Salad Challenge

So for the past two weeks I have been doing my own little food challenge. I have been eating at least one salad a day as a primary meal – mostly at lunch time. The purpose is to see if I feel better, have more energy, and hopefully lose some weight. The goal is to continue the challenge until the end of the month.

My definition of a “salad” consists of 3-4 cups of a leafy green (i.e. Spinach, Romaine, Baby Field Greens) with a smattering of other veggies/fruit (so far mostly grape tomatoes, red onions, shredded carrots, dried cranberries and strawberries), and just a tablespoon of cheese (feta or blue). I have then topped it off with a light balsamic vinaigrette or light raspberry vinaigrette.

So far I am really enjoying this challenge. I do feel better, not as much of a “crash” after lunch. I also think it is helping me to eat better through out the day. I am usually really good in the morning (oatmeal or egg whites) and at lunch time I was tying to cut calories/save calories for dinner and as a result I was pigging out at dinner. I was also spending the better part of the afternoon looking for snacks. BAD! Now since I am doing this little challenge, I am still able to keep the calories down during lunch but I am also experiencing more fullness through the afternoon, less snacking and I am also eating less at dinner. GOOD!

Right now my favorite salad combination is a fresh spinach with dried cranberries, blue cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette. SUPER YUMMY!!

I’ll try to keep a update going on my little challenge!

If you dream it, then do it!!

Chandra

Why do I exercise?

1. To lose weight. I have been overweight for the majority of my adult life. I decided a couple of years ago that enough is enough. I don’t want to be the “fat” mom that can’t sit on the chairs in the kindergarten class or not have the energy to chase my son down a soccer field. Nor do I want to die at a young age just because I was to lazy to take care of my body. As a result of I have lost 40 lbs and counting...

2. Mental Health – I am a much calmer and nicer person if I get my workouts in. Miss a couple of days and my brain starts to go into overload mode with all the stress!! Exercise is the best drug out there!

3. Inspiration – When I have a great run or ride I feel inspired to do it again! It pushes me to keep going and to do more. I also hope that I can inspire others to take control of their health and bodies by setting an example for them. Creating a “Hey if she can do it then why can’t I” mentality. I also hope that it shows my son that eating healthy and exercising is the only way to live. I don’t want him to ever feel like he is not good enough or strong enough to follow his dreams.

4. You only live once – There are things I want to do in life other than just sit on the couch and watch life pass me by. This is why I exercise, so that I am strong enough and capable of doing all the things I dream of.

I am sure there are other reasons why, but these are the main ones. So bear with me when you see me post about a workout or complain about some soreness. I know, I do it to myself, but I also know that in the long run it will all pay off.

If you dream it, then do it!!

Chandra