Foodie Fare - Lightening up - By Brian Rounds

I want to start off this edition of Foodie Fare by apologizing for my absence from the pages of The Windham Eagle. There have been a lot of things going on for me in the last two months that have really prevented me from taking ample time to write a valuable and decent article. That being said, since my last submission, something huge has changed – I have not been cooking as much – actually, in the last month and a half, I have only cooked a full meal maybe twice. I also haven’t been to a restaurant for a complete meal, either.

You’re probably sitting there wondering what this Foodie Fare will be about if I haven’t been cooking or dining out. Here’s the kicker – since mid-November, I have lost 57 pounds. At first, I was alarmed because the weight was pouring off, but after consulting with my physician, my worries were quelled – since I have so much to lose, and I’m a male, when I lose weight, I have the ability to drop it fast.  I’m not going to complain…yet.

What I realized in late December is that my meal patterns had changed. As you know, I am a graduate student. What this all means is that when I’m sitting at home working on my homework, I’m not making huge meals. I have had very little time to cook. What I ended up doing is going for foods that I can grab and eat while working. This means veggies. This means fruits. This means cheese, and, of course, lunchmeats. 

My typical evening meal come mid-December consisted of one of the following: Carrots with hummus, a few slices of Genoa salami, and a few slices of cheese; or a salad with tomatoes, onions, salami, cheese, and avocado. Either way you slice it, my intake was far less than what I was used to and it was healthier choices. By late December, I was in the throes of a new style of eating – rather than living to eat, I was eating to live – this was a welcomed change for me.

Now, my breakfasts, which before, could have easily consisted of a breakfast sandwich and large iced coffee from the local donut chain, have turned into a slice of toast with peanut butter. The carbs of the bread provide a source of quick energy while the peanut butter provides the longer lasting energy due to the high protein content.  My lunches used to be a sandwich, chips and a veggie (sometimes). Now it is a half of a can of soup. 

Now, I’m facing the fact that I need to buy some new clothes – I’ve been told  by many people at school that my pants no longer fit correctly – I take it as a compliment. My shirts are all comfortably big on me, and my favorite sweater now feels like a tent – It’s a great feeling, but I am sad that my favorite sweater must now be set aside. My only complaint so far is that I get cold very quickly. What excites me is how I feel – I feel so much more energetic – plus, my knees and back aren’t as sore anymore. 

So, here’s what I’ve given up. Soda. Huge meals. Rich foods. Sweets (which I was not a huge fan of to begin with). Most of my carbs. Not only does my body feel better, but I my appearance has finally changed.

Recipe

Family-sized salad

1 large bag of iceberg salad mix

10-12 grape or cherry tomatoes

¼ onion, chopped

1 whole avocado, cut up

2 hard-boiled eggs

3 super thick slices salami, chopped up

Shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing of choice

My salad dressing:

1 part red wine vinegar

2 parts olive oil

pinch of salt

pinch of pepper

dash of onion powder

Mix in a shaker, if possible.