I’m done playing.
For the most part.
We have survived our first year of marriage. We’ve eaten basically anything we wanted, had many toasts, and celebrated to our heart’s content. After a year of playtime, we’ve agreed it’s time for a year of health. This year is about travel, adventure, and being in top shape to do it all!
But first, a last meal.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAG7Gg3Gjbk/
Worth. It.
Back to reality. I wrote a meal plan, and we’ve been following it. Two days down! Thankfully I never stopped working out, so getting in the gym is no problem. It IS more fun now that Vegas has rejoined me though.
I’ve started doing 2x a day workouts. It’s a little easer than staying at the gym for 2 hours trying to do cardio and weights, and I get to do my cardio next to Vegas. Everything is more fun with her by my side. *gag… cheesy… gag*
Read on for my much healthier day of eats, and join in Jenn’s WIAW baby over at Arman’s today!
Breakfast:
I had my usual morning cocktail and sludge… and I actually took a pic!
That was followed by a “traditional” competitor’s breakfast.
Oats cooked with egg whites, cinnamon, and a little liquid vanilla stevia. Clementine on the side. Vegas said: “I’m eating for sustenance now.” Whatever. It was good.
Lunch:
We kept it simple again with local greens, grilled chicken, zucchini, and avocado topped with a fig balsamic reduction, lemon, and red pepper flakes. I could eat avocado all day, every day and never get bored.
Dinner:
Broiled salmon with lemon juice, salt, and pepper alongside roasted butternut squash and sautéed local green beans.
I realized I’d never actually made green beans before. I winged it and it turned out just fine. I started by cooking diced red onion in a pan, then added the beans and some lemon juice, pepper, and garlic. When they were almost done I tossed in fresh rosemary, sesame seeds, and olive oil. The almonds were an afterthought – I just sprinkled them on top, but next time I’d add them to the pan too.
Dessert:
The return of the yogurt bowl! It’s not chocolate cake, but I legit love these for dessert.
I mix 1/2 C Greek yogurt with 1/2 a scoop of protein powder to give it a nice, thick consistency and go from there. Tonight was a re-make of and old favorite – Carrot Cake Protein Batter. Topped with popcorn and peanut butter… because leftover macros and yum. 😉
[Tweet “Back to the real world – a #WIAW of healthy eats. #fitfluential”]
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Much to my surprise it hasn’t been hard to get back to healthier eats… I may have out-junked myself over the holidays!
Do you enjoy getting back to a more “normal” routine?
What’s the first thing you have in the morning?
Anna-Marie @Beauty and the Beets says
I am trying to be on the healthy wagon too! and loving the yogurt bowl.
Heather McClees says
Funny thing, I actually like green beans better canned (I know, right?!). Everytime I cook them fresh, I struggle, so I normally just dump them in the slow-cooker and call it a day! 🙂 They go great with butternut squash, thanks for the reminder!
Laura says
That’s so funny – Vegas likes them canned too!
Carla says
CONFESSION.
I thought I was all ready for normal and all back to normal and yet?
I read this twice thinking GIRL IT ISNT WEDNESDAY.
(whispers)
but it is 🙂
Emily says
Yogurt bowls are my favorite!
Allie says
I so wish I had my husband (or other friend/partner) to gym it with! I’m back to 2 hour training sessions and it gets lonely!!
I have to say that I’m loving some of these recipes and totally LOLd at “I’m eating for sustenance now.” HA!!!
Laura says
Poor Vegas… she’s got it rough. 😉
Lee says
Jason and I are in the same boat – we’re back to normal/healthy. It hasn’t been half-bad, at least not for me. Except for these damn chocolate covered pretzels that are in my office breakroom..
Laura says
It’s not too bad for me either. The hardest part is trying not to go out though. I fail if I go to a restaurant.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I’m with you–I look forward to getting back to fresh and healthy meals and foods after the holidays. Mostly, though, I’m just glad that all the temptations are gone.
Oh, and I mentioned this in my reply to your comment, but I figured I’d tell you here–I’ll FB message you or something as well) but my dad lives in Cabo for 1/2 the year, so we can tell you all the good places to go!
Laura says
Thank you!!! We’re trying to nail down dates, but I will totally reach out for advice. I think it may be April now.
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
That salmon looks so good. I really want to get more fish on the dinner menu, but the husband is picky about fish, so I can’t just buy whatever.
I love getting back into a routine. I’ve been getting back on track this week too and so far, so good!
Laura says
Vegas is the same way – she’ll eat it if I put it in front of her, but she much prefers meat.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
After all of our travel last month, I am so enjoying being back on schedule this week. Eating out so much just made me feel sluggish and gross. Happy working out and clean eating!
Kaila@HealthyHelperBlog says
Well if you’re going to have a ‘last meal’ that is CERTAINLY a good choice! All your other eats look delicious too though! Love all the salmon. 🙂
Cora says
I love cheesy.
I’m definitely enjoying getting back to my own eats, even if they are totally random and so not as put together as they were over the holidays. Love being in control of what’s in my fridge. Morning = warm lemon water or water + kombucha. And then coffee :).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ve been neglecting the avocado lately! I really haven’t bought one in months :O
Kelly @ The Fit Skool says
I would love a bite of that burger right now haha but I’ll choose your salad instead to be healthy, that’s my kind of meal!
I’m so happy to be back to a healthy routine. As much as I enjoyed the comfort food and cookies I feel so much better when I eat clean!
Aurors@Fitness is Sweet says
It may be healthy but everything still looks delicious!
Brittany says
It’s funny how similar are posts are today! All about the clementines and avocado. 🙂
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Matilda has been hogging ALL THE AVOCADO lately! Clearly I need to stock up! Also, Yogurt bowls are one of my favorite desserts!
Laura says
Haha! She’s a smart girl!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
I am planning to try a similar version of your anti inflammatory elimination later this month – no grains, dairy, soy, alcohol, or added sugars – for medical reasons. But honestly in a weird way I am glad I need to because I think a reset is just what my body wants right now!
Laura says
I hope it works out for you! I really liked it… probably need to continue down that path, actually.
Kate says
Yogurt bowls sound like an excellent use for the stash of PBFit chocolate peanut butter I’ve amassed!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Go you for getting on the healthy wagon! Your lunch makes me wish I didn’t just eat lunch, but I want that instead!
Lauren says
I always blanch my green beans then toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper and… tarragon! Try it, it’s the best!
Laura says
Tarragon! I never think to use that. I’ll have to try your way out next time – thanks!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Ya’ll are so cute! 🙂 I need to get my husband back in the gym because it’s always more fun to workout with someone else! 🙂
Looks like a yummy day of eats! You’ve cleaned it right up!
Lucie says
Congrats Ladies!
I’m so there. I did not have any chocolate or booze for 3 days. I miss the two-dessert-decision though. But I also miss my abs. So…..:)
Jody - Fit at 58 says
AND I am the exact opposite – I rather get it all done in one workout, therefore my crazy workout hours! 🙂
I do like getting back to a routine after the holidays although I never fall far off… at my age, it is disastrous! 🙂
Mary says
I wish my significant other would workout with me, but he thinks I’m crazy when it comes to exercising. I also do 2 a days which I love but of course I do them alone which can be a good and bad thing. Lunch looks rather tasty!
Laura says
Vegas goes through phases… thinking I’m crazy and getting on board. She was crazy about it for many years, so I think she’s just over it. LOL!
Katie @ Run Now, Wine Later says
Even with all your indulgences during your first year of marriage (and of living in an awesome foodie city!), I think you maintained a smart and healthy way to balance eating well, moving when you can, eating out sometimes, and not beating yourself up about it. And I’m sure you won’t look back on year 1 and think, “Gee, we should’ve had less beer” or “Whyyy didn’t I have more oats for breakfast?!” 😉 More power to ya!
Laura says
Thanks Katie! You’re so right – I won’t look back with regrets. We had a blast! (And still do.)
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
My friend and I have decided to do something similar while we’re in Guatemala: gym every day and “clean” eating. We’re having a bit of a competition. Having someone to do it with definitely helps! Here’s to a healthy and sexy 2016!
Laura says
I’ll do anything if it’s a competition. Vegas and I actually made a bet about this. We both hate to lose at anything!
Lindsay Cotter says
Anniversaries are worth the splurge! And then reality will always be there. Boo. But actually, yours looks good!
Laura says
It IS good. But it could be 20 lbs lighter… LOL!
Cailee says
Yummy eats!! This looks like a great day… what a neat treat! I would’ve never thought to add popcorn! What a fun combo! YUM! PS dinner looks amazing! Salmon is my FAVE!!
Laura says
Thanks! I love popcorn on anything. 🙂
Faith VanderMolen says
Gah! Everyone’s eating avocado and they’re not in season here in China yet! 🙁 I’m going to have to eat one everyday to make up for my missing out!
Laura says
I’m kind of lucky to be in SoCal – it’s always in season here!
Randi says
this makes me so happy! don’t get me wrong, I love your indulgent eats but I miss your healthy ones too. like many, my month of December was out of control and now it’s back to a controlled normal which makes me happy. you inspired me and I skipped my usual peanut covered oats and opted for the simplicity of cinnamon this morning.
Laura says
HA! I know, I know… I struggle between “I don’t care – I’m having fun” and “OMG my spandex is tight.”
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Happy 2016 Laura! I was waiting to hear that you’re back on the super healthy wagon after the last time I saw you and you were kind of hinting that a stricter diet would be in the future. I’m with you, as I ate whatever my heart desired over the holidays, then was sick the past 2 weeks. Today was the first day I’ve felt better, worked out, portioned out & counted my macros since pre-Christmas, and it felt GREAT! Sometimes getting back on the healthy wagon feels awesome, I think. Treats kind of lose their allure when I’m eating them ALL THE TIME 🙂
Laura says
Good for you! I’m going to come calling for some hiking or to tag along in a class as soon as my ankle is stable again! 🙂
masala girl says
i actually love green beans raw! but my favorite way cooked is steamed 🙂 sometimes with a little bit of lemon juice squeezed on! my mom likes to throw them on the grill (or in a hot oven) in a foil pack with some garlic (whole head!) and lemon slices too!
Laura says
The grill is a good idea too! I love anything with that yummy grill flavor.