Back on track

There aren't many vacations I go on that I don't indulge in not so healthy food. I wouldn't exactly call onion dip, chips, and more dip a well balanced meal. We did prepare some nutritious food this past weekend but I think between Nutella cream pie and pecan pie martinis, healthy couldn't win in any case.


Getting back in the swing of things was not so hard considering how crummy I felt. And just for the record, I am in no way shape or form saying that devouring a bowl of buttery popcorn, or dunking five Oreo's soon after is a sin. But myself, I paid for it. 


I'm typically a pretty good eater, and I believe that eating well(hence, life given, eat well) is crucial to a well balanced life. I believe food is here to be enjoyed, but I also believe the quality of food is utmost important. I also believe from experience and if you do your homework, you'll find that eating healthier, more organically, whatever you want to call it, is not as expensive as it appears if you shop at the right places. It may take more effort, but it's worth every bit of the body we were given and the sense of wellness that comes from these benefits.(with a few exceptions of course) 


Today, this very Monday, I claimed my mind to make good food choices. I put my running shoes back on and broke out a good sweat. I made meals that would give me energy, and avoid extra bloating. I drank plenty of water and I sealed up the wine.


I'm not asking for applause, I just know some of you can relate to the weekend craves or vacations filled with high calorie drinks and breakfasts' made for a king. 


We've all been there.


Here is a low down of my meals today. Maybe it will inspire you, maybe you'll want to eat an Oreo. Either way, I'm still sharing it.




Breakfast: Peanut butter toast/ 1 piece of toast smothered in Adams PB and a drizzle of honey. 


Why: I find that this sustains me until after my morning exercise.

Post workout snack: Spinach banana smoothie/ 1 banana, 2 handfuls of spinach, 1/2 cup organic nonfat plane yogurt, 2 Tb wheat germ, and 1 cup organic chocolate soy milk. Put everything in blender until smooth.


Why: This entire shake has 24 grams of protein and tons of vitamins and healthy fat. It's also very filling and I really like it.

Lunch: Greens with Balsamic dressing/ Your favorite salad greens, with any of your favorite toppings. Dressing: In mason jar put a halved garlic clove along with 2 Tb good balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, splash of soy sauce, 2 Tb extra virgin olive oil. Salt pepper. Shake it up! Remove garlic clove and drizzle a little over salad. It's delicious.


Why: How can salad be bad for you(unless of course you smother it in ranch dressing, which I've done before) Salads feel good and with the right amount of healthy adds, it's a nutritious lunch, no doubt. And you wont miss the ranch, I promise, this dressing is silky and rich in flavor.

My good friend Amy, over at The Canning Wife turned me on to this amazing Balsamic.

Snack: Any kind of protein or Fiber bar/ Along with some yogurt or nuts.


Why: Because I don't like to go into dinner starving. I always eat way to much and then feel miserable all night. Plus it's a great way to curb those afternoon munchie tendencies I tend to get.

My new find/Their delicious/At Costco 

Dinner: Chicken meatballs over whole grain pasta/ Saute 1/2 cup chopped onion and 1 garlic clove in 1 Tb olive oil until soften. In medium size bowl add 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup Italian style bread crumbs, handful chopped fresh basil, handful chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp oregano, pinch of red pepper flakes and 1 pound quality(organic perhaps) ground chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Add onions, garlic and 1/4 cup Parmesan; mix until combined. Scoop mixture out by Tablespoons on well greased(cooking spray) baking sheet. Bake at 375 until golden and no longer pink in middle.

Heat over the stove your favorite jar of pasta sauce. Add the meatballs to coat each one and serve over whole grain pasta. 

Why: The obvious protein and healthy carbohydrate factor and of course this meal is really darn good. And my daughter loves it!

What's not to love.

This post is not about conviction, nor judgment, just some ideas on how to stay fresh and eat the best you can, when you can. 

And eat an occasional Oreo.