What I eat + a peek inside my fridge!

I get asked constantly what my meals look like, what my snacks consist of, and what I pack in my fridge. What better way to answer these questions all in one blog post! Thankfully I take pictures of pretty much every food I eat, and log it in a food album on my phone. What can I say, I eat with the eyes first! :)

 What My Snack Counter looks Like 

What's all there:

* All unsalted Nuts and Nut, seed and dried fruit mix (All those stacked containers contain nuts as well) 

*Almonds 

*Breton Popped Cracker Chips

Pepperidge Farm Cracker Chips

*Quaker Crispy Mini's

*Dove Dark Chocolate Bar

*Air Popped Popcorn

*Wheat Thin Crackers(Spinach and Sweet Potato) 

What my Fridge looks like

*Warning, no cleaning was done prior to taking picture, please don't judge me :) *

What all there: 

*Lots and lots of produce! Mushrooms, peppers, grape tomatoes, onions, celery, lemons, limes, mixed greens, spinach, cucumber, green leaf lettuce, etc, etc, etc...

*Fruit! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries. Not pictured is my fruit bowl on the counter which contains: Bananas, apples, oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi and pomegranate.

*Natural Peanut Butter

*Hummus

*Guacamole

*Almond milk

*Skim Milk

*Eggs

*Yogurt

*Cheese: Feta, Ricotta, Cheddar and Portuguese cheese 

 *Salsa

*Natural Jam

Of course there is meat, and condiments, but I don't feel the need to list all that stuff!

My Post-Workout Snack

After a good weight/cardio session, this is my favourite go-to munch. 

*Half a Banana(about 30 grams)

*Half a red apple (About 50 grams)

*Granola (About 15-20 grams)

*Teaspoon of Natural Peanut Butter(to dip the apples!)

My Breakfast Parfait

What's in there: 

Silhouette Greek Yogurt 

Mixed Berries(Strawberries, Blueberries and Blackberries)

*15-20 grams of Banana

*Ground Flax seed

*Granola(about 10 grams)

Calorie Total: 102 Calories, 26 Carbs, 3 grams of fibre, 4 grams of Protein 

My Go-to Lunch

What in there: 

*Organic Spring or Field Greens

*Blackberries, strawberries and chopped apple,

*Tablespoon of cranberry nut mix with sunflower seeds(unsalted)

*Lemon Wedge(for dressing)

*Teaspoon of Mandarin Orange and Sesame Dressing 

It's Dinner Time!

I love squash and indulge in it a lot! Here is one of my favourite, easy squash meals.

*Half of a Acorn Squash

*Half of a Red Pepper

*Broccoli

*Sweet Potato

*Cauliflower

*Place all in a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil and favourite seasoning and roast at 400 or 30-45 minute

My go-to movie/tv night snack

*1.5 cups of air popped popcorn

*Half of a 1/4 cup of mixed nuts 

*Dark chocolate chunks 

Alrighty folks! I hope you had fun looking through my foodie life :)

Have I hit my quarter life crisis?

They say it happens! Men and women between the ages 25-30 years old could potentially hit a quarter life crisis. Work, school, relationships, etc could all play a part in this. Now, after a lot of changes in my life, I am beginning to wonder...Am I having a quarter life crisis?

It sounds silly. Having a crisis at 25, but 25 years old is the average age people start "settling" into their zone. They are finished or completing school,  find their career, moving into their first home, meeting "the one", having children, etc. The only thing I am completely sure of at this point of my life, is my relationship. I know the person I am with is The One and I have no doubts or insecurities  about that. In fact it feels like a relief that I am absolutely positive about something. Other than my relationship though, I feel like I am stuck in a stale fog that I so eagerly want out of.

A few years ago, when I was overweight, I was depressed(although I didn't know I was depressed, until I started losing the weight). I was a homebody. All I wanted to do was just hang out at home. I didn't want to go anywhere, or do much. Now that I have lost the weight, that has completely changed. I am a social butterfly and love talking and meeting new people. I also have no problem standing up for myself, or speaking my mind. Unlike the "Old me" a few years ago. The old Cathy used to let people say or do whatever they pleased, and I would just accept it.

Now that the new Cathy is out of her shell, I am beginning to see all of the options I have at my fingertips. I used to have a deathly fear of flying, and was perfectly okay with staying in my small town, if travelling required anything else but a Car, bus, train...Basically anything that wasn't on wheels. Although I am still quite nervous to fly, I have this sudden, intense urge to travel, and I'm willing to put fear aside to quench my travelling thirst.

One door closes, another one opens? Never in my life did I think I would have such a passion or interest in health. Did I think I would have an intense interest in mind, body and soul? NO! Again, now that I am who I was meant to be, I have absolutely feel in love with the Yoga Practice. Incorporating Yoga into my schedule daily, sometimes Morning, noon and night! Now, I even have the itch to teach. Is a new Yoga Teacher about to emerge into the scene?

My hair. Yes I know, it sounds so minimal compared to all that I have mentioned above, but nonetheless it is a dramatic change. I have had long, straight brown hair for years. I'm sick of it! And there was a time, I couldn't imagine cutting my hair. But was that because it was the one thing I was confident about during that time of my life? Probably! So many thoughts have crossed my mind. Chop it off, get a perm, dye it...Either way, I am ready for a change, and I feel like I could just wing it, and I'd be happy with the results.

So, does this sound like a crisis to you? I'm not sure if it is a severe as some crises' that other folks have dealt with, but crisis or not, I am ready for change!

The weight is off, now comes the hard part!

Wow, never did I think that maintaining my weight loss would be much harder than actually losing the weight. I don't mean this in the I want to eat everything now way. I mean this in the How can I learn to eat more now way. My calorie goal to maintain my weight is set at 1,800. I maybe hit 1,400 at the most, and that may only be once or twice a week. My average is about 1,000-1,200 before exericse! After exercise my net is about 700-900...I know, not good! As much as people may not believe me, I am full, and I am satisfied. A lot of the time, I eat just to push up my calories, not because I am hungry.

When I was 252 lbs, I had to adjust to eating less and moderating my food/portions. Then when I was exercising I was adjusting to a healthy caloric intake with exercise. Now that I've reached my goal, my stomach has shrunk, and my body/metebolism is used to the lower calories and the high exercise. Working out is like my sanctuary! I use it to get my "me" time, to blow off steam, to sweat out a long day, etc. I look forward to the gym everyday, so reducing exercise has proven to be very difficult for me. So, instead of changing that, I am trying to eat more/higher calorie foods. Again, hard. I am stressing out more when it comes to maintaining than I did when I was actually trying to lose the weight.

Starting this week, I have been trying to eat more, and I'm not quite succeeding but not quite failing. It's a learning process, just like losing the weight was.

One day at a time...

Dealing/Recovering with the Holidays

In Canada, we have already had Thanksgiving (October 8th) but Thanksgiving is approaching quickly for everyone in America, and I know that it can get people that are on the "Weight Loss" wagon a little panicky. So, I thought I would share some of my Holidays tips. Some tips that you can use during the Holidays, and then tips that you can use to recover from the holidays.

 During

If your preparing your own Holiday dinner, then it's easier for your to incorporate some of those healthier options. Of course, you want to accomodate some of  your family's favourites as well.

Mashed Potatoes 

Yes, you can serve up some of those creamy mashed potatos, but why not toss in the oven a Sweet Potato as well. Sweet potato is loaded with all kinds of goodies! Vitamin B6, D, C. They are also a great source of Iron and Magnesium as well! You can just bake it plain in the skin while your turkey is roasting a way. No fuss!  

Steamed Veggies

I know nothing beats that creamy bean cassarole, but that one is a major calorie fest! Toss some veggies in the microwave and steam them. If you have the healthier version available, you'll be more likely to spoon some onto your plate.

Rolls

Have a mix of white and whole grain rolls

Side Dishes

Instead of Coleslaw, or aside from it, do up a fresh garden salad! To make the work load even less for you, feel free to use the ready made bags of spring mix greens or lettuce.

Turnip is also a fantastic side dish and it works wonders for your metabolism! 

Desserts

Fresh fruit. Instead of two scoops of Ice cream, have one scoop of fruit and one scoop of ice cream!

Pie. It's a holiday staple. You deserve to indulge at least a little bit! Food for thought: Pumpkin Pie is the healthiest and better in calories VS any other pie out there!  

 Now if your not preparing your own meal, and your attending someone else's family dinner, don't hesitate to call up and ask if you can bring anything. Offer Salad, veggies, or a healthy fruit salad!

 Recovering from the Holidays

Okay, you decided to give in and enjoy all of your holidays faves. That IS NOT a crime. We all deserve a cheat from time to time, and what better time than the Holidays, right? So, how do you recover from all that turkey, bean cassarole, stuffing and pie?

The Next Day

Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Try to add a cup of one or the other to every meal. It will provide your body with it's vitamins and will detox you.

Lots of water! This is pretty obvious. The water will cleanse your body, and boost your metabolism and digestive system.

Get a good sweat on. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in. A walk, a run, a visit to the gym. Working out a good sweat will definitely make you feel better!

Yoga. This is a personal staple of mine. I recommend Yoga for everything. A long day, a tiring day, in the morning or after a long holiday. You cooked, you ate, you visited with family. Your exhausted. Have a good Yoga Session in the morning. It's relaxing for your mind and body, but will also boost your system as well!

Sleep. I know, this seems obvious. Try to get at least your 8 hours of sleep the night of and the night after your big holiday.

That's it! Don't stress over the holiday season. Eat, visit and enjoy! 

Swap This for That

(Image from Health Kicker)

We all have our guilty pleasures. I know I do! So when you embark on the journey of living healthier your supposed to just give up all of your favourite stuff? It's hard enough to make that transition, let alone giving up everything you love!

So, my answer. Swapping! If you just open up your imagination a little, you can pretty much swap most of your faves for healthier alternatives. 

I've taken some of the most popular indulgences and gave them a healthier twist!

Swap this 

Average of 350-410 Calories, 15-20 grams of fat per serving

A steaming slice of hot apple pie. Nothing quite like it...or is there?

For that

Apple Oatmeal. Yes, it tastes just as good (if not better) than the real deal!

What I use: 

Apple and Cinnamon Quaker Instant Oatmeal: 130 Cals, 1.5 g of fat

Half of a Golden Delicious Apple- 30 Cals

Slice your half of apple into bite size chucks or slivers, drop into bowl with instant oatmeal, add 3/4 of water and pop in the microwave for 1 minute and Voila! You've got a steaming, yummy mock apple crumble. 

160 Calories and 1.5 g of fat for the whole bowl!!

Swap this

Average of 120-240 Calories for 1/2 cup

For that

Greek Frozen Yogurt

What I use

1 cup of Oikos Vanilla Greek Yogurt 

Mixed fruit

OR

Silhouette Yogurt at 35 Calories

In a bowl combine Yogurt and your fruit. 

I use Black berries, Raspberries and Blueberries.

Stir

Cover bowl and pop in the freezer for 20 minutes or until firm. 

Tada! Frozen Yogurt

135 Calories, o grams of fat and 12 g of protein for the entire serving!

Swap this

Average of 220 calories for 1 serving(about 12 fries)

For that

Sweet Potato Chips

What I do

1 Sweet potato (about 103 calories for a small)

Preheat oven to 200 F

Line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper

Slice sweet potato as thin as possible

Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet(s)

Season with Salt and Pepper (or with your favourite spices)

Bake for 50 minutes

Turn

Bake for another 30 minutes or until chips are crispy and edges are fluted. Edges and centres should remain orange

Chips may still be soft when removed from oven, but will crisp as they cool.

103 Calories for the whole potato! 

Store in a container and they will keep for 3 days.

Yes, they do take a bit of time, but barely any effort. They are soo worth it!

Swap this

Average 250 for 24 chips

For that

(I have a few swaps for potato chips!)

#1

Air-popped Pop Corn

Average 31 Calories for 1 Cup

Pop Chips

I LOVE these!

120 Calories for 27 Chips!

Kelloggs Cracker Chips

80 Calories for 18 Chips. That right, 80!

Those are my top swaps. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I will answer them in a future post!

To Yoga or not to Yoga? That is the question...

She makes it look effortless, huh? Don't let this intimidate you. When I was at my heaviest(252 lbs) I didn't even bat an eye at Yoga. I had zero interest in it, and when I did think about it, I just accepted the fact that my body would never do that.

  

Then I thought again! As my weight loss journey was progressing, I started showing an interest in it. I would be at the gym, trudging away on the treadmill or another piece of equipment, and I would see woman, of all different sizes and ages lining up for their Yoga class to start. When they were finished they always came out with this glow of sweat, looking refreshed and re-energized. I quickly became envious.

 

In the beginning, I never would have thought Yoga to be a workout. The background music, the mats, the dimmed lights, it looked like something to get you ready for bed...Wrong! Yoga is a workout, and an intense one at that. It works and engages all of your muscles-- muscles you didn't even know you had!

 

So yes, I finally gave Yoga a try. I was too intimidated at first to join the class, so I picked up some Yoga DVD's and went on my way. After my first workout, I was drenched in sweat and could feel every muscle in my body. I felt lose and refreshed, but I also felt like I got a wonderful workout! It was something different and it challenged my body.

 

Even at my fitness level now, which is pretty advanced I still get a great workout when I do Yoga. The #1 thing about Yoga, is it is suitable for ALL fitness levels. Whether your just starting, or have been at it for years. Yoga is for everyone!

I go to the gym 5 times a week, but I will still do at least a half hour of Yoga EVERY evening. I feel more relaxed, and it helps me wind down from whatever the day threw at me!

 

 In case I haven't convinced you to give Yoga a try by now, here are some of the proven benefits that Yoga can do for you.



 

Physical Benefits

 

*Hand-Eye co-ordination improves

*Better posture

*Gentle and great for your joints

* Sleep improves

*Improves Strength

*Tones the body

*Improves your breathing

 

Mental Benefits

 

*Calmness

*De-stress

*Improves your mood

*Attention and memory improves

*Better concentration

 

So, in short; Get yourself a mat, and start reaping the benefits of this fantastic practice. If you really want a great workout, then I recommend Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown. She'll kick your butt!

 

Sources:

 

ABC Yoga

About Yoga