Getting Back on Track

Today on BLWB's Facebook page, I asked for recommendations about what you like to eat when you need to get back on track. You know, after you get back from vacation, after a few too many days of indulging in your favorite comfort foods, after a few weeks "off" from your normal healthy habits.

You know, too many of these...

What foods do you like to eat to help you get back in the right mindset?

Here's what you had to say:

My mom:

Chicken fajitas on lettuce. Big salads with cabbage, broccoli slaw .. just lots of veggies and lean protein. Soup is filling too.. canned, but add tons of stuff. I buy Trader Joes salads and add tons of extra lettuce and greens and them add water to the dressings.

Denise:

Salads! Or maybe just marinated grilled chicken with some roasted vegetables :)

Elodie:

Red quinoa salad w/kale, chard, tomatoes, onions, garlic, wine vinegar & evoo - Yum! Easy, filling but not too, good protein, great fiber, antioxidants & anti-inflammatories too! Oh, and it makes you Go! :) Lemon & parsley for garlic breath...

I love your suggestions! As you may have guessed, I've felt a little off the last two weeks. Between the half marathon and starting work, I've gotten out of my usual routine and off track with my normal healthy habits. I know how slippery that slope can be, and I refuse to allow a new job to change my life in a negative way. I need to find a way to make this new schedule work for me. As for the half marathon? That was two weeks ago, Julie, get over it.

To give myself a push in the right direction, I made a plan, starting today:

1. Work out five days per week again, with an extra day of "fun activity" like a hike or long walk.
2. Continue to meal plan and grocery shop weekly.
3. Prep breakfasts and lunch the night before if possible; if not, at least have a plan for what to eat so it isn't a last minute (and therefore unhealthy) decision.
4. Set aside time each night to unwind and relax before bed.

Today after work, Terry and I went grocery shopping together with our meal plan and list ready to go. We bought all the necessities for the week, including (this is the exact list I sent Terry today): 

• Produce - lots of veggies for the stir fry
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Onion
• Eggplant?
• Whatever looks delicious
• Spinach (two)
• Tomatoes
• Basil
• Avocado (if ripe)
• Apples
• Bananas
• Other fruit/berries?
• Hummus
• Pepperoni
• Mozzarella
• Peanut Butter
• Ice Cream
• Brown Rice
• Yogurt
• Syrup
• Milk
• Birra

Terry added Spinach & Kale dip, which they didn't have, so we bought a Sour Cream & Spinach dip that I don't like as much. 

Tonight's back-on-track stir fry: Eggplant, onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, squash, and brown rice with soy sauce

Today's list was particularly long. We didn't do a "big" grocery shopping trip last week, so we had to refill on some staples, but the rest of the list is about average. Though occasionally we buy the produce at the farmers' market instead of the store. 

This week's menu (dinners):

• Monday: Stir Fry
• Tuesday: Banana & Macadamia Nut Pancakes
• Wednesday:  Pizza Roll Up (inspired by Courtney's Garbage Bread)
• Thursday: Out to celebrate a friend's birthday
• Friday: Leftovers
• Saturday: Pesto Grilled Sandwiches

Once we finally got home, we also took ourselves on a 45-minute jog-and-walk up to campus. We hit four miles and felt much more energized to tackle cooking, dishes, and grading.

I think that ought to do the trick! I hope by the end of this week we'll be back on track and settled into a routine that will carry us through the school year. 

What's your get-back-on-track meal?

One of my favorites is my Greek salad, a fresh and delicious way to squeeze in a whole bunch of veggies!