A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon my mom's copy of the South Beach Diet, which had been collecting dust for several years. I recalled that my best C-kill friend had tried it out and had lost a bunch of weight. Of course she later told me a majority of it was from not eating much in general, and after beginning the diet I could see why. Over the course of two weeks I cheated 2-3 times by having cereal for breakfast (I love cereal for breakfast, and anything else that is sugary and not eggs, but I at least kept it to a cereal that was under 5g of sugar!)... In any case, I was feeling good about this change. The next "stage" of this diet has pretty much turned back to me eating more of what I want, less of the healthier things I should be eating. This includes vegetables. This was a huge struggle for me, because the first two weeks called for eating 1/2c veggies with breakfast, and 2c each with lunch and dinner. Obviously I could barely ever make that cut, considering I can name all the vegetables I like on 1 or 2 hands. So where does someone go from there, that really needs to incorporate veggies into healthier foods.
It's actually a lot more complicated than one would think, without just packing them into other calorie-rich foods... which would be my plan. I read so many blogs, articles, and opinions about ideas for adding veggies, trying new recipes, and just plain sucking it up and eating the damn things fresh. I'm a grown up, I shouldn't be struggling this much- but I am! I like corn and peas a lot- but go figure they are high in sugar and not the best ones for you. I can also tolerate lettuce for salads, but then of course you have to add in cheese and creamy dressing... sometimes italian vinegarette if I'm in the mood. Otherwise, I can do spinach, cauliflower, green beans, and asparagus- but only the kind that come in cans... what?! I know what you're thinking... who would like that smushy green glop over fresh vegetables in their prime?? ME.
I think it's because I was raised on those cans of vegetables, which were also usually covered with salt and butter. I have at least stepped away from those add-ons, and buy the no-salt added kind. I mean, it's at least still green and still a vegetable!
O well, I still struggle with how the hell am I supposed to eat 2 cups of those during a meal? Those crazy bitches.
So tonight I'm staring at the huge container of spinach I have in my fridge (which I've been mixing in eggs or cooking them up as a side-- easier to eat more because it cooks down)... and I've been thinking what am I going to do with it?! I mean, it's tolerable cooked, but there is a weird bitter film left on my teeth after eating it (not as enjoyable as it sounds) and it really bothers me even when mixed in with my low calorie ceasar dressing!
I think the biggest problem I have (in addition to lacking a desire to actually eat this green mess) is a lack of other ingredients kept at hand. I mean I could go get them, since there are 3 stores within a 4 block radius! ...but usually I'm too lazy or have a fear of wasting any of the over-priced goods I purchase there.
In any case, my newest idea struck me tonight while watching the Biggest Loser (love this show and wish I could get one of those trainers in my life lol)- I can make a smoothie with fruit AND vegetables! Now you don't have to tell me about the negatives of "drinking your calories," I haven't been this overweight for this long and not done a little reading about diets and exercise and health in the meantime (would be nice if I applied those things on a daily basis, eh?). I got a juicer a few months ago as a gift and was super excited to try it out- but then I realized how everyone said to eat the fruit and stop drinking down way too many calories while losing some of the nutritional value. Well Ok, I get that. But I also get that I need to get those veggies in somehow, and if I have to have both of my afternoon snacks thrown into this blender to get my other servings, I think it's a fair trade off. Granted I've been instructed not to keep these drinks too long, I think a couple hours in the fridge should be ok.
Since I should be starting my new job next week (I know, I'm excited too!! but have failed to make any permanent announcements due to not having signed anything that makes it official yet), I feel that I will be getting some pattern back into my life. While it can be frustrating and negative for some, I have often seen it work out to my benefit in terms of getting me motivated and on track. I can prepare lunches and snacks in advance, and hopefully get into a better workout routine. I know- I am always waiting to begin and should just begin right now... but let's be honest, I'm a procrastinator. While it would be nice not to put off today what I can do tomorrow, let's just say that any progress is good progress... after all, "The more you know," right?
On to making green smoothies galore! Suggestions welcome. Example: http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Spinach-Smoothie--Trust-That-it-is-Delicious
