Penchant de Fromage « Like Some Cat from Japan

Penchant de Fromage

October 20, 2009 at 10:54 pm | In Uncategorized | 24 Comments
Tags: amy's, blackberries, cheese addiction, cholesterol, curried grilled cheese, pizza hut, vitatop, welsh rarebit, winter squash

There was one thing, and one thing only on her mind when she woke up this Tuesday morning: Cheese.

Now, what is it about cheese that drives Karina so nuts? Let us count the ways….

credit to: deviantart.com

1. It is versatile: There is nothing Karina loves more than a good curried grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of Pizza Hut’s veggie lover’s pie. And when the mood strikes, nothing hits her spot better than a piece of toast heaped with a mound of Welsh Rarebit. Mmm….

2. Texture: Soft. Crumbly. Firm. Velvety. Smooth and silky. Rough. Just simple thoughts of a cheese’s touch are enough to tantalize Karina’s palate. Say the word “crumbly” and her mind will go astray to thoughts of crumbled Feta over butter crackers or some fresh Manchego atop a warm arepa.

3. Taste: The softness of a ripe french brie, the potent taste of a mature gouda, and the robust flavor of an aged cheddar… enough said.

4. Health: As a girl in dire need of nourishment, Karina is appreciative of the nutrients cheese brings her. Cheese is loaded with Vitamins A, B-12, and D, and excellent amounts of protein, phosphorus, and calcium. Cheese is most definitely a friend with benefits!

credit to: deviantart.com

When her sunrise cheese appreciation period ended, Karina slipped her nippy feet into her grandmother’s old stained slippers. Something about hand-me-downs always warmed her heart. Perhaps it was the idea infused of “if you have something great then share it?”

Karina knew that her nutritionist most likely sat at her desk thinking “she’s gonna be late again” and made it her morning’s mission to get out of the house on time.

She began to move toward the stairs when suddenly, a frenzied Mother dashed into the hall with a crazed expression on her face.

“MY CHOLESTEROL WENT THROUGH THE @##>?~%&ing ROOF!”

Mother got off the phone with Dr. S and one of her nervous breakdowns ensued.

“I’ll make you a nice bowl of chocolate oatmeal if you calm down,” Karina cooed.

Worked like a charm.

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1/2 c. Kashi Heart to Heart cereal and 1 crumbled golden corn VitaTop mixed into a 1/2 c. of LLF’s drinkable pina colada yogurt, pumpkin seeds & soy nuts, and chopped figs. On the side she enjoyed a Morningstar maple breakfast patty with milk and coffee.

The bowl of cereal was so tropical, so unique, so… exotic! Karina felt so excited to share this creation with her bloggers as she felt it could inspire several variations and newfangled breakfast treats.

Karina polished off her bowl, grabbed her purse, and scuttled out the door.

As her mother drove, Karina’s stomach fluttered with anxiety.

Did I gain? Did I lose? How much do I weigh now? What if I lost!? But what if I.. gained?

She tried to block ED out of her mind and sat peacefully for the rest (most?) of the trip.

—————————–

A pound. Karina gained a pound. A whole one pound. Not the usual 1/2 pound, 1/4 pound, 3/4 pound, but a pound.

She felt nauseous. On the bright side, the nutritionist said her meal plan looked fantastic.

ED felt perturbed.

“OH MY GOD, YOU FAILURE!” ED cried. “A whole pound!? You were better off gaining a fraction of a pound a week! Don’t you see that now your body will change sooner? You better hope that wasn’t real weight and that it was simply that 16 oz. coffee you just finished sipping on, you piglet. Now no one will think you’re special.”

People do not think Karina is special because she is thin… People think Karina is special because she is quirky and fun, not because she looks sicker and sicker as more of her clothes come off. And people think Karina is special because she can cook and draw, not because she stays at a low BMI. People don’t even care about that stuff. No one chooses their friends based on body weight. No one sane or worthwhile at least.

By the time Karina got home, her stomach became a garrulous scoundrel whom cried for attention. It howled and shouted unintelligible requests at her regarding cheese enchiladas and other gabbledygooks.

Well, be they gabbledygooks or not, her spoiled stomach got just what it asked for:an Amy’s Cheese Enchilada whole meal with a side of winter squash (not pictured) and a 1/2 c. of cottage cheese with blackberries.

Karina closed her eyes and savored every last bit of cheesy righteousness as if it were her last. Because it probably was her last.

Due to Mother’s scandalously high cholesterol, a few things had to be changed in the Pinzon household such as less frozen foods in the house. And less saturated fats (except for Karina, who needs her cheese!).

—————————–

Hours passed, the sun dimmed, and Karina now faced a new dilemma.

Last night at ballet, she couldn’t do it. She had to raise her hand an hour into class and sit out because she felt like she would pass out.

Her legs felt light and her brain felt fuzzy. She shouldn’t have gone to ballet. She’d had three dizzy spells that day and should have known better. Well, she did but did not want to face it.

Karina Pinzon, the Karina Pinzon, was sick. Her throat hurt, she felt weak, and all around dreadful. Could it be that she was… human? One of those living, breathing things that roam the Earth?

It appears as though she was.

Unfortunately, this troubled little human knows not how to rest. The word “rest” was purged from her vocabulary at the start of ED’s appearance when sitting on the couch to watch TV became an unlawful activity. The only activity that ED smiled upon was exercise.

Karina’s relationship with ballet is a curious one, to say the least. Karina has an artistic and amorous relationship with ballet. To her, ballet is one of the finest forms of art ever created. It is the epitome of grace and beauty put together.

ED, however, has an obsessive relationship with ballet and its’ obsession is not a healthy one. It is an abusive one.

While Karina wanted to go to ballet, ED had to go to ballet.

To miss a day would mean to “fail” ED’s exercise plan, not a day to get her strength back.

“If you don’t work out, your 1 pound of weight is going to be a flabby gut on your once flat belly.” ED taunted.

“Shut up!” Karina cried. “That is not true! NOT TRUE!”

Karina bolted off the couch.

“This week is demonstration week and I don’t want to be remembered by all the parents as ‘the skinny girl who passed out during my daughter’s ballet class.’ Also, if I don’t take care of myself, I’ll end up missing more days of ballet. So, there!” She blew a raspberry at her enemy and sat back down.

—————————–

Karina’s dinner consisted of 1 c. of black beans mixed with melted swiss cheese, pistachios, and hogao (Colombian criollo sauce). On the side she had a 1/2 c. of couscous with soy sauce and carrots.

She felt gorged after this but ignored the stuffed feeling and patted her stomach. That was a good meal – emphasis on good. Why would she complain for feeling a little full? One should feel blessed to feel full in a world where unwillful starvation is an extensive issue.

Moral of the story: Appreciate, be thankful, love (yourself and others), and never take things for granted.

24 Comments »

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Once again, Karina, your post never fails to entertain, to delight, to please, to arouse hunger, joy, triumph, and pride. Each and every single day you’re getting stronger, my dear, and I can’t express HOW freaking GLAD I am!! You’re amazing!

Btw, I WISH that cheese pic on top was real! Sigh…looks wonderful…I’m so glad I found a fellow cheese-whore!

Comment by burpexcuzme — October 20, 2009 #

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Your posts are always so lovely and inspiring. The food looks delicious

I wish that I was skilled enough to be a ballet dancer, but alas, my body has decided that it is only meant for musical theatre

<3 Amy.

Comment by amylouisemc — October 21, 2009 #

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A pound closer to being free, its a good thing

those photos are so amazing, I love them!
love your posts and I’m so glad you’re staying strong!

<3 xx Katie

Comment by Katie — October 21, 2009 #

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ED can take you away from ballet forever so that’s an added incentive to get well. You’re doing amazing. Keep it up
I love how you managed to calm your mom wit the promise of oats.
Hope you are well
xox

Comment by Niamh — October 21, 2009 #

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You need to celebrate that beautiful pound of health that will pull you through ballet class! Your meals are gorgeous as always and very inspiring with their blends of colors and textures. If you love cheese you must try a French cheese called ‘epoisse’ if you get a chance. Creamy, slightly bitter, absolutely divine and loved by all in France!

Comment by Gillian — October 21, 2009 #

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yes karina is love because she is an amazing amzing wonderfully fantastic snarrt, cute, quirky and funny creative and stylish and cool not becasuise she is anorexic or looks like teh “anorexic girl” you could show the world so much! be so so much with no ed, an you WILL, you will go so so far in life!
i have a doctors appointment today and i always get so upset if she says something like “good job with eating or gaining” she went on and on that i gained almost 5 lbs in 1 month saying” i couldnt do that” UGH. :/ ah lol anyways, its so hard to deal with weigh ins and gaining is so hard, but with each 1 LBS. is 1 !!! step closer to getting rid of this!

xo
love you

maya

Comment by maya — October 21, 2009 #

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a pound closer to GERMNAY!!!! yay!! think about that way sweetie!
i know its so hard to do this whole weight gain thing but think about the wonderful things that happen after we have reached out health again.
the possibilities are endless!
i am so proud of you for doing this!
hab dich lieb (try to find out what it means)
loads of love
xoxo

Comment by Neela Marijana — October 21, 2009 #

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You are so inspiring and you are wonderfully determined and strong! Keep it up hun! You are looking beautifuller and beautifuller everyday and I don’t care if there’s no such word as beautifuller! Hehe. Keep kicking ED’s butt and when you feel tired, give me a holler and I’ll be right beside you to help you give it a good beating!!! xx

Comment by nattietan — October 21, 2009 #

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Hello.

I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and I think you are an inspirational and amazing girl.Keep going strong.

Namaste.

Comment by anonymouslyhis — October 21, 2009 #

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I love cheese too, a lot…blue cheese, mozzarella (di buffalo), brie, camembert…I can go on for ages;)

I really hope you’re gonna listen to the real you that sees ballet and dancing as the way it is and how it should be: not an obsessive ED-thing. And that you give yourself the rest you need! Please take good care of yourself!

And really: a pound isn’t much at all. You’re still underweight, remember that. I usually gain a lot more and I know it’s different for everyone, but the sooner you’re healthy again, the better!

xxx Julia (Taste of Living)

Comment by julia — October 21, 2009 #

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Another wonderful post! I’ve always wished I was a dancer, but I’m simply not cut out for it. I like your eats..they are very creative and mouthwatering

Comment by Emily — October 21, 2009 #

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Think of a pound of yummy food, not a pound of yucky, hospital food. Bc either way, it will be the same but only with tastier food!

You had such yummy eats, I love what you had for brekkie, so much thing in there! Cereal, nut, yogurt, muffin top…:O!

Have a nice day
xoxo

Comment by Vanilla — October 21, 2009 #

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Love you!! Seriously!! Your posts are always a bliss to read!!
Keep it up…!
Congrats on skipping the balle (even though this sounds really werid)!! I know how it is!!
Hope you fell better soon!! Keep up the good work! You’re just awesome!! Hug n. (Sorry for all the compliments! I’m a little gaga at the moment…! ;D )

Comment by nic — October 21, 2009 #

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karina, i have been reading your posts for ages and i decided to let you know you are So Inspiring. you have helped me in ways i can’t even explain& i lurvvve your blog! you always have the prettiest meals which make food exciting to eat. and write in the funniest/most interesting way. Good Luck with everything, you are my healthspo, haha.

XD

Comment by Lisanne — October 21, 2009 #

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I love that you write in the third person; it makes your blog so unique! But it would be wonderful no matter which point of view you chose to use, because you are wonderful and inspirational.

<3 <3

Comment by blueeyedheart — October 21, 2009 #

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Your blog is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I love how articulate you are, and your pictures never fail to make me hungry!

I loved this part:

“People don’t even care about that stuff. No one chooses their friends based on body weight. No one sane or worthwhile at least.”

It’s so true. If someone were to pick their friends based on that, THEY would be crazy. I know it’s hard to remember sometimes, but it’s all a matter of your mind! I’ve struggled with it too, but it’ll all get better.

Have an amazzzing day girl!

Comment by Tina — October 21, 2009 #

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I hate how ED always magnifies a small weight gain. Makes me want to slap him.

I wish I was still good at ballet. I took it for 4 years when I was younger, quit for 7 years, and went back for one year. I was terrible! I was upset to see that I had lost my gift. Ballet is so beautiful to watch.

Have a great day!

Comment by Stacey — October 21, 2009 #

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congrats on your 1lb gain Karina!
ED may be kicking up a huge fuss right now, but YOU know that its a good thing…
one step closer to an ED-free life
the life you deserve
which each pound you’re gaining health, happiness and freedom.

sorry you’re feeling rough right now sweetie. i also have a problem with listening to my body when its tired or ill. but give your body the respect it deserve, and rest.

lots of love girlie <3

Hannah
XO.

Comment by determinedtoshine — October 21, 2009 #

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I know ED doesn’t want to hear this, but congrats on the weight gain. You definitely need it, Karina! I can tell just by your arms in your pictures. Makes me sad.

But on happier thoughts… I’ve seen those little polymer clay food things on Deviantart too. They’re so adorable.

Comment by Tasty Health Food — October 21, 2009 #

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I loved this post…your honest is brillent and your beautiful personality shines through! Don’t let it win..keep telling it to shut up!!

So proud of you,
Maggie

Comment by maggie — October 21, 2009 #

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“so unique, so… exotic! Karina felt so excited to share this creation with her bloggers as she felt it could inspire several variations and newfangled breakfast treats.”

oh. i must make this breaky bowl.

you are so sweet , my love. your dinner looks marvelous.. and you should feel great that you had such a delicious, healthy meal. XO
you are a super star.

Comment by Devan G Newman — October 21, 2009 #

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Nothing like an ode to cheese

I’m so proud that you mustered your strength and took one great step toward better health! I hate how ED can make you feel like you “gained fat” just because you are, say, sitting at a table doing homework. Wth??? Everyone sits during the day, and no one’s body explodes!

Keep fighting! I know you can

Comment by Mitri — October 22, 2009 #

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I love your posts Karina! You have such a nice way of recapping your days and emotions, thoughts.. everything Even if it is about something painful, you’re poetic. That’s word I’m looking for!

You mustmustmust try the cranberry toast breakfast It was so yummy! And I agree. Cheese is awesome! Nothing compares to the real deal. I have been enjoying my cheeses lately (especially with the baked ziti oof!). I have a grilled sandwich recipe I think you would really enjoy. Toast with mango chutney + cheddar cheese. The original recipe calls for pumpernickel bread, but I’ve tried it on everything from spelt to cinnamon raisin swirl and it tastes delicious. My fave grilled cheese EVER!

Stay strong! Everyday you are proving to yourself that you can shut ED up and not follow what ever he wants. You are so right about what makes you special.

XO

http://www.ohonemorething.wordpress.com

Comment by Katharina — October 22, 2009 #

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you’re so poetic and graceful in your writing!

congratulations on the pound, just always remember what you’re working towardsand know that every time you’re struggling you’re getting closer and closer to health and happiness

love your blog lady!

Comment by dorothy — October 22, 2009 #

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