Healthy = Happy

As most students know, eating on the cheap does not lend itself to healthy eating habits without a little forethought and effort. After my first few months on my own, I quickly realized cooking, and cooking well, was going to be a necessary part of life. Since my sophomore realization, I've really challenged myself to not only learn the basics of cooking, but to learn how to be a savvy eater on a dime and to enjoy the process. Part of enjoying the process has been grocery shopping, coupon clipping (believe it or not, I subscribe to CouponMom.com and regularly nab the Sunday Dispatch if only for the coupons) and seasonal eating. Cooking, and more importantly eating, has become a hobby of mine during my college years, and this post is dedicated to recent foodie adventures, in the kitchen and out.

Since living with my temporary roommates (the parents) I've been able to spend a little more time in one my favorite places, my mama's new kitchen. With many more ingredients at my fingertips and a much more expansive grocery budget I've been trying to work some wonders. Last summer I watched Forks Over Knives and Food, Inc. which got me thinking about what I was putting in my body and what I could proactively do to develop and healthy and happy body. I challenge you to check out your food labels. What are partially hydrogenated oils? What is xantham gum? Natural and artificial flavors? Food dyes? It's been long overdue that we investigate what food labels are really telling us. My rule of thumb is that if there are ingredients I can't pronounce, it's not going into my cart.

I'd say that my diet is probably 80/20 vegetarian, but I'm interested in learning more about veganism, so if you have any experience or suggestions leaning that way please let me know! I've made the switch to non-dairy milks and attempt to eat as close to nature as possible. I'm no saint, and I still enjoy Five Guys on occasion, so I'm not one to espouse changing your whole world view, but even the smallest adaptations can make a huge improvement in the way you feel. A natural love for vegetables has proven advantageous for me, but I'm just not sure about giving up cheese. A girl's gotta live a little.

Due to my short-term unemployment (more like month-long-leave-of-absence) and lack of necessity to accomplish a daily to-do list, I've been trolling Pinterest and healthy eating blogs. Greenplaterule.com has been an excellent resource for me. If you're looking for easy ways and recipes to incorporate more vegetables and natural sources of protein into your diet, this is definitely the site for you. It's a great first-step into the world of conscious eating. Below are some recent pics of my smoothie obsession. I've blending various combinations or almond milk, bananas, spinach, and chia seeds like it's my new job. This particular day I made the Banana Cinnamon smoothie, recipe found here. Super delicious, low in sugar, and chock full of good-for-you-ness made this recipe was a winner. I'm proud to say Dad's daily fix has moved from coffee to smoothies. Sara-1, Caffeine Addiction-0.

We're ready to blend!

Finished product. Eagerly finished these in just a couple minutes.

Thankfully, my parents understand my irrational and persistent love for produce, and therefore kindly took me to Central Market, the Foodie Mecca this week. Now, I love Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, don't get me wrong, but CM is a whole new world. I was unable to snap any pictures inside (apparently that's against the rules...) but I did get some exciting photographs from outside. Look at the joy on my face! With produce, spirits, and natural beauty products out the wazoo I definitely was a happy camper to browse for a few hours. 

Even their bags know we're all really into food.

Now this, this is joy.

I plan to try out more exciting vegetarian recipes this week, so wish me luck! The foodie adventures are only just beginning.