by Laura
Since my life is now only somewhat insane, I’ve resolved to take better care of myself. Despite the risk of catching swine flu, making a series of appointments at campus health has allowed me to take full advantage of my over-priced insurance and get off on the right foot.
It is unfortunate that visiting campus health involves seeing a bunch of people with face masks. Rather unpleasant, in fact. But, then I can count my dash through the lobby towards my exercise for the day. Not easy to do while holding your breath and desperately searching for a hand sanitizer station.
This week I met with a nutritionist and we had a conversation that went something like this:
Me: Hi. Here’s my food diary. Sunday was my birthday so that doesn’t count. Also, I’ve been eating like crap for the past 10 years. Ideas?
Nutritionist: Um…stop eating like crap?
In actuality, she gave several helpful suggestions to help me recover from my stint as a take-out noshing New Yorker on-the-go.
Below are the rules we’ll be following in our household. Harold thinks these will last about a week, but just because we had queso dip two nights in a row does not mean I lack in commitment to healthy eating:
- Always eat breakfast.
- Incorporate fruit into both breakfast & lunch.
- Bring a water bottle along for the day. Limit sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Incorporate veggies into both lunch and dinner. 1/2 the plate at dinner should be veggies, 1/4 protein, 1/4 starch.
- Homemade meals should only use whole-grain carbs.
- Reduce eating out to about 1/3 of the week.
- Plan meals ahead of time, instead of grabbing on the go.
Screenshot of our new eating plan. You may not be surprised to learn that I am a list person. Unfortunately not always batting 1000 on converting lists to action, but I have high hopes for this one!
So, let the cooking begin. If you have any Harold-friendly recipe ideas, feel free to send them our way! I’m looking forward to coming home to find him barefoot in the kitchen.
Laura
Harold
