What I Eat || A 3 Day Food Diary

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is what do I eat on a daily basis.   Do I diet and how do I stay thin?  I have to admit I love seeing what other people eat (especially celebrities).  I loved when Kristen Cavallari did a three day food diary so I thought I would do the same.  I tried to photograph every thing I put in my mouth best I could.   This was from this current week,  I documented Monday-Wednesday.

A few things.  I am happy with my weight right now, so it is more about maintaining this weight and not gaining.  I do not diet.  I love food way too much to restrict myself from anything.  I try to eat clean 70% of the time.  I do actually love salads and crave vegetables.  I am that weird person that when everyone else orders a burger I want the salad.  But I also love pizza, Mexican food, and indulging in alcohol too.   For me it is about enjoying those things in moderation.  I try to avoid pre-packaged and processed foods as much as I can.  I also try not to snack too much.  I try to eat fairly healthy during the week so on the weekends I can eat what I want and then get back on track Monday.   On Mondays and Tuesdays I focus heavily on a mostly vegetarian diet with no alcohol.   Those two days are like detox days to me, to cleanse from the weekend.   During the day I only drink water or unsweet green tea and lots of it.  I have just started exercising again but for me my weight is more determined by what I eat than rather I exercise or not.  I exercise for my mental sanity and to tone up not to lose weight.  I also want to mention I try and drink hot lemon water at least once a day, sometimes I don't but I think if you can it is so good for you.

DAY ONE || MONDAY

Breakfast was homemade green juice.  The kids had a doctors appt so I did not have time to eat.  The juice is 2 apples, 1 bunch spinach, kale, 1 lemon, 1 jalapeno and fresh mint.

Lunch was Barefoot Contessa' s Quinoa Tabbouleh (from the Cookbook Make It Ahead) , a toasted whole wheat pita, hummus and marinated feta.

Dinner that night was Earthfare Sushi.  I normally buy a few rolls and me and Matt and Sterling share them all.  I try to brown rice when they have it.  I ate about a whole roll that night.

After I put the kids to bed I make Lemon Ginger Water.  I fill a pot with fresh water and add one sliced lemon and sliced pieces of fresh ginger and bring to a boil.  I drink about 2 glasses before bed.

DAY TWO || TUESDAY

Breakfast was my standard Avocado Toast (I use fresh 9 grain bread from the Harris Tetter or Publix bakery), two pieces of turkey bacon, and half a grapefruit.  Plus a cup of decaf coffee and 1/2 a Suja Master Cleanse.

 I met a friend for lunch at Xao Bao Biscuit.  I had the Cabbage Pancake.  I ate about 3/4 of it and drank hot lemon water with it.

Afternoon snack.  I can not resist goldfish. The kids and I split one of the small cartons of gold fish.

Dinner was green soup with avocado toast and sprouts.  I found this green soup recipe in Molly Sims new book and really liked it, although I added a little cheese and hot sauce to mine.

Green Soup

To make the soup you sautee 1/2 onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.  Add in a quart of Chicken stock and bring to a boil.  Add in one large head of broccoli trimmed, one bunch of kale stems removed and let simmer covered about 15 minutes.  Then add in 1 box or bag of baby spinach, salt and pepper.  Use an immersion blender and puree the whole thing.  I then added in fresh grated Parmesan cheese and haberno sauce to give it some flavor.

That night before bed I drank hot lemon water (no ginger this time) and took a shot of aloe vera juice.

I have read nothing but great things abut the health benefits of aloe vera juice.   I ordered mine here.

DAY THREE || WEDNESDAY

Breakfast was half a grapefruit, two pieces of turkey bacon and two energy balls.

I keep energy balls in my fridge most of the time, they are a great easy breakfast and the kids love them too.

Energy Balls : They are super easy to make: Mix 1 cup oats, 3/4 cups shredded coconut, 1/3 cup honey,1/2 cup Peanut Butter,  1/2 mini chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla. 1 tsp cinnamon.  Refrigerate for 30 mins then roll into balls.  Add flax seed or chia seeds if desired.

I had a piece of string cheese between breakfast and lunch.  I picked up lunch on the go because I had a million errands to run.  I eat in my car at least once a week!  I had the kale salad and spicy carrots from Butcher and Bee.

I was craving chocolate so I had one Justins Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup- these are so darn good.  It is hard not to eat both but I usually try to only eat one.

Dinner.  Wednesdays are always taco night.  I always have tequila too.

I normally eat two tacos one hard and one soft with no sides.

 I also normally have tequila.  We buy good tequila and just sip it.  I never drink mixed drinks it is extra calories.

Whew.  Are you bored yet?? That is what I ate for three days.  I am not health expert but I do try to take care of my body and this is what works for me.

Love to hear any tips or eating secrets you have!

I Wanna Talk About Me.

Remember that Toby Keith song, "I Wanna Talk About Me?"  Well that is precisely what we are going to do today.  I have been inspired by Chassity, Liz, and Alex's posts revealing things about themselves.  It is always fun to learn more about someone.   I love honest posts like that.  In honor of my Birthday being Sunday I thought it would be fun to share some stuff about myself.  So here are 25 things you may or may not know about me!

1. I was 30 lbs heavier in College.  When I delivered Sterling I basically weighed what I did while I was in college.  Can't believe I am showing this but here is a pic.  I was a big girl and look how skinny and baby faced Matt was.  I ate and drank all the time.  Please laugh, I know how fat my face looks and I really should have re-thought the strapless dress.   But you know what I had fun and I wouldn't change a thing- except you better believe I won't ever weigh that again!

2. I only applied to two colleges, North Carolina State and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  I always wanted to be a Tarheel and go to Carolina (the real Carolina).  I actually got deferred from Carolina first round and was all set up to go to State and room with my best friend.  I got in Carolina in May and promptly ditched my plans at NC State and never looked back.  I wish Sterling would go there but boy needs to get a scholarship since we are now out of state!

3. When I was about 14 I started collecting Absolute Vodka ads, I collected so many I made a border around my bedroom.  My parents were so good about letting me hang what I wanted to in my bedroom.  Those ads used to be so cool.  I wish I had saved them all now.

4. I am terrified of flying.  I hate it but I will do it.  It makes me break out in a sweat even thinking about getting in a plane.  I hate that feeling when the door closes and locks and you know you are stuck on there.  I have issues.

5.  I have major anxiety about alot of things but I won't ever take medicine for it.  I don't even like to take tylenol for a headache

6. My wedding dress was basically the first dress I tried on.  I knew exactly what I wanted.  My mom made me shop around to make sure,  but I knew.  5 years later, I still am happy with my choice.

8. Matt and I met our freshman year of College.  He was in town in Chapel Hill visiting a friend and we met at a fraternity party.  We shared a kiss and that was it. He left the next day to go to back Wilmington.   I didn't see or talk to him til 4 years later, but I talked about him all the time.   He ended up transferring to Chapel Hill.  We ran into each other again and that was it, together forever.

9.  We dated 6 years before we got engaged.  We have been together 12 years now.

10.  I am the oldest of three kids.  My sister is 2 years younger than me and my brother is 5 years younger than me.  My whole family lives in Charlotte, I am the only one in Charleston and I miss them like crazy.

11. I only drink 1/2 a cup coffee each morning.  Too much caffeine makes me shaky and anxious.  Then for the rest of the day all I drink is water or unsweet green tea (and wine most nights).  I don't drink any sweetened drinks.

12. I am the least athletic person in my family.  I am not good at any sports.  I was a cheerleader in Junior High, but lets be real I never did back flips or cartwheels or anything, I was always the base of the pyramids.   This picture is up at my sweet grandfathers house- and yep that is my real hair color.

13.  We had a blow up doll at my Bachelorette Party (Peter Pecker).   This picture was cropped out for obvious reasons:) I had to carry him around all night and the funny thing was his face was actually a photograph of a real persons face plastered on the doll.   He was one well traveled doll.  He went to all my friends bachelorette parties from Las Vegas to Miami.  Can you imagine if the airplane officials found him in one of our suitcases?  Peter was the hit of the weekend.

14. My favorite band is Mumford and Sons.  That CD is usually on in my car.

15. I am an online shopping freak.  I love getting packages delivered to my house.  I return 70% of what I order but it is nice to try on in your own house.

16.  I am a morning person.  I like to go to bed early and get up early.  I am usually in bed by 9 most nights and up around 6- 6:30.

 17. My all time favorite song is the Gambler by Kenny Rogers. 

18. My celebrity crush is Adam Levine.  Normally I am not a fan of tattoos but on him me likey.  He is so sexy.

19. Before I had Sterling I was an Architectural Rep for 7 years.  I would meet with architects and designers repping a few lines of countertops and hardware.  Sometimes I wish I had gone to design school.

20.  I hit up TjMaxx and Marshalls once a week.  You have to go often to find good stuff.  I love digging thru and trying to find a bargain

21. I love to collect glasses.  Especially tiny ones.  I love drinking out of small vintage glasses.  These tiny purple glasses are some of my favorite.  

22. I am not outdoorsy or adventurous at all.  I have never been camping or hiking, and really I don't care too.  Matt had to talk me into Snorkling on our honeymoon,  even that scared me.

23. When we went to NYC  a few years ago I made my family eat at Bobby Flay's restaurant, Bar Amercain because I was so obsessed with him.  Would you believe he actually stopped in that night?  I could not believe my luck, I quickly went up to stalk him and sweet Matt grabbed my camera to get our picture.  Random but he was way shorter in person than I thought he would be.  But it was the highlight of my trip!

24.  Meat weirds me out.  I could almost be a vegetarian.  I love hamburgers but don't like steak.  I also hate pork tenderloin and most chicken. I think it is thick meat that grosses me out.  I do love all fish and shellfish and bacon!

25. I have only been out of the country once (unless you count the Virgin Islands).  I went to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with my family when I was 21.  It was neat to see a foreign country and wow was it gorgeous over there,  but I much prefer travels in the USA.  I had a panic attack about the 8 hour plane ride home and seriously didn't think I would make it.  A lady had to coach me on breathing exercises.  I survived but may stick to shorter flights from now on.

..........................................................................
There you have it a few random facts about me.  Now I am off to celebrate my birthday.  I have a fun morning DT planned with my girl Caycee and then wine with a good friend tomorrow and alot of quality time with my boys.  I thankful because 32 was a good year, here's to hoping 33 is even better. 

 

Losing the Last of the Baby Weight

 That right there is my inspiration body.  I look at it often for encouragement to run or not have seconds.  I mean her body is amazing.  Does my body look like this?  Nah not even close but it provides me with some killer inspiration.

Today's topic is a reader request.  I have actually gotten several emails about this, so I wanted to take the time and write about it.

  I always welcome suggestions so shoot me an email if there is a particular topic you would like me to write about.

Today we shall discuss losing the last of the baby weight and how hard it is.  I am proud to say I finally lost those last 4-5 lbs I was struggling with a few months back.  I actually weigh less now than I did when I got married.  But it took time to get to this point and it was not easy.   I have reached my goal weight but I will be honest I still don't feel totally comfortable in a bikini, my stomach is saggy and I have cellulite.  I do however love my body saggy tummy and all, it housed two healthy babies for 9 months each and that is damn incredible.  What our bodies do is a true miracle.  I will most likely never look exactly like I looked before I had my kids (I know my belly button won't) but this is the new normal and I am ok with that.

The first thing I want to say is truly give your body nine months to get back to normal.  It took you nine months to gain that weight and for your body to expand so it takes time to get back to your pre-baby body.  I remember even when I lost weight my hips and shoulders were still too big to fit in many of my clothes- it takes time for it all to shrink back.  A lot of weight will come off in the beginning and then you will hit a plateau, that holds true for most women.  Don't get discouraged and compare yourself to others or celebrities who seem to bounce back a few weeks after delivery,  that ain't real life.   Your body housed a baby for nine months it will take time to get back to what feels normal for you.  I would say it probably was around when Frances turned one that I hit my goal weight and felt really good about my body.

For me (and remember everyone is different) my weight loss comes more from what I eat than exercise.  I weigh more when I workout more because I end up eating more.  Like right now I am up 2-3 lbs because I have been running more.  I always tend to gain a few pounds when I start exercising more but then it evens off and my body looks way better and tighter.  The initial weight gain is from muscle so don't let it freak you out.  I love to workout for the mental aspect mainly.  I am much happier and I have so much more energy when I work out.  Just last night before I went to bed I told Matt I was feeling so much better since I started exercising more.

I am no expert in this field but wanted to share a few things that worked for me.

ONE | You don't have to workout everyday but when you do workout make it count.  Sweat.  When I workout I workout hard.  Running for me and my body is what works best and burns the most calories and tones me.  It is a full body workout.  Yoga is great too but I have a hard time fitting in time for a class.  Running is easy because I can walk out my door while everyone is still sleeping and be done in 30-40 minutes. I aim to burn around 500 calories when I exercise.

TWO | Make time for exercise.  I go thru phases where a get in a rut and in a bad mood from not working out.  A few weeks ago I thought to myself you are the problem, get your act together.  Now I make it a priority and every other day I wake up at 6:20 and run.  Personally if I don't workout first thing in the morning I will blow it off and make an excuse.  Plus it is a great start to my day and I don't have it hanging over my head all day.  I feel energized and ready to tackle the day.

THREE| Hot lemon water first thing in the morning.  This flushes out your body and helps you digest food easier.  I have stuck with this and really look forward to my water first thing in the morning.  I drink this before my coffee and before I eat anything.

FOUR | Avoid processed foods.  You all know I love food and I would never diet but I do try and avoid eating too many processed foods. Of course if the kids are eating goldfish I eat a few but otherwise I try to stick to fairly clean meals.

FIVE | Eat grapefruit.  I don't know if this a myth but I read somewhere grapefruit ups your metabolism.  I swear when I started eating it in the mornings I lost my last few pounds.

SIX | Try not to weigh everyday it will just drive you crazy.  I weigh about twice a week and sometimes only once a week.  I do feel like it is important to weigh once a week to keep yourself in check.  If I am up a few pounds, I cut back on my eating.  It is a good wake-up call.

SEVEN | Squeeze in exercise when you can.  For me if I don't work out very first thing in the morning I will not get it done.  But often times on days I don't work out, I still try to do squats and leg lifts before bed.  Every little thing helps

SEVEN |Make a new playlist every few weeks.  New music really motivates me to exercise. 

Here is my current one and I have to say Work B**ch is an excellent motivator (gotta love Britney).

EIGHT | Cut back on alcohol- we all know this is hard with small children. I try to have a few days (let's be real two days a week and sometimes that is only one day but I always make that one day happen) with not a drop of alcohol.  It saves so many calories.

As far as meals go here is a typical day of what I eat (this is actually what I ate Tuesday)

Snacks included some crispy peas and two dark chocolate and sea salt squares. 

I only drink water and unsweetened green tea during the day.

I really try not to snack too much.

BREAKFAST

Bread toasted with peanut butter, sliced banana and honey. I also have a cup of hot lemon water and 1 cup decaf coffee.

LUNCH

Veggie sandwich from Atlanta Bread Company + small bag of chips

DINNER

Tuscan Chicken Cakes  + 2 glasses of Rose

There is honestly no quick fix to lose the weight it just takes time.  But exercise and eating clean does help.

I have shared this quote before and I love it.  It relates to so many aspects of life from being pregnant, to having kids and losing the baby weight.  I tell myself this often.

Good luck to all you struggling to lose the last few pounds I know it is hard but it will happen!

Stay confident and love your body!

Meal Planning + Weekly Meal Ideas + Grocery Shopping

Happy Friday!  Today I am answering a request from a reader wanting to know how I meal plan and grocery shop. 

I have to say I love to cook and I actually love to grocery shop too (especially when I am kid free).   My happy place is truly in the kitchen with a glass of wine cooking.  That being said I do not cook everyday, who has time for that with small kids?  I do cook 2-3 times a week.  The other days we eat leftovers and on Fridays we always order food usually pizza or Thai food.   

GROCERY SHOPPING + MEAL PLANNING

I am not the best about planning out meals in advance and grocery shopping for the week.  I would say I go to the store several times a week however I do make my big run for the week on withe Sunday or Monday morning.  If I go Sunday Matt usually watches the kids or if I don't make it Sunday I will go Monday after I take Frances to school.  Grocery shopping with two whiney kids is never easy so I try to do it alone.  If I make a quick run during the week I usually do this when both kids are in school or occasionally we all go after we pick Sterling up from school.

As far as meal planning I usually flip through my cookbooks on Sunday and try and get a vague idea of what I want to cook that week.  I love to cook a big Sunday dinner.  It is a nice way to wind down from the weekend and all sit down as a family and eat.

This week's menu was:

SUNDAY- Black bean cakes + Squash Casserole

MONDAY- Gnocchi and Vodka Sauce (I bought this from the Farmers Market, I always pick up their pasta and keep it in the freezer for quick weeknight meals) + leftover squash casserole

TUESDAY- Garden Veggie Pie + green peas

WEDNESDAY- Leftover Garden Veggie Pie 

THURSDAY- Fish Tacos + black beans + street corn

FRIDAY- Pizza

WHAT DO THE KIDS EAT?

I can't tell you how often I get the question what do your kids eat?  Do they eat the same thing as Matt and I?  90% of the time yes they eat what Matt and I are having for dinner.  I try hard not to cook a separate meal for them.  Now sometimes I will serve the meal in a different way like if I make a chopped salad I leave the lettuce off their plates and just do the toppings they will eat. 

  Do they complain?  Always.  Most nights Sterling sits down and exclaims this all looks gross I am not eating.  To which we reply fine then you may go straight to bed and then usually he changes his mind.

  Sterling as much as he complains has turned into a pretty good eater and now Frances is my picky one.  If they do not eat their dinner they do not get anything else to eat and trust me they go to bed hungry often.  Sterling is old enough that I will offer him dessert if he eats a certain portion of his dinner and that usually inspires him to eat.  Frances is harder these days and very stubborn.  She is going thru a phase where she likes no veggies and just wants to eat fruit.  

If I have an event or I am going out and not cooking that night I will usually cook something frozen for them like chicken nuggets or fish sticks, or pick up sushi.  As far as frozen foods go I usually only buy the Morning Star, kidfresh and Amy's products for them.  I know they are are processed too but they are not quite as bad as other brands.

ARE WE ALL MEAT FREE?

Matt is the only true meat free person in our house and he is a pescatarian.   He will eat fish and shellfish just no meat of any kind.  The kids and I do still eat meat although I don't really eat red meat anymore.  I do still eat my beloved bacon and chicken occasionally .  The kids eat everything although I don't cook with much meat anymore. Sterling will sometimes ask for beef tacos so when he does I make Matt and I fish tacos and cook a small batch of red meat for him.   I also pick up a rotisserie chicken sometimes and shred that for them.  Now that I don't meat that often I don't ever crave it so really the only time I eat it when I am out to eat.

GROCERY STAPLES EACH WEEK

I have a few items I always buy each week at the grocery store to have on hand for easy lunches and dinners.

Rao's Marinera (great with the Trader Joe's ravioli)

cherry tomatoes

baby cucumbers

lemons

kale

spinach

chick peas

dried beans

bread 

pimento cheese

cheese

salami and or pepperoni

onions

bananas

Ravioli and or fresh pasta (I buy this at the Farmer's Market but Trader Joe's has some great ravioli)

canned salmon 

WHEN DO I COOK?

Depending on what I am making I usually start cooking while Frances naps in the afternoon and Sterling is still at school between 1-2:30.   That is when I do most of my prep work or if it is something like enchiladas or a casserole I assemble the entire dish.  If it requires more work and cooking time after that I start up again at 5-5:30.  I usually bathe the kids by 5, I like an early bath time and dinner.   Then after bath I let them watch a tv show while I finish up dinner.

DO WE ALWAYS EAT AS A FAMILY?

I would say maybe 3 nights a week Matt is home in time to eat with us.  The other nights when he works a little later I sit down and eat with the kids usually by 6.   They are like vultures starting around 5 wanting snacks, telling me how hungry they are and starving so I try and serve them dinner early.  I am usually hungry by then anyways so even if Matt is not home I sit down and eat with them.  I think it is nice to sit down, say a blessing together and chat about their days.

EASY WEEK NIGHT MEALS 

I wanted to round up a few easy week night meals.

A few go-to's that are not pictured are Ravioli, veggie plate- I usually do something like roasted broccoli, slow cooked dried beans and mac and cheese, sushi, and salmon cakes.

T O M A T O  P I E

I make this dish at least once a month.  I love it and the kids will usually eat it. 

S H R I M P  T A C O S

We do tacos at least one night a week.  Our new favorite are these Shrimp Tacos although sometimes we sub flounder or mahi for the Shrimp.  I usually prep all the ingredients like the salsa and cabbage before hand so then at dinner time all we have to do is cook the shrimp or fish.

T U S C A N   C H I C K E N  C A K E S

These are great because you can assemble them ahead of time and just keep in the fridge til you are ready to cook them.  I also make these Salmon cakes frequently too.

E N C H I L A D A S

I alway love enchiladas because you can assemble the whole dish ahead of time.   I also like this black bean version and these beef ones.

C H I C K E N   L E T T U C E  W R A P S

These are fairly quick to assemble and so tasty!

K O R E A N  B E E F  B O W L S

We used to make these all the time back when Matt still ate meat.  Super simple and full of flavor.

V E G G I E  S T U F F E D  P O R T O B E L L O  M U S H R O O M S

You can stuff and assemble these ahead of time and then just bake.  They one of my favorite vegetarian meals.   I also like this version with broccoli and gouda.

S O U T H E R N   C O B B   S A L A D 

I always love a chopped salad for dinner.  You can chop everything and have it ready to at dinner all you have to do is toss everything together.  

Happy Cooking!