Healthy Habits

Source

We have drastically changed our eating habits at the Ramsey house over the last few weeks.  It is paying off, but man is it hard.  We are seeing some weight loss and just overall feeling better, so that helps keep us going. I wanted to share a few of my diet related thoughts with you and share a recipe that has been a mainstay lately.

• Food Addiction: I don’t think I ever even gave a second thought to the fact that I am addicted to food in an unhealthy way.  One of my good friends recently told me her dad always said, “We eat to live, not live to eat.” I am pretty sure that I have spent my fair share of time living to eat.  I really struggled the first week we changed our diet.  I found that I was somewhat dependent on sweets and crackers.  I was really kind of cranky because I couldn’t have those two things!  In an odd way, I found myself praying for the desire for those things to go away and for strength to turn down the temptation.  We didn’t go into this with a “fast mentality” but it is almost how it turned out.

• Cost: Eating healthy isn’t cheap.  We try to stick to a food budget around here and I have blown that out of the water lately.  I am thinking a garden of some sort will definitely be in our plans for Summer 2012.  

• Preparation: Eating healthy takes preparation.  Whether it is getting up earlier to get breakfast cooked and a lunch packed for Hal or pre-cutting veggies to make dinner preparation go more smoothly, you have to think ahead and since I have small kiddos I have to get some things done in advance of dinner.  

• Recipe: We have loved this chicken.  I don’t really have exact measurements because I just do it to taste.  I like things with a little more vinegar than Hal does, so make it how you like it!

Bruschetta 

Bruschetta Feta Chicken (Say that five times fast!)

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Feta Cheese

Tomatoes

Red Onion

Fresh Basil chopped finely

Fresh, minced Garlic

Balsamic Vinegar

Olive Oil

Salt 

Pepper

Grill your chicken breasts or bake them in the oven.  While chicken is cooking, prepare bruschetta.  Chop onions, basil, garlic, and tomotoes.  Add vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.  Once chicken is cooked, place chicken on pan and then top with bruschetta.  Sprinkle with feta cheese and place back in 450 degree oven until cheese is soft.

How do you keep your family healthy?

How do you keep your grocery budget reasonable while using fresh fruits and vegetables?