Love Your Body

In terms of weather yesterday truly represented the beginning of the change of seasons in Iowa. The sun was out, everyone had flip flops on, and I started my day with a frozen breakfast.

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on what the change of the seasons and weather does for my body, my happiness, and my eating habits. It’s really interesting to me how my desire to do things and what I crave food-wise really changes with the weather conditions.

I still feel like some of my meals are more winter-like than I would like. I need to phase out the soups and phase in the grill! What are you favorite warmer months fare?

Breakfast

I think I have meet my new dietary staple. I have been playing with the formula a little bit but I think I have discovered the perfect Cherry Chocolate Concoction.

• 20 Frozen Cherries
• 1 Scoop Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
• 1/4 c Vanilla Yogurt
• 1/2 c Soy Milk
• 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder
• 2 Ice Cubes

Nature’s Path

My snack was a Nature’s Path Chococonut Granola Bar.

I have a few favorite chocolate + other flavor combinations but my top three are definitely:

1. Choco + Cherry
2. Choco + PB
3. Choco + Coconut

Can anyone guess how I felt about this bar? It was amazing. Sure, granola bars can get boring and can sometimes be looked at as second-class snacks when you have other options, but honestly with the flavors that Nature’s Path has I just don’t see boredom becoming a problem.

Rumor has it that there is an Apricot flavor – which I would love to try! I am still on the hunt for these in my local grocery store, but maybe Ill see them soon!

Sandwich + Fruit

I have been sticking to the simple formula of Sandwich + Fruit = a balanced lunch. Although I have been definitely getting my fair share of fruit lately I have not been eating quite as many veggies as I should be!

Sandwich

Toasted English Muffin + Shredded Chicken Breast + Pumpkin Butter

Fruit

Cara Cara Orange

 

Together

Stolen Lunch – turned Dinner!

After lunch I headed to work and heated up some leftover Chicken Coconut Curry when I got hungry! This was supposed to be Matt’s lunch yesterday but I overestimated how much time I would have yesterday morning and I really couldn’t make up for it with all the studying I had to do for a test I had today.

After finishing up at work I headed to yoga and then spent the rest of my evening in the below position eating popcorn and watching Lost.

Sadly this may be the last picture my camera has taken – It just pooped out today! I asked tweeted a few days ago asking for camera recommendations and that was more out of want, but now it is out of need! Does anyone have a camera that they can not live without? Keep in mind I am clumsy and in college! I also have terrible lighting in my kitchen which makes for awful night time photos.

Love Your Body

Each year Spring marks the beginning of a new and exciting season that is filled with farmer’s markets, cookouts, and long evening strolls. It can also be the cue to start kicking your workouts into overdrive and tailoring your eating habits so that you can possess the best beach body come summer.

I know for me this time of year can be particularly stressful and I can allow unrealistic expectations, goals, and weight loss strategies to override my ability to love my body.

My goal for the month of April, aside from nourishing my body and moving my body, is to love my body. I have compiled 30 tips, activities, and suggestions that Ill share each day of the month of April to help remind us that it’s not only important to love your body as it is now but it is also vital in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I encourage you to follow along privately, in the comments section, or on your blog if you have one. It’s time to Love our Bodies!

Day 1: Love Your Body

“When you consider yourself of value you will take care of yourself in ways that are necessary.”

M. Scott Peck