What did you eat today?

Frequently, people ask me what I eat. This is a very difficult question for me.

My number one rule: Variety!  I am constantly searching for new recipes, and I rarely use the same one more than once. I am a cook.  I cook the majority of my meals from scratch using real, whole foods.  The only boxed food that we purchase is pasta.  I have made my own pasta from scratch, but it is not worth it to me to spend that much time on pasta (I'm a heavy-on-the-sauce kinda girl).

Another rule: Eat the Rainbow.  And NO... not the candy kind. I make sure that I eat all of the colors of the rainbow and plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.  Each color offers a different set of antioxidants and nutrients to feed your cells.  I strongly believe that you are what you eat, so I want to make sure I eat as much of the good stuff that I can.

Another rule: Eat Protein with Every Meal including snacks.  Your body processes proteins, fats, and carbs all differently, so you will feel fuller longer and maintain a steadier blood sugar if you combine these macronutrients.  I am NOT a vegetarian; I eat some meat on most days.  I do not eat a lot of meat.  My family of four will split ONE chicken breast in stir fries and similar dishes. I get my protein from meat, nuts, seeds, and some dairy.

My last rule: Don't be Afraid to Eat.  Don't punish yourself, because you ate some "bad" food.  Enjoy your food!  If you want to eat something, eat it!  As long as you eat real food, not processed foodstuff, you will feed your body what it needs.  If you crave junk food, eat it.  I eat Fast Food very rarely, but when I want it, I eat it.  I just don't make a regular thing of it, and I don't beat myself up about it and punish myself with a meal of raw carrots later. I eat it and go on with my regular life and eat what I want for my next meal.

Listen to your body.  It will tell you when it is hungry and when it is thirsty.  Feed it real, whole foods and lots of variety to excite the taste buds!