What are your healthy must-have foods? Let’s add to the list in the comments at the end of the post!
A fresh start. That’s what 2015 means to me. And although we’re only 9 days into it, I’m so totally pumped. Really, I am. After a year of being sick and pregnant, I’m ready to get back together with my friends. To have family dinners. To get back in the kitchen. To lose my baby weight. To get my strength back. And yes, to fit back in my skinny jeans. (Confession: I’ve been using an elastic band to keep my jeans buttoned, and that’s just gotta stop.)
Sure, some of these may sound contradictory, but what I’ve learned, is it’s all about making right choices. And I’m finding that with the right tools those choices are easier to make.
I’ve signed up (and paid for) a personal trainer. Can’t cancel, no matter how sore I am. And, I’m so so sore. I dread going, but once I’m there he pushes me beyond my comfort zone and I think that’s what’s going to make a huge difference in my strength and fitness level this year.
I’ve started the #MonthofMeals menu collection up again. By planning out my meals, I’m able make healthier choices and do some cooking in advance so I’m not scrounging in the freezer last-minute and pulling out a frozen pizza for dinner. If you haven’t printed off our meal plan calendar yet, hop on over here and grab it. It’s free!
Yes, I need a pedicure. Oh, and for the record – my camera weighs .8 lbs.
I’m going to be held accountable. Yep, weekly sneak peaks at my weight loss journey. Ugh.
I’m sending out the invites. Being pregnant and then having a cranky newborn was a total buzz kill on my social life. Although, we’re still home-bound given that we have three young children, it doesn’t mean that we can’t have some fun while here. I’m lucky in that most of my side of the family lives in town, so family dinners are going to be a weekly event. Plus, I’m planning to schedule some evening playdates and weekend get-togethers so that my work schedule doesn’t intervene with my need to socialize.
Just because I’m planning to entertain more, though, doesn’t mean I have to blow my mission of being fit and healthy! To that end, I have a few new recipes and snacks/appetizers that you can count on me bringing out whenever the need for food arises.
1) Pre-sliced Veggie Sticks. I serve them on appetizer trays (in lieu of chips) and they go on the kids’ plates for any meal. Win. Win.
2) Cheese. Who doesn’t love cheese? Bonus? It’s filling. Another great staple for those appetizer trays, and something else the kids enjoy too. I always have a few blocks of my favorite varieties in my fridge. My go-to’s are aged cheddar and gruyere. I just make sure to pre-portion the cheese and only put a limited amount out. Everything in moderation, folks!
3) In-Shell Pistachios. I. LOVE. PISTACHIOS. For one, they present a mini-challenge. You can’t eat them mindlessly, ’cause you gotta break the bad boys open. But, you can have 30 of them for a great 100 calorie snack! * Plus, the shells serve as a visual cue for how much you’ve consumed. My boys also love them, and talk about entertaining them! They love racing to see who can open the most nuts in the shortest amount of time!
4) Kale. I know, you’re probably tired of hearing about kale. But, I like it for a lot of reasons. Kale Chips. Kale Salad. And then you can wilt it in soups and stews. So versatile! (Recipe coming next week!)
5) And last but not least, rotisserie chicken. Shred up a store-bought rotisserie chicken, and you’ve got endless meal options. Through it into that kale salad. Toss some in with a whole grain pasta dish. Or top off some baked potatoes.
Getting healthy this year? Enter The Year of the Skinny Nut Sweepstakes hosted by the Pistachio Health Institute for a chance to win a year supply of pistachios and start 2015 in style! Sweepstakes runs from January 7 – January 31, 2015
*Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture. National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 27.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
[…] are you doing with keeping New Year’s resolutions? Last week, I shared with you some healthy foods that I’m keeping in my pantry to help stay on the path to a healthier, stronger and fitter me. I’m still going at it […]