Snack Time
When I got home from school I enjoyed a Yogurt Mess of a PB Muffin, a spoonful of Almond Butter and Pumpkin Yogurt. Oh I forgot to tell you, the Almond Butter of note is Barney Butter. I picked up a jar at Whole Foods last Friday and I tried it asap on Sunday :p I really like it, but I don’t think I like it more than regular raw Almond Butter. The two are just so different, I think it’ll be a mood thing as far as which I’ll go with on a daily basis.
Pumpkin & Muffin Yogurt Messiness
Kabocha Lust
I’ve heard, and seen, all these wonderful things about Kabocha squash, and I finally tried it today! Report card: A+ wow! I didn’t do anything special with it. I just cooked slices at 400F for 40 minutes. I drizzled EVOO and Herb & Garlic Seasoning on one half and left the other plain.
To complete the meal I added a little leftover Mushroom Stuffing and a spoonful of Pumpkin Hummus (ended up going really well with the squash). I just ate the seasoned half, and am looking forward to trying the other half with cinnamon tomorrow!
Honesty
I was warned repetedly of the ‘rebounding’ effect post-competition. So far, so OK. I haven’t been good, but I haven’t been awful. But I want to be great! The last few days of mindless eating have been fun, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that, but the quick diet change has definitely taken its toll, and I feel like crap 
So with that said, I’m hoping to use this outlet and all your inspiration to help me stay on a great balanced course. Part of that, the hard part, is going to be me being completely honest about what I’m eating. I need to make myself accountable. I know this will be the hard part because I know how embarrassed I’ll feel, at least at first, to admit when I slip up and eat something I know I shouldn’t, or more of a problem, eat too much of something. I’m comfortable at this point with the idea of everything is good in moderation, but at times I struggle with the moderation and sometimes it just seems easier not to eat it at all than to try to eat only a little.
So, in keeping with honesty, I’ll admit that I had to throw-out the rest of the PB Muffins. I had placed the majority in the freezer, hoping that would help me with portion control, but they were just too good and I struggled with just having one or two. I admit this because it’s a baby step. I know that when I’m eating healthy and balanced, I don’t have problems with binging. Switching from such an extreme & restricted diet to having the freedom to try new things was something I should have taken more slowly. Instead I’ve basically been eating nothing but carbs for the last four days. I’m already missing my protein! :p Ok, so I’m excited! I’m loving trying new foods and recipes, learning to take better photos and learning and being inspired by all of you.
Sorry for this being such unorganized and scattered post. I guess it became a bit of a brain dump. Tomorrow’s my last work & school day of the week, and I’m planning on hitting the gym on the way home.. gotta burn off a few of these carbs!
Have a wonderful Thursday!
Fun Links
i can definitely relate. i did the same thing, except i didn’t stop myself soon enough. I started to see that i wasn’t “comp. ready” and hated it and it sent me swirling downward. in my opinion, have a treat day once a week where you can try a new baked good or something you’v ebeen wanting to try. I find that when I keep monday-friday as clean eating on plan days, i feel a little bit better about trying something off plan on the weekends. since you don’t have a competition coming up soon, this is a way for you to essentially have your cake and eat it too. by the way, the food you’ve been making looks delicious!
I must find this squash!!
For me, the portion control thing was really difficult during my first month post show — when I was on my cooking frenzy. It’s so easy to get excited about all the “new” foods to cook and try. Heck, I always get excited about food, no matter what stage of prep or off season I am in. Good for you for throwing those muffins out. Soon you will be able to keep them in the freezer without them taunting you.
I made coffee infused almonds and chocolate protein powder covered almonds this week and I put them in the way back of the freezer but I still found them. I had to toss them to keep me from eating the entire bag. I have no control!
Thanks for your report on Kabocha squash. I’ve never had it, but I have not found a squash I don’t like yet. Need to give this one a shot. As for your eating, at least you’re honest with yourself so that’s probably the first step. I don’t know if I could ever have a super restrictive diet like you did for the competition so I applaud your efforts all the way around!