After Two weeks

Well guys, here is the report. It has been two weeks since doing the Cohen Program. (although I had my fears before starting.) One of the things I have to say it that it IS really challenging to find ways to make your food appetizing AND following the guidelines set by the center.

Having a food blog and loving food, I was really so scared of cutting a lot of the "yummy" ingredients out. But I have to work on improving my health after all.

My meals cut out soy sauce, ketchup, all sauces. Everything is out except for vinegar and spices.

I have also limited choices in vegetables, most leafy green ones are ok, potatoes, beans are not allowed.

The first two days I really had to adjust to the "rules" of the program because it had a strict rule that you can't eat different proteins together and you have to wait 5 hours between each protein meal. In between these, you are allowed fruit and a cracker allowance. However, you are only allowed to eat 1 cracker per time and you have to wait 2.5 hours after eating to eat another cracker.

WHEW!

Sometimes I think I am in masterchef.  I have these BOX of ingredients and I have to make a (delicious) meal out of it.

Everyday, I have to plan my meals accordingly. I find that as a result, I scrutinize all the ingredients that go into my food and not munch on anything mindlessly. Which in turn made me realize how unhealthy I used to eat.

I use more of the spices I have in my cupboard now. (some of them are kindda old and I had to buy new ones) and discovered a whole new world of flavor aside from soy sauce and oyster sauce.

I become more innovative in the kitchen. (although I admit I miss pizza) Here is a sample meal.. chicken with cauliflower and celery

The one thing that sets this apart from others is the support I get from other people who are doing it too. From tips, to recipes to products that would help me stick to the program easier.
They are Cohenites.. and they are very inspiring people!

So far, I am enjoying cooking. some of the things I learned:

1. spinach tastes awful without oyster sauce
2. cauliflower (w/c I didn't used to eat) tastes fantastic with curry
3. soup gets you far
4. melons don't make you as hungry as eating an apple
5. when in dire (hungry) state, drink diet cola --(I don't usually drink colas but since it is allowed, I opted to drink one when I was so hungry and did not have my snack with me.)

I have adjusted well so much that I have returned to baking and cooking "regular" foods. Which is really making me sooo happy. I have baked cheesecake, brownies, buns and oatmeal cookies without once cheating! ( a month before I was in a baking depression and stopped cooking --- and cooking for me is soo relaxing like therapy)

AND I have lost (thus far) 7lbs. YEY!!!!!

Boracay Rental update

You may be wondering what happened to the boracay rental I was ranting about 2 posts back.

Well, after 1 week of no reply, Belinda finally sent me an email. And Boy! was it a whole new different email from the last one she sent.

Basically, she said that she was busy because the owner of the house arrived (roll eyes) and  then she offered to help me look for accomodations for us in another hotel for the 1 day and then we can move to the house on the succeding days.

I looked at the email and pondered. I haven't actually replied to it. Do you think I need to reply? After giving me grief over the booking (and replying me a week later).. SHOULD I reply at all?

I pondered for awhile.

I felt like someone who got dumped by her boyfriend and then having the same boyfriend come back a few weeks later and ask you for a second chance (to get back together). I have been hurt and scarred. You know the feeling?

I keep reviewing the events. If she had proposed this in the frist place, (booking us elsewhere for the 1 night) rather than sending me an ULTIMATUM, then I would have gladly taken her on the offer. I was wondering if the news got to her that I wrote a blog post about it. In fact, my cousin commented the same scenario on that post. (hmmm......) I was thinking MAYBE the owner got a wind of it and reprimanded her.

In any case....

I have already  booked myself into Discovery Shores (w/c my friend told me was fantastic)... see pics below...( photos from discovery shores website)

damage has been done and I would not feel relaxed if I stayed in that house.  I would rather enjoy spending it in a more professional hotel....

I hope nobody experiences the same in the future. Lesson learned.

Sidewalk quirks Bangkok

After my ranting post on the vacation rental, I think it would be relaxing to post a "feel good" one.

Was walking in Bangkok last week and saw this shop by the side of the road selling assorted novelty items

It was really cute - they had robot toys, come handmade replica vintage cars and some bicycle carts

I also saw a jar (the one used for plants which had water lilies... when I looked down, I saw some fish.

I love the vintage cars... I bought some for the house. ( as decor) Maybe when I go back... I'll buy the other models

very 60s... like scooby doo.

this one is like the robot from LOST IN SPACE

Hope everyone had a nice Valentines! Enjoy the pictures!

Screwed Over

I was on a work related trip the whole of last week.  The week before that, I was ELATED... no.. actually GUSHING to my friends on how I got to book an AMAZING place in Boracay. It was a house rental.

I contacted the administrator of the rental thru email if the house was available for OCT 31- NOV3. They confirmed that it was and I hurriedly booked my tickets (and that of my family) for a total 9 people. I confirmed my booking through email and told them I could send the deposit for the house the following monday (it was a saturday and there was no bank) since I was flying out on Monday and wont be back till saturday again. She affirmed that it was alright.

See here (for our conversation)--- I highlighted my reply...

here is her reply: ( which I assumed was a confirmation that everything was ok)

By her reply, I was confident that I could go on my business trip and pay her when I get back since she said it was ok. However, when I got back.. I was greeted by this email: ( she had such a nice tone to the email too.... and I assumed she was just checking if I could possibly change date)

I told her that I could not possible change dates since I already had tickets and rebooking would cost the same as if I had bought another set of tickets. She them emailed me a sort of "take it or Leave it " option.--- which had a firmer tone than the previous email. it was like saying..screw you... i have a bigger client and you family is no consequence

 I ask you guys..... isn't this being screwed over???? because she got a 16 day booking after I confirmed, that overlapped my booking, she essentially just leaving me out to dry!!!

I felt really angry and disappointed that someone could be so unprofessional. The 5000 pesos she offered did not cover the expense we have to make to move 9 roundtrip tickets at 3000 pesos per person AND I wouldn't have booked the trip if not for wanting to go see that HOUSE!!!

If that were done to you,  wouldn't you feel like someone was slapping you in the face? -- WOULD YOU DEAL with this kind of company? EVEN IF they have a wonderful place?

I am now trying to book other accomodations as my email (to complain at this kind of shabby treatment) is now being ignored.

WARNING TO THOSE WHO WANT TO BOOK HERE..... don't judge a book by it's modern exterior. Expecting to be treated like paying people only to be set aside when a BETTER offer comes along.....


UPDATE: See HERE on what happened next

Cohen Jitters

It was November last year when my friend turned to me and said, "Why don't you try Cohen?". Her husband was doing a very successful South beach diet program and we were discussing the best ways to lose weight. (mention diet and all ears will just perk up...)


I have heard about the Cohen program off and on but really had no idea what it was.

"What is Cohen anyway?" I asked. She explained that from what she heard, It was a diet that would depend on your blood tests and from there, they would give you a meal plan to follow. She has a friend who knows someone who lost 100 pounds!

wow.

Hmm... I was beginning to ponder.... My friend cut in at once and slammed my thoughts back to earth.


"You have to start next year though," she said nonchantly, as if reading my already wandering mind " it would be impossible for you to start any diet now that Christmas is coming and PLUS... you have  your food blog."

I scowled.

She was right, of course. I had a bundle of baking to do for my Christmas giveaways , not to mention mountains of food gifts that come my way during Christmas. Attempting this was like MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (tom cruise climbing the BURJ-- but without the sticky gloves). I pushed the thought in the back of my mind for the rest of 2011.

So fast forward to first week January. Weight issues are at the forefront of everyone's mind. I was no exception.  Finally, I called the center to inquire about the program and was informed that I was required to attend an orientation. So I booked myself into the next one they had.

Truth to say, I have been chubby all my life and I was Ok with that. But in recent months, I found myself getting chubbier and chubbier. I found myself not fitting into my (size L) clothes. It was depressing to "think" myself as a size THIS and getting a wake up call in the dressing room when the previous size I was could not fit me anymore.

I went to the center on the day of the orientation. The clinic itself was smallish, with one reception area and one conference room. Inside there was a crowd of people already. Well, there were actually about 5 people but it looked cramped just because everyone was a bit on the large side and the reception area was small. You can feel the tension and anticipation of everyone there. (I am guessing we were having the same thoughts in our head)

A thin receptionist approaches me and asks me to fill up a form. One of the more puzzling questions in it was -- "What is your shoe size"--HUH???-- I later found out that they use your shoe size + your height to calculate your ideal weight...... (ok, maybe there is a science to this....)
After filling up the form, you are weighed and measured --(yeah I know.... kindda gives you an odd feeling... like someone going to slaughter. )

We were ushered into the conference room m a little before 6pm, . A slender elegant woman walked in. From what I know, she was the one who brought the Cohen lifestyle method to Manila. She also used to be overweight  and had tried all the pills, plans and diets there were out there. (sounding a bit familiar). ....the only thing that worked for her was Cohen.

She proceeded to talk about Cohen. Basically, it's a medical plan that analyzes each individual person's biochemical profile and from there prescribes food to balance out the hormones in your body that is making you retain fat. I found her likable and very articulate. One of the things she said that struck me was, "If you are going to ask me if there is a "cheat day" to this plan, I am definitely going to tell you NO"

NONE? Nada?

shuckers.

I was feeling doubt setting in. Can I really do this? I looked at the number listed as my ideal weight. panic set in. I haven't been this weight since.. since.. eh, GRADE 2!


She then showed us slideshows of men and women who lost 40lbs, 50lbs, 100lbs. They all looked great. If they can do it, why can't I ? 


I signed up, took the blood test and waited. The price of the program was  about 2 ipads or a little less than 1 PRADA bag. It took 3 weeks for them to call me back to give me my food plan. (They had to send my blood test to DR. Cohen to analyze and I guess there was a lot of people signing up) During the wait, I psyched myself. (and shucked cooking and food blogging-- for awhile). I knew they would restrict my carb intake. I was a little depressing to think because I really loved my carbs.

Tomorrow I will get my meal plan. Goodbye rice, Goodbye pastries, goodbye bread.! The irony of it all, I got a whole bunch of gifts last Christmas related to baking. AND my pantry is still stocked full of ingredients. WAAAAAHH...!!!!

However, this is for my health. I was surprised at my blood test that it showed a high number for my SGPT. I researched and it turned out I might have a FATTY LIVER.  (p.s. I don't drink). So... health scare right there. One of the best things they say about COHEN is that it is not a diet. It is a medical plan. Medicine thru food. (for more info, click HERE). I have to blog about what I think about it when I really immerse myself in the program. (countdown 2 weeks till lift off)

so, to be continued....

Chinese New Year 2012

So, how was everyone's Chinese New year?

2012 is the year of the Water dragon. As per my chinese fortune horoscope, 2012 will be a great year for me. (lots of opportunities coming my way). To view your chinese horoscope click HERE. 

I have a whole lot of things already penciled in my calendar. (got a really cool planner FREE from my local supermarket.- I really loved the way they styled it.--with wide blank columns. Aside from this,  it has recipes at the back too)

inside the planner

So, back to my 2012 adventures. Right before Chinese New year celebrations, I had the chance to attend the HK international licensing fair. It also coincided with 3 other fairs and I had 4 days to finish all of them. WHEW.-- an can I say... whew again? WHEW. - was tired from looking, walking and all that stuff that I didn't care to EAT anymore. (and in HK... you would definitely EAT)..

I also had CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS!!! (and had a chance to take a picture with them too.-- )

hahahahaa.... with me are--- zombie (from plants vs zombies, MR BEAN, and DORA).. ok, maybe they are NOT celebrities but hey, it was fun being silly with them. It was shame I didn't get to have a picture with OPTIMUS PRIME (from transformers)... as I saw him leaving the venue... I guess his time was done and he was "on break" -- but he had on a really COOL costume though. 

mahjong looking cookie collection

So, HK always has something new for me every time I go there. This time, I saw some neat stuff they offered in the coming new year celebrations. If you are familiar with MAHJONG, (see above pic)-- you are familiar with the characters above. These are actually COOKIES that they shaped into mahjong tiles. the money chips are made out of chocolate. (cool eh, was really tempted to buy them for my mother... who, by the way, plays mahjong EVERY. SINGLE. WEEK.).. they say people (esp old ones) who play mahjong reduces their probability of developing Alzheimer's disease.  (so that's why my mother is still very sharp in math!!!)

I also saw this pair of magnets -- you gotta love the humor.....

Of course there is the influence of those birds.... (ANGRY BIRDS).. to those who don't know what they are (probably living under a rock)  click HERE

These are red envelopes (ANG PAO) filled with money. A traditional gift by elders to younger kids (or unmarried children) during New years celebration... I asked the bookstore where I saw these on what the envelop says (I had the misfortune of buying some envelopes before where it was saying something else... )

These translated says, "more success in your job"& "may you go up and up" (ok ok... my chinese is NOT good. sue me)

I was wondering why you would give an ang pao to someone who already has a job.... my understanding was that you only give these to kids.. (hmmm..... ) So I just bought the second one. Maybe I would have an opportunity to give one to one of my nieces and nephews. The store clerk told me it would be good to give students. (I am guessing they would need the money)

Hoping every one had a good one. So, to all.... HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!   kong hei fat chai!

Tita Monings- Part deux

After the encounter with the "clinic".. I could not wait to get upstairs to the dining area. Walking up the stairs, you can feel the aura of the house from the various family photos lining the walls. The top of the stairs opened up to an upstairs living room. (still filled with photos)

top: painting of daughter, bottom: original Juna Luna

We slowly made our way to the main living area as she directed us to various paintings that dot the house. One of the more amazing ones was the ORIGINAL JUAN LUNA (wow. it's like having a MONET in your living room).

We also toured the rooms which they had converted into private dining areas (2 rooms) except for the room of the daughters.

This room was one of the creepy ones. It had a vanity were you can still see the various collections of perfume still in them and as with affluent people of the time, they had ballet lessons evidenced by the old tutus and ballets shoes in display in the room.

On the vanity, they also displayed the personal items of the girls. like baubles and necklaces. This room was adjacent to the main dining room where we were going to have our dinner.

All throughout the house, you can see a lot of family phtographs from the 1930s to the 1970s and you really feel like you are walking inside someone's (OLD) home. I was half expecting Don Alejandro to come bursting in any moment. (thankfully.. none of that occurred)

daughter's room. vanity and cabinet

ring if you want service.... murano vase.. paella

The table setting was very nice. They even laid out a menu (with burnt edges) in a scroll. I quipped to the maid... I used to do this with a lighter when I was in high school... she giggled and said, "me too!"

 They even had those BELLS were you can call the "help". the table top also had a MURANO vase from the collection of the original owners to keep you company

The dining area also had original plates from the collection of Tita Moning. It is said the plates are now scattered in different descendants.I am told they are heirloom collectibles. Each plate was hand painted in Europe and no two plates are the same.

SABA banana... plate presentation... menu at the table..

Since we were required to choose our menu beforehand, I chose Menu 3

Here's what I thought of the food:  (note, there was a deviation from the original menu. were were served caramelized banana and then TURON -- w/c is banana too-- more on that later)

The appetizers were VERY good. Loved the papaya and eggplant. It was fresh and light. A nice start to the meal. For the second course, I liked the baked fish very much. One of the best I tried. The pancit (noodles) was ok. By the time the main course 2 was arriving, I was already half full. I did not even get a chance to really dig into Paella Valenciana. The pork was ok too (hubby had seconds and thirds)  The sweet yam added to the flavor of the pork. I did not have any room for either the ubod (young bamboo shoot) and the brown rice (I passed on this one-- was too full)

service deluxe

What was really striking was that they were serving the food in platters and you would have to serve yourself. If you ever watched "The princess diaries" were they were serving the royals, the servers were on the side while the royals got a share of the food. Its the same here. You get the feeling that you are somebody quite important. If only we could dine like this everyday eh? ---come to think of it.. the Legarda's dined like this everyday!!!


I am really such a dessert person... but their dessert is kind of... well... not memorable. We were served the caramelized banana (twas ok)-- I rather like my banana on the firm side (not too ripe) and this was nearly too ripe for me. Then they served TURON. What can I say? The turon was not crunchy (makunat) and banana on top of a previous banana dish was a bit too much. I just tasted one bite and left the rest. The bread pudding was not too die for either. (sorry. I failed to see how it was a specialty of Tita Moning as it failed to blow me away.- also left the dish at one bite). I, however really enjoyed the hot chocolate that came with the bread pudding. It even had a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. (I asked the girl if I could take home the cinnamon stick)

They know how to treat guests for sure. They even took our pictures for their website and had us fill a survey form (customer satisfaction gauge) and we also signed a guest book. To top it off, they even gave me a free gift (a bottled sauce they sell downstairs). Wow. They really made me feel so special. One tip... if you are going, be early. When we arrived, we were the only ones there. Once it reached 8pm.. more people were arriving and the tour got shorter. (due to the number of guests). Being the first ones, we had the whole house to ourselves and had ample time to ask questions, take pictures (without other people being in the way.. etc).

All in all, I loved the experience. The food was not mind blowing but with the ambiance of the house. It was really a MUST SEE. I already booked another dinner for my parents and in laws. I am sure they will have nostalgic moments there. I also highly recommend this for romantic dates. (it's like taking a girl to the haunted house...  with dinner of course)

(side note: I had to use the toilet... which was located inside the girls room... the one which felt a bit eerie.... I had to ask our tour/maid if she had any "sightings" inside the toilet. -- you know, I want to be prepared... she laughed me off... and said it was safe... w/c did not lessen my anxiety... went in and out in record time.. not even wanting to look in the mirror lest I see something other than myself. LOL)