Day Thirty-One--The last hurrah--The Grand Finale--The Meltdown to Countdown. Yup, today is the last day to imbibe solely on ice cream.
Breakfast was Phish Food by Ben and Jerry's--highly recommended and very yummy, but ya gotta like marshmallow. Choc ice cream with fluffy threads of marshmallow and dark chocolate fudge fish--good to nibble on and actually a bit to sink your teeth into.
Lunch was a big ice cream party thrown by the dialed in dude--He's always in the know and knows how to celebrate! Plenty of ice cream all around--strawberry marble, rocky road, toffee almond crunch and plenty of cheering. THANK YOU DIALED IN DUDE! I had originally wanted to do this Ice Cream Diet quietly, but now I'm glad it was a somewhat shared experience--kept me from dairy detours as I knew I had to blog each day.
AND . . . the answer you've all been waiting for . . . what was the result . . . drum roll, please . . . dududududdddddd . . . The scale revealed another BIG drop of one pound . . . But I was still eating ice cream, so my official weigh in will be in the morning churning all those high fat calories into a grand total. So roll with me and stay dialed.
Here's highlights of what the past month has revealed to me.
You can eat ice cream and lose weight.
You can lose weight by not counting calories but staying in tune with your body's messages--I ate when I was hungry and stopped eating when I was full.
Ice cream is satisfying . . . I truly never felt hungry at all unless I was late with a meal, but that's when I tended to eat more ice cream than normal as I was soooo hungry. The lesson is don't wait to eat until you're too hungry--you'll probably overeat.
Since ice cream is associated with treats, celebrations and lots of fun things, I never really felt deprived. I had positive mental associations with it and so it always tasted good to me and I felt satisfied and happy eating ice cream.
At times, I did get cravings, but that usually came when I started down a mental track of thinking about food too long--I'd start thinking about spicy foods, crunch foods, foods you could sink your teeth into a really chew. I never, ever craved any other kind of dessert. I thought I might miss chocolate, but since ice cream comes in chocolate flavors that wasn't a problem.
My sense of smell became extra sensitive--everything smelled divine, especially if it was cooking or grilling. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, even opening the can of cat food made my mouth water as it smelled pretty 'doggone' good. I also noticed my mouth watered a lot more when I smelled food or saw good food people were eating on TV.
Another challenge was when cooking shows or commercials for food would come on TV. If you ever try an ice cream diet or, perhaps any diet for that matter, these are too be avoided. I'm sure the hunger or craving signals of the brain kick in through visual indicators. It was fascinating how my stomach almost hurt, I wanted some real food so badly, the longer I watched that cooking show. Also, avoid looking at cookbooks and recipes in magazines--they will trigger your brain to want food. I ended up with a dish of lemon ice cream.
I didn't linger in grocery stores, but went just to the ice cream section. I spent some time as I wanted to check out any new flavors or at least not end up with something disappointing.
Variety is very big when you're limiting your palate, so ice cream was a good choice--I only scratched the surface of sampling the myriad of flavors out there. Glad I still like ice cream as I've enjoyed making hme made varieties. They are better than store bought and probably better for you.
I didn't get tired. My teeth don't hurt. Overall, it's been a satisfying experience as I tested new territory and challenged myself.
Another key to success is take one day at time. Have an end in sight so you can delay gratification, but know you'll get a reward in a reasonable time.
Don't listen to the naysayers and negativity--They will drain you. Surround yourself with positive people who will support and encourage you--They will energize you. Be sure to practice gratitude and thank those who help you along the way and give yourself a pat on the back now and then for succeeding for another day or overcoming temptation. Mental and spiritual preparation are every bit as important as the physical aspect, maybe more so in your overall success.
So just about one hour to finish line, but I'm not burning the midnight oil.
Goodnight and dial in one more day for the grand total and report on any tummy troubles after switching to real food.
Thank you everyone for following this frozen journey with me. Ice cream is truly enjoyed more when shared!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day 30
Day Thirty and still sturdy on my feet and certainly to see the finish. (One more day--Hooray!)
Did I think I'd make it? Truly, yes, I did, but didn't think too much about failing and when the blog started I was determined to vanquish foes and not disappointed the cheering section--thank you to all of you who believed in this wacky experiment and encouraged me to keep downin' the ice cream.
Am I sick of ice cream. Actually, no, not at all and this surprises me. I'm even more of a fan as it's a truly satisfying food and I haven't felt tired or hungry at all as long as I stayed on a meal (did I say meal?) schedule. Plus I'm intrigued with all the flavs out there and the possibilities of home-churns.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite ice creams was snow ice cream--we only got it when fresh snow fell and not often in this neck of the woods. Mom would send us out, bowls in hand to scoop just the top of some snow. Meantime, she'd pull out the chilled can of evaporated milk and bowl that had also been chilling in the freezer and we'd throw the snow in the bowl and pour evaporated milk over it and a little vanilla extract, stir it up a bit and we thought there was nothing else like it and eagerly waited to make ice cream with each snow fall. I still try it once in a while. Just don't tell me what kind of yucky stuff is in that snow--ignorance is bliss and it hasn't hurt me yet.
Tomorrow my supporters and converts are going to throw an ice cream luncheon to help me celebrate the final scoop (well almost, there still be dinner to go). Will I stay up until midnight for burger and fries? Probably not. What will be my first real food breakfast? I'm thinking cottage cheese--Yeesh! Not too exciting, but not a shock to my system like the lunchtime tacos will be--better go light on the hot sauce. Hopefully, there will be no tummy turbulence but we'll see--Tums or perhaps ice cream to the rescue!
Most Ice Cream Eaten In 30 Seconds (taken from www.joost.com)
This is one Guinness World Record you CAN try at home! Australian glutton Ivan Jakovac attempted to eat 264g if vanilla ice-ream in 30 seconds. Unfortunately,he only managed 175g!
And these lovely trivia snippets are from http://www.marshfield-icecream.co.uk/facts.htm
A traditional name for ice cream is Hokey Pokey. The name originated from early ice cream vendors who peddled their product shouting “ecco un poco” – try a sample.
The first real evidence of the existence of ice cream was in China’s Tang period (A.D 618-97). King Shang had 94 ice men on his staff who helped make a dish based on buffalo milk, flour and camphor.
Most ice cream contains more milk protein weight for weight than is present in milk itself.
The first record of a cone being used for serving appears in Mrs Marshall’s Cookery Book in 1888. Before then, ice cream was either licked out of a small glass known as a penny lick or taken away in wrapped in waxed paper.
Most ice cream contains more milk protein weight for weight than is present in milk itself.
Ecco un poco!
Did I think I'd make it? Truly, yes, I did, but didn't think too much about failing and when the blog started I was determined to vanquish foes and not disappointed the cheering section--thank you to all of you who believed in this wacky experiment and encouraged me to keep downin' the ice cream.
Am I sick of ice cream. Actually, no, not at all and this surprises me. I'm even more of a fan as it's a truly satisfying food and I haven't felt tired or hungry at all as long as I stayed on a meal (did I say meal?) schedule. Plus I'm intrigued with all the flavs out there and the possibilities of home-churns.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite ice creams was snow ice cream--we only got it when fresh snow fell and not often in this neck of the woods. Mom would send us out, bowls in hand to scoop just the top of some snow. Meantime, she'd pull out the chilled can of evaporated milk and bowl that had also been chilling in the freezer and we'd throw the snow in the bowl and pour evaporated milk over it and a little vanilla extract, stir it up a bit and we thought there was nothing else like it and eagerly waited to make ice cream with each snow fall. I still try it once in a while. Just don't tell me what kind of yucky stuff is in that snow--ignorance is bliss and it hasn't hurt me yet.
Tomorrow my supporters and converts are going to throw an ice cream luncheon to help me celebrate the final scoop (well almost, there still be dinner to go). Will I stay up until midnight for burger and fries? Probably not. What will be my first real food breakfast? I'm thinking cottage cheese--Yeesh! Not too exciting, but not a shock to my system like the lunchtime tacos will be--better go light on the hot sauce. Hopefully, there will be no tummy turbulence but we'll see--Tums or perhaps ice cream to the rescue!
Most Ice Cream Eaten In 30 Seconds (taken from www.joost.com)
This is one Guinness World Record you CAN try at home! Australian glutton Ivan Jakovac attempted to eat 264g if vanilla ice-ream in 30 seconds. Unfortunately,he only managed 175g!
And these lovely trivia snippets are from http://www.marshfield-icecream.co.uk/facts.htm
A traditional name for ice cream is Hokey Pokey. The name originated from early ice cream vendors who peddled their product shouting “ecco un poco” – try a sample.
The first real evidence of the existence of ice cream was in China’s Tang period (A.D 618-97). King Shang had 94 ice men on his staff who helped make a dish based on buffalo milk, flour and camphor.
Most ice cream contains more milk protein weight for weight than is present in milk itself.
The first record of a cone being used for serving appears in Mrs Marshall’s Cookery Book in 1888. Before then, ice cream was either licked out of a small glass known as a penny lick or taken away in wrapped in waxed paper.
Most ice cream contains more milk protein weight for weight than is present in milk itself.
Ecco un poco!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Day 29
Day Twenty-nine and feeling divine with only three days (including today) left. I haven't melted away, but have melted a few pounds. I'll do my last official weigh in on Thurs. so will do one more blog (at least) on Aug. 1st, so all you watchers will know grand results.
Speaking of grand results--The banana ice cream was marvelous! Simply mahvelous, dahlings!!!!!!!! I'll be making it again, but may add some banana flavoring (optional in the recipe) to boost the banana flav even more. I'm gonna get hooked on home-made. It's so fresh tasting, great texture and richness. So when I'm a dinner guest, I can bring dessert! one recipe is perfect for about 4-6 peeps, depending on servings size. If it were 6 or more, I'd definitely bring two batches. I don't know how long it keeps in the deep freeze as it hasn't lasted that long--hopefully, it doesn't get that ooey gooey sticky stringy stuff store bought turns into, especially if there's a slight melt down--ya'll know what I mean if you've opened a month old box of ice cream--it's always down the drain for me. Sometimes it's even come from the grocers in this wretched (or retched) state!
I'm thinking of trying date ice cream next--no I'm not goin' on a date to Baskin Robbins nor is it a recipe to make someone's heart melt. It's the dates that grow on trees--I could make more puns about this but will spare you. Though I won't be visiting an orchard soon, I'll be buying a bag from the baking section. Sometimes a date paste comes in a can and that would be even better. This isn't in the recipe book, so it'll be my own invention. Oh dear!!!!!! What will the Ice Cream Dieteer attempt next. Stay frozen to your PCs to stay dialed.
Meantime here's more info for inquiring ice cream minds:
Top 5 Ice Cream Producing States (Have you herd of their cows?)
1. California
2. Indiana
3. Ohio
4. Texas
5. New York
Top Five Cities in Supermarket Sales of Ice Cream (Surprisingly, none of these are very warm states)
1. Portland, Oregon
2. Baltimore, Maryland
3. Omaha, Nebraska
4. Buffalo/Rochester, New York
5. Seattle, Washington
Speaking of grand results--The banana ice cream was marvelous! Simply mahvelous, dahlings!!!!!!!! I'll be making it again, but may add some banana flavoring (optional in the recipe) to boost the banana flav even more. I'm gonna get hooked on home-made. It's so fresh tasting, great texture and richness. So when I'm a dinner guest, I can bring dessert! one recipe is perfect for about 4-6 peeps, depending on servings size. If it were 6 or more, I'd definitely bring two batches. I don't know how long it keeps in the deep freeze as it hasn't lasted that long--hopefully, it doesn't get that ooey gooey sticky stringy stuff store bought turns into, especially if there's a slight melt down--ya'll know what I mean if you've opened a month old box of ice cream--it's always down the drain for me. Sometimes it's even come from the grocers in this wretched (or retched) state!
I'm thinking of trying date ice cream next--no I'm not goin' on a date to Baskin Robbins nor is it a recipe to make someone's heart melt. It's the dates that grow on trees--I could make more puns about this but will spare you. Though I won't be visiting an orchard soon, I'll be buying a bag from the baking section. Sometimes a date paste comes in a can and that would be even better. This isn't in the recipe book, so it'll be my own invention. Oh dear!!!!!! What will the Ice Cream Dieteer attempt next. Stay frozen to your PCs to stay dialed.
Meantime here's more info for inquiring ice cream minds:
Top 5 Ice Cream Producing States (Have you herd of their cows?)
1. California
2. Indiana
3. Ohio
4. Texas
5. New York
Top Five Cities in Supermarket Sales of Ice Cream (Surprisingly, none of these are very warm states)
1. Portland, Oregon
2. Baltimore, Maryland
3. Omaha, Nebraska
4. Buffalo/Rochester, New York
5. Seattle, Washington
Monday, July 28, 2008
Day 28
Day Twenty-eight and still fillin' great! Ice Cream rules!!!!!!!!!
I had a suggestion to make sweet potato ice cream--I think that's actually in my Ultimate Ice Cream recipe book. Might not be able to make it before the course is run, but will try in the future. Sounds good for Thanksgiving. I'm definitely intriqued with trying some home-churned flavs.
Tonight will be the big banana ice cream feat, so don't split on the blog yet--there are 3 more exciting days to go and I may do a few follow up blogs, so inquiring minds don't have to wonder how my stomach readjusts to real food. I've always had a hearty appetite and don't have probs with most foods. Friday will be tacos and I love hot sauce, but may scale it back a little or could just go for it with a little ice cream on hand to save the day and cool down any tummy turbulance.
Three more days! I can hardly believe it. There were times this month seemed awfully long and I felt in ice cream prison at times--better than bread and water, though. Food freedom will ring soon. Ding Dong (I never liked those even as a kid--twinkies were more my cup of tea!)
More frozen fun facts:
The first written mention of ice cream in this country can be found in a letter from the 1700s, which admiringly describes the ice cream and strawberry dessert a Maryland governor served at a dinner party. Initially, just a treat for the elite (including George Washington, who is said to have consumed enormous quantities), the first ice cream parlor in this country opened in New York City in 1776. In 1845, the hand-cranked freezer was invented, allowing Americans to make ice cream more easily at home.
The most avid ice cream eaters in the U.S. don't live in Hawaii, the South, California, or any other hot clime. Instead, in 1999, it was reported that the good citizens of Omaha, Nebraska, ate more ice cream per person than any other Americans.
Immigrants at Ellis Island were served vanilla ice cream as part of their Welcome to America meal. (No wonder everyone wants to come to the good old USA!)
One of the major ingredients in ice cream is air. Without it, the stuff would be as hard as a rock.
Among the most unusual flavors of ice cream ever manufactured are avocado, garlic, azuki bean, jalapeno, and pumpkin. Perhaps the weirdest of all: dill pickle ice cream , which was marketed to expectant mothers. Sales were disappointing. (How surprising?!)
One out of every five ice cream eaters share their treat with their dog or cat. (Can the day of liver- or tuna-flavored ice cream be far behind?) I do this--the cat loves it, but just a little--he shakes his head a bit--probably getting that brain freeze thing.
Rollin on to dine on ice cream for lunch--lemon and marionberry pie ice cream is on the menu.
I had a suggestion to make sweet potato ice cream--I think that's actually in my Ultimate Ice Cream recipe book. Might not be able to make it before the course is run, but will try in the future. Sounds good for Thanksgiving. I'm definitely intriqued with trying some home-churned flavs.
Tonight will be the big banana ice cream feat, so don't split on the blog yet--there are 3 more exciting days to go and I may do a few follow up blogs, so inquiring minds don't have to wonder how my stomach readjusts to real food. I've always had a hearty appetite and don't have probs with most foods. Friday will be tacos and I love hot sauce, but may scale it back a little or could just go for it with a little ice cream on hand to save the day and cool down any tummy turbulance.
Three more days! I can hardly believe it. There were times this month seemed awfully long and I felt in ice cream prison at times--better than bread and water, though. Food freedom will ring soon. Ding Dong (I never liked those even as a kid--twinkies were more my cup of tea!)
More frozen fun facts:
The first written mention of ice cream in this country can be found in a letter from the 1700s, which admiringly describes the ice cream and strawberry dessert a Maryland governor served at a dinner party. Initially, just a treat for the elite (including George Washington, who is said to have consumed enormous quantities), the first ice cream parlor in this country opened in New York City in 1776. In 1845, the hand-cranked freezer was invented, allowing Americans to make ice cream more easily at home.
The most avid ice cream eaters in the U.S. don't live in Hawaii, the South, California, or any other hot clime. Instead, in 1999, it was reported that the good citizens of Omaha, Nebraska, ate more ice cream per person than any other Americans.
Immigrants at Ellis Island were served vanilla ice cream as part of their Welcome to America meal. (No wonder everyone wants to come to the good old USA!)
One of the major ingredients in ice cream is air. Without it, the stuff would be as hard as a rock.
Among the most unusual flavors of ice cream ever manufactured are avocado, garlic, azuki bean, jalapeno, and pumpkin. Perhaps the weirdest of all: dill pickle ice cream , which was marketed to expectant mothers. Sales were disappointing. (How surprising?!)
One out of every five ice cream eaters share their treat with their dog or cat. (Can the day of liver- or tuna-flavored ice cream be far behind?) I do this--the cat loves it, but just a little--he shakes his head a bit--probably getting that brain freeze thing.
Rollin on to dine on ice cream for lunch--lemon and marionberry pie ice cream is on the menu.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Day 27
Day Twenty-seven and I still think ice cream is pretty heavenly. Truly. And now I'm on a new kick as I experiment with home-made ice creams. I like the idea they don't have any preservatives and are rich with flavor and have a good texture as well as being fairly simple to make. More than popping something in the micro or popping a top on an ice cream carton, but still fairly simple and the machine does all the churning.
A comment was made about the avocado ice cream. It's rather an acquired taste and grows on you. It's hard to explain how a slightly sweet, slightly peppery hot frozen dessert can be good. Well at first I thought I'll never make this again, but it was definitely better after freezing overnight and I got where I liked it better with each subsequent serving. I do want to experiment making it without the sugar--then I think it would really be excellent, though it may need the sugar for it to freeze correctly or something.
I stirred up the ingredients for the banana ice cream and it's chilling overnight and will churn tomorrow evening. The bananas in freezer worked great. The skins were dark brown when I pulled them out and I let them thaw a bit until slightly mush to the touch. Then they easily peeled and I popped them in a bowl and mushed them up and added it to the custard like mixture of
1-1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2/3 c sugar
1-1/2 tbs. flour
pinch of salt
Be careful not to boil it or the eggs will start to scramble and who would want sweet scrambled eggs--perhaps those avocado ice cream lovers.
After the smooshed bananas (3 small or 2 large) are stirred in, add a tsp. vanilla extract and 1 c. of whipping cream.
Then it all chills overnight to be added to your favorite auto churn ice cream maker.
I'm going bananas to try it tomorrow--something to look forward to. I'm still excited when I discover a great new ice cream flavor, though right now I'm trying to be a bit economical and use up those partial containers in the deep freeze.
Four more days. Ya hear that all you who voted me to fall off the ice cream cart? I'm really going to do this! Is it ice cream history?
Speaking of history, I didn't realize July was National Ice Cream month until about mid-way through the month. Thank you for dialing me in--you know who you are? That makes it even cooler (no pun intended) to do the Ice Cream Diet during National Ice Cream month. It's also the International Year of the Potato--do they make potato ice cream? Guess one could try--perhaps adding a mashed potato mixture to an ice cream recipe. Perhaps my brain has gone in the deep freeze?
More frozen feats as the diet churns on . . .
A comment was made about the avocado ice cream. It's rather an acquired taste and grows on you. It's hard to explain how a slightly sweet, slightly peppery hot frozen dessert can be good. Well at first I thought I'll never make this again, but it was definitely better after freezing overnight and I got where I liked it better with each subsequent serving. I do want to experiment making it without the sugar--then I think it would really be excellent, though it may need the sugar for it to freeze correctly or something.
I stirred up the ingredients for the banana ice cream and it's chilling overnight and will churn tomorrow evening. The bananas in freezer worked great. The skins were dark brown when I pulled them out and I let them thaw a bit until slightly mush to the touch. Then they easily peeled and I popped them in a bowl and mushed them up and added it to the custard like mixture of
1-1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2/3 c sugar
1-1/2 tbs. flour
pinch of salt
Be careful not to boil it or the eggs will start to scramble and who would want sweet scrambled eggs--perhaps those avocado ice cream lovers.
After the smooshed bananas (3 small or 2 large) are stirred in, add a tsp. vanilla extract and 1 c. of whipping cream.
Then it all chills overnight to be added to your favorite auto churn ice cream maker.
I'm going bananas to try it tomorrow--something to look forward to. I'm still excited when I discover a great new ice cream flavor, though right now I'm trying to be a bit economical and use up those partial containers in the deep freeze.
Four more days. Ya hear that all you who voted me to fall off the ice cream cart? I'm really going to do this! Is it ice cream history?
Speaking of history, I didn't realize July was National Ice Cream month until about mid-way through the month. Thank you for dialing me in--you know who you are? That makes it even cooler (no pun intended) to do the Ice Cream Diet during National Ice Cream month. It's also the International Year of the Potato--do they make potato ice cream? Guess one could try--perhaps adding a mashed potato mixture to an ice cream recipe. Perhaps my brain has gone in the deep freeze?
More frozen feats as the diet churns on . . .
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Day 26
Day Twenty-six and I've almost got this licked! (that sorta rhymes.)
Another thing I've noticed is how quickly I run out of clean spoons and cups and smaller bowls as that's what I use to consume my ice cream from. Nice not to have to wash pots and pans for a while though, so it's sort of a vacation from cooking.
Breakfast was Tillamook Chocolate Peanut Butter--the wow ingredient is the peanut butter. I'm taking an older friend on an outing today so we'll see if they complain about my only dining on dairy delights as they're pretty proper about a balanced diet. I don't like to worry older folk, but I'm not falling off the wagon now with only 5 more days do go! Each day of this last week has been more energizing.
And, yes, I still enjoy ice cream. I don't know what other food would have been as perfect for attempting this. It does seem to be a great diet aide as my weight has gradually plummeted after the first week's grand 5 pound loss. This may be the thing to do after a few days of splurging and feasting--switch to ice cream for a few days. I'm gonna try that!
I'm planning a banana run--No, it's not a new marathon where you slip along on banana peels, but just a trip to market as I'm planning on making banana ice cream. Guess you freeze the bananas until they look almost black which means their ripe for picking from the freezer and adding to the ice cream machine. Well see how I roll with that one.
Stay dialed for more ice cream feats and feasts. Gotta split for the bananas!
Another thing I've noticed is how quickly I run out of clean spoons and cups and smaller bowls as that's what I use to consume my ice cream from. Nice not to have to wash pots and pans for a while though, so it's sort of a vacation from cooking.
Breakfast was Tillamook Chocolate Peanut Butter--the wow ingredient is the peanut butter. I'm taking an older friend on an outing today so we'll see if they complain about my only dining on dairy delights as they're pretty proper about a balanced diet. I don't like to worry older folk, but I'm not falling off the wagon now with only 5 more days do go! Each day of this last week has been more energizing.
And, yes, I still enjoy ice cream. I don't know what other food would have been as perfect for attempting this. It does seem to be a great diet aide as my weight has gradually plummeted after the first week's grand 5 pound loss. This may be the thing to do after a few days of splurging and feasting--switch to ice cream for a few days. I'm gonna try that!
I'm planning a banana run--No, it's not a new marathon where you slip along on banana peels, but just a trip to market as I'm planning on making banana ice cream. Guess you freeze the bananas until they look almost black which means their ripe for picking from the freezer and adding to the ice cream machine. Well see how I roll with that one.
Stay dialed for more ice cream feats and feasts. Gotta split for the bananas!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Day 25
Day Twenty-five and still alive. At this point, most cravings are ceasing as I know just around the corner I can sample to my heart's content.
Thought I would have a challenge today finding ice cream for lunch at a conference where everyone else was served a yummy lunch of bacon-wrapped shrimp, mini quiches, and more delicacies and all they could devour. I chased down an ice cream cart and selected the Haagen Daas Vanilla with chocolate and almonds. Then went back and joined my table with several folks inquiring where I got my ice cream yearningly.
My colleagues discussed what kind of food they could eat for just a month. One is thinking about just potatoes--anyway you slice 'em. I love taters (and tots), but it's probably too much starch for me. Another was thinking about bagels and cream cheese as there are so many kinds of bagels. I'm not encouraging them as it's a pretty tough challenge and I certainly wouldn't turn around and do another solo food for a month. Maybe a week sometime as an experiment--it's a good experiment and discipline and heightens awareness. As Gypsy wisely revealed, "It's kind of a spiritual thing."
Tonight an ice cream adventure awaits . . . I get to have avocado ice cream. My first attempt at home-made. I did take a lick of the ice cream left in the machine after the rest was frozen. A little disappointed in the sweetness. It was a really odd combo as I'd substituted Tabasco for the jalapeno pepper (couldn't find any at the store with the salmonella scare). I just went in and took a pre-dinner bite and it seemed much tastier and more avocado flavored--perhaps it takes over night for the flavors to smush together and be absorbed. Texture was fantastic. I'm going to definitely get out the recipe book and try some others. Plus nothing is like fresh and home-made whether it's cookies, fudge or lasagna. It's just tastier than mass produced.
If you want to give it a try, here's the Avocado Ice Cream recipe
2 med. avocados chopped
1/2 c. sour cream
2/3 c. sugar
dash or two of Tabasco
1/2 tsp. salt
Let ingredients chill, then add 1 c. of cream and pour into pre-frozen ice cream maker and set the auto-blend for 20-40 min. (I did about 25 min.) Poured into freezer container for over night, though you could eat it right then, though I'd recommend waiting overnight so the flavors converge--much tastier!
That's the scoop! Enjoy.
Thought I would have a challenge today finding ice cream for lunch at a conference where everyone else was served a yummy lunch of bacon-wrapped shrimp, mini quiches, and more delicacies and all they could devour. I chased down an ice cream cart and selected the Haagen Daas Vanilla with chocolate and almonds. Then went back and joined my table with several folks inquiring where I got my ice cream yearningly.
My colleagues discussed what kind of food they could eat for just a month. One is thinking about just potatoes--anyway you slice 'em. I love taters (and tots), but it's probably too much starch for me. Another was thinking about bagels and cream cheese as there are so many kinds of bagels. I'm not encouraging them as it's a pretty tough challenge and I certainly wouldn't turn around and do another solo food for a month. Maybe a week sometime as an experiment--it's a good experiment and discipline and heightens awareness. As Gypsy wisely revealed, "It's kind of a spiritual thing."
Tonight an ice cream adventure awaits . . . I get to have avocado ice cream. My first attempt at home-made. I did take a lick of the ice cream left in the machine after the rest was frozen. A little disappointed in the sweetness. It was a really odd combo as I'd substituted Tabasco for the jalapeno pepper (couldn't find any at the store with the salmonella scare). I just went in and took a pre-dinner bite and it seemed much tastier and more avocado flavored--perhaps it takes over night for the flavors to smush together and be absorbed. Texture was fantastic. I'm going to definitely get out the recipe book and try some others. Plus nothing is like fresh and home-made whether it's cookies, fudge or lasagna. It's just tastier than mass produced.
If you want to give it a try, here's the Avocado Ice Cream recipe
2 med. avocados chopped
1/2 c. sour cream
2/3 c. sugar
dash or two of Tabasco
1/2 tsp. salt
Let ingredients chill, then add 1 c. of cream and pour into pre-frozen ice cream maker and set the auto-blend for 20-40 min. (I did about 25 min.) Poured into freezer container for over night, though you could eat it right then, though I'd recommend waiting overnight so the flavors converge--much tastier!
That's the scoop! Enjoy.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day 24
Day Twenty-four. Only six days until Taco Time. Hmmmm--wonder if there's taco ice cream. At one time I would have said, ugh!, but it sounds pretty good right now.
Ice Cream infused with peanut butter (by the manufacturer, not I) seems to be my preference these days--guess my system is likin' that little extra protein boost. Frozen peanut butter is a little like a p.b. Popsicle--not a bad idea.
Tonight I'm hopin' to try making that avocado ice cream so roll in tomorrow to see if it's an adventure or mis-adventure. It doesn't call for corn chips--drat! Well I can do the chips ahoy thing in less than a week now! Whee!!!!!!! Hey, it's a big deal for me now.
Here's some ice cream "Did ya knows?"
Ice Cream infused with peanut butter (by the manufacturer, not I) seems to be my preference these days--guess my system is likin' that little extra protein boost. Frozen peanut butter is a little like a p.b. Popsicle--not a bad idea.
Tonight I'm hopin' to try making that avocado ice cream so roll in tomorrow to see if it's an adventure or mis-adventure. It doesn't call for corn chips--drat! Well I can do the chips ahoy thing in less than a week now! Whee!!!!!!! Hey, it's a big deal for me now.
Here's some ice cream "Did ya knows?"
- The United States exports over $ 90 million in Ice Cream per year. More than one third of this is sold to Japan. Other large markets are Hong Kong, Mexico and the Republic of Korea!
- Children ages 2 thru 12 and adults over 45 eat the most ice cream per person.
- More ice cream is sold on Sundays than any other day of the week.
- The favorite topping is chocolate.
- Ice Cream is an $11 billion retail industry.
- Ice cream came in second to cookies as the countries favorite dessert.
- The average American eats over five gallons of ice cream a year. That's a scoop a day, every day for six months straight! We sure do love our ice cream!! The United States exports over $ 90 million in Ice Cream per year. More than one third of this is sold to Japan. Other large markets are Hong Kong, Mexico and the Republic of Korea!
- Children ages 2 thru 12 and adults over 45 eat the most ice cream per person.
- More ice cream is sold on Sundays than any other day of the week.
- The favorite topping is chocolate.
- Ice Cream is an $11 billion retail industry.
- Ice cream came in second to cookies as the countries favorite dessert.
- The average American eats over five gallons of ice cream a year. That's a scoop a day, every day for six months straight! We sure do love our ice cream!!
Source: http://www.icecreo.com/funfacts.php
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day 23
Day Twenty-three--If I make it through today without a burger in my mouth or a bag of chips downed and only imbibe in the melty thing, then I've eight days to go. Yes, only eight--Isn't that great?!
Gypsy monitored the official weigh in last night (and that's after a day of eating ice cream) and her crystal scale indicated a needle drop of a pound and a half. So, total pounds loss to date is seven--that's seven down, not seven up! Isn't' this fun?!
I sampled Gypsy's Tillamook chocolate, peanut butter and it's pretty delish--so much so, I went to the store and added to my half-gal. collection. It was my breakfast--love those real hunks of p.b. throughout the creamy chocolate--protein is a good thing.
For dinner I dined on Haagen Daaz Caramel Cone. It was yummy and almost a full pint went down the old gullet. MMMM.
I did go to the market to buy ingredients for the avocado ice cream but couldn't burn the midnight oil too long so the actual fixin's will have to wait. So, stay dialed!
Here's the icy trivia scoop for the day:
LEGEND & MYTH - Florence, Italy claims the first ice cream (known as gelato in Italy). In 1565, Bernardo Buontalenti (1531-1608), the architect to the Royal Court of the Medici family, was hired to create and organize luxurious events for the Florentine banquets, including stage constructions, theater events, fireworks, and food. For one of his creations, he introduced his invention of "frozen desserts" made with zabaglione and fruit.
Source: whatscookingamerica.net
(What is zabaglione? I had to look it up--It's an Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, a sweet liquor (usually Marsala wine), and sometimes one of cream, mascarpone, or whole eggs. It is a very light custard, which has been whipped to incorporate a large amount of air. Zabaglione is traditionally served with fresh figs and is sometimes also spelled sabayon, while its real Italian name is zabaione (or zabajone, which is an archaic form). It is also popular in Argentina, where it is known as sambayón. In Colombia, it's known as sabajón. In Venezuela, a related egg-based dessert drink is called ponche de crema.an Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, a sweet liquor (usually Marsala wine), and sometimes one of cream, mascarpone, or whole eggs. It is a very light custard, which has been whipped to incorporate a large amount of air. Zabaglione is traditionally served with fresh figs and is sometimes also spelled sabayon, while its real Italian name is zabaione (or zabajone, which is an archaic form). It is also popular in Argentina, where it is known as sambayón. In Colombia, it's known as sabajón. In Venezuela, a related egg-based dessert drink is called ponche de crema. Source: Wikapedia)
Gypsy monitored the official weigh in last night (and that's after a day of eating ice cream) and her crystal scale indicated a needle drop of a pound and a half. So, total pounds loss to date is seven--that's seven down, not seven up! Isn't' this fun?!
I sampled Gypsy's Tillamook chocolate, peanut butter and it's pretty delish--so much so, I went to the store and added to my half-gal. collection. It was my breakfast--love those real hunks of p.b. throughout the creamy chocolate--protein is a good thing.
For dinner I dined on Haagen Daaz Caramel Cone. It was yummy and almost a full pint went down the old gullet. MMMM.
I did go to the market to buy ingredients for the avocado ice cream but couldn't burn the midnight oil too long so the actual fixin's will have to wait. So, stay dialed!
Here's the icy trivia scoop for the day:
LEGEND & MYTH - Florence, Italy claims the first ice cream (known as gelato in Italy). In 1565, Bernardo Buontalenti (1531-1608), the architect to the Royal Court of the Medici family, was hired to create and organize luxurious events for the Florentine banquets, including stage constructions, theater events, fireworks, and food. For one of his creations, he introduced his invention of "frozen desserts" made with zabaglione and fruit.
Source: whatscookingamerica.net
(What is zabaglione? I had to look it up--It's an Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, a sweet liquor (usually Marsala wine), and sometimes one of cream, mascarpone, or whole eggs. It is a very light custard, which has been whipped to incorporate a large amount of air. Zabaglione is traditionally served with fresh figs and is sometimes also spelled sabayon, while its real Italian name is zabaione (or zabajone, which is an archaic form). It is also popular in Argentina, where it is known as sambayón. In Colombia, it's known as sabajón. In Venezuela, a related egg-based dessert drink is called ponche de crema.an Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, a sweet liquor (usually Marsala wine), and sometimes one of cream, mascarpone, or whole eggs. It is a very light custard, which has been whipped to incorporate a large amount of air. Zabaglione is traditionally served with fresh figs and is sometimes also spelled sabayon, while its real Italian name is zabaione (or zabajone, which is an archaic form). It is also popular in Argentina, where it is known as sambayón. In Colombia, it's known as sabajón. In Venezuela, a related egg-based dessert drink is called ponche de crema. Source: Wikapedia)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Day 22
Day Twenty-two--Past the 3 week mark and only nine divine days to go--I've made it to the single digit days for dairy delights (say that 9 times fast).
Breakfast was Tillamook Banana Split Ice cream--almost as good as the real deal--no toppings, but it has chocolate rippled throughout vanilla and strawberry ice cream, nuts and cherrries--a nice little variety going. Variety rules for Ice Cream Dieteer. I don't think I'd have made it this far on only a solo flav.
The Gypsy wants to treat me to some more of Tillie's Chocloate Peanut Butter. I'll probably sample after the weigh in--who knows maybe I've dropped another mega half pound :) Glad I'm not in this for the calorie or fat content restrictions. Some diet myths I've always believed have been dispelled such as watching fat content or calorie content. This is a freeing diet if you can do it--no calorie counting, no scoop counter, just eat til I'm full basically so I focus on inner signals instead of outer "shoulds." I think some of this is psyche sabotage.
It's also a good delayed gratification--sacrifice for the greater good (food). Knowing an end is in sight and success is mainly just completing the month with just ice cream products and anything else is a bonus (like a cherry on top with extra whip.)
I've also discovered added creativity with the floatmaking process and have fortified my fortitude--still don't know why I suffered through watching a couple cooking shows. My salivary glands work fine!
Last night I downloaded instructions for the ice cream maker and have the unit freezing. I'm gonig on a shopping trip to purchase ingredients for Avocado Ice Cream--Doesn't that sound just scrumptious? Trust me it would have 22 days of sweet ice cream treats. This one is made with sour cream instead of whipping cream--wouldn't want to lose out on too much fat content, ya know?! I can't have the recommended Gazpachio soup, but if the avocado ice cream is any good, my try the full meal deal next month.
Well, Christmas is coming and so is August! Just like the holidays, I'm looking forward to some treats and have a list of my top 10 to eat first:
Tacos, Tacos, Tacos
Chinese
Fried potatoes and eggs
Thai
Wendy's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with fries please.
Steak (normally not big on my list, but I want something to sink my teeth into)
BLT's
Terriyaki
Fried chicken
A Reuben or other decadant deli sandwich
Actually anything non dairy sounds pretty good right now. We'll see how the old tum tum holds out in Aug. after my soft food fiasco. It may rebel, but I'll have fun creating a little havoc.
Here's a famous myth about a legendary historical figure--
Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), the Italian-born Queen of France, is said to have taken sorbets to France to the court of Francis I (1494–1547) when she went there to marry the Duc d'Orleans (who later became Henri II) at the age of 14. She brought her staff along to cook for her and her family. Among her chefs was Ruggeri, the first professional ice cream maker. During her month-long wedding celebration, he created and served a different ice daily, with flavors including lemon, lime, orange, cherry, and wild strawberry to surprise the royal banquets guests.
(I would have fit right in!)
Breakfast was Tillamook Banana Split Ice cream--almost as good as the real deal--no toppings, but it has chocolate rippled throughout vanilla and strawberry ice cream, nuts and cherrries--a nice little variety going. Variety rules for Ice Cream Dieteer. I don't think I'd have made it this far on only a solo flav.
The Gypsy wants to treat me to some more of Tillie's Chocloate Peanut Butter. I'll probably sample after the weigh in--who knows maybe I've dropped another mega half pound :) Glad I'm not in this for the calorie or fat content restrictions. Some diet myths I've always believed have been dispelled such as watching fat content or calorie content. This is a freeing diet if you can do it--no calorie counting, no scoop counter, just eat til I'm full basically so I focus on inner signals instead of outer "shoulds." I think some of this is psyche sabotage.
It's also a good delayed gratification--sacrifice for the greater good (food). Knowing an end is in sight and success is mainly just completing the month with just ice cream products and anything else is a bonus (like a cherry on top with extra whip.)
I've also discovered added creativity with the floatmaking process and have fortified my fortitude--still don't know why I suffered through watching a couple cooking shows. My salivary glands work fine!
Last night I downloaded instructions for the ice cream maker and have the unit freezing. I'm gonig on a shopping trip to purchase ingredients for Avocado Ice Cream--Doesn't that sound just scrumptious? Trust me it would have 22 days of sweet ice cream treats. This one is made with sour cream instead of whipping cream--wouldn't want to lose out on too much fat content, ya know?! I can't have the recommended Gazpachio soup, but if the avocado ice cream is any good, my try the full meal deal next month.
Well, Christmas is coming and so is August! Just like the holidays, I'm looking forward to some treats and have a list of my top 10 to eat first:
Tacos, Tacos, Tacos
Chinese
Fried potatoes and eggs
Thai
Wendy's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with fries please.
Steak (normally not big on my list, but I want something to sink my teeth into)
BLT's
Terriyaki
Fried chicken
A Reuben or other decadant deli sandwich
Actually anything non dairy sounds pretty good right now. We'll see how the old tum tum holds out in Aug. after my soft food fiasco. It may rebel, but I'll have fun creating a little havoc.
Here's a famous myth about a legendary historical figure--
Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), the Italian-born Queen of France, is said to have taken sorbets to France to the court of Francis I (1494–1547) when she went there to marry the Duc d'Orleans (who later became Henri II) at the age of 14. She brought her staff along to cook for her and her family. Among her chefs was Ruggeri, the first professional ice cream maker. During her month-long wedding celebration, he created and served a different ice daily, with flavors including lemon, lime, orange, cherry, and wild strawberry to surprise the royal banquets guests.
(I would have fit right in!)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Day 21
Day Twenty-One--Twenty One! Has the Ice Cream Dieteer come of age? Should I drink my ice cream today? Salute! It feels great to have only a little a week in sight and I feel great in general. Ice Cream just must be good for you! Anything that tastes that good can't be all bad.
My only remaining strategy is to stay the course and keep that variety. Today I get to lunch on Hagaan Daaz dark chocolate . . . mmm. I love chocolate. That's one reason this diet works for me.
Tomorrow is the third official weigh in, so see how I face off against The Challenger and original naysayer. I may get to say Nay, Nay, Nay! The Gypsy knows all!
Some melting trivia for you:
THE 15 MOST POPULAR ICE CREAM FLAVORS(Flavor, percent preferring)
1. Vanilla, 29%
2. Chocolate, 8.9%
3. Butter pecan, 5.3%
4. Strawberry, 5.3%
5. Neapolitan, 4.2%
6. Chocolate chip, 3.9%
7. French vanilla, 3.8%
8. Cookies and cream, 3.6%
9. Vanilla fudge ripple, 2.6%
10. Praline pecan, 1.7%
11. Cherry, 1.6%
12. Chocolate almond, 1.6%
13. Coffee, 1.6%
14. Rocky road, 1.5%
15. Chocolate marshmallow, 1.3%
All others, 23.7%Source: International Ice Cream Association
Have these people ever heard of Ben and Jerry's?
My only remaining strategy is to stay the course and keep that variety. Today I get to lunch on Hagaan Daaz dark chocolate . . . mmm. I love chocolate. That's one reason this diet works for me.
Tomorrow is the third official weigh in, so see how I face off against The Challenger and original naysayer. I may get to say Nay, Nay, Nay! The Gypsy knows all!
Some melting trivia for you:
THE 15 MOST POPULAR ICE CREAM FLAVORS(Flavor, percent preferring)
1. Vanilla, 29%
2. Chocolate, 8.9%
3. Butter pecan, 5.3%
4. Strawberry, 5.3%
5. Neapolitan, 4.2%
6. Chocolate chip, 3.9%
7. French vanilla, 3.8%
8. Cookies and cream, 3.6%
9. Vanilla fudge ripple, 2.6%
10. Praline pecan, 1.7%
11. Cherry, 1.6%
12. Chocolate almond, 1.6%
13. Coffee, 1.6%
14. Rocky road, 1.5%
15. Chocolate marshmallow, 1.3%
All others, 23.7%Source: International Ice Cream Association
Have these people ever heard of Ben and Jerry's?
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Day 20
Day Twenty and plenty to celebrate. Hey, only 11 more days until taco time--crunch! crunch! Can't wait--that is actually what I crave the most and will probably go for first (but not for breakfast) when August 1 rolls around.
I was pretty tough on myself this weekend. I ended up watching a travel show in Italy 'cuz they were devouring that wonderful Gelato. Italy is truly the best place on earth for ice cream in my opinion--do I count as an expert yet? But remember you can get a bite o' Italian delight at the Alloto Gelato place--no they aren't paying me or giving me free Gelato. The Ice Cream Dieteer attempts to speak only with frozen tongue, not forked tongue.
Anyway, this tavel show featured one of my favorite chefs, Bobby Flay, traveling around Europe sampling the wonderful culinary delights--truly I was a glutton for punishment and my mouth watered and stomach got craving pangs as Bobby sampled big slices of Italian pizza, deli sausages and cheeses, assisting an Italian cook prepare a local dish of fresh mushrooms and white beans with a renowned Italian restranteer (can't remember the name) as well as flexing his own culinary talents with a sizzlin' rabbit fry up with caramelized radicchio. MMMM . . . Ah well, at least ice cream melts in your mouth as I run to the freezer for a dish of Carmel, toffee crunch by Tillamook--a quart is almost polished off, though I shared some. I watched another Spanish cook prepare one of my favorite foods, paella. This was sheer torture. I chanted my mantra, "only eleven more days . . . only eleven more days!"
The big question? Do I still like ice cream? Yup! Still love it and still look forward to it even after nearly 3 weeks of nothing else. I have a new appreciation for it. I haven't felt sick or tired. In fact, I have more energy, though that may be my pioneering spirit that thrives on new discoveries and awareness. (Though quite honestly, I can't wait to celebrate with tacos!)
I'll leave you with this great quote to ponder until we come of age on Day 21.
"My advise to your is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy the ice cream while it's on your plate."--Thornton Wilder
I was pretty tough on myself this weekend. I ended up watching a travel show in Italy 'cuz they were devouring that wonderful Gelato. Italy is truly the best place on earth for ice cream in my opinion--do I count as an expert yet? But remember you can get a bite o' Italian delight at the Alloto Gelato place--no they aren't paying me or giving me free Gelato. The Ice Cream Dieteer attempts to speak only with frozen tongue, not forked tongue.
Anyway, this tavel show featured one of my favorite chefs, Bobby Flay, traveling around Europe sampling the wonderful culinary delights--truly I was a glutton for punishment and my mouth watered and stomach got craving pangs as Bobby sampled big slices of Italian pizza, deli sausages and cheeses, assisting an Italian cook prepare a local dish of fresh mushrooms and white beans with a renowned Italian restranteer (can't remember the name) as well as flexing his own culinary talents with a sizzlin' rabbit fry up with caramelized radicchio. MMMM . . . Ah well, at least ice cream melts in your mouth as I run to the freezer for a dish of Carmel, toffee crunch by Tillamook--a quart is almost polished off, though I shared some. I watched another Spanish cook prepare one of my favorite foods, paella. This was sheer torture. I chanted my mantra, "only eleven more days . . . only eleven more days!"
The big question? Do I still like ice cream? Yup! Still love it and still look forward to it even after nearly 3 weeks of nothing else. I have a new appreciation for it. I haven't felt sick or tired. In fact, I have more energy, though that may be my pioneering spirit that thrives on new discoveries and awareness. (Though quite honestly, I can't wait to celebrate with tacos!)
I'll leave you with this great quote to ponder until we come of age on Day 21.
"My advise to your is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy the ice cream while it's on your plate."--Thornton Wilder
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Day 19
Day Nineteen--Marion berry Pie Ice Cream for breakfast! A Tillamook delicacy marbled with the Marion berry (a hybrid berry with it's roots stretching across the blackberry and boysenberry genders) and bits of pie crust--do not heat in microwave, unless you want to drink your ice cream.
I'm hoping to investigate making some ice cream this weekend, so we'll see what comes of it--I'll report if home-churned is better than store bought. Gonna be tough to beat that Allota Gelato.
Stopped by some friends for a cup of coffee and a chat and did it smell good! I inquired droolingly, "What's cookin'?" They laughed, it was grease being heated to clean a skillet. Note: They really should make ice cream with odor--they'd probably sell even more. Can you image the little bell of the ice cream vendor with the wafting perfume of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry beckoning young and old like a pied piper of dairy delights?
Well, twelve more days to go. Each day brings new happiness as visions of tacos dance through my mind and Subway sandwiches enter subterranean consciousness under cloak of darkness.
Gotta roll all you Nutty Buddies and Cone heads! I know you thought I'd waffle by now, but truly Ice Cream rules!!!!!!!! Dial in Sunday for more tales from the deep freeze.
I'm hoping to investigate making some ice cream this weekend, so we'll see what comes of it--I'll report if home-churned is better than store bought. Gonna be tough to beat that Allota Gelato.
Stopped by some friends for a cup of coffee and a chat and did it smell good! I inquired droolingly, "What's cookin'?" They laughed, it was grease being heated to clean a skillet. Note: They really should make ice cream with odor--they'd probably sell even more. Can you image the little bell of the ice cream vendor with the wafting perfume of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry beckoning young and old like a pied piper of dairy delights?
Well, twelve more days to go. Each day brings new happiness as visions of tacos dance through my mind and Subway sandwiches enter subterranean consciousness under cloak of darkness.
Gotta roll all you Nutty Buddies and Cone heads! I know you thought I'd waffle by now, but truly Ice Cream rules!!!!!!!! Dial in Sunday for more tales from the deep freeze.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Day 18
Day eighteen and the livin' is easy. Took my friend "prisoner" to visit one of my new best friends BR lady. We doubled our scoops and got a little education on ice cream. BR lady said the fat in ice cream is good fat and your body metabolizes it pretty efficiently. She also shared as calories go (but who's counting?), it's a pretty smooth little number. She didn't have the perk on coffee but the donut place next door let us imbibe with a cuppa to do the swig-a-melt thing with the ice cream. Do you know how fabulous donuts smell? Do you know how amazing everything smells? I sure didn't know what the nose knows until I set out on this tasty, but non-smelly diet.
I'm in desparate need of a stop at the frozen food section--getting really bored with the home flavs and a warm weekend is coming up. Perhaps I'll do a little research on crankin' some in the home deep freeze--that advocado ice cream recipe is sounding better and better.
Here's some fun facts on ice cream consumption per country and captia
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Dairy Information Centre.
Consumption of Ice Cream (2002)
Country & Litres per capita
New Zealand 26.3 ( I was just there a few months ago--now I know why I liked it)
United States 18.7
Australia 17.8
Finland 13.9
Sweden 11.9
Canada 9.5
Italy 9.2
Ireland 9.0
Denmark 8.7
United Kingdom 7.7
Chile 5.6
Malaysia 2.0
China 1.9
Japan 0.01
To all you diet prisoners--I'd love to "sorta linger" (some of you wil be dialed in). Be seeing you!
I'm in desparate need of a stop at the frozen food section--getting really bored with the home flavs and a warm weekend is coming up. Perhaps I'll do a little research on crankin' some in the home deep freeze--that advocado ice cream recipe is sounding better and better.
Here's some fun facts on ice cream consumption per country and captia
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Dairy Information Centre.
Consumption of Ice Cream (2002)
Country & Litres per capita
New Zealand 26.3 ( I was just there a few months ago--now I know why I liked it)
United States 18.7
Australia 17.8
Finland 13.9
Sweden 11.9
Canada 9.5
Italy 9.2
Ireland 9.0
Denmark 8.7
United Kingdom 7.7
Chile 5.6
Malaysia 2.0
China 1.9
Japan 0.01
To all you diet prisoners--I'd love to "sorta linger" (some of you wil be dialed in). Be seeing you!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Day 17
Day Seventeen--Oh happy day! But brrrr it's cold today and I'm definitely going to have down some hot java with my ice cream to offset the goose bump factor. Sure glad I'm not doing this in December or in the Antarctic. Though I've seen folks eating ice cream in pretty severe weather with low temps. They are of stouter stock than I.
I've decided to spice up the blog a bit and provide a bit of icy trivia.
The origins of ice cream can be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C. Early references include the Roman emperor Nero (A.D. 37-68) who ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings, and King Tang (A.D. 618-97) of Shang, China who had a method of creating ice and milk concoctions. Ice cream was likely brought from China back to Europe. Over time, recipes for ices, sherbets, and milk ices evolved and served in the fashionable Italian and French royal courts.The origins of ice cream can be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C. Early references include the Roman emperor Nero (A.D. 37-68) who ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings, and King Tang (A.D. 618-97) of Shang, China who had a method of creating ice and milk concoctions. Ice cream was likely brought from China back to Europe. Over time, recipes for ices, sherbets, and milk ices evolved and served in the fashionable Italian and French royal courts.
Ooh la la--that's the Ice Cream Dieteer, right there with royalty and so fashionable!
Stay dialed for more churning on ice cream. I'm rollin soon for my daily lunch scoop or 2 or 3 or . . .
I've decided to spice up the blog a bit and provide a bit of icy trivia.
The origins of ice cream can be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C. Early references include the Roman emperor Nero (A.D. 37-68) who ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings, and King Tang (A.D. 618-97) of Shang, China who had a method of creating ice and milk concoctions. Ice cream was likely brought from China back to Europe. Over time, recipes for ices, sherbets, and milk ices evolved and served in the fashionable Italian and French royal courts.The origins of ice cream can be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C. Early references include the Roman emperor Nero (A.D. 37-68) who ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings, and King Tang (A.D. 618-97) of Shang, China who had a method of creating ice and milk concoctions. Ice cream was likely brought from China back to Europe. Over time, recipes for ices, sherbets, and milk ices evolved and served in the fashionable Italian and French royal courts.
Ooh la la--that's the Ice Cream Dieteer, right there with royalty and so fashionable!
Stay dialed for more churning on ice cream. I'm rollin soon for my daily lunch scoop or 2 or 3 or . . .
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day 16
Day Sixteen--Oh Sweet Sixteen! I've climbed the top and am on the descent of this ice cream mountain. I'm past the mid-way point and now have just about 2 weeks left until I've finished the course.
Overall, I feel great. Food sounds and smells fabulous but I'm delaying gratification and know I can hold out another 2 weeks. I've felt a bit like a human guinea pig, but am learning a lot about myself and others--the mental and physical stamina I didn't truly know I possessed, the will power (or won't power in some cases) and the odd little awarenesses about yourself that come to light about yourself and others--you learn if people's hearts lean to good or evil for your success. Some have been so encouraging and some get in their little digs somehow. Note to self--these folks don't want your success. They will feel great if you fail--that's enough motivation right there to succeed. It makes me want to be more encouraging and positive to others to meet their goals. Negativity is just a bad thing. I know some poor beings can't help it--they have just set a pattern in their mind. Also, remember opinion is just that, opinion. I don't really care if anyone says I look pale and tired. They are the naysayers and questioning chorus--not sincere questions. Sabateur questions. As a Bright friend said today, "Aren't those folks telling horror stories and sending negative messages, the ones who always have a horror story?" Poor souls, their filter definitely isn't rose colored--but grey. Poor, drab sad grey vision. No ice cream for them! They can go to bed without any supper and stew in their own juices.
Hooray for my heroes! You mean even more to me and you will be the ones I go to and will trust in the future. That's one of the best discoveries--so many truly caring souls. I dedicate this Ice Cream Diet to you. You are the creme of the crop and make life richer and tastier.
Oh, almost forgot--what did the official weigh in reveal? Are you ready? Drum roll, please. This week was a whopping 1/2 pound down on the scale! Who knows what the old metablism is doing--last week it was a 5-pound drop. This is probably physiology confusion big time. Hope there's no truth in the name of my dinner menu--"Death by Chocolate," but whadda way to go!
Overall, I feel great. Food sounds and smells fabulous but I'm delaying gratification and know I can hold out another 2 weeks. I've felt a bit like a human guinea pig, but am learning a lot about myself and others--the mental and physical stamina I didn't truly know I possessed, the will power (or won't power in some cases) and the odd little awarenesses about yourself that come to light about yourself and others--you learn if people's hearts lean to good or evil for your success. Some have been so encouraging and some get in their little digs somehow. Note to self--these folks don't want your success. They will feel great if you fail--that's enough motivation right there to succeed. It makes me want to be more encouraging and positive to others to meet their goals. Negativity is just a bad thing. I know some poor beings can't help it--they have just set a pattern in their mind. Also, remember opinion is just that, opinion. I don't really care if anyone says I look pale and tired. They are the naysayers and questioning chorus--not sincere questions. Sabateur questions. As a Bright friend said today, "Aren't those folks telling horror stories and sending negative messages, the ones who always have a horror story?" Poor souls, their filter definitely isn't rose colored--but grey. Poor, drab sad grey vision. No ice cream for them! They can go to bed without any supper and stew in their own juices.
Hooray for my heroes! You mean even more to me and you will be the ones I go to and will trust in the future. That's one of the best discoveries--so many truly caring souls. I dedicate this Ice Cream Diet to you. You are the creme of the crop and make life richer and tastier.
Oh, almost forgot--what did the official weigh in reveal? Are you ready? Drum roll, please. This week was a whopping 1/2 pound down on the scale! Who knows what the old metablism is doing--last week it was a 5-pound drop. This is probably physiology confusion big time. Hope there's no truth in the name of my dinner menu--"Death by Chocolate," but whadda way to go!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day 15
Day Fifteen--Almost halfway there! I should be sliding down the ice cream mountain soon, but still need to watch those slippery slopes. Today's challenge was finding time to eat at all. I had to run and grab an ice cream to take to a lunch and then won't get to dig into the ice cream carton until late tonight. This always makes me start thinking about food when I know it's not available--so today has been filled with visions of fried potatoes, oysters, Chinese food, tacos. Just typing the words makes my mouth water--I'll be back to being tempted by the licking the cat food lid. I NEED ICE CREAM!
Today I'm my own mental sabateur--but I shall fend off the fiendish foods with my trusty spoon in only a few hours. MMMM. Ice Cream. Can't wait!!!!!
Today I'm my own mental sabateur--but I shall fend off the fiendish foods with my trusty spoon in only a few hours. MMMM. Ice Cream. Can't wait!!!!!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day 14
Day Fourteen--The start of another ice cream week. Truly this whole thing has been fun and brought much introspection about motivation and status quos--what we accept as truths and what is really truth; what we can accomplish; how one person's actions/changes impact their circle. I know. I know--I'm getting in the deep freeze. Something called the Ice Cream Diet should be fun and light hearted. It's certainly made me thankful--for timing (I'm sure glad it's summer and the weather's warm); for supportive friends and fans; for foes, even--they, too, inspire and motivate in their own way. I'm also thankful for all those wonderful folks and their creative teams who bring new and exciting flavors to our worlds--believe me, they brighten my days.
Truly, how am I doing at this point? Truly, just fine. I still love ice cream--I do!; I haven't gotten light-headed or naseous or felt sick. I have lots of energy--more than I had BIC (before Ice Cream). My clothes are a bit looser and the needle on the scale actually drops. I'm also discovering, I'm stronger than I thought and my wonderful friends and family of supporters are even more wonderful. I feel the love, not just in a dish of ice cream, but in the encouraging words of so many and great tips.
When I decided to try this, I didn't think too much about it, just went for it when I made that life-changing bet. It is life changing. I won't quite be the same after this experience. While I probably won't eat just one food type for a month, I have rattled the status quo and thinking a bit--it's good for you and good for me.
Now I'm off for an ice cream run for lunch. Keep on lickin' life!
Truly, how am I doing at this point? Truly, just fine. I still love ice cream--I do!; I haven't gotten light-headed or naseous or felt sick. I have lots of energy--more than I had BIC (before Ice Cream). My clothes are a bit looser and the needle on the scale actually drops. I'm also discovering, I'm stronger than I thought and my wonderful friends and family of supporters are even more wonderful. I feel the love, not just in a dish of ice cream, but in the encouraging words of so many and great tips.
When I decided to try this, I didn't think too much about it, just went for it when I made that life-changing bet. It is life changing. I won't quite be the same after this experience. While I probably won't eat just one food type for a month, I have rattled the status quo and thinking a bit--it's good for you and good for me.
Now I'm off for an ice cream run for lunch. Keep on lickin' life!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Day 13
Day Thirteen--No bad luck today. Polished off the Pomegranite with dark choc chunks for breakfast. My breakfast of champions and it had lots of antioxidants so the label claimed, plus helping the honey bees--Haagan Daas has made that commitment. So it was truly a good and sweet thing to do. The Daas has my buzz for best ice cream so far--It was intense. Another recommendation is Hansen's diet pomegranite soda--theirs are chemical free and cost more, but, I'm sure, worth the cost. Too many chems are being ingested these days--we are well-preserved or maybe just pickled.
Last night was a big test--The Birthday Barbeque! I went to Fred Meyers to check out their selection and see if they had the elusive lemon ice cream. Was I in for a pleasant surprise?! Their freezer section was an ice cream lover's dream come true. Oh, what a paradise of selections! I found a lemon cream pice ice cream by Umpqua as well as the interesting selection from Haagen Daaz--Pomegranite with dark chocolate (referenced earlier). They also had little mini containers of certain brands--one serving for under a buck. I'm going back to stock up and going to try the Acacia berry on my next round. Incidently, they also have green tea ice cream. If you try it and like it, do share.
Arriving at Gypsy's abode. A summer feast was spread for the guests. One guest was an "angel" and their interest in the Ice Cream Diet and words of encouragement built my resolve. Good thing--Do you know how divine brats smell grilling on the barbie? Armed with a trusty spoon and my pint of pomegranite I did battle pleasantly--The first bite was, "Oh my goodness . . . mmmm . . .this is so good! . . . mmmm" It has an intense fruit flavor, a bit tangy offset by the slight bitter dark chocolate. It kept my interest through dinner. Dessert was easy--I enjoyed the lemon cream pie ice cream while everyone else delved into the chocolate cake and real strawberry pie. Having a tummyful of ice cream staved off temptation just fine. It was warm outside and I was cool inside. Our hot birthday guest was pleased, as well as royal guests the Princess and the Sheik. We were entertained with adventurous tales and comedic feats. Some were worried the darling dancer would get the zils out and have them all a shimmying. The wise Gypsy knows her guests and kept them all in good spirits with one wonderful delicacy after another. It was a royal feast whether indulging in ice cream or otherwise.
Last night was a big test--The Birthday Barbeque! I went to Fred Meyers to check out their selection and see if they had the elusive lemon ice cream. Was I in for a pleasant surprise?! Their freezer section was an ice cream lover's dream come true. Oh, what a paradise of selections! I found a lemon cream pice ice cream by Umpqua as well as the interesting selection from Haagen Daaz--Pomegranite with dark chocolate (referenced earlier). They also had little mini containers of certain brands--one serving for under a buck. I'm going back to stock up and going to try the Acacia berry on my next round. Incidently, they also have green tea ice cream. If you try it and like it, do share.
Arriving at Gypsy's abode. A summer feast was spread for the guests. One guest was an "angel" and their interest in the Ice Cream Diet and words of encouragement built my resolve. Good thing--Do you know how divine brats smell grilling on the barbie? Armed with a trusty spoon and my pint of pomegranite I did battle pleasantly--The first bite was, "Oh my goodness . . . mmmm . . .this is so good! . . . mmmm" It has an intense fruit flavor, a bit tangy offset by the slight bitter dark chocolate. It kept my interest through dinner. Dessert was easy--I enjoyed the lemon cream pie ice cream while everyone else delved into the chocolate cake and real strawberry pie. Having a tummyful of ice cream staved off temptation just fine. It was warm outside and I was cool inside. Our hot birthday guest was pleased, as well as royal guests the Princess and the Sheik. We were entertained with adventurous tales and comedic feats. Some were worried the darling dancer would get the zils out and have them all a shimmying. The wise Gypsy knows her guests and kept them all in good spirits with one wonderful delicacy after another. It was a royal feast whether indulging in ice cream or otherwise.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Day 12
Day twelve and we'll see what kind of frozen adventures I delve in today.
Started the day with Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey--banana ice cream, fudge chunks and walnuts. I seem to lean toward the fruit flavs lately--refreshing on the palate.
Gearing up for the big birthday BBQ this evening--I'll be BMOIC (bringing my own ice cream); maybe a few flavs. The smell will be the killer of brats on the barbie, but I'm sure to endure. Stamina is my new middle name. A big scare was lmost licking butter off my finger, making popcorn for Sabateur--Unconsciouly my index headed toward my mouth and just before impact, I literally jumped, becoming aware of what I was about to do and rushed to the faucet to rinse. See, I'm truly on the straight and narrow.
That's all for a sunny Saturday--short and sweet that's the treat for today's blog!
Started the day with Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey--banana ice cream, fudge chunks and walnuts. I seem to lean toward the fruit flavs lately--refreshing on the palate.
Gearing up for the big birthday BBQ this evening--I'll be BMOIC (bringing my own ice cream); maybe a few flavs. The smell will be the killer of brats on the barbie, but I'm sure to endure. Stamina is my new middle name. A big scare was lmost licking butter off my finger, making popcorn for Sabateur--Unconsciouly my index headed toward my mouth and just before impact, I literally jumped, becoming aware of what I was about to do and rushed to the faucet to rinse. See, I'm truly on the straight and narrow.
That's all for a sunny Saturday--short and sweet that's the treat for today's blog!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Day 11
It's day eleven and it's not heaven, but things are going smoothly. Who else gets bear claw and maple walnut for breaking fast?
A real treat today--Sparkle treated me to an ice cream lunch. Only vanilla was available, but it was quite delish as I actually haven't been indulging with plain vanilla. Plus Sparkle's glittery peronsality and witty conversation kept me from temptation as we enjoy a truly summery day, sipping passion fruit ice tea (it's really not too bad with ice cream). A bit of paradise in the middle of the day. Aaah!!!!!
Sparkle's recommended a great flavor, but I must be having a brain freeze. We talked a lot about Ben and Jerry--my new best friends. The River Queen also made a suggestion--Haagan Daas Rum Raisin. I'll put it on my list. Instead of a shopping bag, all I need is one of those ice chests to transport my groceries home!
Bracing for the big weekend--fending off Sabateur's tempts and taunts and a big birthday party--they can take the cake and leave me the ice cream!
A real treat today--Sparkle treated me to an ice cream lunch. Only vanilla was available, but it was quite delish as I actually haven't been indulging with plain vanilla. Plus Sparkle's glittery peronsality and witty conversation kept me from temptation as we enjoy a truly summery day, sipping passion fruit ice tea (it's really not too bad with ice cream). A bit of paradise in the middle of the day. Aaah!!!!!
Sparkle's recommended a great flavor, but I must be having a brain freeze. We talked a lot about Ben and Jerry--my new best friends. The River Queen also made a suggestion--Haagan Daas Rum Raisin. I'll put it on my list. Instead of a shopping bag, all I need is one of those ice chests to transport my groceries home!
Bracing for the big weekend--fending off Sabateur's tempts and taunts and a big birthday party--they can take the cake and leave me the ice cream!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Day 10
Day 10--Will there be a win? At this point, I think so. Even Sabateur is coming around a bit and treated me to ice cream today with no pushing the toppings. The cherry on top for me is just 21 days away--August 1st. I'm sure I won't be celebrating with you know what! Even though I'm not at all sick of it and even look forward to new flavs and tasty discovs.
Speaking of new flavs, commentator JimmyJimmy suggest I dial in to Green Tea Ice Cream and Apple Ice Cream. I could bite the apple, but green tea wouldn't be my first choice. I don't even like it as a bev--tastes like medicine to me. Anyone know where I can pick the apple?
The Baskin Robbins lady (henceforth known as BR) and I are getting to be good friends. She's a great fan of The Ice Cream Dieteer and cheerfully scooped the Rocky Road )very dark choc with bits of marshmallow and nuts) and the Tax Crunch--very good, though can't quite remember the ingredients. This is always sans cone and out of a cup.
Still on my list to try is some homemade ice cream--I really want to try making banana after seeing it made on TV. A secret is to freeze the bananas until they are ugly and almost black, which indicates they are perfectly ripe for churnin' into ice cream.
This weekend I'll be on a quest to fulfill a request for Lemon Ice Cream. I've seen sorbet, but that won't make the squeeze. Please, if you know where to find any, do share. All tips are always welcome and all considered.
Stay dialed for the next scoop.
Speaking of new flavs, commentator JimmyJimmy suggest I dial in to Green Tea Ice Cream and Apple Ice Cream. I could bite the apple, but green tea wouldn't be my first choice. I don't even like it as a bev--tastes like medicine to me. Anyone know where I can pick the apple?
The Baskin Robbins lady (henceforth known as BR) and I are getting to be good friends. She's a great fan of The Ice Cream Dieteer and cheerfully scooped the Rocky Road )very dark choc with bits of marshmallow and nuts) and the Tax Crunch--very good, though can't quite remember the ingredients. This is always sans cone and out of a cup.
Still on my list to try is some homemade ice cream--I really want to try making banana after seeing it made on TV. A secret is to freeze the bananas until they are ugly and almost black, which indicates they are perfectly ripe for churnin' into ice cream.
This weekend I'll be on a quest to fulfill a request for Lemon Ice Cream. I've seen sorbet, but that won't make the squeeze. Please, if you know where to find any, do share. All tips are always welcome and all considered.
Stay dialed for the next scoop.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Day 9
Day 9--Found something divine. Pear ice cream! So far it's my pick for the cream of the Crop. It's by Archer Farms and can be found at Target--Never dreamed I'd find such a divine delight at Target. It's very pearish with swirls of caramel.
Another first for me was Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Ice Cream strewn with chunks of peanut butter cups--It's the highest fat/cal content, but again, who's counting?! That's one reason this month is so freeing--no food concerns other than not churning about foods I can't have. All things will be just that much better next month--kinda like waiting for Christmas morning!
Most of all, I'm actually having fun and feeling fine--It's really an inner and outer adventure. Stay tuned for more frozen feats . . .
Another first for me was Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Ice Cream strewn with chunks of peanut butter cups--It's the highest fat/cal content, but again, who's counting?! That's one reason this month is so freeing--no food concerns other than not churning about foods I can't have. All things will be just that much better next month--kinda like waiting for Christmas morning!
Most of all, I'm actually having fun and feeling fine--It's really an inner and outer adventure. Stay tuned for more frozen feats . . .
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Day 8
Day eight and going great!
Actually encountered many challenges today. Sipping ice tea while co-workers noshed on pizza--the parlour had lots of delectable desserts, but no ice cream!
Later the Challenger actually treated me to a Peppermint Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins, but then they want to win all the $$$$$$$ at the end of this ordeal. Nice of you and nice try.
There was much sound from the Questionable Chorus today--Are you getting enough protein? Are you going to get sick? How do you know what effect this is having on your health? It's just one month! Gypsy suggested it's like a Spiritual Quest and takes your focus off food and you can focus on other things. Absolutely true. I barely have to think about my next meal. Mealtime may come back with a vengence in August. This is all so experimental for me--It's both an inner and outer journey.
Learnng a lot about the psyche's of others, too. So many interesting responses to "The Ice Cream Diet--"How crazy and fun!" "Where'd you hear about it?" "Why are you doing this." "Way to go" and more. Truly most have been so supportive. THANK YOU (you know who your are!)
And now, the moment, you've all been waiting for (drum roll) . . . Gypsy did the official reading and it was no sleight of hand. The total weight change the first week ? A whopping five pounds. (not a Whopper of five pounds--sorry for the food puns?) Which way did the scale go? It went down! Point to ponder--My loss was my gain this week!
I celebrated with a troika of espresso mocha, bear tracks and black walnut ice creams.
Actually encountered many challenges today. Sipping ice tea while co-workers noshed on pizza--the parlour had lots of delectable desserts, but no ice cream!
Later the Challenger actually treated me to a Peppermint Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins, but then they want to win all the $$$$$$$ at the end of this ordeal. Nice of you and nice try.
There was much sound from the Questionable Chorus today--Are you getting enough protein? Are you going to get sick? How do you know what effect this is having on your health? It's just one month! Gypsy suggested it's like a Spiritual Quest and takes your focus off food and you can focus on other things. Absolutely true. I barely have to think about my next meal. Mealtime may come back with a vengence in August. This is all so experimental for me--It's both an inner and outer journey.
Learnng a lot about the psyche's of others, too. So many interesting responses to "The Ice Cream Diet--"How crazy and fun!" "Where'd you hear about it?" "Why are you doing this." "Way to go" and more. Truly most have been so supportive. THANK YOU (you know who your are!)
And now, the moment, you've all been waiting for (drum roll) . . . Gypsy did the official reading and it was no sleight of hand. The total weight change the first week ? A whopping five pounds. (not a Whopper of five pounds--sorry for the food puns?) Which way did the scale go? It went down! Point to ponder--My loss was my gain this week!
I celebrated with a troika of espresso mocha, bear tracks and black walnut ice creams.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Day 7
Seven-up! I can actually have that (diet version). Hard to believe I've nearly made it through my first week. Not sure I'll ever commit to eating just one food for an entire month without at least a week test run for a reality check, but what fun would that be?
Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip has been my breakfast of choice the last 3 days--mainly because it was that or vanilla. I've got to go shopping--tonight!!!!!! I'll have a melt-down without more variety.
It's nice of others to sacrifice a bit on my behalf. My brother gave up his birthday buffet and opted for a multi-star gelato shop in the big city across the river. So we headed out to alottogelato and sampled the flavors before the pierced, tattooed maiden gave us the scoop. My brother's a big guy and he opted for the pint which allowed him 6 flavors. I went for the biggest dish they had which would nicely hold 4 small scoops (about 3 tbs. each I think). Their banana was my favorite, followed by pistachio, strawberry and espresso. My brother liked the coconut and yellow cake mix, but the Hazelnut was a fav and the banana also topped his list. This gelato was as good as those in Italy--truly. Highly, highly recommended. Gelato has more air whipped into than regular ice cream and a little less buttercream, but the sensation on the tastebuds is definitely more intense. Tattoed, pierced girl was fascinated about the Ice Cream Diet so I invited her to view the blog. I was going to take her photo to post, but she declined so I'll leave her image up to your imagination.
Later we viewed more interesting people at a local Starbucks. My brother accessed the wifi and I sipped on a cuppa Joe (Pike's Place) and watched the action and caught up on the local papers. Definitely fun peeps watchin'.
Rolling home later, I stopped at the local store for a flavor my brother recommends, Bear Tracks. It's cheap (Western Fam brand) and tasty--dark chocolate with ripples of carmel and nuts. Brother also popped over for a burger--Fried onions never smelled better. Desparate, I sniff at my ice cream and there is a wee waft of fragrance.
Sabateur couldn't miss a day to tempt and called me with a report on the neighborhood barbeque--salmon and venison steaks with all the trimmings. I almost hung up! But that'd only spur them on--I'll pretend not to care, despite the drool running down my mouth. I tell ya, August is gonna be one great month. I'm going to enjoy my food soooo much. Glad the point of this is not losing weight.
Today I stopped by Baskin Robbins (BR) for lunch to check out those 33 flavors. Deciding is definitely a challenge as about 2 scoops truly fills me up. I opted for strawberry and black walnut. I'll be back to sample the others. I shared about my diet with the BR employee. She said she lost about 30 pounds just substituing 2 scoops of ice cream for one meal a day. Might work--any takers. 'Course ya can see what happens to me--Will I have to take in our take out my belt or carve more notches in it?
Stay dialed . . . The first official weigh in is tomorrow evening.
Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip has been my breakfast of choice the last 3 days--mainly because it was that or vanilla. I've got to go shopping--tonight!!!!!! I'll have a melt-down without more variety.
It's nice of others to sacrifice a bit on my behalf. My brother gave up his birthday buffet and opted for a multi-star gelato shop in the big city across the river. So we headed out to alottogelato and sampled the flavors before the pierced, tattooed maiden gave us the scoop. My brother's a big guy and he opted for the pint which allowed him 6 flavors. I went for the biggest dish they had which would nicely hold 4 small scoops (about 3 tbs. each I think). Their banana was my favorite, followed by pistachio, strawberry and espresso. My brother liked the coconut and yellow cake mix, but the Hazelnut was a fav and the banana also topped his list. This gelato was as good as those in Italy--truly. Highly, highly recommended. Gelato has more air whipped into than regular ice cream and a little less buttercream, but the sensation on the tastebuds is definitely more intense. Tattoed, pierced girl was fascinated about the Ice Cream Diet so I invited her to view the blog. I was going to take her photo to post, but she declined so I'll leave her image up to your imagination.
Later we viewed more interesting people at a local Starbucks. My brother accessed the wifi and I sipped on a cuppa Joe (Pike's Place) and watched the action and caught up on the local papers. Definitely fun peeps watchin'.
Rolling home later, I stopped at the local store for a flavor my brother recommends, Bear Tracks. It's cheap (Western Fam brand) and tasty--dark chocolate with ripples of carmel and nuts. Brother also popped over for a burger--Fried onions never smelled better. Desparate, I sniff at my ice cream and there is a wee waft of fragrance.
Sabateur couldn't miss a day to tempt and called me with a report on the neighborhood barbeque--salmon and venison steaks with all the trimmings. I almost hung up! But that'd only spur them on--I'll pretend not to care, despite the drool running down my mouth. I tell ya, August is gonna be one great month. I'm going to enjoy my food soooo much. Glad the point of this is not losing weight.
Today I stopped by Baskin Robbins (BR) for lunch to check out those 33 flavors. Deciding is definitely a challenge as about 2 scoops truly fills me up. I opted for strawberry and black walnut. I'll be back to sample the others. I shared about my diet with the BR employee. She said she lost about 30 pounds just substituing 2 scoops of ice cream for one meal a day. Might work--any takers. 'Course ya can see what happens to me--Will I have to take in our take out my belt or carve more notches in it?
Stay dialed . . . The first official weigh in is tomorrow evening.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Day 6
Sunday, but I can't quite celebrate with a sundae (as MyHappy commented). I can have a mountain of ice cream, but nothing covering the mountain. I will be celebrating with my brother for his birthday--we're going to some special ice cream place he's heard about. It's supposed to have the best rated ice cream. I'll be sure to give you the Ice Cream Dieteer (that's me) official report. If we discover a great coffee place, I'll share the "brewhaha" on that, too. Hopefully, the birthday boy won't change his mind and I'll have to watch him down a steak or someting to really sink your teeth into.
Seems I'm inundated with talk of food, not just from Sabateur, but others as well. (Are they in a secret society to foil my plans?) Their dark plots will melt away as I chant my mantra "Ice cream, only ice cream" and plan my next delicious shopping trip. Shopping is a lot quicker these days as I only go to the freezer, bevs and pet sections. I do peruse those ice cream offerings carefully, as now is the time to try any new and exciting flavor. It's easy on the budget, too. Daily diet costs (not including bevs) range from $3 upward to $4 a day, unless you go out and then double that. With beverages add another $1-2 and you still end up with $6 day max for home consumption. That's a total dietary energy bill of $186 max. (6 x 31). I like the Brit word energy a lot better than calorie--has a lot more positive ring to it. Fun if you say it with an accent, "I'd like a spot of InUhGee with my tea."
Stay dialed and see if I lick day six.
Seems I'm inundated with talk of food, not just from Sabateur, but others as well. (Are they in a secret society to foil my plans?) Their dark plots will melt away as I chant my mantra "Ice cream, only ice cream" and plan my next delicious shopping trip. Shopping is a lot quicker these days as I only go to the freezer, bevs and pet sections. I do peruse those ice cream offerings carefully, as now is the time to try any new and exciting flavor. It's easy on the budget, too. Daily diet costs (not including bevs) range from $3 upward to $4 a day, unless you go out and then double that. With beverages add another $1-2 and you still end up with $6 day max for home consumption. That's a total dietary energy bill of $186 max. (6 x 31). I like the Brit word energy a lot better than calorie--has a lot more positive ring to it. Fun if you say it with an accent, "I'd like a spot of InUhGee with my tea."
Stay dialed and see if I lick day six.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Day 5
Challenges and New Discoveries
Day 5 and I'm alive (and well); especially my sense of smell. Everything cooking smells divine. I opened a can of cat food for the Critter and it smelled doggone good--No, I didn't lick the lid! Ice cream really doesn't have much odor or have you noticed? Crunching while munching is something else that could lure me off this frozen tongue tundra. I'm kinda craving anything crunchy--tying to fend it off with ice cream that has bits and chunks of something to sink your teeth into.
Lunch with Sabateur--well they were supposed to have lunch before I arrived. Upon entering the thershold of temptation, I arrive to the wafting fragrance of fried fish. Fried fish never smelled so divine and they were just taking it up on their plates, all crispy and golden and had opened a bottle of champagne. Thankfully, I had BMOIC (brought my own ice cream) and refused their numerous offers as my Espresso Mocho fortified me through the episode. Note: always make sure you BMOIC if you think food is involved.
Sabateur is also calling extra often to tell me what's on the food channel or what's on their menu--just happens to me by favorites. HMMM--I think I'm going to have to eat ice cream when I'm on the phone with them.
A new great Ice Cream discovery was made yesterday. I stopped by the neighborhood store and checked out their freezer treats. I made a mental note that Dreyers now has pint-sized flavors to rival Ben and Jerry's. Can't quite remember the exact branding, but the word MAXX is the major marketing for their fun flavors, including a version with pieces of Butterfingers; might satisfy those crunch cravings I'm getting. Since I was rather craving something with fruit, I opted for the Ben and Jerry's "Willie Nelson's Countey Peach Cobbler." It's absolutely divine! Peach Ice Cream with (crunchy) bits of cinnamon flavored bits of shortbread and peach swirl. I downed about 3/4 container for dinner. Remember, the weigh in is Tuesday, but who's counting cals. Not me. I just want to stay on track for the next 26 days.
Thanks for dialing in and rolling with me on my frozen feat!
Day 5 and I'm alive (and well); especially my sense of smell. Everything cooking smells divine. I opened a can of cat food for the Critter and it smelled doggone good--No, I didn't lick the lid! Ice cream really doesn't have much odor or have you noticed? Crunching while munching is something else that could lure me off this frozen tongue tundra. I'm kinda craving anything crunchy--tying to fend it off with ice cream that has bits and chunks of something to sink your teeth into.
Lunch with Sabateur--well they were supposed to have lunch before I arrived. Upon entering the thershold of temptation, I arrive to the wafting fragrance of fried fish. Fried fish never smelled so divine and they were just taking it up on their plates, all crispy and golden and had opened a bottle of champagne. Thankfully, I had BMOIC (brought my own ice cream) and refused their numerous offers as my Espresso Mocho fortified me through the episode. Note: always make sure you BMOIC if you think food is involved.
Sabateur is also calling extra often to tell me what's on the food channel or what's on their menu--just happens to me by favorites. HMMM--I think I'm going to have to eat ice cream when I'm on the phone with them.
A new great Ice Cream discovery was made yesterday. I stopped by the neighborhood store and checked out their freezer treats. I made a mental note that Dreyers now has pint-sized flavors to rival Ben and Jerry's. Can't quite remember the exact branding, but the word MAXX is the major marketing for their fun flavors, including a version with pieces of Butterfingers; might satisfy those crunch cravings I'm getting. Since I was rather craving something with fruit, I opted for the Ben and Jerry's "Willie Nelson's Countey Peach Cobbler." It's absolutely divine! Peach Ice Cream with (crunchy) bits of cinnamon flavored bits of shortbread and peach swirl. I downed about 3/4 container for dinner. Remember, the weigh in is Tuesday, but who's counting cals. Not me. I just want to stay on track for the next 26 days.
Thanks for dialing in and rolling with me on my frozen feat!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Day 4
Happy Independence Day!
To Celebrate I breakfasted on Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream Ice Cream gifted to me by Dialed In Dude--Dialed In has been my best supporter and advocate on this deep-freeze adventure. He got me rollin' with the blog and has really shared the fun. By the way, Americone is a geat way to celebrate the 4th with it's fudge covered waffle cone chunks and caramel swirl. So far I haven't felt deprived at all.
Dark Sabateur visited and did bring me a decoy gift of Tillamook Espresso Mocha to get in the door. Then the trickery began--He wanted me to cook something, but I fended that temptation off by an offer to let them cook. Sabateur smiled ominously, then asked for popcorn, which I obliged and sat a huge bowl in front of him, which he maliciously crunched down waving plump kernals under my nose to weaken my reserves. Didn't work! Later when we dipped into the Espresso Mocha, he had to have hot fudge, which I couldn't. This is the most danger I've been in so far, but I didn't succomb. . . Ben and Jerry's to the rescue!
More Ice Cream Dieteer adventures await! Including "the weigh" on Tuesday marking one week. The weigh will officially be ruled on by the Gypsy.
Have a blast and stay cool this 4th!
To Celebrate I breakfasted on Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream Ice Cream gifted to me by Dialed In Dude--Dialed In has been my best supporter and advocate on this deep-freeze adventure. He got me rollin' with the blog and has really shared the fun. By the way, Americone is a geat way to celebrate the 4th with it's fudge covered waffle cone chunks and caramel swirl. So far I haven't felt deprived at all.
Dark Sabateur visited and did bring me a decoy gift of Tillamook Espresso Mocha to get in the door. Then the trickery began--He wanted me to cook something, but I fended that temptation off by an offer to let them cook. Sabateur smiled ominously, then asked for popcorn, which I obliged and sat a huge bowl in front of him, which he maliciously crunched down waving plump kernals under my nose to weaken my reserves. Didn't work! Later when we dipped into the Espresso Mocha, he had to have hot fudge, which I couldn't. This is the most danger I've been in so far, but I didn't succomb. . . Ben and Jerry's to the rescue!
More Ice Cream Dieteer adventures await! Including "the weigh" on Tuesday marking one week. The weigh will officially be ruled on by the Gypsy.
Have a blast and stay cool this 4th!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Day 3
Here's the word for the third (day). I haven't fallen off the ice cream wagon. My cool co-worker surprised me today with a pint of Ben & Jerry's AmeriCone Dream. Its an ice cream flavor named for Stephen Colbert. It claims you can taste the truthiness. I'm looking forward to trying it at lunch today. I'll be a flavor expert by the end of this month.
Last night my sweet brother invited me to dinner and surprised me with Ben and Jerry's Vanilla Toffee Crunch. I't's pretty good, but I prefer their Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.
I had a nightcap of diet black cherry soda with Vanilla Ice Cream . . . .MMMM. It was even better than the diet root beer float.
It sure makes it easier when family and friends are supporting you. Plus the pressure's on as more and more folks dial in. So, all you virtual viewers are helping me succeed. The quote on my calendar for July is a perfect affirmation, " The person who makes a success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and aims fo rit inswervingly. That is dedication."--Cecil B. DeMille.
I did a little label surfing and found out ice cream has healthy doses of Vitamin A, Iron and protein plus those other things I'm not going to mention--I'm accentuating the positive as part of my success strategy.
So far here are is the upside of this diet experiment:
Last night my sweet brother invited me to dinner and surprised me with Ben and Jerry's Vanilla Toffee Crunch. I't's pretty good, but I prefer their Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.
I had a nightcap of diet black cherry soda with Vanilla Ice Cream . . . .MMMM. It was even better than the diet root beer float.
It sure makes it easier when family and friends are supporting you. Plus the pressure's on as more and more folks dial in. So, all you virtual viewers are helping me succeed. The quote on my calendar for July is a perfect affirmation, " The person who makes a success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and aims fo rit inswervingly. That is dedication."--Cecil B. DeMille.
I did a little label surfing and found out ice cream has healthy doses of Vitamin A, Iron and protein plus those other things I'm not going to mention--I'm accentuating the positive as part of my success strategy.
So far here are is the upside of this diet experiment:
- Ice Cream keeps me from getting hungry.
- Preparing dinner is a snap.
- It's bringing out my creativity (I refer to the Black Cherry float mentioned above).
- I'm saving money on my meals--so far all have been under $1.50 and my average "food" cost per day is around $4.00.
- I get more done as I'm staying busier and moving more to keep my mind occupied.
- I'm drinking more fluids (and promised one friend I'd drink at least one glass of water a day that doesn't contain flavors or caffeine--my usual bevs of choice).
There are challenges ahead. My brother's birthday is this weekend and he loves buffets. This year, I'll be meeting the family after and will BMOIC (bring my own ice cream). There's also the 4th of July and a long weekend--My strategy is to have lots of flavors on hand so I'm not tempted by other foods. I plan on doing lots of yard work so the frig is not as convenient--Guess that's another benefit--my yard may end up looking a lot better.
Have a great 4th. Stay cool and dial in as I'll keep up my daily ice cream diary.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Day 2
Made it through my first 24 hours with no ill effects. I didn't get hungry all day, but I think the fat in ice cream keeps one satiated--it's not like eating Chinese food where your hungry an hour later. Speaking of Chinese food, that was my big temptation last night. My family came over with takeaway Chinese--Did it smell great?! I stuck to my dish of ice cream Ben and Jerry's "Everything but the" which I highly recommend. It's yummy. My family wanted to try it so it's about gone.
One friend suggested, root bear floats--So later in the evening--that was my treat. Dreyer's Vanilla with diet root bear. I'm going to be doing more floats with the varieties of diet pop. I'll share which one's are really awful or great.
I had a comment from yesterday suggesting, rather than the scale, I should measure blood sugar and effect on immune system. This is way too much work for me and I'm just not interested. This diet is, as I've said,, not about health of the body, but health of the mind. Also folks will be much more interested in the results of the scale than my blood sugar. Besides, I tend to have low blood sugar, despite a heavy sugar diet in my "normal" months. It's also about fun and measuring those wouldn't be any fun and would make me less motivated.If you're truly interested in measuring blood sugar for a month, you're welcome to try The Ice Cream Diet."
So far my menu today has been finishing off the pint of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch (that's about half) for breakfast. I'm enjoying my Pistachio, Pistachio as I update this blog.
Also, I'll not necessarily be doing my updates first thing in the morning--I have a very erratic schedule some days. But I will do some kind of posting during the 24 hour period.
Many of you have sent your support. I really appreciate each of you--you know who you are. You'll keep me motivated.
I'll leave you with this thought. If you were stranded on a dessert island for a month and only had one thing to eat, would you pick ice cream. That's kind of how I'm thinking about this month and am grateful, I don't have to eat grubs and roots. Trying to look on the bright side as I believe positive thinking along with determination is key to success in licking anything.
One friend suggested, root bear floats--So later in the evening--that was my treat. Dreyer's Vanilla with diet root bear. I'm going to be doing more floats with the varieties of diet pop. I'll share which one's are really awful or great.
I had a comment from yesterday suggesting, rather than the scale, I should measure blood sugar and effect on immune system. This is way too much work for me and I'm just not interested. This diet is, as I've said,, not about health of the body, but health of the mind. Also folks will be much more interested in the results of the scale than my blood sugar. Besides, I tend to have low blood sugar, despite a heavy sugar diet in my "normal" months. It's also about fun and measuring those wouldn't be any fun and would make me less motivated.If you're truly interested in measuring blood sugar for a month, you're welcome to try The Ice Cream Diet."
So far my menu today has been finishing off the pint of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch (that's about half) for breakfast. I'm enjoying my Pistachio, Pistachio as I update this blog.
Also, I'll not necessarily be doing my updates first thing in the morning--I have a very erratic schedule some days. But I will do some kind of posting during the 24 hour period.
Many of you have sent your support. I really appreciate each of you--you know who you are. You'll keep me motivated.
I'll leave you with this thought. If you were stranded on a dessert island for a month and only had one thing to eat, would you pick ice cream. That's kind of how I'm thinking about this month and am grateful, I don't have to eat grubs and roots. Trying to look on the bright side as I believe positive thinking along with determination is key to success in licking anything.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Day 1
Well I feel metally fit and ready to churn ahead with The Ice Cream Diet.
I breakfasted on a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch with my morning java.
Lunch was a serving of Ben and Jerry's Pistachio, Pistachio with coffee.
(note don't be alarmed by the amount of coffee I consume on The Ice Cream Diet--this is normal for me.)
Cost of a pint of Ben and Jerry's at Winco $2.48 per pint. Divide that by 4 and, so far, my meals have cost me 62 cents each. But there's still dinner to go tonight.
I breakfasted on a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch with my morning java.
Lunch was a serving of Ben and Jerry's Pistachio, Pistachio with coffee.
(note don't be alarmed by the amount of coffee I consume on The Ice Cream Diet--this is normal for me.)
Cost of a pint of Ben and Jerry's at Winco $2.48 per pint. Divide that by 4 and, so far, my meals have cost me 62 cents each. But there's still dinner to go tonight.
Notes before the big freeze (pre-diet day)
The day before the official start of The Ice Cream Diet, I ate my favorite foods knowing I wouldn't have them for awhile--I had banana pudding for breakfast, a crunchy tosatado with lots of hot sauce for lunch, a Whopper and potato chips for dinner. That was my fast-food fix for awhile, which I typically don't eat often, but, hey, I was spluging. This will help me psychologically as I begin my quest similar to a bear getting ready to hibernate for winter.
I also went Ice Cream shopping to stock my freezer for the big day. I bought several varieties to help with the boredome that might set in. Overcoming boredom will be one of the greatest challenges for me as I like variety in my food and I love just about all food.
I'll be reporting along the way on where the most varieties, best savings and most unique Ice Creams are.
I also went Ice Cream shopping to stock my freezer for the big day. I bought several varieties to help with the boredome that might set in. Overcoming boredom will be one of the greatest challenges for me as I like variety in my food and I love just about all food.
I'll be reporting along the way on where the most varieties, best savings and most unique Ice Creams are.
The Scoop
Here's the scoop (or road rules) on the Ice Cream Diet. I'll be attempting to eat only ice cream for the month of July. I'm not allowed toppings, but can eat any flavor of ice cream. That's ice cream, not sherbet, sorbet, low fat, Low cal, or other imposter ice creams. The debate is out on if I'm allowed milkshakes or ice cream bars--I'm gonna try and stick with just ice cream.
I am allowed virtually non-caloric beverages--water, flavored water, diet sodas, coffee and tea. I will be taking a multiple vitamin. I'm not limited to quanities or calories, but intake will affect outcome of this diet and if I'm paid or have to pay. My colleague will pay me $1 for every pound lost and I'll pay him $1 if I gain. A friend will weigh me in the first day (today July 1) and at the end of them month and report loss or gain. No, I'm not telling you my actual weight. I'm only reporting pounds.
Pre-diet work--I've notified anyone I have social responsibilities to during July and let them know I'll be BMOIC (brining my own ice cream). I've sought out friends and co-workers who will cheer me own and might even buy me ice cream now and then.
I've stocked up on a variety of ice creams to eliminate the boredom factor, as well as a supply of diet beverages. I've psyched myself up that this will be fun and postiive and it may even be historical--I might be the first person to just eat Ice Cream for a month. What a legacy?
I will be walking and doing any other exercise I typically have done prior to this diet. I will try and do everything else as normal as possible so only ice cream and quantities will affect the outcome of this experiment. While I'm at it, I've decided to write a book about the whole experiment and fulfill a dream of publishing a tome in my lifetime, lofty subject that this is.
I'll be expermimenting with homemade Ice creams--bless my dear brother for lending me his ice cream maker and gifting me with a book of ice cream recipes. I'll include some in this blog.
You are welcome to join me on this journey of discovery by following this blog. I'll be reporting on my daily menu, cost of ice creams and my general well-being as well as the challenges along the way.
I am allowed virtually non-caloric beverages--water, flavored water, diet sodas, coffee and tea. I will be taking a multiple vitamin. I'm not limited to quanities or calories, but intake will affect outcome of this diet and if I'm paid or have to pay. My colleague will pay me $1 for every pound lost and I'll pay him $1 if I gain. A friend will weigh me in the first day (today July 1) and at the end of them month and report loss or gain. No, I'm not telling you my actual weight. I'm only reporting pounds.
Pre-diet work--I've notified anyone I have social responsibilities to during July and let them know I'll be BMOIC (brining my own ice cream). I've sought out friends and co-workers who will cheer me own and might even buy me ice cream now and then.
I've stocked up on a variety of ice creams to eliminate the boredom factor, as well as a supply of diet beverages. I've psyched myself up that this will be fun and postiive and it may even be historical--I might be the first person to just eat Ice Cream for a month. What a legacy?
I will be walking and doing any other exercise I typically have done prior to this diet. I will try and do everything else as normal as possible so only ice cream and quantities will affect the outcome of this experiment. While I'm at it, I've decided to write a book about the whole experiment and fulfill a dream of publishing a tome in my lifetime, lofty subject that this is.
I'll be expermimenting with homemade Ice creams--bless my dear brother for lending me his ice cream maker and gifting me with a book of ice cream recipes. I'll include some in this blog.
You are welcome to join me on this journey of discovery by following this blog. I'll be reporting on my daily menu, cost of ice creams and my general well-being as well as the challenges along the way.
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