Like most people, healthy choices come and go.  As a strict vegetarian with many allergies and sensitivities, I prepare and eat healthy more times than not.  My chips are USDA organic.  So are my whole wheat pasta, all fresh and frozen produce, and even the oils and seasonings.  Knowing where the food I am putting in my body has come from and what is in it is obviously very important to me.  Our household is a meat-free zone, (other than the pets because they are carnivores and genetically need almost completely meat), eggs are out of the question, and over-processed junk food is very rare to come by.  Having these restrictions, you might think it is pretty easy to stay on track.  My sweet tooth is a feisty little bitch though.  And she wins, all too often.  I still like beer, sweets, wine, daiquiris, BREAD, pasta, and chocolate.

Learning how to talk to myself honestly, yet lovingly is always a work in progress.  In the past, my self-talk would have been self-hate and insanity.  When I gained weight, it would have been the end of the world.  I am not there anymore, so no need being that hard on myself.  Our bodies change and weight fluctuates (this is also a constant lesson).  To find our “happy, healthy” place again, it is important to go about the path in a positive, gentle way.  Not too gentle, otherwise I would be in Savasana all day, every day.  And not too harsh, or I would be in spin classes, running, hot yoga, sweating all day.

These phases come and go, but I will never again let it get too intense.  I quit a workout program because it restricted my diet even more than I already do, and I did not enjoy it.  I dreaded the workouts.  Health should be enjoyable.  Exercise should be uplifting and a release from stress.

Right now I am entering the phase, “Oh, I have been treating myself way too much.  I have been TOO kind to my body and too lenient with my choices.  I need more juices again.  And blah, blah, blah…”  Not exactly the nicest, but I’m working on that.  Instead of planning and waiting at the first of the month or Lent or a special occasion, I want to reduce and slim down now.  A certain weight is not my goal, but I have been a little too lenient on myself.  It is okay to know that and want to improve.

I am going to journal my eating choices and hopefully give you a little hope.

Health is a dedicated process.

The first morning I was not hungry.  I almost always eat breakfast, but when I am not hungry I choose not to eat.  I am an emotional eater.  Sweet foods call my name when I am overwhelmed and crunchy foods are easy and too accessible.  Yoga is better on an empty stomach anyway.  Hydration is most important in the morning, so I at least carry water, tea, or a juice with me.

First morning:  Water

Lunch: Red lentils with basil, oregano, and garlic salt.  Zucchini, squash, onions, and kale sautéed in Mediterranean olive oil.  Side of wheat crackers.

Dessert/snacks:  Apple and strawberries.  One caramel candy.  A Coke Life

Dinner:  0.5 serving White Cheddar Mac & Cheese.  Zucchini, squash, onions, and kale sautéed in Mediterranean olive oil.

Tomorrow for snack is one of my favorites: humus and raw carrots.

Juice for tomorrow will be (all organic):

• 1 cup kale

• 1 banana

• 1 tablespoon walnuts

• 0.5 cup of blueberries

• 0.25 cup of strawberries

• 0.25 cup apple

The second day was more sporadic as I taught classes most of the day and did not plan accordingly.

Morning: Organic cold-brewed coffee with almond milk.  Plain biscuit for a late morning snack.

Lunch: Sweet potatoes, red beans, and brown rice bowl.  I try to make my own food, but we love all things Amy’s Kitchen.  If I am not making my own bowl, I have one of those.  Most of the ingredients are organic and there are NO eggs or meat products in any of the brand’s product line.  Annie’s is another go-to for us.

Dinner: Juice (kale, blueberries, strawberries, apple, walnuts) and leftover lentils.  Humus and carrots for the side.

Snacks: Half a Kashi bar and a few Hershey kisses (because, balance).  Probably 2 servings of wheat crackers.

 

Day three for breakfast I had the cold-brewed coffee with almond milk and a tortilla with homemade peanut butter.  Lunch was a soy yogurt bowl (pineapple yogurt, chia seeds, and granola.  Everything for this day has been pretty healthy and all organic.

For the snacks today, I am planning on having my Nutribullet juice (the one listed above) and 1 cup of dark chocolate almond milk.  Wish me luck for the weekend~

Feel free to cook or blend some of these ideas or give some other options!!!

Sarie