Days 6-10

Sorry I have been so bad about posting, my life took a turn towards crazy once student teaching started.   I adore my job, and it has been great at keeping me occupied.  The keeping busy has been really great because it stops me from being bored and eating.  I hardly have time to sit, let alone think about eating.  There have been days, however, where I have come home and wanted to eat a huge piece of chocolate cake.  Have I done it?  No, but that's probably because I do not have any in the house.  I have learned that if I keep bad food in the house, then I will most likely eat it.  Although I am getting better, I do not have much will power. That is why teaching is great.  It isn't as if I can snack while I am teaching, especially since I do not allow my students to eat in class.

When I started my student teaching I noticed that there were inspirational saying posted throughout the school.  This one is especially applicable to me because I am trying so hard to eat well and exercise.  Thanks Michael Jordan!

I have been exercising, but took a couple of days off for my body to rest.  Of course I then went dancing downtown and am now so sore it hurts to go up the stairs.  Anyone know anything that could help with sore muscles?  I tried adding powdered ginger (recommended by a friend) but it tasted terrible.

I have been really good about drinking my shakes in the morning, I find that they are extremely filling plus they taste great!!  

Doesn't that look pretty?  I love all of the colors.  A nutritionist friend of mine told me that when a plate of food has a lot of colors it also has a lot of vitamins. Below are some health benefits I get from the fruits that I use:

Blueberries

According to the FDA, one serving of blueberries contains as many antioxidants as five servings of apples, carrots, broccoli, or squash. Their studies rate blueberries number one in antioxidant activity compared with 40 other fruits and vegetables

Spinach

Spinach contains at least 13 different flavonoid compounds and is a significant source of most primary ingredients in your daily multivitamin, including vitamins K, A, C, B12, B2, B6, calcium, potassium, manganese, folate, iron, and magnesium. It is also a valuable source of dietary fiber, protein, phosphorous, copper, zinc, and vitamin E. Additionally, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, and selenium.

Mangoes

A comfort food. Mangos really can make you feel better! Beyond being delicious and rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, mangos contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties similar to papain found in papayas. These comforting enzymes act as a digestive aid and can be held partially responsible for that feeling of contentment we experience during and after our daily mango ritual. Yes, it is quite natural to crave those mangoes!

Strawberries

Not only do they taste great, The health benefits of strawberry include eye care, proper brain function, and relief from high blood pressure, arthritis, gout and heart diseases.

Blackberries

In the 'best antioxidants' league table, blackberries are right up there. In fact they are probably in the top ten. Blackberries are jam-packed with polyphenols and anthocyanins...what do they do? Well they can help to prevent cancer and heart disease. Blackberries are also rich in manganese and vitamin C. It is important to have adequate Vitamin C as a lack of it can weaken our immune system, which in turn can make you stressed and run down. Other good sources of manganese and vitamin C are strawberries and raspberries. 

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt can have twice as much protein as regular yogurt. The extra protein will help you feel full and leave you feeling satisfied. Salt is a big red flag, and many consumers are looking for lower in salt items. According to the USDA, Greek yogurt has less sodium by up to 50 percent. Plus, it still has a full-bodied taste without the high sodium content. If you are watching your carbohydrate intake or have a sensitivity to carbohydrates like diabetes, then Greek yogurt is your ticket. Regular yogurts have 15 to 17 grams of carbohydrates per cup, where Greek yogurt averages around 9 grams. Because Greek yogurt contains less carbohydrates than regular yogurt, it has less lactose, the sugar in dairy products that can sometimes upset people's stomachs. This is especially helpful for people who have lactose intolerance.

All in all things are goin great!!