Healthy Chicks

[we had a blast at the wedding this weekend, but now it’s time to get back to reality (and clean eating)]

Good afternoon ladies ‘n’ those few ‘gents who read my blog! Sorry I’ve been missing for a few days, although I promise you I have a good excuse. I’ve been road tripping the past few days with The Boy visiting grandparents, mini golfing and attending a friend’s wedding up in upstate New York. Needless to say, we had a blast enjoying one another’s company, dancing the night away laughing our faces off, and um, eating our faces off. Correction: eating and drinking our faces off.

Yes, I consider myself a healthy gal 90% of the time, but if you think I’m the type of girl who’s going to pass up a good weekend for iceberg lettuce and sugar-free, calorie-free cocktails, think again. That’s where the other 10% comes in, the “leeway” or wiggle room if you will. And let me tell you, that 10% is pretty generous. It lets me indulge in one too many glasses of wine, 10 too many slices of cheese, and an extra chocolate truffle. It allows me to savor my delicious chicken, potatoes and fresh bread without feeling guilty. In fact, that extra 10% is what keeps me healthy, and keeps me sane.

Of course, it’s never good to over-indulge. And eating and drinking on the road for four days straight can definitely get the best of you. There’s only so much nutritional value you can get out of “road snacks” like trail mix and peanuts, when all a gal really wants at this point is some fresh fruit or a homemade salad.

So yes, after four days of that, I’d be lying if I said my body wasn’t paying the price for it. I’m lacking that energy, and totally feeling the bloat from those salted peanuts I devoured during yesterday’s 6 1/2 hour drive.

So now what? Where do you go from here? Well, the only way is forward. A few days of “too much” doesn’t effect a lifestyle of healthy living. And you can only go up from here! This means lots of clean eating: lean proteins, fresh water-packed fruits, green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, whole grain oatmeal with natural sweeteners and toppings, tea, and needless to say lots and lots of H2O.

My “clean eating” menu today looks a little something like this:

Breakfast: Bowl of whole grain oatmeal mixed with water, topped with sliced banana, agave syrup, cinnamon, flaxseed and almond butter; water and black coffee*

Snack: Apple or handful of berries; unsalted nuts

Lunch: Fresh salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, canned tuna in water topped with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice with pepper.

Snack: 1/2 a banana with cinnamon OR sliced tomato & cucumber wedges with a pinch of salt & pepper

Dinner: Boneless skinless chicken breast, grilled served with steamed broccoli and spinach, tossed with brown rice pasta (optional).

~ lots of water throughout the day

~ tea & fruit before bed

Avoid: processed food, extra salt, starchy carbs, dried fruit, carbonated drinks, sugar substitutes, sweet treats, red meats, alcohol

*Some would avoid coffee when trying to “eat clean” but I need my cup of java in the morning to function. If you do too, just make it black and stick to one cup.

The most important thing to remember is to not beat yourself up over the amazing weekend you just had. It’s just food, after all and you will be back to your normal, perky, feel-good self in no time!

XoXo,