This summer, I've been getting a good taste of what being an "adult" (that word still gives me shivers up and down my spine... Who needs adulthood?!) is all about. I work basically full-time, logging eight-hour workdays Tuesday through Friday (and occasionally, some time on Saturdays, albeit not the full eight hours - only three and a half). Having a sedentary, office job has taught me two things:
- Sitting in front of a computer for eight hours really dries out your eyes.
- It becomes really easy to slip into a sedentary lifestyle of little movement, restaurant food, and over-snacking.
We've all seen (and, admit it - probably pinned) all the cute little "healthy" work lunches that we've always had the best intentions of making, but when it comes down to it, the effort is not there. It just seems so much easier - and tastier - to grab some takeout on your lunch break, right?
Wrong!
Eating healthy at work is not very hard, and packing a (pretty!) lunch that'll keep you full and satisfied is totally doable. It took me a few weeks to really get into the swing of it - and thankfully, my office environment is pretty health-conscious when it comes to food anyway - but now I absolutely adore preparing my own little healthy lunches to enjoy on my lunch break! Sure, it takes a little extra effort in the mornings, but since I don't have to be in to work until 10 AM, I am lucky enough to have some extra time on my hands.
Today's main feature was my take on the super food salad served at my favorite Fort Worth eatery - Brewed. It's a truly awesome mixture of foods that are incredible for you (hence the aptly-named "super" foods), including spinach, sweet potatoes, dried cherries, a soft-boiled egg, pumpkin seeds, and flax. Mix them all together, throw them into a plastic container, and you've got a tasty (and aesthetically-appealing!) main course for your lunch. Plus, it's packed with all sorts of fabulous nutrients, so not only is it great-tasting, it's also something to feel good about!
In addition to my great salad, I enjoyed some plain, salted popcorn (seriously my new obsession), a handful of great trail mix (the Heart Hero blend from the Fresh Market), and a fresh apple. I really do love pretty food. & I love it even more when I know that it's filled with good things to keep me healthy, strong, and happy. :)
Do y'all have any favorite go-to foods for on-the-go? Any pretty meals you've made recently? Let me know in the comments!
xx
ola
This summer, I have rediscovered a truly magical kitchen appliance - the blender.
Mostly, my rediscovery has been fueled by my healthy eating kick this summer. Smoothies have become my latest obsession, and for good reason! Not only are they packed full of great nutrients, they serve as awesome meals on-the-go, they taste pretty damn good, and the possibilities are endless - just throw some fruit together with milk or yogurt, and you've got a tasty treat.
Today was a smoothie-for-breakfast kind of day. The final creation? A cherry berry smoothie.
If you want to recreate this tasty (and super sweet!) beverage, here's what I threw into mine:
- 1/2 cup frozen sweet cherries
- 1 cup ripe banana
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger root
- 1 cup original almond milk
- 2 teaspoons milled flaxseed
Throw together, blend until smooth, and enjoy your nutritious, delicious treat!
What's become your summer obsession? Any smoothie recipes that you swear by? I'd love to hear - let me know in the comments!
xx
ola
I genuinely think breakfast is the most underrated meal of the day.
The adage "It's the most important meal of the day!" seems to be ignored by many, especially college kids. A lot of them just roll out of bed and head to class, completely disregarding having some food before they leave. Others argue that they're just not hungry in the mornings, but I find that hard to believe. I am always hungry. How can you not be hungry when you wake up in the morning, after hours of not having eaten?!
But I digress.
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, simply because of the awesome possibilities for some pretty, tasty, (and if you're feeling crazy - even healthy!) food. Not only that, but breakfast is also the easiest meal with the least effort involved (which is really great, especially if you have an inner sloth like I do). Also, I've found that it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Start off on a good foot and you'll have a great day!
Here's today's breakfast:
A big mug of coffee and oatmeal with apples and cinnamon. Simple, healthy, filling, and low-calorie! What more could you ask for, honestly?
Here's a little low-down on all the tastiness that goes into this bowl:
- 1/2 cup instant oats
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 medium Jazz apple
- Sprinkle of cinnamon, to taste
And this entire bit of deliciousness clocks in at 285 calories and keeps you full for hours, right up until lunchtime. Substitute the apples for any other type of fruit you have lying on hand, or whatever is seasonal. Other great options that I enjoy include bananas, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries!
When the entire preparation time for this tasty meal is under five minutes, why would you want to skip breakfast?
xx
ola
