Food You Like

Okay, so now that you know what kinds of food you're looking for--let me tell you about some of my favorite things to eat (because I know that's what you want to know, right?).

Almost every day I drink a protein shake for breakfast. It's quick, easy, low in calorie, AND it doesn't make me too full because I do a morning workout shortly after that time. But, on the days I don't workout as hard or on the weekends, I'll eat oatmeal or cereal. Frosted mini-wheats or multi grain Cheerios would be my first choices. But, LOTS of cereals are good and low calorie. Just remember to MEASURE what you're eating and the milk you put into it--so you know EXACTLY how many calories you're eating---SO IMPORTANT to measure it out. Don't worry, you'll get used to it.

Lunch: I get a loaf of the Sara Lee 45 calorie bread for myself. My kids and my husband do NOT eat it! I can make a tasty PB & J sandwich. I just MEASURE exactly 1 T. of peanut butter (95 calories) and 1 T. of jelly (I usually use sugar free jelly--but you can use regular for 40 calories more). If you use regular jelly this sandwich has 235 calories and if you use sugar free jelly it's 195!

I also like Turkey sandwiches with a nice lean turkey and a tiny bit of Miracle Whip and maybe even some avocado on top--lettuce, tomato, WHATEVER you like.

Those are my favorite sandwiches and then I'll have some pretzels with it or an apple, or yogurt--just something that sounds good. And then I'll usually have a Quaker granola bar to satisfy my sweet tooth.

There are other things I may eat like lean pockets or a lean cuisine meal--but I eat sandwiches more often.

Dinner is the hardest if you're cooking for a family as well. Sometimes, I'll make something that is very healthy and enjoy it with my family--but I can't afford to cook like that often. So, usually I will eat something else for just me. This is where I will cook up some grilled chicken or some pre-packaged meal that is easy for me. If I REALLY don't feel like cooking, a nice bowl of Multi-Grain Cheerios will usually hit the spot for me. This is definitely the hardest meal for me because I don't enjoy cooking! There are a LOT of great recipes out there though for those of you who do enjoy it! I do try to add some veggies in with whatever I make--unless it's cold cereal (veggies don't really go with that).

I'm all about what sounds good to eat. I don't force myself to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables unless thats what I want to eat that day. The main thing that I focus on is calories and fat in everything I eat.

I almost always get hungry in the afternoons and will eat a snack then. Sometimes I'll make a fruit smoothie with 1 c. of skim milk, 1/2 c. yogurt, and some frozen fruit--really tasty! Sometimes, a skinny cow ice cream sandwich or a Kashi oatmeal cookie--again, things I LIKE!!!

You have to find the foods that you like and are low in calories and fat too. I don't expect you to just eat whatever I eat (although you will lose weight :)

You're trying to find things that fit into YOUR new lifestyle. It takes a little while but you'll find them and I'll share more another time. Just remember to take it one day at a time--small accomplishments each day go a looong way!