Eating Basics..

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Eating Basics..

 The one thing about eating healthy is putting in you body - healthy stuff. Instead of having those 2 servings of Doritos ( that I love sooo much!) have some peanut butter with celery instead. Sure peanut butter has more calories - about 180 per 2 TBSP - as compared to Doritos being around 140 per oz.

But the peanut butter has the healthy fats that your body needs and will keep you fuller, longer. And the celery will give you the added fiber you need - which will also keep you fuller, longer as well.

As I have learned (and relearned again) it's all in the choices you make. You go for the better gas, the better brand names, the better deals in general - so it only makes sense to give your body the better supplies it needs and craves. Stay away from the processed foods! I cannot keep them in my house at all! If my bf brings em to my house - he has to take them home with him.

I have learned that when it comes to food I eat outta boredom and also for emotional comfort. So having *easy* food in the house, like Doritos, chips, cookies, etc.. makes it easier for me when I want a snack and I will reach for those rather then healthy snacks. So if they are not in my house I can't eat them, now can I?

As I have learned - anyone can lose weight. And you do not need to starve yourself either. As a matter of fact eating more meals a day - 3 being breakfast, lunch and dinner...and three being snacks in between will actually cause you to lose weight. Your body will get the calories it needs to have on a daily basis and your metabolism will increase. If you eat breakfast then it will jump start your metabolism as well. Something I had to teach myself to do was to eat breakfast - and no, coffee does not count as breakfast.

Big misconception out there - "If I diet... I have to be hungry."

That is total and complete bullshit.

I am on a 1200 - 1500 calorie intake a day and some days, I have to make myself eat because the choices I make at breakfast and lunch make me really full. But, I am doing it - and still losing the weight I want. It just takes both determination on my part and also less whining as well.

And - go out any buy yourself a food scale. I measure everything I eat. They are not expensive. I think I paid 10 bucks for mine a few years ago. You will be amazed at the amount you *eat* and the amount you actually *think* you eat. It's an eye opener for sure.

 So, on that note... this was a yummy recipe that I got from my fitness magazine. I could have just *shared* it, but thought I would make a post about it.. Cause you all know I love to rant... hahaha...

Southwest Chicken stir fry  
Ingredients

    * 1- to 1-1/2  ounce envelope fajita seasoning mix
    * 1/2  cup water
    * 2  tablespoons cooking oil
    * 12  ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
    *   Cooking oil spray
    * 1  medium yellow or green sweet pepper, cut into squares
    * 1  small zucchini, sliced
    * 1/2  small onion, cut into thin wedges
    * 2/3  cup salsa
    * 1  teaspoon chili powder
    * 1/2  cup frozen whole-kernel corn
    * 1/2  cup cooked or canned black beans, rinsed and drained
    * 8  8-inch flour tortillas (optional)
    * 6  cup mixed greens (optional)
    * 1/2  cup shredded reduced-fat Co-Jack cheese (optional)
Directions

Combine fajita mix, water, and oil in a medium mixing bowl. Add chicken to marinade; stir to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Preheat a large wok coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add peppers, zucchini and onion; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Set aside.

Drain chicken; discard marinade. Add chicken to wok. (Add additional cooking oil if necessary to prevent sticking.) Cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes, or until no longer pink. Return vegetables to wok.
Stir together salsa and chili powder. Add salsa mixture, corn and beans to wok. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.

Nutrition facts per serving:

    * Servings Per Recipe 4 servings
    * Calories 191
    * Total Fat (g) 6
    * Saturated Fat (g) 1
    * Carbohydrate (g) 18
    * Fiber (g) 2
    * Protein (g) 20

If you want, you can serve this over rice or even omit the tortillas and serve it with a nice cup (or two) of vegetables.

Vegies are something that not only fills you up - but you can eat a ton of.

Possibilities are endless. When you are eating healthy ya gotta stay creative. Yet another thing I have learned... lol.