i made a video in reply to all the concerned comments i got about my new eating plan with the fitmixer bootcamp. if you care at all about that, watch the video. a LOT of you don’t care, which is great. and normal.. since what i eat has nothing to do with our friendship.. ha. so if you aren’t interested, skip on down to the post under the vid!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8n6D2ERF4o&feature=youtu.be
i did have a different post planned today, but to be honest–it’s been a very trying day.
i had a very hard day at work. we had to make some big decisions, we had some important meetings, and i had to take care of a lot of things that resulted from all this. it was overwhelming and challenging for me today and will continue to be for a number of weeks, i presume. to top it off, my AC in my office broke and it was a stuffy, windowless office at 80 degrees all day. ick. when things are so mind-draining at my actual job, it leaves little energy for me to pour into this blog of mine. i am sure you understand. work comes before hobbies.
and you know what else comes before hobbies (and this blog)? marshall. the poor guy woke up VERY sick. thanks to me.. yep, i passed my bug along to him. sad.
so instead of writing up the post i had planned (it was about washing my face, by the way, and i will write it soon) or talking more about meal plans or calories (because in the long run none of that crap even MATTERS and i was way sick of even thinking about that by the end of today so i am glad i filmed that video this morning–because honestly? who gives a shit! there are more important things in life than discussing my meal plan.) i am leaving you with this soup recipe that i made for my sick guy tonight.
we both needed a second helping, we are a couple of sickies. even though i am now on the mend, i still find comfort in chicken noodle soup. who doesn’t?!
creamy chicken noodle soup
makes six large servings or eight small servings
ingredients:
- 16 oz chicken breast
- 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz baby carrots, diced
- 8 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 bunch of fresh herbs (i used sage, rosemary, and thyme–but will be omitting the rosemary next time because marshall informed me his soup tasted like a christmas tree. oops! noted. i liked the rosemary but it’s not for everyone!)
- 1 TB dried basil
- 2 dried bay leaves
- salt & pepper to taste (about 1 tsp of each for me!)
- 4 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 cups water
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
directions:
- put chicken and broth in a large pot and bring to a boil. let chicken cook through, then remove chicken from broth.
- meanwhile, dice the veggies.
- once you have removed the cooked chicken from the broth, add the veggies and bring to a boil for about 15 minutes–carrots should be soft but not completely done.
- meanwhile, shred the cooked chicken with two forks.
- add herbs (i left them on the stems) and seasonings and stir.
- add noodles and water, bring to a boil.
- when noodles have cooked through, add evaporated milk and shredded chicken to the soup.
- season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- remove bay leaves and sprigs of fresh herbs before serving.
- serve with toast–preferably sourdough in our house!
check ya later, alligators.
xo. janetha g.
Next Comments →
Sorry it’s been a rough day. The soup looks great. I hope tomorrow is better for y’all.
You’re my girl….way to go!
I don’t see any video here on my phone?? Am I missing something?
I sure hope Marshall starts to feel better soon. Don’t start putting ornaments on the boy :)
Love you both!!
xo
Hope all get feeling better soon AND that work settles down too.
poor marshall! I hope he feels better soon!
Hope marshall feels better. Homemade chicken soup definitely cures all!! I had a big bowl of it last night after my particularly challenging and long day at school. Of coursed it made everything better. Good luck with the bootcamp and don’t worry about comments about diet. You know you best :) xox
I thought your video made a lot of sense :)
Hey Janetha,
I’ve been one of your readers for awhile now and thought I’d comment finally. Can I just say that you rock!! I’ve always loved that your posts are so down to earth and real–you really don’t bullshit about anything which I love. It is so refreshing to hear someone say–in the long run meal plans and calories don’t matter!! It’s so important to live one’s life to the fullest and to treat our loved ones with compassion and kindness. I hope you and Marshall feel better soon!
And–I think you look great by the way!
PS: I’ve been reading so many amazing recaps of Blend–it looked like so much fun!
i’m sorry things have been stressful lady :( marshall’s a lucky man to have such a sweet loving wife who makes him soup after all that though!
let me know if i can help with anything!
soup sounds delish! I make one similar but w/out the meat. I will have to try the evaporated milk for a creamier soup! Get well soon Marshall!
LOVED this post, J – the video really. And I didn’t comment but I truly appreciated your honesty in the last post, mainly because I’ve been feeling the same way. I hate to complain or post much about my weight or how I look in pictures because it can come off the wrong way, but it’s real and we all have those feelings! I totally understood your reaction to the “before” pics. Thank you for sharing. :)
Also, I liked this video because you explained (although you didn’t need to – like someone above said you know you best!) that you’ve been taking in more than you need and not moving like crazy, so it makes sense. Connecting with an RD/nutritionist is so neat too, and I think it sounds like a good challenge. I’ve been taking too many handfuls of cereal from the pantry lately, and your post made me realize it’s because I’m bored and/or I get home and get something in me instantly. Okay from time to time, but not necessary, especially for a 5’3″ girl like me (similar to you)…so you’re encouraging me to think through my food choices (and the reasons behind them) more often too. THANK YOU. :D
Also, I just really like you. Thanks for being YOU and for living your life and allowing us a little peek into it. :)
You are killing this J. Candice is a pro. She knows what she is doing. So do you. You know what you want and what to look out for. You’ve surrounded yourself with those who truly want whats best for you. You can’t lose.
Loved the vid. It was raw, man. Keepin it real. Thanks.
I’m glad you made the video! I definitely did a side eye at the 1350 cal comment on your last post, so I’m glad you cleared some stuff up. Not that you had to, or that its anyone’s business. :)
Hope you guys are feeling better soon !
Man, I really hope that you get to feeling better!
SO much I want to say so I hope I don’t leave anything out… First, when I read your post yesterday, I didn’t think anything of it. In fact, I found myself nodding in agreement because it was a lot of the things I had been thinking and noticing about myself recently.
I could relate so much because I am in the same boat! I’ve never struggled with an ED, and like you, I tend to over eat at times. I am also a small person (5’4″) so I can relate that JUST 5 lbs really shows on a smaller frame!
I found your video response so refreshingly honest and I think you did a great job of addressing the concerns some people had.
Thanks for reading my novel. Cause I promise 95% of the time I read yours! ;)
whatever you are doing it is working b/c you look great!
Loved this vlog…your honesty is so refreshing! I hear ya about the counting calories. Ive never done it till this bootcamp. Its annoying but Ive already learned a few things with only two days of doing it! Candice has me on 1400-1500 daily. (Im 5’9 with an activity level very similar to you) I am surprised that I am not hungry at all with this range…yet I ate so much more prior. I obviously was doing quite a bit of mindless and bored snacking! I think I will learn quite a bit about myself during the Fitmixer Bootcamp!
Again…loved your video!
beaux’s before hoes! and yes, we are your hoes! take care of that man. Hope he feels better soon.
I didn’t listen to the video yet, but i love you for being open an honest. i am going to listen to it now…ok.. here i go. JG LOVIN!
I totally get the hard days at work! These past few weeks have been trying but hang in there….it always seems to subside. :)
Glad you had some comforting soup to sooth the rough day. Chicken noodle always soothes the soul. :)
Loved the video! :) Can’t wait to hear more about this whole fitmixer camp.
I pretended like you were in my living room, sniffling and coughing, instead of in SLC.
I honestly didn’t see anything wrong with the 1300 calories as a temporary measure to go back on track. No need to defend yourself, really, IMO. A “hey guys, I actually have a RD helping me with the plan!” would have sufficed for the naysayers.
aww – hope you guys both feel better soon! and you’re right. snuggling w/ pups makes just about anything better.
So great to hear your voice etc! You have such a smart head on your shoulders. You’re on the right track. Wishing you all the best with your calorie counting endeavor:)Please keep posting your meal ideas..love them!
You poor sickies :(
I’ll have to watch that video on my phone later! I love your videos (duh)!
I hope the AC at your work gets fixed AND everyone just gets the heck better soon.
No matter how crappy of a day I’m having, petting (or hugging) a puppy makes it all better.
People are so weird… 1350 is not too low.
I’ve been recommended 1200-1400 from many experts and sources for years! I am really surprised that anyone would say that is not healthy for you.
But yeah, like you mentioned, maybe it’s because people think you work out 5 hours a day or something!
I <3 You!!!!!! Sorry yesterday was so stressful! I hope Marshall is feeling better and today is less hectic for you.
I was nervous about my nutrition plan when I first saw it (1400-1500 calories), but I agree with you – I trust Candace. She would never put any of us on a plan that would be harmful or dangerous!
Happy Wednesday! Hope it's a good day!! xoxo
I feel like we are friends now…I totally relate to you on SO many things you said in the video! I am just a little bit shorter than you, but I have a HUGE appetite so it’s easy for my weight to creep up on me. I always have a hard time with these bloggers who insist that you can eat tons of calories as long as you are eating clean…that just doesn’t seem to be true for me! I am a lot tinier than a lot of these girls and even though I work out regularly, I also sit at a desk all day and come home and lay on my couch with my husband and cats. Blah blah blah…I am totally rambling but the moral of the story is: I feel ya girl :)
love the vlog!!!
you’re quite relatable.
Love that video & love how open/real you are about everything! You’re right, the key is trust! I trust that Candice gave the me the best number and will monitor it throughout the 12 weeks. So glad I signed up for the bootcamp (thanks to you!). :)
Love the video….thanks for sharing :)
I love your response – I don’t think people realize how few calories us short people (I’m 5’1 too) actually need. I’m terrible about it too, I tend to overeat and I do run longer. But it still adds up quickly. :) Good luck during bootcamp!
Hope today is a healthier & happier one. Chicken soup totally makes things better….
I watched the video though I didn’t feel you were under eating. I knew you were a smaller girl, and I know we don’t need to indulge in a ton of calories(though it can be fun!!). I also don’t feel you need to explain yourself. You have never given any signs of starving yourself, in fact you have always really embraced food.
Keep up the wonderful work and fantastic posts. Hope things look up on the stress.. :)
Hi Janetha!!!!
I loved the video and see where you are coming from! I am 5’0 and my calorie intake is 1200-1300 for the bootcamp. I catch so much flack that I am not eating enough. I am in the same boat as you. I work at a desk all day, don’t move much, workout and then veg out. I love that you took the stance to show/explain people that it is okay for you to be at 1350 calories a day!!
I hope you and Marshall get feeling better really soon. Being sick is the worst!
I am definitely going to try your soup recipe soon :)
Your eating habits sound like mine. Bowls of cereal. Bowls of ice cream. I am with you — I don’t need this EVERY night. And that’s exactly WHY I started this bootcamp. I wanted to get a professional’s opinion. If anything, I’m getting a LOT out of counting macronutrients — if anything else. I’ve got 1300-1400 now (she adjusted), but if I’m losing quickly, I’m going to let her know and we’ll go back to closer to 1500.
I am with you on the working out. Another reason I started this. I am eating like I was when I ran all the time, but I just don’t run like that anymore. And all the time that I spend working out to make up for that is starting to wear on my body. I want to work out less (or get back into running — but only after I lose weight so my joints quit crying) … which requires me to eat less. I truly and honestly enjoy running. But not when I hurt when I do it. Which is why I quit for now.
Anyway — I’m really glad you posted the video about this. I actually e-mailed Candice because I thought she’d given me way too much for what I do. I look like I workout all the time as per what I post online. But I don’t workout like I used to (my nikeplus site will tell you that). I sent her my average amount of calories burnt from workouts over the past week and she adjusted.
I am going to admit. I LOVE COUNTING CALORIES. Only because I’m OCD about everything. And I actually log things a day in advance because then I can plan out my entire day of food. There is something wrong with me. I realize.
I eat allllll the freaking time. And I eat as much as Mark does. Which is really not good. And there’s a reason I gained 15 lbs when I started dating him. We like food.
Oh, and I hope Marshall feels better! Sounds like you got him sick. ;) How did that happen? Way to be a good wifey and take care of the hubban!
<3
Bassets are the BEST form of therapy. My parents have three, and I totally take advantage of having them around when I don’t feel well.
Great post and Vid!! I am in the same boat as far as food intake…I am short, and I work at a desk, so other than my 5 day a week workouts and occasional other activities (thanks again for Move More in May btw), I am not incredibly active, so I don’t need as much as I eat, and I have never had a problem eating…I also have a tendency to snack at night, eat ice cream etc…we have very similar tastes, fitness styles etc which is partly why I love your blog and read it almost daily! Anyways, I completely relate and I thought you explained it well. I am looking forward to seeing upcoming posts about how the fitmixer bootcamp goes…I think I want to do the next one when it comes around again, and I completely respect and may even partly rely on your opinion of it! :)
Hope your hubby and you feel better soon, and have a great day!
You’re a babe! Thank you!
Hi there! I’ve been a reader for a while, but rarely comment (sorry- I know that can be annoying). I hope everyone is happy and healthy in not time. I’m sure the soup will help!
btw- I liked your video response. I’m really impressed by how well you handled what is obviously an upsetting time and wish I had half the patience and fairness you showed. I completely respect your opinion and agree with not only your reasons but the way you handled it (obvi!)
Thank you for your feedback!
I run a lot and still eat too much, so personally it’s hard for me to imagine 1300 calories a day. But, you do your thing and I’ll do mine :)
You burn 1300 calories in your sleep! You are a machine. Big props.
Calories shmalories. I don’t think you need to defend your choices.
I’d read your novel. ;)
haha.. i know. i love you! not defending.. just explaining. people were pretty upset!
love you, miss you
Oh lord, now I feel like a bitch for asking you about the calories!! I hope you didn’t take it the wrong way – I was genuinely curious who came up with the number for you.
I know you’re smart enough to not just blindly follow a nutrition program, and you will know whether something needs to change or not. I write nutrition programs for people every day, and the lowest number of calories I ever put women on – not including those who are competing – is 1350, and that’s on rest days. Never less than 1500 on workout days, regardless of height. The macro split of these low calorie diets is usually 30:40:30, so it was interesting for me to see how high your proportion of carbohydrates is.
Every coach out there will take a different approach, and that’s totally fine. My background is in bodybuilding, so everything I do is about maintaining maximum muscle mass for my clients. Good luck with it all :)
Don’t feel like a bitch, I didn’t think you were at all. It’s definitely lower in protein than many weight training-supported diets I’ve followed in the past, so when you said that about protein I wasn’t surprised :)
Just read through a lot of the comments from yesterday’s post…holy overwhelming-ness! Nice job on your part playing it cool and responding in a very polite, informational way. I know (as do most readers) that you live a smart, well balanced, healthy and active life. Thanks for the great posts day after day!
The soup looks fabulous! Must try it soon! And I loved the vid! Hope you are both feeling better soon!
You’re just awesome. I <3 you, Janetha!
Hope today is better for you – and you just keep on doin' your thang ;)
I hope Marshall feels better soon! I’m sorry about your bad day today, hopefully things get better!! Chicken noodle soup always makes me feel better, its such a cheery food! I totally relate to the working out thing. I’m pretty lazy too hhaa. I like to get my workout done fast, and then sit on my butt the rest of the time. Sorry you had to defend your calorie intake, in the end its YOUR body, no one else’s, so you make the choices regarding what is best for it! And you sound like you have a lot of help too, so that’s awesome. Have a great day!xo
I think its awesome you are doing something and sticking to it! Im sure the RD you are working with has you on check. Good luck!!
(A newish reader & loving your blog! Keep it up :)
I think you said something really important in the video, that you’ve never been an under-eater and don’t understand how people just can’t make their calories everyday. That totally works both ways so I hope it was helpful for people to hear that because I think in real life this kind of understanding can prevent a lot of judgement and assumptions. I know you weren’t trying to get all serious about it, but it’s good for us all to think outside our own box sometimes. I hope your week isn’t too stressful or at least your sniffles become less frequent, although I do enjoy them hilariously inserted in the middle of a vlog.
yes! you hit it on the head–we are all different! what works for one person will not work for the next.. and one thing may be easier or harder.
and haha, yeah, i figured those edits were better than my disgusting sick person noises ;)
great post janetha! i think you’re doing fine! obviously you’re not a doofus and if you realize you can’t live off that # of calories you’ll make adjustments. it’s all good.
oh and that soup looks so yummy!
Love your video! :) Good points! I’m 5’3 and a total lazy bum. I get active about 2xweek but nothing up to par with the normal gym-goer. It’s funny that I was actually told my goal should be around 1200…. 1400 on super active days by a trainer. I usually go above it on my beer drinking days ;) Hope y’all feel better soon! Those pics of your pup and Marshall are awesome!! :)
Sorry to hear that Marshal is sick. I hope he gets better soon. I was wondering (and assuming) that Marshall is watching Donald Driver on Dancing with the Stars. Donald is doing amazing and I hope that everybody votes for him in the finals next week. It would be so awesome to have a Green Bay Packer win this season! Please send the message to everybody in Blog-Land to vote for Donald Driver!
funny, i didn’t even think twice when i saw your last post as i assumed that you would be taking a healthy approach, like you always do! i’m a shortie too, so totally understand that for our height, how little calories we really need. a few years ago i started a weight loss plan and the trainer specifically said that it would be difficult for me to lose weight because i was so small. poop! and it’s precisely these kinds of posts that keep me coming back to your blog because your posts are honest and don’t candy coat stuff. i struggle with ups and downs in my weight and while i’m better with it now than i was when i was younger, it still bugs me so it’s nice to feel that i’m not alone!
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