With all good intentions

Eating healthy in the midst of winter is never going to be easy. So of course, I set myself the challenge.

I don't want to loose weight as such, if anything tone up but mainly, I just want to eat healthier and live a better food lifestyle. I am a huge takeaway fan and carbs are my forte. Give me a dominoes any day and I'll be your new best friend.

As of late however I have noticed my body rebelling against my long love affair with junk food. Don't get me wrong, my tastebuds still thrive at the thought of a delicious pizza or chinese takeaway and I by no means am going to avoid them out like the plague but it seems too much fatty food is leaving me feel stodgy and greasy as when it is first served to me.

I shouldn't be complaining, this is a good thing. Its a sign my body is appreciating the times I am eating good. Its telling me to stop and to enjoy the natural food God provided this glorious land with. But, there is a problem. *Whispers ever so quietly* I am not a fan of veg.

sourced annamardoll.com

I know, I know. 24 years old and can't handle veg? Spoilt? Maybe. Scarred? Most probably. But in my defence, I am getting better. Pass me any fruit and i'll munch quite happily and my veg vocabulary is expanding too. Salads I indulge in regularly - well depending what you call a salad (how many veg must be in this salad to constitute as a reasonable salad these days?) and I have even took a liking to asparagus - ooo get me, crazy cat!

So in aid to change my ways I have been doing a lot research into good foods and what meals actually constitute as 'healthy'. I actually have the lovely lady in my office to thank for this. Since welcoming her into our team I have been inspired by her Diabetic diet which concentrates on her injecting as least insulin as she can and by avoiding high carved foods. Now, I don't think I could match up to her no meat, no diary detoxs' but it certainly has got me thinking and I've come to the conclusion that if I made half of the food myself I would be more inclined to eat it. I often admire people choosing the healthier choice on the menu at Pizza Express whilst I'm failing to resist that delicious pepperoni pizza with sweltering cheese but without sounding like a picky teenager theres always something; the hard cos lettuce doesn't satisfy my like my italian and spinach leaves and the onions or the avocado either stings my tastebuds or bores my brain. Something about knowing where the food has come from, having the time to inspect it and cook it to my liking however makes the whole veg world a lot more appealing. I feel quite adventurous about getting down in the kitchen with some lentils and broccoli. (Well, nearly.)

So, in aid to change my food life I started to write down some meal plans and healthy foods I discovered in my research and in the aid of blogging, I thought I would share. Perhaps someone can share some great tips for me to add to the list?

Green Smoothie.
Ive always wanted to be a green smoothie fan, its almost a new fashion trend but the thought of veg mashed up sounds even worse than when its placed elegantly on my plate. However the idea of mangos, peaches with spinach doesn't sound so bad. Await a receipe soon...

sourced simplegreensmoothies.com

Blueberries.
Now they've never really done much for me but Im not one to say no to some lovely berries and these are full of goodness. Lots of Vitamin C, potassium and powerful oxidants they are great for fat burning and easily top some warm porridge on a winter day.

sourced from swamimommi.com

Quinoa. 
I am a huge fan of this multi grain. Great to add to salads it is a light substitute to cous cous and rice which sometimes leaves me feeling a bit blah and full. (You know what blah means right?) You can even get these in microwave packs which not as good as the natural stuff but a convenient healthy option. Soaking them in some flavour stock also helps those who are struggling with flavour demands.

sourced from garden grazer.con

Greek / Natural Yoghurt
This is such an easy substitute to make. I have started to top it on fruit and oats as I am not such a fan of dry meals. This healthy alternative has been said to help beat back pain, depression and even help prevent cancer.

sourced from blogilates.com

Flaxseed and Chia Seeds
Such a simple and essential ingredient for healthy eaters. Flaxseeds and Chi seeds can be sprinkled over pretty much anything. Flaxseeds (dust your cereal, salads) great omega-3 helping prevent heart disease, reduce blood clots and breast cancer. Chia seeds ideal for on top of yoghurts offers so much for so little being packed full of vitamins.

sourced dialyhit.com

Dark Chocolate
Of course I had to find something to satisfy my sweet tooth. I would live in a candy shop if I could. Dark chocolate however lets you indulge without feeling as bad as a bar of dairy milk. Filled with antioxidants its great for the blood cells and helps you feel fuller for longer. Tick, tick, tick.

sourced bbc.co.uk

So the quest continues, by no means is this a one hit post wonder. Dedication and perseverance is key. Are you with me??