FAQ Friday: "Gina, What Do YOU Eat Everyday?!"

I'm one of those people who pretty much eats the same thing every single day, and I really like it that way (more on why that's a good thing on a post next week).  I mean, I make small variations; different berries in my morning yogurt, a different protein for my dinner, and sometimes a different crunchy snack for my lunch, or almonds instead of walnuts....you know, small changes, but overall it's pretty much the same thing, every day.  I'm the type of client with whom I love to work.  Tell me what to eat, and I'll eat it forever (as long as it tastes good!  You better believe I won't force myself to eat something just because it's good for you.  I'd ask my dietitian for options that I enjoy and look forward to).

Ok, so you've asked what a typical day of my "eats" might look like, and here you go!......

Breakfast (after my 45-60 minute morning workout), typically consists of Greek yogurt, a higher protein cereal (like Kashi), frozen blueberries, and lots of unsweetened cocoa and a dash of Stevia.

Sometimes I get crazy and add bananas or strawberries.  Strawberries are finally nice and sweet here in Columbus!  Lately I've been adding popped amaranth too (recipe for that next week).  

And then sometimes I get really insane (haha) and make an egg white and oat pancake.

Mix in a small bowl 4 egg whites, 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, and a dash of vanilla.  Pour into a skillet for about 3 minutes on eat side (until fully cooked).  Take out and top with cinnamon, Greek yogurt, syrup if you want (I use sugar-free) and berries.

Lunch is almost always the same (at least when I'm at work); a cup of plain Greek yogurt topped with cinnamon, some of my homemade spicy granola (or one of these), a scoop or two of peanut butter or powdered peanut butter (to mix into my yogurt), carrots (or cucumber), a clementine (or kiwi, and yes, I do eat the skin), a string cheese, and a bag full of some type of crunchy snack like pretzels or sweet potato chips, and walnuts or almonds (typically walnuts because almonds contain FODMAPs).  

I'd give you the recipe for my addicting granola, but...I'm going to sell it one day and become a billionaire ;)

I have one of these every day too.  Sometimes I have two.  Yeah, I love it.  Actually the plain one is my favorite.  I just love the fizzzzzz.

Dinner is always something with vegetables.

Sometimes it's vegetables that are treated like pasta (such as these zucchini "noodles" with turkey meatballs).

Other times it's a simple grilled fish (or egg whites. Yes, I have a small obsession with egg whites) and a side of vegetables   Spaghetti squash is one of my favorites.  And yes, I top my vegetables with parmesan cheese and sometimes...sriracha!

Snacks at night are never an option.  And by that I mean we always have them (notice the emphasis on option, rather than never).  Popcorn (air popped) with a dash (or 5) of nutritional yeast.

I love this picture from Instagram.  See Nick and I in the background?  My two loves. Nick, and the NOOCH (nutritional yeast, that is).

Sometimes I have my nooch on a plain rice cake with peanut butter.

I also have berries and more yogurt or some type of small smoothie at night.  It's my third serving of dairy or dairy alternative.  

I went back to find a day that was similar to what I described above, back when I was using My Fitness Pal.  Here is what my stats look like.  Not listed here is fiber, and I get between 35 and 45 grams.  Yeah, that's what happens when you eat your fruits and veggies!  And yes, it's a high-fat diet (~40%!) but hey, that's how the Mediterraneans eat.....so I'm not too worried.  My fat is mainly from the oil that I use in cooking, also the nuts I eat (peanuts, almonds, walnuts).  Some of it is from my 2-square of 85% dark chocolate too, did I forget to mention that?!  And of course, my lean proteins.

And, just so you can be prepared for what's coming on this blog (and my Facebook Page)....I'm going to start talking a bit more about some dietary changes and wellness goals I have.  I'm not getting back into logging all of my food because with my eating disorder history it can easily become addicting for me, and cause anxiety, but instead I'm journaling other things;

• How I feel when I eat (hungry? stressed? bored? tired?) Trying to be more mindful, really.
• Any symptoms I have such as bloating, gas, etc., as well as the foods I ate that may have caused these symtoms
• My sleeping habits (I haven't been sleeping well lately)
• My exercise and workouts
• My intake of; alcohol, sweeteners, caffeine (including chocolate) and a few other things

Basically Nick and I are aware that a baby might be in our future this year or next, so I've realized I need to make a few changes to get my body and mind ready for such a huge lifestyle change.  It's exciting, and I want it to stay exciting, not turn into another reason to feel anxious and stressed.  I'm doing this for myself, and to be a better mother and dietitian. 

Any questions or comments on my diet? I'd love to hear what you think after reading what a dietitian eats....most of the time.

Thanks for reading, and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!  Enjoy your weekend, and to all mothers out there, have a very special Mother's Day.

The Candid Rd