New Loves

So I'm having one of those days where I just need a reminder of all the good things that I have in my life. I've been feeling kind of "off" today and like my cold that rendered me voiceless two weeks ago is coming back, blech. As I was thinking about what to blog about today while simultaneously trying to come up with something for dinner (barbecued chicken and bean salad it was!), I was thinking about how there are many things that I absolutely ADORE now, that I didn't pre-healthy. So here, in completely random (ie: however they pop into my brain) order, are things that I absolutely love right now.

My puppies.... oh wait, I've always loved them

so I suppose that doesn't count :O)

But really, who couldn't use a little more adorable puppy???

And yes, I did buy them Snuggies for Christmas :O)

1. Protein Powder (This is the brand I'm using right now)

Before, I haaaated protein shakes and would never eat them 

Now... I drink at least one a day, and use the powder in

everything imaginable.

 source

2. Fish- Gotta love Costco's jumbo pack!

Before- I said I hated all seafood

Now- I adore fish and try to eat it 1-2 times a week. I enjoy a 

variety of seafood (that I've tried) except...

Shrimp... bleck!! It's a texture thing

source

3. Trying new recipes- even interesting ones like "sweet potato

pancake with strawberries" (pictured) from Healthy Tipping Point

Before- I stuck to the same old boring recipes out of fear

of trying something new in case it wasn't healthy enough

Now- I love trying new recipes! They are all from amazing

blogs on healthy eating, or from cookbooks I love.

I know so much more about what's good for me now, that I'm

more confident in cooking with those yummy nutritious foods

3. Hiking

Before- I wasn't in good enough shape to go on long hikes,

especially not in the heat.

Now- I do it almost every weekend, and it's a breeze.

In fact, I've decided to take up trail running and will hit up

these same hiking trails this summer for running instead

of walking :O)

4. Water- This is my adorable pink waterbottle that I am never without.

Before- I rarely drank water, preferred beverage of choice

was Diet Pepsi

Now- I drink at least 16- 8 oz. glasses a day and haven't had Diet Pepsi 

in months... in fact I think it tastes yucky now.

5. Bread- I am in loooove with Ezekiel bread these days!

Before- Years of low-carbing it had ingrained in my brain

that bread was the devil and to be avoided at all costs

Now- I eat Ezekiel bread as part of my daily amounts of healthy

whole grains. I also eat cream of wheat, oats, and some crackers.

I'm not scared of bread anymore! Welcome back toast :O) I've missed you!

6. My Protein Shaker (From GNC in case you're wondering)

This thing has become a staple in my life now that I workout at 5:30 a.m.

I would be lost without it, perfect for toting protein shakes anywhere.

The blendy-ball (really scientific name!) makes sure there are no nasty

protein chunks (ew) and it's not a HUGE shaker either which I love.

7. Clif Bars- Especially in the carrot cake flavor... YUM!!

Before- I never would have eaten anything with this many calories in it

Now- I use it for a quick snack when I need something to get me through

between meals. I adore them!

8. Super cute workout clothes (sorry no pics... it's laundry day)

Before- I worked out in baggy men's t-shirts and black cap

Now- I love wearing cute t-shirts and tank tops and more form

fitting things. Plus I've found it helps me move better during a workout.

And great motivation too :O)

9. Exercising- It sounds simple, but it's taken me a long time to enjoy

working out. 

Before- I worked out so I could eat more and because I hated my body

Now- I work out because it keeps me sane, and helps me feel at peace with myself.

Plus, I love doing something that's good for me, and I'm addicted

to the endorphins :O)

10. Vegetables- cauliflower and bell peppers are my faves :O)

Before- I didn't mind veggies, but rarely ate them, usually doused in ranch

Now- My favorite way to eat them is raw, sometimes with hummus. 

I eat at least 4 servings a day and really enjoy it. In fact, when

I don't eat enough, I start to crave them!

11. Running- I NEVER EVER thought I would say that I loved to run.

As a child, I haaaated it and avoided it at all costs. About 3 months, I decided to

give it a shot and I can't get enough of it now. It's my favorite way to do 

cardio.

It makes me feel strong, and confident, like I can do anything if I just keep running.

There are many more things that I love now but my stuffy nose is getting the best of me, and I'm just about relaxed enough to fall asleep. This was the perfect way to end a very busy day. Night bloggies :O)