Hi! My name is Kate and I live in Los Angeles, THE capitol city for all things thin and beautiful, meaning that food and diet and exercise are all well-versed topics. I feel like I am constantly talking/thinking/hearing about diet and exercise, but I like to think I channel those thoughts in a positive way! I love food, and am starting to learn how to cook and eat healthier than ever before. I am pretty happy with myself and my weight. Of course I wouldn’t mind losing a few pounds, especially right now that my pants feel a little snug from the holiday dinners/parties/cookies 🙂 Right now I am somewhere between maintaining and trying to lose no more than 5lbs. I try to achieve this balance with healthy eating, exercise, and some splurges that are more common with ‘maintaining’ rather than ‘dieting.’
Like a lot of food bloggers, I think that healthy eating is the best diet! It’s also the easiest to stick to too. Last year I did a Weight Watchers challenge with a friend for one month, just to see if we could follow the diet for one month! I did it, and I lost a couple of pounds too! Honestly, it wasn’t that hard to do because WW is a really food-friendly diet, but again, it was only 4 weeks. One of the best things I learned from WW was the power of fiber and protein. Now I often eat huge meals that come in at much lower calorie counts. I definitely like to have lots of food on my plate if possible, otherwise I want to keep snacking. The downside to the diet was the social restrictions! I turned down plans and definitely didn’t go out as much when I was on Weight Watchers because a lot of the US really isn’t health-friendly. I’m sure you’ve all noticed this! SO I decided to take the lessons I learned about portion sizes and nutrition labels and just refine and redefine my regular eating! Thus far I have seen some ups and downs in the scale, but nothing major, and I am DEFINITELY enjoying all the great food discoveries I’ve made!
I have always been a fairly healthy eater, and that definitely comes from childhood. My mom used to give us frozen peas and frozen grapes (nicknamed “nature’s little ice pops”) for dessert. I swear, I didn’t know white bread or Skippy existed until I started going to friends’ houses in elementary school. I luckily love most fruits and veggies, but I love chocolate and ice cream just as much!
I started working out regularly about a year and a half ago when I realized that even though I might be maintaining a healthy weight, I wasn’t fit. I didn’t want to have to start exercising when I was in my 30’s and starting to realize how important it was once my metabolism truly slowed down, so I decided to get heart healthy sooner rather than later! After joining a gym, it wasn’t too hard to make it a daily part of my schedule. Now, I go to the gym after work or I won’t go at all! Still, it has been a year and I usually go anywhere between 3-5 times a week, which is AHHHHHMAZING to me, since before last year, I had been to the gym maybe 5 times in my life!!
I hope that through this blog I can share my love for all things yummy and delish. I have found that I love cooking, I love real foods, and I love sharing that with anyone who wants to listen!
out with the girls!!
Cooking with Kate 
February 2, 2009 at 7:43 pm
you are SO cute!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Thanks for point this out to me! You seems to have a great, balanced outlook on your healthy lifestyle. I love it! I am trying not to get overwhelmed by the challenge and to take it one step at a time. The most important thing is for me to believe that I CAN make the progress that I want. Thanks for the support! 🙂
p.s..I’ve never been to L.A. but have always wanted to visit! Maybe one day!
February 5, 2009 at 8:39 pm
How cute are you?!!! Love the outfit! Hope to have your arms one day (well, your whole body, in fact)!!!!lol!
February 5, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Thanks Marisa for the arms comment! I was doing so many weights during that time…I should really get back to that 🙂
February 13, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Now I’m hooked on another foodie blog – thanks for such great photos and recipes!
February 20, 2009 at 8:32 pm
just found your website and I adore it! Great work… I amn going to add ya to my blogroll asap!
February 27, 2009 at 3:05 am
thank you girlie!!! I love finding a new reader and a new blog too! I’ll be checking in:D
March 18, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Great blog!
April 10, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Your story is so cute, and I lovee your food philosophy!! I am from souther california too! 🙂 Your haircut and outfit is adorable by the way!
April 11, 2009 at 1:08 am
Great blog!! Love your attitude towards health and food.
April 20, 2009 at 3:36 am
It was great meeting you at PBFW. I hope you had a safe drive home. I am glad to have found another great blog to read – I like what I have seen so far and I have poked around a little.
July 15, 2009 at 9:07 pm
stoked on your blog! thanks for commenting on mine so i could find ya. added you to my reaaaader. woohoo 🙂
July 21, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I super love your site and this outlook….would love you to check out mine and see what nourishment you can find there
October 11, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Hi Kate,
I just started my blog and would love to have a pretty banner and formatting like you do. I can’t figure it out, though. Did you design your site yourself or did someone do it for you? Any tips would be of great help. Thanks!!
Tania
Collards and $ense
healthy urban living on a budget
January 25, 2010 at 4:23 am
Hi Kate – it was so great meeting you today! I am happy I’ve found your blog as well…look forward to reading more about you and maybe getting together again!
I am totally jealous of your bangs by the way!
February 2, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Outstanding work. You have got a recent regular reader. Please maintain the good writings and I look forward to more of your fascinating posts.
February 9, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Hi Kate- I found you via Sophia’s blog- you’re so cute! I love the looks of your blog- and gah, being a cook myself, there is always those 5 lbs. Grrr.
I too am envious of your hair/bangs! Sophia definitely put up a great looking picture. 🙂
February 12, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Hey, just got your comment on my blog. Wasn’t sure where else to reply! The UCLA gymnastics team has meets at Pauley Pavilion about 5-6 times per year. This is the season, and they are up against Stanford on Sunday at 2pm. There’s another one on Feb 21st, March 14th, and the NCAA regionals are April 10th. You can find more info here:
http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-gym/sched/ucla-w-gym-sched.html
🙂
July 28, 2010 at 2:02 am
you look fab! I loved reading about you–I agree with you about protein and fiber. Does the trick everytime!
August 12, 2010 at 9:04 am
Kate! I had no idea you had a foodblog too. I love it, so cute and I will definitely have to try some of your recipes out very soon 🙂
August 17, 2010 at 8:01 pm
im really glad im now back on the west side. we seem to have a lot in common in terms of our philosophy on living a balanced, healthy life, maintaining it without sacrificing…and of course enjoying good food and exercise! love your outlook and cant wait to read more 🙂
April 15, 2011 at 1:43 am
Kate, I love your blog! I have been reading your posts for a few months now, and i just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your comments, pictures, recipes, and ideas of health, wellness, food, and joy of life. I get excited to see your new posts, and i get great ideas for my own meals. Thanks kate!!!
April 22, 2011 at 7:56 am
Just stumbled across your blog and I love it! Completely agree with what you stand for! A healthy balanced life whilst still allowing those little indulgences! 🙂 It’s a work in progress and we all fall off the wagon occasionally but looks like your doing great! 🙂 I will definitely be back to try some of your recipes!
August 27, 2011 at 6:58 pm
My friend referred me to your site, so I thought I’d come have a read. Very interesting reading, will be back for more!
March 19, 2012 at 5:31 am
Hey Kate, its Heather from Tiny Bandit. I’m hosting another sale this time at Palihouse. I wanted to invite you and send you the flyer. Please email me your addy. Best wishes and hope to see you and your friends Thursday!