She Says: Sick of New Year’s Weight Loss Goals.
I was thinking more about the ice cream. I ate full fat ice cream just last weeked at Hannah’s birthday party and didn’t think twice. So what was making me so nervous? Maybe it’s allll the stories on the morning talk shows or all the articles in magazines about losing weight in the New Year … Oprah, Gwyneth (disappointing), everyone in the world.
Usually, I strive for balance and think I do a pretty okay job at it, but weight loss stories have been everywhere and I think it’s been getting to me. I was feeling the need to tidy up my diet (read eating patterns, not Atkins) for no real reason. I think these stories have a sense of urgency that is too much sometimes. I don’t need a major eating overhaul, thanks very much. What do you think about all the New Year Diet Talk? Motivating or obsessive?
Yoga, Yoga, Yoga!
Anyway, I hope you had a great Thursday. I really did. It was fun and I learned that I enjoy Soymilk, went to the gym, did a YogaDownload. Oh, the other day I tried Yoga to the People, class number 6 I think and I could not stand it. I think it was a combination of the guy’s voice and complete lack of direction. I am not new to yoga, but c’mon, refer to a pose name once in awhile. I ended up doing my own thing and then quitting. Perhaps I picked a bad class? It could be that I am not cut out for 60 minute yoga pod casts, but I really want to like them so I can do them from home. Any Yoga to the People suggestions?
Snacks/Dinner
Yesterday for a snack, I tried another Sunkist Natural Smoothie.
My one word review of Berry Cherry Bountiful is “refreshing.” It was good and tasted like a melted raspberry creamsicle. I would say, however, that I liked the Berry Blue Bountiful even better.
For dinner I threw together a quick wheat pasta dish topped with Olive oil, zucchini, tomatoes, chickpeas, onions, garlic and Italian Seasoning. Almost all ingredients came from Mark’s mom (thanks!). I just love quick and simple pasta dishes. The pasta was Mueller’s Multigrain Rotini and it was really tasty all on its own!
For an after dinner sweet snack, Mark and I tried two of the Gnu Bars we received in the mail (thanks Gnu Bar!). I’ve enjoyed Gnu Bars since I lived in NYC a few years ago. I really like Gnu Bars. They’re soft and chewy. Almost like a super-soft oatmeal cookie! I also love all the fiber (12 g.) each bar contains.
Peanut Butter Gnu Bar Review: I’ve eaten this flavor before and discussed it here. I maintain, and Mark agrees, this bar should just be called Peanut Bar. No peanut butter to be found! I actually like the taste of the bar and it has the moist home baked taste that I love in gnu bars. Mark said he would rather have a Clif bar and thought it tasted “medicinal.”
Chocolate Brownie Gnu Bar Review: I liked this flavor, too, but it might be because sometimes things can be a little too chocolatey for me. It cured my chocolate craving and I am betting it would be great in plain yogurt as a dessert treat. Mark thought it was ok and reminded him of a thin Clif Bar. He loves brownies so I think he felt misled as it really isn’t like a brownie at all.
My favorite Gnu Bar is the Banana Walnut Bar! It has a delicious banana taste and definitely tastes like a cross between an oatmeal cookie and banana bread. Love it!
Friday Friends
I’ve been living here in N.J. for a week now, and while I adore Mark, I am in need of some friends to do things with without him. Ya know? I recruited some of his girl friends to go see Bride Wars with me, so hopefully it won’t be too awkward. I tend to be quiet and shy around people at first, which is often misconstrued for snobbyness or disinterest. I will try to work on that.
Have a fab Friday everyone!
Tags: body image, chickpeas, gnu bar review, pasta, reviews, sunkist natural smoothie review, tomatoes
January 9th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Hey! I’ve done YTTP and yes, it is kind of wierd. I like it for vigorousness but he moves pretty fast and says stuff that I had to get used to..”flow low”??
I did the 4th and 5th classes, and maybe the 1st- try the first one for order’s sake maybe? Good luck making friends! I feel like a movie date is a perfect “first” date for girlfriends 
Maybe you can get coffee or something and chat after?
January 9th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Your pasta looks great!
Have fun going to see Bride Wars, it looks like a fun cute movie for a girl’s night out.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Happy Friday Heather! Have fun seeing Bride Wars. Let us know how you like it – I can’t tell if it looks terrible or entertaining.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Thanks for the bar reviews. I always see them but am hesitant to try them.
I hate New Year’s diet talk, it really annoys me that all I see on TV or at the grocery store is the newest and greatest diet food. I think it’s completely obsessive and overkill. I really dislike the fact that most people only care about it in January, instead of all year like it should be.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I’m not a fan of the New Years diet talk either. I mean, if you are committing to a LIFETIME of healthy eating, exercise, and wellness, and it just happens to be January 1, then I am all for it. However, there are so many people who jump on these diet bandwagons, sign up for the gym, then quit all of their “healthy” efforts a couple of months later. Meh. Not a fan of that approach!
I agree with you about balance, too! Bring on the ice cream!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Your pasta looks so good! I can’t wait to hear how Bride Wars is !
January 9th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
the diet talk is getting out of control! i completely agree with you! it makes people feel like theres a quick fix to weight loss, and to do as the celebrities do when its just not realistic.
have fun watching bride wars! let us know how it is! i’m sure you’ll have lots of fun with the girls! happy friday to you!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
yayyy for fresh light pasta- I cannot get enough of it!
Hope the movie trip goes well! Girlfriends are a must!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
This season is tough when it comes to weight loss. I’m sick of seeing it on all the covers of magazines. Ugh.
Good for you in terms of putting yourself out there and making new friends. It’s tough – I’m shy around people at first too. It’s taken me a good 1.5 years to make really good friends down here, but I’m glad I put myself out there.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
The first of the year fitness/health bandwagon jumpers are irritating to me. The actually had a guy in the parking lot of our gym last night with a flashlight and vest on DIRECTING TRAFFIC! It was insane. And these same people that are so pumped up about their resolutions are circling the parking lot trying to find a closer spot. YOU ARE AT THE GYM—PHYSICAL EXERTION IS THE POINT!
Phew, I feel better now.
I am also like you in social settings, and have been called snobby, stuck up and that I think I’m better than anyone else. =( Little do people know that it is exactly the opposite. When my husband and I met he said I was “stoic.” After I looked it up, I realized it wasn’t such a bad thing to be!
Have a great Friday!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I don’t have a problem with an individual making a resolution to eat healthy/exercise/lose weight if that is what is right for them–if that happens to occur around New Year’s, more power to them. I actually kicked my weight loss efforts into gear almost exactly a year ago, although I didn’t think of it as a New Year’s resolution.
What burns me up is this mentality that EVERYONE should be a diet after January first because clearly we all behaved like absolute pigs by eating Christmas cookies (*gasp*). The message seems to be that if you enjoy yourself and eat well, then you need to punish yourself afterward, and that is utter B.S. I hate all of the stupid ads, too. I’m actually in the process of writing a post about this very subject. Great minds and all.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Exactly Hil!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for the Gnu bar review! It was very helpful!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Thank you for the comment on my blog! That’s really nice.
The Gwyneth thing…I know…ridiculous!
I never thought of adding chickpeas to that pasta dish–great idea!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
i adore quick and simple pasta meals – and that looks like my perfect mixture of ingredients!
January 9th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Your pasta looks so good.
I am always frustrated with the hype over dieting in January because I am a strong believer in moderation year round.
I can’t tell you how many times my initial quietness is construed as snobbiness. I totally understand what you are going through! It is frustrating!
January 9th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
It is ALL about balance and moderation! That pasta looks so yummy.
SInce we live so close to each other, we should meet up one day.
Comment on my blog if you’d like.
January 9th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Good for you on the friends thing. Hope you enjoy your evening!
I try to ignore all those New Year’s articles. Most of them (gwyneth’s idiocy aside) are just common sense for me by now and I remind myself I already know what I’m doing and what works for me.
January 9th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I actually really love the chocolate brownie and cinnamon raisin gnu bars. The peanut butter is aptly described as medicinal.
I have so many friends who love yoga to the people classes i the east village. I have to say, I typically find that switching to pilates when I am in a yoga rut helps.
January 9th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Amen, Heather!! I wish people would focus on other things.
TGIF!!
January 9th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
My only diet-related New Year’s decision was “stop eating so many cookies so that I am on a nonstop sugar high.” That meant cutting back, not eliminating, by the way. I think normalizing is good, neurotic is bad, and good cookies aren’t a seasonal thing.
re: yoga, I saw this today – http://www.baristanet.com/2009/01/free_yoga_alert.php – lots of free classes in the essex cty area. I just started yoga after a three year hiatus, and there are some free options here!
January 9th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I know what you mean, but tis the season and to be honest all of this stuff is what got me so motviated to get in shape last year.
January 9th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
How about motivating bordering on obsessive? I think it’s motivating up to a point… but all this stuff in the mags and all is getting to be a little too much.
Am shy too. Or else too sarcastic, and people think I’m being serious. Then I feel bad. Lol.
Good luck with the socializing!
January 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
i use these calcium chews that are from the pharmacy’s own label…way cheaper than the 10 dollar kinds at whole foods lol Usually, i eat 2 a day with breakie and din..calcium is real important for women in my fam. I am actually trying yoga more and more and bought a mat, and am doing the 20 min free downloads so I can get used to it..the one “yoga for buns” was hard…lots of strength poses!
January 9th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Yay I think I am going to see Bride Wars this weekend too!
Maybe I should try a different flavor Gnu bar, I’ve had the pB one and really didn’t like it.
I think its annoying/funny how obsessed people get with weight loss in January…it’s like it’s the only time of year it can happen for some people or they just give up!
January 9th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Haven’t seen the Gnu bars, they look similar to Odwalla. I have found that in a lot of bars the chocolate flavor or brownie just doesn’t do it for me. I’m looking for the real stuff.
January 9th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Thank you SO SO much for stopping by! I can’t wait to find more readers! I’ve been following your blog for a while:P I’m adding you to my blog roll so I remember to check in often! I hope I’ll hear from you more!
January 9th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Heather, enjoy your girls’ night at the movies. It sounds like you’re getting adjusted to NJ! I’m happy your making yourself a home there.
I didn’t like Yoga to The People either. I tried at 6 AM one morning, and I spent the first 10 minutes annoyed at the guy’s voice and just shut it off. I think I was just tired, my room was too cold, and things got heated pretty quickly. I need to ease into my yoga. I prefer the 20 minute sessions from http://www.yogadownload.com
Gnu bars – 12 grams of fiber? Wow!
January 9th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I think the New Year’s diet talk is obsessive, which is why I don’t think it’s healthy or always that successful. I’m glad people want to get healthy, but seriously, it takes TIME and HARD WORK!!! It truly has to be a lifestyle change or it won’t work. I saw a magazine cover when I was at a grocery store touting 28 days til a slimmer you, and I got frustrated at the cover haha. Real results take real time.
ANYWAY! Stepping off the soapbox…yeah. I’m so glad you’re getting the chance to meet some girl friends though! I completely understand. Right after we got married my hubs and I had to move for his job. Small town, knew one couple, they just moved. So now we pretty much know no one, and I don’t even have coworkers to hang out with right now. It’s rough. A girl has got to have some girlfriends!!
January 9th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I want to add that I also think it’s great when an individual wants to make healthy changes to his/her life and lose weight when necessary. What I am over is ridiculous diet pimping and stories about overhauling your diet until it consists of no fun things like ice cream. I understand I am not in a situation where I am trying to lose weight, or these things might be helpful and necessary.
January 9th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
I had the same reaction to the guy’s voice on YTTP! I do want to try the studio in NYC, though. I like that they want to make yoga more accessible.
As for all the new years diet talk, I chalk it up to a moneymaking ploy for diet companies…
January 9th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for the gnu reviews
I hear ya on the New Year weight loss stuff – it’s a little bit too much!
Hope you have fun at Bride Wars!!
January 9th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I hope they’re down for shy! I wish I lived in NJ, with Andrea and our hubs, and we could triple date!
I hate the weight loss stuff too. It makes me uncomfortable and sad. :/
January 9th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I think it’s great that people get motivated after the holidays and into the new year to get healthy but it definitely gets obsessive, especially from a dieting front, and so many people don’t even stick to it. If you want to get healthy for the new year, great, but try STICKING to it instead of following fad diets temporarily to drop holiday pounds. It’s frustrating how many people approach it from the WRONG angle and give up so quickly.
And I can completely relate to your shyness/snobbyness tendency. I’m exactly like that. I think many people think I am the biggest bitch when they don’t know me and I’ve been told many times that people think I’ve been glaring at them in passing when I never even saw them in the first place! I’m just not very comfortable with people I don’t know well and am horrible at making small talk so I often come off looking snobby and standoffish. I’m really friendly once I actually know people! Well, as long as I’m in a good mood haha. But seriously, it’s hard being shy sometimes!
January 9th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
i feel the same about the gnu bars, the banana walnut and cinn raisin are good, choc ok (better warmed!)… your pasta dish looks incredible, too!
umm, i’m all for someone getting more exercise if they haven’t been, if a “special” day is what it requires. but for christsake, it’s a healhty LIFESTYLE that should be promoted, not a diet. and no, everyone shoudl not feel like they need to jump on this bandwagon…
although they might
January 9th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
lol i love the pic of mark w/ the bar…
oooooooo i am so the same way about feeling awkward/weird in situations w/ ppl i dont really know! after time it gets easier but yeah im the same way!
January 9th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I just did yoga for the first time the other day and its WAY harder than I thought it was going to be! My calves killed after that!
Hope your new “friends” and movie going out goes well – I know it’s kind of difficult to make new friends as adults!
Happy Friday!
January 9th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I really get obsessed with celebrities talking about weight loss during new year time. Because it should be the time to thank all wonderful things we’ve accomplish this year and time to set up new goals/plans for the new year. And it’s okay if we want to feel better, be healthier and everything…..but put weight loss on the list? that’s too much! our happiness should not be dominated by the weight scale, shouldn’t we?
well….that’s my own opinion on the issue.
About yoga class, I just bought the membership at yogadownload.com for less than 10$ a month, and you can download several class with that…. I love vinyasa classes, they really make you work hard
January 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I thought the Gwyneth post was really sad! I definitely agree that it creates this sense of urgency, like I MUST do a dramatic overhaul right now or life as I know it will end! Not true at all. But I definitely fully support people who are wanting to make small, positive changes this year – little by little makes a BIG difference!
I couldn’t agree more with you on the Gnu Peanut Butter bar! And my favorite is Banana Walnut, too. That reminds me that I need to write a review about those…
I hope you like Bride Wars! And Mark’s friends
January 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I’m sick of them too! It’s a pure marketing tool. Right after Christmas, right before “spring break” and then they inundate us again all summer long, and then the pre-holiday blitz begins all over again.
Your pasta looks delish though
January 9th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
ya I am with you on all the diet talk, it makes me sick!!! I am mean I am glad people are cleaning up there act, but I think it does become an obsession! Never had one of those bars, some girls and I are going to see Bride Wars tonight too:)
January 9th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I’m like you with making new friends but its great you are taking a chance! Have a good time!
The whole weight loss with New Years is why I don’t make resolutions (although I did announce some goals I have had for a bit on New Years). Too many people make “resolutions” more because you are supposed to and think that will make them work. The only time you can truly make a change in your life is when you have hit that certain point that only you know.
January 9th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Gnu bars! Thanks for the reviews!
And wow, everything looks mighty tasty – especially that pasta!
January 9th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I’ve only tried the brownie Gnu bar and didn’t like it all, but the banana walnut one looks a lot more moist. I think I like everything banana, so that would help too
Thanks for the review!
Have fun with the girls and let us know how you liked the movie. I’m going out with some girls tonight too, and this was one of the options but I voted for Slumdog Millionaire. Let’s see if I made the right choice…
January 9th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
I love Gnu bars!
As for the diet talk, I think it is a good reminder. I like the way Oprah approaches it and I have a crush on Dr. Oz.. so… 
January 9th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I am sooo excited to try out Yoga!!!
What is your #1 tip for beginners?
My DVD’s should arrive next week….tick tock tick tock
PS- I love this blog!!
Angela
January 9th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I AM SO WITH YOU HEATHER!! ugghh i am so sick of seeing all these messages!!!! when do we ever see new years resolutions to maintain a healthy lifestyle or even to GAIN weight! ughh! thank you for this post
and i had a banana gnu foods fiber bar today too! love them!!!!! have a great day lady!
January 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Angela: I would say, don’t force anything. People who are active and athletic like you and I tend to think we can muscle our way into something, but yoga isn’t like that, which is why I love. If you practice, you will get there, but just be patient! Also, I recommend going to a class if you have one available to you. There is nothing like an instructor to help your alignment and show you exactly what to.
Thanks for the blog love.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I always hate this time of year for dealing with diet madness. Because the people that don’t eat healthy or workout all year start going mad in January. They crowd up the gym, and make me crazy. I’m actually working out at home so I don’t have to deal with the madness.
I have to try those Gnu bars…..
KO
January 9th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I just tried my first Gnu bar yesterday! I like them a lot… or at least, the one flavor I did try. I agree with Mark about the chocolate flavor-ed one… you just can’t fake it!
I am SO SICK of diet talk, New Year’s related and not. Today I was at a newsstand looking for a magazine to take to the gym and both Shape AND Fitness magazines had a “Lose 10 Lbs” feature in exactly the same spot on the cover!
January 9th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I think the whole thing is a bit too hyped up and blown out of proportion every single year…it really bugs me to see how people push themselves so hard in the beginning and then think it’s too hard so they give up immediately.
and i hear you about the whole friends thing…it took me ages just to go out to the bars w/ one of my friends after living in San Diego for almost 5 months! how sad am i? hahaha.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
oh man, i wish you lived here, i feel like we would have a fabulous time hanging out. i need more girlfriends as well — my local bestie just moved to california and i am really, really sad.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Your pasta looks yummy!
I was annoyed by Ms. Paltrow’s comment about gaining holiday weight too. How is that supposed to make the average woman feel?
I tend to be quiet around people when I meet them too. I know exactly what you mean about people taking it the wrong way. Good luck on finding some friends in NJ!
January 10th, 2009 at 12:19 am
i just ate two gnu bars today
the banana walnut is my absolute FAVVVOOOORITEEE!! is it not heaven?! i tried it last bc i didnt think i’d love it but now it’s all i want!
January 10th, 2009 at 1:50 am
RE: YTTP again
Ya he teaches all 6 of those classes, After doing it for a little bit, I realized that “flow low” means to go through a whole vinyasa flow from whatever pose you are in…but most times i would still have a leg in the air and he would be onto the next pose! I would have to do all the chaturanga to up dog then down dog really fast to catch up..haha i’m glad you do yoga so you will follow this ridiculous paragraph…I’m gonna try yogadownload next for sure!
January 10th, 2009 at 4:50 am
i can be like that with new people, too. just wait until they start to see the true beautiful person you really are. then theyll be star stunned.
January 10th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I agree, Heather. Weight loss is everywhere right now and I’ve just had to tune it out. I feel that my eats are very balanced and leave me feeling great, so that’s all that matters. Right?!
Anyways, I think you have a fabulous balance … all your eats are very healthy and delicious.
If you want ice cream, I say go for it. It’s healthy to treat yourself!!
Have a good day!
January 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Yay for bride wars and new jersey! I’m going to see that movie today! I totally know what you mean about the “weight loss goals” too; it makes it really hard to be OKAY with a normal, healthy life when everyone around us it nitpicking their diets and bodies, you know?
Hope your day is fab-fab-fabulous and talk to you later!
January 10th, 2009 at 11:09 am
when i first meet people, they get the same impression. i just don’t feel comfortable around people i hardly know, but i open up (and get pretty crazy) once we actually become friends.
the pasta looks wonderful!
have a great saturday!
January 10th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
i SOOO agree. ugh, so sick of hearing about oprah’s freakin weight gain/loss crap. i mean enough all ready. i get it!!!
cant wait to try a gnu bar. ive been seeing them a lot lately, so after your reviews, ill give em a shot.
January 11th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Well, I really never payed attention to NY Resolutions until now. I’m quite tired of the magazines, but in blogland I find it motivating to see everyone motivating eachother and see whats going on.