Hi, friends! Hope everyone had a beautiful and marvelous weekend! I didn’t get the chance to post, since it was just too gorgeous out and I didn’t want to miss a minute of this beautiful weather.
So how was everyone’s weekend? Did anyone get up to any crazy Cinco De Mayo events? Mine was definitely on the simple side, but I was perfectly okay with that.
Started with Breakfast for Dinner, which is always a winner…
Good Morning!
There and many beliefs I’ve held onto from the past. Some were adopted from other people, while others were used for me to feel “superior”. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s part of my past, that I accept.
Now, I’ve been able to change some of those harmful beliefs into happier and healthy beliefs instead. Belief is such a powerful thing. It can lead us to happiness, but it can always lead to destructive behaviours. Today, I want to focus on those positive, little beliefs that make me content.
I believe….
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day…in fact, I tend to eat this meal twice per day because I love that much…
I’m pretty sure I could live on Breakfast foods if I was given the choice. Most likely due to the fact that Breakfast is sweet and other meals are savory, who made that “rule” anyways?
Coffee and tea must be consumed daily…for sanity purposes.
We all know I love my coffee and tea. Nothing is better than waking up or getting home after a long day and relaxing on the couch with a big cup of hot tea or coffee.
A smile is the best exercise you’ll get all day…
Even though I struggle with my exercise – like taking more rest days; I always know I feel better from a simple smile, than I do from a 60 minute spinning session. *(More on this later).
The day isn’t complete without nut butter of some kind…
If I have nut butter in one of my meals, you can guarantee I’m saving the nut butter for my last bite. Always save the best for last:)
Puppy hugs are the best end to a day…
{ Isn’t she a gem? }
In Karma…
What goes around comes back around, so treat people how you want to be treated
In the power of bright colors (in clothing and in food)…
{ Spring spinach and berry salad }
To do what makes you happy, forget what others say…
Roasted veggies over steamed veggies…
{ Roasted kabocha with cinnamon }
A new lipstick is the perfect way to add a boost of confidence…
{ Wearing Revlon Balm Stain in Lovesick }
Home is where the heart is…
There is something fun about jet setting away for the weekend or a few weeks, but nothing feels more comfortable than returning home to my own bed. Often, when I picture my “safe spot” while meditating. My bed is the first place I go to.
Reading books everyday…
Reading has had such a positive impact on my life. The day just doesn’t feel complete if I haven’t read something. Don’t even ask me to choose a favorite book because that won’t happen.
Most importantly, I believe in myself…
Happy Thursday, friends!
*******
What do you believe in?
Do you have a favorite book?
What’s your favorite nut butter?
Roasted or steamed veggies?
Hello and happy Wednesday!
Sorry, I missed out on a post yesterday. A litte break was needed, just with everything with the new pup and just getting out more in general. Anyways, that’s another topic for another day. Of course, I had to make a return for one of my favorite days of posting; What I Ate Wednesday. Let’s get straight to the eats.
Shortly after waking up, I went upstairs to get my spin on. Usual Tuesday happenings over here.
Another usual, of course, is Breakfast! Always a plus of the day.
Breakfast -
Everything happens for a reason.
I’m a real sucker for this statement. I use it time and time again.
We go through certain situations in life for a reason. Every hardship we go through, we learn a lesson in the end. Even if it isn’t clear in the beginning, when we are aware and willing to learn, we will find a reason.
Everyone goes through tough times throughout their lives.
{ Dinner last night; glazed tempeh, roasted veggies }
Sometimes, the answer is simple like getting under the covers a few hour earlier and get a good night sleep.
Other times, the answer is more difficult and we have to struggle to get there.
Our body may not be able to learn all the information possible about nutrition, I mean that’s what our brains are for; that doesn’t mean that our minds know what’s best for us though.
Our mind contains thoughts, beliefs, memories, and more. Did you ever think your body is actually the thing we should consult, since it really is the vehicle that knows what we need most in the moment.
Instead of having trust in our bodies, we often fear the very thing they are trying to tell us. Our bodies are able to tell us when we’re hungry, tired, hurt, thirsty, etc.
{ For Dinner, last night I had a homemade zucchini turkey burger with roasted cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, an avocado sauce, and nutritional yeast }
In the past, I’ve been the victim of trusting beliefs my mind had, instead of what my body wanted. If I was tired or hurt, I couldn’t rest because I had false beliefs imprinted on my mind; rest was for lazy people and being hurt wasn’t an option if I want to be skinny.
Even worse was being hungry. My mind would try to tell my body it’s not hungry, I don’t need food or calories because I have all the self control in the world and don’t need food to be satisfied.
It was always a constant struggle of mind versus body.
Even though I constantly tried to outsmart my body, it was able to put up a strong fight.
Sometimes, we may be tempted to listen to other peoples beliefs and try and accept them as our own.
{ I picked up some strawberries at the store and had them with coconut milk. So good }
People say carbs are bad? Well then, my body has [insert make believe issue] so I can’t digest carbs because others are saying they’re bad to eat. Silly and untrue statements.
With all these new studies, we likely try and go against our bodies by telling them what we think is best for it.
Often, I look in the past where I knew nothing about nutrition, calories, carbs, fats, protein, and wonder if I was actually smarter as a child.
When I was tired, I took a nap. Hungry? I ate. I didn’t restrict, eat too much, over exercise to compensate. I just lived and acted as my body asked for what it wanted.
Never questioning my hunger because I trusted my body to tell me what it needed.
Many beliefs I once had as a child are long gone since I’ve adopted other peoples beliefs as my own, as well as trying to adapt to a type of lifestyle other people preach.
{ My two favorite teas right now. }
Instead of living life freely, it has changed so that I constantly question, control, and manipulate my body. Somewhere in my life I stopped listening to my bodies needs, instead telling it what it needs.
Which obviously didn’t end well, since it developed into a horrible eating disorder. Even though my body tried to tell me otherwise, my mind wouldn’t let it.
Denying our bodies is a very strong belief stemmed from others, so that we can have an “ideal body”. It’s hard to not listen to those beliefs when they are all around us.
It’s sad how hard it is for many of us to truly listen to our bodies. My mind really believed that by controlling my body, I would be content in life.
People would finally like me, I’d be prettier, have more confidence, and could do whatever I put my mind to.
{ still obsessed with Christmas oranges. I’ll be sad when they go out of stock }
In reality, I ended up losing control and gave that control to the disorder instead.
Eventually my mind couldn’t keep up, I was on the verge of death and I had to finally listen to what my body was asking for. Now I’m living with the constant nagging of two voices.
My healthy voice and the eating disorder voice. Sometimes, I don’t know which one is which. It is a constant fight, but I know I just need to keep pushing through to reach a point of living a life that is best for me.
Remember that your body is smart, it may be tempting to listen to others beliefs, but your body knows what’s best for your health.
Do you have a hard time listening to your own body?
Have you ever fallen victim to fad diets?
What’s the last positive thing you did for your body?
Sending lots of love your way today! Have a great one!
Happy New Year friends! I hope you all had an amazing celebration last night, full of family, fun, and friends.
If not, I hope you at least enjoyed bringing in the new year.
I know lots of people set resolutions and goals for the New Year, but I honestly don’t like the idea. It’s just not for me. If I’m going to make a change, it will be because I want it to happen, not because it’s another Monday, or a new month, or year. That’s just how I look at it.
Let’s see all the wonderful things that happened in December.
This month the root veggies have taken over. Give me butternut, kabocha, turnips, parsnips, and rutabaga and you better bet I’ll be roasting it.
It’s so wonderfully delicious cooked in some coconut oil, until nice and crispy on the outside.
Love.
I also have a full blown obsesssion with tea.
Maybe not as much as Meg, but it’s pretty high up there.
And how could I forget about gingerbread!
A classic throughout the Winter months and I managed to finish this loaf rather quickly.
‘Tis the season after-all.
I also showed you all my favorite coconut flour frosting, that I’m still continuing to eat almost daily.
I wonder what my foodie obsessions will be next month?
I can’t forget about my red cup Starbucks love, next month I have a feeling I’m going to be loving my new versimo, instead of the daily lines at Starbucks.
I went through a phase of adding peppermint stevia drops to my coffee and it was a lovely mixup every now and again.
This month, I also wrote two of my favorite posts about being happy where you are in this moment and beliefs we hold over our lives and how we can change them for the better.
Another favorite post had to be the vlog I did, where I really opened up about some struggles I’ve faced in the past.
Your ongoing support in me publishing this makes me feel so much better about making the decision to post it. I wasn’t sure I actually would, but I’ve gotten tons of comments and e-mails thanking me.
So, basically you all are fantastic.
Another thing this month has changed for me. I’ve stopped going super hard on the workouts.
Cutting back on tabatas, HIITs and incorporating pilates into my daily routine.
I’ve grown to love it, however, I do miss HIIT some of the time.
I know that this will only benefit me by holding back for now.
And now for some beauty favorites.
I admit, I’m a little head over heels for hot couture by givenchy. I posted about it before, and I’ll say one thing everytime I wear it I get compliments on how good I smell, every.time.
No lies people.
I’ll stop here before this post gets super duper long.
What were your favorite things this December?
Any new obsessions you’d like to share?
How was your New Years Eve?
Happy Tuesday all!
It’s back to the Monday grind! Well, kind of…
I mean it’s New Years Eve! Can you even believe it?! This year has just passed by far too quickly! It’s kind of unreal honestly.
It just makes this Monday even more marvelous. Right now, I’m huddled up on this rainy afternoon with a cup of coffee and a comfy cozy blanket. Can’t get much better.
It’s been pretty lazy day over here. Every once in a while, those lazy days are totally necessary in my mind.
*****
This weekend I’ve been completely obsessed with roasting zucchini.
I think I’ve had it everyday for almost the whole week.
I enjoyed a simple bowl of quinoa, tomato paste, zucchini, cauliflower, nutritional yeast, and avocado for Lunch on Saturday.
So easy, so delicious.
Since my eating habits have been changing lately, I’ve spent the weekend trying to perfect some more breakfast options.
This one was pretty decent!
Just some overnight buckwheat with some fun add ins, it needs a bit of work still.
Plus, it kind of looks awful. Ha.
My family has officially headed back to their own homes and I already miss having the whole family together. It was so nice to have my relatives here, even though the visit was short.
I’m still continuing on my rest week and I kind of can’t wait until it’s over. I’m going slightly stir crazy. I just need to keep myself occupied.
Instead of hitting the gym, I’ve been using my time for lots of baking. Most of which were failures. They taste good, but aren’t blog worthy yet.
Hopefully I’ll get a recipe posted sometime this week!
I managed to see some friends over the weekend as well.
Fun times per usual.
This actually wasn’t from this weekend, but same thing.
Of course after a late night out coffee is a must.
Weekends deserve a trip to Starbucks. Always.
I’ve been using my coffee maker all week, so haven’t even been at all the past few days.
I think the employees must have been shocked I didn’t come in everyday like I usually do.
It was kind of sad to see people leave Starbucks holiday cup-less. Only some drinks were still served in the lovely holiday cups.
How come they don’t last until the new year?!
And don’t you think they should totally have Easter cups, Halloween cups, etc. That would just be so cool.
One more thing I think is pretty amazing. This 26 Random Acts of Kindness.
I love the idea of doing simple, little things in order to make someone else’s day better.
Of course the most important things is that these acts are in honour of the victims at Sandy Hook Elementary.
It’s a small act, but sometimes those things can be significant to someone else. They all add up to awesome things in the end and being more kind in life has never hurt anyone before.
I’m definitely going to be participating.
With all that, the weekend has come to an end, but I guess technically not since it’s a holiday tomorrow so I take that back.
Hope you all have a safe and marvelous celebration tonight!
Any plans for New Years Eve?
Do you set any resolutions or goals for the new year?
See you all next year!
Good morning! Happy Friday!
This week is about getting my act together. After talking lots about increasing my calories, I’m finally taking control over my health (not the other way around), I am very dedicated to changing my behaviours and intake.
I want to finally move past this eating disorder, grow as a person, and start setting some more serious goals for my future. I am content with my outlook on life, but right now I need to make changes regarding my calorie intake.
*******
Backing up to dinner last night; I enjoyed a plateful of roasted broccoli slaw, zucchini, cauliflower, and chickpeas cooked in a little coconut oil. I ate this with a creamy “cheese” dressing, and enjoyed alongside a slice of burnt (oops) ezekiel bread topped with coconut oil, cinnamon, and stevia.
Creamy “Cheesy” Dressing
I just mixed everything together, until a thick sauce (lovely wording) was reached.
In regard to increasing my calories, I decided it was in my best interest to contact a nutritionist. I think the biggest problem I have with increasing calories on my own, is the fact that I feel that I need some sort of validation in order to make this increase.
This morning, I was up bright and early for a spin class which went well, as always. I just love that class. Such positive energy to start the day.
My first appointment with the nutritionist was this morning. It went by relatively well. I heard everything I knew I’d hear. It was also a wakeup call. She was quite surprised I thought my intake was a “normal amount” for a person of my age and fitness level.
I stopped on the way home from my appointment for a coffee meetup, and got my J’adore La Vie on.
The problem I face, is taking healthy eating to the extreme level. Even though you can eat a healthy diet, you can always push that to an extreme level where you’re not able to function “normally” and your quality of life ultimately suffers. The thing I am missing from my lifestyle, is moderation.
I also thought that consuming so many vegetables was healthy, when in fact, I am missing out on lots of other nutrients and food groups.
In the afternoon, I’ve been craving something cooling even though summer has almost ended. Enter, coconut milk “ice cream”
I adapted this from Stuft Mama’s Low Calorie Ice Cream
Banana Coconut “Ice Cream”
Just combine all the above ingredients (except extra milk) in a blender. Blend for a minute or two, until everything is well combined. Pour liquid into an ice cube tray or into a few small shallow dishes. In a few hours, or the next day grab your blender again. Combine the “ice cream” and add 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk to allow the mixture to blend together. Once combined and the ice cream reaches a creamy texture, fill into a bowl and enjoy.
I’ve been eating it mostly topped with some protein frosting and a little nuttzo nut butter.
Meeting with the nutritionist was great for me. To speak to a professional who reiterated the thoughts I’ve been having, and who told me the changes I need to make. Even though at certain times I still don’t feel like I have behaviours to change.
Just thought I’d update you all on some changes that will be made around here. Its time to put more focus on my health and where it needs to be, instead of focusing on “perfectionism”. I have goals I want to complete in the future, and I need to get uncomfortable and change. Not everyday will be a success, and it will be a struggle.
Off to enjoy the rest of my day!
What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?
Any plans this weekend?
Happy Friday!
Morning! Or afternoon…or whenever you’re reading this…
This week seems to be passing by slower then most weeks, maybe its because September is rearing its head right now.
And once September hits, it will be October, which will be my birthday…yah, I’m one of those super annoying people who starts counting down their birthday days as soon as the day is over.
Yikes.
* Creamy buckwheat overnight cereal, with pumpkin, banana, egg whites, protein powder, and chia seeds. Topped with peanut flour paste. *
Anyways, since I’m such a sucker for surveys, I saw the beautiful Sara post this one a few weeks ago and thought it would be a fun post for today.
I also realized I need to finish up those Healthy Living Summit recaps, hopefully I’ll finish that next week ha ha. I didn’t want to post these too soon after the conference, since everyone was doing theirs then and all that reading on people doing the same things can get old fast.
Anyways, now that I’ve got off topic like usual, let’s get to those questions.
Breakfast questions!
1. Favorite cereal as a child?
I feel like I have to call my mom and ask her the answer to this question, because I honestly can’t remember.
I do know that Vector was one of my favourites though, when I was about 10-15. Wow, that cereal addiction actually lasted a really long time. My swim coaches always reccommended that one, so I went with it and loved it.
I wasn’t much of a breakfast eater as a kid, so buying crappy, sugary cereals were about the only way my parents could get me to eat in the mornings. Clearly lots has changed since then!
2. Coffee or Tea? With milk or without?
Well, clearly I’m a coffee lover. If I haven’t made that obvious yet;) I always, always drink coffee black. I’ve actually never even had coffee with cream or sugar added, it just seems so wrong to ruin that coffee flavour. I do like pumpkin lattes and stuff like that though! That is about the only way I’ll drink coffee with added stuff. David’s tea has changed my opinion about tea. I used to think of tea as just mirky, boring hot water, but now I actually really love the taste and will switch to tea after I’ve had my coffee in the morning.
3. The one food you eat most often at breakfast?
Oh boy, I eat so many different food groups at breakfast so this is a hard one. Can I choose eggs, oat bran, and some sort of fruit. I go through a huge carton of egg whites each week, they are probably my favourite protein source (along with the whole egg), since they are just so versatile!
Lunch Questions!
1. Sandwiches are generally considered a “lunch food.” If you had to choose between a grilled cheese and a peanut butter and jelly, which would you pick?
Toughie! While I don’t love peanut butter, I do love almost any other nut butter. And I also love goat cheese. I think I’d go with a peanut butter sandwich though. I’d change it up with cashew butter and homemade strawberry jam! I absolutely love love strawberry jam, no other stands in comparison in my opinion. Now I have a huge craving for strawberry jam, I think I’ll have to make some.
2. You can only put four ingredients in your salad (not including greens); what do you throw in the mix? Additionally, which greens and dressing do you pick?
The base of my salad would have to include a few of my favourite greens, kale (roasted and raw) and spinach. And the four ingredients I’d chose would be avocado, grilled chicken, and goat cheese. For a dressing I’d probably just do some sort of lemon vinaigrette. I love the combination of lemon, avocado, and chicken.
3. One food you can’t live without at lunch?
Definitely some form of vegetable. And some sort of fat like coconut butter, coconut oil, avocado, goat cheese, I could go on. Yikes, I’m no good with these one answer surveys, I’m way too indecisive.
Dinner Questions!
1. It’s the end of the day. You’re tired, hungry, and your fridge is empty. If a fast food (from a chain) is your only option, where do you go and what do you order?
Oh man, this is tough. We don’t have too many options where I live for big fast food chains. I guess I’d have to say subway. And I’d probably get a salad with basically all the vegetables available (except onions, ew), with grilled chicken, and tons of guacamole. The best dressing for anything, ever. I rarely treat myself, but maybe I’d challenge myself with a treat from Dairy Queen, like ice cream!
2. TV/computer on or off while you’re eating?
Well, when I’m with others I clearly am not in front of the TV or computer, that would just be rude. However, when I eat alone I am most of the time always on the computer or watching TV. Oops. I know its not always the best to do this, but whatever it works for me! I get way too bored if I am just sitting with nothing to distract me.
3. The one food you eat most often at dinner?
Most of the time I try and include some sort of protein in my dinner meals, and always include (again) roasted vegetables. How can you possibly chose one thing?!
Dessert Questions!
Choose between these two American desserts: cheesecake or apple pie?
Cheesecake definitely. My mom used to make the best cheesecake when I was a kid. That stuff was pure bliss. And confession: I’ve actually never tried pie in my life. I tried the crust once when I was about 8 and hated it, so that officially turned me off from pie forever.
Choose between these two foreign desserts: tiramisu (Italy) or flan (Spain)?
I’ve actually never had either. However, from reading on the descriptions I’d have to say tiramisu sounds more up my alley in terms of dessert.
Ice cream: cone or cup?
Definitely in a cup! That way you get more ice cream, right?
Grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly?
Answer one of the above questions!
Have an amazing day and don’t forget to enter my coconut oil giveaway!!!
Good Morning!
Haven’t been posting as much this week, since I spent the whole day travelling Thursday and Monday, and wanted to “unplug” the whole weekend in Boston, so I could really experience the Healthy Living Summit, without feeling that I had to blog about it right away. I’m sure you’ve seen a whole bunch of recaps anyways, so I’ll save mine…at least for today!
Phew, Monday was a LONG day. Emotionally and a little physically draining. I have learned a lot about myself this past weekend, which I’ll discuss further in another post. I didn’t get home on Monday until about 1 (so 4 AM Boston time) in the morning after having missed one of my flights and was just dead exhausted at this point. Why is it so hard to adjust to time changes?! I had the laziest day ever today, but still filled with yummy eats.
As much as I loved the conference, there’s nothing better than returning home to your own bed to sleep in! And return to the structure of regular meals, as well. Thanks again to Jenn, for putting together What I Ate Wednesday. Let’s get started.
Breakfast – 8:
My day started off fabulously with the return of oat bran. I clearly went without it in Boston, but was happy to have it back again this morning.
I cooked up a bowl of oat bran, which included 1/3 cup oat bran, 1/2 cup egg whites, 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2 banana, 2 tablespoons pumpkin, cinnamon, stevia, and topped with cashew butter and a little circle of frozen blueberries for fun times.
I realized this morning how much I missed nut butter while being away!
I’m super thankful I have today off work, I would probably be dead on the floor if I went back today. Unfortunately, I didn’t really sleep in, so mostly lounged around pretty much all day. Whyyyy can’t I sleep lately?!
I enjoyed the peaceful morning, sipping my coffee, and relaxing. Its totally fine if I don’t even move off my couch today, right? Must my life be so difficult.
Lunch came shortly after, and I happily welcomed firing up the oven again for some roasted kabocha squash. My favourite veggie ever.
Lunch – 12:
I always sprinkle it with a little cinnamon before putting it in the oven, tastes so good baked together. I know Tessa agrees with me on our obsession with this magical squash.
I ate this up alongside a tablespoon of heaven, that is coconut butter. We all know I love that stuff, and its just so dang good with squash. Okay, it could probably taste good with mud, but its one of my favourite things to pair squash or sweet potato with.
I also had an egg on the side, that I just microwaved quickly, which was ugly so you don’t need to see that one.
At this point, I finally got started on unpacking my luggage and getting started on laundry. Not the most fun stuff to come home to, but must be done.
Snack – 3:
Todays afternoon snack was a small serving of 2% greek yogurt, nuttzo peanut free nut butter (SO tasty!), and an apple.
I was going to workout, but was just so tired I figured it was best if I just skipped today and hopefully have more energy tomorrow.
Instead, I painted my nails, so they look lovely. OPI for the win.
The worst part, is when you try and paint your nails with your other hand. Now it just looks like I stabbed my fingers with knives or something. Clearly a wise colour for the steady hand challenged.
Dinner – 5:15:
Tonights dinner was super simple, just stole a few of my parents leftover veggies, since I have yet to go produce shopping yet…oopsy. Its a sad, sad sight in my fridge right now.
Guess that’s on the agenda tomorrow!
I just tossed up some chopped tempeh, zucchini, cauliflower, and broccoli slaw with a mixture of nutritional yeast, coconut oil, a little almond flour, and red pepper flakes.
Then, I threw them in a 350 oven for about 30 minutes. Delicious.
A serving of avocado on the side as well.
Now, I’m catching up on the classiest show in town, Bachelor Pad. This show makes me feel super good about my choices in life.
Snack – 8:
Earlier I made a protein muffin (this way), but with a mix of teff and coconut flour. And have plans on having that later with some coconut flour frosting. And then I’ll probably head to bed. Have to be up early for tomorrow!
*******
Tomorrow I definitely want to start recapping my time at the Healthy Living Summit, and want to sum up the fact that I had a lot of fun, but also found myself really comparing and putting judgment on myself based on how others looked compared to me. Even looking at this post, I’ve realized it’s probably not enough food for me and I need to make a big change. Like I said, I’ll be discussing this more tomorrow though, I don’t want this pos to be too long.
What’s the thing you miss most after you go on vacation?
Favourite thing you ate today?
Hope everyone has a great day!
