Issue #69: What I Ate in a Week
Inspired by Stanley Tucci and my odd week of solo time
For the last week, I’ve been listening to Stanley Tucci list off his meals in my ears on all dog walks and while doing chores around the house. He reads his diary of food in his latest book, and I cannot get enough. The excitement level in his voice rarely alters; he just simply describes what he ate, where it came from, and usually a tidbit or two about who he was with and the setting. It’s simple and beautiful. You’ll be drooling with each entry.
Grab a copy of the book here or download the audiobook here (which I actually recommend for this.)
I think documenting some of the simple parts of life offers a fascinating little glimpse into someone’s routine and life. You can see what excites them and how their day is structured. I rarely get much solo time at home, but my husband had a work trip from Sunday through late Thursday. Feeding just myself is weirdly difficult for me because I don’t take the time to cook, and instead I just snack and graze all week. I tried changing that this week, but “girl dinner” just hits sometimes.
What I Ate in a Week
Note: There was obviously coffee every morning with the standard almond creamer and plenty of H2O. I also had additional snacks I’m sure I missed, but it’s typically Yoggies and dark chocolate cookies.
Monday
Sourdough toast and the best kind of kiwis from Costco. They are ruby red in the middle and taste sweeter than the standard kiwi.
Protein pasta with asparagus and pea pods and ricotta. Anytime I have to use up veggies, I just add noodles and cheese.
Chips and dips with three of my girlfriends. We had a taste test of multiple Midwest dips that I drove back with me in a cooler. With the Met Gala red carpet on in the background, we chatted and drank rose and it was the best way to do a Monday.
Tuesday
Fruit protein smoothie.
Cottage cheese, strawberries, leftover dip and salad from Monday’s dinner.
Salt & Straw split scoop of Arbequina olive oil (which was described to me like a buttery chardonnay) and strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper. I sat on a bench in the park in the sunshine and ate this slowly savoring each bite while I watched people out enjoying an afternoon above 70 degrees.
Grapes, hummus and carrots for dinner on a friend’s deck to let the dog run and play. After my ice cream before dinner, I had zero appetite, so I snacked.
Wednesday
Chocolate protein smoothie.
Mediterranean Rice Bowl from Couple Cooks (recipe is here). I made the full recipe so I could have leftovers. Bowls like this are perfect for our household and I’ve never made turmeric rice before, so it was good to know for future reference.
Wrap with buttermilk ranch, fake plant-based chicken strips, and romaine lettuce.
Thursday
Sourdough toast + ruby red kiwis again.
Leftover Mediterranean Bowl (same as yesterday).
Girl dinner complete with olives, cottage cheese, carrots, hummus, and a piece of peanut butter toast.
Late night airport pick up meant a few extra snacks - yoggies and a dark chocolate cookie, plus a little more Top the Tater with chips.
Friday
Fruit protein smoothie.
Sandwich with Herbivorous Butcher’s pastrami, tofurkey, banana peppers, mustard, romaine lettuce, and provolone (the thin slices because they are best) and celery sticks with peanut butter.
A cold pale ale or two on a sunny patio.
Fry bread tacos from Off the Rez food truck complete with veggie chili, plus a dessert option with strawberry jam and honey.
Saturday
Egg sandwich made by Justin.
Breakfast salad called Grains & Greens plus a mimosa at brunch at the Blue Glass with friends. I made fun of a breakfast salad, but when I sat down, it sounded so good. I also sampled Justin’s roasted beet breakfast salad.
Yellow curry with tofu and rice with white wine in a friend’s backyard. We picked up from a very shady window in West Seattle where you had to yell to get the one employee’s attention. The curry was fantastic though and incredibly filling. Spice level 2 felt like a 4, so that was a fun surprise.
Sunday
Scrambled eggs, mango lemonade and kiwis plus a coffee shop latte.
Fish tacos and queso at Phinney Station plus a few patio beers. We met friends for lunch and I waited patiently until 2 so I could have the fish tacos instead of the brunch options.
Cool Ranch Doritos and a sandwich similar to Friday lunch. We never have Doritos in the house, but when our friend gave us a ride home, she let us take a few bags from her car and it made me so happy.
Thoughts on My Week
I did this almost exactly a year ago, and I giggled when I read the post. I haven’t changed much, although I lean less on frozen meals. We also have way more in the fridge for produce this time around, so it’s easier to eat healthy snacks.
Cooking for one can be challenging and Justin was gone most of the week. In the past, I’ve stuck to frozen meals or just eating sandwiches, so I’m proud that I made myself some real food this time around and didn’t resort to the easy and boring. Plus, my highlights of the week came from a girl’s night with dips and a solo ice cream date.
I planned out my meals this week since Justin is home and threw in a little more variety. I didn’t make any fish last week, so I have salmon and scallops on the menu this week. After writing this, I’m already plotting another ice cream date.
Does anyone else find it fascinating to read what people eat? Am I the only one obsessed with Stanley Tucci?
I love deviled eggs, but I am not on board with this odd trend. Would you try it?
Getting back into the routine of weekly pizza nights using this amazing cookbook (that is currently on sale) and there are some good ones in the Spring section.
Fitness obsession is real, but more people should strive for movement and community in daily life instead of replacing it with wild fitness routines. This Cut piece makes a good argument. I say this as I’m checking my Apple Watch.
I stuck with wine or beer this week, but after reading this article, I’m craving a dirty martini.
Are you following this adorable little chef on Instagram?
We still use this little gem every single day in the kitchen. It’s one of my favorite kitchen tools.
Hope you’re eating some good food this week and maybe even planting some of your own fruits or vegetables in your garden to enjoy later this summer.
Cheers!
Steph
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