I LOVE FOOD

I LOVE FOOD

I want every morsel to taste incredible.  Is that too much to ask?  Imagine the sweet creamy, spicy taste of pumpkin pie melting in your mouth with REAL whipped cream on top.  Trusting my body to tell me what it wants involves an act of faith.   Will I eat a steady diet of chocolate and triple Grande Americanos with cream on a daily basis?

Have you ever watched someone eat who thoroughly enjoys the process?  Isn’t it fun to see them drop inhibitions, licking their chops with glassy eyes.   The nickname ‘Groceries’ was given to Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat Pray Love” by her friend Jack. I happened to catch Oprah interviewing Elizabeth about her book and Jack was in the audience.  He came on stage and Oprah asked him why he called her ‘groceries’ he said, “because she makes these sounds of ecstasy whenever she eats”.  A memory of my dear friend came to mind, she eats with great gusto.  I can’t help but smile when I share a meal with her.  We love to eat out or indulge in fresh raspberry pie for breakfast at her cabin.  She devours my Mom’s chocolate cake with great abandon, shoveling it in as she groans, “Um, um, um this is good”.

Here’s my idea….eating healthy can work for me IF the food tastes great.  What do you think of that plan dear reader?  Other healthy eating lures I’ve found are….  I want to feel comfortable in my own body, I want to be strong and supple for dog agility and I want to build up my endurance for hiking in the great outdoors.   These goals require a fit body, however, I WANT MY FOOD TO TASTE GOOD!  Is that too much to ask?

Believe it or not, my repertoire of great tasting healthy food is growing.  Part of the reason for this progress is……..I am trusting my body.  Here’s a conversation I had last night.

Body:   A homemade chocolate brownie with nuts sounds yummy.

Brain:  Well you can have a small piece with a cup of coffee, what else sounds good?

Body:  I’m willing to try the new frozen broccoli with lite cheese and  leftover salmon patty with fresh squeezed lemon.

What conversation might you have?  Can you think of healthy foods that start you salivating?

Here’s my list that will continue to grow:

• roast chicken from the grocery store
• really juicy oranges and grapes
• salads with red pepper and feta cheese
• tuna salad sandwich on a thin bun with sweet pickles
• a Kind Bar or Balance Bar when I’m on the road with a great cup of coffee
• veggies with humus.

Do you have a list of favorites that creates pleasure plus the bonus of health?

Take a look at this, it’s yummy, in fact I’m going to make one right now!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake

In a blender add ¾ cup of skim or 1% milk

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (Hershey’s is the best)

2 tablespoons natural peanut butter

20 grams of protein powder (without flavor is the best)

2 tablespoons granulated fructose (tastes like sugar but better for you)

¾ cup ice cubes

Blend well.  It helps to have an ice crusher setting on your blender.

Enjoy!