By popular demand- Cauliflower!

My Meltdown weight-loss is  utterly dependent upon my diet. I don't mean "diet" in the sense that certain foods are forbidden, but diet according to my definition, which is, "I can eat anything I want as long as I don't go over 1,000 calories a day."

For some people this might not work, as maybe they are more dependent on certain foods, such as fast food or candy, which will rack up the calories to the limit in one 5-minute indulgence. From watching The Biggest Loser, it seems another problem of the obese is that they don't cook and eat too much prepared and processed foods, which I detest.

Luckily for me, as much as I love fat and calorie dense foods like cheese, butter, cream, foie gras, pate, bacon, croissant, etc. Actually, looking at this list I can safely say my food foibles are milk and pig-based.

But I also love so many other whole foods equally, if not more: vegetables, especially cruciferous and greens like chards, collards, and spinach; eggs; whole grains; nuts & seeds; avocados, pears, grapefruit, berries, squash, mushrooms, more and more.

So I have not been feeling deprived at all. Portion control is an issue and so is the decreased wine consumption, but overall I'm having fun inventing amazing, lo-cal meals such as a Shrimp, Avocado, Grapefruit & Watercress Salad w/Sherry Vinegar.

But I've also been referring to some of my old standbys, like the incredibly simple Roasted Cauliflower. There is nothing to it: roast florets in a low oven until they lose moisture and turn into luscious, sweet, chewy-crispy golden nuggets. This dish satisfies my craving for what Miss B and I call the "Brown Crunchy Things." But unlike tater tots, egg rolls, fried mushrooms and other such calorie bombs, this cauliflower dish is loaded with nutrients and fiber- not calories.

Here's how you make it:

• Cut a head (or 2) of cauliflower into 1" florets
• Toss with 1-2 teaspoons EVOO
  and S & P
• Spread onto a baking sheet in 1 layer
• Bake at 300 degrees for approx. 1.5 hours

I used to accompany mine with a dipping sauce made of mayonnaise seasoned with Chipotle Pepper sauce from the can. My Meltdown version can stand on its own or be served with something less fatty, like Trader Joe's Punjab Spinach Sauce.

The cauliflower ultimately reduces down to such a concentrated morsel, that I can easily consume 2 heads in one sitting. But who cares? There are only 144 calories in 1 medium-size head (approx. 1.25lbs) and 57% of the daily recommended amount of fiber.

I'm melting...

So far, so good on the Team Meltdown. With just my 1,000 calorie-a-day plan,

I've lost about 8 lbs. in 10 days. This is without any additional exercise, apart from the occasional brisk walk.

I did get in some quality time outside last weekend, however. It was a bit chilly, but sunny, with a bright blue sky. My initial plan was to take the Max to the west side to hike around Washington Park, but I decided on something closer to home and headed on foot to Mt. Tabor.

Approaching from the East side, I took the stairs, figuring I would get the most intense workout. There are A LOT of stairs.Huffing and puffing I finally made it to the top and found an empty bench and enjoyed the view.

Now really, what better incentive than this?

Alder Street Cafe

Hey all my regular readers! Yeah, I'm talkin' to both of you! I've created another blog called "Alder Street Cafe." Both blogs will intersect, though this will be my primary. Alder Street Cafe will feature food related topics that will be covered here, but may contain more epicurean details, such as recipes and cooking links.

Here is where I need your help. I need a picture for my blog header and I don't know what image- or images- to use. So if you would please vote by adding comments to this post I would very much appreciate it.
The pictures that I am considering are:





Though the cafe is still under construction, I hope to have it beautifully decorated and stimulating your palates very soon.

I really mean it this time!

Getting in shape, that is. So I've gone public, announced it to just about everyone I know and I'm participating in the 2009 Team Meltdown at work. It's like The Biggest Loser, but with way smaller contestants. I could win cash money if I lose enough! It's only been a week, but I think I've already lost 4-5 pounds.

The most helpful tool in my weight loss so far has been my phone. (I know you're rolling your eyes now, so quit it.) There is an app called 'Lose It!' that you can record your daily meals and exercise and it gives you your calorie "budget." If I want to eat more food, then I have to go for a run to expand the budget. I haven't lost interest yet, and this bodes well.

The second most helpful tool has been the TEAM MELTDOWN wrist band they gave me at weigh-in. It allows the contestants special deals like classes, personal trainers, dieticians, etc. I just wear it as a reminder. That, plus the fact that I told at least a hundred people at work that I was going to win and if I weighed the same at the end of the 10 weeks I deserve to be ridiculed.