Ravioli Obsession Explained

My obsession with ravioli: Are you sick of it yet?

Ravioli Sandwich

I don’t know what it is that I love so much about those lil’ pasta squares stuffed with all different kinds of goodness.

Today I had a ravioli sandwich, made on a whole wheat Nature’s Own sandwich round with the leftover ravioli from Sunday night’s dinner and a Laughing Cow light original Swiss cheese wedge.

Lunch Time!

On the side I enjoyed steamed broccoli, sprinkled with garlic salt.

Broc

Dessert was a cup of Mott’s natural applesauce.

Applesauce

I love when my lunch includes whole grains, veggies and fruit. The trifecta! 😉

A Deeper Look into My Ravioli Obsession

I know my obsession with ravioli may seem a little strange, but to be honest, it’s something I’m a little proud of because it took me a while to feel comfortable eating certain foods, especially those rich in carbohydrates.

When I first graduated college and entered the “real world,” I had the desire to eat healthy, mainly because I did not want to gain weight. I thought that avoiding carb-heavy foods like pasta and bread was the best way to prevent unwanted gains.

Now, my mindset has changed. I eat healthy for my health (imagine that!), not for my weight.

I eat carbs like there’s no tomorrow and I love every doughy bite. With my new approach, my weight has not increased. Eating foods rich in whole grains, like whole wheat pasta, honey wheat bread, barley, and oatmeal in place of Lean Cuisines and Lean Pockets did not cause me to gain weight.

When I started eating for my health, and began incorporating healthy carbohydrates, more fruits and vegetables and healthy fats into my daily diet, I actually unintentionally dropped a couple of pounds. I must say losing weight was not my goal when I began waving goodbye to packaged so-called “health food” and began welcoming fresh produce and whole grains into my diet. I wanted to fuel my body with real food and feel happy eating all different kinds of foods… carbs, fats, and more!

In my opinion, no food should be completely off limits. Sure, some foods should be reserved for a special treat every now and then, but banished forever? Nah.

So, while my obsession with ravioli may seem a little odd on the surface, know that with each bite of a cheese-filled pasta poof, I’m waving goodbye to my old, misguided mindset.

Question of the Afternoon

Have you ever viewed certain foods or food groups as “off limits?”

A Not-So-Intense Workout

This morning I woke up in the mood to stay in bed and read the first Percy Jackson book.

Percy Jackson

I knew I’d be kicking myself later if I didn’t get at least a semi-decent workout in, so I picked up my book and headed to the gym.

I told myself I could just take it easy on the stationary bike and read my book the whole time if I wanted to.

Of course, once I made it to the gym, I wanted to make my workout worthwhile, so I hopped from machine to machine and completed this cardio routine:

• 15 min. incline walking
• 20 min. elliptical
• 5 min. adaptive motion trainer
• 10 min. stationary bike

Magically I was able to read my book almost the entire time and nearly made it through 100 pages! (This should tell you something about the intensity of my workout though… 😉 )

Sometimes you need an easy-peasy workout!

Breakfast

When I was done with my workout, I came home and took Sadie on a short walk before fixin’ breakfast.

I really enjoyed the taste of Brie in my lunch yesterday and incorporated the yummy cheese into my morning meal to start the day off on a yummy note.

Melted Brie

I made a Brie and apple sandwich on a lightly toasted Nature’s Own whole wheat sandwich round using a perfectly ripe apple that I bought at The Fresh Market on Tuesday.

Brie + Apple

Ooey Gooey

Fruit and cheese are a match made in heaven.

Question of the Day

How do you get yourself to the gym on days when you’re just not feelin’ it?

Meat Free is Fine By Me

When I was growing up, one of my very best friends would eat a lettuce and mayonnaise sandwich for lunch. Yep, that’s it. Just lettuce and mayo.

At the time I thought it was missing something. No meat? How is that a sandwich without some sliced turkey or ham?

Today I find myself loving veggie-only sandwiches. Adding cheese or hummus for some protein does the trick!

Today my sandwich was another meat-free creation.

Tomato

Goat Cheese

I toasted a Nature’s Own whole wheat sandwich round and topped it with a sliced juicy tomato and melted goat cheese.

On the side I had cauliflower which I roasted last night after tossing it in a bit of olive oil and sprinkling it with garlic salt.

Garlic Roasted Cauliflower

I swear when I roast cauliflower this way it reminds me of popcorn. Call me crazy, but it does!

Lunch Time!

I also munched on a cool, crisp apple.

An Apple a Day...

I didn’t even miss the meat! 😀

Of Possible Interest

• 7 Best Foods for Women (CookingLight.com)
• 4 Simple Moves for Flat Abs (Health.com)
• Is Agave Nectar Healthier than Sugar? (FitSugar.com)
• Delicious Sandwich Ideas (WomensHealthMag.com)

Happy Blog Birthday

Happy blog birthday to MegaNerd Runs!