Spaghetti Squash

I was doing my weekly grocery shopping, and while in the produce section, I saw some spaghetti squash.  I've never tried this vegetable, so I decided it was worth a shot.  I had to find out how to prepare the squash, so I found this link on, you guessed it, Pinterest!  I baked it for 1-1/2 hours, not 1 hour like the directions called for, and I think it turned out pretty well!  I served it with some turkey meatballs and topped the spaghetti squash with some tomato sauce.  I'd say for the first try, it made a delicious meal!  I'll definitely be using it again, except next time, I think I'll try the microwave method.

The Box

I recently discovered that my local grocery carries this fabulous box of various organic fruits and vegetables.  You can find out more about The Box here.  Each week there is different fruits and vegetables featured.  It is so much fun to open the box and try the new produce each week!  You can choose from fruit, vegetable, or a combo box.  I have ordered the fruit/vegetable small combo box.  I usually order one every other week, and supplement with specific fruits/vegetables I need for recipes or snacks.  This is a great way to try new fruits or vegetables that you otherwise may not have tried, and it's a bonus that it's all organic!

Bite-Size Apple Pie

I just love finding new recipes on Pinterest!  I recently came across this apple recipe and I just had to try it!  This is a great way to satisfy the sweet tooth, but also stay within your daily calorie limit!  I made the recipe using reduced fat crescent rolls and I added two slices of apple, instead of just one.

Baked Salmon

There are only so many recipes that you can make using chicken, turkey, or beef.  It was time to branch out!  I found this salmon marinade on Pinterest, follow link here.  I am not someone who really enjoys fish, but I know it is good for you, so I try to add it to my diet.  This was actually quite delicious!  I added a bit more lemon juice to the marinade and also squeezed some on top after it was finished baking.  The additional lemon juice definitely made it even more yummy!  I served the salmon with grilled asparagus.  I just simply tossed the asparagus in some garlic olive oil and salt & pepper.  YUM!  I hope you'll try and add some fish to your diet!

Accountability

Since beginning this journey, I have fallen off the wagon many, many times.  I feel frustrated with the limited progress that I've made.  However, I know it's no one's fault, but my own.  I struggle every day with making good choices... whether it's about food or working out.  So, it comes down to the simplest question... Am I willing to make the sacrifices to make this change happen?  I'd like the answer to be "yes," but my actions have certainly said, "no."  I wish I had the answers that could solve this problem.  But for now, I think the best solution is to put up a picture of my "before" picture where I can see it every day.  When I feel like skipping the gym, or splurging on a [temporary] food craving, I will just look at the picture and remember that it's not acceptable!  The weight was not put on overnight, so expecting to take it off overnight is not going to happen!  This is a journey, not a sprint.....