Healthy Habit of the Month

Learning to love my fruits and veggies

Recently my bffs over at Weight Watchers shared a new way of thinking about eating right. When their researchers discovered that we are straight up hard-wired to crave junky foods (read about the brain scan research HERE) they deduced that we cannot rely on willpower alone because our brains are programmed to be like "gimme the pizza dammit" and no amount of willpower can control that sort of Jedi mind control. Apparently, in addition to a strong resolve to eat better, we've got to build habits and environments which help us defeat these chemical reactions. Sounds exhausting right?

Well, since everyone I know is looking for ways to be healthier and look skinnier (<-- let's call it what it is people) I thought perhaps together we could attempt to integrate one new healthy habit into our lives each month.* One small change we'll test out together and see how it feels. Ready?! Here goes:

Healthy Habit of the Month #1: Add a fruit or veggie to every meal.
Maybe this isn't a change for you. Maybe you're all "ohmygod how unhealthy is this girl that she isn't eating a fruit/veg at every meal?" Well, I'm not, so I'm gonna try it, the theory being that 1) fruits and veggies are super healthy 2) if you round out every meal with fruit/veg, you'll get and stay satisfied for longer. So if you usually have yogurt for breakfast, add a banana. If lunch is soup and a half sandwich, add some baby carrots or an apple... you get the idea. I'm really curious to see how I do with this challenge since I'm definitely NOT a huge fan of fruits and veggies... I am, however, a fan of feeling full, so maybe, just maybe, it can work. Good luck!

*Note: Sometimes the healthy habit will be Weight Watchers suggested, other times I'm gonna think it up myself. It's like I'm paying your WW membership for you. You're welcome:)

Uhhh...

Snow. NYC. November. WHHHAATT!?

So things are officially freaky deaky here in NYC (and if a New Yorker says it's freaky, it must be reaalllly freaky!) After flooding and wind of epic proportions, last night we added snow to the list.

View from my apt, 9pm last night

Where do I buy tickets for the ark..? This shizz is no joke. I don't know if this is global warming or El Nino or just some seriously bad luck, but how's a girl supposed to get dressed in the morning when the forecast is hurricane with a side of blizzard and godspeed opening your umbrella in this wind pretty lady..!?

Since this weatherpocolypse (combined with moving, unpacking, decor shopping and organizing) has left me in a mental clusterf*kc, I'm going to default to one of my favorite topics today: FOOD. It's like I always say, when the going gets tough... eat something:

"Skinny Cheesy Potatoes"

I think my fellow blogger over at The Spotted Lamb is onto something. These potatoes may not be healthy per se, but they are certainly healthier. Made with no butter, no sour cream and no condensed soup, the new super-ingredient greek yogurt is here to delivery creamy, tasty goodness. Yum.

It's important for you to know that I DO actually eat vegetables... starch and cheese may have my heart, but my booty is on a strict diet of delicious greens (don't you wish it could work that way!?) Here are a few new veggie recipes I'm eager to take for a test drive:

Israeli Couscous w Chickpeas, Brussels Sprouts & Asparagus
Pinterest HERE, direct link to recipe HERE

Apparently this will be the "Best Broccoli of Your Life"
Pinterest HERE, direct link to recipe HERE

And of course, don't forget to save room for dessert:

Homemade "ice cream" sandwiches!

Plop some Cool Whip and pudding (exact recipe w combo quantities HERE) between two graham crackers, sprinkle some yummy/pretty treats on the edges (sprinkles, crushed nuts, mini M&Ms!!) and pop into the freezer for about 1 hour. Voiala! Low fat "ice cream" sandwiches.