7/28, no. 6

it's been on my mind for some time now, but I am now re-addressing some matters published on my previous blog: health and fitness.

it's not about being skinny, it's about maintaining the idea that "my body is a temple." I wouldn't let anyone "use" my body for low reasons, so why would I consume unhealthy foods that create toxins? it's hard to immediately start a completely new dietary routine, but I'm planning to get in the habit of choosing good over bad, especially before I hit that college cafeteria filled with unhealthy options begging you to choose the pathway to freshman fifteen (although my school is ranked number three for "most vegetarian-friendly campuses" here).

today's meal plan:

• day starter: one cup of yo! cup parfait (it's small and nice, and only about 160 calories) before my morning workout - this small cup of yogurt, granola, and strawberries is perfect to have before a mild workout. it's something, but not a whole lot, which makes it so great to have before an easy jog. although I might eat this as quick breakfast, I don't think I would consider it as the best option for a wholesome breakfast if I had time in the morning.
• post-workout snack/meal: one slice banana bread w/organic natural peanut butter our body craves healthy fats, the kind derived from things like nuts. it's easy to bake healthier banana bread (there are many recipes that use very little sugar and do not contain butter), so spreading some natural peanut butter on a slice of the bread is both yummy and feeds the body well.
• lunch: leftover lean chicken with romaine salad salads are fun to make and eat because they definitely deserve some creativity (you don't wanna be eating the same salad every single day now). adding some apples, cracked pepper, tomatoes, peppers, and egg whites make it a lot more fun and add more flavor. I try to avoid using dressing, but if I must then I opt for oil-based recipes (balsamic vinegar & olive oil, chinese chicken salad dressing, raspberry vinaigrette, etc) rather than creamy dressings such as ranch.
• snack: 4 small dumplings which amount to only about 150 calories and are filled with white meat chicken and various vegetables.
• dinner: who knows who cares

I think this meal plan is a relatively accurate description of my dedication to health and fitness. I care about it, but not to the extent that writing out meal plans and trying to advertise healthy foods is gonna make me rave.

so here it is, a toast to better days of better health