Go Red…What’s in Your Fridge?
Feb 5th 2010
Julia LondonJulia London
In the last six months I lost two very important people for exactly the same reason: their hearts stopped working. My oldest sister died on June 27. It was very sudden and the pathologist described it as a “lights out.” Her heart just stopped and she was there one minute, gone the next. She did not have history of heart problems that she or anyone else knew about. And then, on January 1, one of my best friends, the author Kathleen Givens, died the very same way of the very same thing. She was sitting in the living room with her husband. She was there one minute and gone the next. The coroner said the same thing to her husband: Her heart just stopped.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women and it often goes undetected. Today is the national Go Red day, and everyone is encouraged to wear red to symbolize the fight against heart disease in women. I’ve had my wake up call and I am wearing red. I thought in honor of this day, I could make you all aware of it, and then remind you that exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to prevent heart disease. 
Which brings me to the most popular topic at the start of every year: DIETS. This year, my plan is to eat whole foods as often as I can and try and to skip the processed foods (if I can stand it. But Jack London likes his Fritos, and come on…how can anyone resist a few Fritos?). I have actually given up chocolate because I am trying to get away from refined sugar. For those of you keeping score at home, I have not given up sugar. Sugar and I continue to wage some hefty battles, especially at night.
I am also not very good about planning ahead when it comes to meals. I am much better at eating out. I don’t have a lot of stuff in my fridge. Mostly condiments, juices, and milk. (And don’t you just love the staged fridge up there? How nice and neat all the food is? Have you ever seen a fridge like that?)
What kind of fridge do you keep? Is it stuffed full, or bare, like mine? What are the top three items you always have on hand in your fridge? What’s your favorite whole food? Are you wearing red today?
120 Comments »
evlqn on 05 Feb 2010 at 1:34 am #
Julia, I am so sorry about your sister, I would be devastated if something happened to mine. She is the rock in the garden of my life, I don’t know what I would do without her.
My fridge is half healthy and half lab experiment, because we have growing children who INSIST upon being fed at least occasionally. We love green food(salads) and yogurt so that is nearly always in the fridge. String cheese or any other kind of cheese for the win. We have five seed bread for our toast and cinnamon every morning. Right now I am wearing the red night gown my mom gave me for Christmas.
evlqn on 05 Feb 2010 at 1:36 am #
And I have seen a fridge that neat and tidy, it belonged to a very twisted person.
Tina on 05 Feb 2010 at 2:18 am #
So sad to hear that your sister passed.
My fridge is mostly empty. Most of what is there needs to be tossed next trash day.
Current usable contents: mandarin oranges, mayo, peaches, water, I Can’t Believe Its Not Butter and leftover Chicken Fettacine Alfredo.
Judy F on 05 Feb 2010 at 4:29 am #
Sorry about your sister.
My fridge is actually fairly full only because I went to the grocery last night. We are supposed to have a major storm starting today.
I have premade salads, bottled water, sugar free puddings, fruit cups. Fairly healthy. Now I will not give up my skinny cow ice cream for anything.
I have my red shirt already out and I have a little red dress pin to wear also.
MizMacgyver on 05 Feb 2010 at 5:25 am #
Sorry to hear about your sister Julia, I know you are mourning her loss and I feel for you and yours.
I would like to have that fridge and what is in mine doesn’t look anything like that. What might be found in mine is eggs, milk, cheese, and maybe some lunchmeat. Right now there are only 2 eggs, no milk, and by the time I get home there won’t be any cheese either. I have 1 teen age boy living with me and right now he has two friends staying with him. I watched them devour a 3 lb pork roast last night in a matter of minutes. It was scary, really.
I am wearing red today, heart trouble is how I lost my mother and all of her brothers and sisters. Not a good family history for that particular problem.
Aly on 05 Feb 2010 at 6:05 am #
WOW! Julia, I am so sorry for your losses. It is so sad that they were both so young and full of life!
Our fridge is normally full but not over stuffed! We are a little anal and clean out/reorganize every Thursday night when we make the grocery shopping list for Friday!
There are more than three things that we always have in our fridge – milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, blueberries, yeast (I make all of our homemade bread products), salad makings and Diet Mt. Dew. I would say apples too but we keep those on the counter
And it must be fate for me to wear red today! I got dressed without even knowing about wearing red today but somehow I am wearing a red shirt!
LoriHandeland on 05 Feb 2010 at 6:20 am #
I will wear Red today! Lovely blog, Julia.
My fridge is stuff right after I go to the store and empty by the time I make myself go again. And amazingly right after I go to the store all the men in the house will say “there’s nothing to eat.”
I always have milk, OJ and apples in my fridge. Youngest son and I are big on the apple wedges for snacks.
I stopped with the white flour and sugar several years ago, Julia and felt immensely better within a few weeks of doing that. Not that I don’t cheat. Isn’t M & M the secret code for “cheat?”
Pesky on 05 Feb 2010 at 6:53 am #
(((Julia))) I’m so sorry. I will wear red today.
My fridge?
There’s always: Water, yogurt and 1/2 and 1/2 in the fridge.
The state of the fridge depends on what we’ve been doing. Right now it’s about moderately full. It has a lot of salad stuff, eggs, chicken and the staples mentioned above. If we’re in an eat out phase, there will be more leftover containers which once a month get thrown out regardless of the state of the food inside of it.
Michelle on 05 Feb 2010 at 6:58 am #
I’ve got my red work out shirt to wear to the gym today! Project Runway’s show last night was on designing Red Dresses for Am Heart Association Red Carpet Event.
CROCK POT!! This is a FAB way to have healthy meals and most of the time in one pot! I love it that I throw it all in the pot in the morning and don’t have to worry what I’m going to make for dinner at 5:30. I secretly wish we could eat breakfast and lunch for all meals then I wouldn’t have to cook! “-)
For a GREAT cookbook for your crock pot/slow cooker, get “Betty Crocker’s Easy Slow Cooker Dinners” at Borders. (The web addy for it took up 5 lines so just type the title in at Borders.)
I use it all the time, recommend it to all my friends and bought one for my 21 yr old college son who is living in an apt this year and trying to cook economically & smart.
Kathy on 05 Feb 2010 at 7:16 am #
red shirts on fridays mean another thing to Canadian miltary families and friends. it means support for all troops here and abroad.
in my fridge:
mostly water.many many jugs of tap water- it tastes great here!
condiments but no ketchup- hate the stuff.
real butter, milk, cheese- your basic dairy section
my mom died suddenly almost 6yrs ago of a burst heart aneurysm. I know how sudden and senseless it feels. my heart goes out to you Julia.
many ,any hugs
PJ on 05 Feb 2010 at 7:31 am #
(((Julia))) Making others aware of heart disease and healthy living is a wonderful tribute to both your sister and Kathleen. I lost my mom 26 years ago, the very same way. She was 53 years old. Heart disease is my genetic inheritance from my mom’s family so my doctor and I monitor my health regularly.
Items come and go in my fridge but I always have skim milk, natural peanut butter, yogurt and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.
SuzyQ on 05 Feb 2010 at 7:35 am #
Julia so sorry for your losses. To lose a sister and then a good friend must be very hard. Sending hugs your way.
My fridge is always packed. The top shelf is pretty much condiments and sauces that I use for cooking and marinating. I have two kids so I have plenty of OJ and Milk along with yogurts, fruits and veggies. I tend to cook a lot of food so there is always leftovers for either dinner or lunch the next day.
nancyg on 05 Feb 2010 at 7:42 am #
Julia:
Again, SO sorry for your loss. My grandfather passed away in his sleep from a fatal heart attack. I have my bulky cable-knit red sweater to wear out today.
ALWAYS in the fridge (OK – I’m cheating because I have another fridge in the garage for drinks!) – milk, O.J., eggs, lunch meat, cheese & fruit for the girls’ school lunches, diet coke, Powerade Zero, bottled water, salad fixings & dressing, and there’s always 1/2 a jar! of spaghetti sauce. I usually have mushrooms & onions – I think any kind of meat can be improved with sauteed mushrooms & onions on the side, lol.
Does the 1/2 fully stocked wine fridge in the pantry count? must have my pinots & cabs at 58 degrees, lol. I *love* my red wine (which I’ll also be drinking tonight – RED wine, lol).
I clean out the fridge on Tuesdays, since I grocery shop on Wednesday mornings when the new grocery store sales ads come out. Plus, Wednesday is also garbage day here, so it works out well for me.
Try DARK chocolate instead of MILK choc – it’s better for you – antioxidants & all.
Fave new cookbook (vegan!) – Skinny Bitch in the Kitch – Mr. G got it for me for our anniversary! – great side dish recipes
Claudia Dain on 05 Feb 2010 at 7:48 am #
Julia, I’m so sorry. You’ve had a tough year, putting it mildly.
I’m not wearing red because I didn’t *know* it was Heart Day. Oops.
My fridge…well, I like it slightly full and organized. Not stuffed full and not bare. Of course, it’s always swinging between one extreme and the other.
Whole foods…does that mean foods not pre-prepared? I think I only eat whole foods. But if whole foods means organic, really expensive food sold at certain stores, then I don’t eat any whole foods.
ladydawgfan on 05 Feb 2010 at 7:59 am #
Hmm, whats in the Fridge . . . Salad mix, tomatoes and dressing, apples, hummus, milk, yogurt, V-8 (my morning attention getter), OJ for my parents, lunch meat, assorted condiments, eggs, a few leftovers, and unfortunately, one or two penicillin farms that will be history after this weekend.
My condolences on the loss of your sister and friend, Julia. I can’t even imagine what you are going through right now, but my heart aches for you. {{{{ Hugs}}}}
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 8:21 am #
Thank you all for your condolences!
Claudia…does your fridge look like the one in the picture? You can confess. You are among friends.
My MIL has a fridge that looks like Where the Wild Things Are. There are containers piled on containers. I tease her about it, but she is a little sensitive. Needless to say, I am a little worried about anything that comes out of there.
MILK! You guys, I never knew how much MILK one child can consume. That is one of our staples. Milk, cheese, and bread. I always have those. The trick is having something else.
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 8:22 am #
NancyG, to be fair, giving up chocolate wasn’t only for the sugar. I was getting carried away with it a little too often.
Lori, I gave up white flour. But I never gave up sugar and it is IMPOSSIBLE. I feel like a crack addict at night. I have to have something sweet. How did you get over that?
Freedom Writer on 05 Feb 2010 at 8:25 am #
My refrigerator is stuffed right now since yesterday was grocery day. I tried to spend the majority of my shopping trip in the fruits and vegetable section as well as the other outside aisles instead of the inside aisle.
I agree with Nancyg. Eat dark chocolate that has over 70% chocolate in it for the antioxidants. They do have less sugar and more of the good stuff. If I crave a candy bar or two or three, I eat a square of this type of dark chocolate and those cravings go away.
Right now I’m wearing my red comfy writers pants. I guess I had better get to writing.
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 8:27 am #
Oh, the whole food thing: Whole foods, not processed. Real fruits and veggies, whole grains, that sort of thing.
I have stayed away from the processed stuff for a long time, but some processed things creep in. Fritos occasionally. Brownies (my complete and total downfall). Stuff like that.
LoriHandeland on 05 Feb 2010 at 8:29 am #
Julia–I cut everything out ruthlessly (I was feeling so horrid at the time it wasn’t hard) and in about 2 weeks the cravings went away. I thought that I’d miss desserts and I didn’t. Not that I don’t have them on special occasions, but I didn’t crave them like I thought and I’m really not that interested in them anymore.
I have a small handful of M & Ms at night. I figure, if I can’t have M & Ms, what’s the point in the treadmill? Actually what’s the point in anything if I can’t have 10 flipping M & Ms?
Michelle B on 05 Feb 2010 at 8:58 am #
My fridge isn’t that organized, and it is for the most part always full. Post military and not working outside the home means grocery shopping is my hobby. I must have a fear of running out of something or starving. Top three things always there are milk, margarine, and apples. You don’t want to know the rest.
Favorite whole food is bread, all kinds. I’m losing weight on Weight Watchers so the perks are lowering my cholesterol, a favor to my heart.
I have on my red sweatshirt sweatshirt today. Yesterday I bought a really pretty, dressy, red top for a Valentines dinner. And found a red vest on clearance that looked good on me in all the right places. Born and raised Husker fan, gotta love red.
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 9:27 am #
Lori, I really want to do that, but I am scared of total meltdown. Maybe I will try now that the book is off my plate and I am starting fresh with everything.
Rachel Gibson on 05 Feb 2010 at 9:31 am #
I am wearing my red monkey pjs. I just might wear them all day.
Mr. G keeps the fridge stuffed. I have cut out all sugar. It’s not a health thing so much as an addiction thing.
Freshechelle on 05 Feb 2010 at 9:44 am #
Julia, thanks for sharing your story as a cautionary reminder to all of us. I’m sorry for your losses.
I recently lost about 12% of my body weight and am restarting again this week to loss 10% more. I need to learn more about what Lori did because I can rationalize having chocolate 3-4 times a day, small doses, but I’m addicted to sugar. 2 weeks – I can stand that kind of endurance, longer than that – no freakin’ way.
My fridge is filled with frozen diet meals & desserts and milk – drink of the gods. the drawer next to the fridge, junior mints, cadbury royal dark, Cote d’Or dark chocolate with orange bits from France (nursing that one).
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 9:57 am #
Fresh, you and I could do a buddy system in trying to give up sugar. I am really pretty good about it most of the time, but those bites of chocolates and sweets are my big downfall. And ditto to what Lori said — I feel BAD when I eat sugar but I want it all the time!
If you want to team up off line — I will if you will
Freshechelle on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:02 am #
Julia, excellent plan, let’s do it. Can we start after mid-Feb? I have something I can’t be cranky for it. I’ll mark my calendar and connect with you.
Karen Rose on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:10 am #
Julia – my fridge isn’t the problem, it’s the pantry with all the snack food in there. Moonpies are my nemesis! My fridge actually looks pretty good.
I don’t own much red, but there is a little red on my shirt. And like Rachel, I have red on my jammy bottoms. I’m about to change them into my workout shorts, tho. Even tho they’re not red, they’re more in spirit of the heart day!
Thanks for writing this blog. I know I needed a kick in the butt. I don’t want my sister to have to write the same thing about me someday.
Sherri Erwin on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:19 am #
You have given up chocolate? Dark chocolate is good for you. But refined sugar, yeah. Not so much. I’m wearing red! I’m watching The View and shocked that only Barbara Walters is wearing red. And you don’t really want to hear about my fridge.
Gannon on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:21 am #
Julia, (((hugs)))! My heart aches for you and the loss of your sister and Kathleen. I am wearing red PJ’s now–weather’s so crummy, I may not get dressed.
My fridge has low fat milk, juice, water, fruits and veggies, yogurt, cheese, turkey, etc. Oh, I hear you on the sugar. I really need to cut it out. Most of the time I’m good, but when the weather is cold and snowy–like ours has been ALL winter–I head for the comfort. At least I stick to dark chocolate–it is good for your heart.
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:25 am #
Ladies, I know all about the benefits of dark chocolate. My problem with dark chocolate is Quantity, not Quality.
Fresh, you’re on! And anyone else who wants to join in on the give-up-sugar support group, please let us know!
K-Ro, the pantry is a problem here, too. I realized this morning that the CPEs favorite treat is marshmallows. And since I have given up chocolate, they’ve become my favorite treat, too. Its that sugar thing!!! Argh!
Sherri, let’s write the view and tell them they missed the boat!
Gannon on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:38 am #
Julia, oh boy can I relate on the quantity vs. quality dilemma!
Gillian on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:44 am #
Julia, I’m so sorry for your loss.
If it’s in the house—I will eat it. Period. On the other hand, if I have to go out and get it, I’m usually either out of cash or too busy to stop somewhere, so that helps.
My fridge is milk, grapefruit, mayo w/olive oil (it’s good stuff! I just found it last week), bread, oranges, 2% milk, red wine, apples, pudding cups, pre-made pizza dough, a green pepper that probably needs tossed….
I crave sugar (coke, oh my goodness, coke…) so I do understand. I have found that citrus can short-circuit my cravings sometimes.
Everyone who eats diet meals (I love Healthy Choice orange chicken the best), you all need to remember to watch the SALT. My mom reminded me yesterday, and she’s right—low fat doesn’t mean low salt at all.
“Actually what’s the point in anything if I can’t have 10 flipping M & Ms?
” I laughed so hard when I read this my cat rolled over and fell off his chair.
If you all are serious about the “Give Up Sugar Support Group”, I’m in! Power in numbers.
Freshechelle on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:47 am #
Excellent. I can start Feb 19. Until then it’s going to be a roman orgy of chocolate at my house.
Lori, any details of what exactly I’m supposed to cutting out would be great. I can commit to sweets, that’s enough sacrifice for me.
Tina on 05 Feb 2010 at 10:57 am #
The only thing that I have that is red are jammies. I’m not going to wear them to work.
nancyg on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:07 am #
Julia:
sorry – I should have figured you’d know about dark chocolate with CPE in the house!
I’m with you on quantity. Girl Scout cookies are coming in next week, and I tend to break into the Thin Mints when sorting… a whole SLEEVE of them!! lol
Kathleen O on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:17 am #
I don’t own anything red. Really, I know. Red is not one of my favourite colours, but I do own lots of burgandy and raspberry colours.. Does that count.. But I do have a pin with some red in it so I will put that on. We wear red in Canada to honour our military and thier families… So it has a different meaning to us, but hey no reason why it can’t be for both…
I have to watch the process foods as I have type 2 diabities. But it is hard because I do love chocolate and I love my salt, so I really watch both of these things. Once in awhile it is okay to have a piece or pinch…
My fridge is usually just for the left overs. Because I really prefer fresh foods everyday.. And most of whats in it now is jars and bottles..
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:22 am #
Gillian, please join us. So far it is you and me and Fresh. We can set up a little yahoo group and check in daily on the battle with sugar. February 19 is good for me, Fresh! What about you, Gillian?
Kathleen O, (is that you, O’Reilly?) anything that looks remotely heart-colored works.
Nancy G, I TOTALLY forgot the girlscout cookies! AUGH!
Janae on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:23 am #
My condolences, Julia. It’s hard losing loved ones, especially when it’s sudden like that.
I think it’s a shame that many people don’t know that they’re supposed to wear red, today, but I’m sure that they all know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I’ll be wearing red because heart disease runs in my family, so does stroke. They’re caused by the same thing – just different locations. I think that there needs to be more public awareness, when it comes to women’s heart attack symptoms since they are different than men’s.
We eat whole foods here and have for ages. Both of my children had food allergies (egg whites and dairy) that made it even more important that we eat whole foods. They’ve outgrown them, now, but it hasn’t changed the way we eat. We have constant discussions about making healthy food choices. We always have fruit at the house, especially fruit that’s in season. We’ve stopped eating anything with high fructose corn syrup. It took my dh forever to get used to real maple syrup.
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:25 am #
Janae, I have been using Agave syrup for the CPE. I love it, and so does he. It’s very sweet!
Louisa Cornell on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:36 am #
I am work for four glorious days, but I AM wearing my red pjs and red fluffy housecoat today.
My fridge is a disaster! I fully expect the EPA to send those guys in the suits to carry it away. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I got home last night with all of the groceries I need for the next 4 days. (I will NOT be darkening the doors of WM no matter what!) I crammed the stuff in there, but I will be detoxing the fridge this PM. I always have Milo’s tea, milk, butter, eggs, mayo, ketchup and turkey sandwich meat.
I have been trying to go with whole grain breads and I really need to eliminate chocolate as I am like a crack addict with it.
I turned 51 this year and as there is a history of heart disease in my family (we lost my Dad to it 12 years ago) I know I need to eat better and get more exercise.
My cats are on diet food, for cryin out loud, but I’m not. Sigh!!
Continued hugs and prayers, Julia, as you move through this difficult year.
Louisa Cornell on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:37 am #
That would be OFF work. Sheesh! One day off and I can’t talk or type!
Freshechelle on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:41 am #
Aw man, I’ve got 5 boxes of GS cookies on order. I might need to run my own Goddess Blog contest to give them away.
Gillian on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:44 am #
The 19th is good. Let that holiday and school parties get over. That’s two weeks away…. gives me time to compile some simple sweet-craving substitutes and get them in the house. Um, I have Splenda in my house (and real sugar). What’s Agave syrup?
And are we going the “sugar-free” route with chocolates and such–or just nothing? Some of the sugar-free treats give me a stomach ache. Is that normal? Of course, maybe they wouldn’t if I just stopped at one…
Lori on 05 Feb 2010 at 11:49 am #
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. We had a heart-related scare with my sister a few years ago, and I understand that it’s terrifying.
As for what’s in my fridge? Milk, milk, and milk. Oh, and did I mention milk? (ok, and hot dogs). I’m feeding 2 teenage boys. There never seems to be enough milk or hot dogs to satisfy their snack/hunger.
My favorite whole food is chocolate. Oh, it’s not a whole food? It makes me feel whole… Ok, then I guess I’d have to go with oranges. Yum.
Louisa Cornell on 05 Feb 2010 at 12:07 pm #
Are pistachios a whole food? I LOVE them. And cheese – any sort of cheese. Man, is that a pitiful diet or what?
Julia London on 05 Feb 2010 at 12:15 pm #
Pistachio is a whole food! Cheese…not so much.
Gillian and Fresh, lets get in touch next week and set up a yahoo group to do our Get-Off-Sugar thing, and we can discuss what it is we are trying to achieve then. How’s that sound?
THanks Lori. And yeah, i hear you on the milk!
Claudia Dain on 05 Feb 2010 at 12:17 pm #
Yes, Julia, my fridge does look a bit like the one in the photo. I admit this =knowing= I am not really among friends.
A word about sugar (which also puts me on the no-friends list): it’s hard to do in moderation because it’s an addiction that calls from every cell in your body. It’s actually easier to just refuse it altogether. Cold turkey.
Suzanne Enoch on 05 Feb 2010 at 12:29 pm #
I’m wearing red today!
Sabrina Jeffries on 05 Feb 2010 at 12:41 pm #
Claudia, I’m beginning to think you’re right about sugar. I just haven’t brought myself to go cold turkey yet. My mom did (because it was giving her trouble some kind of way) and she lost something like 14 pounds in 3 months. Just from cutting out sugar! And I never thought of her as eating much sugar anyway.
Sugar is evil. I am addicted. I must find a way to stop the addiction!
Other than my small amount of sugar (a pack of chocolate covered soynuts, which is rapidly becoming two packs per day, so I’ve got to do something), I eat very healthy. I have whole grain carbs a couple of times early in the day, and then I go with a salad for my first supper and soup for my second (I have to eat 4 meals a day). I’d almost rather increase my exercise than go without sugar! It’s a sickness.
Sabrina Jeffries on 05 Feb 2010 at 12:42 pm #
Julia, count me in on the battle with sugar!!!
Julia london on 05 Feb 2010 at 1:06 pm #
Excellent Sabrina ! That makes 4 in our support group
Freshechelle on 05 Feb 2010 at 1:28 pm #
It’s a ground swell. The team mentality will help me stay strong!
ladydawgfan on 05 Feb 2010 at 1:36 pm #
Julia,
Can I join?? Being Insulin-resistant, I try to eat healthy (whole grains, lots of veggies, low fat, lots of chicken and fish, etc), but sugar is my downfall, even though I am not supposed to touch it.
Help me, Obi Wan, you’re my only hope!!
LoriHandeland on 05 Feb 2010 at 2:08 pm #
You know how this all started for me was reading a book–doesn’t it always?
Before the Change: Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause by Anne Louise Gittleman
She outlined going off the white sugar and flour and had recommendations for a bunch of supplements for different symptoms, which I take to this day.
At the time, my father was dying of bone cancer, it was HIGH stress all around, which might be some of the issues you’re having, Julia, and I was a mess. This book and the things I learned in it helped me SO much.
Gannon on 05 Feb 2010 at 2:36 pm #
Lori, I definitely need to check out that book! I take supplements–makes a difference for sure.
Girl scout cookies??? Holy crap, I forgot! Must avoid the siren call of the Thin Mints and the Samoas (also called Caramel Delights depending on where you are). I *heart* them. *sigh*
B on 05 Feb 2010 at 2:46 pm #
Julia I’m SO sorry about your losses. My grandma died in 2006 like that. her heart just stopped. The unexpectancy (this word doesn’t exist, right?) is very hear. *big hugs to you*
I’m slowly killing myself with food. And, the worst part is, I don’t really care. I have no perspective of future anyway, might as well enjoy whatever gets me through the day.
And, yes, I realize that if I live long enough, I’ll regret it.
Nicole Jordan on 05 Feb 2010 at 3:15 pm #
Dearest Julia, that’s so hard to lose loved ones…. I lost a dear friend 3 years ago and I still miss her dreadfully.
As for my fridge, I keep it and my pantry pretty well stocked, but I really have to discipline myself with portion size and frequency!
Also, I put on a red sweater after your blog.
Major hugs!
Kathy on 05 Feb 2010 at 3:29 pm #
Claudia, I’m organized in my fridge! There just isn’t a lot of food in the fridge part. I use a big sharpie to write the date I’ve opened on bottles of mayo and jam, etc, to know how long the’ve been in there
Julia london on 05 Feb 2010 at 3:38 pm #
Ladydawg you are in!
Lori I need to find that book
b don’t kill yourself with food! You can make some subtle su stitutions and do. Etter
Nicole thanks for wearing red. Thanks to all of you for wearing red today!
nancyg on 05 Feb 2010 at 3:47 pm #
Julia :
I just got my 1st bottle of Agave syrup at Central Market – heard really great things about it, especially in my “Skinny Bitch” cookbook – can’t wait to incorporate it into recipes
Yeah, Girl Scout cookies – I’ll soon be inundated with 250+ boxes to distribute and booth sales this month… argh! but at least they’re for a good cause?? Here in North Texas, if you’re dieting (or diabetic), you can pay to donate boxes to the troops overseas. The program is called “troop to troop” (cute, huh!). Our unit is sending ours to Fort Hood, TX, for distribution. Daughter #3 collected 5 cases on her own… A couple of years ago, a few soldiers actually came up and collected them from the girls, so they could talk to “real” troops and ask them questions. It was pretty cool!
Paula on 05 Feb 2010 at 4:12 pm #
Julia I’d love to join the give up sugar group, but what exactly does the giving up sugar entail?
. I have NO willpower and would like to eat healthier than I do now. It is the biscuits and crisps that are usually open on the side at work that are the killer for me!
My fridge always has milk, cheese, fruit and eggs in it.
Eggs are BAD for cholesterol, did you know that?
LindaB on 05 Feb 2010 at 4:13 pm #
I too am so sorry for your losses, Julia. Sending hugs and good thoughts to you and your family because there are just no words for this kind of loss.
And thank you for this thoughtful post. We’re hunkered down for a snowstorm so I’m wearing Scots’ red plaid lounge wear.
Our frig generally has just the basics: milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, water. Oh, and the crisper–carrots and potatoes–my Scots heritage, I guess
. The freezer has frozen veggies and Lean Cuisines for lazy days. Everything else gets eaten or moved along pretty quickly.
LindaB on 05 Feb 2010 at 4:16 pm #
“Actually what’s the point in anything if I can’t have 10 flipping M & Ms?”
LOL, Lori. That’s probably as close to a personal philosophy as I have.
And for goodness’ sake, I hope they’re PEANUT M&Ms! 
LoriHandeland on 05 Feb 2010 at 4:56 pm #
Of course, Linda B. Peanut rocks.
Julia london on 05 Feb 2010 at 5:55 pm #
Paula we are happy to have you. And giving up sugar means just that: NO SUGAR
Madeline Hunter on 05 Feb 2010 at 6:25 pm #
I’m not gonna talk about diets, thank you very much. However, I’ll talk about my fridge. Which is too small. Or I have too much stuff in it (more likely). In addition to the usuals like eggs, milk, etc, you can always find salad making stuff. And parmesan cheese (good quality). Maple syrup (not only for pancakes, which I am not wild about anyway, even if I pretend I am when DH gets up on the weekend and makes them–too heavy in the morning for me, but I digress). Hot peppers (I like a little zing in my sandwiches). Apple butter (dh is into low fat stuff). Sour cream (burrittos and fajhitas -sp?- are frequent quick fix dinners here) and burrito shells (same reason). Bacon (so much for DH and the low fat idea–he eats the bacon, not me!) Ultra lean lunch meats (we pack a lot of lunches for convenience, and the ultra lean is because that is the kind that comes sliced really thinly and I hate thick lunch meat slices.) Hot pepper cheese (me and my need for zing again.)
Madeline Hunter on 05 Feb 2010 at 6:32 pm #
Oddly enough, i am not a sugar addict. I haven’t had a soft drink in ages, even diet kind. I only like dark chocolate (except for these milk chocolate covered caramels that I get from a place in Wisconsin. oh. my. goodness. To die for. . .) I can pass on most deserts and don’t like the really sweet cookies, prefer to ones that are more like “bisquits” in Europe and the UK.
I just don’t crave it and I usually don’t buy it.
None of which means I won’t grab some M & Ms if I walk past a bowl of them.
Kathy on 05 Feb 2010 at 8:17 pm #
waves hand!!! I am not and will not be ever able to give up sugar… I’m hypoglycemic and feel awful some days. so when I’m feeling the worst, I mix a 8oz glass of kool-aid, suing those singles. and i’m good to go. a quick fix when I’m in need. can’t use the fake kind either, which is all chemical anyway.
Sharlene on 08 Feb 2010 at 12:36 am #
Sorry to hear about your loses. I am trying to improve my diet by cutting back on processed foods. I have acid reflux and anything with high sugar, caffine, and fat makes it worse.
Thanks for the encouragement to do better.
carol lewis on 08 Feb 2010 at 6:44 pm #
I ALWAYS have almond butter and organic apples. Try it! It is a delicous snack or meal. Have both cold and salt your almond butter. I prefer chunky.
Shirley H on 08 Feb 2010 at 7:22 pm #
My fridge (& freezer) are overloaded – but fairly neat with healthy food. My always haves are: lettuce, celery, carrots. Want to make me food happy – give me pasta!!!
Sure thing, Friday=RED!
Flora P. on 08 Feb 2010 at 7:35 pm #
Losing anyone to heart disease (male or female) is hard. I recently lost a brother-in-law and it was definitely a shock. He was such a warm-hearted person. Several years ago my husband had a heart attack and we have become VERY aware of heart disease as a result. I keep a well-stocked fridge and always have lowfat yogurt, apples and orange juice on hand. Since keeping our weight under control is part and parcel to remaining heart healthy, I try to make sure we have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. My personal favorite is carrots. Easy to snack on and I love the crunch! Unfortunately I’m not wearing red today…today was an at-home, laundry day and I’m very much dressed-down…
Julie on 08 Feb 2010 at 7:53 pm #
I am so sorry about your loss. My Fridge is a mess. Besides the milk, eggs. and cheese, is a whole lot of leftovers. I did not wear red today. Don’t have anything in red.
Susan Denice on 08 Feb 2010 at 8:04 pm #
Julia, what a difficult time you’ve been through. Losing 2 very close souls. People don’t realize how heart disease is such a problem and that women have very different symptoms. I just learned that pain in the jaw can be one of them.
I co-teach nursery school and sadly, I do participate in eating those delicious birthday cupcakes and treats that come in. I have a 5th grader and an 8th grader and we also like our baking at home. My fridge is the smallest size because when we bought our house, it was cut into the granite and has a very small area. So you have to move everything to get what you’re looking for. Basically I take all the science experiements out of the back of the fridge and my vegetable draws every month or so. Sometimes it’s quite entertaining. It’s kind of a game: vegetable, fruit or protein?! But I do always have milk, eggs, and jelly (to go with the peanut butter).
For the New Year, I just bought Jack LaLanne’s juicer and have to say that we’re loving it. Of course my kids flip out when I hid a carrot or two in there, but it’s only a white lie. That’s probably as healthy as I’ll get, although when Jersey weather warms up, I’ll be walking.
Margaret Imecs on 08 Feb 2010 at 8:07 pm #
Not much in my fridge but I make sure I have my milk, blueberries and yogurt
Lisa Richards on 08 Feb 2010 at 8:37 pm #
My frig is always stuffed as my 91 year old father-in-law, my brother(whose girlfriend is in Mo. this month), my son(whose wife is away during the week at college) all are subject to eating with us at the drop of a hat. Then on the weekends, I have my daughter home from college along with the rest of the bunch to feed.
There is always sandwich meat, Duke’s Mayo and cheese in there. Blueberries bagels are my favorite whole food. I’m wearing a red T-shirt today.
Julia London on 08 Feb 2010 at 9:16 pm #
Thanks to everyone for the look in their fridges and all the great ideas!
we have seven participants in the Give-Up-Sugar (GUS) group. I will email you all this week to get it set up. I’m excited! Misery really loves company after all
Nancy C. on 08 Feb 2010 at 10:30 pm #
I offer my sympathy for your losses.
I try to wear red often in memory to those who have passed from heart disease.
As for my refrigerator bring stuffed or empty, it depends on when you check as I buy a month at a time due to the distance I live from most stores. The four things you will always find in it are cheese, salsa, eggs and juice of some kind.
Terry Miller on 08 Feb 2010 at 10:35 pm #
Julia, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Losing a sibling must seem like losing a part of yourself and fortunately I haven’t had to endure that yet.
My fridge is schizo. I run a B & B, so I have things that are for guests and things that are for me. When I had children at home they knew to ask before eating something, it might be part of a meal plan. For myself, I have a lot of skim milk, water and sugar-free drinks. There is always a lot of fruit and veg and condiments. And, many times there is whatever is prepared for breakfast. I have to keep it neat because I don’t think guests want to see anything “growing” in there.
GladysMP on 08 Feb 2010 at 10:40 pm #
Our refrigerator usually looks rather neat, but our freezer is another story. Things seem to get rather crowded in there.
Jackie on 08 Feb 2010 at 10:40 pm #
My frig is full and needs to be cleaned out – straight into the dumpster. I bought fresh food, put it in the frig and forgot about it! What a waste of money! My freezer is very tiny and when I clean that out, I am going to stock it with fronzen fruits and veggies (hopefully salt free)
I also have a relationship with sugar – via my Dr Pepper Cherry, or Cherry Coke or . . . you get the picture. I have managed to go one week without a bottle (sounds like a baby, right?) but broke down and bought one when I found them on sale for 49 cents.
I also need to join the GUS group. I do not have much trouble with other forms of sugar like pastries or candy (until you tell me I can not have any – then I crave what I can’t have)
Julia London on 08 Feb 2010 at 10:46 pm #
Thank you all so much for your condolences.
Jackie, we have room for one more if you’d like to join us
Lorraine Larose on 08 Feb 2010 at 10:52 pm #
My refridgerator is alway spotless. I’m married to Felix Unger.
Annette on 08 Feb 2010 at 10:52 pm #
Our daughter & 3 Grands recently moved in with us..so we got a 2nd fridge. I try to keep a lot of fresh fruit, yogurt, string cheese, baby carrots, grape tomatoes etc on hand for snacking. The kids are ALWAYS hungry and they make good choices if the food is there. Top 3 items: milk, butter, eggs. I am currently wearing pink..just got my jammies and robe on.
Kory Gott on 08 Feb 2010 at 11:00 pm #
Right now, the most interesting thing in my fridge is my head!
I wear a “red dress” heart disease pin daily, but I took it off tonight for belly dancing class…
E.R. on 09 Feb 2010 at 4:44 am #
What kind of fridge do you keep? Is it stuffed full, or bare, like mine? What are the top three items you always have on hand in your fridge? What’s your favorite whole food? Are you wearing red today?
It is stock-full of leftovers, drinks, yogurt, and other stuff that I don’t know of and/or doesn’t relate to me. But the items that will always be in the fridge are: sauce(s) [a variety of them, so I can't stop with just naming one, and they are for dif. things], drinks (soymilk, orange juice, water, sports drink, soda; I don’t drink the sports drink and the soda, someone else does), and leftovers (they come and go, come and go).
As for whole food, I wish we have them more. Alas, I don’t buy the groceries and I’m not the cook, so there goes that. BUT if I do say so, I think that eating brown rice is good. Is that even a whole food item? Anyway, that and drinking better beverage, like cranberry juice and soymilk.
I’m not wearing all red clothes. However, my bottoms have red stars on it. Does that even count?
Susan Spidle on 09 Feb 2010 at 5:09 am #
My fridge is usually stuffed. I like to have all the condiments and my hubby does some bottling of stuff so there are about 10 bottles of carrots, clams, moosemeat, etc. I always like to keep yogert, cheese and fruit. I will try to wear some red today.
Deborah on 09 Feb 2010 at 5:58 am #
I’m sorry to hear about your losses. Both of my paternal grandparents died from heart attacks, so this has always been a concern of mine.
I became a vegetarian this past summer, and have also cut out white flour and sugar, chocolate, etc. The cravings do go away after a couple weeks. I don’t miss it. So, my refrigerator is filled with almond milk, hummus, whole grain foods and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. The fruits quell cravings for sugar, but the cravings don’t come often. It’s the best I felt in years.
Leanne G on 09 Feb 2010 at 7:14 am #
Hey there,
My fridge is usually stuffed full, lots of condiments of course but you will always find Apples, carrots and onions lol Apples because it’s a quick and healthy snack, carrots because they are good in anything and onions to lol I have an assortment of fruits and veggies and lots of Deli meats for quick sandwiches. In my freezer I like to keep left over soups and stews for a quick supper or lunch and also some speghetti sauce. Never know when someone might drop by for supper
I wore red!!!
Julia London on 09 Feb 2010 at 9:23 am #
I think any splash of red anywhere counts, or at least it does in my book. I appreciate it so much.
It’s so fascinating to hear what is in everyone’s fridge. But what is really fascinating to me is that everyone who has gotten off sugar says they don’t miss it. There is hope!!
Gin on 09 Feb 2010 at 10:34 am #
I diet all the time….my family calls it the see food diet…any food I see I eat. That is why I do not buy snacks and keep them on hand. The three things you will always find in my fridge….cheese, tortillas, ketchup.
Brenda on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:08 am #
Sorry to hear about your sister. I lost my Mom without any warning too. My fridge always has milk, bread and p-nut butter. I also try to keep fruit.
Tracey on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:36 am #
Julia, I am sorry to hear of your sister passing so suddenly. It truly is an awful thing to lose someone so close so suddenly. My Aunt passed in a similar fashion. Fine one day and the next day didn’t feel well (Christmas eve) by that evening, she was on life support (I truly think just so our loved one didn’t pass on the holiday) and the day after we had to make “the decision”. What a truly awful time for you.
The frig always has skim milk, eggs or egg white and some kind of fruit.
Suzie Sims on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:44 am #
Hi Julia,
My sympathies are with you and your family.
My fridge is always just stuffed clear full of good stuff and leftovers. I clean it out every Saturday but through the week it somehow manages to fill clear back up. I cook everynight for my family so I’m always well stocked. You can always count on me having milk, eggs, cheeses, white grapes, hot pepper rings, sliced ham or turkey and homemade ranch dressing.
have a great day!
Linda-Rose on 09 Feb 2010 at 12:39 pm #
Hi,
First of all I offer you my condolences for your sister and your friend. This type of disease is the hardest to fight. To share this with everyone is a hard thing to do. You are ny “goddess!”
My husband had the same thing last January. The paramedics were able to bring him back. They refer to him as “the miracle”. Less than 1 in a 100 survive. He lives now with a pacemaker/defibrillator device in his chest. “Just in case”!!!
Because of all that has occurred, we have cut out almost all sweets. We have vegtables, fruit, meat and fresh fish as well in the fridge. I try to buy all the “lite” dressings (the word try is dependent on the grocery store!), low fat cuts of meat and and also clean out the fridge every week. I still eat “DARK” chocolate occassionally. Do I miss other sweets and cakes, etc. NO!! Wish you luck and good health. May you be blessed with good friends, love and happiness.
Meredith Peters on 09 Feb 2010 at 1:46 pm #
I have every low and no Carb food known to man and some antiquated condiments.
reid edwards on 09 Feb 2010 at 9:55 pm #
Wow….Diets & food opened a flood gate .
Suggest reading Food Rules by Michael Pollan.
It is a very quick read….should be able to read it in a day.
Many of the rules are things our mothers/grandmothers told us.
Personally i adore dark chocolate but i don’t need a huge amount. When I can get it I am happy with one, maybe two pieces of really really good chocolate (Norman Love is a favorite) that I can savor.
On the subject of sugar , or corn syrup, malt syrup, golden syrup sucrose, dextrose, beet sugar, it’s all still sugar. It is very hard to avoid….better to just limited it to a small amount.
I usually full….I don’t eat meat but live with someone who is meat & potatoes all the way….so there is always food for both eating plans.
Remember all things in moderation including moderation.
Sheila B on 09 Feb 2010 at 10:13 pm #
Milk, butter and Cuties are 3 things that have to be in my fridge right now. I am so addicted to Cuties that I dont know what I will do when they are no longer in season. And for those that dont know Cuties are clemmentines from California which are so much sweeter than clemmentines form Spain.
Miranda Wood on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:03 pm #
I was wearing red today. The top 3 things in my fridge are milk a jug of water and some leftover broccoli soup.
Neris on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:39 pm #
Julia, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. Losing loved ones when you know it’s coming is hard enough but to lose them unexpectedly…
We’ve got way more than 3 mainstays. My fridge is usually full but some of the fullness can be attributed to the fact that I keep open bags of flour, sugar, corn meal, oatmeal, pasta, and brown rice in it. (If you don’t the Hawaiian humidity will harden (sugar) or mold the other stuff before you know it.) Once you get past the bags there’s always, at least, a dozen fresh eggs from our free range hens, corn tortillas, and a couple blocks of cheese (cheddar & pepper jack), not to mention the ball of mozzarella and container of feta (I live with a MAJOR cheese lover). We balance the cheese out with the other stuff that’s always in the fridge too apples and the locally grown papaya, zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, yellow squash, bok choy, ginger root and cilantro. Other things come and go but you can always count on those things being in there.
My favorite whole food is probably beans. You can make them sweet or spicy. Have them hot or cold. As a main dish or a side. Love ‘em.
Paula on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:56 pm #
I have recently re-joined Weight Watchers so my fridge has more healthy things in it than it used to. My fridge is stuffed, a lot of which is leftovers (my husband doesn’t like to eat leftovers so I end up eating them). I always have orange juice. My DH freaks if he doesn’t have his OJ every morning. Also have eggs, soft margarine, bread, cheese, green olives, Mr. Mustard and Heinz ketchup, and milk.
BTW- I love reading your books. They are always great stories and I’m sorry when I get to the end of one. You are one of my favorite authors.
Rochelle Papurt on 10 Feb 2010 at 12:38 am #
Reading about your sister and friend touched me greatly. Heart disease ran rampant in my family so I know the feeling of loss. You touched me as I know that it must still seem unreal, although you know that it has really happened. Tonight is the first night I have ever participated in a blog, but you touched me and I had to respond. I was reading about wearing red and looked at myself and sure enough I am sitting here wearing a two tone red sweater, and I laughed out loud. I have not gone to the supermarket in over two years but my brother and his wife make sure I have my refrigerator stocked with all the ingredients for a great garden salad, oranges, no sugar products (even baked beans) and also no salt. I am insulin dependent, but my favorite sugar of choice when my level drops is “M & M’s and of course Powerade which has 15 grams of sugar. Two years ago, my life came to a virtual stop due to complications from hip surgery, and woke up 12 days later, after I had a heart attack, open heart surgery, etc and did not go home for 96 days, including rehabilitation. I had plenty of time to read. Love your books and mark them off of your list as I read them in order. Shelley P.
Flora Tasse on 10 Feb 2010 at 2:01 am #
I have been worried a lot lately about what I need. I had no idea a heart could just stop without no previous signs of heart problems. However I realised that eating is easier said than done and can be quite expensive here in South Africa. My fridge usually contains low fat dairy products if not fat free, chicken and turkey (no red meat) and fruits.
Another essential part of preventing heart problem is exercise. I signed up for a fitness center but I can say I only went around 10 times last year. On the side I also take ballroom and latin dancing lessons. It is fun and can be quite a workout sometimes.
I discover than healthy diet and good exercise (not forgetting to drink a lot of water during the day) can be both cure and prevention for a lot of health problems.
betejaid on 10 Feb 2010 at 3:19 am #
I have lots of low fat dairy products, skinny ham and chicken for salads and sandwiches. Also juce and loads of vegetables – whcih makes salads more interesting.
Gigi on 10 Feb 2010 at 5:41 am #
Julia, what a shock it must have been to lose your sister.
Heart disease is a scary health problem. Not many warning signs until it hits for women.
My fridge is bulging there is skim milk, soy milk, orange juice, ice tea, lowfat butter milk, lowfat yogurt. So many choices of condiments they fill all the shelves in the door.
Coke Zero, 4 different cheeses, Promise spread apples,carrots tomatoes, bag lettuce a few leftovers, eggs
Jean F on 10 Feb 2010 at 7:53 am #
I”m sorry about your sister. My refrigerator is always jammed pack with food, some healthy, some not-so-healthy. Chicken, turkey pepperoni, milk for the kids, cheeses, veggies and fruits, and the occasional dessert.
Janice F. on 10 Feb 2010 at 8:56 am #
Julia, I too am sorry for your losses. I learned that a cousin suffered a fatal heart attack this past weekend, shoveling the snow. My fridge hosts lots of whole foods (carrots, celery, fruits), but unfortunately it also has some processed food in there. By biggest challenge is potato chips and oatmeal raisin cookies.
Erin on 10 Feb 2010 at 9:36 am #
My fridge is alternately stuffed full, or very empty, depending on how much cooking I’ve done. There’s always milk (a must with 4 kids under age 5). What’s more interesting is always on top of the fridge. That’s where all the chips, cookies, and other snacks are stored!
Kelly Tinder on 10 Feb 2010 at 9:44 am #
Julia,
My fridge is always full and very organized. I never run out of things because I replenish when we are low. There is always milk, bread, butter, other condiments, egg beaters, juice, fruits, and vegetables. It is well-stocked. We eat healthy most of the time, allowing for an occasional “treat” now and then. Heart disease runs in both my husband’s and my family. I was very sorry to read of your loss.
Sincerely, Kelly Tinder
Biki on 10 Feb 2010 at 12:17 pm #
My fridge is normally full, but only for the first few days after a grocery trip. Otherwise it’s a hodgepodge of interesting things and leftovers. I was cleaning once and found an unopened container of sour cream that had expired a month prior once. That was… a tad scary actually. It was in the top layer in the far back… Still scary.
I’m not wearing red now (I don’t wear it normally) but I’ve tried supporting the AHA in my own way. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Take care.
davisel on 10 Feb 2010 at 12:31 pm #
I am so sorry about your lost. Having lost loved ones and friends to things I cannot control, I do know the feeling of being alone. I have red on – it is in the plaid on my bathrobe and on my nightshirt. I won’t be getting dressed today. My cat will be the only thing to see me today and she is more interested in sleeping!!
I am snowed in for the third day this week. I was scheduled to be out of town, so my fridge isn’t really up to par, but with 26+ inches of snow on the ground and no market close, I have to hope that what is in the freezer will keep me going. I always try to keep frozen chicken in the freezer. I love stewed chicken with rice (reminds me of childhood memories) and its ability to “stick to your ribs” without being fattening. Canned fruit does well as dessert. I also keep frozen dinners to take to work for lunch, so I won’t starve. I am hoping that by the weekend I can get out of the parking lot and visit somebody’s Salad Bar!!!
Hang in there!!
Julia London on 10 Feb 2010 at 1:56 pm #
Thank you all so much. I never thought the response would be as great as it has been, and I so appreciate the condolences. For all of you who have lost someone to heart disease (Janice, very sorry to hear about your cousin), you have my deepest sympathy. It is truly heartfelt.
As for you guys stuck in snow, I feel for you! I would just have to go ahead and kill myself if I was forced to live on what’s left in our fridge and pantry this week. We’d be eating a lot stuff like brussel sprouts. Ugh.
Hope you all stay warm and full!
Claudia-Brasil on 10 Feb 2010 at 5:07 pm #
Unfortunatelly I must admit that my fridge is not always full of healthy food.
We usually keep milk, eggs, white cheese, juices, some vegetables (but most of it frozen – since we´re just in two and if I bough it fresh, we wouldn’t eat it on time). But at the same time, we avoid unhealthy food. Not too much fried food and specially not fat meat.
Two years ago, I father was diagnosed with cloggin in the veins. Since then, he had 3 catheterization and has done 2 angioplasty (now he has 5 stents in his veins).
It was a shock to us and motive of worry, because even if he don´t have any heart disease, the cloggin in the veins is also a very serious problem. In the end of the last year his doctor though he would have to place a bypass, but fortunatelly, it was not necessary. But since his problem is not getting better, we´re in constant worry and checking his foon habits…
kisses,
Theresa Shafer on 11 Feb 2010 at 6:11 am #
My deepest warmth and comfort I give to you for your comfort.
Now to answer questions:
What kind of fridge do you keep? Stuffed full. Food on top of food, balancing. One shelf is jelly and jams. Top shelf has milk, chocolate milk. grape juice, cranberry juice, and two ice tea bottles. The door is stuffed with all sorts of condiments and vitamins.
What are the top three items you always have on hand in your fridge? Cheese can make any food item better and it is great alone. Eggs are a quick meal or can be made into many different meals. Apples, the cool stops the sugar from turning into starch. You can also mix above three into more meals.
What’s your favorite whole food?
Apple. Sliced apples are my late-evening snack. Good crunch and satisfying.
Are you wearing red today? no, sorry.
Julie Parrish on 11 Feb 2010 at 9:49 am #
Julia, so sorry to hear of the passing of your sister. My sister and I are very close so I cant imagine what you must feel but it sounds like you have such good memories of her.
My frig is a disaster! Its packed and really needs a good cleaning but that is one job I just hate to do
Jane K on 11 Feb 2010 at 1:41 pm #
So sorry for the loss of your sister Julia.
There’s quite a mix of things in my frig. We have 2 grown sons living at home at present so it’s a mix of healthy fruits and veggies and some junk food, which I admit I also enjy.
Peggy R on 11 Feb 2010 at 4:28 pm #
Our fridge is halfway full most of the time. The top 3 items are milk, eggs, and cheese. I would have to say my favorite whole food would have to be fresh-caught perch, or squash. I know that’s an odd choice, but I’ve learned to appreciate squash since we’ve moved to the country recently after losing our house to foreclosure. I am not wearing red today because I don’t have many red items. I mostly wear purple.
Cathi O on 13 Feb 2010 at 9:32 am #
Sorry to hear about Julia… hugs!
I am wearing red accents today. As a red head, my reds are limited to accents.
My fridge is usually full, in “just in case” mode. It always contains yogurt, cheese, and carrots.
My favorite whole food is carrots.
Raven375 on 13 Feb 2010 at 3:33 pm #
I am very sorry for your loss. I have been ill for 3-4 months now doctors have no clue why. I cant eat anything and have bile reflux which there is no medicine or treatment for. I have lost alot of weight. First they blamed everything on my fibroids so I had a hysterectomy. Well this just made all my GI problems worse. It is becoming more difficult to keep positive. I am getting depressed an frustrated that I am not getting better. For one week I felt so much better then I got a sinus infection and antibodics (3) diff kinds made me sicker all over again. It is important to eat well and be alert of your body. Sadly many doctors just dont care, so you have to be your own Advocate
TIFFY on 14 Feb 2010 at 7:37 am #
MY FRIDGE IS KIND OF SPACED OUT WITH DIFFERENT STUFF. I TRY NOT TO OVERPACK IT, BECAUSE IT’S A
SMALL ICEBOX. ORANGE JUICE, WATER AND BREAD ARE MY 3 ITEMS I MUST HAVE IN MY FRIDGE. I WAS TRYING
TO FIND SOMETHING RED TO BUY FOR V-DAY, BUT I DIDN’T HAVE ANY LUCK. SO I DECIDED TO WEAR THE NICE
DRESS I GOT ON SALE AT JCP. MY FAVOR WHOLE FOOD IS BAKED MEATLOAF. IT’S SO YUMMY FOR THE TUMMY.
HAVE A WONDERFUL VALENTINE’S DAY!!!