No More Fast Food!

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Emergency!  Wiener dog without arms on the loose!

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Just kidding.  :)  She lays down and her arms disappear under her chunky barrel chest.  I love it.

 

Today was a BUSY day.  And I’m still working!  We took a break from studying + working to go to Costco around 1 PM.  I brought OJ and nuts with me:

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But, on the way to Costco, I declared a hunger emergency, and we made a pit stop at Starbucks for an English muffin, egg, and cheese sammie.

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While waiting for the sammie, I posted an Operation Beautiful note on the drive-through window:

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I’ve noticed a pattern — as I get busier and busier, I start relying on Chipotle, Thai takeout, and Starbucks more and more!  I think the problem is compounded by the fact that I’m bored by our normal groceries, which usually involve prep time and lots of cooking.

 

The Husband agreed with me, so we decided to pick up a few new items at Costco that will hopefully make our lives a little easier in the kitchen.  I don’t like eating a lot of processed foods, but processed foods from home are generally healthier (and cheaper) than stuff I can get at a drive-through. 

 

And anyway, the alternative is more PB sammies or hummus sammies.  I’m sure you guys get bored seeing sammies for dinner all the time… at least, I know I do!

 

While at Costco, I had a few random samples, including PUMPKIN PIE!
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And sweet potato fries:

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When we got back home, I made a bowl of fruit

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… and reorganized my home office.

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Ta da!  It’s not done yet, but it’s close.  My work computer is still out because I’ll be doing some consulting for a while.  Once I’m officially transitioned to a consultant, I’m going to take down the monitors and just leave the laptop so I can move it more easily.

 

Snacked on a cracker with cream cheese:

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Did more work, and then made dinner.  The star of dinner was this organic pasta:

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Which we had with tomato sauce and a side salad:

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Two thumbs up! Excellent pasta and it only took 5 minutes to cook.  I need more 5-minute meals in my life.

 

Dessert was some mini M&Ms:

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Whew!  Long day.  My hunger, which was non-existent after my race yesterday, came back in full force today!  It’s weird how that works.

 

What’s your "fast food" weakness? Now that I’ve discovered a Chipotle down the street, I think I have a problem with burritos.

{ 67 comments }

 

  • Claire September 27, 2009, 4:16 pm

    Not really "fast" fast food but the closest I get…a local (actually a couple of them) Greek place that has DELICIOUS gyros. I get the chicken or mushroom at one and the gyro (lamb) at the other…though I want to try their veggie and tilapia versions, too!

  • Julia September 27, 2009, 4:29 pm

    I try to avoid processed foods, but with a busy schedule sometimes it is a much better choice like you said.
    I haven't eaten much fast food lately (except this terrible meal at my school student center), but that is only because I have so many easy to make options at home.

  • Matt September 27, 2009, 4:29 pm

    I am a sucker for Pita Pit. I could seriously eat there everyday.

  • healthyfitmama September 27, 2009, 4:32 pm

    When I lived in Colorado, there was a Subway within walking distance from my house. I worked at home, so just to get out of the house, I used to walk to Subway a lot for lunch. Could've been worse I suppose. I always chose healthy subs, plus I got a little exercise in! 🙂

  • teacherwoman September 27, 2009, 4:32 pm

    Qdoba…which is as close to Chipotle that we will get here. However, it's spendy for fast food (in my terms) so it's easier to stay away. lol

  • VeggieGirl September 27, 2009, 4:34 pm

    LOVE your home office space!

  • Food Makes Fun Fuel September 27, 2009, 4:36 pm

    I think getting off of fast foods is a great thing; I'm always for putting the power in yourself when it comes to making food and I find it hard to actually have someone cook for me without me really knowing and trusting them or their restaraunt

  • Mrs. LC September 27, 2009, 4:37 pm

    AHAHA love the pic of Maggie.

    If we're out/ traveling my two "go to" places for food are Subway (I can easily get a vegan sub) and any burrito place (it's easy to make a vegan burrito). We don't go out much, so it's not a biggie. 🙂

  • Kate September 27, 2009, 4:37 pm

    Mine is Asian food!

  • Holly September 27, 2009, 4:38 pm

    You're definitely doing great with your food choices given your incredible high-paced and busy life. I highly recommend reading (at least) the last section of In Defense of Food though ("Not Too Much: How To Eat"- it totally speaks to the situation you are in now. p 187 if you own the book- re: the economic theory being tested by the decline in American "Time Cost" of eating)

  • sarahsmarsh September 27, 2009, 4:39 pm

    Thanks for weiner-dog alert! Made me laugh. My cat also likes to pretend like she has no front legs. My husband and I call this a "quadruple tuck" or "hen pose."

  • irunisweat September 27, 2009, 4:40 pm

    Jared and I just bought those pasta pillows last week at Costco. I'm not a huge fan of ravioli, but was looking for something for him after my (often) long work days. They weren't bad, but not great. Easy dinners

  • Susan September 27, 2009, 4:43 pm

    Sushi! I can buy some right next door to my office. Some days I'm soooo tempted to grab dinner there after work instead of having to make something at home!

  • kasondra September 27, 2009, 4:44 pm

    i need to start planning for my hunger and following through with what i planned more often, my issue is not eating enough nutritionally dense foods then binging. Seeing more pbj and hummus wouldn't be a negative thing in my book. seing other people jsut grabbing healthy stuff makes me feel like i can do it too.

  • Danielle September 27, 2009, 4:47 pm

    It is really hard not to rely on fast food when things get busy. It's totally one of our downfalls too. We don't really have a "go to", but I always love Moe's (I can't handle the cilantro at Chipotle)and I don't know what I would do if it was down the street!

    I *heart* the ravioli that you bought at Costco! We have that as a staple in our freezer because it's so good and works in a pinch. Enjoy!

  • Jenna September 27, 2009, 4:49 pm

    yeah that is strange how you aren't hungry right after your race but then the next day you are! glad you gave your body what it needs 🙂
    jenna

  • Kelly September 27, 2009, 4:49 pm

    I can't eat most fast food but I am the same way when it comes to getting busy. Lately I have been stopping for a bagel with cream cheese on the way to work almost every morning, they are starting to know me there, AHH! not good!

  • MelissaNibbles September 27, 2009, 4:51 pm

    I like to make casseroles on Sundays when I know I have a busy week ahead of me. Have you considered getting a Crock Pot? We got one recently and it's been a lifesaver! There are tons of vegetarian crock pot recipes online too. You just set it and forget it! (said in Billy Mays voice)

  • Lauren @ Dragonflies Journey September 27, 2009, 4:53 pm

    WaWa hoagies! Definitely!

  • Kailey (SnackFace) September 27, 2009, 4:54 pm

    A busy schedule just begs for fast food– it's crazy! I really think the sammie you chose was fab, though. Could have been worse!

    I don't really have a fast food weakness, unless Panera counts! I have to get the soup+salad+baguette combo whenever possible! Alright, and a Chipotle salad with chips is delicious once a quarter.

    I know I'm a little behind, but I just wanted to say how amazing I think you are for your race. You've dealt with so much, and you are an inspiration for runners, non-runners and those who are injured and trying to recover. Your honesty is beautiful, and it's one of the reasons why I love HTP so much. Just sharing 😀

    Hope you have a fabulous Sunday night!

  • Anne P September 27, 2009, 5:00 pm

    mine is totally starbucks. i also LOVE panera. mmmm…

  • Mellissa September 27, 2009, 5:00 pm

    Chipotle can be so good, when you are in a hurry and just want food! I avoid it usually but sometimes I just have to give in to temptation.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) September 27, 2009, 5:06 pm

    Mmm mine would be Thai, for sure! And Subway I suppose, but I don't really consider that to be bad fast food. If I could (money wise and health wise), I'd eat Thai noodles and tofu allll the time!

  • angieinatlanta September 27, 2009, 5:06 pm

    Such a cute dog pic! I just want to grab her!

    When I'm busy, I find myself hitting up Panera a lot. It could be worse, right? But it is quite carb-o-licious…

  • Chris and Amy September 27, 2009, 5:15 pm

    Your dog cracked me up. When our cat does that we say "uh-oh kitty ain't got no front legs" in this weird, low voice. I swear it's better if you could hear the voice. 🙂

    Great job with your race and even better job at busting your butt with some speed work. I admire that you are doing soemthing to change your results instead of just lamenting. I've just recently found your blog and Operation Beautiful site and am really enjoying both.

    Living on Okinawa we don't do a lot of fast food. They have McD and KFC, but those aren't ones that tempt me. I will get Subway a couple times a month and when I'm in the states I love the MooMoo at Moe's.

    Have a great week, Amy

  • Sammi September 27, 2009, 5:17 pm

    My obsession is Chipotle! I discovered it 3 years ago and its seriously like an addiction. I try to limit myself to once a week or less.. but it's hard.

    If you get sick of the burrito I would suggest getting the burrito bowl. I used to only get the burrito but then I noticed the tortilla's ridiculous amount of calories and decided to get a bowl. It's a much better deal I think.. they load you up and it lasts 2 meals most of the time. Just a suggestion 🙂

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) September 27, 2009, 5:17 pm

    ugh, we have starbucks, thai and Chipotle within walking distance of our apartment. I try to let myself go there only once a month because it's so expensive and I can usually recreate the meals at home fairly easily. I tried recreating a chipotle burrito…it was actually pretty easy!

  • Katie September 27, 2009, 5:22 pm

    Well, I hate to admit it but I love sausage mcmuffins with cheese from McDonalds every once in awhile, meaning maybe 6 times a year? I don't know why I love them so much, but they're definitely a guilty pleasure.

    Also, if I was strapped for time the night before and was unable to make a lunch, I typically go to a soup and salad place on campus called Spoons. I deem their salads fairly healthy, and I usually ask for a double serving a chicken to help fill me up.

  • Jessica September 27, 2009, 5:23 pm

    Chipotle is also my fast food weakness! It is soooooo good. 🙂

  • Marisa (Trim The Fat) September 27, 2009, 5:24 pm

    My favorite fast food weakness has to be pizza! It's very hard to resist!

  • Niki September 27, 2009, 5:28 pm

    I am totally addicted to Starbucks right now and am trying to limit myself to once or twice a week! I also like Lenny's (sandwhich place) a lot but at least that's pretty healthy!! I don't have very many choice in my town so that helps me not eat fast food a lot!

  • Nicole September 27, 2009, 5:34 pm

    I have never been to Chipotle, but my weakness is a place that seems pretty comparable, Panchero's! The have the most delicious burritos.

    I also went to Qdoba for the first time while in Pittsburgh and now I am OBSESSED! I hope there is one around here. I had an amazing taco salad.

  • Jenna September 27, 2009, 5:35 pm

    That pumpkin pie looks damn good.

    Hmm, fast food weakness would have to be Panera. There is something about that place that gets me. Also, Jimmy Johns subs, which is weird. Why would I pay for somebody to give me a generic sub when I could do it myself? I think it is the bread 🙂

  • skinnyrunner September 27, 2009, 5:43 pm

    i buy that same pasta from our costco, my hubby loves it, and like you said, super easy and fast.

  • Stephanie September 27, 2009, 5:53 pm

    My "fast food" weaknesses are usually ethnic foods, b/c they're harder to recreate at home!

    There is NOTHING wrong w/ getting food from the store that is less time intensive, etc. It's still healthier than eating out, and CHEAPER, too!

  • Nicci@NiftyEats September 27, 2009, 5:54 pm

    Chipotle is my healthy fast food fix & addiction. I try to stick with the burrito bowl and cut out the rice.

  • Sarah September 27, 2009, 5:54 pm

    I had that very same ravioli for lunch today! It freezes well. In the fall, our Costco has a similar pasta (usually it's right next to the spinach ravioli) that is filled with butternut squash…totally yummy!!

  • Jolene - EverydayFoodie September 27, 2009, 5:55 pm

    I am a sucker for pizza … and I love the stuff Costco cooks up in their cafeteria!

  • Morgan (lifeafterbagels) September 27, 2009, 5:57 pm

    I love those starbucks breakfast sandwhiches too, and it's literally 2minutes to get to starbucks by my house

  • Taylor September 27, 2009, 5:59 pm

    That picture is hilarious!!! haha.
    You found some good tasters today! I love it when I hit up a good-taster day 🙂 Pumpkin pie?! No way!

    My weakness is definitely Starbucks or any type of coffee place. I always feel guilty about eating food out when I can make something at home, but for some reason never feel guilty about a coffee or iced coffee (even though those are easy to make at home too!).

  • Kelsey September 27, 2009, 6:17 pm

    love the OB note at the starbucks window!!! thats a great idea and i know if i saw it there, i would be happy for a long time!!
    i really love chipotle [the veg salad with extra guac!], pita pit, and panera bread, which i suppose are the better choices when dealing with fast food.

  • anutritionisteats September 27, 2009, 6:34 pm

    I LOVE Chipotle – by far my favorite "fast food" restaurant. But I do like that they have plenty of options to make a healthy meal.

  • Lizzy September 27, 2009, 6:45 pm

    I don't eat much fast food, actually none really at all unless you consider subway. well i guess you could, but i dont even eat that often either! But if i had a chipotle that close to me too, i would totally be there all the time!

  • carascravings September 27, 2009, 6:46 pm

    My weakness would probably be muffins. I love a huge, fresh muffin from a bakery.

  • Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) September 27, 2009, 6:54 pm

    My favorite "fast food" is probably a sandwich from Subway with cheese and tons of veggies- especially banana peppers (!). With lots of mustard and a dash of oil and vinegar. I loooove banana peppers on anything, but there is something special about the subway doughy bread and all those yummy veggies that make it extra good.

    I also make sure to ask for the bread toasted and the cheese melted! 😉

  • Laura September 27, 2009, 6:57 pm

    There's this great New York style pizza place that I've been visiting too much lately… and I, too, have a Chipotle problem, lol!

    Cheers,
    ~Laura
    Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness
    LauraMKE.blogspot.com

  • Leah @ L4L September 27, 2009, 7:00 pm

    My fast food weakness is either Starbucks or Subway. Or sushi. Hell, I don't know. It's all so good.

  • Hallie September 27, 2009, 7:07 pm

    Aaand this is why I don't know if I belong in the "healthy food" blog world. Subway? Chipotle? PANERA? Please, people 🙂 my weakness is Mexican food…hole in the wall, greasy, sodium-laden cheap Mexican food. And I don't care who knows it!! (I get it maybe once a month, probably less, if that redeems me at all!)

  • runninghealthy September 27, 2009, 7:15 pm

    I love chipotle! i always get one of the bowls but end up splitting into two meals. they are just so big! i also love panera, but i usually get soup and salad, so its not too bad.

  • Lauren September 27, 2009, 7:46 pm

    Eat more!

  • Ali September 27, 2009, 8:03 pm

    My go to "fast food" is a turkey sandwich, I love it and it is fast and easy. So I always just grab that.

    PS. I love your picture of Maggie with not arms! She is so cute. James is a cutie too, I am just a little partial to wieners!

  • maria September 27, 2009, 8:33 pm

    Oh holy moley @ those ravioli. I think I may be in love… and only 5 minutes!!! You are a lucky girl!

  • greensandjeans September 27, 2009, 10:05 pm

    I don't think this really counts as fast food, but I do have a major starbucks addiction! It kills me to know that I can make great coffee at home (for FREE) but I insist on spending money to get a delicious latte!

  • J@ Whole Body Love September 27, 2009, 10:12 pm

    Starbucks and Panera are my fast food weaknesses!

  • Deb (Smoothie Girl Eats Too) September 27, 2009, 10:46 pm

    Love the Arm-Ectomy! 🙂

    Chipotle rocks my world, but I rarely go. Love the Subway too though- that baked bread smell is intoxicating!

  • skinny latte September 28, 2009, 2:06 am

    Good old English fish and chips…fortunately the best one I've ever had is a 45 minute train ride away so I don't indulge too often 😀

  • ~Jessica~ September 28, 2009, 2:57 am

    Even your versions of fast food are incredibly healthy!

    I don't really have a fast food weakness, but I do have a portion size weakness and a serious problem with sugar (not the refined kind, just dried fruit, agave, etc.)

    I LOVE your attitude about coming back stronger from the race. For what it's worth, that certainly wasn't a bad time but I know how heartbreaking it is to feel like you've failed yourself. The trouble with PRing so often is that sometimes the only way is down, but you're so right not to let it defeat you. The race is done, over with, in the past: the only way is forward and I just know with all your determination you'll rock the next race and achieve your marathon dream in…January, I think!

    <3

    xoxox

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 28, 2009, 4:19 am

    Jessica – Thank you so much 🙂 I will keep my chin up.

    I think everyone has a healthy addiction to fast food 🙂 Hehe.

  • Julia September 28, 2009, 5:35 am

    hahaha that "wiener dog without arms on the loose" made me laugh out loud! She is soo cute.

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 28, 2009, 5:49 am

    lauren – you realize i ate close to 2,000 calories today, right? stop projecting.

  • Emily September 28, 2009, 6:28 am

    Burritos are definitely my weakness too. No matter what kind of mood I'm in, a burrito ALWAYS sounds good. Especially from Chipotle.

  • Amy September 28, 2009, 6:36 am

    I TOTALLY understand this problem! I used to rely on canned soup or frozen dinners all the time, but I eventually found a better way. Now, I pick one day per week (for me, it's Sundays) to cook large batches of nutritious & filling foods than can be portioned out for the week and/or frozen – examples are homemade tomato sauce, soups/stews, baked casseroles with quinoa or rice or millet, etc. It only takes about 5 mins or less to reheat one of these meals for dinner.

    For quick lunches, I often make a wrap on a sprouted-grain tortilla, using hummus or beans for the base, and topped with veggies like sprouts, shredded carrots, tomato, avocado, cabbage, etc. – it only takes about 5 mins to put one together.

    Good luck!

  • jac September 28, 2009, 6:46 am

    Fries!and onion rings…dats y i don't order them..i eat them of my friends/families plates!

  • Jo September 28, 2009, 7:54 am

    You can't get fast food where I live although I never ate it when I lived in London and was surrounded by it. An idea for you, which is what I do as I often don't get home till late from work and want something quick but healthy, is that I make big batches of stuff (i.e I made a load of thai pork cakes the other day) and then that morning I just take one out of the freezer – cooks in 5-6mins… You get the idea – you can do it with loads of stuff, just make loads and portion it all out – I live on my own so that's more important for me but its worth a shot.

    ps – i know how you feel about the race and you also know what we are going to say, but it doesn't make you feel any better! But one way of looking at it is that to finish and get such a good time DESPITE it being really tough, physically and mentally, makes it more of a personal achievement. You should be proud of yourself.

  • My name is Nikka September 28, 2009, 11:13 am

    My biggest weakness is the salad bar at Whole Foods. Their Quinoa and Pilaf salads are a great treat. If we feel like ordering in, it's sushi.
    Caitlin- What kind of crackers are you eating (in pic w/ your cream cheese)?

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 28, 2009, 11:15 am

    Nikka – These flatbreads from Costco. Not sure of the brand name… will check and put them up the next time I have the crackers.

  • Aubrey October 5, 2009, 12:39 pm

    I have a big problem with French fries (especially the curly fries from Arbys).

Healthy Tipping Point