It is amazing how quickly good nutrition seems to impact our bodies. We are only 2 days in and I’m already feeling so much lighter and balanced. Of course this was AFTER this morning’s workout. It was a bit of a struggle and I think that is because we are sweating out the heavier foods and their side effects… (it could also be the higher than normal humidity due to the monsoons, but still). When I eat foods high in processed sugar or lots of salt, I really notice how it effects my mood and energy levels. I have high hopes for tomorrow, when we have even more sleep in our own bed and more plants in our systems. Never underestimate the power of the food you eat — both positively and negatively. That’s why I like to do these check-ins often. It’s a good way to ensure we are maintaining a healthy balance of the most nutritionally dense foods.

I also want to say, we are far from perfect. Just because I have a blog and know a lot about healthy eating, doesn’t mean I always make the best choices. OR that I would ever judge anyone else for theirs. I think sometimes people forget that I’m human and will eat a donut if I feel like it; OR conversely they expect me to be 100% ON at all times and will judge ME if I’m not. (I’ve experienced it on both ends, from various people.) But that’s not real life. The point of my blog, and what I share here, is to share the HEALTHY stuff I eat, because the junk is EVERYWHERE. Nobody needs to see that HERE. I created my blog as a sanctuary AWAY from all that food. So people have a place to go when they need inspiration for healthy recipes, or to see that IT CAN BE DONE.

Lastly, (and then I’ll get on with it) this blog is as much for me as it is for others. When I thought about not renewing the blog, I thought, “I’ll have to download all my recipes and put them into a cookbook!” We use the site more than others do I’m sure! LOL It serves as my public diary on my journey of life; especially as it relates to exercise and nutrition.

Today we started off with a short run through the neighborhood, followed by a 30 minute yoga routine. Nothing over the top, but just enough to get the blood flowing and heart pumping.

Something I forgot to mention yesterday, I’m really trying to focus on drinking enough water and herbal tea. We both cut out our black, half-caff coffees for the week too, just for the heck of it.

BREAKFAST: Fresh pressed juice from carrot, parsley, celery, spinach, cucumber, apple and lemon. I then added 1 tsp. maca powder, 1 tsp. turmeric powder, and 1/4 of an avocado. 255 calories, 38 g carbs, 5 g fat, 22 g sugar

SNACK 1: Tomato, yellow pepper, green onion and avocado (delicious and super simple to make!) 159 calories, 53 g carbs, 10 g fat, 2 g protein, 9 g sugar

LUNCH: This was out at a restaurant called Flower Child. I met my friend Kristin for lunch (we JUST SO HAPPENED to see Steven Tyler too! =) I totally had to guess on this one, since they don’t have nutrition info online or in their restaurant. But it was pretty basic, and I was hungry in 2 hours, so I think I’m pretty close with this. 241 calories, 23 g carbs, 9 g fat, 9 g protein, 8 g sugar

SNACK 2: Shakeology with water, ice and 10 almonds. 239 calories, 25 g carbs, 9 g fat, 19 g protein, 10 g sugar

DINNER: Broccoli, carrots, kale, red cabbage, onion, mushrooms, peppers, wild rice and white beans. 324 calories, 69 g carbs, 2 g fat, 15 g protein, 10 g sugar

SNACK 3: Watermelon! 60 calories, 15 g carbs, 0 g fat, 1 g protein, 12 g sugar

Today was a success in terms of sticking to my ‘green foods first’ principle. But I didn’t eat quite enough, so I’m a little hungry right now, but it’s almost time for bed. I will be sure to have a BIG breakfast tomorrow, vs. just a light breakfast. Or maybe make a conscious effort to have more snacks? I’m learning as I go — it’s tricky to know how much to eat to stay full. It’s been hard to not just grab some chips when I’m hungry and force myself to stop and cup up veggies. But that’s the whole goal here!

Final numbers for today:

What is your favorite way to avoid foods that don’t offer any nutritional value?