Eat Real Food

Recently I was asked if I actually eat foods that I enjoy…Well, first let me say that I love the way I eat these days.  Mostly vegetables and very clean.  However, as you see in my photos, on a recent trip to Chicago I enjoyed gluten free deep dish pizza, panini, pasta, loaded salads and even desserts.  I absolutely eat food that I enjoy.  I love experimenting with food and recipes.  I don’t put a ton of time into preparing complex recipes.  I do devote a little time, every day, to make a delicious creation.  Sure it takes time to transition from ultra processed foods to natural, from the earth, choices.  (On side note-my daughter and I have food allergies, which I truly attribute to consuming a heavily processed diet for many years- hence the transition to clean eating.)  There are no shortage of books and publications that discuss just this topic.  Processed foods and a diet relying on these have led many Americans into a state of constant food allergies and food sensitivities and constant health issues.  In fact the allergies may not even be the food itself but the chemicals that now come coupled with that food.

​One thing I can say to anyone reading my blog…If you want to make positive changes in your health, nutrition and fitness, it is doable.  You CAN DO IT!  Keep following me for more of my methods.  My food these days, is very colorful.  As they say “eat the rainbow”.  I try.  I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. I try to keep it low sugar and stay within my fat and carbohydrate limits that I know work for me.  I do have some cereals and breads throughout the week.  I carry a protein bar for the occasion I may need something quick, nonperishable on the go.  I am by no means eating keto or following any diet plan.  If I am craving something I try for a healthier version.  For example, if I want pizza I go for my zucchini boats recipe that is posted on my site.  However, there are times that I want the actual item…the pizza and I go for it.  I simply, don’t go crazy.  That is really the key.  Moderation, we all know, we’ve all heard it before, is key.  I try to follow that rule of thumb.  If I splurge today I go easy tomorrow.  


As I said, I’ve posted some photos of a recent vacation.  Our family enjoyed a whole week of delicious foods in Chicago.  We stayed active by bike riding and walking a lot. I did my hotel room workout routine, which was easy to do quickly in the morning while we were all prepping for the day.  I also, learned that many Hilton Hotels offer a wonderful service.  They will bring weights to your room upon request.  We did not ask for this but it’s a small set of dumbbells in many cases, which is all you need.  


I pack my resistance bands for trips.  You will see this in other posts.  This is one staple in my workouts.  Resistance bands are easy to use anywhere and they pack well.  They offer great strength training when weights aren’t available.  At home I use 15 - 20 pound dumbbells for most of my workout moves, unless I am really rushed.  In that case I use the bands quickly in my room or kitchen.  This is what I want to EMPHASIZE.  If you incorporeal weights and strength training, even a little at first,  you will see a major shift in your body over time.  This is they key for me.  I keep my cardio to 10 - 30 minutes a day depending on what I need.  I use weights most days.  Doing this means food is not as much of an issue.  I still follow a pretty regular diet, however, I can enjoy the ice cream, chips, pizza or pasta as long as I am being active, keeping those foods in moderation and eating mostly healthy while monitoring my calorie intake.  And yes, even over 50 that is still possible.     


It’s important to not be too tough on yourself as well.  I have finally learned, after years of handling my heath and nutrition incorrectly, that the most important thing is to be kind to yourself.  Give yourself a break.  A lot of people, as I was, get caught up in yo-yo dieting and really making bad nutritional choices because they try not to give in to the cravings. Then they binge and beat themselves for the binges, and starve as a result.  This is a never ending cycle that you feel you cannot get out of.  Now, at 51, I am most concerned with my longevity.  After going through thyroid issues for years and having a breast cancer scare, along with dealing with my daughter’s thyroid issues, I have learned that truly taking care of yourself on the inside and out is important.  This is key.  Of course everyone is different and everyone has a different body.  You have to gauge what foods make you feel good and what activities increase your stamina.  Thyroid patients are often told to do only light workouts.  I do keep it somewhat light for me.  I have learned what works for me.  I typically do 10 - 20 minutes of light cardio, followed by 10 pound dumbbell curls for my arms. I do squats for my legs, crunches for my abs, a 1 minute plank for core and 20 pushups.  I can do all of this in less than 30 minutes.  It’s a great circuit to start a workout routine.  Try it and let me know how it goes for you.  


The process of making a change happened over time for me.  I took a few months to ease into figuring out the food and working out.  It took me a month after that, of being strict, and finally to a point that it became a habit and way of life for me.  What I am trying to convey here, is this:  Be patient and stick with it if you truly want to be healthy, physically fit, and see a difference in how you feel…You can do this….and, You will!  Allow yourself to eat foods you enjoy!  And most of all be kind to yourself!  

Please consider subscribing to my newsletter if you would like to hear more details on specific recipes I use and meal plans I follow, along with workout routines that work great for myself and my daughter and for others I have helped along the way.   Check back often.  I will keep posting.  I wish you health in all things and success in your workout endeavors. 💕