Well, that's what ovens are for!

I really appreciate that I have an oven. I love baking large dishes of healthy goodness a few nights a week that last a few days each. Tonight: a veggie packed pasta-less lasagna.

In a medium mixing bowl I added finely chopped carrots, onion, asparagus, ricotta, and cottage cheese (with a little parmesan).
I made my own tomato sauce with peeled and mashed whole tomatoes, half a can of tomato paste, pepper, basil, and a dash of salt.
The "pasta" was made with thinly sliced zucchini.
Extras: kale and spinach

First I put olive oil to coat the baking dish. Then enough mix to cover the bottom, sauce, and then zucchini. I then added a handful of kale and spinach. Then repeated the layers to the top of the dish ending with the sauce. I then added a small amount of mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes (I like the cheese on top to be a bit well done).

Can anyone say YUM?

I've looked into and read up on a lot of different diets. I don't really like any of them. I like parts of most of them though. I love the inventiveness of Raw Foodies, the basics of eating clean, the push for protein in the Atkins, the points (or calorie counting) with Weight Watchers, and even the strictness of bodybuildingers' meal plans.

I choose to do a little of all of them. I try to incorporate large amounts of RAW foods into my diet. Which means I use a juicer every single day to make nutrient rich juice, and eat at least one serving of raw whole vegetables and fruits every day. Eating clean is similar to Raw Foodies, except that cooking food is okay, and I love my eggs!!! The difference is that I do allow some processed foods into my diet, like tortillas. Protein in the Atkins! YES! I have a lot of protein every day in veggies, fruits, eggs, and lean meats. Points with Weight Watchers. Well, I don't actually count calories every single day, but I do a few times a week with an *average* day's worth of meals/snacks so I can make sure I am eating enough (or not too much). The strictness of bodybuilders. Wow, what else can I say? I choose not to be as strict, BUT I do have a few staple food items that I have almost every single day. Oatmeal or cream of wheat, eggs, spinach, and fish or chicken. With all of these diets water is pushed, and I try to drink at the very least 8 full cups a day (64oz). I try to keep a large water bottle with me all day and fill it up at least once, but I really try for twice.

I didn't want to pick a diet, I wanted to make my own rules that were still focused on making healthy choices. Rules that I would be comfortable with. Everyone that encourages eating healthy and exercise will tell you that it's a lifestyle, not just a diet. It's true. My lifestyle is one of making healthy choices. Not only when it comes to food, but also when being active! ZUMBA tomorrow morning! Super excited!