A Lighter, Brighter Life

Monday

So this was the start of my second week, blogging about my journey to a healthier body and mind. After a not-so-healthy weekend, I was ready to get back into the swing of things…until I woke up Monday morning and realized a weekend away and lack of sleep had turned my allergy-induced scratchy throat into an aching mess, accompanied by a serious headache. I was relieved classes were over, and I would not have to struggle through a lesson with a barely-there voice. But getting through the day, and a pile of marking, took all my strength. Pro:  I barely ate! Con:  I didn’t work out!! I hate the blame game I started cause I don’t want to point fingers at my precious garden, but its weeds were the culprit. (Or was it my own fault for letting the weeds get so bad I had to tackle all of them in frenzy!?) I have horrible allergies, like sneeze-20-times-in-the-course-of-a-morning, Reactin-every-morning kind of allergies. But I’m doing it again, making excuses for not putting in effort to get active. I need to fight through the sickness, and get my lazy butt to the gym, that is literally down the hall and a flight of stairs from my office…it’s honestly that close…and yet so far! So while my awesome boyfriend and his mother did yard work, I hid in my room, engrossed in a marathon of The Hills, only to make myself feel worse for not being a size 2 living a fashion-lover’s dream in LA…with Brody Jenner;(

Tuesday

I feel slightly better than yesterday-motivated by cooking a delicious dinner for Jon’s mother, for her birthday. We sometimes go out for dinner for family birthdays, but I would much rather cook and visit in the comfort of our own home. It’s more enjoyable, cheaper and the chances of eating better are greater, especially when I choose the meal and have a hand in cooking it.

Jon had said he would cook me dinner Sunday evening, upon my return from Saskatoon, and let me choose what he’d make. I picked his amazing veggie lasagna. Well, it got pushed back to Monday night, then we decided to make it for his mom for her birthday. The only snag was she doesn’t like chickpeas. I really wanted to make the lasagna, and knew it would be a good dish for a group dinner, combined with salad and garlic toast. So just like Jerry Seinfeld’s wife and smart mothers the world over, who consistently sneak veggies into their children’s meals by masking the flavour or changing the texture, Jon and I decided to hide the ingredient by pureeing it and mixing it into the sauce. She would’ve never known…except I had to tell her after her first few “Mmm”s, to prove the point that I think she is, in fact, wrong about her distaste for chickpeas. The difference between Gerry and a stubborn child, besides the obvious, is that she continued eating it after knowing what was hiding deep within the deliciousness.

We served the dish with fresh-from-the-garden lettuce, a home made ceasar dressing, and garlic toast (which I didn’t even try…now that’s will power!). I had to wait a few more days for it but my man’s lasagna didn’t dissappoint; I told him it was his best one yet. It’s better than any meat-filled version I’ve had. My carnivore-obsessed brother may not agree with this (I asked him and Gerry’s boyfriend if they missed the meat?  Dean-not at all, my brother-yes!) but some people are just weird (seriously, the kid ate only Cheerios, Bacon Dippers and A & W Mozza Burgers till he was well into his 20’s!). You’ll never know if you prefer this version or not till you try it, so I dare you!! Here’s how (keep in mind we don’t measure anything, so this is just an approximation):

Jonny’s Veggie Lasagna

1 can Marinara Sauce (I like Paul Newman’s; smells delicious and delivers on taste!)

Whole Wheat Lasagna noodles, enough to cover 2 layers in a 9×13 casserole dish

1  cup Cottage Cheese

2 cups Partly Skimmed Mozzarela Cheese

1 can Chickpeas, pureed or whole (we pureed them to hide them from Jon’s mom; she doesn’t think she likes them but she’s wrong!)

1 Zucchini

1 Pepper- (we did one half red, one half green)

1 cup Mushrooms, thinly sliced

2 cups Spinach

Heat oven to 350. Spray a medium, rectangular casserole dish with Pam and set aside. Cook noodles only till al dente, as they will cook more in the oven. Roast zucchini and peppers in oven just until tender. Sautee mushrooms and spinach. Heat marinara sauce in a medim pot over medium heat, add cooked veggies, cottage cheese and chickpeas. Stir till combined, then begin assembling your lasagna with a layer of noodles, cover with a third of the sauce mixture, and sprinkle with a third of the mozzarela cheese. Repeat till casserole is full, finishing the sauce mixture on top, to keep everything moist, and mozza. We added fresh basil leaves to make it look purdy:) Bake for approx. 20-30 minutes, or until edges are brown and crispy.

Enjoy!

Wednesday

I felt like a zombie all day. But even in my allergy-induced haze, I was motivated to eat well. Instead of groaning and walking in pursuit of flesh to feed on, I was worried only about eating whole grains, veggies, lean protein and some fruit. This was especially important since the thought of doing anything physical made me feel like keeling over.

So without the energy to search for a new recipe, stop for groceries for a new recipe, or take the time and effort to cook a new recipe, I turned to ingredients I already had stored in my fridge and cupboard; ingreadients which I knew would provide me with a healthy, balanced meal.

I knew I wanted it to include one of my newest loves:  quinoa. My introduction to this “mother grain” came courtesy of our Mexican-themed Splurge night. I brought Jonny’s Enchiladas-delicious but not the healthiest. Courtney brought a quinoa salad, and my life hasn’t been the same since. I’ve made this salad many times since. It’s amazing as a side dish with dinner, or to bring along to a potluck or summer bbq:

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Avocado-Quinoa-Salad-AllRecipes

I love using quinoa as an alternative to rice, with a stir-fry. So I made a stir-fry with mushrooms, peppers, and another of my food loves:  tofu. Now I know tofu isn’t for everyone, but I love the stuff. I fell for it in Japan, fried and crispy and served with soya sauce and ginger. I love that it takes on whatever flavour you are cooking with, like a sponge, soaking up flavours. I put it in stir-fries, flavoured with sesame oil, soya sauce, fish sauce, ginger, garlic or sirachi. I have it in my home made miso soup, or with bok choy and soba noodles. It’s great in a salad, if you are tired of adding tuna or egg for protein. When we ran out of meal ideas in Japan, my roommate Gen and I even used to add it, along with frozen veggies, into tomato soup (everyone has a strange food combo or two from their childhood or university days-this is just one of mine…trust me, it gets weirder;). I would love to always have stir fries, soups and salads with chicken, shrimp or salmon, but the reality is, these proteins are expensive and hard to always have on hand. So whenever I can, I try to use beans, eggs and nuts…and tofu! Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Thursday

Went to the doctor and I have Bronchitis…so that explains my coughing attacks, painful chest and overall feelings of shittyness. Doc said not to do anything too physical and to just rest, so that was my plan. I did however have an intense craving for soup, in particular the Tom Yum Goong from Saigon 75, so Cathy and I decided to go there for lunch. Man I love that place, and I love that I can order delicious Vietnamese and not feel bad about it, unless of course I ordered deep fried spring rolls, and a bowl of fattening curry over rice. But I stuck to the fresh rolls and broth-based soup with veggies and shrimp, and thoroughly enjoyed my comfort food, feeling guilt-free.

Cathy was excited to tell me about finalizing several key elements for her upcoming wedding (for which I hope to fit into a cute, few sizes smaller dress!). The soup, combined with seeing my friend so blissfully happy and in love, really helped lift my spirits (I love wedding talk:  the dress, the flowers, the decorations…I used to spend Friday nights watching “Say Yes to the Dress”, often drinking wine and eating French cheese, crackers and olives. Now I sip Crystal Light and watch Joan Rivers bitch about movie stars on “Fashion Police”.).

I was feeling so much better that when Cathy said I should be fine doing spin, but not to attempt running yet, I thought I would be feeling well enough to make it to the 6:15 am class. This intense feeling of determination to make it to a workout was bolstered by what I chose to eat for dinner (why is that I crave two things when I am sick:  Asian soup and ice cream!? Why can’t I crave salad and rice cakes!?). My consolation is that I had only a half a cup of chocolate frozen yogurt, which was surprisingly low in calories, considering how decadent it tasted, and I piled strawberries on top of it.

Friday-the scale is my friend today…203!

How did I think I was going to get up for spin, at the ungodly hour of 5:45 am, after being up half the night coughing? The bronchitis must have made me temporarily delusional. Whatever the cause of my madness, I didn’t make it…again. I see a trend forming.

But I ate well. I even said no to cupcakes. I said no to delicious, just-out-of-the-oven, fresh cherry cupcakes, covered in vanilla, butter cream cheese frosting. Me-1. Cupcakes-0.

So why, you ask, is a girl who is trying so hard to eat well and lose weight surrounding herself with the enemy? Well, I have a-not-so-secret-secret:  I love baking cupcakes, I’m good at it, and I’m not going to stop. I started baking cupcakes on four months ago, when I wanted to provide a yummy and festive treat at our girl’s St. Patty’s party. I made Guiness chocolate cupcakes, with Bailey’s frosting (which I did curdle on the 1st attempt). They were a success, and I was hooked. I have made a variety of equally delicious cupcakes in the months since-everything from Coconut Lime to Apple Pie (complete with red sugar, pretzels and apple gummies as decoration). I had decided to continue experimenting with cupcakes, bringing them to potlucks and birthday parties, when I began this blog, and I know it’s going to be a struggle, but they are fun to make, decorate and the best gift for friends and family. Maybe this relatively new pastime will be my downfall? Maybe it will be the ultimate test of willpower? Stay tuned.

Saturday

I’ve often read that when trying to lose weight, and faced with the possibility of pigging out at a weekend or holiday party, you should eat a balanced meal before-hand, so you’re less likely to go crazy all over the snack table. I used to skip a meal before a party; I figured I didn’t want to eat and then pile on more calories snacking. And the appies are always great at my friends’ parties, so I would forego a meal in favour of the deliciousness that no doubt awaited me. (I also didn’t often leave myself much time to cook or eat, as I’d be getting ready till the very last minute.) But this habit was just stupid; I always ended up pigging out on unhealthy options, rather than the veggies and dip that are usually present (thank you Rachelle!). So now I am going to make time for a healthy meal prior to the party, and if I do go for the snack table, veer away from the cheese, chips and chocolate, and instead peruse the spead of veg or fruit that I once ignored.

I stuck to this plan Saturday. I had already splurged at bit at lunch in Regina. Dakota and I had drove to meet Tarren to have lunch at La Bodega, and get matching tattoos (I consider them more like sisters, and we wanted to get something we all liked, and had some sort of symbolism. We chose anchors!). At La Bodega I had delicious but fried crab and seafood cakes, and the freshest sangria. It was a great day, but I knew I needed to stick to healthy food and no booze the rest of the day.

I was late getting to the event (our Splurge was having a Pampered Chef cooking party), so I could have easily skipped dinner, and indulged in the yummy food that would no doubt be there. But I still made time at home to heat up quinoa, veggies and tofu. I was lucky to have healthy leftovers waiting for me, but had I not been so lucky, I would have had a Peanut Butter Banana Wrap, my new fave on-the-go-snack:

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-banana-wrap/

And when I arrived to the party, I avoided sitting too long at the table with assorted snacks and appies on it. I said no to the chicken they’d made, which looked great and would have been a healthier choice, but why have a few pieces of chicken, and feel not-so-satisfied, only to end up having cake? So I went for one small bite of the cake they’d baked; it was delicious, and hard to say no to more, but I was strong in my resolve. I even stuck to water; which, in the face of frothy beer margaritas and virgin daiquiris, courtesy of the damn MargaritaVille, was momentous! I had a great night with my lovely Splurge ladies, talking and laughing, and didn’t miss the appies or booze…much.

Sunday

Ahh Sundays, my favourite day of the week. My day to be a little lazy, get a little cleaning done, and hang out with my boyfriend. I woke up with the strongest craving for something sweet, french toast or pancakes. Rather than fall into temptation with either one of those (and who wants to make such a thing for only one?), I made a chocolatey smoothie. I blended a cup of almond milk, 1 banana, a few frozen strawberries, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 scoop of whey protein and a few ice cubes. It was delicious, and totally sastisfied my morning sweet tooth!

For lunch I made a new quinoa salad, which I chose because we had all the ingredients for it:  tomato, pine nuts, lemon, parsley and a garden cucumber I was excited to try. I used only a cup of quinoa, so I limited the olive oil as well. It was light but still filling.

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/refreshing-quinoa-salad/

We have a standing date to cook dinner and watch one of our food shows on Sundays. This time we barbequed, which, for me, makes eating well easier and tastier. We had chicken with home-made bbq sauce (with Brandy), red peppers with olive oil and salt and pepper, and mushrooms with garlic:  it was delicious. While you can’t all get a Jonny to whip up home-made bbq sauce and grill veggies, anyone can make thing tastier by using the bbq. Another bonus:  less dishes, and more time for Kitchen Nightmares.

Monday

I started today with the intention of creating my first post and documenting my food and activity, so I chose my favourite new breakfast recipe, Clean Eating Peanut Butter Oatmeal, courtesy of The Gracious Pantry. I was perusing the list of Clean Eating Oatmeal Recipes, and since I LOVE peanut butter, I immediately wanted to try it. I love natural peanut butter, but it isn’t for everyone. I also add half a banana to this recipe-YUM! I only ate half the amount it makes though-man it was filling!

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-peanut-butter-oatmeal/

I had a serious case of the Mondays so I chose not to cook, but still wanted to have something healthy. Whenver I skip a meal, I end up eating too much too late at night, so even if I don’t feel like cooking, I need things round the house that are healthy and ready to eat. I had a Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen meal, which while it usually doesn’t fill me up for long, was pretty good. I ended up having a bit of oil-popped popcorn while watching Kitchen Nightmares on Netflix with Jonny (we love all food shows!). But this snack, while not the very best I could’ve done at 9pm, still fit into my calorie count for the day, which luckily was raised because I weeded in the garden for over an hour-not the workout I had planned, but better than no physical activity (I am new to gardening, and well, to anything domestic to be honest, but I am loving it! It is calming and I love seeing the results of my hard work!! And my cat Akira follows me around and watches-coolest cat in the world!!!).

Tuesday-weighed myself and it said 206! woooo hoooo!!

I did amazing by getting up at 6:15 am to fix Jonny and my brother a smoothie (they had yardwork for their business to get done). I love the Classic Green Monster on the fabulous Oh She Glows site (wish I had thought of that name first!). But I did a little tweaking to it-I used the only banana I had, added frozen mango (which made it the yummiest version yet) and some plain greek yogurt, and 2 scoops whey protein powder (I needed to be sure it filled the guys up as they had a long day ahead of them). Here’s the recipe:

http://ohsheglows.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6001790

For dinner, I had the yummiest Eggplant Caprese; a recipe I found in an old Shape magazine while on the treadmill at the gym at work. I enjoy trying vegetarian meals, I love fresh mozza and eggplant and my fabulous garden just so happens to have produced some basil (not maybe as large as the grocery store variety, but walking out the door and picking fresh ingredients for a dish is way more fun, and cheap!).

http://www.shape.com/appetizer/eggplant-caprese-tomato-and-basil

As for activity, I was hoping to get to Yoga in the Park, through the Yoga Loft, but I was just too lazy; not a good excuse, I know. I think I need to make more of an effort to get a workout in-be it spin, or a walk-in the morning, rather than waiting till after work or at night, because chances are, I will make an excuse to not go. So plan is to get to spin at 6:15 am tomorrow morning…

Wednesday

Lie-it wasn’t cold outside! It’s been ridiculously hot everyday here for weeks!!

So…I didn’t make it to spin:( I was up at 5 with my previously referred to “coolest cat”, who has since lost his former title for being annoying and needy. First he wanted food (how dare he bother me for sustenance!? Can’t he open his food bin and scoop it out himself? He opens door by himself. He jumps up on the counter. He is super cat except in this area!), then he wanted out (he can open doors that are swung ajar, or sliding closet doors, but not doors with knobs that are locked, boo). So I should have been up and ready for spin at 6:15, but instead I chose to lay back down in my comfy bed and go back to sleep for a few hours…bad idea. I woke up even more tired and cranky than before. I learned my lesson-just suck it up, be a big girl and get my booty to the gym!

I had the delicious eggplant again for lunch. I love making healthy, tasty dinners and having enough for the next day. I also think carrying my leftovers in my new pink, white and black polka dot lunch bag helps with the appeal;)

I didn’t make much for dinner-I was tired from a great afternoon visiting with my cousins, and really enjoyed watching my cousin Brea’s baby walk and play. We also talked a lot about our personal struggles with weight, exercise and diet. It’s so great to have close girlfriends and family who can sympathize with fluctuating weight, the desire to lose and get in shape. But they also stressed the diffuculty this poses when you have children. I know that now is the time to start my journey, not after a kid or two. I have the time and resources now to do something about my weight, and it will only get harder as I start a family and grow older.

Anyway, I contemplated getting something on the way home, but knew that going through any fast food window would only tempt me to diverge off the diet path. So I chose to save money and another pound on my belly or butt, by making something quick and easy at home. I discovered my new favourite “I’m starving-but don’t have the energy to cook-but shouldn’t pig out on popcorn”  snack:  The Lazy Girl’s Quesadilla! I sprayed and heated Pam in a frying pan, spread 2 Laughing Cow regular cheese wedges on a Weight Watcher’s whole wheat wrap, and fried and flipped my concoction. I am going to experiment with adding veggies (I recognize that this is not the most balanced of snacks) like tomatoes, jalopeno and peppers, and using different flavours of Laughing Cow-they now have jalopeno even (you’ll soon find out I like everything spicy!).

Thursday 

I made a great dish inspired by the first, big zucchini I found in my garden over the weekend. Having never had a garden of my own, or ever put any work into the garden my family had for a time growing up, I was shocked and ecstatic to see the progress of my veggies. I ran in and called my mom, took a picture, woke Jon to show him, and even ran across the street to show Grannie my prized zucchini!

I cooked a yummy and healthy Tuscan Zucchini for my mom and Grannie, along with Halibut baked with fresh dill-yes, from my garden. Here’s the recipe for the great zucchini dish:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/baked-zucchini-recipe

Friday

I had another play on the Green Monster smoothie for breakfast, and the Tuscan Zucchini for lunch, but knew the night would cause problems for my healthy eating resolve. I love Motif in Moose Jaw, I go every year. I wasn’t about to boycott it in the name of dieting, so I thought I would do my best to eat well the whole day, get a workout in, and not overload on fried foods and fattening cocktails. I didn’t quite succeed:( I blame the Phillipines for having possibly the most delicious pastry in the world-the Sweet Bun! Seriously, it’s to die for…I would have once said it’s worth being fat for! It’s like the best Krispy Kreme-sweet and soft and delicious. It was hard not to want another one after a Mojito and Jamaican Rum (I will blame Jamaica and their sweet and strong rum while I’m at it-you take away all my resolve with your potent alcohol!). But somehow, after a yummy Empanada, a Cambodian spring roll and beef stick, and more Phillipino food (it’s by far my fave!), I chose not to have one more Sweet Bun, or take one for the road, or for everyone in my family to try cause they were that good! I instead went home before the rum went to my head and the mojitos called my name again…

Saturday 

I love a girls weekend:  shopping, visiting, dressing up for dinner out. This one was made even better by its primary purpose:  meeting my cousin Carly’s new baby girl and showering her with gifts. My aunt Michelle, cousins Dakota, Tarren, Meghan and I gathered in Saskatoon for a belated baby shower, and much needed girl time. The only draw-back, besides the serious damage I did to my bank account while shopping (I’m into this blame game, so Frakas in Saskatoon, I blame you for being my downfall!) was the food. I was still strong while at the food court in the mall-I debated going to Subway, but in the end chose sushi, which was a great success when faced with so fast food options surrounding me. But by dinner, after one Margarita on the Rocks (thank you Amigos), I had lost my strength. I indulged in Ancho Chicken Enchiladas and then went full throttle into two mini cupcakes from Crave…why does falling off the wagon have to taste so good!?!

Sunday

So after being less than mindful Friday and Saturday night, I was happy not to end up at the Park Cafe for breakfast. There, I would have surely been tempted by some version of Eggs Benedict or their Strawberry Pancakes (Meg says they leave the whip cream can right at your table…damn them!). Instead, Carly and her hubbie TJ cooked us a healthy breakfast, I played with Avery, visited with my aunt and uncle, hung out with my Dad and did a little more shopping before we were on our way. Dakota and Michelle are also mindful about the food they eat, so instead of a stop at the nearby Burger King, we selected some not-so-crappy-traveling-snacks. This is not easy to do in any convenience store:  chips, chocolate and sugary drinks abound, and even the seemingly healthy alternatives are loaded with hidden sugar and sodium. Well, I learned my lesson:  like on our cousin’s trip to the Hat (not Med Hat, Dakota!), I should have made us trail mix and we should have packed fruit. I will not let us fall into this trap again. Here’s my fave healthy trail mix recipe, which I plan to make for my next road trip:

http://www.eatcleandiet.com/food_and_recipes/clean_recipe/healthy,_hearty_trail_mix.aspx

Where I am now…on the left with my cousin Dakota

I have had so many moments of clarity. You know the ones where suddenly you know that things need to change. Some may have it when they are fed up with their jobs, or taken the final straw with an unworthy partner. Mine often come in the fitting room of clothing stores, when I am trying on a pair of jeans for a night out, or when I see pictures of myself on Facebook (is anyone else surprised by their size in pics online? I always think I’m smaller and looked cuter in a dress until I see the evidence, published for all the world to see).

One came the other day when I was trying on coloured jeans (because even a big girl wants to be trendy) in a size 14 at Superstore, and the damn Joe pants wouldn’t even come up to my thighs. I wrestled with them while coming to the very scary realization that not even the size 16, had there been one to try on, would’ve fit. And this is after I lost almost 20 pounds 3 months ago placing 3rd in the Biggest Loser competition at work.

Another came last weekend while trying on bathing suits (something that can send even the most toned, skinny chick into a body image panic). Even the size 16 tankinis and full suits were a lil snug on my curves, mostly in the bust. I won’t mince words here:  I have huge boobs. While I like to show off my cleavage from time to time, I am growing tired of how ridiculously large my boobs have gotten. And I know if I were to lose weight, my boobs would benefit. I have always had curves, but as evidenced by the alphabet list of bras stuck at the back of my drawer, my boobs have gone up and down in size as my weight fluctuated. But now their size makes finding a properly-fitting bra difficult, and expensive. In terms of bathing suits, I had to go with whatever fit, leaving me sad that I was reduced to a boring, sporty blue and white striped Nike tankini to pair with my XL bottoms from Walmart that magically still fit (no tops from Superstore or Walmart have a chance of fitting my upper half now). But anyone who knows me, knows that my style is not sporty or plain. I want a sexy black and gold bathing suit, or a cute polka dot bikini. Once again, I was having to sacrifice style in the name of fit and function (who wants to scare off her 14 year old niece and friends by having a boob slip out while out on the lake?). I couldn’t go for what I liked, instead I settled for what I could fit over my boobs, butt and belly.

So I made a decision (one I have made tons of times before) to work harder to lose the weight and finally put the effort in to get in shape. The difference with this time is, I am going to document everything on this blog, and hopefully it will keep me accountable. I have been reading tons about Clean Eating, experimenting with new recipes, and visiting a few blogs dedicated to the priniciples and practices. I thought if others could write about their weight loss struggles and triumphs, and their adventures with healthy eating and exercise, so could I.

I have tried Weight Watchers, the Long Beach Diet, Visalus and the torture that is the maple syrup-cayenne pepper-lemon juice cleanse, as well as an assortment of other diet fads. Now I am going to try something new:  a whole lifestyle change. I am going to be more conscious of what I put in my body, and more dedicated towards getting it in shape. I don’t think fads and cleanses work, in the long run, and I am tired of spending my money and time on programs that don’t deliver. So I need to change my approach to food; eat healthy and as “clean” as I can, without completely depriving myself (because that is the surest way for me to end up binging). I am going to believe in what all those gorgeous, fit movie stars say: “Everything in moderation.” I might not be blessed with the genes to look anything like them, but that doesn’t mean I can’t put in the effort and time to become the best version of me.

Here are the tools I am currently relying on in my quest for a lighter, brighter Bree:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ what I turned to after failing again at Weight Watchers, which definitely works for some, but I am cheap and this is free! Plus, it has everything from Costco to Original Joes, and even obscure things from Alternate Roots.

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/ go under Clean Eating 101 to understand Clean Eating better; it’s nothing new or inventive, just really makes sense.

http://ohsheglows.com/ I love her Green Monster smoothie. Thanks to Nicole Agar for telling me about this amazing site.

http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/ where many of my recipes come from. I also get a lot of helpful cooking tips and even use parts of their menu plans and grocery lists. Thank you to the girls at Bewitched Hair Salon for introducing me to the magazine, and in turn a new way to view food.