steaming veggies and caffeine

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2003
steaming veggies and caffeine
4
Mon, 05-17-2004 - 12:14pm
Hi! This is probably going to sound like a strange question but I'm not much of a cook. I wanted to try to make the mock mashed potatoes in the SB book, but I don't know how to steam vegetables :\ Is there an easy way to steam them without having to go out and buy something specifically meant for that purpose?

My other question has to do with caffeine. I know that we should limit caffeine to two servings a day but I was just curious about the reasoning behind it. i'm a student or, in other words, a caffeine addict. i'm doing ok right now while on a break but i know once summer session starts up and things get hectic, it's going to be back to living on diet coke and coffee. i was just woncering how that would affect my weight loss.

Thanks for your help and I hope everyone has a great day!

-Amanda

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2004
Mon, 05-17-2004 - 12:26pm
Hi,

To steam veggies, the easiest way to do it is:

1. Grab a tupperware container and a lid,

2. Put your veggies in the container and fill just the bottom of the container with a little bit of water (put the lid just sitting lightly on top, do not close tight).

3. Put in microwave for 2 minutes (or so, depending on your microwave).

Tadaa!! You have steamed veggies. You can just use a bowl or something too, but I like the tupperware idea because you can keep the steam in a bit more if you put the lid just resting diagonally across the top of the tupperware. This also works great for frozen veggies. Enjoy!

As for the caffeine, I don't know that it'll make that huge of a difference, but if you can squeeze some water in, it would be better. The water is going to flush your system out better than caffeine will. I'm addicted to Diet Coke myself, so I know it's hard once you've started drinking one, but try to interchange between water and pop/coffee if you can. In WW, they always told us for every cup of coffee you should drink three glasses of water to balance out the effects. I don't know if it's true, but it's a good think to incorporate into your daily thinking.

Anyways, good luck and have fun!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2002
Mon, 05-17-2004 - 12:39pm

I know that we should limit caffeine to two servings a day but I was just curious about the reasoning behind it....I was just wondering how that would affect my weight loss.


Hi Amanda, for many people, too much caffeine has the affect of releasing insulin in their system, causing hunger.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2004
Mon, 05-17-2004 - 2:41pm
I just boil my cauliflower on the stove for 10 minutes.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2003
Mon, 05-17-2004 - 10:02pm
Thanks for the help!

mostly i drink the caffeine to function in the morning and then to keep me awake when i'm working late or when i haven't had much sleep. i do drink alot of water on top of that though. i've tried caffeine free diet coke but can't seem to get used to the taste.

Thanks again!

Amanda