Clean Eating

As I get older, I notice that my body does some pretty peculiar changing in the process. Sure, there is the obvious, but I mean specifically with how it responds to certain food types and nutrients.

Over the past few years, I have become quite educated in the nutrition field and have been experienced to the world of wonders that eating a healthy well balanced diet can bring to your ENTIRE life!

I continually diverge myself into health and wellness for several reasons. One, it interests me, two, I was very unhealthy at a point in my life and was faced with the ultimatum of either learning how to be healthy or staying very sick and potentially doing incredible damage to my body, my family and my soul (thankfully, I chose the first option!!!) and three, I have adapted to this lifestyle for years and have made it a life commitment to keep for myself and instill in the lives of my family.

That being said, I been assessing a few things in my own diet that I would like to change. Now, let me explain that I am a firm believe in balance, and I truly do not feel that one “whole” or “natural” food is bad for you- the “bad” comes from the additives, chemicals, and preservatives. (Still, a little of those every now and then isn’t going to kill you and it’s nearly impossible to avoid them at all costs)

Personally, I chose a mostly natural and whole diet that consists of an abundance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and soy. I don’t consider myself a vegetarian but I do not eat red meat and I eat very little poultry; however, I do consume fish and dairy. I live with the intent of eating mostly natural, unprocessed foods and I am extremely aware of the things that I put into my body. (read labels people! Seriously, some of the things you discover that you eat will scare the crap out of you!) I use to battle with horrible digestive problems from IBS; therefore, I know that there are certain foods that will trigger this and I have completely (or almost completely) cut them out of my diet, like MSG’s, fried foods, and certain preservatives. Ever since I changed my diet a few years ago to accommodate with this problem, I can’t remember the last time I even had a stomach ache.

Okay, so I consider myself pretty healthy and well versed in eating nutritionally; however, I am realizing that there are a few products that I still include in my daily diet that I should probably eliminate.
Here is my honest list of items that I want to cut….

1. Sugar Free Coffee Creamer- This is not good. First of all, the 2nd ingredient is partially hydrogenated oils which in translation means TRANS FAT!!! Here is a small overview of trans fats for those of you who need to be reminded…

“The process of hydrogenation is intended to add hydrogen atoms to cis-unsaturated fats, eliminating a double bond and making them more saturated. These saturated fats have a higher melting point, which makes them attractive for baking and extends their shelf-life. However, the process frequently has a side effect that turns some cis-isomers into trans-unsaturated fats instead of hydrogenating them completely.
There is another class of trans fats, vaccenic acid, which occurs naturally in trace amounts in meat and dairy products from ruminants.
Unlike other dietary fats, trans fats are not essential, and they do not promote good health. The consumption of trans fats increases one's risk of coronary heart disease[2] by raising levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.”

2.Artificial Sweeteners- I have cut back; however, I still find myself going for that Hazelnut Splenda every morning in my coffee. I admit, I love the flavor it adds, but recently, I have become quite fond of natural stevia and a little cinnamon. I think in time, I won’t even remember hazelnut splenda.

3. Unnatural Yogurt- Right now, it’s Dannon Lite and Fit; however, the more I am learning, the more I realize that this stuff isn’t so great. It contains a list of weird, processed things like aspartame, fructose, and additive dyes. I’m really beginning to see the benefits and wonders of Greek Yogurt, so there is no need to keep buying the fake stuff.

So I am going to start with these things and if I see any more that I think should be eliminated, I will try to do so. When I say eliminate, I don’t mean entirely cut out forever- I simply mean to remove them from my daily consumption.

Well I must tell you about dinner obviously because it was another great meal and I love to share these things.

I made,

Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia Sandwiches with Black Bean and Mango Salsa

For the fish, I crushed “Food Should Taste Good” tortilla chips in buffalo flavor, dipped the fish in egg whites that were seasoned with chili powder, salt, pepper, and cumin and then dredged in chips. Then I baked the fish in a 400* oven for 15 min.
To make them into Sammies, I used Pretzel rolls (ohhhhhh sooo good!), a little Dijon spread, tomato, lettuce and pickles.

The salsa was a mix of black beans, diced mango, cherry tomatoes, avocado, lime juice and salt and pepper.

These sandwiches were amazingly good I can't even begin to describe. I ended up eating mine open face just because it ended up being way tooooo much. Oh, and I think black bean and mangos is one of my favorite combinations.

Toly asked for cheese and bacon on his. Such a boy!!!! ;)

Well that’s about it for today. Thank goodness this is a short week for me (I took off on Friday and we leave for the Outer Banks on Saturday morning!) Ah, I just love knowing that a vacation lies at the end of the week!

See you tomorrow!