Warm Weather Eating: How We Eat "Skinny"

First off, I have to wish two very special people Happy Anniversary! My mom and dad are celebrating 32 years of marriage today. I'm very grateful for the amazing example that they've set for my brother and I and it's so great to see that they're still so in love, more than three decades after they first said "I do".

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When spring and summer come, my eating habits change a little bit. I’m always pretty portion-conscious, but even more so in the warmer months because…

Dun-Dun-Dun…(cue evil music)

….bikini season is RIGHT around the corner.

Okay, so really wearing the ‘kini (as I like to call my two-piece) isn’t the only thing that plays into my lighter eating habits. It also just feels better to consume less-heavy foods when it’s 1,019 degrees outside.

S and I sort of subconsciously switched over to healthier food lately, which I greatly attribute to the warmer temps. Here are a few of the items on our grocery list right now:

Protein
Turkey
Grilled chicken
Skirt steak
Shirmp
Ahi Tuna
Salmon

Veggies n' Fruits
Spinach
Tomatoes
Asparagus
Strawberries
Blueberries
Oranges
Cucumbers
Zuchinni
Squash

Dairy
Non-fat Greek yogurt (we like the Fage brand)
Skim milk (or soy, if you are allergic to dairy)
Low-fat cottage cheese
Goat cheese
Half 'n half (for coffee)

Carbs
Brown rice
Sweet Potatoes
English muffins
Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat pasta
Bagel thins (the raisin and cinnamon are SO good!)

My favorite lunch right now is the Spinach/Goat Cheese/ Strawberry/Chicken Salad.

2 cups organic spinach

5 large strawberries, quartered

¼ crumbled goat cheese

4 oz. grilled chicken breast strips (we like the pre-bagged Tyson-ready strips)

2 Tbsp. Newman’s Own Lite Raspberry & Walnut Vinaigrette salad dressing

Other Tips:

-I’ve GIVEN UP STARBUCKS. Going on 3 weeks now, for real. I’ve quit. Instead, I’ve reacquainted myself with coffee and how great a simple cup with half ‘n half can be.  I throw in a couple teaspoons of real sugar, if I’m craving sweetness.

-Stephen and I don't drink anything, eat anything with aspartame or Splenda or Truvia or any other fake sweetener. This includes diet cola. Again, if you want a soda…drink a REAL soda.

-We don't avoid having an indulgent meal. In fact, Friday nights are our pizza nights (one of our favorite foods – thank you Pizza Hut big box!) Indulging once a week helps keep cravings at bay.

-I always think it's great to buy a swimsuit that you want to wear this summer or a pair of cute little shorts. I like to hang them in my closet and let it serve as my inspiration outfit for eating "clean"in spring.

So that's it...the things that keep us in check during the warmer months. Get swimsuit ready, y'all!

Be blessed, lovelies-