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!

Kale + Brussels Sprouts Salad with Curried Nuts | 3 Day Juice Cleanse

First things first I have a new recipe.  This recipe is an attempt to recreate one of my favorite salad recipes.  I am obsessed with the kale and Brussels salad at Tavern and Table, a restaurant here in Charleston.  It is so good, I dream about it.  Every time my mom is in town we always hit up Tavern and Table just for this salad.  I decided to try my hand at making my own version and it came out exactly like the original.  I was thrilled I can now make my favorite salad at home!

The curried nuts are my favorite part of the salad.  You could make a whole batch of them just to snack on.  They are addictive.  The combination of the kale, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet and spicy curried nuts, tart granny smith apples and salty pecorino cheese is out of this world good.  The salad is best the day you make it but it will save in the fridge for at least a day.  If you keep the ingredients separate it will save even longer. I enjoyed this as my lunch but if you wanted to serve this as a dinner I would simply pair it with some grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish

Enjoy!

|| K A L E + B R U S S E L S  S A L A D  W I T H   C U R R I E D  N U T S ||

- 1 head of kale de-stemmed and chopped

- 1grany smith apple, sliced thinly

- 1 bag Brussels Sprouts, quartered

- 1 jar Marcona Almonds

- 2 teaspoons honey

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 3 teaspoons curry powder

- pecorino cheese

Wash the Brussels Sprouts and cut into quarters.  Toss with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees about 20-25 minutes.  Pull and set aside.

For the Curried Nuts :

Toss the nuts, melted butter, 2 teaspoons curry powder and honey in a bowl until nuts are coated.  Pour on a baking sheet lined with foil.  Bake at 350 degrees about 12-15 mins, stirring the nuts frequently.  Pull from oven and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon curry powder and let them cool.

For the Lemon Tahini Dressing:

( I ended up doubling this) 

- 2 tablespoons tahini

- juice of 2 lemons

- 1 garlic clove

- 2 tablespoons water

- salt

- cayenne pepper

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. 

Place the kale, Brussels sprouts, apples, and nuts in a large bowl.  Pour the dressing over and mix well.  Add the pecorino cheese to taste.

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3 DAY JUICE CLEANSE

Several of you asked and wanted to know how my juice cleanse went.

  I had never done a juice cleanse before but always toyed with the idea of doing one.  So when Blend Juice Bar (my favorite juice spot in town) reached out about doing a cleanse I was all over it.  It was perfect timing after my trip to NYC and a fairly indulgent Summer. 

Why did I do the Cleanse?

I did the cleanse not to lose weight but to re-set by body.  After a glutinous Summer,  I felt like my appetite was out of control and I just felt super bloated.  I wanted to flush my body and try to curb some of the cravings I was having.  I was feeling the need to snack frequently between meals and wanting something sweet after each meal.  I also just felt tired most days.  I wanted to change that.

Was the cleanse harder or easier than I thought it would be?

The cleanse was honestly easier than I thought it would be.  The hardest part was controlling my mind.  The juices actually kept me pretty full but my mind kept thinking about food and just wanting to chew on something.  Food was all I thought about for those 3 days.  It made me realize I eat a lot out of boredom and just to chew.  Since the cleanse I am trying to be more mindful about what I eat. 

Day One

The first day went really well.  Each juice tasted better than the next one.  They were such different flavors it really kept me satisfied plus I looked forward to trying what juice was next.  The white juice, which was a cashew/coconut water/cinnamon blend was so tasty.  Sterling tried it and claimed it tasted just like cinnamon toast crunch. 

I love how Blend has labels on each juice so you know exactly what is in your drink.  You drink them in a certain order and I loved all 5 of them.

I have tried several of the juices like Suja that you can buy at the grocery store and these fresh pressed ones taste so much better and they cost roughly the same.

Day Two

I woke up and felt great.  I had so much energy and my mind just felt clear and not foggy.  Before the cleanse I would wake up so tired and now I was having so much more energy.  Day two was harder than day one mainly because I just wanted to chew something.  I caved that night and ate one carrot and one piece of celery before bed.

Day Three

Once again I woke up and felt great.  I actually woke up before my alarm even went off.  So much energy.  Around lunch time I got super spacey and felt really weak.  I also got a killer headache. I ended up eating later that day because I just felt so out of it out.  Not sure if you are supposed to the eat the same day you finish your cleanse but I did.  A few hours after I ate my headache went away and I felt much better.

Results and would I do it again?

I would 100% do a juice cleanse again.  I would however probably just do a 1 or 2 day cleanse.  By the third day I was ready to be done.  I lost 4 pounds, 2 of which I have already gained back as I figured I would because it was water weight.  I do feel less bloated and I have been much more mindful about what I eat. The craving sweets after every meal is gone. I don't feel the need for dessert everyday.    I feel like the cleanse really helped clean out my body and flush out toxins.  I peed so much those first 2 days and my pee was completely clear so I know I was super hydrated.  Since the cleanse I have tried to drink way more water. Overall it was a great experience.

Blend Info

For locals that are interested in doing a cleanse, you can call Blend or go online to order.  It was so easy each day I just stopped by and my bottles were in a cooler case in the fridge near the front door ready to go.  They offer three different cleanses : Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.  I did the Beginner Cleanse which costs $50 a day.  If you don't want to do a cleanse you should stop by Blend anyways and try one of their juices or smoothies- my favorites are the green juice and green smoothie! I also love the wheat grass and Nature's Flu shots.

*Blend did not compensate me to write this post but they did graciously give me a free juice cleanse.  All thoughts and opinions are purely my own.

Daily Diet + Exercise Plan + Workout Gear

Today I wanted to share a little bit about my current diet and work out plan.  I am always on a mission to tone up and get fit and I feel like I finally have a good routine down.  I am 36 and since I am most likely done having babies I really want to try and be in the best shape I can.  

My goal is to feel good in a bikini next Summer.  I always wear one pieces because I feel too uncomfortable about my body in a two piece and I want to change that.  I am not getting any younger so I want to proudly rock a two piece while I can. 

I recently started doing some one on one training twice a week and I swear 3 weeks in and I can already see small results.  I reached out to my barre teacher Ashley Morris (at Pivotal Fitness) about training me one on one.   She has an amazing body and I love her classes.  They are not typical barre and really challenge you in a good way.   I knew she would hold me accountable and help me see the results I wanted.  If you live locally and are interested in training with her you can email her at chucktownfitchick@gmail.com.  She is amazing and trust me her body is insane- major goals. 

Ashley wanted me to have 5 set workout days.  Some weeks I only make 4 days but 5 is always my goal.  I prefer to knock them out during the week so I can relax on the weekend.  I always workout from 8:30-9:30.  I take Sterling to school around 7 come home and change and get Frances ready for school then head to the gym.  Her school doesn't start til 9:45 so she comes to the gym nursery with me.  That was a huge reason why I joined this gym because of child care.  I am the type of person where if I don't work out first thing in the morning I will make excuses, so I like to get my workouts done early.  Now that I have been going more often I feel like my body actually craves gym time.  I feel so much better on my gym days.  

This is my current schedule:

MONDAY- 1 hour barre class

TUESDAY- 1 hour training session

WEDNESDAY- Red Zone class - this is a boot camp similar to orange theory lots of cardio and circuits

THURSDAY- 1 hour barre or yoga

FRIDAY - 1 hour training session

For our training sessions we do mainly weights and ab work.  I really didn't lift any weights prior to this so I feel like I am starting to get more definition.  We focus all over the body and do leg work, arms, butt and abs.  Either before or after we train she has me to the stair mill for 15 minutes at between a 5-7 pace.  That machine is the devil.  I hate it and I am always so sweaty afterwards but it burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time. 

After 6 weeks I will give you guys an update.  We did some initial measurements and I will be curious to see the results.  So far I have lost 3 pounds and I am feeling more toned, my stomach also feels flatter.  

D I E T 

As far as my diet goes for the most part I eat fairly healthy.   I have really tried to cut out processed foods.  This is really hard for me because I love crackers, gold fish, cereal, if its a snack food and processed you name it and I used to snack on it.   I am getting used to it though and don't crave that stuff like I used to.  On the weekends I give myself a little more leeway.  I am not super strict, I love food so if I have a dinner out I am going to indulge and eat what I want.  

Here is a sample daily diet of what I eat.  Keep in mind I am not a nutritionist this is just me trying to eat healthy and feel good.  Everyone has different bodies and body types so you gotta do what works for you! 

B R E A K F A S T 

I always start the day with hot lemon water.  Followed by one cup black decaf coffee.  My breakfast is usually PB on whole grain toast and a little yogurt. I have been too burned out on eggs to eat them. Ashley said the complex carbs of the multigrain bread and the protein from the yogurt were a good morning combo to eat before I work out.  Since I work out from 8:30-9:30 I usually eat breakfast around 7:30.

After I work out I usually hit up Starbucks.  Probably a bad treat but I love it,  They just opened a drive through Starbucks beside my gym and it is bad news.  I usually get a tall decaf almond milk latte.  I also like a non fat green tea latte.   I have mentioned this before but after I had Frances I gave up most caffeine.  It was making me feel jittery and anxious and I feel so much better without it but I do still love my coffee.  

L U N C H 

I usually try and prep a few salads to have on hand for my lunch during the week although I typically eat lunch out at least one day a week with friends.

This week was No Mayo Broccoli Salad + White Bean Salad

The week before was Greek Salad + Couscous.

Tuna + White Bean Salad and Hummus is another go to lunch.

If I do eat lunch out I try and do a salad.  This week I ate at Taco Boy and had the Chicken Salad.

D I N N E R 

Dinner is a little more of a wild card.  I have been trying to cook healthier on a whole.  A few recent dinners I have had the past few weeks.  

Arugula + Crispy Prosciutto + Blue Cheese + Figs + Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Chopped Kale Chicken Caesar Salad

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

S N A C K S 

I honestly don't snack much.  If I do it is string cheese, olives or nuts.  

A L C O H O L + B E V E R A G E S 

Yes,  I still have alcohol.  I would rather cut back on calories during the day to allow for a glass or two of wine at night.  As far as other beverages go I only drink water, sparkling water or unsweet tea during the day.  

F A V O R I T E  W O R K O U T  G E A R

Nikes

I bought these Nikes over the Summer and love them.  They are the TR 6 OC Training ones.  They are light weight and work perfectly for the exercises I have been doing. 

I have this black color, they are 20% off right now.

30% here in several colors

My two favorite workout pants are both high waisted.  After two kids I need all the help I can get sucking it in.  I highly recommend both of these.  Sizing wise I wear a small in the Zella ones and a 6 in the Lululemon ones.  

Zella High Waisted  | in a full length version

Lululemon High Rise Pants

These are a bit more expensive but I promise you worth every penny.  These make me feel like a million bucks when I have them on,  The material is fantastic and they really suck you in and are so flattering.

Sculpt Tank

I love this top because it is not too fitted and it has the cutest back.  I own this in a few colors.  

I am wearing it here in navy., paired with the black lulu pants and nikes above. 

Side Slit Tank

I have mentioned before but I prefer tops that are not super fitted when I workout.  I love this style.  The cotton is so soft, I usually wear this for barre classes.

Also in pink, black and white

Twist Front Tee

This is great to toss on over any workout tank.  It is so soft too!  I have the black but I am thinking of getting another color. 

Define Jacket

This is my favorite jacket to toss on when it is cold.  I find it is super flattering.  I am wearing a size 6. 

Yoga Mat

This was a Christmas gift last year and I love it!  I like to bring my own mat for barre and yoga.

Also available in several other patterns HERE