Happy & Healthy

A little over a month ago I decided to make a lifestyle change. Since September 10th, I haven't eaten red or white meat. It sounded like I was going to announce that I don't drink alcohol or something. LOL. No. Anyway, I still eat fish, though, because sushi > life. And because I don't think I'm ready to go fully vegetarian. Side note: tofu is absolutely disgusting. What kind of texture is that???  Since then, I've begun to eat way more vegetables than I would have ever imagined, and make overall healthier food choices. I've learned a lot about certain foods that I never knew before, like what times of the day to avoid eating certain foods, and how some foods are better for you when you pair them with others. 

I'm not a total fitness-health-freak or anything, because like all good things, moderation is key. Being obsessed with a specific diet isn't something I'm interested in doing. I don't want it to occupy my life and be the only thing I think about, but I do enjoy eating healthy foods that I would have never picked up at the grocery store before now. I do have cheat days- emphasis on the plural days, and I think that's okay. As long as I'm feeling good, I don't plan on straying from my recent dietary changes.

For those of you who are wondering what I eat, you can keep reading. If you don't care, then don't. All I want you to know is that making a change like this can really improve your overall health, mood, and just the way your skin looks in a short amount of time, and I think everyone should try to incorporate some of these things into their life. It's not even about losing weight or anything; on the contrary, I'm not trying to lose any weight. I just want my body to look and feel healthier, and it's great to be able to do so!

Breakfast
Since my school/work schedule has me waking up at different times every day, I don't have a set breakfast time. But, I absolutely do eat breakfast every single day. Some things I like to eat are avocado toast (sometimes with a fried organic egg) topped with chia seeds (rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids), brown sugar oatmeal also topped with chia seeds, or wheat toast with a fried egg on the side. Most of the time I have coffee (with very little soy milk, no sugar), and if I don't have time for a Starbucks run I'll just have a glass of water.

Half an avocado, a t-spoon of pico de gallo, half a lime (juiced), salt and pepper to taste, and chia seeds over honey wheat bread

Van's Power Grains waffle- totally original flavor, topped with a thin layer of peanut butter, half a banana, chia seeds, and a drizzle of light syrup (tip: skip the syrup for a less sugary meal)

Lunch

My lunches vary depending on the day. They can be anything from a veggie burger, to a spinach and garbanzo bean salad, to a grilled cheese. I also like Trader Joe's tuna burgers topped with cilantro and avocado. 

Grilled cheese on honey wheat bread and muenster cheese- opt for low fat cheese and whole wheat bread for a healthier option!

Snack

Quest bars and One bars (Oh Yeah Nutrition- highly recommend these) are high in protein, so I've recently started snacking on these since I'm not getting protein from any meat sources and don't wanna overdo it on the fish intake (mercury... doesn't sound like my thing). They are high in carbs though, so I try to only eat these on days I work out. I also like snacking on baby carrots dipped in light ranch or hummus, a banana with peanut butter, or Special K 100 calorie packs of chocolate covered pretzels. I also really like fruit bowls packed with yummy fruits and treats (granola, coconut flakes, nuts, seeds), but they tend to be very high in sugar. Treat yourself, but not every day! 

One protein bar in birthday cake flavor (side note: they only have one gram of sugar!)

Dragonfruit bowl from Roots Juicebar- $9.50

Homemade fruit smoothie- pre blending

Dinner

As with lunch, my dinners vary. I'll have anything from sushi, to a fish fillet with roasted zucchini on the side, to ceviche tacos. I also eat Trader Joe's veggie burgers or tuna burgers if I didn't have them for lunch. There are a ton of options that I've grown to love! A quinoa bowl topped with pico de gallo, pinto beans, avocado, and a pinch of shredded organic mozzarella cheese is my most recent concoction- and I loved it. It was kind of like a DIY Chipotle- without the line. I have a piece of Dove dark chocolate for dessert and I'm good for the night. 

All of this is with moderation. If I want a piece of cake, I'll have one. If I want pizza (which is often), I'll order it. I don't completely deprive myself of the things I like, because then I wouldn't be happy. A little over a month in, and I already feel a difference in my body. It runs a little smoother just from adding all those healthy foods I never ate (ate my first carrot this past month). I'm not sure how long my "no meat" thing will last, because I honestly miss croquetas so much, but I'm really excited about giving it a go and seeing how long I can do this. I think it was a great change to make in my life!

Love always, happy and healthy,

NG

TIPS!:

• Replace "white" foods with "brown" foods. Brown sugar, brown rice (if quinoa isn't available), brown eggs. Little changes like this help you out in the long run!
• Pair your bananas with a fatty snack like peanut butter for optimal nutrition
• Exercise at least three times a week
• Don't eat fast food- no matter how tempting it is at 4 a.m. after a night out. I'm going on a year and a half with no fast food!
• No soda! We all get cravings, so try to only have it when you really want it. Cut it out of your daily diet!
• Drink a lot of water. This is one of the hardest things for me so I try to carry around a bottle with me all day
• Cook with coconut oil instead of other oils or butter
• Switch to whole wheat pasta and some sort of wheat bread

If you have anymore tips, feel free to comment and let me know!