Being Health Conscious May be Hard but It Does not have to be BLAND

Good Afternoon friends!
Last weekend was fall break and I spent the weekend traipsing around Chicago with a friend of mine. I run and do strength training daily. For the first time in two months, I gave myself a break. My exercise consisted of walking around the city and I (gasp!) ate dessert and carbs other than cereal or a wrap. As I was driving home I realized how upset I was for giving myself this break. I bought a pair of jeans that were a size 6 and they actually fit. This is a first for me, I have never had a period in my life where I was consistently a single digit size. I monitor what I eat, when I eat, what I drink, and on average can gage how many calories I ingest. Moral of that story: I have basically become a control freak with food and exercise, but what I have LEARNED through this is: you can enjoy healthy food because guess what?! It actually tastes good when done right.

For breakfast:
 I eat fiber rich cereal with almond milk and fruit. Usually a cup (or 3) of coffee is included in this. Eggs and egg-whites make me feel gross all day when I eat them so I usually stay away. If you are someone who must have waffles I suggest a whole wheat option with real maple syrup. (If real maple syrup does not have the desired sweetness, use it but put a little bit of vanilla and almond extract in raw batter)

For lunch:
Lunch is a meal that I skip very easily because of class. If I am in a bind, but need some nutrients I throw a cliff mojo bar in my bag. They have less calories and aren't as "chunky" as the original cliff bars. Today I tried something new for lunch: a whole wheat bagel flat (toasted) with baby bell light swiss cheese, mustard, spinach, oven roasted turkey, and heirloom tomatoes. This was delicious and nutritious! Full of fiber, low in fat, and full of protein pretty much the perfect combination for a middle of the day meal. Usually I eat a multi-grain wrap with turkey, mustard, spinach, mozzarella cheese, and oven roasted turkey. Pretty much the same combination as the bagel flat, and just as tasty!!

For dinner:
If you're in college, you know that dinner is difficult because 1. its rare that its at a "good time" 2. it usually needs to be quick and easy 3. getting a full 4 squares is just plain hard 4. eating poorly is easier
Well if I am in a time crunch, I usually eat a frozen meal from Trader Joes or a Healthy Choice steamer and a quick salad of spinach and tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. When in a time crunch, but still want to cook I use my trusty George Foreman Grill and make a chicken breast and steam broccoli in the microwave (this is what I do most nights). If I actually have the time to cook I make stir fry with veggies, brown jasmine rice, and chicken, whole wheat pasta with pesto, chicken, and a salad, or I take whatever is in my kitchen and play top chef.

A few staples that I keep in my apartment at all times are:
1. seasonal fruit
2. cliff mojo bars
3. egg beaters
4. veggies
5. the most bland popcorn you can buy (doctor it up with some truvia and cinnamon)
6. hummus
7. veggie turkey burgers from Morning Star
8. peanut butter
9. cereal (great for snacks and dinner if you are really lazy)
10. La Croix sparkling water (drinking water curbs hunger and this stuff has ZERO calories)

This is a long winded post, but I hope it helps! If you truly want to lose weight and keep it off you need to train your body and your brain. I never thought whole wheat pasta and quinoia were good until I learned to like it by learning how to spice it up.

Just remember that it takes effort, but not necessarily a lot of time. Specific grocery lists and a little research also help.

Affectionately,
Annie