new in the kitchen

i am amazed at how much i have been enjoying 'eating healthy' over the past couple of weeks. that NEVER happens. i think in the past i have equated healthy eating to severe rules and restrictions, and missing out on things i really love to eat. then, i start to crave those things i miss, and then, i fall off the wagon about 3 days after i start.

so, i'm doing it differently. NO DIET. i seem to be getting enough food to feel satisfied. here's a look at the program i'm following. the usda recommends these breakdowns:

carbs 45-65% total calories; protein 10% - 35%; fat 20 - 35%

that seems like a lot of wiggle room, but actually i've never ever eaten enough protein consistently. the daily smoothie has really helped to balance out my eating in a way i've never been able to do before. and since the carbs are not based on tons of bread and sugary things, i seem to be feeling more 'full' than before. thankfully, i love veggies and fruit. i think it would be tough if i did not.

Carey told me about this stuff. WOW! it's real peanut butter in powder form. no added anything. i kind of want to sit down and eat it with a spoon! ha. but instead, it goes into a choc banana smoothie. sooooooooooooo good.

I bought some almond milk last night! yum! i get plenty of protein/calcium from homemade yogurt and milk for the smoothies, so this is just a way to shake things up. it's spendy, but very tasty. going to try coconut milk next.

i have never eaten a brussel sprout! ever! until tonite, i'm going to roast them with olive oil and garlic and sea salt. kind of exciting ;)

i really love being in my kitchen, and cooking really relaxes me. it helps to make eating fun and interesting rather than rote or mindless. i'm finding that planning is kind of big. i have to go the grocery store more. but since i mostly stock up in the produce section, it's still a quick thing.

you know, i think the biggest thing in being healthy has to do with honoring God by living with things in the right perspective. food is a necessity, and a gift, and i want to put it in its rightful place in my life. not too much focus, but with joy and mindfulness.

thank you God for helping me to restructure the way i live! happy tuesday, guys!

LORD, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name,

for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things,

things planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1