Forgive me Father, I ate carbs

Being a savvy foodie, it is my duty to steer clear of carbs.  Carbs are the gateway food into sugar, fat and other naughty pleasures.  I try to defend the silver lining in my decision to 'splurge' but the truth is...there's no silver lining.  I never feel better.  I inevitably have eater's remorse.  I feel like I have fallen off my dang horse and I want to cry.  

 

I ask myself what the underlying reasoning might be in my decision to make a non-savvy food choice.  Is it that time of the month?  Am I upset about my hair?  Did my hubby frost my cookies?  Am I in a wedding in two weeks?  BING! BING! BING!  There's the ugly truth, I'm in a wedding...I have a dress...I ordered a size down....PRESSURE!  Fortunately, I'll be able to rely on the power of my spanx to get me through the day, I will just have to stand the whole time.  Knowledge is power!  I can pinpoint the source of my anxiety.  Now what will keep me from self sabotaging?  

I lost 15 lbs. for my own wedding last year.  I never let a carb touch my lips (because it always landed on my hips!!!) and I steered clear of other bloat causing temptations.  I looked FABULOUS (tooting my own horn...toot) for the wedding.  I was so disciplined because I knew the photos would permanently capture my jelly rolls.  I would not allow myself to say, "Yeah, I had back fat because I was lazy and didn't take the weight off in time."  PHOTOS LAST A LIFETIME!  But, the weight loss didn't last.  As soon as my hubby and I took off for our honeymoon, I never passed up a carb.  I put all the weight back on.  I felt a tremendous amount of pressure and as soon as it was all over, maddness.  

I'm in a cousin's wedding next week and it's the size of my arse I'm worried about.  I bought a dress I MUST fit into and good Lord, I feel the PRESSURE!  I was in a wedding several years ago where I nearly had to sit it out because my stupid David's Bridal dress wouldn't zip!  Two days before the wedding I found myself paying top dollar to have their alteration department let out the dress.  It was humiliating, to say the least.  

I have a great deal of empathy for bride's maids...it ain't easy.  I'm getting back up on my horse and from here on out, I'm holding myself accountable for my food choices.  This blog will keep me honest.

Deceptively Delish!

I recently purchased Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook.  My family isn't wild about eating veggies, so these recipes incorporate the veggies into the dish.

There are many reasons why I love this book.  First of all, she provides an introduction that gives step by step directions for cutting, steaming and pureeing the vegetables.  It actually says: "cut the red bell pepper down the center, remove the seeds and the white stem", "steam for ____ minutes", "puree for ____ minutes"...BRILLIANT!  She also lists the benefits of the vegetables, just in case you had forgotten how healthy broccoli could be.  The recipes are geared towards kids, but kids aren't the only crowd needing to eat their vegetables!!

The one draw back to her method... it can take a super long time to steam and then puree the veggies.  After steaming the veggies, I throw them in a bowl and toss them in the freezer to aid in the cooling off time.  DON'T put pippin' hot veggies in the food processor.  If you are up for the challenge, heed my warning: make sure you read ahead to see how long the selected veggie will take to steam.  For example, the sweet potato (used in the sloppy joe recipe) takes 45 minutes to steam!  Prepare them ahead of time and freeze it.  This is what Jessica suggests for busy moms and dads.

So the two recipes I took on for tonight's dinner: Sloppy Joes and Spinach Brownies.  The Sloppy Joes have sweet potatoes and red pepper (you can use butternut squash instead and she also suggests carrots, but those are optional).  I was frankly too tired to cut the darn carrots!!  The recipe calls for 1 lb. of ground sirloin, I used 1.25.  Even with the quarter extra, I have very little for left overs.  I also used tomato paste flavored with Italian herbs.  I used 1/2 cup, instead of 1/4 like the recipe says.

  

It really helps to move things along if you keep all the ingredients conveniently next to the stove.  This is a recipe that you must stay on top of and constantly stir and add to the mix.  This was AMAZING!  I added some shredded cheddar and I'm tempted to have seconds?!

And for a special treat after dinner...I took on her spinach and carrot brownies.  Let me just say, when you puree the spinach, try not to let it deter you from enjoying the fruits of your labor.  I won't even say what I thought pureed spinach resembled!!!  

My mother reported, "They're not sweet, but you do taste the coco."  I think they're very tasty, but she's right they are not sweet.  One brownie bite and I'm left satisfied and I don't want to eat the entire batch.  This is a step in the right direction!  The book also lists the benefits of eating spinach and carrots.  These are wonderful!

I cut them fairly small so it's more like a brownie bite.  My father is always a veggie critic and he didn't mention a vegetable after taste with these.  Yeah!!!

Please allow for a lot of time to prepare her dishes.  I have dish pan hands and a sore back,  but it's worth it to know that my family is eating a healthy dish!

Water is the new black

I've always been a fan of water.  I'll drink it at the gym, with breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I'm one of those people who cannot get enough.  When I go out to eat I get so frustrated when my glass is empty.  I'll resort to chomping on the remaining ice in my glass.   I never realized how many people have confessed to 'not liking the way water tastes'.  I was completely baffled and suggested they stop drinking the stuff coming out of their faucet.




I've tasted some pretty nasty water before, but the majority of water is yummy.  There have been times when I can actually feel my body craving, wine...er, water!

There are so many benefits: better looking skin, less fatigue, longer endurance at the gym, aids in food digestion, it doesn't cost a thing (unless you specifically ask for bottled water at a fancy eatery), some say it's a bonus for mental health and I also read it helps to curb midnight munching!!  That last one I'll have to put to the test before claiming it to be true.

If you have ever experienced a hangover, what's the one thing you wake up looking for?  I've been there (too many times to mention) and for me it's always water.  I have a friend, who doesn't drink, but loved to go out with friends.  When she would find herself in social situations being pressured to have a cocktail, she'd ask for water in a martini or wine glass in an effort to 'fit in'.
For pregnant gals, it's smart to ask for the same thing.  My friends have shared that by simply holding a wine glass, they feel included in their girl's night out.  After a long day, I do the same thing.  I'm not opposed to alcohol and I don't have a bun in the oven, but it's a great way to 'trick' the mind.  There's something about holding a wine glass that makes me believe its' contents will relax me.

There's a product on the market called 'Metromint' and it's absolutely fab!  It's flavored, unsweetened water.  The ingredients are on the back of the bottle and there's nothing I can't pronounce.  That, by the way, is my litmus test as to whether or not I buy it.  If I can't say it, I don't eat it.  I've found the ChocolateMint to be a gift!  It's so dang yummy!  When I'm craving chocolate, I crack open a bottle and I get my fix.  I'll pour it in a martini glass and pretend I'm having a chocolate cocktail!  It really works!  It's the best combo!

 Is anyone else thirsty?  I won't burden you with all the googled information I found on the web when I typed in 'benefits of water'.  The studies are out there for you to pursue if you wish.  Believe me, it's the new black.

Pump up the jam!

Music has a profound influence on me.  It's amazing how energized I become when I have a fierce jam blasting in my ears.  A lot of people psych themselves up for something epic by listening to various tunes.  For some, rap has a 'take no prisoners' message that helps them soar to new heights of athletic performance.  Others prefer songs with mantra's of 'you can do it', i.e. 'Eye of the Tiger'.  My apologies, the included videos are from YouTube and you'll need to be redirected.  Simply hit play, minimize the YouTube screen and come back to my brilliant writing!

I believe associations are of great importance.  Just like 'eye of the tiger', the visual comes to mind of a boxer.  'Chariots of fire' has a direct link to running.

What motivates me, is angry music.  Songs that make me want to curse and scream, because let's face it...working out can be grueling. The harder I push myself the greater the reward.  I'm obsessed with a strength training class and there have been times when I literally wanted to cry.  I was sweating from every pore and I figured it was just my eye balls sweating, too.  It's hard work, but it's worth it when I get back into my skinny jeans.

I have a very defined jaw line and when I'm puffy, it's lost.  I have the unfortunate luck of having weight position itself right on the very thing I cannot conceal with spanx...my visage.  So when I'm in dire need of trimming down, all I need to do is look in the mirror.  It's a blessing and a curse.  I digress....

I went to a running seminar a few weeks ago.  Some runners prefer not to listen to music, but those who do (it's essential for me) determining the Beats Per Minute (BPM) truly influences the pace.  It's all about cadence of the stride.  Ask a running professional about the ideal BPM and the goal should be somewhere around 160.  If you clock your BPM, you'll enhance your running.  It's kind of amazing, actually.

You can google (I just love this is a word in our vocabulary now) 'songs to run to', 'runners world', and 'run2rhythm' to get some examples of songs and their pace.  I'm going to share my 'run bitch' playlist that keeps me going.  Whether it's running or lifting weights, these jams get me pumped!

'On the Floor' by Jennifer Lopez - this is the song that initially got me running.  It has such a great beat, I just can't help myself!!

'Blow' by Ke$sha - if this comes on towards the end of my workout, I feel like I'm going to blow UP!

'Howl' by Florence + the Machine - I first heard this song in a spin class.  The instructor was so moved by it's beat, he played it twice!  Never happened in a class before.

'Kiss with a fist' by Florence + the Machine - This tune will raise an eyebrow. I googled (love this word) it and the message is NOT about domestic violence.  For me, I run so hard my legs feel like they're going to fly off!!!  WHOOSH!!!  If you click this link, you'll be able to read about the message of this tune.  I LOVE the link's main image says 'sweat drips'...it's perfect!!  

'Little Lion Man' by Mumford and Sons - This is a great jam to listen to when you literally think you have nothing left to give.  This song will carry you through!!  Again, sorry you'll be re-directed to YouTube.  

'Lose Yourself' by Eminem - This tune is perfect to run to at a 5.8 pace.  It's an angry song and the epitome of a 'you can do it' tune.

'Justified and Ancient'  by KLF feat Tammy Wynette - This is a very old song.  Many of you won't even know it.  But this is my cool down jam!!  I had to order the darn thing from a previous owner in Europe just to get the right version.

These are just a few of my favorite plays when I'm at the gym.  I also love listening to them en route to the gym.  It gets me really psyched up and I'm ready to 'attack' once I start my workout.  I love my music so much that sometimes I don't want to take a class because that means I'll have to turn off my music and listen to the crap the instructor plays....like 'Barbie Girl'.  I'll take one for the team, though.

Sweet defeat

 Well my savvy foodies, I must admit defeat.  I tried, honest I did...but I didn't have the strength to fight my old nemesis.  
The pipping hot tray of cheesy macaroni got me good!!  Before I knew it, I had thrown caution to the wind and ate myself silly.  So now it's Monday and I have one killer food hangover.  Since I ate like a fool on Saturday, why should I stop on Sunday?  I consumed grease, fat and carbs.  And after 48 hours of this nonsense, my tummy finally told me to STOP!  

I went to bed last night with the worst heart burn and gas (yes gas!!!) and I have to admit...it was worth it.  I'm not going to hang myself for enjoying crap I SELDOM consume.  What I now realize is after being savvy and filling my tummy with savvy treats, my body is now rejecting the crap.  Sure, it will allow for some crap but I certainly cannot eat with reckless abandon like I used to.  So now I'm on my way to the gym where I'll be lifting weights, doing squats, working my core to the max and spinning.  Is it crazy?  Nah, I'm just getting back up on my horse.  Back to my sweet routine!!  
It'll be ok, it always is...thank you sweet Jesus ;)

Blow out your calories!!!!

I'm about to enter into an eating frenzy. I'm about to dive head first into shark infested waters, aka the family birthday party.  I know what I'm in for.  I know it's time to get my armor on and face the not-so-savvy-foodies.

Why do (some) people feel the need to question/judge/comment/ridicule food choices made by savvy foodies?  Maybe misery loves company? When there's a savvy foodie who doesn't join the calorie consuming party, it's like an alien just landed and it's their goal to have said alien eat like them.  Can people not just enjoy their own selection unless everyone eats the same amount of calories?   I mean can I get an AMEN?  It's completely insane to insist that others join you for a slice of ________.  Eat your own calories and play nice.


When I was a vegetarian, I needed a parachute at virtually every family gathering.  It's socially acceptable to pressure others to eat the cake/cookie/pizza, etc, just because you want it.  But yet when I wanted to say "what you need is a hot cup of shut the f*!k up", I knew I'd offend someone.  So I'd smile and say, "I'm fine, thanks".

Ok....so now that I know what I'm up against, what should I do?  The calories are going to be all around and quite frankly my defenses are low today.  I've been so good for so long, I'm ready to let myself off the hook, a bit.  My hubby will tell me to 'enjoy'.  Bless his sweet soul, but I can't 'enjoy' quite as much as others.  I have developed such a commitment to 'doing better' and quite frankly my arse is far more attractive as a result!  If I fail to plan, I plan to fail!





My plan:

• Exercise before party
• Drink a smoothie before party
• Chew very slowly at party, so as to consume fewer calories
• Have a plate in hand, with crumbs, so as to give the illusion that I've just finished something so party goer won't insist that I'm "not eating"
• Have a secret stash of nuts in purse
• Have a bit of husband's piece of cake, instead of having my own slice
• Drink water along with cocktail throughout the party
• BREATHE!!!

I'll report back on Monday as to the results...fingers crossed!

Chew on this

I picked up a copy of TIME's September 12th issue yesterday.  Ironically, I was at the grocery store when I came across the periodical.  Initially I thought, "Great!  This will help me figure out what to eat".  

Dr. Oz, a famous cardiac surgeon, i.e. the roto-rooter of the heart, admitted that fad dieting may take off the poundage, but it's all too easy to pack it back on.  He goes on to say, in a world of 'eat this, not that' and things like 'the cabbage-soup diet' or 'the South Beach diet' constantly bombarding the general public, "it's no wonder we're all confused about what a healthy diet should look like-the rules keep changing"(Pg. 50).  Hallelujah!  I have found a friend!!  He acknowledged that most patients come to him because of   'what they eat' and what it has done to their heart. 

A few weeks ago my nutritionist friend, T, had mentioned that the American diet got really screwed up right around the early 70's.  She shared that American's began flocking to 'low fat' products. To earn some coin, many companies came into being because they capitalized on the fear of fat.  Low fat, but chock full o' super nasty other crap!  Low fat usually tastes like card board, so the companies, who wanted to peddle their 'card board', loaded their products up with things like sodium and sugar, to help their 'spoonful of crap' go down with greater ease.  But of course, these products did not advertise 'low fat, lots of sugar'. Dr. Oz points out the difference between good and bad fat.  Things like olive oil, eggs and nuts have their place in our diet.  He also touched on the benefits of dark chocolate and wine.  No wonder Oprah is a fan!! Ok...he had me at wine and chocolate!

His article is definitely worth a read.  It's interesting, but it really didn't tell me exactly what to eat.  He did reveal a trick he uses to keep himself from over eating.  He'll eat a few nuts before a meal, so as to load up on good fats and proteins to help fill his tummy instead of gorging on pasta. I can so do this!

His bottom line: "Eat in moderation; choose foods that look like they did when they came out of the ground (remember, there are no marshmallow trees); be an omnivore (there are multiple food groups for a reason); and get some exercise.  Don't let the food control you." (Pg. 58)

Are you one of the people who does the old -- 'I'll put my head in the sand because I'm too afraid to look at the nutritional facts on the back of the box'?  I'm calling your bluff!  Walk into Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks and most have now been required, by law, to reveal their food facts.  It'll blow your mind to learn how much fat is in a zucchini muffin, for example.  You think you're being good, but the hard truth is you'll consume as many calories in that muffin as you would in a McDonald's Big Mac!!  CRIMINAL!

Pull your head out of the sand, put your big girl/boy pants on and be prepared to toss your low-fat cookies.

Better get your armor!

Confession: when I'm in the kitchen I usually have music on.  Sometimes I tango with the celery or cha-cha while I make a smoothie.  I'll put my iPod on random and dance around while cooking.  You should see me when I uncork a bottle of vino!!  I'm digressing, my point...Jordin Sparks 'Battlefield' came on and I had an 'AHA' MOMENT in the kitchen. I did a twirl and sang into my spoon!

Replace the word 'food' instead of love and suddenly this Savvy Foodie has a theme song!  Why does food always feel like a battlefield?  Guess you better go and get your armor!!!   

I don't want to give the impression that I'm crazed about everything I put in my mouth, not the case.  But when one is trying to eat sensibly, it's as though all the crap jumps out at you.  Maybe I'm just more susceptible during certain times of the month...thank you Aunt Flo! 

Food is meant to be nourishing, it's not meant to be warfare.  However, we live in a world where time is money and most of us don't have much of either.  We don't have time to cook so we reach for the pre-packaged goods.  Or worse, we stop by a fast food chain to get something hot and cheap (kind of sounds like a bad date!!!).  I'll admit, produce can become VERY costly if not consumed immediately.  I've had to toss so much of it if I don't cook/eat it the day of purchase or the very next day.  But pre-processed goods...hek those suckers last forever and are cheaper!  

This battlefield is very real.  My armor is education.  I know these fast and cheap meals will bring me down.  I'll be fighting the battle of the bulge.  I'll wrestle with guilt.  I'll try to justify my defeat with sayings like, "Ah well, I'm on vacation", "Just this once", blah blah blah. I'll also have long term consequences for giving in.   Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, achy joints, lethargy, acid reflux, high blood pressure and cellulite are just a few of those consequences.  The answer is so friggin' obvious!

Food doesn't always have to feel like a battlefield.  One defense is to make sure I fill up on protein to keep the hunger cravings at bay.  Load up on fruits, veggies and nuts instead of sugary snacks.  Another line of defense is exercise.  Once I added in strength training to my routine, those cookies/fries/cake/cheese burgers, etc., began looking a lot less appealing.  I work too damn hard to just chuck it all down the drain.  If anyone ever tells you going to the gym is fun, they're either lying or they need a life.  It's not fun, but it's rewarding.

Arming yourself with knowledge will help you make peace with your food.  Work your butt off at the gym and in the kitchen and the battle becomes less apparent.

Suddenly this song will become a new theme song...you'll be ok.

The power of green smoothies

My aunt started me on the 'green smoothie' diet.  I despise using the word 'diet' but if I just refer to this as a 'green smoothie' drink...it may raise some questions.  What's awesome about this 'diet' is it never gets boring.  There's no exact recipe to follow and it can vary from day to day.  Some of my favorite ingredients include:
Celery
Spinach
Raspberries
Strawberries
Avocado
Banana
Pink Lady Apples
Peaches
Shelled Hemp Seeds
Red Leafy Greens
Blueberries
Metromint Water
Almond Butter
Peanut Butter
Dark Cocoa Powder

Each of these ingredients is chock full of yummy goodness!!!!  The green smoothie diet is a great way to eat more fruits and veggies every single day!  They're so tasty, too!  For me, there was zero adjustment period.  For others, it may take a few days to fully enjoy the taste of these smoothies.  I will say, they do not taste like a milk shake but for me, at least, that's A-OK!

Before...

After...

It looks a lot scarier than it is.  My dad insists that I am trying to 'poison' him with my concoction.  Don't be scared of your fruits and veggies!!!  This treat takes care of my hunger from breakfast until lunch, or lunch until dinner.  It's delicious and nutritious.

It's a journey, not a destination

Once your metabolism de-friends you, like an ex on facebook, it's time to figure out a new way of living.  When I was younger, I could eat whatever and exercise whenever I felt like it.  I would maintain my size 6 pant size and I honestly didn't know what cellulite looked like.

But then mean and dirty thirty entered the party and dropped a bomb.  A bomb so catastrophic it required me to completely revamp my approach to eating and exercising.  My milk shake did not bring all the boys to the yard.  Quite the opposite.  My milk shake stayed on my thighs and butt and even started to take form in my face!  It wasn't pretty.  

I was looking for a quick solution to shedding some unwanted baggage.  I read 'Skinny Bitch' about four years ago and became convinced I should be a vegan.  Sure I dropped the weight, but I was only eating grass, or so it seemed.  My meat eating partner was restricted by my diet, too.  We had just met and it was very hard for me to go out to eat, which is usually the only thing new couples do.  It was a very difficult way of living and I fell off the wagon a few months later.  

I decided to reincorporate dairy, months later, but still refrained from eating meat.  I quickly became a carb friendly vegetarian.  Instead of keeping the weight off, I was packing on the pounds!!!  This was due, in part, to justifying cheese pizza, french fries, beer, potatoes and pasta as part of my vegetarian diet.  Then I was introduced to Morning Star Farm products, which offer meat substitutions.  I was missing chicken fingers, bacon and burgers so I glommed onto this new option.  I thought I was being a savvy vegetarian.  I had it all wrong and after four years of eating fake food, I chowed down on chicken as if my life depended up on it.  So now I was a pudgy ex-vegetarian looking for a few good meals.

I never wanted to look like this poor woman, I just wanted to zip my jeans without breaking into a sweat. Was this so much to ask for?  Everyday I would wake up and freak out about what I was going to put into my mouth.  I wanted to be nourished and satiated.  What I learned, from a nutritionist, is that the human body needs normal food in order to be healthy.  I was loading myself up with over processed food.  And as a result I was unable to control the extra poundage.

My new motto is to eat food that will spoil if it sits on a shelf for longer than  a day or two.   I load myself up with a green smoothie each morning and only naturally occurring food.  I limit my red meat intake and I really watch what I consume.  I eat lots of nuts for snacks and make sure I don't starve myself because then I binge on carbs.

Every single 'diet' expert says the same damn thing....EAT FRUITS, VEGGIES AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER.  They also add that it should be coupled with some form of exercise.  Whether you can swing 3 hours or 30 minutes, you need to move your behind to get it back into your size ____ pants (fill in the blank).  For me, my natural size is a 6 and I'm trying to get back there.  It's a damn slow process and thanks to turning 30 it's taking me much longer than it used to.

My goal is to look like this....

There isn't an inch to pinch and she looks healthy!  This is Jennifer Anniston, who I think is amazing!  When I hit the gym I keep a visual in mind.  Her arms and legs are my motivation to keep running, stretching, lifting or swimming.  This is my journey, no longer just a destination.  This new way of life is one that I will maintain.  My journey is being a savvy foodie and my destination is a healthier way of life! 

Snacks!

Are you a snacker?  For many of us foodies, we LIVE to snack.  It's a way to get you over the hump of your ho' hum day.  I used to believe a few crackers weren't so bad.  An afternoon Starbucks treat would give me both an added boost of energy and tide me over until dinner.  WHOOSH!  I had no clue how much crap I would mindlessly consume.  And I never thought a beverage could be an offender.

For instance, if you check out Starbucks nutritional stats you'll see for yourself that it sure ain't pretty.  I used to 'treat' myself to an afternoon hot chocolate.  I had a tough day, sure I'll get it with non-fat milk so I can justify the whipped cream.  HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER...a grande has 50g of CARBS and 370 calories!  HOT CHOCOLATE?!  Looks sure can be deceiving!

I used to believe this was an ok selection.  Which it could be, if you didn't want to eat much else during the day.  I'm now a savvy foodie and stick to my Americano when I'm craving something hot and delish from Starbucks.  This delightful little number only has 15 calories and 3g of carbs, for a grande size.  

Lets talk about the reality of snacks.  They are calories, plan and simple.  Just because it's a handful of crackers or a coffee drink, calories count.  I am not a calorie counter, far from it.  But I am conscious of how they add up, and quickly!  So now I have learned to snack on high protein snacks that fill me up faster and I don't have to mindlessly throw them at the hole in my face without even thinking.

Snacking on fruits and veggies, without ranch dip, is always a safe bet.  A banana in the afternoon helps curb the sweet tooth.  Grapes are always fun to munch on.  I'm not a huge fan of raw broccoli, unless there's a dip to go with it, so I opt for a few raw carrots.

I'll freely admit that there are certain times of the month when chocolate is non-negotiable.  What I do, is partner a few M&M's with some almonds.  I'll fill up from the almonds and the chocolate is still there so I get my fix!

This combo is so darn yummy!  And they also aid in reducing the risk of heart disease.  More and more studies are also revealing the benefits of a bit of chocolate.  This does not mean I eat an entire bag of these goodies every time I have this snack.  7:2, as shown in this shot, is usually what I consume. It's such a great alternative to crackers or the aforementioned bad hot chocolate.

Another personal chocolate favorite is Lindt's dark chocolate with a 'touch' of sea salt.  I mean HOLD THE PHONE AND GET OUT OF TOWN!  Yummo!!!!

For three squares, which I seldom ever consume three at a time, there are 10g of fat, 15 g of carbs and 150 calories.  Most days one square hits the spot.  There are flavonoids, anti-oxidants and protein in dark chocolate.  Studies are also showing the positive correlation between dark chocolate and reduced heart disease.  YIPPEE!  Again, don't think I'm eating the whole darn thing.  One of these bars will tide me over for about a month.

I think one of the keys to success is moderation.

The Savvy Foodie

Hi there!  Are you one of the thousands of people who are fed up with diets?  If you're anything like me, as soon as the word 'diet' is uttered, I shut down.  'Diet' is an OVERUSED word.  You turn on the tv and someone is telling you they have the secret to slimming down.  The morning news will inevitably run a segment on weight loss.  You see the magazine covers at the grocery store, while you're in line with your bag of Oreos, and think to yourself "Yeah right!".  You see people running outside and think, "Who in the world would want to do that?  Pass me a cookie!"

I've spent the last 10 years of my life creeping into larger pant sizes and justifying it by saying, "Oh well it was bound to happen.  After all I'm not 22 anymore.  Pass me a cookie!".  I nearly lost my grip on reality after I had accidentally purchased a pair of maternity pants (from Target) and they were the only non-binding pants I owned.  I had an AHA moment when I was parked in the lot on a mission to buy another pair.  It finally hit me....WHAT WAS I DOING?  I had read books, seen the morning news shows, complained with my gal pals and had so many failed attempts that finally I just couldn't excuse myself anymore!!!

Maya Angelou said it best, "When you know better, you do better".  Well guys and gals, I'm not an expert but I can say, with confidence, I know better.  Now I'm trying to do better.  Join me as I go from a maternity pant wearing foodie, to a healthy savvy foodie!  It'll be loads of fun!  I'll be discussing successful meal ideas, talk about pit falls, be honest about food choices, highlight success stories and everything else under the sun.  This is not about weight loss.  My journey is about making savvy food choices and living a longer and healthier life.  As an added bonus, my pant size is slowly shrinking.  But more importantly, I am living healthier.  

It's not easy out there.  Temptations are all around us.  I always wonder if grocery store clerks ever want to ask, "You're not really going to eat that are you?", as they scan the frozen Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese across their checkout scanner.  No one is going to tell you YOU CANNOT EAT THAT.  Hence the definition of being a savvy foodie.  You know better, so you won't want to eat it.  This is not a subtraction plan, this is a healthy lifestyle goal.  

So lets hold hands and do better, together!!!