Going along with yesterday's post to round out my thoughts on food, I wanted to share some great advice I have received. I just found this on facebook:
So very true. And that is how I have been feeling about my current eating habits. Poisonous. Too much processed food, sweets and wine. I would rather be filling my body with wholesome, nutritious, powerful foods!
Brittany commented when she feels the need to clean up her diet she focuses on whole foods. Avoiding processed foods helps to weed out the garbage without restricting her eating.
The truth is, I know how to eat healthy. I know what is good for my body, my mind and my soul. I know what will make me feel strong and well. I don't need to read another book or find another trend in the diet world to make me feel good. All I need is simple, whole foods ingredients and I will be on the track to better health and feeling better. More veggies, less cake. Simple.
This week I have made a commitment to make better eating decisions. For me it is about swapping out the "naughty" for the "nice." Many people don't want to label foods as good or bad, but let's be honest, there are some that are just better for you.
Breakfast:
I know, as much as I want that everything bagel smothered in peanut butter, my two eggs scrambled with lots of veggies is a much better choice. I do like carbs, however, and always pair my eggs with whole wheat or gluten free toast. Otherwise I would be hungry again in minutes.
Lunch:
A Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich and fries calls to me more times than not. But I equally love spinach salads with goat cheese, craisins and walnuts drizzled in balsamic. With the addition of leftover roasted veggies and baked tofu or a hard boiled egg I usually don't miss the fast food alternative one bit!
Snacks:
I am trying to rely on fresh fruit and veggies for snacks. Chips and salsa or toast with peanut butter is a typical staple in our house, but with all my free produce from Josh's Farmer's Market I know I can make better choices. Oh, and keeping my hand out of the bag of chocolate chips six times a day could definitely help too!
Dinner:
I am a fanatic when it comes to eating out. If I could eat every meal out I might possibly. Good thing Alex is around to keep me grounded and help me make delicious meals at home. Sesame tofu or chicken with white rice at the restaurant would not be a very healthy meal, ok on occasion, but not for a weekly indulgence. However, at home brown rice with seasoned veggies and tofu is a great meal. We make stir-fry's almost once a week for dinner and for many lunches as well.
Dessert:
I have a condition that doesn't let me go to bed without dessert. I don't know what it is but I just can't shake it. No matter how late we eat dinner, I NEED a snack before bed. I have been an ice cream fanatic since the weather turned warm. But when I go for the ice cream I typically want 5 or 6 scoops! Lately I have been going back to my old favorite, banana soft serve, for a cool and creamy treat that is made out of 100% whole foods. I also have been whipping up green smoothies for a treat in the afternoons or before bed.
See, I know how to eat healthy...I have just fallen so far off the wagon. While something like a bagel or ice cream isn't bad for a once-in-a-while treat, I have come to rely on these simple sugars for my everyday eats. I crave them. And then I decide that I NEED them and then I feel like I am controlled by food. This is where my reliance on God will help to bring me back around. I don't NEED food, I need God and His unconditional love for me.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2
Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Other great resources that were recommended to me include
Made to Crave by Lisa Terkeurst
Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman
We are actually headed to the library in a bit for story time so I think I will try to find these books and give them a look. I have been wanting to read Made to Crave for some time now. I occasionally peruse their online devotions and I love many of Lisa's other books and studies.
What are some of your healthy swaps?
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