Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Sanity Splurge

I was raised on Jimmy Buffett. His lyrics have spoken to quite a few moments in my life. Even my senior quote in the John Handley High School yearbook was taken from the lyrical genius himself; “There’s just too much to see waiting in front of me and I know that I just can’t go wrong.” That will always be one of my favorites. But another one that has always rung clear in my ears comes from his song, “Changes in Latitudes”, where he sings, “If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” Well, isn’t that the truth? Taking anything too seriously is just a recipe for insanity. The same goes for our diets. Yes, it is important to stick to a regularly healthy eating plan. But let’s get real! If we couldn’t splurge, we would all go insane!

Here’s my personal example. I was craving chocolate chip cookies last night, BIGTIME! I workout most days each week, maintain a busy schedule and eat well most of the time. So guess what, I deserved those cookies! So I picked up my daughter from the sitters, stopped by the store to pick up some Ghirardelli chocolate morsels and the two of us baked the best tasting batch of chocolate chip cookies I have ever made! We had fun making them and it felt wonderful to eat them. I found my splurge and now I don’t have to spend any time obsessing over the thought of those delicious sweet treats. Insanity has been averted with a couple cookies.


Find your splurge and allow yourself a treat. It is part of maintaining a healthy body and mind. I would recommend a "splurge" meal or treat (some people use the word "cheat", but to me, that means you are doing something wrong...and this is not wrong!)  at least 1-2 times per week; within reason. Enjoy your splurge and get right back on track. What may even happen is that by allowing yourself to indulge in certain foods, you may lose the craving altogether.


Enjoy a little splurge today!

Giveaway Wednesday: "Spread a Little Joy" with Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Hey readers! I am excited to tell you all about our very first giveaway here in The Cookin' Lean Kitchen! Kraft has so graciously provided me with 3 prizes to giveaway to my fabulous readers!

The prize package includes:

(1) “Spread a Little Joy” PHILADELPHIA Cookbook, one (1): PHILADELPHIA apron, two (2) PHILADELPHIA product coupons, one (1) PHILADELPHIA spatula set (Approximate retail value: $50)

How awesome is that?!?! As you know, Philadelphia Cream Cheese has a soft place in my heart. Since the Real Women of Philadelphia, I have been able to truly see how versatile Philly Cream Cheese really is. Plus, they have both a fat free and reduced-fat version. You know I love that! Here's how to snag this wonderful prize...

TO ENTER:

• Just leave a comment telling me about your favorite recipe made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese.

Yep, it is that simple! This amazing cookbook, stylish apron, handy spatulas and money saving coupons could all be yours just by leaving me a little comment and sharing your favorite Philly recipe.

Good luck!

ALSO...

I forgot to mention that these amazing cookbooks are available at select in-store promotions through November where shoppers can receive 1 free PHILADELPHIA “Spread a Little Joy” cookbook with the purchase of any four Philly products. Cookbooks will be available on an in-store display case and consumers simply present the cookbook to the cashier when they purchase the Philly products. It’s as easy as that! If you can’t find it at your local store, visit http://www.kraftcornerstore.com where you can purchase the cookbook directly.




*I will choose three winners via random.org on 10/20. Open to US Residents.

“I was one of ten bloggers selected by PHILADELPHIA to host a Cookbook promotion giveaway. My opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this giveaway at no cost to me. This giveaway is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by Cookin' Lean.”

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Don't Get Sooooo Hungry!

I would say that the #1 thing we do to sabotage our livin' lean lifestyles is to let ourselves get too hungry. We are busy people. I get that. But there is always time to get down a nutrition bar or a handful of almonds. We just need to be prepared. I mean, who wouldn't devour a left-over container of lo mien and half a bag of chips after work if they hadn't eaten since 9 a.m.? Let's not let ourselves get to this point. Here's what to do:

Photo from http://www.blog.nutritionforyou.com/

Stash the Goods~ Keep a drawer at work stocked full of healthy, quick snacks; a container of nuts, Kellogg's Special K bars, etc.


Keep Road Treats~ In the car a lot? Keep "car friendly" snacks in your car. You know, the kind that don't melt. (Guess that leaves the chocolate out!)


Stay Hydrated~ Always have a bottle of water on you. It keeps you hydrated and helps you stay satisfied until the next feeding time.

The Rule of 3~ Try to have a little something (100-200 calories) every 3 hours, even if you aren't hungry. If you are like me, the hunger comes without warning and them I am ready to anything in site. Don't get to that point. Plan ahead and keep yourself fed! Snacks containing protein and carbohydrates are best (example: light string cheese and an apple)

It’s a simple concept for livin’ lean, yet it is something I must remind myself of every single day. From the moment I set foot out of bed, I am go, go, go! Many of you are probably the same. We need to keep ourselves fueled for these hectic lives of ours, otherwise, we crash. Never allow your tank to go empty and you will never find yourself desperate for the first sign of fuel you see; willing to accept junk in place of quality stuff.



Have a fabulous Tuesday!