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I have received a number of emails, Facebook messages and tweets about what it is that I am eating, I thought I would give a rare glimpse into my food-log.

a day in my life - food-wise

So how many calories do I eat? At this stage in my 26 Week Transformation Project - I am eating between 1000 and 1200 calories. You’ll notice there is a balance, yes, carbs are good (and necessary)…and although I don’t write them in my log I eat a lot of veggies in the form of salad usually (because Veronica Kacinik MSc, RD said veggies are basically “free” I grew tired of writing how many tomatoes and cucumbers and lettuce I was eating)

Given my Basal Metabolic Rate of 1750 – I should be able to lose 1-2 lbs per week (and on average, I am).

I get asked all the time if I am hungry. I have to say in all honesty, I am not. Since I am up really early (4am), I actually start my day with a snack when I get into work (kick starting my metabolism), followed by Slimstyles Meal Replacement Shake at 7ish (the roar of the blender means I have to mix it during a commercial break.

I have my next snack at 9:30ish and then lunch (usually another Shake since I am on the go and running around the station) at 12:00. My next snack is between 2 and 3 with Dinner (about 450 calories with some PGX ) at 6:30 with my husband.

If I am really on track with my calories and my calorie ”bank” allows for it - I may have a glass of white wine. But I will admit, when you log all your meals and look at habits and trends, I do tend to go slightly over when I imbibe. No biggie, but something to note. This journey is one of awareness for me.

Most important tip (and you’ll notice I didn’t do it for my 3pm snack- I’m not perfect) is for snacks to include carb (and fiber) and protein (like my morning snack of yogurt did, or my post show snack of an apple and cheese did).

Tune in to Breakfast Television Monday February 7 at 7:05am for some great snack and meal ideas to keep you full and a more in depth segment with Veronica on CityLine Wednesday February 9 (check local listings).

The one challenge I see for the week ahead is a dinner celebrating Chinese New Year. But recognizing the challenge and planning for it I think is the best way to not failing!

 I’ll keep you posted…think good thoughts for me!

Dawn

As you know, I am now into week three of my 26 Week Transformation Project - and I must say, so far so good – the unofficial weigh in (meaning my bathroom scale), first thing (OK, 2nd thing) in the morning and with no clothing to add any fraction of a pound to the scale is that I have lost about 7 pounds. In other words, I have been losing a healthy amount of weight, and I must say IT FEELS GOOD!

This week ’s update on Monday’s Breakfast Television is regarding my Dexa Scan. In an effort to offer complete transparency…I offer you MY transparency!

Too much information?!?!?

SO what information was obtained from this Dexa Scan?

The good news:

-I have great bone density (Dr. Lyon actually said ”surprisingly great bone density” )

-My BMI and weight are at healthy, normal levels

-the fat around my belly is actually good. As a woman, my particular fat placement and amount is not necssarily a bad thing from a health perspective. From a vanity perspective, I must admit, I would rather have a 6 pack.

The bad news:

- I have very little lean muscle mass (at this time- 36% body fat!) . This affects my metabolism and as I get older could be a source of pain and ultimately if I don’t fix this, I may in fact have a significant weight issue when I am older. YIKES!

The Perscription?

Dr. Lyon has indicated that I really need to focus on resistance training, even more than cardio. He didn’t suggest “boot camp” style workouts (because although results can be awesome, long term, I may not keep them up) but rather whatever I can be consistent at. Basic military press, push ups, biceps and triceps. My cardio, he indicated will tone my legs.

Ok…I can work on that…one day at a time- for my full update, tune in to BT Monday morning at around 7:20!

Dawn

We all know that cocktail consumption usually lead to “interesting stories”…but what about the stories of the cocktails themselves?

An event that was born in New Orleans, Tales of the Cocktail is going on the road and will be in Vancouver March 13-15th! Each ticket grants access to all of the weekend’s festivities which includes parties and 6 seminars at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver.

Seminars include:

• Famous New Orleans Cocktails led By Chris McMillan and Philip Greene
• Who’s Your Daddy? A Mai Tai Paternity Test led by Jeff Berry
• For the Love of Gin led by Desmond Payne and Dan Warner
• The Science of Cocktails: New Techniques Behind the Barled by Dave Arnold and Eben Klemm
• The History and Importance of Ice in Cocktailsled by Charlotte Voisey and Jon Santer
• The Birth, Death and Rebirth of Canadian Whiskyled by Allen Katz and Drew Mayville with Neal McLennan and David Wolowidnyk

 Only 300 tickets are available so those planning to attend are encouraged to buy early.

Package price is $155 and includes:

Package Details:

• Complimentary Don Julio and Grand Marnier cocktails during Registration
• Welcome gift bag along with Lagniappe and special offers from our partners
• One Ticket to the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association Welcome Reception (CPBA members only)
• One Ticket to the Official Welcome Reception-Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky presents ‘True North’
• Your choice of three 90-minute Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Seminars
• Complimentary lunch presented by Bols Amsterdam 1575
• Complimentary afternoon break presented by Mott’s Clamato
• One Ticket to the Mardi Gras Official Closing Reception presented by Appleton Rum, Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky, Tullamore Dew Irish Whisky, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Skyy Vodka and Wild Turkey Bourbon
• Participation in the BC Bar Crawl
• One Ticket to the “Good Bye Vancouver, Hello New Orleans” Cochon de Lait presented by Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
• Official Tales of the Cocktail Recipe E-Book with recipes from Tales of the Cocktail New Orleans and Vancouver ($15.00 value)
• Access to Shots of Inspiration Book Signings with presenters
• $25.00 discount on Membership to the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association
• Merchandise and Product Discounts from partners including, but not limited to Trader Tiki, Cocktail Kingdom, Monin Syrups, Mr. Mojito, Chefwear and Tales of the Cocktail

Should be a blast!

Dawn

The Year of the Rabbit  is upon us as Chinese New Year begins on February 3rd (with the big Parade on February 6, 2011).

Lots of great options food wise to celebrate (through Chinese New Year and beyond!) ….not sure who has the best of the best? Check out the winners and the categories of the  HSBC Chinese Restaurant Awards 2011. I had the pleasure of Co-emceeing the Awards at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond with Johann Chang from Omni Television. Many places are filling up so check out the list and make your reservations.

How will I celebrate? I am very much looking forward to attending dinner with a group of friends to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant on February 9th!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Dawn

Just a reminder that Dine Out Vancouver is now on and runs until February 6!

In an earlier blog post, I mentioned that I had previewed Maenam, O’Doul’s  and Coast . Since then I also had the chance to check out the offerings from Society (an excellent value at $18) and Goldfish Pacific Kitchen($38).

You can preview the menus here to find the price point that matches your budget…a great chance to try something NEW!

Happy eating,

Dawn

One of my first goals of 2011 was to learn how to ski. This week was a monumental moment in Meghji history. I took to the slopes of Cypress Mountain with my favorite wingman Greg Harper and well, here’s what happened…..

Huge thanks to Peak Performance for the gear and Nordica for the skis.

I will not rest until I master this skill! The saga continues.

RM

I have had a busy week with respect to foodie events so I was feeling a bit concerned about how I would balance those events with my healthy eating/ lifestyle. These social events always have an abundance of food and drink and it’s all SO GOOD!!!

Last night at the  I received some wonderful advice from Good Life Vancouver’s Cassandra Anderton – “sips and bites, not chomps and gulps”.

This will come in especially handy when Vanfoodster Richard Wolak appears on BT Monday, January 17th with his picks for “Best Cinnamon Bun”.

Dawn Chubai

Yesterday I had the pleasure of broadcasting live from the 1st Annual Toys4Kids Drive, the brainchild of Miguel Ramos, a Grade 10 Student from St. Thomas More Collegiate who was given the task to make a difference. His Goal, to raise money and collect toys for the Salvation Army. Click HERE to watch the coverage on BT!

with Steve Podborski and Miguel (with a $500 cheque from Telus)

You can support the 3rd installment of the Toys4Kids Drive on December 21st by making your way to:

Save-On-Foods (2991 Lougheed Highway Coquitlam from) 6-9am – Kyle Donaldson will be broadcasting live as well.

Another great organization is the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau who  has been helping low-income families for 80 years.

You can donate at the above link or at this time of year you may also wish to donate an unwrapped toy at Oakridge Shopping Centre or many Vancouver FireHalls . Thankfully they have alot of stuffed toys, but most needed items this year are presents for teens. People can also volunteer their time to help at the store – that’s where parents come to get toys and food vouchers between Dec 6 and 22. Please call them at 604 253-7191 if you can help.

Thanks to everyone for their generosity!

Dawn

Received a note from a BT viewer who has a wonderful initiative that I want you to know about!

Kimzangels  Food and Clothing Drive
 
Benefiting Best Babies of Langley, CLA Recovery House and Food Bank and South Gate Church.

Please bring food, toys,  toiletries,  toques,  gloves and socks to
Murrayville Langley  in front of  the IGA at 222 and Fraser Hwy
 

Donations will be accepted  Dec 10,  from 3-9   Dec 11, from 10-9 and Dec 12 from 10-5. The feat, to full up the entire Ambulance!

Supporters of this initiative (Kim’s Angels) include members of the Rcmp, Langley Fire Fighters and the  Langley Paramedics.

 Kim’s goal is “to give hope to people who are without a home and to make a change in the community”.

Sounds like you are the one who is an Angel Kim,

Dawn

Like the song, I said “what about Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and Tiffany & Co.. said “you bet” ! Launching their holiday windows was the perfect time to invite Breakfast Television into the store and a bit of a dreamland as I had the chance to wear about $2.5 Million in jewels! Of course I had to give back the embellishments but was happy to show our viewers gifts under $100 (some as low as $35).

with extra-sparkly Foodie Erin Ireland!

Breakfast was served by the fabulously talented Chef Oliver at my favourite restaurant in the entire world, YEW at the Four Seasons. If you’ve never been, be sure to at the very least go on a Sunday for Brunch (where you might run into Chef Grant MacDonald) and 1/2 price bottles of wine and bubbly. They also have a “Fresh From…” feature every month – December is “Venison”- 3 courses for $35!

with Chef Oliver, Stollen from YEW and a $1.1M necklace!

Our “go to” server is Joel but David and Lance are also great!…Everyone there is so welcoming and the ambiance is unassuming…I love it (and no…they don’t pay me to say that…).

Thanks for the great time Tiffany!

Dawn