April 22, 2013

it isn't all or nothing

Want to hear something crazy?  I have gone an entire week without chocolate.  And not just chocolate.  But an entire week without any sort of sweets.  Nothing.  Also I've been limiting all processed foods and anything with added sugar to minimal amounts.  I honestly can't believe I've made it a whole week.

I think what helped me finally just suck it up and try to go sugar free, is the fact that I finally accepted a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be an all or nothing kind of thing.  Just because I'm not hitting the gym everyday doesn't mean I'm not working out.  Just because I haven't cleaned up every inch of my food intake, doesn't mean making good choices as often as I can won't make a difference.  No, I'm not giving in to chocolate cravings, but I'm trying not to be too hard on my mom's food :o).  The girls and I have been staying with my parents, and while my mom has been trying to be more than accommodating to my new eating habits, there are some things she just isn't up for changing, or isn't interested in doing right now, and, um, I'm going to eat the food she makes me.

For the most part, I've been trying to stick to foods that fit into the Paleo and Whole 30 rules, but I'm not opposed to things that still fall into the 'real food' category such as whole wheat pasta, breads and tortillas, things of that nature.  That is another place where I really had to make peace with my decision.  I was feeling like if I didn't go all out and eat strictly whole foods what was the point of changing my diet.  But eating that way 70% of the time is surely better than eating that way 20% of the time, or something like that.

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When I have a spare five minutes here or there, I've been scouring pinterest and the internet for new recipes and ideas to help with this new food regimen.  Slowly but surely I'm collecting a list of things I'd like to try.  Last night for dinner my mom humored me and made a quinoa salad, and it turned out really good.  Even she liked it!  I think it is a great thing to whip up that can be used as a side dish one night, and as a lunch option throughout the rest of the week.  I prefer it warmed up, but it was intended to be a cold salad.  You can find the recipe here.

I won't lie, I still crave chocolate after lunch and dinner.  I'm guessing that is because I haven't been absolutely strict about making sure there is zero added sugar in everything I eat, and because I'm definitely compensating by eating a lot of fruit.  I'm also over eating nuts such as almonds and cashews.  I'm just not a vegetable lover, so snacking on vegetables and incorporating more of them into my meals is the tough, but I'm working on it.  My goal this week is to try one new vegetable.  Any suggestions?

As for workouts this week, I managed four.  A 2.3 mile run, a 3.6 mile run, a 3.25 mile walk and one 30 Day Shred workout.  I finally got back on dailymile (find me here) to start logging my workouts again.  It is incredibly motivating for me to see the numbers add up, and I like seeing what others are doing and cheering them on as well.  My goal in the exercise department this week is to do two strength sessions.  I really want to tone up a bit before a wedding I'm in Memorial Day weekend, so I better get cracking!

 

Link up your health and fitness related posts below!

5 comments:

JessF said...

I'm not a fan of peas but i make a couscous salad with couscous, frozen mixed veggies (carrots, corn and peas) and chicken using an olive oil/red wine vinegerette. With such a combo of favors and textures I can tolerate them.

Anonymous said...

Good for you!!! Since becoming a new mom at home, I too, have tried eating mostly whole foods (and mostly plant-based), at least at home. It's good for me, baby, and husband! I also switched from big -chain grocery and buy in bulk stores to Natural Grocers. If they are by you, check it out for lots of inspiration!

Anonymous said...

That salad looks so yummy! Keep up the good work, I try to think of it the same way, some good is better than all bad!

Liz Runningmomma said...

I've been looking for quinoa recipes! I can't wait to try it!

Amber E. Berkoski said...

Awesome work! When I first went off dairy (already being mostly veggie) it was hard to give up cheese ALL the time. Cutting out meat was simple for me since I preferred chicken and fish anyway. But I found when we go out to eat and my options are severely limited (or if someone else was cooking as you mentioned)it's hard to keep with it.

Also when trying to never eat a certain thing or only eat a certain thing it can be hard to find new ways to cook with said thing, or not get bored with it. I've found if I treat myself occasionally I can feel better about keeping to my goals.

I would recommend trying zucchini because it has a pretty sweet taste when you add some butter. Edamame was another I wanted to recommend but I see that in the salad. The only other veggie I can think of would be eggplant but I'm not a fan myself.

Good luck lady! Be proud of your hard work!