I’m a “eat what you crave” type of girl, but I also know what I should eat and what makes me happy, so I do my best to balance the two.

For instance, I lost weight on a whole grain & veggie diet. Years after maintaining my weight loss, I started eating more of a high protein/low carb diet AND gained weight. I also have to watch my fruit intake as my body prefers complex carbs over simple sugars. I usually eat 3 good sized meals a day with maybe one or 2 snacks.

As far as exercise goes, I used to do nothing but run…a lot. I feared weight gain if I stopped. Someone finally knocked some sense into me, and now I do a lot more yoga & strength training and a lot less running. I feel so much better, especially now that I don’t need all those carbs to fuel my runs.

It is so nice to get home after a trip and dive into the vegetables! I always miss my greens too.

Have a good weekend.

I cannot graze or else I eat way too much. I eat three meals and usually a snack when my energy dips around 3 or 4 esp. when I am at school. I have to feel full after dinner and I can NOT go to bed even slightly hungry that kills me.
I love the idea of a warm bowl of hot cereal in the morning but my body doesnt. A smoothie or yogurt works out much better. Even though I know this I still struggle a little with it sometimes. I dont need alot of protein and meat and I just dont agree. I feel so awful when I eat it.
I feel my best after a long yoga session. I have to workout in the morning or it will not happen.
Thanks for posting such an insightful post.

Esp. “Healthy living Zone”

I aim to eat whole unprocessed foods. An example is a banana and pb vs. a 100-cal pack or processed granola bar. I have cut out most breads and pastas because they are processed, but still get fiber from other things and eat oatmeal in the mornings. I aim to eat as much fruit and veggies as possible and at this point a date is dessert. I find a dinner of multi veggies and a little protein like beans, tofu, or whatnot is more filling then anything else and tasty. I also try to get a huge container of water down every day at work.

Cutting out processed foods and looking to eat whole natural foods has eliminated the purchase of trigger foods(even if they were “healthy”). i still have splurges like wine club and a meal out but right now this is my balance that is working. I read labels now, mainly shop for veggies/fruit/dairy/protein and that is it.