This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Lean Cuisine, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #HonestlyGood #ad http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.
Life just isn’t fair sometimes, am I right? For instance, why is it that, so often, food that tastes really good is bad for us? I’m talking the french fries, pizza, chocolate bars, milk shakes….basically everything I want to eat but shouldn’t. Sometimes I think these things exist just to torture and make life difficult. 🙂 Making healthy food choices can be such a tug-of-war at times. Especially in our busy lives where, when our stomach growls, it’s so convenient to just pick up some fast food and call it a meal.
Fruit is one of those things that I’ve always enjoyed because it’s sweet. Up until a few days ago, though, I was convinced it was the only thing on earth that both tasted good and was good for me. That is, until I bit into some of this goodness….
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill freezer dish. It’s low in calories and high on flavor. Part of its fabulous taste is thanks to the genius little sauce packet that’s added in during the heating process.
I haven’t always made healthy food choices in my life. In college, I was 20 pounds heavier than I am now. Between my busy class and work schedule, I was convinced that I didn’t have time to exercise or eat right. All too often, I’d run to the bookstore in between studying or on my way to class and grab a candy bar. It got to the point where I had to have one every day or I felt sugar deprived (at least that’s what my body seemed to be telling me). The cravings were relentless.
Then I got engaged. I purchased my wedding dress a few months before the big day and continued on eating the same way I had, thinking I’d be fine. I didn’t slip the dress on again until the morning of my wedding, when I realized in a panic that I had gained more weight and could barely zip the pretty gown up. That was my wake-up call. I realized I couldn’t continue down that path and I was determined to make some changes.
I didn’t go on a “diet”. I seriously dislike that word. The main thing I did was to limit my sugar intake. I also added in more fruits and veggies.
Lean Cuisine Honestly Good Meals, including this Pineapple Black Pepper Beef, all contain a side of brightly-colored vegetables that look and taste fresh. With whole grain ingredients, a drizzling of yummy sauce on the tender meat and veggies, it’s a satisfyingly-good meal that you don’t have to feel bad about consuming.
As newlyweds, my husband and I would go to the grocery store together often. Too many times to count, I’d go for the candy bar in the checkout line out of habit and he’d lovingly help me to refrain. 🙂 After only a few short months of mostly saying “no” to sweets, I dropped the unnecessary pounds and the sugar cravings subsided.
My husband and I also decided early on in our marriage that we’d eat out only once a week, both for financial and caloric purposes. So it all mainly came down to making smarter food choices at home.
This Roasted Red Pepper Chicken from the Lean Cuisine Honestly Good line is a perfectly healthy, quick meal choice to enjoy in the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s my favorite for sure, and only 270 calories-can you believe it? The pasta and broccoli are a nice compliment to the moist, tender chicken with tasty red pepper sauce. AND, once the hunger hits, you’ll be feasting in a matter of minutes!
The Honey Citrus Chicken meal is another great option.
The last few yummy selections in the new Lean Cuisine line are: Lemongrass Salmon, Plum Ginger Grain-Crusted Fish and Pomegranate Chicken. Find them at your local Target! Which one would your taste buds fancy most?
Part of my quest for living a healthier life was finding a form of exercise that I didn’t hate. I found a new love for running. I totally understand that running isn’t for everyone, but I believe it’s about finding something active that’s bearable and maybe, just maybe, we’ll surprise ourselves and start to like it. 🙂
I love food! This blog wouldn’t exist if I didn’t. Every day brings a new challenge to keep that obsession in check so I can be my best self. I’m a firm believer that healthy living is something we all can do and it starts with eating right.
Check out Lean Cuisine Online for nutrition information and to find out more about Lean Cuisine Honestly Good.
What things are you doing to live a healthier life? I’d love to hear!
