I’m backkkkkkk… and dang, what a trip! The weather was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! Each day the blue sky sparkled without a cloud in sight while parasailers floated nearby. We played tennis, got massages, laid by the beach, swam in the infinity pool and drank WAY too many margaritas.
Of course, I’d have more photos to show you but my phone was stolen. Which was a little bit of a bummer, but then I said hello to the new iPhone 7. This little mama is happy.
Anyway, while I was away I got a few emails asking about airplane food, eating healthy while traveling and staying active. Obviously doing all of these things well while on vacation is difficult for many of us; especially women. We want to indulge, but we also want to feel confident in our swimsuits while on the beach.
But I will tell you this: I’ve been on vacations where I went to town at the buffet. I’ve also been on vacations where I’ve eaten nothing and exercised way too much. Neither has left me satisfied.
If you can relate to this, then you know that worrying about food can consume you. It takes away your happiness, your thoughts and controls your emotions. I’ve been there. Believe me, I’ve been there many times before.
After years of torturing myself whenever I attempted to go on vacation, I learned to let go. Let go of all of the pressure and expectations I put on myself and my body. Let go of what I think my butt looks like when I put on a swimsuit. Just freaking live and be a human being, just how we’re supposed to be: Imperfectly beautiful.
Yes, I’m freaking imperfect and proud of it. We all are.
These days when I go on relaxing beach vacations, I eat what I want. It doesn’t mean I eat in excess or just lay on the beach without moving my body; what it does mean is that I walk on the beach, play tennis and go hiking. And so what if I indulge a little more than usual? It’s not going to change or define who I am. Nor would it for you.
And when I get back home, I know that I can easily get back on track. And that’s what makes it okay. It’s called balance. Being alive and living your life is the most important thing we have.
So there you have it. I don’t eat perfectly. I’m not a model. I’m not a freaking Instagram star. I am who I am.
And this week, I’ll keep it a little lighter with plenty of veggies, lean protein and smoothies. And definitely these cottage cheese breakfast bowls. I’m in love with how easy and amazing they are.
It’s simple: cottage cheese, plenty of fresh fruit and your favorite granola. Look, I love greek yogurt but there’s just something fantastic about cottage cheese. So give it a try.
And remember, you are MORE than how food makes you feel. I love you guys. xo.
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Protein-Packed Rainbow Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup your favorite granola (I like Purely Elizabeth)
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 kiwi, sliced
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese to a bowl or place in a jar. Then add granola, fruit and chia seeds. Serves 1. Enjoy!
What is the nutritional value of the bowl?
May I ask what is the Nutritional value of the bowl
Just added it to the recipe!
Love how nutritious this breakfast bowl is to start my day.
Wow, this is a pretty breakfast! I’ve been in the market for easy, make-ahead breakfasts that I can just pack and bring to work (and live glamorously by eating at my desk) and this looks perfect! I love anything that’s a great, healthy start to my day!
I have an intolerance for cow’s milk. What could be taken instead of cottage cheese which is cow’s?
There are a few recipes that come up if you search for non-dairy cottage cheese using tofu or coconut milk.
Gosh, I hear ya about vacations. I have rarely hit the sweet spot of balance. But tropical places, I usually feel like eating fruits and other healthy-ish things… plus lots of ice-cream or smoothies or something creamy. So at least I don’t crave big heaping plates of pasta like I do in Italy or all-of-the bread and cheese like in France.
How do I always forget about cottage cheese? In college, it was one of my mainstays!! But these days, I tend to forget it exists. Love that stuff! Thanks for the beautiful reminder in a bowl;)
Looks yummy I will be making this thanks 😊
I usually eat something like this for dessert! Cottage cheese is a great long slow to break down protien before bed! Yes, no perfection on vacation or it wouldn’t be vacation. I think I’m actually a little less perfect in my every day life so that I don’t feel like I need to go crazy on vacay.
‘You are more than how food makes you feel’… I love that. Thank you for sharing your post-vacation thoughts!
Wow, this is a pretty breakfast! I’ve been in the market for easy, make-ahead breakfasts that I can just pack and bring to work (and live glamorously by eating at my desk) and this looks perfect! I love anything that’s a great, healthy start to my day!
It is magical how relatable you are to all of us girls at home. Thank you for (always) being YOU and being so real with us. Happy you both enjoyed a well-deserved vacation – and welcome home!! xx
Been there done that on vacations. It’s left me less than satisfied or relaxed when I get home. I think I’m finally at a place in my life where I can just ‘be’ when I go somewhere and not be consumed by every calorie I’m putting in my body. Enjoying new foods is half the fun of travel…it’s all about balance!
These bowls look delicious!