Queen of Substitutions

Hey bloggies hey! It’s FRIDAY Smile What are you up to this weekend??

I’m going to be planning out my life, chilling with the fam and Tucson friends, and making up for lost vegetables Winking smile

salad

When the Madre and I got into Tucson last night, my grandparents suggested getting Sweet Tomatoes to-go since we were all hungry and I was craving a salad beast.

I got the above salad (greens, jicama, egg, garbanzo beans, olives, red pepper, mushrooms, carrots and beets with balsamic) and made a twin salad for my bro’s girlfriend. The two of us also shared a small black bean soup and I ate one of the wheaty muffins off of this platter:

sweet tomatoes

I curled onto the comfy chair and fell asleep watching novelas with the fam. Glorious Smile

This morning, my bro and I hit up The Fanfreakingtastic Egg (aka the Good Egg) for some b-fast.

I was dubbed the Queen of Substitutions.

egg

Traditional Day Starter with scrambled eggs, black beans instead of potatoes, and a house salad with balsamic on the side instead of an English muffin.

Menus are just suggestions, mmm k? Winking smile 

Plan for the day:

-Check out the place where the pups and I will be living

-Car wash

-Check out potential Dance Trance studio

-Dance Trance call

-yoga (my aching back and legs could use a little stretching)

-Interview

-Buddy the Elf and vegan hot cocoa

See ya later today!!!

xoxo,

Gina

Something to talk about: Are you a substitution queen too? What do you usually change about your meals? I like to ask for toppings/dressing on the side, no cheese, and salad instead of something. I’m always friendly and polite to the server so they don’t seem to mind my ordering antics.

*Sun Warrior promo update: Finally!! We’re going to be doing something new for my OpenSky promos- we’ll have a follow page and if you click to follow, you’ll be able to get the sahweet deals if you like. I’ll post the link to the follow page when it’s up and running! xoxo

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215 Comments

  1. Shanna, like Banana on December 10, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    Sounds like a pretty good plan for the day!

    Can you share with us what the plan is for Viesa? Are you still giving her up???

    • Fitnessista on December 10, 2010 at 1:42 pm

      she is still going with another family at the very end of december. they’re very good family friends and live an hour and a half away so we’ll still get to see her

  2. Amanda (Eating Up) on December 10, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    I substitute when I’m not in a fancy restaurant, for sure. And I always ask for dressing on the side because 90% of the time restaurants always overdress their salads!

    • Alexis on December 10, 2010 at 1:37 pm

      YES on the overdressing. I always order my dressing on the side, because odds are I’ll only end up using 1/4 of what they do!

  3. Mary @ Bites and Bliss on December 10, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    My dad told me any waitress that could handle my orders deserved a good tip. I used to sub so much and then ask for it to be prepared a certain way..yadda yadda. I don’t do it so much anymore..but it’s a rare occurance for me to actually go by the menu.

  4. Cheryl on December 10, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    I just started reading this blog because I thought you were a military wife. I am a true military wife. I live in base housing with my 2 boys while my husband fights in Afganistan for your right to write this blog (not fly cargo around in Europe). Now to the food. You claim to be vegan but eat meat and cheese and wear leather. You claim to be gluten free but eat rolls and bread and muffins. You claim to be lactose free but eat ice cream and other milk products. I won’t even get into your unhealthy obsession with working out. Your 15 or 20 blog followers who swoon over your every move may call you brave but I see just the opposite. The true military wives who do it on our own with no help…we are the brave ones.

    • Heather on December 10, 2010 at 1:48 pm

      You are a very mean-spirited person and have some anger issues. Why do you read someone’s blog if you don’t agree with or like their lifestyle? You must have a lot of spare time on your hands! I feel very sad for you.

    • Fitnessista on December 10, 2010 at 1:49 pm

      i don’t claim to be anything. under my about tab, there’s a how i feast post which explains that i do what i want with no labels. for the record, my husband is in the same area- he flies an a-10 and protects the guys on the ground so they can go home safely to their wives.
      your comments are ignorant, rude, and i’d appreciate you not stopping by any more to poison my upbeat environment. i’m happy to receive comments that provoke discussion, even if they disagree with me, but personal attacks will not be tolerated.
      thank you to your husband for serving our country and for the hard work you do taking care of your family while he’s away.

      • Molly on December 10, 2010 at 5:40 pm

        gina- wow at these comments! props to you (& the pilot!) for responding graciously to the negativity. i respect that you haven’t blocked the IP address. so many bloggers either automatically block comments, or respond super defensively.

        thanks to you & the pilot for everything you do.

        as for substitutions – i don’t think it’s a big deal unless it’s a fancy restaurant and/or the resto menu says no subs. i mean, you should get what you want and restaurants need to be competitive in order to survive, so they should honor requests. i think usually its the biggest deal for people you’re dining with because they get “embarrassed.”

    • Tiffany (Stuffed with Fluff) on December 10, 2010 at 1:50 pm

      I understand that each and every one of us is entitled to our own opinion, but my question is – If you dislike Gina’s blog so much, why do you continue reading it?

      What do you have to prove by commenting that you are “braver” or than anyone? I am not a military wife/gf/family member, so I have no idea what it feels like. Yes, maybe her situation is different than yours, but either way, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be half as “brave” as either of you.

      It makes me sad that we live in a world where people would rather tear others down instead of supporting them

    • Danielle on December 10, 2010 at 1:58 pm

      Cherly,
      Clearly you dont read this blog or you would know none of that is true. And why do you care, are you that unhappy in your own life?

    • Jess on December 10, 2010 at 1:59 pm

      This really burns me! How dare you (Cheryl) imply that one military member serving in a war for our country is better than another or “braver”. You are an ignorant, hateful individual who should really take some time to figure out why you are so unhappy that you needs to hate on good people trying to make the best of what they are faced with. I am angry almost to the point of tears that someone could be so cruel and rude. I am so sorry you are dealing with this hateful person, Gina and am sending positive and uplifting thoughts your way!

    • Amanda on December 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm

      Yes because clearly you have to live in military housing to be a “true” military wife. Quit being self-rightous and trolling blogs because you’re obviously upset that Gina has such a great support group and isn’t afraid to ask for help when she needs it. Perhaps if you changed your attitude you wouldn’t have to do things with “no help”, that does not make you a better military wife than others. I too am a military wife, and am currently pregnant with our first child. I sure as hell am not going to be sitting at home brooding after she’s born because my Husband is deployed and I’m overwhelmed with a three month old alone, I’m going to be relying on my friends and family so that her life and mine can be lived to the fullest while her Daddy is away being a hero for nine months of her early life.

      Gina, I’m sorry for getting so sassy on your blog. You are an amazing person, I’ve been in similar living situations and it is SO stressful for everyone involved and I really think you did the right thing. You’re awesome and don’t let such negative people get you down, it clearly shows a lacking of something in their life and has nothing to do with you!

    • Nicole on December 10, 2010 at 2:01 pm

      I don’t understand. I really don’t. If you don’t like the blog, don’t read it. No one is forcing you. Why be mean? You do understand that it reflects poorly on you rather than Gina, right? Of course the posters are going to agree with Gina. We read and post on her blog because we LIKE it. If you don’t like it, just move on. There’s enough meanness in the world without being petty like this on the internet.

    • Katie on December 10, 2010 at 2:20 pm

      I don’t usually comment on these things, but was appalled at the comments Cheryl said. If you don’t like Gina’s blog, do not read it. Plain and simple. But to sit there and spend your time bashing her and saying that you are a “true” military wife, implying that Gina is not, is absurd. I think everyone who is in a military family are true and strong. What makes you better than the other military wives? I feel sad for you and hope you find happiness in your life soon. Because clearly there is nothing but hate in your heart at the moment. I’ll pray for you and for the safe return of your family member.

    • Laura on December 10, 2010 at 2:24 pm

      As a military wife, it baffles me that some wives are so quick to bring another wife down-to try to prove they are “better”, “stronger”, “braver”, or to imply that their man’s job is more “important” or more “dangerous”. Our men may have different missions, but they are still all fighting the same war. And we are all making sacrifices at home. Who is to say that one person’s sacrifice is greater than the next person’s? One wife’s mole hill may be another’s mountain. We all need to start supporting each other!

      Gina, you seem to be a very beautiful person -on the inside and out! Good luck following your dreams in Tucson! And please tell the pilot that my family truly appreciates every sacrifice you and he are making for our country!

      • Fitnessista on December 10, 2010 at 2:28 pm

        women would rule the world if we’d all support eachother instead of trying to bring eachother down <3
        thank you 🙂

        • Leanne on December 10, 2010 at 4:47 pm

          AMEN! So true 🙂 why are we beating eachother down instead of supporting eachother?

          Gina I think you should block her IP address and keep the negativity off this blog 🙂 you’re too fantastic to have to deal with hateful comments like this that are unwarrented!

        • Sally on December 10, 2010 at 5:51 pm

          Elanor Roosevelt said there is a special place in ‘heck’ reserved for women who Don’t support other women. I am in Naval Aviation and my husband is in submarines and I literally stand in awe of all the wives and husbands that keep households running and families strong all on their own. Tough stuff. You don’t need me to tell you but you’re pretty super just as you are. Thanks to the pilot for his service. If she is under the assumption that a-10s are cargo planes then she is deeply ignorant. Those things are badass. Lol!

          • Sally on December 10, 2010 at 5:54 pm

            Not that cargo planes are not equally kick butt in their own way! Well said pilot!



      • allison @ livingoneday on December 10, 2010 at 4:38 pm

        this was a wonderful comment 🙂

    • Jessica @ Jessica Balances on December 10, 2010 at 2:31 pm

      WOW. This is flat-out inappropriate. Gina is just as “true” of a military wife as you are, Cheryl. I am from a military town (near Fort Campbell, KY) and trust me, there are TONS of different types of military wives. Some live on post, some move away when their husbands deploy and others do a little bit of both. Let Gina be Gina and respect what she needs to do.

      Honestly, if you have such an issue with how she eats/works out/lives her life, WHY read her blog or bother to comment?

    • Dynamics on December 10, 2010 at 2:33 pm

      Every single solitary person who serves for our country no matter what position is necessary!!!! Each family member struggles so their loved ones can be a part of keeping us ALL safe. To belittle so many is not the way the military works. Obviously you did not get the memo!!! Stick together!!! I sure hope your husband never sees your words.

      Gina, the only thing I can say is THANK YOU!!!! Pilot and all those…. THANK YOU!!! Keeping doing what you are doing. I for one appreciate it.

    • Paige @Running Around Normal on December 10, 2010 at 2:38 pm

      Holy crap. That sucks you feel so badly right now to leave such a mean spirited comment. Yikes.

    • Roselyn on December 10, 2010 at 2:42 pm

      Cheryl, STFU please. You give military wives a bad name.

      • Caitlin on December 10, 2010 at 6:28 pm

        I love you, Roselyn.

    • The Pilot on December 10, 2010 at 2:50 pm

      If I may…
      A.) There’s nothing wrong with flying cargo. It gets necessary supplies to war-fighters everyday (watch a C-17 slow to 100 knots, low altitude over hostile terrority to airdrop much needed food and water and you’ll appreciate their work).

      B.) A “true” military wife, you are not. Military spouses (adding true before that is meaningless), like those of many other professions, are supportive of each other no matter what the circumstance. Military spouses; however, share the common bond that their loved one can be shipped anywhere at anytime to be put in harms way which is all the more reason to be kind to each other.

      C.) I’m sure you’re a good person at heart so I won’t hold it against you that you just displayed the worst comprehension of a person’s nutrition and fitness principles ever…ever. I’m not even mad; I’m impressed on how far off you were.

      and finally, because I’m so passionate about protecting our guys and gals w/ 30mm:
      D.) The next time I graciously risk my life to fly low-altitude, under the weather, through mountain valleys at night to save your husbands life, I’ll think of your comment and smirk. He won’t care that I don’t live on base, I promise.

      You might want to thank Gina, though. Having a loving, supportive wife back home allows me to concentrate when it matters most.

      Sincerely,

      The Pilot

      • Laura on December 10, 2010 at 2:58 pm

        Thank you for all you do!

      • Jess on December 10, 2010 at 3:02 pm

        I wish you could *like* comments because I would *like* this one a million times. Well said, Pilot!

      • Errign on December 10, 2010 at 3:05 pm

        Thank you, Pilot for everything you are doing. 🙂 You & Gina are both amazing!

      • laura on December 10, 2010 at 4:04 pm

        haha, i like the anchorman paraphrase–“you pooped in the fridge? i’m not mad, i’m impressed.”

      • Hollie on December 10, 2010 at 4:05 pm

        Thank you, Pilot!! 🙂

      • Allison @ Food For Healing on December 10, 2010 at 4:17 pm

        Well put Pilot.

        I was going to make a comment on the “true” military wife thing. To be a TRUE military wife it means to have no support and do it on your own??
        and so your saying Gina isn’t one because she has TONS of support and people who care about her and love her

        You just sound BITTER and LONELY that you dont have all the LOVE that she does.

      • Leanne on December 10, 2010 at 4:50 pm

        Yay pilot! Gina you have a keeper 😉

      • Julia on December 10, 2010 at 5:05 pm

        Thank you Pilot for serving our country!
        Gina, you are such a positive and inspirational person, thank you for sharing your life and light with us readers! I can’t wait to hear more about your Tucson adventures! Sounds like you made the absolute best decision for yourself in a tough time!

      • Kathy on December 10, 2010 at 5:41 pm

        Well said Pilot! I too wish there was a “Like” feature. I’d like to add to what you said but there is no reason to – you did it so well. And thank you both so much for your sacrifices.

      • kellyO on December 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm

        First off, thank you for all you do for us as a nation. And Gina, excellent reply to the nasty comment. You are both an inspiration. Thanks…

      • Kirby on December 13, 2010 at 11:04 am

        THANK YOU Pilot and Gina for all you do! You’re both heroes!

    • alison on December 10, 2010 at 3:02 pm

      Wow, that was truly hateful.

      I’m a military wife and my husband sits at a desk all day in front of a computer. Does that make him less of a soldier or me less of a miltary spouse in your eyes? I’ve lived on post and off and I don’t think it matters one way or another. My husband, who has served in the Army for 19 years, deployed for 7 months this year and is leaving again in February for 18 months. Does that make me better or stronger than you or Gina? Um, no.

      If I were in Gina’s shoes, I’d probably do what she did. However, I have a daughter at home, so staying put, remaing in a stable environment with friends and neighbors nearby, is best for us during my husband’s upcoming deployment. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Sure, you’re home with your children, providing them with everything they need, and yes it’s hard to be a single mom, but making hateful comments to a woman you don’t even know is just plain hateful.

      Oh, and whether your husband flies helicopters, fighter jets or cargo carriers, being the wife of a pilot must be excruciatingly nerve wracking. Like I said, my husband sits at a desk, so I didn’t worry about his safety much at all. I think in this season of Gina’s life, she needs support and friendly words, not mean spirited, untruthful barbs.

      I’m sure you’re under much stress, being the wife of a deployed service member, but is it necessary to take it out on others?

      • Katie on December 10, 2010 at 3:07 pm

        Thank you to your husband for what he does. 🙂 My dad was also behind a computer in the army before my brother and I were born. Not often do the people behind the scenes get enough credit and most of the time without them, it would be chaos. No matter what someones position in life (whether military or civilian life) we all have some purpose. 🙂

      • The Pilot on December 10, 2010 at 3:16 pm

        Amen, ladies. My plane would just sit there without the entire military/civilian contracting team working together. Of course, the support from non-military folks makes all the difference, too. Thanks, everybody!

    • Hollie on December 10, 2010 at 4:10 pm

      I am not a military spouse but military daughter. How horrible that you would insult ANY military member and there family by implying one ‘better’ than another!! I bet if your military husband read your comments, Cheryl, he would be ashamed of you. The men and women of the US Military ALL need our support.

    • sarah on December 10, 2010 at 5:34 pm

      Cheryl, I’m sure that if your husband knew that while he is over seas fighting you are sitting around making random attacks on fellow military wives he would be ashamed, embarrased, and disgusted by you.
      My husband’s best friend is in the air force and was sent over seas to work at an airport. I don’t know what his duties are from day to day but it honestly doesn’t make a difference to me. I have so much respect for him for doing such a selfless thing. He had to leave his wife and newborn son behind and she moved back home with her mother because she felt that she needed support from her friends and family. I don’t think of her as anything but a military wife… her husband is in the military! I don’t care if he’s over seas eating dougnuts all day for peets sake! She isn’t any less “brave” for going home to her family, I would be a wreck if I was without my husband for any reason.
      Anyways I’m rambling, that’s what I do what I’m upset with rude people like you!

    • Meg on December 10, 2010 at 7:18 pm

      Cheryl, I see you’ve pretty much been put in your place, but maybe you should ask yourself a) why the heck you care so much what Gina does; b) how much time you’re wasting berating someone else for their choices, instead of making better ones for yourself; and c) how much better your life could be right now if you took all this energy you’re spending disapproving of someone you don’t know and put it into something worthwhile, like–oh, let me see–raising your kids. And hopefully raising them to be less judgmental that you are, at that. Good luck with that.

      • Meg on December 10, 2010 at 7:20 pm

        PS–I’m a military wife, too. We’re all different, with different ways of handling our lives. In fact–each of us choosing to deal with our husband’s careers in the way that suits OUR OWN lives is a beautiful celebration of the freedom they are protecting. Speed and angels, Pilot.

    • Jordana on December 10, 2010 at 10:24 pm

      You say HIGH MAINTAINENENCE like that’s a bad thing???

      Gosh and now I dont feel like a TRUE military wife because my husband is over in Afghanistan doing boring legal stuff. JEEZ. What a crock of crap.

  5. Caree @ Fit-Mama! on December 10, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    I always have them put the salad dressing on the side (bc I know that most of the empty calories in a salad is the dressing). And more lately, I will get veggies instead of a starch.

  6. Shannon on December 10, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Hmm…hate to say it but I hope that mean comment wasn’t one of the family members trying to get some kind of virtual jab in or something under a fake name since it’s easy to hide on the internet…Either way, totally random and uncalled for. People are strange…and they’re always going to try and find some way to kick you when you’re down but say this to yourself “I fly above all the haters, I, I, fly above all the haters.” Okay, that’s probably only funny if you watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta!! But anyways, clearly moving to Tucson was the right move for you to make (literally). You’ll have your own place, and be with your family, whom love you and are so happy to have you there! Plus, you did say you knew deep down you probably should have moved there to begin with, so it’s good you’re doing it now. I’m in AZ too -but the North Phoenix area. Thanks for all the inspiring posts, fitness tips, etc…don’t let that one stupid comment get you down…you’re great and I love reading your blog! It helps me keep on track and inspires me when I start getting into workout slumps 🙂

    • Dynamics on December 10, 2010 at 7:42 pm

      I was thinking the same exact thing!

    • SAL on December 10, 2010 at 8:06 pm

      I had the same thought. Gina, that comment from “a military wife” seems fishy. Is there anyway you can track and filter what comes in? And for karma’s sake, is there anyway you can delete this thread? You don’t need this nonsense right now.

      • Fitnessista on December 10, 2010 at 10:50 pm

        yep i can see exactly where the comment came from, and it wasn’t from anyone i know :/

  7. Yvette on December 10, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

  8. nicole on December 10, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    First things first- please ignore that rude comment 2 spots above, that’s just unnecessary and rude, not to mention the poster sounds extremely bitter. I’m pissed off for you!
    Secondly, looks like you’re having a fun-filled day! I’m always re-planning my life too! I try to only do a few substitutions but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.

    • nicole on December 10, 2010 at 1:55 pm

      Obviously I meant the poster Cheryl, not anyone else. It was 2 above before I posted.

  9. Shannon on December 10, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    Woah!! Just saw she posted again. WTF? I think there is seriously only one question to ask, which everyone else is thinking, why on earth does this broad keep reading your blog if she doesn’t agree or like anything you say or do? How strange…she seems to know a bit too much about all your blog posts to be only a first-time reader, so clearly she continues to read your blog every day, even though she doesn’t seem to like it. Weird!

  10. lindsay on December 10, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    great plan! So glad you made it to Tuscon!! YIPPEE!!

  11. Clare @ Fitting It All In on December 10, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    So glad you addressed that comment.
    On to happier things – yes I substitute sometimes but I feel really guilty/picky about it! I wish I were as confident as you are!

  12. Christina on December 10, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    Someone sounds like they need a time out above! hahah! Any whoosers I sub things sometimes. Normally I just nix stuff out and just get a side if I feel it won’t be enough. I used to get dressing on the side but the restaurants that I order salads from on a regular basis now only put a bit 🙂

  13. katie on December 10, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    OKAY people need to freaking chill- we are talking about substituting FOOD here, not life or death! Gina didnt mean to start drama. get a life, haters. Substituting is my jam!!

    YOU are awesome Gina and so inspirational. YOU are a ray of sunshine, especially after having a husband who fights for this country every day. How you stay so joyful throughout it shows so much strength and inner beauty. you are a true military wife.. and just because you chose to not be a debbie downer (like some people who have commented) about it doesnt mean its not hard!

    • Katie on December 10, 2010 at 2:22 pm

      AMEN!!!! Very well said!!!!!! 🙂 🙂

  14. Raya on December 10, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    Wow. Just…wow. So glad you were able to leave behind such a negative environment and that you made it to Tucson safely. Best of luck to you!!! If you’re ever in Phoenix let me know. I’ll be there starting very beginning of January!!

  15. Danielle on December 10, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Wow. What is wrong with people today?? First, I can’t speak for all waitresses, but I used to be one and I never cared when people made substitutions. A good waitress just wants the customers to be happy…and CERTAINLY does not expect a bigger tip. IT’S HER JOB. Secondly, people who make horribly mean comments on blogs are the reason a lot of bloggers don’t want to share personal stuff…which is sad because it can help a lot of people. Gina totally puts herself out there and helps so many people…definitely more than “15 or 20” as you can see by the sheer number of comments on every post. I’ll admit, there are some blogs I don’t like, and guess what? I DON’T READ THEM. Cheryl, if you are so bitter about being a military wife, why don’t you GET DIVORCED and/or GET OVER YOURSELF. Seriously.

  16. Sara on December 10, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    P.S. I (and so many others) LOVE reading your blog every day. You rock, Gina.

  17. Jennifer on December 10, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    Wow, the haters are out to play today!! Keep on staying positive 🙂

  18. Kristin on December 10, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    For “Cheryl” up above…..I am a first-time commenter on this (or any) blog.

    I am a 40 year old, gluten eating, meat eating, lactose consuming, non-military wife/mother of two who really loves this blog for one thing in particular – Gina. I’ve rarely seen a person be so positive, so able to see the bright side of very tough things and so kind and that’s what keeps me coming back to this blog. She makes me want to be a better person, even though we are very different and I am almost old enough to be her mother.

    You sound extremely bitter, hateful and delusional (and quite sad) to even try and compare the heroism of any two individuals fighting a war. Thanks to your husband for serving our country, I hope you can break out of the dark place you’re in for his (and your children’s)sake.

  19. Kelly Michelle on December 10, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    hahaha menus are just suggestions, I love it. I am also the queen of substitutions.

  20. Sara on December 10, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Gina,
    Don’t waste your time in your new city with this terrible person. You have so much to look forward to, obviously this person has some jealousy issues.
    In unrelated news, I just tried bfast cookie dough cereal and it has really changed my morning routine. It is the ONLY thing that keeps me full for 5 hours (besides when I have a huge brunch or something) and it’s really changed the game.
    You are GREAT.
    Thanks for all you do.
    -Sara

    • Fitnessista on December 10, 2010 at 2:34 pm

      thanks girl <3
      i'm so happy you liked the b-fast cookie cereal!

  21. Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn on December 10, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    just smile 🙂 these commenters are nutso today

    • Fitnessista on December 10, 2010 at 2:42 pm

      haha- holiday stress is a doozy 🙂

  22. Cheryl on December 10, 2010 at 2:49 pm

    Glad I could help you Gina. .
    I’m beginning to feel unwelcome here. I’ll keep reading though.
    Ps : I’m not related to Gina.

    • Amber on December 10, 2010 at 8:49 pm

      Cheryl- I have so many words that I could say to you right now, but instead I think I’ll just let you know that I’m going to say a prayer that you will see the hurt that comes from cruel words. You owe an apology to Gina, and I hope you’ll realize that. God bless!

      Gina- You are an amazing woman, and I thank you and your husband for your service to our country. I can’t imagine the difficulty you’ve both had to face, but it is so wonderful to see such a positive message on your blog everyday!

  23. Namaste Gurl on December 10, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    You just got me REALLY excited for watching Elf and drinking vegan cocoa. I’ve had my eye on a yummy whole made version consisting of coconut milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon….. 🙂

    Enjoy your day, girl!

  24. Sam on December 10, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Maybe Cheryl should be shipped off and her husband come home, that sounds like it would benefit her children.Gina-Keep up your positive attitude. Oh yeah Cheryl- there are things called Gluten free oats, gluten free flours (like flava/bean flour), etc. Next time just ask her what the ingredients are instead of assuming they have gluten.

  25. Danielle @ InDeesKitchen on December 10, 2010 at 3:05 pm

    honestly, i’m jealous of all the moving around you get to do! You get to experience many different places… wish they had been under better circumstances, however.

    i love that you don’t label yourself as vegan, or celiac, or whatever else. So much better to make up your own rules.

  26. claire! on December 10, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    i love smiling! smiling’s my favorite!!!

  27. Megan on December 10, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    So I read a handful of healthy living blogs every day, and yours is my favorite. With that being said, I never comment on your blog and have only commented on others maybe two or three times before. But, I felt moved to say something today. I feel like you are taking a lot of unnecessary backlash right now at an already stressful time in your life. So, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being so honest with your blog readers about your life and for not letting the negative comments of strangers outweigh the larger, more positive blog community. Thank you for the sacrifices you make as a military wife and to the Pilot for all he does for our country. I look forward to reading your blog every day and it makes me sad that some people choose the cowardly outlet of being anonymous through the web to express their emotions. I hope you do not focus on the negative comments because they are both ignorant and unfounded. Continue what you are doing and know that it brings happiness to many people who look forward to visiting your blog each day. Good luck in Tuscon and I pray for the Pilot’s safe and timely return to you. God bless !

    • Fitnessista on December 10, 2010 at 10:46 pm

      <3

  28. Alana on December 10, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Oh my…Mean Girls are the worst. Gina, you and I could not be more different, I have the worst eating habits, exercise very little and am absolutely not a military wife or wife of any kind. That being said, I come to your blog every single day because of your positive and upbeat attitude. I admire you for who you are, the choices you make and the way you live your life. To be mean simply for the sake of being mean, is just so uncalled for. Life is short, and it’s certainly much too short to spend it giving a mean girl the time of day. I am sorry the happiness of getting home with your family had to be overshadowed by this silliness. Enjoy the weekend Gina, you’ve certainly earned it!

  29. Allison @ Food For Healing on December 10, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    so glad you moved to where you have POSITIVE energy, you deserve the best! Your blog is amazing and it isn’t turning into a soap opera itself, you have just been going through a rough patch, like a normal person would in their life, nobody is perfect, nobody has a perfectly smooth going life every single minute of every single day. I enjoy following you on your journey, good and bad. xoxox

  30. Katie on December 10, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    Hey Gina! Wow I was wondering why there were so many comments! I almost thought you were doing a giveaway! lol! But then my stomach got sick seeing that you got a mean comment : ( glad you kill it with kindness, thats my motto, you cant control others, only yourself : )

    Hey I know I said this before in a comment to you, Im going to start dance trance here in Fort Wayne , Indiana and as I was pondering to just open a studio up, I thought that I should just get my foot in the door at the YMCA here and build clients, I just actually moved to this area and dont know anyone , so its rough! I know you know how it is to move to new places, but I didnt know what route your taking, basically just nice to have advice! Let me know! Also are you going to the training workshop in February? I will be , and if you want to room up in a hotel let me know! My email is Model_Katie22@hotmail.com, hope you have a great nite Gina!

  31. Corey @ the runner's cookie on December 10, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    Gina you are so inspirational to so many people – I’m so glad that you found the positive energy you were looking for in Tuscon. I know you won’t let one person’s cruelty and issues bring you down!

  32. LisaG on December 10, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    As far as substitutions I like to substitute 2 rude, ignorant commenters for nice ones! Yey for the Pilot’s comment. Gina glad you made it safely.

  33. Allison @ Food For Healing on December 10, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    as for the TOPIC of this blog post, i would like to comment on that as well LOL

    I barely substitute at all, i usually just try to order the simplest and healthiest option i can, and sub-in veggies if there is potatoes or rice, and dressing on the side when i have salad usually. But i dont see any problem in doing it if you need to for health reasons or you just want your meal healthier,
    in fact, i might start substituting more! hehe

  34. Liz on December 10, 2010 at 4:55 pm

    I’m pretty sure I haven’t commented on your blog before, but I’ve been reading for about six months and I just want to say kudos to you for doing all that you do. Being separated from your husband for long periods of time along with life’s other stresses (moving across the country, mean blog comments, etc.) isn’t even close to easy, but you handle it with such tact and grace. I definitely look up to you- keep smiling!

  35. Ilana on December 10, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    I’m Buddy the Elf and vegan hot cocoaing tonight too…
    Gina I’m really glad you’re doing something good for yourself. People so often forget to take care of themselves in tough times. You deserve to be happy.

  36. Mama Pea on December 10, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    Gina,

    I love Sweet Tomatoes.

    & I love you.

  37. Moni'sMeals on December 10, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    Sounds like Cheryl needs to have some Vegan cocoa and watch Buddy the Elf herself!

    Cheryl, really? Are you passive agressive or what!?

  38. Kara on December 10, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    I loved the responses to the mean comment, especially the Pilot’s. My husband, a former Marine F/A-18 pilot (retired due to injuries), enjoyed your husband’s response, but did add that if it was him, his response would be funnier 🙂 I bet that poster isn’t even really a military wife, as I’ve never met one who would disparage someone else for doing a “lesser” job. I think we all realize that everyone has a key role.

    Also, I would totally move back home if my husband was deployed and I was able. Home rocks.

    I used to substitute at restaurants a lot, but I don’t anymore (except for no salad dressing, yuck). For me, it was a disordered behavior that I needed to stop. Now I just order whatever is closest to what I want. But now we have a baby and never go out to eat, so it’s a moot point 🙂

  39. Danni on December 10, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    All of the responses to Cheryl by other commenters are far more hateful, venomous and inappropriate than her original comment. Why does one negative response inspire such a mob mentality in a group of women? It’s not okay to write something nasty to someone online, but really, it’s also NOT okay for a blogger and her fans to promote such a terrible and rabid response. Calling this commenter a loser, jealous, ignorant, bitter, sad and delusional (to quote a few terms) is really sad. This is just one woman who chose to voice her opposition, and all this talk about how women should support each other is entirely hypocritical. So we should only support women who suck up to us and agree with us? That’s not a world I’d like to live in.

    • Christina on December 10, 2010 at 5:35 pm

      AGREED!!!

    • Kara on December 10, 2010 at 5:58 pm

      That comment did not just attack Gina, it attacked the U.S. military…shouldn’t that generate a strong response? The idea that wives of soldiers with certain jobs or ones that have no family help are braver is complete crap. If that poster actually lives on post, she must no be very popular if is “on her own” as she claims. Military wives generally support each other, hence the response by all the other military wives supporting Gina and her husband.

      If the commenter had stuck to attacking Gina’s eating or exercise habits, your comments would be applicable. But when you drag in the whole “my husband is more of a soldier than yours and I’m a braver military wife” angle, you really can’t blame other military wives for speaking up and calling BS when they see it.

      • Alison on December 10, 2010 at 6:23 pm

        I totally agree with you, Kara. Normally I don’t jump into these types of arguments, but when one military wife claims to be a superior wife because of where she chooses to live and by how little help she gets, I get a little annoyed. My husband does some amazing things in his job, most of which he cannot even talk about, and I hate for his service (or my commitment to being an Army wife) to be discredited because it doesn’t meet the expectations of someone else.

    • Sally on December 10, 2010 at 6:11 pm

      Nah I stand by it. If you’re gonna start calling people out you better back it up with some institutional knowledge. Just keeping it real. Lol anyone remember Dave chapelles “when keepin it real goes wrong”? Haha!

  40. Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) on December 10, 2010 at 5:20 pm

    Holy comments, and it’s not even a give away post!

    Glad you arrived safely and you’re already interviewing! Wow! Hope you get some yoga into your life soon for your achey legs and back.

    And of course, most of all, I hope you take a deep breath and are able to come up for air, after all, you have just been on a HUGE roller coaster of life…not to mention the dizzying experience of driving across the country, with dogs. Wow girl…take some time to make sure you give yourself the self care and self love you need right now. So glad you’re back home w/ your family!

    🙂

  41. Angelina on December 10, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    I don’t comment often, but I wanted to let you know that you come across as a really sweet person and I enjoy your blog. The judgmental comments you received are out of pure jealousy. Stay strong, you are better than the ones who are trying to tear you down.

    I’m not a substitution queen because I’m a garbage disposal when it comes to food. The only thing I’ll ask for is less cheese and/or no mayo, since I can’t handle a lot of dairy and hate mayo. As a former restaurant employee, I can say that substitutions are no big deal. The only time I ever got frustrated is if someone was really rude when ordering.

  42. Little Meggles on December 10, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    Gina, we discussed my thoughts on “Cheryl” earlier. She clearly needs a vacay from military life, maybe a few yoga classes, and a giant bite of your raw VEGAN (gasp!) chocolate tart that I love so much 🙂 Jealousy is never attractive. Cheryl is sad/lonely which I understand (I went without my dad for over a year and a half) but like I said to you at the casa, my mom did not ONCE belittle or shame any other wife for missing their man. I feel very sad for her and wish her and her husband (and her boys)nothing but the best!

  43. Dee on December 10, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Bet you a million bucks the commenter Cheryl is lonely and frustrated at her situation, and wishes she could/(doesn’t know how to) do something about it, and is taking her bitterness out on this blog.

  44. Caitlin (EatFeats) on December 10, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    I like getting sauces and dressings on the side because I think you get more that way. I don’t usually use it all (unless it is peanut sauce), but it’s nice to have the option.

  45. Caitlin (EatFeats) on December 10, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    Oh also I would gladly substitute every single meal I eat with a meal from Sweet Tomatoes. YUM.

  46. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on December 10, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    I hope you are just ignoring that negative comment! You’re much better than that! 🙂

    As for substitutions, I do it as long as I’m not at a really fancy schmancy restaurant. I usually just ask for things like a salad instead of fries, dressing on the side, and no bacon or mayo.

  47. rachelgab on December 10, 2010 at 7:06 pm

    It’s interesting to see that internet bullying isn’t just for kids is it? It’s easy to attack someone anonymously on the internet but I highly doubt this “cheryl” person would ever have the courage to say these things to your face. And even if she did, would it matter? You know the truth and so do your readers. Gina, you are supported by a lot of people! This person is nutso. Trust me, I’m a psychologist 😉

  48. Melissa on December 10, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    Wow..Is all I have to say. I just wanted to say WIshing you the best with your family. I’m glad you are home. Sending safe travels to the pilot and many thanks for all that you both do!

  49. Cara Craves... on December 10, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    It’s my birthday this weekend, so I will be celebrating with friends.

    I love Elf!
    It never gets old.

  50. Courtney (greeneyedrunner) on December 10, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    i do that too! part of it is because i’m gluten intolerant, but the other part is that i really would like fruit more than potatoes!
    i’ve found that as long as you’re nice to them about it, they’re totally willing to work with you! i actually wrote a post about camping gluten-free, i had to go into a restaurant and had to ask if there were certain ingredients in foods! and i always have to sub the toast and ask for no croutons!
    & tipping doesn’t hurt either…

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