Eat to Live

What I eat and how much I exercise goes hand in hand.  I want to lose some weight and I know the best way to do that is to increase my cardiovascular exercise and eat healthy food. Exercising is easy for me, but making sure I make smart choices in my diet requires a great deal of awareness on my part.


I make several adjustments so that I can lose the weight. On the other hand, I don't deprive myself of the things I like to eat but I enjoy them in moderation. For instance, I indulge in my favorite Cold Stone Creamery creation; Coffee Lovers Only, once in a while. I know it's high in empty calories but when I crave it, I gotta have it, but in the smallest size. It's just the right amount and it hits the spot.


When it comes to my daily meals, I use a salad plate for my protein and starches but a dinner plate when I eat salads. When I told a gym friend about what I do, she chuckled and asked if I pile food on the salad plate or go back for more. We laughed about it but the answer is no and sometimes. I never pile food on my plate as if there's a pending famine. If I want seconds, I go back for a little more. Majority of the time, I eat till I'm satiated not stuffed.


I think many people trying to lose weight make too many drastic changes in what they eat then they fall off the wagon because they couldn't stay on the restricted diet. Instead of making drastic changes, I eat in moderation, add healthier foods to my diet and eliminate some unhealthy ones. As I learn more about what's good for my body, I've added them to my diet. For instance, ground Flaxseed, Greek Yogurt, Soy Milk, and recently Coconut Milk. I also consume high fiber foods to fill me up, more vegetables and fruits. I'm not a vegetarian but sometimes, I eat like one and not consume any meat. I cut off my eating in the evening around 8 o'clock unless something comes up such as being in the gym or late after school activities with my family. If I have to eat, I reduce my carbohydrate intake. This means no items such as pizza, white rice or bread. Instead, I'll eat hard boiled eggs or salad with avocado slices. I also make a conscious effort not to consume fried or processed high-fat foods.  


I don't have all the answers but I continue to learn and these are some of the things that work for me. Overall, my goal is to eat healthy nutritious foods at every meal. I eat to live not live to eat. What's your favorite healthy nutritious snack or meal? Let me know. Here is to your health.