On the Lighter Side

So it's a glorious sunny day here in Colorado.  Got to love the sun and the snow covered mountains and the 50+ degree temperature down here in the city. Every time I even think about moving back to the northeast I just remind myself of the horrid, gray, winters there and how I don't think I could survive 6 months of never being warm.  Two weeks at Christmas is enough.  For those of you living in the New England region, don't get me wrong I love it there –but in the summer when it is warm and toasty! 

On the last few trips east, I've come to the realization that if I lived in the upstate New York area, I'd weigh 500 pounds.  I have never seen such a huge collection of unhealthy food in a 1 mile radius! Not that I don't love being upstate, everyone...it's just they think salads should have something fried to accompany them....

Ahhh, health and nutrition – here's my food for thought for the day.  Check out the difference between brown rice and white rice.  Who knew?

	Brown Rice (one cup)	White Rice (one cup)
Calories	232	223
Protein	4.88 g	4.10 g
Carbohydrate	49.7 g	49.6 g
Fat	1.17 g	0.205 g
Dietary Fiber	3.32 g	0.74 g
Thiamin (B1)	0.176 g	0.223 g
Riboflavin (B2)	0.039 mg	0.021 mg
Niacin (B3)	2.730 mg	2.050 mg
Vitamin B6	0.294 mg	0.103 mg
Folacin	10 mcg	4.1 mcg
Vitamin E	1.4 mg	0.462 mg
Magnesium	72.2 mg	22.6 mg
Phosphorus	142 mg	57.4 mg
Potassium	137 mg	57.4 mg
Selenium	26 mg	19 mg
Zinc	1.05 mg	0.841 mg

source:http://www.drlam.com/opinion/brown_rice_vs_white_rice.cfm

In an attempt to be healthier and to really concentrate on my resolutions and goals of the year, I spent last night cooking up a storm.  Brown rice, steamed asparagus, broiled chicken breasts, teriyaki salmon, white bean and red pepper spread – it was insanity in my kitchen.  But wow, was it worth it.  I don't know why it has taken me so long to convert to brown rice!  Probably because I have a 50lb bag of sushi rice that needs to be eaten first…. Wow! What a difference.  I had some salmon, sweet potato, broccoli and brown rice for lunch yesterday and didn't even feel hungry after a crazy torture session with PT!  And it tasted good! And I wasn't sleepy after I ate it! 

And that white bean and red pepper spread – OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Better than hummus if that is possible.

FGS's White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Spread

1 can of cannelini or great white northern beans (drained)
3 Tbsps of chopped roasted red peppers
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste

Chuck it all in a food processor and process until creamy like hummus.  Serve with baked tortilla chips or pita and veggies.  The entire thing is 6pts. And ooooooooooooh so yummy.

Sometimes it is easier to eat healthy than I think.  When I get into that rut of eating crappy food, it is so hard to get out!  That salt and fat is just so comforting.  But it drags me down in other ways -- energy wise, I end up with nothing.  I don't like feeling bloated and horrid.  It truly does make such a difference when you put quality food in your mouth.  I mean sure, those fries do have a point value -- but, at what price??? Hmmmmmmmmmmm...........But, this fat grl is safe now -- with pre-packed meals for the rest of the week.  I'll let you know how it works out.

Okay, I'm going to go daydream some more.  It's just one of those days that is perfect for daydreaming and I just can't help it!

your,
FGS