Who have I Turned Into ?

I am turning 30 next week---and I sit here wondering who I've turned into!

I have asked for a blender for my birthday (I want to start making smoothies!), I have a coupon binder (thanks to my friend Kristen), My entire refrigerator is filled with fresh fruit and veggies and organic WHOLE milk. Our freezer is stocked with only Organic Free Range Chicken and Grass-fed Beef. My pantry doesn't have much of anything other than Triscuits,Peanut Butter, Nuts,100%Whole Wheat Bread and Coconut Oil.

Some might say that I'm going through a mid-life crisis. I call it God intervening in my life and finally making me see how much I idolized food. Not that I ever sat around eating chips from a bag or pints of Ben and Jerrys (though I do love my B&J Coffee and Toffee Ice cream!)---I just realize now how much I loved food. I mean who doesn't, right?
I have always tried to lead a "good life". The life of a Baptist Christian Girl---one who grew up in a "bubble" where everything was always very black and white. Where if you smoke, drank or had premarital sex--then you were a sinner. Never did I relate this belief to food though. But, if we truly take a moment and think back about the Bible, God used food as his first means of temptation---which in turn, turned into the first ultimate sin. So why shouldn't I look at food (for myself) any different? Here I am constantly tempted by food---and I can either choose to fall into that temptation or I can choose to walk away. I have found myself many times this past week---praying that God will eventually make me like some of the things I'm eating. (ex: Salmon... I've got a lot of praying to do for that one!)

A few things that I've learned since moving to all Whole Foods---and no Processed Foods.
 1. Grocery Shopping takes you forever (You need to prepare your grocery list and menu out before going to store---and stick to your list!). It took me an hour and half tonight to shop for the upcoming week. I looked like such a mom---my cart was overflowing with stuff! I am proud to report that 90% of my shopping was done on the outer aisles of the store. Also, be prepared to spend more money. We are making it our goal to eat in every meal---so really it's coming out cheaper in the long run.

2. Organic, Free Range Chicken and Grass-fed Beef are worth the extra money

3. Freeze your bread (or you'll have mold on it within a few days...no preservatives...so it doesn't last like regular bread)

4. If any item has more than 5 ingredients listed---PUT IT BACK-- I repeat--- PUT IT BACK. Just because it says "Organic" that doesn't mean it's Heathly

5. Justin's Almond Butter and Chocolate Almond Butter is AMAZING

6. You can eat out!---just be educated on what you choose. Ask questions like, does that have sugar in it?  Or White Flour? We went to dinner this past week and it about killed me to not eat the bread...but I steered clear! (It was even Carrabba's bread!! Can I get a Hurraaaahh?!) Also, I went to a party this past week---and did not touch one sweet... I stuck to what I knew was "ok options" and left proud of my decisions.

7. There are so many blogs with resources (and recipes) to utilize... Pinterest has been extremely helpful with planning our weekly menus. Also, make sure you make extras of your dinner to eat for lunch the following day.

8. I am not nearly as hungry as I was before I started this change over---and I find myself eating a lot less. (Don't get me wrong... I have gone to bed hungry some nights---but I just make myself go to bed...and ya know what? I wake up in the AM fine! Who'd ever thought, right?!? haha)

9. I find myself constantly craving water. (Never thought I'd say that!)

10. I lost around 7 lbs during week one--- and only have 3 more to go before I'm back at my pre pregnancy weight (I'm determined to get there by next Friday, which is my big 3-0!)


I've been amazed at my will power over the past 10 days. I've been in several situations where normally I wouldn't have thought twice about what I was eating: A Party, Traveling Out of Town, Going out to Eat, a Chick-fil-a Lunch run for the Office, A client made us a Homemade Pie, 2 days of being sick and Disney Day at work (we had Sno-Cones and Popcorn!!). I think last week was a great representation of my crazy life these days. To know that I can make this switch to all Whole Grains during one of the busiest Seasons of my life (NOW!)--- it makes me realize that ....I can do this!

Things I've cooked this past week:
Salmon with a little butter and Rosemary
Arugula Salad with Canalope, Feta, Sunflower Seeds with Balsamic

Spaghetti made with Grass-fed Beef, Oranganic Marinara Sauce, Peppers and Onion--- Served on Whole Wheat Pasta

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Breast

Don't forget to check out my Pinterest for Recipes--- I add more daily.