Journal 2
I started to dig deep into my journey and define my goal and motivation so I can understand the WHY behind my habits and change them. Last week, I recorded all my meals and beverages. Then, I categorized my foods in 3 different groups: green, yellow, and red. Green foods are foods that have low caloric density and the highest concentration of healthy nutrients, like veggies and whole grains. Yellow foods have the mid-level caloric density or an average amount of healthy nutrients; this group includes lean meat and starches, Red foods that have the highest caloric density and are the most calorie-dense - like red meat and dessert. After reviewing my diet for a week, I noticed that I was consuming more red foods, and I was eating large portions of yellow foods (refined carbs and steak). I also saw that I eat at a restaurant four or five times a week. Knowing this made me realize that I needed to include more vegetables in my diet, eat less red meat, cheese, and I need to cut down on eating out. So I decided to focus on cooking dinner at home 3 days per week, adding more vegetables rather than eating out.
Week
- Cleaned my pantry and refrigerator tossed processed foods.
- Searched on Pinterest for recipes that were vegetarian, easy to cook during school nights.
- Made my list of ingredients and head out for shopping with my little one. Since I had a shopping list took only 30 min
Vegan Slow Cooker Stew With Chickpeas and Spinach
- Very easy to make prep time was 30 min 3 hours in the slow cooker.
- (added lean organic chicken)
- Brown and white rice as a side
Linguine With A Roasted Vegetable Ragu
- (added Lean organic turkey)
- For my portion replaced wheat pasta for squash noodles
- For the family had whole grain pasta
Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad
In the first week, I was able to achieve my goal of cooking more vegetable-rich meals with lean proteins. However, during the weekend we went to restaurants for dinner and lunch. Before going to the restaurant, I checked the menu to decide on a healthy entree. Since it was tapas style, it was difficult to control my portions and stop eating other delicious items in the list.
Next week, I will add four new recipes with wholesome ingredients, and I’ll limit the times I go to the restaurant to three times a week.
I love your blog. I haven't seen the idea of food being categorized in red, yellow, or green before. Very interesting and I think it makes sense. I also love that your images are linked to the recipes, I think that I should absolutely try one (or more) they look delicious. Also- kudos to you for cleaning out your pantry. I think it is so hard to keep processed food out of the pantry....and most of it tastes so good. :) Nice work- I will be back to check in and pick up some new info.
ReplyDeleteCategorizing the food by color peaked my interest in your project. I can tell that you are motivated about this project, especially having to clean out a pantry with processed foods. You have more will power than I do. However, I think I may have to try something like this myself. I don't eat out as much as I used to and I thought that would help me, but I think I eat way to many carbs and I know I eat way to many processed foods. I'm going to give this some serious thought. Looking forward to your next post. Thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I love the organizing process. I'm moving into my new house today, as of now my kitchen is empty; I am definitely going to be keeping all of this in mind when stocking up later. I love how much your blog and experience is benefiting others (such as myself) too.
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