Good morning!
The Civic Day long weekend is now over! I have a very busy yet exciting work week coming up. This morning I have been working on Kristin’s custom wedding favour Glo Bars. I will also be working on the Healthy Living Summit Glo Bars and getting caught up on my orders, stock ordering, and a few other fun projects. Like last year, I am donating Glo Bars for all of the swag bags in the Healthy Living Summit. It is going to be a wild week!
For those of you who missed out on Friday, I have added a few more batches of Gluten-free + Raw Liberate Glo bars to the shopping cart!
Great discussion going on in last night’s post. I love reading everyone’s thoughts on the topic!
A couple more questions I received are: 1) When/how much meat is Eric eating? and 2) Is Eric eating dairy?
1) He said he eats meat about 3 times a month. We keep frozen organic meat in the freezer when he buys it and when he gets a craving I will cook him some or he will BBQ a burger for himself. He enjoys a juicy beef burger now and then. He does only buy organic meat after watching Food Inc., but the meat he eats when out is not organic. He goes out for lunch at work 5 days a week and he will have meat maybe once a week with veggie options the other 4 days. He now orders all veggie subs without cheese and mayo. I don’t think he has had a meat sub since he watched Food Inc. Food Inc really changed the way he viewed what he was eating. He also still has not had Coke/pop since March 2010.
2) He slowly cut cheese out of his diet after the doctor told him his LDL cholesterol was high a few years ago. The doc said lay off the cheese, please! Now he eats cheese once in a blue moon (maybe once every 1-2 months). His blood cholesterol levels are awesome now. He also switched from 2% milk to skim milk. Occasionally, he will have ice cream, but he doesn’t buy it to keep in the house anymore like he used to. When it is not in the house, you can’t eat it!
Basically, he told me last night ‘meat and dairy are no longer staples in my diet, but they are occasional indulgences.’
I thought that was a great way of summarizing it! Eric is hoping to write a blog post on the topic at some point in the future. It has been delayed because he is extremely busy with work lately and he has been working overtime 6-7 days a week. When things slow down I am sure he will be happy to talk about it more. =)
One thing is for sure, I have never seen him happier or healthier in the 10-11 years I have been with him. I think he is really amazed at how much an impact a few diet changes have made.
****
Last night Eric and I went back outside after dinner and did another hour of pruning!! We can’t be stopped. I don’t know what it is, but I get such a satisfaction from pruning! I have found my calling. I’m sorry I won’t be making Glo Bars any more, the shrubs need me. ;)
After pruning, I was hit with recipe inspiration and I went into the kitchen to make trial one of Homemade Protein Chocolate. I was craving chocolate and I was thinking ‘wouldn’t it be cool to make a protein chocolate?’ and 5 mins. later after scribbling down some ingredient ideas, I was in the kitchen!
Trial one was delicious, but not perfect. I promise to tell you the recipe when it is final!
I got up early to go for a run this morning, but when I got up I found that I was SORE from all the renos and yard work yesterday! I decided to listen to my body and give it more rest. If I feel better tonight I might get out for a run, but if not, I will just wait it out another day.
For some weird reason I was craving cereal for breakfast! I usually have cereal for afternoon snacks, but rarely for breakfast as it never fills me up.
Berries, Bananas, Seeds & Spelt Cereal:
- 1.25 cups Nature’s Path Spelt Cereal
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 banana, chopped
- Sprinkle unsweet. coconut
Mmm it was so good! Not sure it will hold me over until lunch, but we shall see.
Japanese Sencha Green Tea was enjoyed and is being enjoyed as I type this.
With a Bodum loose leaf tea pot that I adore with all my heart.
I will see you tonight with a baking clue of where I will be going overseas in September. I hope it works.
Have a great Tuesday!
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{ 80 comments… read them below or add one }
I need to get my boyfriend on the Eric diet! He’s working on it but such a convenience food guy. He doesn’t drink any soda/pop (neither of us do) but definitely too much take out. :) I’ll just keep making your recipes and maybe he’ll come around after he realizes how delicious they are!
I also meant to mention that Eric’s changes took years…a little bit here and a little bit there. When we met he didn’t eat any vegetables. As I said last night I do think small changes add up to something big overtime. I think patience is key. Just like it took me years to beat my ED, it will take other sometimes years to make healthy changes. Never underestimate the power of one small step in the right direction! I find they are addicting because you notice that you feel better and it makes you want to stick with it.
Good advice about the small steps. My husband lives on convenience foods and junk. It’s very frustrating to me (and hard on our budget) and doesn’t set a good example for our son. Maybe I’ve been trying to hard – maybe the small steps are what I need.
Love your blog!
I forgot about the time factor… hehe…oops. I want us to change right now!
Now that I eat vegetarian and a clean diet, we’ve shifted the “chores” in the house. I do all the cooking, meal prep, meal planning, etc. So I also make all of my bf’s breakfasts, lunches, snacks, etc in exchange for him doing all the cleaning in the house. It’s really worked on making us both healthier. He does like eating healthy but preparing food was never a priority for him like it is for me. It works wonderful for our household.
My boyfriend is the same! We live apart right now so when he is on his own, he eats tons of convenience food but when he is with me, he eats healthy. When we are together, he does like helping to make healthy meals, but I think on his own, he lacks the drive and inspiration to do so. He makes an amazing sous-chef. :) This past weekend, I found a stash of pizza boxes at his place and he admitted he was hiding them from me..LOL.
Can’t wait for that protein chocolate recipe.
I’m so sad the Holiday weekend is over. It had been a great one!
ah looking forward to the recipe, sounds great! :)
Going overseas?! That sounds fun! And that is so great about Eric. My husband is in perfect health but I am going to share Eric’s story!
Eric is so like Himself. Himself has sort of given up stuff by osmosis since we’ve been together!
I’m trying to wean my husband off the meat and cheese, too. It’s a slow process, but I know he feels the difference. Last night he told me, “I feel better when I eat healthy,” and I just about passed out.
The way that Eric phrased that is exactly how my husband feels about meat! It’s an occasional indulgence, not something he needs to eat every day, or every week even.
You have a busy week ahead– I wish I was going to HLS, if only to get a glo bar in my bag, ha!
Eric’s story sounds a lot like my husband’s… we have been married two years and in that time he has started eating and LIKING a lot more vegetables, plus he loves tofu now- he hated it when we met, and he is eating much less meat and we are very conscious about where we buy our milk, eggs, and meat when we buy it- which is very rarely.
Wish I were going to the Summit and was getting one of those bags! Maybe next year :-)
I’m gonna take an early guess, that you will be going to Ireland!? Ha! I’m prolly wrong.
I would love to go to England, Scotland, Ireland.. Ohhh so beautiful..in my future for sure!
I can not wait to get this protein chocolate recipe! Sounds like a healthy indulgence :)
Sounds like Eric has the perfect balance in his diet..especially for a man! :D
I think that sometimes people stick to an unhealthy diet because they don’t know how to improve it or because of the way people around them eat. My boyfriend lives with his parents and they eat lots of meat and white bread. His mother makes salad and he refuses to eat it! But when I make him dinner, it is super healthy, full of whole grains and veggies and he loves it!
I will gladly accept the glo bars in our bags at the Healthy Living Summit :)
those bars look great..
your a G.I. good influence on eric’s diet :) i have to watch food inc. to get me going…cravings are the toughest :)
Angela, if you come up with protein chocolate, I will love you forever ;)
Cereal the same way for me! It’s strange..if I have it in the morning, it NEVER fills me up and I’m hungry a few minutes after. But it”s perfect as an afternoon snack to hold me over for a few hours.
That bodum tea pot looks amazing! I just might have to get myself one. ;) As soon as I get myself some loose leaf tea, of course.
Test
That protein chocolate looks heavenly!!! ;)
I am new tor reading your blog, so forgive me if this is an exhausted subject, but what made you give up dairy? Do you think it is a permanent transition?
My body does NOT digest dairy well, so no I will not be going back :)
I tried to find spelt flour the other day and couldn’t find it at T.J.’s or Lucky’s…..I didn’t go to Whole Foods, whom I’m almost positive would have it. Breakfast looks yummy:)
OOOOH I can’t wait for that recipe!
I love Nature’s Path cereal! My favourite are the Heritage O’s and the Heritage flakes (kinda boring I know – but they’re really good!)
The chocolate sounds good, I’m curious to hear more! My dad actually made his own chocolates (which I’m pretty sure were protein-amped) when he was trying the Atkins diet years ago. He made a lot of progress, although I’m not sure how much the chocolate had to do with it! Nevertheless, can’t wait to try it! :)
This just made my day!!!! I have been DYING to try a GloBar, but can’t get over the cost of shipping, so haven’t purchased (yet). Something tells me that once I eat one, I’ll be a goner :wink:
Love how Eric put that – I’m basically the same way…I maybe eat meat 3-4 times in a month…it keeps my grocery bills low (meat is exxxpensive! – not even counting the organic) and I’ve learned that it doesn’t need to be a staple in my diet. I’m still a meat eater but I do try and do so “responsibly”; mostly a delegate meat into the “treat” category – a burger out or any other number of meals out (which I try to keep as a rare occurance – again $$$).
People will ask if I’m vegetarian, and when I say no – they are confused. However, like Eric said – it’s not that I don’t eat meat, it’s just not a staple in my diet. Sometimes my family just doesn’t get it.
Cheese is my one dairy vice – I don’t drink large amounts of dairy (a little skim in my coffee, but that’s it) and eggs rarely find their way into my fridge…but cheese is my one thing. However, that is moderation as well…I don’t sit down and devour an entire wheel of parmesan. haha
That’s so awesome about Eric! My husband has been eating healthier lately, too, but we still have a ways to go to get to the “Eric diet”! :)
Eric’s story actually sounds a lot like my own. Meat is an indulgence as well as dairy. And the crazy thing is – I don’t really miss any of it! I gave up Diet Coke back in March as well and I can say that I am finally over those cravings. Oh how Food Inc has impacted my life and those around me…good good stuff!
Can’t wait to hear about your overseas trip – I love living vicariously through blogger’s vacations :)
It has amazed me how Eric’s eating has changed. You have had such a great influence on him.
Ooh protein chocolate sounds great.
My husband is slowly weening himself off of pop and he eats all of the vegetable dishes that I prepare for him! I think its great. I’ve been slowly cutting out meat and eating more beans/nuts/leafy veg for protein, and J is a few steps behind me I think…I hope…
I would love to see a post by Eric, but I totally understand that sometimes work is crazy. Have fun making all of those Glo Bars! It makes me wish I was going to the Healthy Summit!
I’m a ‘recovering vegetarian’ of 15 years as I like to call it, but I still have very strong vegetarian tendencies and my hubby reaps the benefits (?) of them. I prefer to cook veggie dishes and have gotten quite creative. Though I do eat some poultry and pork, I easily could live without it. He probalby only eats meat a few times a month minus whatever he’s eating at lunch (that I don’t know about..haha).
MMM your chocolate protein bars look great! My husband’s name is also Eric and he has what you would call, “less than desirable eating habits.” One day, I hope he will see the light like your Eric!
Eric’s eating habbits sound pretty great. It’s so amazing when someone close to us gets inspired and tries to eat healthier. I always feel so proud when my bf craves a salad, or fruit, or some healthy dish I make.
Angela, I love how you said “never underestimate the power of one small step in the right direction!” My bf grumbles a lot about feeling fat & I hate to hear him say that :( I’m hoping that the few good habits he’s already picked up will start to make him feel better..
I’m with Eric, sometimes a burger just sounds sooooo good!
Eric has come such a long way. It’ll be cool to see a blog post by him.
Those Chocolate protein bars look so good.
Have fun making glo bars. :)
Congrats to Eric on the changes! My brother-in-law is going through some very similar diet changes right now. Sometimes I think it just takes a little longer for men to come around, but once they do they are completely dedicated.
Cereal doesn’t normally hold me up either, but a loaded bowl like that probably would. :)
I wish my boyfriend would adopt Eric’s diet! Except then he wouldn’t eat anything…
Another trip!? I am so jealous of all your overseas explorations! :)
no VOO?!?!?! i almost had to go back and make sure i was on the right blog :)
I was going to stwrt the couch to 5k plan today, but life, soreness and the hest got in the way. Any tips for (beginner) runners in the heat?
Wei Wei
camelbak :) Dont push yourself too hard.
Great to hear about Eric’s positive changes! I am the same way with cereal – it just doesn’t fill me up the same way oatmeal does!
Can’t wait for the chocolate recipe! I NEED a vegan chocolate recipe that’s good for me. :)
Also, I love Nature’s Path cereals. :D
That protein chocolate looks delicious!! It almost looks like a brownie. I’m excited to hear this baking clue :-D
Yummy ceral~ that is looking good for lunch!
Question do you have the nutritional info on your Cherry, Banana Coconut Butter Bread? If you do would you share it.
Thank you much!’
Heather
I can’t wait for the protein chocolate recipe…it looks yummy!
Your cereal this morning looks so good with all those fun additions! I’m the same way though – cereal just does not fill me up!
Maybe once a month or so you can do a “Day in the life of Eric” post…I think that would be fun.
Have you ever tried the Nature’s Path granolas? Flax, Hemp plus, and pumpkin are quite good…you can add them to your cereals for extra satiety.
Cereal never fills me up either! I ate it for years while in college and it just didn’t last. Which would then lead to a ravenous Amanda, who should be avoided at all costs! I like a nice dose of protein in my breakfast. That always lasts for a few hours!
I would love to read a guest post by Eric about the changes in his diet and exercise regime!! Great idea!
fun! I can’t wait to hear about your overseas adventures!
thanks for sharing erics story. It’s so true that small changes go along way!
good luck with all your orders! :)
I love how you describe Eric’s transition. It sounds so similar to Hunni. He only eats meat when he has a craving but truly enjoys the vegetarian and sometimes vegan meals.
I asked him once if he would eat this way if it wasn’t for me and he said “probably not.” But to him he is much better off because of it and is grateful for my help.
I am trying to find an email or phone number for you guys. I have a question. My email: [email protected]
Would you mind letting me know? THANKS! Great site by the way.
angela [at] ohsheglows.com
I am really looking forward to the recipe for that protein chocolate!!
That’s great to hear how much Eric’s diet has improved over the years! I’m still working on my husband’s eating habits!! When I started dating my husband, he was a “junk food vegan.” His typical lunch was an order (or two) of french fries and breadsticks from our college cafeteria! After 8 years of his vegan diet, he decided he felt TOO restricted and wanted to add meat back into his diet– but he was craving junk food meat, like chicken nuggets and double cheeseburgers. Ugh. I think he’s just got to get it out of his system after all the restriction!
Fortunately, he will eat healthy, vegetable-centric dinners if I prepare them– but he still craves junk food at least a couple times a week! I’m hoping he will eventually grow out of it, and I just try to set a good example in the meantime. ;)
That’s such a good way to look at things — if it’s something you love but it isn’t the healthiest thing for you, that doesn’t mean it has to be cut out entirely if you’re going to be happier with the occasional indulgence. It’s good for everyone to find something that works for them!
I let my hubby tell me when he’s accomplishing something that has to do with eating or his health. He made a happy comment the other night, “I am so proud that you and I no longer eat frozen dinners. gatorade or lunchmeat” and then he said I sleep so much better when I exercise. Like Tracey @ I’m Not Superhuman, I about fell out of my chair! LOL! Its’ the little things. Cheese is one of my biggest vices and some day I will rid myself of it. Right now, hubby and I only eat parmesan and feta. Whereas we used to eat slice cheese with almost everything and lunchmeat 3 or 4 times a week. So I think we are both headed in a good direction. I’d like to try the vegan cheese, Daiya, that Gena suggests, just have to find a place near me that carries it. Baby steps, I say, Baby steps. :D
Can’t wait for the chocolate protein bars!!!
I really think laying off the Coke was such a great decision for him. A lot of unnatural sugar, which Coke has, can also contribute to higher cholesterol, so that might not only be the cheese that is having such a great effect. In addition, hasn’t he lost a bunch of pounds since the switch? Great job Eric!
Food Inc has completely changed my perspective on non-organic meat too. I used to occasionally justify it if I went out to restaurants or at home, since I don’t eat much meat anyway, but I really think it makes a huge difference, I feel better about myself eating it, and it tastes so much better. If I have beef now, I really try to make sure it is grass-fed. As much as I support organic companies, feeding cows organic corn is still pretty inhumane when you think about it, in comparison. Congrats on the change!
I’m excited about the baking clue as to your overseas trip! And on a completely random note, just wanted to say how much I’m loving Canada – been here for work for almost two weeks now, and I can’t wait to travel to Toronto on Friday…I really like your country :)
Protein Chocolate??? Sounds a-w-e-s-o-m-e, can’t wait for the recipe, you will have to share this one with us Angela! what a great idea!!
Ana
I eat an almost vegetarian and mostly vegan diet (I like milk in coffee – although I’ve previously cut out both, and will eat wild game and fish that my boyfriend brings home). But my boyfriend and I just moved in together, and he still eats a lot of convenience food (including lots of meat and dairy) when he prepares it. He does eat very healthy when I cook for him, so maybe more cooking and healthy meal preparation on my part would bring him closer to the Eric Diet.
Looking forward to protein chocolate. Healthy, protein, and chocolate are always a plus!
Hi
I somehow fell on your blog – not sure how from London UK ! I really liked what you said about consciousness and awareness around food ….In the last 3 years through changing eating and doing that with awareness I have gone from 25 stone( 14 lbs=1stone) to 14 stone with 3 left to go :) I have not become vegan but … do no cheese , replaced wheat bread for spelt, love my porridge oats for breakfast , red meat is now once every 8 weeks, chicken once a week max and same for fish and the biggie for me kicking a 6-8 can diet coke habit to 0 !!! I think that I could have done the whole gastric surgery bit but decided as a psychotherapist that it was about changing my relationship with food . I’m now a tentative runner 5km is my goal I have been so encouraged by your blog and wish glo bars were global in London !
I am so happy for you that Eric is making changes and loving the results. It is so hard when you love someone and they are not ready to make a healthy lifestyle change. I pray every night for some of my family members and I don’t pressure them.
“I decided to listen to my body and give it more rest. If I feel better tonight I might get out for a run, but if not, I will just wait it out another day.”
I find that difficult to do, so I loved the reminder that’s it good to listen to your body’s signals. Thanks!
Cereal doesn’t fill me up as well as oats. But sometimes the simple crunch is so good.
ooooh I know what you mean about being sore after renos! The painting I did a few weeks ago was a GREAT workout!!!
I just wanted to let you know that reading your blog is very refreshing. Thank you. :)
have a wonderful rest of your Tuesday!
So maybe Food, Inc. is my solution to getting my boyfriend to eat more like me..hmmmmm
Glad to see that you have found a new hobby in pruning, but pleaaase don’t leave us for it! Just got my order of globars yesterday and seriously don’t want to find a way to go without them!
That chocolate looks great!
So I’m pretty much giddy at the thought of experiencing a Glo Bar at HLS. Will it be possible to purchase them in bulk?! ;)
Nope sorry hun!
The very thought of someone creating “protein chocolate” makes me drool… for this alone, OSG will always have a special place in my heart. Not to mention the other billion and one great recipes and countless laughs I have gotten from the blog. :)
Oh and I have a confession… I definitely told myself to “feed the warrior” today during my run when it started to rain half way through. :)
haha so cute thank you!
Can’t wait for the protein chocolate recipe!!
Wow, that chocolate looks great, I can’t wait for you to post the recipe. I never would have thought to try to make my own chocolate, and chocolate with protein no less! :)
Congrats to Eric! I think you (both of you!) are so right about small changes adding up over time.