, and my life will continue to include parties, and holiday feasts, and backyard barbecues. I guarantee you that I will eat more than my share of calories on those days.

One of the things I hate most about "diets" is the notion that it's a temporary fix. If you eat nothing but grapefruit for a month, you will definitely lose weight - if for no other reason than you get sick of the taste, the sight, and the very smell of grapefruit, and you just quit eating. My issue with "dieting" is that you change your eating habits for a short time to achieve a goal. What happens after you reach that goal? You usually go right back to your old eating habits, because living off of only grapefruit is very restrictive and not a very sustainable eating plan. My weight fluctuated, by about 20 lbs. over the course of several years, because I would go on and off various diets.

Going back to my weight loss mantra, I am working on a healthy lifestyle. This means no dieting, but I do maintain a healthy diet. This is realistic and forgiving, because there will be times when I eat too much. There will be holidays and parties when I celebrate and stuff myself silly. This is fine, I haven't "failed" or "fallen off the dieting bandwagon." I'm not even on a bandwagon!

If you are trying to lose weight, and you ate too much because you went to a party, or your kids were driving you nuts, or your job made you want to go postal, or just because you had a massive munchie attack, you are still doing fine! Munchie days happen. I think some people who "diet" feel like if they lose control for a day, or a week, or a few weeks, then they've failed. And since they failed, then they are a failure and there's no way to go on. I am working towards an overall healthy life. This includes learning how to have a healthy relationship with food, and learning how to regroup and refocus after a food splurge.

I know I'm not the only one who's gotten discouraged after gaining some weight, especially after I worked so hard to get it off the first time. I know, though, that I am healthier than I have ever been before in my life, and I know that I want to keep building and developing healthy habits for the rest of my life. Today, I worked out first thing this morning. That made me feel good. I ate a filling, low calorie/high nutrition breakfast and lunch. My dinner will be healthy and veggie filled, no more than 400 calories, and will include a glass of wine. And I will still come in under 1400 calories for the day.

I have the tools and the determination to get back on my healthy track. If you need some encouragement, remember, I'm always willing to listen and be a weight loss cheerleader. And if you have any tips, please share! Lots of people everywhere would love the help and encouragement.

My Weight Loss Buddies

My aunt forwarded me an email that contained the line:

"Aspire to Inspire before you Expire!"

I really like that message! Since posting my Weight Loss Mantra, I've gotten some great comments, questions, and commiserations. It really helps me to know that I'm not alone in my weight loss journey. I hope I can help inspire some people to lose weight, or just help others realize that they're not alone. Other people are struggling with the same problems. This is a tough road for anyone, and if you need a weight loss buddy, I'm here for you!

A friend of mine commented that when you ask people how they lost weight, they give you a very vague answer. It seems that if you've lost weight, how you did it becomes a closely guarded secret. I don't like that. Share the love! Tell what worked and what didn't work for you. Even if it doesn't work for me, it might work for someone else, and it will at least give me some ideas.

This is why, if you're trying to lose weight, a Weight Loss Buddy can really help you achieve your goals. Pick people who are as motivated, or more motivated than you. Choose a person who will share their failures as well as their successes. If possible, find a person who can work out with you as well. If you are just starting out, find a buddy who is also ready to take the weight loss plunge with you. Recruiting close family members is always a plus. They will be around to help motivate you, they can exercise with you, and they can help shield you from temptation (like the dessert tray). If you don't have family or friends as an option, try joining an online weight loss forum.

That said, I want to thank my Weight Loss Buddies for joining me on the journey to a Healthy Lifestyle. You help me in so many ways!

* When I give in to cravings, you remind me that I have strength to stay in control of myself.
* When I have super food-guilt because I overate, you tell me that one moment of weakness does not make my entire life a failure.
* When I am stressed out and mindlessly munching, you help bring perspective to my situation.
* On days when I my self esteem is low and I feel fat and ugly, you show me what I am worth and remind me of all that I have accomplished.
* When I have no idea what to eat or cook, you come up with fabulous, tasty ideas for new foods to keep my mouth happy.
* You find some great resources, and share awesome information, recipes, and ideas on food, exercise, and life in general.
* You share your experiences with me, and help me realize that I am not alone in how I feel and what I am going through.
* You help keep me motivated and strong.

Just having another person to chat with, or bounce ideas off of, can help you stay focused on your weight loss goals. And remember, if you think you're alone, I am always ready to be a weight loss cheerleader! I aspire to inspire!

My Baby Loves ... Baby Loves Disco!

Attention all parents with kids 7 years and under!

This past weekend we went to Baby Loves Disco in San Diego. If you haven't heard about it,

"Baby loves disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes From the 70s, & 80s guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving."

Don't misunderstand. This isn't an afternoon of kiddie songs or playing Ring Around the Rosie and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. In a nutshell: a real nightclub cleans up and baby proofs it's rooms once a month, and parents with kids can come to mingle, dance to good music, and play for an afternoon.

The San Diego nightclub Aubergine on 4th, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, had a full bar available for the adults, juice boxes for the little ones, healthy snacks available for everyone, and a great DJ spinning tunes the entire time. There is a Chill Out Room for kids and parents to relax, there are games, books, toys and tents. There was even a room for adults to indulge in free 10 minute massages!

Our boy had a blast dancing under the bubble machine, playing with hoops, scarves, and egg shakers. There were kids and parents everywhere having a great time. What I especially liked was the kid friendliness of the place. Diaper changing stations, complete with wipes and sanitizing liquid were plentiful, there were areas to relax, away from the music, and areas to play. However, I was very impressed with security. When you enter the club, each child is given a numbered band to wear on their wrist or ankle, and parents keep a stub with matching numbers. You must present your matching stubs before leaving with a child. Not that I think people would mistakenly take the wrong kid, but I feel comforted with the added level of security.

Baby Loves Disco is for kids 6 months to 7 years of age, but older siblings are also welcome. Just keep in mind that the events are planned for the 7 and under age group. Check out the Baby Loves Disco website for a location near you. There are even spots popping up in the UK! Nothing in Canada yet, though. Hopefully, our neighbors to the north will hear about this and things will get going there as well! For my Southern California friends, click a link below:

Baby Loves Disco in San Diego
Aubergine on 4th
500 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-8100

Baby Loves Disco in Los Angeles
Social Hollywood
6525 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Baby Loves Disco in Orange County
Shark Club
841 Baker Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Tantrum Averted - - You May Proceed to Parenting Level 2!

So........Am I the only one who found the transition from DINKhood (Double Income No Kids) to Parenthood to be a painful process? I miss the freedom of being able to get up and go - anywhere. I used to take off to the store for groceries, to the mall to buy a pair of jeans, or we could just go out to dinner if we didn't feel like cooking. Leaving the house now is akin to packing for a week long camping trip. I wouldn't dream of going without a few changes of clothes, extra jackets and sweaters, a few books and toys, an entire pack of diapers, at least two blankets, and enough snacks and drinks to feed a school bus full of kids.

The other evening, we decided to get some take out from a new Vietnamese restaurant in our neighborhood. However, when we got there, the place had several open tables, so we decided to dine in. *Sigh* Our spontaneity had some serious drawbacks.

1. It was already our boy's dinner time, and he was already hungry.
2. Sitting in a high chair with nothing to amuse himself was NOT fun.
3. We didn't have a sippy cup for him; we hadn't planned on staying to eat at the restaurant.
4. A hungry, thirsty baby is NOT a patient baby.
5. A hungry, thirsty baby is rarely a quiet baby.

However, I must say that I am really proud of myself and my husband. In the past we would forget about eating out, even forget about getting food, and instead get our boy home as fast as possible. But this time, we wanted to try this new restaurant so we decided to work with the situation.

Hungry baby with no sippy cup? Nothing we can't handle. There was a grocery store very close to the restaurant. I stayed at the table and placed our order, while my husband took our cranky boy and bought a cup and a pack of toddler fruit bars. Mr. Baby was able to eat a small bar while they walked back to the restaurant. The fruit bar and the walk helped to keep him occupied, and he stopped screaming. The food arrived a few minutes before they returned, and I immediately cut up some meat and veggies from my plate. Just in time! They sat down, and I was able to start feeding our boy right away, while my husband got the sippy cup ready. Once his tummy was full, our boy turned back into a good, sweet, human child again, and he was more tolerant of sitting in his high chair as we finished up our meal. Yes, we took turns eating and watching our boy, but we were still eating out at a restaurant.

I think many parents go through a period of feeling trapped with their babies. It is a really uncomfortable feeling to be the parents dealing with the screaming child in a public place. They can't just sit at the table contentedly while you enjoy a meal, and it's hard to eat, watch the baby, and keep them entertained for longer than 15 minutes. If your baby does start having a fit, you get dirty looks, and it feels like people are judging you, like you're the inconsiderate parent who can't control their kid. So, you get take out instead, and you stay home because it's less stressful. It's still boring, and you still feel like a shut-in, but at least there's no public display.

I know we felt this way for a long time, but now I think we're changing. We still don't want to be the couple with the loud crying baby who irritates all the other customers. And we don't want to leave our boy with someone else each time we feel like going out for a bite. Instead of bailing on our decision to have dinner out, we worked through the stress (oh, trust me, it was stressful!), and managed to keep our boy occupied. He got fed, we got fed, and we were able to spend time together as a family.

I look forward to more family outings - not just the big trips to Disneyland or Seaworld, but everyday family outings. Especially now that I know we can handle them. I have a weird feeling of pride, as if we passed some unknown parenting test. You have averted a tantrum at a restaurant! Proceed to the next parenting level!

Foodie View: Hina's Thai-licious Weekend (Part II)

My friends, I have most excellent news. I have found something truly special. I have discovered one of those rare, elusive restaurants which has..............GREAT FOOD! Yes, it's true, and I am so excited! (And I'm so full. Ohhh, my stomach hurts from the intense splurging, but how could I not? I have found GREAT FOOD!)

Super Thai-licious in Los Angeles
Thailand Plaza (AKA Jinda Thai)
2nd Floor, 5321 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 993-9000

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Thailand Plaza, above the Silom Thai supermarket. There is parking available at the plaza, although it can be easy to miss. Swing into the driveway, take a ticket at the parking booth, and park upstairs on the second level (follow the arrows). Make sure you get your parking ticket validated! If you park elsewhere, there is a street level entry with a staircase and elevator up to the second level.

It's a large restaurant overlooking Hollywood Boulevard, with a raised section in back by the entrance, then a large open floor full of tables, and ending with a wide stage at the front of the room. This is an excellent place for a large party, and they are very willing to accommodate your gathering. There were two big groups the night we went, and though there were still open tables, the restaurant was quite full. If you head there on a weekend evening, make sure you make a reservation if your party has more than four people. The decor is a mixture of traditional Thai statues and ornaments, and glitz and glitter surrounding the stage. The tables are large (all the better to hold lots of food) and the seats are great big, surprisingly comfortable, cushioned wicker chairs. Let me say, if these chairs reclined, we would have passed out after our feast. The stage is large, and there is live entertainment nightly. Don't be surprised if your waiter takes your order, then hits the stage to perform a number. The vocalists on stage during our visit were quite good and they sang in English, although I understand that others sing in Thai as well as Chinese.

We were greeted at the door by a friendly and welcoming host, who I can only describe as the Thai equivalent of Joe Pesci from Good Fellas. He seated us, and handed each of us a binder - this was the menu, an extensive list of delicious food. From the appetizers, soups, and salads, to the curries, seafood, noodles, rice dishes and extras, we found items on every page that we wanted to try. Alas, we are only human, and our stomachs could only hold so much!

We started our night with cocktails and martinis from the full bar, and an appetizer of Angel's Wings - a dish of deep fried boneless chicken wings stuffed with meat, noodles, and veggies. I don't know what sort of gigantic winged chicken they found, or maybe they used turkey wings, but these were huge! Two crispy breaded wings were served on a platter, sliced into four pieces each. This is easily an appetizer you could share with two to four people, or even a meal for one person. But, really, why would we limit ourselves so early in the evening?

Then our feast really began. Along with a large bowl of rice to share at the table, we ordered the Stuffed Squid Panang Curry, tender little squid stuffed with sausage in a red curry sauce. Absolutely delicious!! Our server recommended the Chinese Broccoli with Crispy Pork, which was excellent. The veggies were crisp tender, not over or under cooked, and the pork was crunchy-crispy outside and tender inside. I highly recommend the Papaya Salad with Salted Crab. The salad itself is good, raw papaya shreds in citrus juice served with a wedge of cabbage, but the addition of the fresh blue crab really makes this dish stand out. It can be a bit awkward to eat, but the fresh, buttery-smooth meat inside the shell is worth the work. Definitely try the Tom Yum Kung (the lemon grass shrimp soup). It's served piping hot, is a perfect blend of sour and savoury, and the presentation is just so cool! It comes to the table in a donut shaped pot with a burner in the middle, and an open flame inside. The whole setup looks like a miniature fireplace with soup mounted around it.

Next we ordered the Yellow Noodle Rad Na, yellow noodles with sweet and sour gravy sauce, cooked with shrimp, chicken and squid. This was very good, and extremely filling. However, my favorite two dishes of the evening were the Whole Steamed Pompano, and the Garlic Prawns. The pompano was so moist and light, and it was served with a thin sweet and sour sauce which didn't overwhelm or smother the taste of the fish. The Garlic Prawns looked like three fat mini-lobsters on a serving platter. Each one was grilled and split down the back for easy peeling. It was served with a spicy, peppery sauce, and it was absolutely fabulous!

I cannot rave enough about this place, as nothing I can write can do justice to the menu. The atmosphere is very comfortable, the chairs are great for lounging when you're ready to burst after your meal, and the live performances are fun and entertaining. The food is clearly an enormous plus here. The menu is available to go, it is extensive with something for everyone, and the portions are excessively huge and plentiful. You can request spicier fare, and there are hot peppers and chili sauce available for those who prefer more of a kick. The service was great, very friendly, and willing to make good recommendations. While we didn't make it to dessert, I have heard that they are very good. I will have to make it back soon to sample more of the menu. As it is, we only tried one appetizer and seven entrees, and along with four drinks from the bar and a pot of tea, our tab only came out to $127. We were expecting a check much larger, and this was a very welcome surprise!

If you are interested in a fun and affordable evening at a great restaurant with fabulous, authentic Thai food, you can't do better than Thailand Plaza. In a city where good food is plentiful, this place stands out as truly GREAT Thai Food!

5 Things I Did Today to be a Good Parent

Today was very challenging, for me and my toddler. Between a very late night, diaper rash, temper tantrums, impatience, hunger, and reinforcing boundaries, we have dealt with about five consecutive hours of intense stress.

At one point we were both on the living room floor crying with frustration. My child will, at times, be emotionally out of control. However, I am the parent, and as hard as it is to remember during times of great distress, it is my job to be mature and in control of myself.

So here are a few things I did today to be a good mother to my son.

1. Where is your nose? My boy was screaming with pain when I started to change his poopy diaper. He has terrible diaper rash right now, and I feel so bad for him. I try to make it as quick and painless as possible, but I completely understand his need to thrash and squirm away. While I could have strapped him to the change table, he was already distraught and I didn't want to stress him any further. So I started asking him, "Where is your nose? Where is your ear? Where is Mama's hair? Where are your teeth? Where is Mama's chin?" Naming his body parts is not only educational, it was also distracting. The crying didn't stop, and the whole diaper changing process took nearly 12 minutes, but he was mostly focused on something else, and he held still long enough for me to clean him well and apply ointment.

2. You scream while I cook. Some people will argue that it is wrong to ignore your child while they are in the middle of a full tantrum. However, my boy didn't want to be held, he just wanted to lay on the floor flailing and crying. I made sure there was nothing around to hurt him, and I went to the kitchen to get his lunch ready. After 30 minutes, he was winding down from his outburst, and his lunch was cooked and cool enough for him to eat.

3. Time out! For both of us! At one point, the screaming, hitting and toy throwing was just too much. Mr. Baby was having such a fit, and he was so inconsolable, that I just gave up. I picked him up, put him in his crib, closed the door and I ran to the other end of the house. After 10 intense minutes of kicking things around, crying and, in general, having my own tantrum, I was calm enough to deal with my boy again. A lot of women, I think, hide these experiences and pretend that things are always alright. I suppose there is a fear of being judged, of being seen as a bad parent or a failure in some way. However, I did not harm my son, nor did I scare him by letting him see me out of control. I vented as best I could and I carried on. It's completely normal, and it's more common than you would think. Taking a time out from your kid doesn't make you a bad parent. It's just a tool to utilize so that you can be a good parent.

4. Hi, Friend! Got a minute to talk me down from my ledge? Had our emotional roller coasters ended after three and a half hours and our first time out, I believe I would have been fine. Unfortunately, we had just gotten our second wind. The whining recommenced as soon as lunch ran out, and as I hurriedly prepared more food, the crying, the screaming, and the toy throwing started again. Once the food was ready, I sat my child in his high chair and I admitted that I was in need of third party intervention. I called my friend, who is also a mother, and she assured me that I am sane, I am not a bad mother, and that this is normal behavior for me and my toddler. It helped so much to hear a friendly and sympathetic voice, an adult voice, a voice that spoke in complete and coherent sentences. I was on edge and my nerves were frayed, and just talking with my friend helped me calm down. If you have family and/or friends, call on them when you need help, when you're stressed, or when you're at a breaking point. I believe that, if you have the resources, you should use them.

5. Hug, hug, kiss, kiss. After five hours of stress and struggle, we were both exhausted. However, before I put Mr. Baby down for his afternoon nap, I took five minutes to hold him. I hugged him, and he hugged me back. I kissed his baby face and his baby head, I stroked his baby hair and his baby back. And most importantly, I told him over and over that I loved him. I know that we will have more difficult days, but I truly want my boy to feel secure that I love him, no matter what we go through. When I carried him to his bedroom, I kissed him, said, "I love you very much," and I put him in his crib. He smiled at me before he turned over and went to sleep. And seeing that smile reassured me, and made me feel that I could do this all over again.

So..... I know I'm not the only parent out there who has stressful and trying days. I have found that sharing helps, if in no other way than that you don't feel as alone. I'm always willing to listen if you need to vent, and if you have any tricks on how to cope with toddler tantrums and parenting stress, please feel free to share!

Foodie View: Hina's Thai-licious Weekend (Part I)

I think I've mentioned that I love great food. I am always on the hunt for great food. This past weekend, I had a major spice craving, and we went to two different Thai restaurants, one in San Diego and one in Los Angeles. Since we ate so much food, and since I love to rave about all the food I eat, I'm splitting my review into two separate posts.

Thai-licious in San Diego
Lanna Thai
4501 Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 274-THAI

Lanna Thai isn't a huge establishment, there are only about 15 tables, but it has a 4 1/2 star rating on Citysearch, so we decided to try it out. The location is a little odd; a restaurant/shopping corner in the middle of a street filled with car dealerships. It's flanked by a 7-11 on one side and a Planned Parenthood on the other, and there are other shops and restaurants towards the back. Parking is awful, with the small parking lot being shared between so many businesses, so you may have to park on the street.

Location and parking aside, this is a good restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere. The clientele is varied, and the decor is nice, adding to the warm, oriental ambiance. We arrived fairly early, there were several open tables and we were seated promptly, but I can see dinner reservations being a good idea, especially on the weekends. The service was very good, our waiter and waitress were quick and accommodating, although they demurred on making recommendations.

We started off with two appetizers, the Spinach Wrap and the Thai Spring Rolls. The spring rolls were alright, quite large and stuffed with veggies and noodles, but the Spinach Wrap was excellent! This is like any lettuce wrap that is available in so many restaurants, but using large, wide spinach leaves instead of lettuce. However, the filling really made this dish. In addition to the usual onion, lime, carrots, peanuts and your choice of shrimp or tofu, there was toasted coconut and fresh diced ginger. They added a sweet and spicy edge to the dish along with the aromatic herb sauce. We also ordered a bowl of the Hearty Soup, filled with tofu, spinach and noodles. While it was a substantial soup, it tasted rather salty.

Our entrees ranged from green and yellow curries to Pad See-Ew with assorted seafood. Everything was tasty, and the ingredients were very fresh. The Green Curry with Tofu, in particular, was a personal favorite. The tofu pieces were large, the spices were excellent and well balanced (no sharpness or bitterness which often comes with hot, spicy food), and the coconut milk made the dish savoury and rich, without being too sweet and creamy. The Yellow Curry with Tofu was fine, but seemed a bit on the too sweet side, and contained more potatoes than tofu. The Pad See-Ew with Assorted Seafood was a great dish. The noodles were wide and soft, and there was plenty of shrimp, squid and mussels.

If you care to try the cocktails, the Thai Iced Tea with vodka is pretty good, as is the Lanna-tini, a lychee martini. If you're sensitive to the taste of alcohol, go with the Lanna-tini. It's like drinking the best lychee juice you've ever tasted. For dessert we had the green tea ice cream. As a general rule, you can't go wrong with green tea ice cream as it is a well-liked flavor the world over. While the ice cream itself was fine, I didn't much care for the toasted black sesame seeds sprinkled on top. I can see how some people would enjoy the dark toasted taste with the clean green tea flavor. Unfortunately, to me it tasted a bit burnt and it added a dirty sort of taste.

Overall, this is a good restaurant. Their claim that they, "prepare to order cuisine, made from the finest spices and freshest ingredients," is not an empty boast. The food is fresh and delicious, and the prices are reasonable. For a party of five adults, ordering two appetizers and four entrees, we only spent about $130, including drinks. The food is available for take-out and delivery, and they are willing to accommodate large parties. The menu selection is decent, considering the size of the restaurant. However, while the food was tasty, I wasn't WOWed by anything. This is good Thai food (but not the elusive GREAT food), at a fair price. I would recommend Lanna Thai for anyone who enjoys authentic Thai food, and I would eat here again.

.....But I will continue on my quest for Great Thai food in San Diego.

Hina's Top 5 Ordinary Items as Baby Toys

I'm sure everyone has heard the anecdote: We spent so much money on such-and-such a toy, and my baby only plays with the box.

I don't know about you, but I am not rolling around in excess cash. Of course I would love to shower my child with every known baby luxury, from toys to furniture to clothes. I just don't have the means. And really, Mr. Baby doesn't need all those things. He has a fabulous time playing with the most ordinary things. Here's my list of Top 5 Ordinary Items that my 16 month old son enjoys playing with.

1. Citrus fruit - Mr. Baby calls them "baa!" He means, "ball," but he doesn't have the "L" sound down yet. Lemons and oranges are great, but he really seems to get a kick out of grapefruits and pommelos. I like the large fruits better because they're large enough that Mr. Baby can't take a bite out of the rind and choke himself. And you know what? After he's been kicking around a pommelo, it's nice and soft, and it's easier for me to peel each section.

2. Soap bars - I keep our stash of individually wrapped bars of soap in a drawer in the bathroom. At present, I am still unable to go to the bathroom by myself because Mr. Baby will start screaming. Apparently if the door is closed, I've somehow abandoned him. So he comes in and has fun opening and closing the drawers, and he loves to take out all the soap bars and stack them up. They're the greatest building blocks for him! Small enough that he can pick them up and maneuver them easily, yet large enough that he can stack them dexterously. He's still working on his fine motor skills, so I like that he plays with these.

3. Plastic tubs - When I finish the cream cheese/margarine/random food item in the plastic tub, I wash the container and give it to my boy. He likes to put his toys inside them or put it on his head. I confess, we've spent several afternoons playing dress up with plastic hats. They also make great stackers. Sometimes, I'll throw a few pennies inside and duct tape the lid on. Voila! Instant rattle. They are great drums, or houses for other toys to live in, or obstacles to run around and jump over, or they line up like mini bowling pins and make a very satisfying noise when we throw the ball at them. Line some up on a strip of tape, and they become a train for the toys to ride in. I like these, and if they break, hey, I know I'm going to buy more cream cheese eventually.

4. Paper cups - Thank goodness for the wonders of the bathroom! On a day when we were low on soap, my boy improvised by taking out a box of 3oz. paper cups, the kind you keep around for rinsing your mouth. Again, great toy for dexterity. He stacks them like little blocks, he stacks them all together, he smushes them, he puts things in them and dumps them out repeatedly, he puts them over his mouth and explores the different sounds he can make. They are also cheap chew toys. I like these because they're inexpensive and disposable, there are 200 in a box, and unlike plastic cups, if he rips one, it's highly unlikely that he'll get cut. The only thing I watch out for is that he doesn't start eating the paper.

5. Empty plastic bottles - These are the ordinary 1 pint bottles of water. When I'm done drinking, I leave a little bit of water in the bottom of the bottle, screw the lid on extra tight, and hand it to Mr. Baby. This has saved me on long drives in the car. When, as a new mom, I neglected to pack a toy, a snack, or a cd of kids' songs, I would down my water as fast as possible, tighten the lid as much as possible, and pass it to the screaming, red-faced tot in the back seat. When I hand him the bottle, I ask him to, "Shake, shake, shake the bottle for Mama!" More than once, it has fascinated him long enough for me to get to a convenience store for a pack of crackers or a bathroom with a change table - whatever solves the crisis of the moment. I also keep a few empty shampoo bottles in the bathtub. They are instant submarines, fountains, squirt toys, and hands-on physics educational aids. Sometimes, I throw some nuts or pennies inside a bottle, glue the top shut, and I've got a brand new rattle that my boy has never seen before.

These are just five of my favorites. However, they are the five that I use fairly often and with great success. I'm always looking for more ideas, though. I know you moms and dads out there have come up with some great stuff. Anyone willing to share?