Portion Plates

Day 20: November 30

Tonight I decided to make use of the rest of my vegetables. This was the result:

1 can Campbells Chunky soup "Beef with country vegetables"

no water added

1 cup brown rice
1 cup cut green beans
1 russet potato

Thanksgiving leftovers during my lunch break at work. I mixed together turkey, stuffing with celery, and green bean casserole. The only thing missing missing is the company I've enjoyed the last couple of days during mealtime.

Day 18: November 28

Thanksgiving Round 2!

Today I traveled back to my hometown to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. The main course included baked turkey, ham, buns, stuffing, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy (with bacon & onions), and green bean casserole. For dessert...white wine and homemade apple pie!

I could tell right away that plate size mattered -- everyone's plate was so much bigger than my 9-inch plate! However, I felt stuffed with the portions I had. Being someone who feels the need to clean their plate, I can't imagine how much more food I would have felt compelled to serve myself simply because if I had room on my plate.

I feel like the theme for portion plates really hit me during this holiday. Using these dishware has brought to my attention the importance of prioritizing and proportioning what I put into my body.

Day 17: November 27

Traveled back to Omaha today for a little Black Friday shopping. Dinner included microwaved leftovers from Tuesday (see Day 14: November 24).

Day 16: November 26 ~ HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thankful to be surrounded by friends and family. Today my boyfriend's mom prepared quiche for breakfast. It was delicious. From what I remember she used pre-chopped frozen spinach, egg, ham. and a pre-prepared pie crust (I'm sure there's more ingredients). I would adjust my recipe to using fresh spinach and preparing my own pie crust from scratch.

She saw my plate and fussed because I was using my own dishware (she thought there must not have been enough clean dishes left for me). I assured her that she was fine, and, with that, opened the door to sharing my portion plate experience with her.

Day 15: November 25

My lunch at work today: 1.5 cups of pretzel crisps with hummus. I felt full, and the calorie intake with this meal is very low. I love the flavor and texture of these pretzels and they are a great combination with hummus. I attached an image of the kind I bought, but they sell many flavors - I've bought mine at Walmart & Hyvee.

A client commented, "Oh what a beautiful bowl! Where did you get that?" I enjoy telling the story behind the Portion Plates and sharing my experience with them. A meaningful conversation enhanced by a delicious meal adorning a gorgeous bowl by Lauren Karle.

Day 14: November 24

Sick Day = putting life on pause to rest and take time to take care of me. And finally getting to eat dinner with my roommate!

Tonight I made a recipe I've used in the past (lots of vegetables, cheap overall, tastes great, and I can make a lot in one batch so my lunches are prepared for the week):

1 cup Brown Rice
3 Russet Potatoes

Seasoned with salt/pepper/paprika, cooked in olive oil

1.5 green peppers
1 red pepper
4 slices of onion

>>I cooked my peppers and onion together on stove

1 cup green beans

Prepared in microwavable bag

2 cups stew beef

chopped into nickel-size bites, seasoned with salt/pepper/garden seasoning, cooked on stove in olive oil

Day 13: November 23

Today for lunch I had a banana, and to drink I had hot Lemon & Ginger Tea. I have been struggling with a sore throat & cold and I was told that this tea would help. I actually really dislike tea...and ginger. However, I added water to the top of the brown line to make it less strong. This cup actually held heat pretty well!

Leftover slice of pizza for an early dinner (5:30PM) alone in my kitchen before running errands. Added Parmesan Cheese and crushed red pepper. Leftovers are a good way for me to save time and help me avoid having to head to a fastfood place.

Day 12: November 22

Lone breakfast in the morning in my kitchen before work while my roommates sleep in. 1 cup "Total" cereal, 1 cup 2% milk, 2 sugar cubes. Really hard to shake the habit of cereal in the morning...and the addition of sugar cubes.

Day 11: November 21

Breakfast in the morning: 1 cup of "Total" Flakes cereal with 3/4 cup 2% milk. Two sugar cubes for taste. I love cereal! I also love having these measurements on my bowl! Normally I would eat cereal out of a coffee mug to ensure I was eating approximately 1 cup.

Supper alone in my kitchen. I worked 9a-4p and then 5p-10p with no supper in between so I was starving! I went to Walmart and bought a "Digiorno" PIZZA: cheese stuffed crust with sausage, pepper, and onion. One of those nights when you have a craving for good food without the restaurant cost, so I compromised and bought this! Cheat night is always worth it.