I hope you’re all enjoying this beautiful weekend! My kids are officially done with school and we’re all ready for SUMMER!
I’m so happy to tell you guys that I’ve been eating SO well this week and I feel SO great! I’m also happy to tell you that I’ve felt a complete shift in my brain in how I view healthy eating and junk food. It’s quite miraculous, really. I sincerely have lost all interest in junk food! It still “sounds good” to me physically, but it’s lost it’s appeal to me mentally because I see it for what it really is; something that will steal my health, cause me to be a slave to cravings, zap my energy and keep me from reaching my goals. It is SO not worth it.
I also think this “brain shift” is a permanent thing and not just a quick fix or temporary motivation. It’s been great and has really been life-changing for me. I’ve already felt significant results in just one week (feel leaner, back down to my low postpartum weight, good digestion, more energy, appetite under control, etc.) and can’t wait to see where it takes me….long term!
****************
A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine texted me and asked if I wanted to do a “healthy eating challenge” with her. I of course, said HECK YES! I will never say no to a healthy challenge. They energize me and I love them so much!
I like to look at a “healthy challenge” as an opportunity to evaluate my life, make changes where necessary, set new goals and commit to making them happen. My friend and I are both committed to health for the long haul, but we also understand that sometimes “life gets in the way” and we find ourselves off track.
We each defined our own “rules” and decided we’re going to take two days “off” a month. However, I may not take a day off for a while because I really don’t even feel eating any junk right now! I’m sure I’ll take a day off eventually, but when I do I’m going to make sure it’s just ONE day and doesn’t turn into a string of bad days….or weeks!
My friend and I are going to stay in touch and keep each other motivated and accountable, kind of like “AA” buddies, lol. We decided to start this week (June 1st) and we’re going to continue through the END OF THE YEAR!
Ya. That’s a long time. But, we’re trying to make it a lifestyle. I’m also happy that my “new mental state” has coincided perfectly with this healthy challenge. I’m really just trying to define a “typical healthy diet” for myself and then stick with it….forever.
Since I’m trying to make this “challenge” become a permanent lifestyle, I decided to make the “rules” for my diet very reasonable and doable. It’s pretty much a typical “clean eating” diet. Here’s what I’m going to allow…
- fruits
- veggies
- nuts/seeds
- beans
- lean meats
- eggs
- almond milk/coconut milk
- whole “real” grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats
- Low-carb (real ingredients) tortillas and Flat Outs
- Ezekiel Bread
- cottage cheese, plain yogurt, a little cheese
- clean protein powder
- condiments that are made from decent ingredients
Here’s what I’m NOT going to eat:
- candy, including chocolate chips
- baked goods
- sugary stuff
- fried foods
- Fast Food other than salads
- ice cream, milk
- bread, white flour
- pasta
- added sugar
That pretty much sums it up. It really shouldn’t be too hard as long as I PLAN and prepare. I’m determined to succeed!
So, I’ve been starting each day with my glass of warm lemon water. It seriously feels so cleansing and detoxing to me. I’ve also been having this for breakfast a lot…
It’s my fav Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal (with raisins!) and a side of eggs (1 egg + 2 egg whites) scrambled and topped with ketchup. YUMMY and filling!
I had this for breakfast yesterday…
This omelet was so good! It included 1 egg + 2 egg whites with tomatoes, peppers, onions, olives, ham and cheese topped with avocado and sour cream. I have to say that the little dollop of sour cream made this so awesome! We had Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner the night before and I always love making omelets for breakfast the next day with all the leftovers.
Here’s my Haystack from the night before…
I love this dinner and could eat it every night. Cutting up all those toppings is a royal pain though!
Tuesday was a crazy night for us, so I just made my kids sandwiches before they headed out the door to their various activities. I also went to a class at the gym that night. When I got home, I made myself a fresh batch of Chocolate Protein Pancakes for dinner and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
I’ve decided that when I get the “baked good” urge, I will make these! I love to eat them hot off the grill topped with peanut butter (it becomes melty and so delicious!) topped with berries or bananas.
I made Salmon Burgers (no bun for me) for dinner on Monday night. I am not a fish lover, so you guys should be proud of me! I just bought the Salmon Burgers at Costco because they were on sample and so good! All my kids liked them too!
I made them with a salad, homemade baked fries and green bean fries (which I burned, dang it.)
This tasted like such a fresh, summer meal!
I’ve also been making a Green Smoothie every single day and I’m hooked! I love to make a GIANT one and sip on it for a while. I drink protein shakes quite a bit, but I don’t usually make Green Smoothies. I love that I can get so many fruits and veggies in so easily.
Ya know, I think most Green Smoothie recipes include WAY too much fruit, fruit juices and unnecessary ingredients. I try to include just enough fruit to make it taste good, but not go overboard. I’ve been making a basic simple Green Smoothie this week that I call my Detox Green Smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water (or liquid of your choice)
- 1 head romaine lettuce; chopped
- 2 big handfuls baby spinach
- 1/3 of a cucumber; cut into chunks
- 1 apple; cored and cut into chunks
- 1 banana; peeled
- juice of 1/2 of a lemon
- ice (more if you want it thicker, less if you want it thinner)
- Note: you can add a sweetener to make it more sweet (stevia, honey, sugar), but I don’t add any sweeteners. I’m trying to get used to just the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Wash and prepare all fruits and vegetables. Add everything to the blender and mix it up! Enjoy!
BTW, my bananas were frozen; that’s why they look a little “interesting.” Ha.
Here’s the printable version of the recipe. This smoothie recipe is HUGE and fills my quart jar TWICE! You can drink the entire thing yourself (I do!) or you can share it with a friend or freeze some for later.
- Serving size: 1 giant smootie
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 61
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 0
- 2 cups water (or liquid of your choice)
- 1 head romaine lettuce; chopped
- 2 big handfuls baby spinach
- ⅓ of a cucumber; cut into chunks
- 1 apple; cored and cut into chunks
- 1 banana; peeled
- juice of ½ of a lemon
- ice (more if you want it thicker, less if you want it thinner)
- Note: you can add a sweetener to make it more sweet (stevia, honey, sugar), but I don't add any sweeteners. I'm trying to get used to just the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Wash and prepare all fruits and vegetables.
- Add everything to the blender and mix it up!
- Enjoy!
This is a great smoothie and I’ve been looking forward to it every day! My sweet baby always wants a taste too!
Love him!
I also wanted to share a couple fun things that I’ve been a part of lately…
My Chocolate Protein Pancake recipe was featured in the April online issue of Personal Trainer Magazine. It’s such a great magazine FULL of so much good stuff; workouts, recipes, tips, motivation, etc. I love it. You can click here to read the free magazine.
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you KNOW that Chocolate Protein Pancakes are one of my all-time favorite recipes. I LOVE THEM!
I was also featured in Health & Image Indianapolis online magazine last month. It’s a fun interactive online magazine! You an click here to read the article on their site.
I really love magazines and websites full of helpful information and healthy motivation!
Well, my sweet family is waiting for me to end this post so we can go out to dinner on this beautiful Saturday night! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Love you ALL!
So cool that you have been featured in a magazine. Did they do a special shoot so you could get that great family picture ? Good luck on your clean eating. I find just the beginning of a switch is a bit tough but once you start feeding your body only healthy foods, it will crave more. You are a great role model for your family !
Thanks so much Karen! Actually, the magazine just asked if I would send them over a family picture, so I sent that to them. It’s missing my sweet baby though! 😉 I completely agree with you about how hard it is at the beginning of a switch, but then it gets easier. I always say that “starting” is the hardest part!
So nice to be featured in both magazines..congrats! Also I need to try the green smoothie because I want to start eating more healthier, so I’ll start with a smoothie.
Thanks! I love green smoothies because it makes it so easy to get a lot of good stuff in!
Congratulations on your magazine feature.
I think once you adopt a conscious mind set, that is half the battle won right there. Your food certainly looks delicious and filling to keep you on the right track.
Thanks so much Char! I know that the mental part of healthy living is soooo important! I’m happy I’ve seemed to have found a good mental place to be long-term!
You’ve got this Melanie and I’m going to cheer you on!
You are so sweet Jill. Thanks so much!
Oh how I need a healthy brain shift!! I think I have tried every week for the last couple of months and just can’t seem to get it to stick. Needless to say I am not happy with anything regarding my health right now – tired, cranky, clothes don’t fit, no energy! I need a major shift – eating and exercising. Thanks for the upbeat and real discussions about your progress!!
I’m so so sorry Susan! I’ve had times like that too, where I’m so frustrated and not very motivated. Sometimes it helps me if I try a completely different approach! Try some new recipes, new exercise things or go to the library and pick up some motivational health books. I wish you all the best!
Just clicked over to your haystack recipe. How had I missed this? We love to do “build your own salad” night or burrito night (or at least I do, so easy), this looks like another fun option.
Good luck on your challenge. You’re a constant source of inspiration!
Thanks so so much! Hawaiian Haystacks are a fav! I love “build your own salad” nights too. If you try them, I hope you love them!
You’ve got this!!! I can’t wait to try your detox green smoothie, sounds delicious!
Thanks so much Jen! I’ve been lovin’ that smoothie so much!
Wow, I can’t believe you’re going to b e 40 next year. You look amazing! I’m also impressed that you’re managing to plan all this with 6 kids to look after. How do you do it?! I’ve just had my third baby, and I’m really into smoothies too in an effort to shift my baby fat! I’ll definitely be trying your recipe!
Thanks so so much! I can’t believe I’ll be 40 next year either!!!??? Seriously, I still feel 18. I love having a big family, but MAN it can be tough some days. We’re usually living in chaos…happy chaos, but chaos nonetheless. I really love smoothies and protein shakes because they are quick, portable and make it so easy to get a lot of “good stuff” in!