Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Twenty Questions


I have recently gotten quite a few questions from readers in my inbox and as much as I love replying personally to each one, I feel like a lot of them are similar in context.  I've decided to create an FAQ page, so please, if you have any questions, shoot!  Once I have a good solid 20, I plan to publish an entire page devoted to "Ask me Anything." 

To kick it off, the first question comes from reader Danielle on my eating habits. 

"Do you snack during the day or are you a 3 meals/day kind of a girl?!"

So I am normally a 3 solid meals a day kind of girl but ALWAYS have dessert.  Every single night.  Now my dessert comes in the form of a substantial snack with a sweet touch.  I do this mainly because I run first thing every morning, and since I know from trial and error that I am unable to run so early on an empty stomach, I choose to fuel for this right before bed with a balanced snack of carbs and protein, such as cereal and yogurt, or fruit and cottage cheese.  I'd be lying though if I said I didn't throw in a chocolate chip or two. ;)  My meals are usually so substantial that I never really feel the need to snack in between.  Every day is different.  Somedays I will be ravenous by 11:30 and if I am having a late lunch, I might grab a handful of nuts but most of the time, I make sure that I have such a solid balance to keep me satisfied for hours. 

Let's take a look at today's breakfast for example. 

 
1/4 Cup Kashi Go Lean, 1/4 Cup TJ's Berry O's, Berries, 4oz Pomegranate Chobani, 1 TLB White Chocolate Wonderful Peanut Butter, Granola Sprinkle (probably 2 TBL) 

An overall good balance of carbs, sugars, fats, and protein.  This kept me completely full until 12:30 and I ate it at 6:30am. 



I won't lie, the Iced Coffee and extra fruit are more for my enjoyment than anything.  I could probably be satisfied with just the cereal but let's face it, I'm a fruit and coffee junkie and need my fix. 

Lunch is another meal that I try to keep fully balanced.  Today, I was lucky to have leftovers from the Red Quinoa and Butternut Squash Salad I made last night. 


Along with a carrot and hummus. 



After work, I was planning to go to the gym for a longer workout than normal, so I knew I needed to fuel for it. 

1/2 Banana with 1tsp Dark Chocolate PB

GYM: 
  • 1 mile run warm up on treadmill
  • 60 min Body Pump Class
Pump kicked my booty tonight.  I increased my weights on all sets and I almost didn't make it through triceps.  I know I'll be feeling it tomorrow. 

But I felt fierce and totally pumped up when I was done! Guess that's why they call it Body "Pump". 



Now recovering from exercise is just as important if not more than fueling for it.  I made an ideal balance of recovery foods for dinner. 

First up, BEANs!!  If you want to be healthy, eat more beans!  Haha, okay, just kidding, but seriously, I can't tell you how many health benefits lie in beans and legumes. 



I took these up a notch by placing a serving over a baked sweet potato with spinach, greek yogurt and honey mustard. 


And made a side salad with Arugula, Diced Pear, Walnuts, Zucchini, feta, avocado, and Dried Cherries in a Balsamic Maple Dijon Vinaigrette. 



All that protein, all that healthy fat, all those nutrients!  But yet, all of that delicious taste.  


Another question that I get all the time is how, where, when, and why I grocery shop. People seem to think that because I have massive amounts of produce, I have a small farm in my backyard. Well, let me tell you the truth.  Yes, I eat about 90% fruits and vegetables so naturally, 90% of our grocery bill is on produce.  Let's just say in my 1-2 shopping experience, I spend about 45 min in the produce section alone. Some tips that I have on eating as many fruits and veggies as you can and keep your bank account is to buy in season.  This is obvious but so crucial.  Use the "If you eat the peel buy organic rule."  I know there are so many decrees out there on eating organic but when it comes to my produce, I always tell myself, if I eat the peel, I try to keep it real! :) Lastly, use everything you buy!  This is so important to me because as much as I hate wasting food, I feel a strong sense of loss whenever I have to part with spoiled produce.  I make sure that I don't overbuy but always have just enough to keep me happy all week long.  This one took a bit of practice but I have it down to a science now. 

Again, please keep your questions coming.  I will answer just about anything….within reason! ;) 

Take care everyone! 





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11 comments:

  1. I wish I were a 3-meals-a-day kinda gal...I'm definitely more of a grazer, and honestly, it can get kind of annoying! I always have to remember to pack snacks no matter where I'm going.

    LOVE BODY PUMP! :)

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  2. You are too cute!!! I love your post work-out picture :D

    "All that protein, all that healthy fat, all those nutrients! But yet, all of that delicious taste." I KNOW!!! It's weird to think that I'm a "healthy living" blog.. well actually I don't think of my blog that way lol, but I know that since I use whole foods that it does qualify. But really.. like I said before, when you love cooking I think it just transcends into so many different things :) And I think eating healthily is one of the things.

    The butternut squash salad with quinoa looks absolutely delicious! I have a butternut squash humbly sitting on my counter just waiting to be used. I'm thinking maybe a butternut squash + sweet potato soup.. feeling nostalgic of some weekly eats that I had in Florida :)

    And your tips are spot on!!! Shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store will definitely help keep your bank account at ease.

    XOXO

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  3. Great to learn a bit more about your eating...and I'm right there with you...we spend most of our money on fresh veggies and fruit, and it makes such a difference to shop seasonally. Thanks for sharing sweet girl...love what you do, as always!

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  4. Great post! I hate wasting food too. Right now I have a ton of celery and carrots in the fridge so I'm trying to juice them before they go bad.

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  5. Thanks so much for responding to my question! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one out there that usually just sticks to 3 meals a day :)

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  6. Wow! The Red Quinoa and Butternut Squash Salad looks absolutely delicious. Nice work out pic :)

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  7. Just found you - loving your blog! I too spend so much time in the produce section! Being a vegetarian, I have to!! I spend so much money on produce... now, if I could only get the husband to agree with that decision! :)

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  8. yahhhhhhhhhh pump rocks! I just got done teaching- love that class :) For some reason I feel like an extra good instructor when I hear a lot of grunting and sighing after tracks haha. Great picture of you! You look strong and happy! Your meals look delicious. Love the Red Quinoa and Butternut Squash Salad and dinner- mmm. I am thinking about either doing stuffed potatoes tonight or doing my first stuffed squash of the season (yessssssssss!)

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  9. love body pump :)

    Your meals are always so balanced and colorful! When I eat like that, I usually don't need snacks, either.

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  10. love the photo with your guns flashing and i am SO into that potato & salad, both look great!

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  11. Baked beans in a baked sweet potato w/ spinach and fresh tomato and avocado is my fav. "college meal"!

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