SO CLOSE TO SCHOOL

I'm freaking out.  I haven't cleaned my room, packed anything, or really prepared but I DON'T CARE.  Lately I've been going a little crazy but had a great epiphany last night.  Mom and I went to Cheesecake and I got a delicious egg white omelette with spinach, goat cheese, onions, and peppers.  Steamed broccoli on the side along with some tomatoes.  Talk about healthy!  But then I caved for a piece of Reese's cheesecake.  And I'm sorry but it was delicious and hit the spot and will be a great breakfast for me today.  I'm clearly all for healthy, but once in a while when your body craves something (Especially sweets), indulge.  You won't die from eating one slice of cheesecake every once in a while.  Will I make a habit of this and revert back to my old ways of eating brownies as breakfast and fries for dinner? Of course not.  But if I'm craving chocolate will I indulge in something totally decadent and delicious and sugar-y once in a while? Fuck yeah.

Since I've changed my lifestyle I've noticed how important breakfast is.  I NEVER ate breakfast, even when I was competing in track.  If I do eat a huge breakfast, however, I feel really really sick.  I don't know why, but this has happened since I can remember.  Usually for breakfast I have some of the following:

-fruit (apples, bananas, berries, pineapple--really all kinds).
-protein shake (whey shake with either berries or the chocolate peanut butter deliciousness)
-gluten free ezikiel english muffin with peanut butter and/or jelly (PB&J listed below).
-yogurt parfait (non-fat greek style yogurt with berries and sliced almonds)
-EGGS: hard boiled, fried, scrambled, with veggies.  YUM.
-MaCK Muffin (recipe below).
-ME Breakfast cereal (more info to follow).
-Vegan Overnight Oats:
-1/3 cup oats, 1.5 tbsp chia seeds, 1 cup almond milk, 1tbsp dark chocolate cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder.  Mix these ingredients in a bowl and let sit in fridge for 3 hours or overnight.
-Next day add:
-1/2 apple, chopped
-1/4 cup blueberries
-1/4 cup rasberries
-1 tbsp peanut butter
-drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Yeah. Delish.  Here is another VOO recipe:

Chocolate Protein VOO

Ingredients:

-1/3 cup oats

-1 tbsp chia seeds

-2 tbsp dark chocolate cocoa powder or protein powder

-1 cup unsweetened almond milk

-1 banana.

-Optional toppings: peanut butter or unsweetened coconut.

Directions: Mix the oats, chia seed, and chocolate powder in a small bowl with a whisk. Now pour in milk and whisk until clumps are gone. Place in fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight. Add a chopped banana if preferred.

Nutritional information (without banana): 320 kcals, 12 grams fat (3000 mg Omega-3; 900 mg Omega-6), 11 grams fibre, 14 grams protein, 35 grams carbs.

So that is usually my breakfast menu.  I'm really nervous about finding good breakfast foods at school.  I plan to work out before my morning classes (around 9), and I don't want to skip breakfast, so I'm going to have to always pre-make my breakfasts or just wait until lunch time.  I'm also concerned about the eggs at school--I know this sounds snobby but honestly have you people looked at those eggs????  Definitely questionable.  I possibly might buy my own and microwave scrambled eggs every once in a while to get my protein.  Luckily my mom bought me a toaster oven so I am all set to make great breakfasts!!!

Breakfasts served at the DC's that are NOT healthy:

-Cereal

-Bagels

-Pancakes

-Muffins

-Bacon/Sausage

Since we're all going back to school, I thought it would be a great idea to post some basic health tips:

Meals begin with Smart ingredients

1-Plan balanced meals: Nutritionally balanced meals include a proper balance of healthy protein sources, like lean poultry, carbohydrates from whole grains, plus vitamins and minerals from fresh fruit and vegetables.

2-Choose food high in antioxidants: Foods like spinach and blueberries are bursting with antioxidants.  Blueberries are also high in fiber.

3-High-Quality sources of protein: Protein, a macronutrient, is an essential part of a healthy diet.  Proteins help repair body cells, build and repair muscles, and provide a source of energy.  High-quality protein sources include lean meat, poultry, and fish.

4-Whole Grains and Fiber: Whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice are packed with fiber.  Oatmeal for breakfast helps sustain you throughout the morning, giving you the energy you need until your next meal.

5-Maximize the Nutrients: Cooking to retain vitamins and minerals helps retain flavor. 

Walnuts: A Delicious Powerhouse

A Yale University study found that walnuts might improve blood vessel function and decrease your risk of heart disease and diabetes.  And, that’s not all-“Walnuts are very good sources of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and protein, and they’re the only nut that provides a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids,” says Michael Roizen, MD, chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic.  Stick to a handful a day in order to reap blood-vessel benefits without negating your waist-whittling meal plan.

Nutrient Comparisons

Baked Catish with brown rice

Cals: 228

Fat: 4g

Sat. Fat: 1g

Carbs: 23g

Fiber: 2g

Protein: 23g

Sodium: 57mg

Cholesterol: 81mg

Fish and Chips (breaded and fried catfish with French fries)

Cals: 640

Total Fat: 34g

Sat. Fat: 7g

Carbs: 57g

Fiber: 6g

Protein: 25g

Sodium: 584mg

Cholesterol: 92mg

Next post: What I bought for snacks and what YOU can do with them!  Also, when I go to school I will be posting healthy meal ideas with food from DC's.