Eating More Green to Be Lean

We’ve heard it since we were kids. “Eat your vegetables.” “Spinach will make you grow up big and strong like Popeye.” Yet, I remember hating veggies growing up. Except for potatoes. I could eat potatoes any which way and never tire of it. McDonald’s super-size french fries with any meal? Sign me up!

Even in my teen years, I neglected the greens. Salads were rabbit food to me, and the only greens I liked were in soups. Why couldn’t food that was good for you TASTE good as well, right?

Recently, after recently weighing myself on the scale and seeing a FIVE POUND GAIN, I decided to start eating better for the sake of my health and waistline. I’m a foodie and love trying out new restaurants every single week.

Unfortunately, that thirst for new culinary adventures has led my belly down the path of fatty foods and oversized portions. Sure, restaurant dining can be healthy for you, but only if you are cognizant of it.

For example, I went to Islands Restaurant yesterday and was baffled at the amount of food that diners around me were ingesting. Like, seriously? There was a table next to us and two of the diners were very overweight, yet they both ordered super-huge burgers and large-sides of fries. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for their lack of self control. At some point, one has to look in the mirror and see the muffin tops and flab as unattractive and unhealthy. Right?

Fortunately, Islands has a nutritional info page in their menu. I found it very informative in helping me decide what to order. Under the “Paradise Bikini Beach” section, there were four selections under 680 calories. Score! I had the Turkey Burger Lite with a side of steamed veggies for a total of 670 calories. Was it tasty? Surprisingly, the burger was quite juicy and filling. The steamed broccoli and carrots were decent as well, but the cook went pepper happy on them. Maybe he thought I needed the extra flavoring? (I didn’t.)

I’m used to hoarding carbs and eating food like it’s going outta style. But, teaching myself to slow down and enjoy my food has been life changing. I FEEL better, I look better and the scale doesn’t groan when I step on it. Besides, eating vegetables actually fills you up and keeps you full longer. So, not only is it good for you, it’s good for your wallet.

For a healthy alternative, try the Green Asparagus Soup.