Dietetics & Dianetics

Token Kiwi Friend (TKF, aka known as Penny. See previous post) and I are on a little health kick of sorts. It's the type of plan that involves making deals with ourselves, like 'if I have a low-fat dinner, I'm allowed to have a wee bit naughty dessert.' And yes, I know this is not PC (psychologically correct) diet behaviour, in fact I've just commissioned a story which warned against this very practise. My excuse is I have to live it to know it - so it's all in the name of research.

Now I'm not inclined to promote products, but it must be known that in our quest for the Healthy Eating Higher Ground (also known as 'I can look down my nose at people ordering takeaway food because I love grilled fish'), our bible is the 10-Minute Meals cookbook. And our god is Donna Hay. Now, I don't know anything about this woman (it's possible she uses a full flush when a half will do, or that she double dips at parties) so my worship is on the grounds that her genius in the kitchen exceeds even Mark Darcy's.

TKF and I carefully selected 5 recipes for our weekly menu, wrote the accompanying shopping list, held our heads in shame upon realisation that we lacked most of the so-called 'pantry essentials' (Martha Stewart is rolling in her jail cell) and then purchased said pantry essentials and required ingredients. Now we are the geniuses methinks.

Monday was lamb and pine nut stir-fry, Tuesday we grilled chicken and served it with a mustard dressing, Wednesday...erm, ah, um, I had a cheese platter and at least 3* glasses of wine, plus Turkish toast with Vegemite at 11pm, Thursday was pub dinner and more wine.
*After this point even an accountant loses track.

And that is the end of good news portion of my story. There is redemption though – we have three whole meals waiting in the fridge and pantry for the back on food wagon-ness that will no doubt happen. Most likely on Monday. The better news is TKF and I have inspired two other friends (Phoebe, our blonde friend who doesn't live in the building but comes around a lot. And Henrietta, my colleague formally known as Harriet) to join our 10-Minute Meal Cult. Xenu-Donna would be proud.....