I'm putting down my fork to talk about the Marie Claire Fatty Article

Have you seen or heard about the "Should Fatties Get A Room? (even on TV?) article in Marie Claire magazine? If you haven't, check it out here.

First of all, I think it's AWESOME, yes TOTALLY FREAKIN AWESOME that CBS is airing Mike & Molly (the #1 new comedy on television this season)! To me, I think it's akin to networks having shows with gay couples, or interracial couples. Yes, I said it! And I'd like to see more of it. Why can't America see REAL people on television, instead of anorexic twigs?

I have seen parts of 2 episodes and from what I've seen I rather like it. I've seen other blogs talk about complaints about fat jokes, but perhaps I missed those parts, or perhaps I was so "getting it" that the jokes were either lost on me, or I'm so used to them I didn't notice them. (Kind of like living next to a hospital and not hearing the ambulance sirens after awhile. You hear it so much you are immune to it.)

Now that I've seen this clip of Behind The Scenes, (and I'm LOOKING for the fat jokes) which admittedly is probably a montage of fat jokes, and possibly more than airs in an episode (hey! I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt!), I see there are some pretty offensive fat jokes. But hey Maura! We're all fat and jolly and love to laugh, right? So who cares?



I'm not exactly sure where CBS is going with this show, but being that the couple met at an Over Eaters Anonymous meeting, I'm sure it goes without saying that the show is going to tackle the issues that those of us who are over weight deal with every day. Stuff like dieting and dating and being intimate.

The article in question opens with Maura’s editor posing this question: “Do you really think people feel uncomfortable when they see overweight people making out on television? Maura writes, “Those people are downright obese!” Maura writes further, “I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other… because I’d be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room – just like I’d find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a (sic) heroine addict slumping in a bar.”

Apparently Maura isn't aware of all the full figured men and women who are lovers of full figured people. And the skinny people who are lovers of full figured people. I'd be willing to bet she isn't aware that there is even porn with full figured people. I think someone needs to invite Maura over to watch Shallow Hal and view a few of those porn movies, and have her wear a fat suit for a month. That'll fix her skinny a** boat.

This is directed at Maura, frankly Maura, I have a problem watching 2 super skinny people making out. I'd feel like I was at a Cub Scout camp-out watching someone rub 2 sticks together to light a fire. Dang! 2 skinny people making out? Have a fire extinguisher handy, because you could have a fire on your hands in no time. Okay, I don't look forward to your letters (homage to CF), I was only joking.

I can see why this sitcom is #1. It's because the characters are people that a lot of us can relate to. After all, aren't we all hearing the reports on the news about more and more Americans getting obese? (And no, I'm not going to quote statistics, because I'm too fat and lazy to look them up Maura.)

As someone who has lost 77 pounds (at last weigh in), and who still has more to lose, I sometimes find myself getting sucked into the whole weight dynamic, especially since I am dating. (If you want to see a recent photo, check out this post.)I've always said, it's what's inside that counts. It's the intangibles, not the package. It's odd this time around with the weight loss. I think I'm more comfortable this time, than any other time in my life when I've lost weight. I think I've lost the proverbial fat person inside, I actually love myself for losing the weight (and would love to lose more and am working on it) and am more comfortable than I've ever been. I think I'd have to attribute that to my "coming out" and being more comfortable with myself in general.

So have you seen Mike & Molly? Have you read the article? What's your take on both?

Oh, and if you have even the slightest sense of humor (don't you hate when funny people are intimate?), go check out Mamapop's take on this.

And don't forget to boycott Marie Claire magazine...(which by the way I've never even heard of and don't know why I've even mentioned it in this post.)

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Cookbook Review - Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, By Chef Susan Irby, with Rachel Laferriere, MS. RD

I recently received a copy of Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, Fire Up Your Diet For A Fit And Firm You, by Chef Susan Irby with Rachel Laferriere, MS, RD. You may recall that not too long ago I reviewed her cookbook, Lola's Review - Substitute Yourself Skinny.
From the Press Release:

According to the Center for Human Nutrition, the average woman's metabolism drops 2 to 3 percent per decade starting at age 30. Fair? No. Fact? Unfortunately.

Clearly, women need to beat down Mother nature and regain control of their bodies---but how? Enter Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, Fire Up Your Diet For A Fit And Firm You, by Chef Susan Irby with Rachel Laferriere, MS, RD. Chef Irby shows dieters metabolism-boosting food options beyond milk chased with hot sauce and maple syrup/cayenne pepper lemonade. In fact, with Chef Irby leading the charge, readers will soon realize boosting metabolism is easier---and more delicious---than they ever dreamed possible.

About the Author:

"Chef Susan Irby has worked under multiple Master Chef including Todd English, Ming Tsai, and George McNeill. She is also the author of Substitute Yourself Skinny. Known as the Bikini Chef, specializing in "figure-flattering flavors." Chef Susan is host of The Bikini Lifestyle with Susan Irby The Bikini Chef on KFWB News talk 980 in Los Angeles and author of 3 cookbooks. She has cooked for several celebrities including Billy Bush, David Spade, Kate Sagal, and Bill Hendel, and appeared on The Patti Gribow Show and KLAC Los Angeles and numerous other media outlets. She lives in Orange County, CA. Visit Susan Irby.com."

Chapters:

Sure-Fire Metabolism Boosters
Appetizers and Dips
Breakfasts
Sandwiches, Wraps, and Pizza
Salads
Soups
Chicken and Turkey
Beef, Pork, and Lamb
Seafood and Fish
Pasta, Polenta, and Grains
Vegetarian
Side Dishes
Smoothies and Snacks
Desserts

Appendixes:

Additional Metabolsim-Boosting Foods
Supplement Your Diet
Metabolic Tips and Tricks.

The one downside about this cookbook is the lack of photographs. There are none. That is something I really like to see when I'm trying a new recipe, I like to know what it's supposed to look like. However, each recipe does include Calories, Fat, Carbohydrate, and Protein information. Every other page also include a section called "Burn It Up", which gives additional tips on boosting your metabolism.

Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, Fire Up Your Diet For A Fit And Firm You, by Chef Susan Irby with Rachel Laferriere, MS, RD is currently available online at Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnes and Noble.com and your local bookseller.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this novel to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this book review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Adult Halloween Costume - Any ideas?

Ok, so it looks like I may be attending a Halloween Party for the lesbian group I belong to. I'm looking for ideas for homemade costumes from stuff I already have. I don't have the money to blow on a store bought costume and I'm looking for something unique and something that will be a big hit at the party. Some kind of costume that my girlfriend could also wear something in that theme would be great too.

Anyone have any ideas? What was the best costume you've ever seen?

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Cookbook Review - Simply Suppers By Jennifer Chandler

I recently received a copy of Simply Supper By Jennifer Chandler. What an awesome cookbook for budget conscious families! Comfort foods that are budget friendly, quick and don't have an intimidatingly long list of ingredients. There are recipes for entrees, soups, side dishes and desserts.
Each recipe is accompanied by a full color photo. I can't tell you how much I love that! Especially for dishes I've never cooked. I always like to know what my finished dish should look like. Each recipe also includes Cooking Tips, Variations and Time-Saving Tips.

From the press release:

30 in about 30: 30 recipes that can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. Includes soups, poultry, fish, beef, pork, pasta, sandwiches.

10 leftover chicken makeovers: 10 ways to turn leftovers into something delicious.

20 "Freezer Go-To" items: Recipes to make double batches of for freezing...and to save you when you don't have time to cook.

About the Author

Jennifer Chandler graduated at the top of her class with Le Grand Diplome and a MentionLe Cordon Bleu in Paris. She moved back to her hometown of Memphis Tres Bien in Pastry from and in 1999 and opened the highly-acclaimed and award-winning (including Best New Restaurant in Memphis) Cheffie's Market and More - a prepared foods market and bakery. Jennifer is a full-time mother of two, a freelance magazine writer and a professional salad eater.

• Jennifer was recently named national spokesperson for French’s Mustard ™
• Jennifer also recently partnered with Whole Foods Market in Memphis, TN as a featured author and chef.

Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @cookwjennifer

Sunday we made "Mashed Potato Soup" and "Arroz Con Pollo".

For the mashed potato soup we actually made a batch of mashed potatoes from scratch because there is no such thing as leftovers in my house. Lol! I'm sure in a pinch you could use instant mashed potatoes or a package of ready made mashed potatoes and the recipe would turn out just as delicious. Once we had our mashed potatoes done the soup came together very quickly and it was delicious! The recipe calls for 1/4 Cup Crumpled Cooked Bacon (optional) for garnish. (Ahem! Bacon optional? Seriously?) We opted for extra bacon and we also added shredded cheese for garnish. Simply delicious!

Mashed Potato Soup from Simply Supper By Jennifer Chandler page 17.
4 Tbs Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup finely diced Yellow Onion (1/2 small onion)
4 Tbs All-Purpose Flour
3 Cups Chicken Stock
2 1/2 Cups leftover Mashed Potatoes
1 Cup Heavy Cream
Kosher Salt and finely ground Black Pepper
1/4 Cup crumbled cooked Bacon (optional)
1 small Tomato, diced (optional)
2 Tbs thinly sliced Scallions (optional)

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the Butter. Add the Onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Dust the Onions with the Flour and cook, stirring, until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Whisk in the Chicken Stock. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and whisk in the Mashed Potatoes until you have a smooth consistency.

Gradually whisk in the Heavy Cream. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste. Cook until mixture is heated through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled Bacon, diced Tomatoes, and Scallions, if desired.

Serves 4.

The Arroz Con Pollo was also delicious!

Chicken Tortilla Soup (page 7) is one of my favorites when I dine out, and while the it may have gone better with our entree, it was my daughter's choice this weekend and she chose the dishes. Every Sunday we get together with friends for da Bears game and cook up new recipes.

There are so many delicious looking recipes that I'm sure this is going to be one of my go-to cookbooks for some time to come and it would make an excellent gift for newlyweds or a great housewarming gift.

Simply Supper By Jennifer Chandler is available now at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Borders.com and your local bookstore.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this cookbook to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010