The Way To A Man's Heart........

In these health conscious days having puddings and cakes is a rare indulgence. I am fortunate that I don't really care for sweet things - my weaknesses are crisps and nuts, although the former isn't healthy and the latter is laden with calories.

My husband loves all the puds and cakes but I ration him to try and save him from himself!  A couple of days ago he said he would really like a lemon meringue pie and seeing as he gave me the pleading puppy dog look I relented.  Here is the result!

When I had finished it and admired my handiwork, I remembered a comment someone made to me years ago. I had prepared a lavish spread for work colleagues and one of them asked if I had cooked it myself with just a touch of sarcasm.  I said I had and she said "you cook........?!"

Now her exclamation could be taken in different ways....did she think I wasn't capable .......or was it that I was such a busy person I wouldn't have time...... I chose the less contentious assumption and smiled sweetly.

Maybe this capability, wannability assumption around career women had its inspiration from Shirley Conran's book "Superwoman" which she wrote in the 1970's.  This book was aimed at busy career women. Some of her comments were very much "tongue in cheek" but left a lasting impression.  Here are a couple of her quotes.

"Life's too short to stuff a mushroom"

"I make no secret of the fact that I would rather lie on a sofa than sweep under it"

As a full time working mum I always cooked and cleaned myself and dare I say I actually enjoyed it. At weekends I would regularly cook meals to freeze so that there wouldn't be any problem in the week with preparing meals if I was late for any reason.

Now I am retired I  spend more time cooking for the people I love.......and I assure you I am not turning into a Stepford wife!!

Oldies Diet!!

Although the title of the post is "Oldies Diet" the subject matter applies to any age.  It is a matter of balance.

Food is always an emotive topic as people struggle to
-  eat healthily
-  watch their weight
-  watch the pennies.

As you get older it is even more important to examine your diet and to keep in mind these 3 points.

I'm not a vegetarian but I do try to restrict my meat and fish content to one meal a day.  The remaining meals often include pulses, beans, peppers and occasionally cheese. You can raid the contents of cupboards and fridge to find left overs which make for a really healthy and attractive meal.

Here's one  quickly put together meal I made yesterday for lunch.......

This included one finely sliced red pepper,  onion, pak choi and cooked green beans....clove garlic and one inch ginger finely chopped, salt and pepper

Smear oil on bottom of non stick frying pan and slow fry pepper and onion until latter caramelises, then throw in the rest!!  It looks like an awful lot of food on the pan but it soon cooks down into a standard portion size. Stir fry until softened and then eat asap.  You can then drizzle soya sauce or balsamic - I prefer not to.....just extra calories!

This meal is incredibly easy, uses ingredients from leftover veg, cost amounts to approx £1.10, calories about 150.  So what's so difficult about that it is delicious - only downside can cause havoc with insides :)

My calorie count for the day amounts to around 1500 - this together with an hours exercise most days keeps me at my dress size 10.  I don't deprive myself of treats and its surprising how you can keep within your daily allowance if you prepare and cook food yourself - you are in control knowing what is in each meal rather than buying  a ready meal which may contain things you don't want!