A Different Kind of Strategy...

Looking at Pictures of Your Favorite Foods While You're Eating Well!  Hate broccoli or spinach? You can learn to love it with a quick mind trick: Check out an image of a food that makes your mouth water (cupcakes, pizza, a big bowl of creamy pasta). It activates an area of your brain that relays messages about taste-and tells you whatever you're eating (say, a big salad) is more enjoyable than you'd regularly find it, according to a 2012 study from researchers in Switzerland. I thought this was interesting!  I might have to try this at my next meal, unfortunately - there really isn’t any  food I don’t enjoy!

Until Monday - Keep thinking veggies and protein! 

Afternoon Snack..

Fat Free Greek Yogurt - the ideas are just endless!  I might have to make a few jars of this to keep on hand for my afternoon munchies!  Grated and drained cucumber + chopped fresh mint + raisins + chickpeas + lightly toasted walnuts + salt + pepper = YUM!

Biking…

YAY!  I had 3 days of biking to work before another snow storm hit Chicago this morning! It is going to be hit and miss for the next few weeks because of the inconsistencies of the weather.  At least I feel safe to say we are out of the polar vortex! 

Grits…

To my Southern peeps - SORRY!  Another hyper-refined carbohydrate, grits are the small leftover pieces from corn processing. Nutritionally speaking, grits lack significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. They contain a minute amount of fiber and no essential fats. Their flavor is lacking and thus butter or heavy cream is used to make them palatable, bringing together the blood-vessel-destroying, unholy marriage of simple carbohydrates and saturated fat.  Oops!  Don’t think I will ever eat these again!

New Product…

Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch, a blend of shredded Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli Green and Red Cabbage.  We add it to just about every salad - Yum!  Enjoy it raw or cooked!