It’s time to talk nutrition, clean eating and weight loss on Ambitious Kitchen. I’m sure you all know how important it is to feed your body with nourishing, good-for-you foods. You could run for an hour every single day but if you aren’t eating right, you’ll never see the results you desire. To top it all off, there are SO MANY diets out there; how do you even know what’s right? While I agree that it’s best to eat for your body type and what makes you feel good, I am also a huge advocate of clean eating.
So, what is clean eating? It’s basically a no-junk approach to your diet, plus it’s actually incredibly simple AND delicious! You don’t have to sacrifice the things you love, you just make alternative choices.
Here are some examples:
- Roasted vegetables with herbs instead of chips — I roast veggies with a tiny bit of olive oil and an array of spices. YUM!
- Sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes — Sweet potatoes are a complex carb, which means they take longer for your body to break down. I love topping mine with a tiny bit of almond butter or maple syrup.
- Water instead of juice or a latte — Always reach for water. Most of the time when you think you’re hungry, you’re actually thirsty.
- Nonfat plain Greek yogurt instead of sugar-packed ice cream — I could go on forever about the benefits of Greek yogurt and how I like to use it in recipes. My favorite swap is adding a packet of Truvia to Greek yogurt, then swirling in fresh fruit, pumpkin butter, peanut butter, or sometimes cocoa powder. Amazing!
- Whole grain bread instead of white — If you must have bread, always go with whole grain or whole wheat. Read labels and watch out for breads with sugar added or high fructose corn syrup. Sprouted bread is great too.
- Eggs instead of waffles every morning — It’s best to start your day off with a healthy breakfast. Think high protein and low sugar. Make a great choice to start the day, and you’re likely to stick with it.
So you’ve probably heard all of those before, right? Yes, eating clean is a conscious choice but it can also be a constant battle. Come on, are you kidding? I’m not perfect. I drool over Bon Appetit magazine and sometimes I just really crave an ice cream cone from McDonald’s. However, I live by the 80/20 rule which means most days I’m eating simple and clean. This makes me feel better, more confident, and in general, happier. I love the way my body feels when I’m eating healthy foods. Simply put, eating an apple is much more energizing then eating an Oreo. Wouldn’t you agree?
Now I’m not an expert or a nutritionist, I can only speak from my own experiences with weight gain/loss, dieting, and in general being a female. Obviously there’s a huge amount of pressure on women these days, and it’s easy to feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Most importantly, you also have to remember that only YOU are in control of your habits. If you want to make a change, you have to start somewhere. It’s certainly not going to be an easy road, but the good news is that little changes absolutely lead to BIG results!
If you’re not sure where to start on your road to clean eating and weight loss, here are my biggest tips:
- Know how many calories you should be eating, then write down everything you eat. Yes, this is annoying but it will be a crucial part of your success. Monitoring what you are putting in your body is SO important. Most of the time we are unaware of how many calories that we’re actually consuming. I like to use the MyFitnessPal app on my phone, but you can also access it online!
- Read nutrition labels. Nutrition labels are available to you for a reason. There are also serving sizes for a reason. Try to stick to these! Don’t make it a habit of purchasing foods with ingredients that you can’t pronounce.
- Eliminate all of your ‘pleasure’ foods, but one (for a little bit anyway). This sounds difficult, and it is! Think of it more as a challenge. If you can take a look at your diet and see what foods you don’t need, then try to slowly eliminate them. I used to really love ice cream so every week I would go to Dairy Queen for a really big Reese’s Blizzard. I realized that this wasn’t making me feel good and that I didn’t really need it. Other examples would be cookies, pastries, your morning latte, chips at lunch, sodas, extra cream in your coffee, that sweet ‘granola’ bar, sugary cereals, etc. Keep one of your pleasure foods for one day a week to enjoy, then don’t feel guilty about it. Moderation is key!
- Prepare, prepare, prepare, AND eat out less! Having healthy foods available to you will make eating healthier a lot more easy. Grill a couple of chicken breasts, make healthy breakfast burritos with egg whites, prepare oatmeal and soups in your crockpot for the week. Do what fits your lifestyle best, but try eating at home as much as possible. You will save calories and money! Here’s an example grocery list I created for The Food Network.
- Try your best to NOT eat for emotional reasons: I have done this countless times, and perhaps it’s personally my biggest obstacle. Know what your triggers are. Currently I’m reading a phenomenal book
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on emotional eating. It’s really helped me in managing my stress and understanding my eating habits and triggers.
- Always eat breakfast. Breakfast is the best; it kickstarts your metabolism, and allows you to stay on track the rest of the day! I love yogurt with fruit and nuts, an egg white omelet, or oatmeal!
- Watch your fat and carb intake. Don’t get me wrong, healthy fats are wonderful. I love coconut oil, avocados, and nuts; however, these foods are easy to go overboard with and the calories quickly add up. Just make sure you watch your serving sizes — especially with cheese! As for carbs, I love them! They give you energy and make you feel happy, but you don’t need to eat a 6-inch Subway sandwich to feel good all the time. Look for good carb sources such as fruits or whole grains like oatmeal and quinoa. Power foods!
I hope that you’ll find some of these tips useful. I’ve found them successful for myself, but I’m definitely not an expert. I’m only sharing my knowledge based on what I’ve read and experimented with in my own life. You can consider that a disclaimer.
Now I think we can all agree that snacking is so much fun and it’s really difficult not to reach for that candy bar at 3pm. But I’ve got a brand that I think you will absolutely love! Quest Nutrition makes protein bars that taste like candy bars. Seriously, I think if I could eat these bars every day for the rest of my life, I would. Yep, obsessed!
Recently Quest Nutrition reached out to me and kindly sent me a sample package of their protein bars. OH MY GOODNESS, I was shocked at how incredible they were. These bars are truly perfect for someone who either loves to work out, is watching their figure, or for a low carb lover.
So let me tell you a little bit about their bars: they’re gluten free, contain at least 15g of protein, are low-carb, and have no sugar is added. Yes, they are as amazing as they sound — I’m not kidding! For me these bars were wonderful before or after a workout or if I needed a quick breakfast in the morning. My favorite flavors are chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, vanilla almond, and strawberry cheesecake. And all of them taste incredible when microwaved for 15 seconds.
This giveaway is closed. Thanks to all who entered!
165 comments
I started eating clean and working out in January. It has changed my life! I now blog about how eating clean has changed my life. I have lost 11 lbs and my entire body has changed!! WOO HOO!! Would love to try Quest bars. I have heard great things!
WOO HOO is right. That’s amazing, Ashley! 🙂
I like Ambitious Kitchen on FB.
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I indulge once a week, it helps me lose weight and not feel deprived. I'm also gluten and dairy free.
I follow you on Instagram
I followed you on Pinterest
For the last six months I have seriously been watching my carbs and fats and have lost 25 lbs. I exercise by walking and I feel great.
Incredible!
I Like Quest Nutrition on Facebook.
I Like Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook
I Follow AmbitiousKitch on Twitter
I Follow me on Pinterest
water, water, water! it is hard to always get in what we need but I do think it is the key to healthy living!
I started eating Quest Bars last fall after reading WHEAT BELLY and CARB SENSITIVITY PROGRAM. They are fabulous. I have found out (the hard way) that they can be very hard on your teeth. They really should be warmed somehow, if only between your hands before opening the package. My solution, because I eat them right after a HOT yoga class, is to take mine into the yoga room and it is perfectly soft after my practice!
Try to eat clean 80% of the time and enjoy some treats 20% of the time. The chocolate chip Quest bar looks like it would be in the 80% category but would feel like the 20%.
Eat something every three hours, and always eat breakfast.
Added you on FB, Twitter, and Pinterest. Also added Quest Nutrition on FB.
I’ve lost over 70 lbs since September by drinking lots of water, always eating breakfast, and eating lots of veggies and fruits. Love your recipes and will try a quest bar for a delicious treat.
Wow, what a success story! Thank you for sharing!
I was already following on FB, Twitter and Pinterest so today I added Instagram. I sure could use some clean eating. I love sweets and desserts so if Quest Bars provide clean eating and seem anything like a dessert they would be right up my alley.
Amazing tips for staying healthy! To stay healthy, I pretty much go by what you said above, except avoid gluten and dairy because of sensitivities!
I’ve like Quest on FB, Like AK on FB, following you on Instagram and on Pinterest!
🙂
Water, water and more water. I use water to fill me up before I snack or have a meal and it really helps me to not need as much.
I follow you on facebook and pinterest. I think water plays a huge role on losing weight!
I find that if I add lemon to my water I can drink way more of it throughout the day. I also love putting cucumber slices in water–so refreshing! Love your ideas on clean eating!
I feel great when I eat clean and follow a regular yoga schedule. Yoga great for the mind and body.
I liked Ambitious Kitchen on FB.
I liked Quest on FB.
I was following your FB page, now I’ve added Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Your Pinterest boards are so well organized!
It's spring time. Bicycling is a great exercise. Bike the trails in your area.
Is that what you did today?
Love this, and I love the 80/20, although I utilize a 90/10 in the same manner as it keeps me more on my toes. The less junk we eat, the less of it we crave and I am living proof of that, but still, when I want something crunchy, I try to make a healthier choice. Thankfully there are a lot of better options for snacks than there used to be, don’t you agree? Instead of potato chips I can choose something like PopChips, or Plentils; there are a lot of veggie based chips available as well that are better for you, albeit not perfect. They’re just better. We can always make better choices for ourselves, like you reference with the Oreo vs. apple.
I am a big fan of your Facebook page.
I find that if I eat a lot of protein with breakfast, it tames my hunger for the rest of the day
I follow on Twitter as well
I liked Ambitious Kitchen on FB
And of course, on Instagram too. I LOVE INSTAGRAM!!
I follow you on everything except twitter (I don't have an account!) I lost weight by tracking everything I eat on caloriecount.com and using workout DVD's. LOVE Jillian Michaels DVDs, they are fast paced and different so you never get bored! ps. amazon has a lot of her DVDs for cheap and youtube has some free videos of hers as well! 🙂
I love Jillian Michaels' DVDs too! 🙂
One really easy way I’ve found to stay healthy is simply by keeping “good foods” on hand – I’m so much more likely to eat vegetables when they’re cut up and stored in the refrigerator where I’ll see them everyday. This also means putting “treat” foods away – instead of leaving a pan of brownies out on the counter, I instead put them in the pantry so I physically have to do more work to get to them… Out of sight, I don’t find myself sneaking a bite of them just because they’re there!
I’d love to try these granola bars, I’ve heard such great things!
I follow you on Pinterest.
I follow you on Twitter.
I love following you on fb.
I like Quest Nutrition on Facebook and my tip is to get enough sleep for weight management! It is very important!
I like ambitious kitchen on facebook!
I follow AmbitiousKitch on Twitter!
I follow you on Instagram!
I follow you on Pinterest!
A tip I have for staying healthy is to flavor your boring water with lemon, lime, or fresh fruit! It makes drinking those 8 glasses of water much more refreshing and easier to do!
I follow you on FB and Pinterest. LOVE all your recipes and your tips! I agree with writing EVERYTHING down that goes in your mouth – I never realized how much mindless nibbling I was doing! 🙂
Being prepared and having healthy options, ie. fresh produce clean, cut up, and ready to go at all times!
I like you on FB
I pinterest follow
Twitter following
I try to make a menu plan for the week. Prep, chop veggies, cook some "proteins" & grains. I bring my lunch to work everyday & rarely eat or order out. makes things so much easier to just warm or toss a container of chopped veggies in the oven to roast!
I liked Quest Nutrition on FB. I always look for hidden sugar in foods. It’s shocking where you find sugar! It’s been a leson in label reading and clean eating. I found Quest bars about a month ago – LOVE them! They are tasty & give me the extra protien I need. Best of all they taste like a treat!
I lost 40lbs last year by changing my eating, running and a whole lot of family encouragement. It's shouldn't be a diet but a lifestyle change. Write down everything you eat (it's way more than you think). I run 4 miles daily…5 years ago I didn't think I could run a mile! Everything you said is spot on! The big key is when you falter AND we all do remember tomorrow is another day to start again!
Good for you! I can vouch for you out there running…see you all the time! Well done.
That's amazing! I agree that it's definitely a lifestyle change. Congrats on your weight loss journey! 🙂
I've liked quest nutrition on fb, and follow you on everything except twitter!
I try to write down everything I eat, even though I sometimes fail at it! I also tried weighing myself every day but decided it wasn't doing me any good as I started to work out.i
It only made me starve myself. Recently I started to work out with Jillian Michaels DVD daily, and even though I hate working out, I feel better after doing it! It's also made me reflect on what I eat as I can feel the difference when I'm dating healthy and when I'm eating unhealthy 🙂
Jillian is AMAZING!
Definitely recording your calorie intake is key to weight loss at first anyway. Than you can also subtract calories burned when you work out which also motivates you to work out more. Eating clean has seriously helped me, and plays a large role in revving your metabolism! Read labels, record food, and find activities you enjoy so you stay motivated!
Also I have like quest nutrition, and follow you on everything but twitter!
Keep track of everything you eat. I use my fitness pal. It helps me keep track of what I am eating. Count calories and eat more protein.
I liked you and Quest on FB! I think eating clean is one of the best ways to see results and to maintain a healthy, long life. Cutting out breads, sweet and alcohol during the week helps me stay on track and then I indulge one day on the weekend. Thanks for the information and the giveaway!
i try my best to eat clean as much as possible, and slowly trying to get my family on board. A simple rule I like to follow is “if I could make/grow this myself, then it’s okay (most of the time) for my body”, that way it’s a lot easier to pick out the mega processed foods with all the extra preservatives. Though, obviously, that doesn’t always mean all the junk is good either! Everything in moderation!
I think balance is the key and to switch only one thing or two at a time. 3 or 4 years ago, my BF wouldn’t eat a meal if there was no meat (I mean red meat here!). He had some health issues and I guided him through changes.
– Stop snacking about 2 hours before to go to bed. Your brain sends you signals that you interpret as hunger, but it’s because you’re tired. My BF was eating sandwiches at 9 or 10 pm. He first switched to fruit, yogurt and/or nuts. Now, he doesn’t eat about 2 hours before going to bed.
– Drink water (just like you said: you can switch only a glass of juice or soda or I don’t know what a day and you’ll see the difference.)
– Add lean meat/fish to your week menu. If you don’t like these, try new easy recipe, new spices. You’ll find something you love.
– Sleep. Because our body needs it, simply.
– Have in mind to eat the least processed food as possible.
** For the Quest bars, I’m intrigued! I always try to cook some bars by myself, but I miss time and in the middle of the week, there are no more left and I don’t know what to eat as snacks! Especially the days I train harder!
I already like Quest on facebook. I love the few flavors I’ve been able to try, but they all sound so amazing!
I’ve lost over 70lbs through a lifestyle change. I totally revamped my diet and exercise routines, and I love the way I feel. My tip is: find a workout that isn’t a chore for you. Make friends in a group class, preferably a class that mixes things up and works different muscle groups to ensure full-body conditioning, and drink lots of water! I tried a lot of things before I found what truly works for me, but this past year I finally found my niche: yoga. I do a variety of styles at my studio: vinyasa flow, yoga fusion (weights and yoga), and cardio yoga mix. I always carry water and healthy snacks in my purse to keep me from getting dehydrated or too hungry.
Thanks for the amazing giveaway
Congratulations Jordan! You should feel incredibly proud of yourself. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! 🙂
I already like Ambitious Kitchen on facebook!
Already following you on twitter, too
@j_mosh
I follow you on instagram (j_mosh)
I liked Quest on fb; A tip that works for me is brushing your teeth after meals to signal to yourself that you are done eating. It prevents mindless snacking for the rest of the day and prevents cavities!
And I follow you on pinterest!
pinterest.com/jmosh
I like quest nutrition on facebook
I carry a water bottle with me…everywhere! It makes such a difference!
I like ambitious kitchen on facebook
and follow you on pinterest!
for almost a full year I suffered from an eating disorder, and was so destructive to my body. I had a very unhealthy relationship with food and my body image, and it really took a toll on me. It took a lot of hard work and courage but I was able to overcome this disorder and re-learned how to eat clean and enjoy my food, not use it as a reward. I feel much better on the inside and out, and will strive to live a happy and healthy life from now on!
Can you please share the title of the phenomenal book you are reading?!?!
Sure! I just linked to it in the post now! 🙂
I'd love to know…what's the book you're currently reading?
Hi Samantha! I just linked to it in the post. I'm really enjoying the book so far; it's helped me to understand my eating patterns better!
Ambitious Kitchen Thanks! I'm definitely going to check it out. PS, go Tommies! (I think we graduated the same year??) Keep up the awesome work and ambition!
Great post on clean eating! I've been eating clean for awhile now and it's amazing how easy and tasty it is! It's become so second nature for me but I always get so many questions about how I do it. I love quest bars as a yummy treat! Especially the Chocolate chip cookie dough!
I like Quest on Facebook 🙂
I follow you on facebook 🙂
Lose the sugar and lower the carbs!
I have recently tried quest bars also and I LOVE them! I like to ask myself if I really do want something before I start to binge on it.
following on pinterest!
I find that when I mix weight lifting into my cardio routine my body responds best!
I have liked Quest and Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook. Also, I have I follow Ambitious Kitchen on Instagram!
Hi Monique!
This was such an informative post to read. I’ve recently come home from college for the summer so I’ve been looking for tips on how to cut myself back from my mom’s delicious (but not so healthy cooking) and I think your tips will really help! Thanks so much 🙂
I’d love to enter the Quest contest so I’ve liked them on Facebook, and I’ve also liked you on Facebook and followed you on Instagram.
Liked Quest Nutrition on Facebook.
I always use my fitness planner to track my calories – that’s my only fool proof way to monitor weight loss
eat breakfast!
I am a huge believer in drinking lots of water!! It’s helped me so much!
I drink a LARGE glass of water when I have a craving for anything and sometimes it is enough to eliminate it and if not I am too full to binge out too much
I was a but chubby a child and lost about 30 lbs before I started college by listening to my body and eating when I was hungry. I also cut out sweets, except on special occasions and learned to work exercise into my daily routine. Now I am trying to maintain my weight and still eat healthily. Eating 6 small meals a day helps control hunger and leaves you satisfied throughout the day. I liked quest on Facebook and follow you on Pinterest!
I have followed you on FB and Pinterest for awhile now and already liked Quest Nutrition on FB.
A few months ago I discovered that I am gluten sensitive. I will typically eat protein bars when I don't have time in the morning or as an afternoon snack. Finding protein bars that aren't full of junk ingredients AND gluten free was difficult at first. I have tried a few brands of gluten free bars but these Quest bars are hands down the most delicious and healthy I have found.
hi, I have found a very satisfying way to out and semi-relax! I have a gym that has a pool and it is great to decompress while either working out in the pool or taking a swim after doing my cardio. feels almost like a treat to be weightless after a hard workout. love it! these bars looks amazing. I have recently starting going more gluten-free and these seem like a great option! I also liked your page and the quest page on facebook. 😉
Totally agree with everything you wrote about! What works best for me is drinking plenty of water, eating 5 small meals a day, and sneaking in a workout wherever I can (like walking to work instead of driving). I liked Quest Nutrition on FB and follow you everywhere!
Liked Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook
Follow AmbitiousKitch on Twitter @Bless_Eliz
Follow you on Instagram-blessnel
Follow you on Pinterest-blesseliz
This was a fantastic post! I really enjoyed reading it and you provided a lot of great tips. I can’t wait to try the Quest bars!
I like to start my mornings off with a healthy protein smoothie. I often use spinach, carrots, a banana, pineapple, etc. in my smoothie. They’re so satsifying and they make me feel great!
I’m following you on FB and pinterest.
I liked Quest Nutrition on FB.
when you think you're hungry, instead of going for a snack, try drinking water instead…usually does the trick!
I eat lots of veggies and drink a lot of water.
I liked quest nutrition on facebook. My lifestyle change has been gradual and started out with eliminating as much msg, and soy as possible. Then I was diagnosed with celiacs and had to cut gluten. Recently I did an workout and nutrition bootcamp that has me eating even better. I now eat things that my body needs when it needs it and I feel great!
Hi! I follow you on pinterest and instagram and like and follow Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook and twitter! I make a point to work out 5 times a week and LOVE clean eating. It makes me feel great and the 80/20 rule is works brilliantly! I just liked quest nutrition on Facebook and can’t wait to try them, yum!
I’ve discovered a new found love for all thing nutrition and believe it or not two sources which contributed were Instagtam and ever inspiring blogs including your own! I’m currently in high school aspiring to study nutrition and the snacks I love bringing include veggie sticks either on their own or with hummus or nut butters, homemade trail mixes and I’m always armed with a 1 L bottle! I’ve always had trouble with my digestion but it’s improved so much since eating much cleaner foods, I hardle even crave junk anymore, especially with all the healthy alteratives outthere (hem your bp chickpea blondies!) I follow you on Instagram and Facebook and also just liked Quest on fb, their products sound great I would lovekto try them!
Also, have you baked with coconut flour Monique? I would love some recipes to try with my new bag of it! x
With so many diets and lifestyle philosophies out there and so many people swearing by each, it's so important to find what is right for YOU! Experiment and play around to find what works. Have fun and see clean eating as an excuse to get creative, not a chore 😀 Read articles, read labels and get acquainted with what goes in your mouth.
Keeping your metabolism up is key as well. Daily (or near daily) cardio will keep your body burning calories even when you aren't exercising. Adding chili, ginger, cinnamon or mustard to meals are also quick, tasty additions to meals that raise your body temperature and burn more! And don't forget the importance of fibre and water!
Well that's my spiel! Like you and Quest on Facebook and following you on Twitter (thegluestick1) 🙂
I love Quest bars… by far the best is CINNAMON ROLL… mouth watering good! Especially when you get an almond.
Hi! I find the 80/20 works well for me to stay healthy as well. I have a definite sweet tooth, so I find that having a fun size piece of chocolate or the lovely Dove bliss chocolates (that are so good!) after a meal is the perfect treat. Another important thing I try to do each day is include lean protein in at least two of my meals to help keep my energy and strength solid throughout the day (a few of the salads on your blog are great for this!). And lastly, I feel like everything in moderation is a really good rule of thumb because we should not deprive ourselves of anything. If would be great to try the Quest bars and include them in my daily snacks or after a big workout. I follow them on Facebook and having been meaning to try!
I follow Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook!
The biggest obstacle I have been overcoming lately is learning to not use exercise as a “fix” for what I eat. Being a young athlete in high school I use to be able to get away with eating whatever I wanted for the most part, and typically I was eating fairly healthy, but my portion sizes and the amount of time I spent eating wasn’t healthy, and I would then feel guilty and gross, so I would “compensate” for it by over exercising. I am currently making the change to focus more on eating to fuel my body with what it needs and adding exercise to that for overall health and fitness. Like they say it is 30% exercise and 70% nutrition! its still a process and something I am working on, but I have seen improvement & definitely feel much better!! Love this post & agree with it a lot. Thanks! <3
TIP: Getting your weight lifting in before your cardio will burn more fat! As a woman, and a keen observer of others at the gym, it is quite apparent that we would all like to do our 30 minutes of elliptical and call it a day. However, to really achieve a toned body, your body needs to use your stored fat as fuel for exercise, or glycogen. When you weight train, your burn off the glycogen and then burn even more fat once you do your cardio!
1) Like Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook 2)Follow AmbitiousKitch on Twitter
and 3) Follow you on Pinterest!!!
I always keep a stash of almonds, protein or granola bars and sugarfree gum (bc sometimes I just need something to chew) at my office desk to snack on between meals.
Spaghetti Squash is a PHENOMENAL replacement for spaghetti!!!! 😀 Clean eating all the way!
My healthy eating tip is; eat one HUGE salad everyday. For me this is lunch!
Following you on twitter!
'Liked' on Facebook.
Following you on instagram.
Following you on pinterest 🙂
First, I would just like to thank you for the effort and work you must put into these recipes. I have become a health nut over the last few years and I randomly stumbled upon this site about a year ago and have been trying your delicious recipes ever since. My advice to anyone trying to lose weight or get in better shape would be to make sure you have a cheat day. You can’t diet 365 days a year. By no means am I saying eat a slice of cake every week, but on special occasions feel free. Make sure the day you decide to cheat is on your most intense workout day, normally your leg day. Good luck to everyone that is trying tog get in better shape and I hope your journey is a success.
I always try to pack a salad, either as a main dish or a side, for lunch to eat during my long days on campus (I’m a senior at the University of Florida) . It’s an easy way to increase your veggie and/or fruit intake for the day.
Read more about my story and favorite healthy foods for college students at http://www.hungrygatorgal.com/.
like them on fb
and my tip is to use protein powder!
katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com
like you on fb
katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com
follow you on twitter @Kayday3
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follow you on pinterest @kad5243
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Following you on pintrest!! 🙂
I try to eat clean because I can’t believe how much more energy I have!
I follow on Pinterest!
I also liked you on Facebook!
Two years ago, I began consistently exercising and eating healthy. Some advice that I have is to be open to new healthy eating ideas and types of exercise. As well, you have to cut your self some slack sometimes. Healthy eating is supposed to be enjoyable, not something that is overbearing.
One tip I have is moderation. I honestly believe that is the key to healthy living! I still eat a small bowl of ice cream or dark chocolate every night and I am the best shape of my life :). I also don’t deny going out for dinner with friends every now and then! I just make sure to eat enough protein and get my vitamins that day and I stress less. Remember, healthy eating is a lifestyle…not a diet, we are aloud to make mistakes and one day will not hurt us if we just keep moving forward :).
~Sam~
P.S I..
Liked Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook
Followed AmbitiousKitch on Twitter
Followed you on Instagram
Followed you on Pinterest
Also I love your blog! I am actually glad I found it haha, we have similar interests 😛 🙂
Mmmm send me some healthy snacks disguised as candy please! In the middle of Dr Junger’s cleanse right now but will be soooo ready for chocolate in 12 more days
I already followed you on Instagram but now I started following you on Pinterest as well :). I have been trying to follow a clean eating diet for over a year now and one of my favorite swaps is Greek yogurt for sour cream! It is such a versatile ingredient and so easy to work into so many recipes. I recently bought my first Quest Bar last week (chocolate peanut butter, can never go wrong with that combo) and I can see why so many people are raving about them! I bought myself a supply to keep at work for when I do get hit by the sweet tooth craving 🙂
Liked quest on fb (teri)
My healthy tip is to have fruit or veggies at each snack and meal and to eat that first! This way you always get them in and are too full to want a second helping of dinner or as a snack sometimes the apple is enough and i dont end up wanting the rest of my snack
a tip I would give that helped my weight loss is do exercise you enjoy and stay active. don't do a workout dreading it and thinking I have to do it. you will not have a healthy stable lifestyle like that. For example, if you hate running, don't do it. find alternatives like even doing sports with your family or friends. walk, stand, do squats, bicycle crunches etc while watching tv, go on the stationary bike while watching a movie or tv. just keep moving. all these movements add up at the end of the day.
I have also liked quest nutrition and your facebook page. followed on twitter with my user @shipwrcksoldier, on instagram with @shipwrecksoldier and on pinterest, juliannakaitxo.
Follow on twitter: @DeeFitty
Liked Questnutrition on facebook.
Starting your day with exercise can help you burn more calories throughout the day. 🙂
Eat foods with lots of fiber.
I enjoy your blog and your recipes. Today I had to laugh when I read your post. You mention having eggs instead of waffles for breakfast as an example of healthy eating. Then as I scroll down the page, the very next post is a recipe for waffles. 🙂
Hi, my name is Natasha Doroodian, I am an 18 year old wrestler from Northern Ontario who was picked on my whole life for my weight. Entering my third year in highhschool weighing in at almost 185 pounds (standing only 5'3) I was a big girl to say the least and my diet wasn't the best. By the end of my third year, something clicked. I don't know where it came from, but it was as though i woke up one morning and decided today was the day i was changing my life forever. And so began my fitness journey. In the process of one summer, with a fitness program, and a clean diet, i managed to lose 30+ pounds. When i went back to school in September for my final year, no one knew who i was. People I had gone to school with for my whole life didn't recognize me?! I was a completely changed person, with a completely new outlook on life. From that summer, I. have dropped 6 weight classes in wrestling. This year wrestling at my lightest weight I've ever wrestled. 131 pounds. And it was BECAUSE I had to work as hard as I did to get to that point that brought me a provincial gold medal this year. My weight loss taught me that if you want something, you have to want it more then anyone or anything else, and that good things don't come to those who wait. Good things come to those who work hard. My life is forever changed. I am attending university on a great athletic scholarship this fall. Moral of the story; Work hard and you can have whatever it is you want.
Tackle your ‘hard’ exercises, like for me it was squat jumps, head on! I made it a habit to do one every time I get up & remember to, – just more frequently! It works, and you can pace yourself.
I’ve started eating (mostly – moderation is key!) clean a week ago tomorrow. I’m already down at least 5lbs! I know it’s water weight, but I need to celebrate the small victories. 🙂 So my story is just beginning, but it’s on its way!
I’ve liked Quest Nutrition and Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook, and followed on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 🙂 Let me know if you need those usernames for proof.
The biggest obstacle I have been overcoming lately is learning to not use exercise as a “fix” for what I eat. Being a young athlete in high school I use to be able to get away with eating whatever I wanted for the most part, and typically I was eating fairly healthy, but my portion sizes and the amount of time I spent eating wasn’t healthy, and I would then feel guilty and gross, so I would “compensate” for it by over exercising. I am currently making the change to focus more on eating to fuel my body with what it needs and adding exercise to that for overall health and fitness. Like they say it is 30% exercise and 70% nutrition! its still a process and something I am working on, but I have seen improvement & definitely feel much better!! Love this post & agree with it a lot. Thanks! <3
I liked Quest on FB
I already have liked Ambitious Kitchen on FB/already follow you/ambitious kitchen on twitter, insta and pinterest 😉
Thanks for this post,it is definitely inspiring ! So are your recipes and use of both healthy and yummy ingredients !
Just wish I had these bars in France they look great !
Actually this is lacking in my weight loss program. After reading the post I think I eat a lot of crap. I am habituated to have a lot of junk foods. Definitely your post will be helpful for me from now and thanks for also informing about the quest bars. I will follow you on Facebook.
My biggest healthy *mentality* tip is to be kind to yourself and not try to force drastic changes. Small steps towards a goal are still progress, and eventually it will feel natural and even desireable to have the new habit rather than the old one. Give it a chance and your bdy can start to crave the good stuff!
I Liked Quest Nutrition and Ambitious Kitchen on Facebook! I have been making “green drinks” in my blender and am also getting a Nutribullet. I have to eat gluten-free – not an option – and try to include lots of fresh fruits and vegies. The Quest bars would be a great snack for me!
Drink a cup of water before each meal/snack to reduce overeating and keep yourself hydrated!
Clean eating is SO important to long term health. However its hard to control calories. Also keep in mind the glycemic index is a must for staying in ketosis. Diymydiet gives lots of great info on how you can do medifast all organic.
Finally someone who has a webpage that promotes these bars! I always wonder why they arent mentioned more! Anyway quest bars are definitely a go to for me! Even as a after dinner dessert when I am tempted to eat again.
I am obsessed with Quest bars! My fave is Cookies and Cream!
White chocolate raspberry is my absolute favorite! My latest weight loss tip is cauliflower pizza crust! Fabulous!
I followed you on all accounts, and also liked Quest on facebook 🙂 My biggest secret to staying healthy and trim is hydration!!! It’s SO important to stay well-hydrated, and I notice a huge difference in my energy levels (so I actually work out that day- ha!) and also I don’t end up snacking allllllll day long (because I think I’m hungry when I’m actually just thirsty).
I love quest bars! I eat 2 a day. Dr. Oz likes the Coconut Cashew so that's one I tried and it's delicious!
Hi, I love your blog. I lost weight by ice skating, and eating better. I would love to try these quest bars. I followed on all of your social medias: charnwil, iceyninja, Char Wilc thanks so much