Monday, Monday . . .

It's Monday. The beginning of a new work week. For me it is always a great opportunity to try something new. I love beginning a new venture on a Monday because you can take the weekend to think, plan and prepare and then Monday morning is like starting out with a clean slate. I have to finally accept that I cannot veer off the path even the tiniest bit. I think I have a serious food additive intolerance. That means that for me, this is about more than seeing my waist shrink a bit.

I used to think I was just a sickly person but now I am thinking not so much. I ate clean all week and used Sunday as my cheat day since we were taking MIL out for her birthday. We went to a local steakhouse. I didn't order an appetizer or dessert. I thought ordering a half rack of ribs instead of the whole and not using the sauce on the side made a decent cheat meal. Wrong. It lead to some very unpleasant side affects within a few hours. The only ones I am willing to share are headache, itchiness, sluggishness and congestion...the gastrointestinal distress is not something I am willing to detail on the internet. That being said, it made me realize that I will have to do better than cleaning shop at home. I now know I have to be more aware of where I go in social situations as well. Just because I have a cheat meal doesn't mean I can eat what ever I want. I may be able to relax my rules in terms of caloric intake and/or flavor but not where my food comes from and what additives it might have.

This week, I am pleased with what's in the fridge. I of course forgot the camera so I'll just tell you what we got. I promise to try to remember it next week:) The proteins are always consistent. Organic and free range for meats and wild caught fish. This week on the menu- steak, lean ground turkey, boneless skinless chicken breast, salmon, cod and tuna. In the produce section we snagged large containers of spinach and mixed greens, fresh green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers. I always stock rolled oats and brown rice for carbohydrates. We picked up sweet potatoes for a little variety this week. I am really trying to work in the fresh fruits. We have grapefruit, kiwi fruit, blueberries, strawberries, pears, apples, bananas.

I also got no sugar added pineapple for my Shakeology. I know it is more processed than fresh but fresh pineapple is expensive and since I use a quarter cup at a time, it is difficult to keep around fresh anyway. I am not at the point where I can drink that stuff straight yet! I have been using this since I became an Independent Beachbody Coach last month and I have to say that I love how my cravings have decreased and my household has become more calm. Could it have something to do with my improved nutrition? Maybe. . .probably. So what's new for you this Monday?