My favorite salad so far: lettuce, pecans, pomegranate, and blueberries
Wednesdays are super hard. I’m gone over lunch, and my shake doesn’t really satisfy me. Then Wed. afternoon is when the discount place I shop is open. They have good prices on some really healthy foods, but oh! The temptation!! They also have snacks SO cheap. I often buy granola bars and protein bars for the kids to snack on. Do you know how many calories those things have??? And other unhealthy, high calorie choices cost almost nothing. UGH. So I’m hungry ‘cause I’m running around instead of relaxing and being intentional about my lunch. Then there’s all this temptation—and junk looks better than ever. Unfortunately, I did have some junk.
I’m disappointed to have eaten almost 1500 calories today, especially since many were bad for me and didn’t satisfy. I guess I should remember that this is still a significant improvement over what I used to do, but . . .
I did eat salad later. Do you think I’ll ever actually LIKE salad????
Real Time Update:
Here are some things I’ve learned since I wrote this last October. 1) Adding 1/4 cup of rolled oats and a cup of frozen fruit to my shake fills me up, as well as making it a treat. (I also think adjusting to lower portions has made the shake more satisfying because my body is used to less.) 2) I still don’t like most raw vegetables. I know, it’s awful and unhealthy. But it is what it is. Sometimes I actually crave salad now, though, when I add fruits or grilled chicken. My favorite so far has been lettuce with pomegranates, blueberries, and a few pecans.
How About You?
Have you found a way to add in a healthier choice you didn’t used to enjoy? How about being satisfied with smaller portions. How do you handle that?
Tagged: blueberries, food struggle, junk food, making shakes last, pomegranates, portion struggle, rolled oats, struggles with junk food, weight loss, yummy salads
Paula's Blog 
How frustrating! If you’re interested, I have several recipes for homemade Lara Bars. Most are only 2-3 ingredients and all you do is whiz everything in the food processor and then form them. Homemade granola bars are SUPER easy too- and you can control what goes into them.
I am interested, Kristina! I don’t have a good food processor–wish I did–but I could probably do some of it with the blender?
I have found the secret in getting enough veges is juicing!!! I love it now…I have been eating veges I never would have eaten..the secret is adding an apple or pineapple each time and it comes out sweet and amazing. Even with Kale. It fills me up for a while too. Also, another trick I love: an 8 oz canning jar…put in 1/3 cup organic raw oats, a few sliced organic almonds, frozen blueberries, few slices banana, spoon of chia seeds, stevia or maple syrup, and then fill the jar to top with almond or coconut milk….put in fridge overnight. shake and eat cold in morning…I am loving them…I make a weeks worth at a time..they keep all week….you are an inspiration Paula!!!
That last idea sounds really yummy, Dixie! You’re not blending the ingredients, just letting them soak in the milk overnight, right?
Dixie’s suggestion is called refrigerator oatmeal. Google it or look on pintrest and you will find a TON of recipes using different fruits. And yes, you just soak the oatmeal over night and it does its magic. I have several friends that swear by it, but I just can’t get my head around cold oatmeal…maybe in the summer. I have learned about steel cut oats and LOVE them. Never was a huge fan of regular oatmeal, but love steel cut oats!! Complete different texture than rolled oats, and they reheat really well. I make a large batch and put in individual containers I can grab and heat up when I get to work.
A trick to get some veggies in is put spinach or kale in your shakes. I know it sounds awful, but just try it…you will never know it’s there, I promise. Just throw in the raw leaves, a small handful, and blend them up with everything else. I am also not a huge fan of veggies so I have to sneak them in where I can!!
I’m trying to listen, Karen. I’ve been so resistant to throwing veggies in with my shake!!