Sunday Food Prep

This week I decided to try a different approach to my weight-loss. Instead of going to the store and buying stuff that I think I'm going to use, I made a menu and a list instead. This menu dictated exactly what I was going to pack for lunch and hopefully eat that day. I found this to be very helpful and it made packing my lunch less stressful in the morning. I also wasted less food this week. Sometimes I find it difficult to keep up with the amount of produce I buy. For example, I'll buy three bell peppers but only end up using one or two (if I'm lucky). I want to try making all my dinner ahead of time (on Sunday) but I think that requires better planning. 

My menu

Protein for my salad (Gardein Chipotle "Chick'n" Strips)

I hard-boiled a dozen eggs for the week

Cut up some organic strawberries

The beginning of the fruit salad

My additions to the fruit salad: cantaloupe, pineapple and grapes

Pre-made some oatmeal for the week

Storing my fruit salad, hard-boiled eggs, and salad greens

Yogurt, salad, fat-free cream cheese and salsa for the week

Getting ready to cover the oatmeal. During the week, I had to add a splash of almond milk, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and a few shakes of cinnamon.

I had a bit of food left over (the curry tofu and a mug of the oatmeal) but over all, I ate everything I made. I've also decided that if I'm going to food prep on Sunday, that Sunday should be my weigh-in day. That post will come tonight. I need to get ready for my friend's birthday party... I still need to go to Trader Joes! Ahhh!! 

What kind of food do you like to prep for the week? 

Until next time, keep smiling!

10 Strategies for Promoting Healthy Permanent Weight Loss

3. Learn how to control emotional eating

I want to address emotional eating because it's a huge part of my weight loss journey. Recently, my boyfriend and I called it quits. It's been a rough couple of weeks and that was the reason for my hiatus. I needed some time to put together my thoughts and to figure out if I should openly discuss the break-up on my blog. After much thinking, I came to the realization that my relationships with people are an important part of my weight loss. My emotions take over my conscience and my food intake changes. I've noticed that any time I had an argument or I felt rejected, I would turn to food and it didn't matter what or how much I ate. I was lost in the emotions and I felt better... temporarily. I drank a little more and I ate some things that I wouldn't eat on a typical day. 

With my break-up this week I had to find other outlets for my anger and hurt. I decided to not turn to food for the first time and I don't feel as though I'm missing anything. I feel comforted by the fact that I didn't let food take over. Although this is just the first couple of days, I am proud of myself. Unfortunately, my body gave into the stress and finally broke down and now I'm sick. This has been the only downfall this week (so far). One of the things that I helped me get through this emotional time is music. Especially this song by Katy Perry.

It was important for me to find comfort in something other than food. This song truly expresses how I feel and I connected with it. I found power in a song that talks about moving forward and living for yourself. That's how I have to control emotional eating. I need to remember that although all these bad things are happening around me, it's still my responsibility to take care of myself... no matter what. I have to remember, every single day, that I, Kristen, am strong. 

How are you controlling your emotional eating?

Until next time, stay strong and keep smiling.

Surviving Birthday Parties and Girl's Nights Out

A few Saturdays ago was my friend, Yajaira's, birthday. I didn't plan very well and ended up munching on a small meal before heading to her party. It was almost torture to sit there and stare at her dessert table. I didn't want to eat sweets because I was hungry and I knew if I started chowing on them I wouldn't be able to stop. That's the problem with me, I just can't stop sometimes. I love sweets and eating less of them has definitely taught me some self discipline. And of course, eating less sweets has made me feel better. I'm still trying to practice moderation but man, do I have a sweet tooth!! 

Me in my 1920's gear! I had to dig through my closet for all these pieces!

With my friend, Victoria. She's an amazing lady.

Always loved this picture.

The dessert table!

Happy 29th Yajaira! She's a great party planner - I told her to start a business so I can work with her, hehe!

This is the dessert that I did indulge in...

Victoria and I goofing around with the display pieces

Finally having a good conversation on the phone! Ha!

After Yajaia's birthday, I promised some friends I would meet them for drinks at Hamilton's. Hamilton's is my favorite bar because it's laid back and people tend to leave you alone. We sat at this table all night and chatted and laughed. It was great to be around such positive energy. I did get a bit carried away. Alcohol is one of the things I've been trying to have less of and for the most part, I don't drink as often as I did. My trainer and I had a conversation about beer one day and I told him that with my lifestyle, I refuse to give up beer. He accepted it but as time went on, I found myself wanting it less and less. An occasional beer won't throw me off, in my personal opinion. On to the fun!

With my girlfriends enjoying some delicious beer.

I think Joanna is enjoying this a little too much!

There ya go Jessica! Finish that beer!

Ending the night with amazing girls and lots of laughs. It's so important for me to find this peace through all the ups and downs in my life. 

How do I survive these type of nights, you ask? Well, I don't have them very often. I'm not a huge drinker and if I do go out to meet friends I usually stick to one beer (because I'm driving). I'm also very honest with myself. For example, the sweets at Yajaira's party, I could have gone to town on them but I knew I was going to make myself feel bad about them later. I don't need to eat sweets and I managed a decent meal with some pasta (sans meat) and a little bit of bread. When I was at the bar, I really wanted to order food but I also knew I wouldn't be happy with the choices. I'm trying to be picky about what I type of food I use my money on. That's been helpful for me. What's helpful for you? 

Until next time, keep smiling!

Sunday Adventures with Jessica

About two weeks ago, Jessica and I set out on an adventure to discover some treasures at a local thrift store. Jessica is a great friend because we share similar interests: food, shopping, and healthy living. I can always count on Jessica to be adventurous with food. Although I've been to The Mission before, she hadn't and I was excited for her to try their food (especially the soy chorizo, which neither of us chose this time around). I wouldn't say it's the healthiest option, but you can definitely make the food a bit healthier by substituting a few items. I got the corn tamales with black beans and egg whites. The tamales were sweet and delicious, I could only finish one. 

Jessica enjoying her morning cup of coffee.

Plato Verde con Huevos

Yum! Can't wait to have this again!

Art in The Mission (Downtown San Diego location)

Coffee bar (and bar, bar) included

Jessica looking fit and cute in her hat!

Jessica is the best photographer! I think I look fun and happy in my Jason Wu (for Target) dress!

Next it was onto Amvets (one of my favorite thrift stores). Although I passed on a few clothing items here, I scored in the book and jewelry section. Whenever I go to thrift stores, I find myself lost in the book section. I just love finding new and old books, books I've always promised myself I would read one day and books I never heard of before. In my bedroom I have a large collection of books. Hopefully one of these days I'll find the motivation to read some of them... I just find that my eyes start to close once I pick up a book. Any tips?

A thrift store open on Sundays? Can't be!

Books, books, books!

I love their large selection of clothing. 

My pretty finds!

Jessica is always up for an adventure so after the thrift store we decided to go to the Hillcrest Farmers Market. This is one of my favorite farmer's markets in San Diego. The space is just large enough with enough vendors to offer different options. I also like the food stands (tacos, anyone?). There's a green juice stand at the Farmers Market that I want to try the next time I go. I've been reading a lot about juicing and the benefits of it. I started researching juicers! Oh, like I need another kitchen appliance. 

Oh no, we didn't stop here! We went onto Sipz Cafe. It's a cute little vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Clairemont. I really like this place because they serve everything in bowls! This time I tried the Kung Pao "Chicken" but what I usually get is the BBQ "chicken." I don't usually venture from my usual but I figured I would give something spicy a go. I didn't really enjoy the Kung Pao "chicken" but that's only because it wasn't spicy enough. Maybe next time I'll get the mongolian BBQ...

Eating seaweed salad is funny!

Finished off the day with the pittys, Rocko and Junior! What handsome models!

I hope you enjoyed a sneak peak into my weekend! Sundays are rest days! Always remember to give your body a rest. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Jessica's Birthday Shenanigans

I've been playing catch up with all my photos because of my "mini hiatus."

Let me tell you a little something about me. I love going out with friends to restaurants and talking and laughing over delicious food. Since starting my weight-loss journey, it's been difficult for me to do that without going slightly overboard. However, Jessica is great because she loves fresh, healthy food and I can count on her to try anything with me. For her birthday we had sushi at Ikiru Japanese Restaurant. I have a slight obsession with sushi because it's always fresh and always has great flavor. This sushi restaurant is one of my favorites because of the variety of sushi rolls and the fresh ahi poke salad. After sushi, we headed over to Wine Steals to drink some delicious wine. I had a red and then a sparkling wine. Overall, a great night with wonderful people... oh and YUMMY food!

Ahi Poke salad with an amazing apple garnish

My splurge item: spicy calamari

the "Harbor Roll" with spicy tuna, cucumber on the inside and seared hamachi and fire sauce on the outside. 

With the birthday girl! 

Wine Steals - look at all that wine!

A peek at the menu

My red wine (wish I could remember the name!)

With Jessica and her sister at Wine Steals

Jessica with her sister on the "sexy red couch"

Enjoying some wine! Wish it was in focus! hehe

Happy belated Birthday Jessica!

Until next time, keep smiling.