What would you do for a doughnut?

As I stated in my last entry, I eat clean about 80% of the time.  I want to eat well even when I am not eating clean. So what would I do for a doughnut?   Well, I will rode my bike 20 miles round trip to eat a Revolution Doughnuts tasty confection.

Sunday is a day where I try to have a fun cardio day.  Bike riding gives me a kick.  I feel like a kid again when I ride. So off I go to the shop.  I get there in about 50 minutes and wait 40 minutes to get to the counter; order my four doughnuts - 1 chocolate, 1 cinnamon, 1 raspberry and 1 vanilla bean.  I like them in the yeast style.  I immediately eat the chocolate (did you seriously think I could wait until I got home).  Ride back home which takes about another 50 minutes to share the rest.

I had my first taste of perfection last month.  One of my co-workers brought a dozen doughnuts to a meeting.  The doughnuts did not last 5 minutes.  There were many moving tributes to just how good these doughnuts taste and where they were the first time they had this treat.

I like supporting local bakeries for my treats. I want to buy from bakeries where I can pronounce and understand all the ingredients in their products.  I am not going to skimp on quality when I purchase my monthly treats.

Other bakeries that I like are Southern Sweets in Decatur, Village Corner German Restaurant and Bakery in Stone Mountain, and a Piece of Cake in Decatur.

Looking quite fit after a 20 mile ride to get the tasty treats.

Tip of the Week:  Eating treats too often can hamper your weight loss goals or even make it difficult to maintain your current weight.  Also, you cannot exercise your way out of a poor diet.  Treats are something that I have every once and awhile. Balance is the key.

Mid-Week Fitness Motivation

We have been lifting heavy weights for the past few weeks.  I am tired but I stronger than I have ever been.  Have a great workout.

My definition of eating clean

This blog was started as an assignment in my quest to become a certified personal trainer. My aim is to write on topics related to overall health.  I have lost 62 pounds in the past year.  The number one question that I get asked is what am I eating.  I subscribe to eating clean.  Eating 100% clean is pretty tough so for any week, I try to eat 80% clean.  Here is what I mean by clean eating:

• Limited processed food
• Looking for packaged food with 5 or less ingredients
• No artificial sweeteners
• Limit amount of sugar
• Whole grains (100%)
• Low sodium

I also do a couple of things that don't necessarily fall in clean eating but they work for me.

• Drink one cup of coffee per day
• Drink green tea (I like it unsweetened and iced)
• The only other thing that I drink is water.  I drink about 90 ounces per day.

Otherwise, I pretty much eat whatever I want.  My issue with food is portion control.  I weigh and measure everything that I put in my mouth.   I have eaten pretty well my entire life but you can eat too much of a good thing.  I don't trust my eyes when fixing my plate.  What I thought was 1/2 cup was really 3/4 cup.  I was over eating and not really knowing it.  Since I have started weighing and measuring my food, it is easier for me to eat with confidence that I am not over eating since my 'I am full' sensor seems to work so slow.  No, if I am really honest I eat fast so the sensor just has not had the opportunity to kick in.

You have got to find what works for you when it comes to losing weight.  If you have to eat vegetables first before you eat anything else, then do it.  You are responsible for your own health.

My favorite breakfast

My current favorite breakfast is OATMEAL.  I know you were thinking it would be something sexier, say like eggs but no, I like oatmeal.  Here is my favorite way to eat it.

• 3/4 cup quick oats
• 1 tablespoon organic maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon organic almond butter
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Yep, it is that simple.  I use quick oats during the week due to time constraints.  I use regular oats on the weekends when I have more time.

I love chocolate.  I am a certifiable chocoholic.  I probably should be in a support group.  I eat cocoa or dark chocolate daily.  It makes me happy. I just look to controlling the portion size.  I also don't eat milk chocolate very often.  I have gotten used to the taste of the more bitter chocolates, so milk chocolate is just too sweet.

There are more than a few articles which mention the health benefits of cocoa as mention by the European Food Council and University of the West Indes. With any food, it is about moderation.

You need to eat to fuel your body.  However, we also need to feel satisfied.  This is a hearty breakfast which keep me going to my morning snack around 10 am.

What is your favorite breakfast?