All The Time In The World
I love starting the day off with an amazing breakfast! I branched out into a different sort of breakfast sandwich…
Clean Eating Brownie Waffles, PB2 and sliced banana…
Can you stand it?! It was just as wonderful as it sounds! Complete with iced cold press coffee…
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This breakfast got me thinking about my food choices. You guys know I haven’t been counting POINTS or calories for quite some time as I’m working on changing my love/hate relationship with food. However, I am still conscious of calories because it’s been burned into my brain like a branded cow. I don’t count overall calories anymore, but sometimes, if I’m in the mood for something that might seem over the top, I will check into the calories to make sure it’s not too ridiculous. I do still get these doubtful moments. <—- working on….
When I first had the idea to make this sandwich, I was concerned it might fall into that “ridiculous” category. So, I decided to run the numbers (after I ate it –oops!)…
- Clean Eating Brownie Waffles (2) - 252 calories
- 2 tbsp. PB2 – 45 calories
- 1/3 large banana – 35 calories
*Total – 332 calories, 5.5 grams fat, 11 grams fiber, 15 grams protein.
See, not so bad after all?!
I’ve been leaning toward larger breakfasts anyway because they seem to hold me better and prevent that late afternoon snacking that I’ve struggled with for years. This breakfast definitely did the job in fulfilling both those goals.
Interestingly, if I was currently following the WW plan, I would never have eaten this. It would just be “too POINTY” for breakfast. (Not the fault of WW which I believe is one of the best plans out there – more so the user of the plan *points finger at self*). But, in essence, it is only about a quarter of what my calorie intake for the day should be. Plus, it was much more filling than something I would have chosen previously. I got to eat something that I WANTED rather than something I thought I “should have” been eating.
It occurred to me that if we really listen, I mean REALLY listen to our bodies, it will send the right signals. We will eat what we want and what we need. We will be satisfied and not looking for more. We will enjoy and not feel deprived. And we will, eventually, level out to the weight we are designed to be.
It will not happen overnight. That’s where we get into trouble. Frustration takes over the natural order of things. If we relax about it, it will happen. It will. I tell myself this every day. I am starting to listen, starting to believe. I realize that I am in no hurry. It’s already taken me 42 years to get to this point. Lots of turmoil, self-deprecation and brutalizing my body with the latest and greatest of fad diets. Past is past. I can’t get those years back with the new knowledge that I have. I can only move forward, continuing the change and the awareness. I’m relaxing and trusting more and more. It’s happening …very slowly and little by little. No matter… I’ve got all the time in the world 
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Okay, wanna see what else I ate today? 
I tried to squeeze in more veggies today. I was seriously lacking yesterday! Lunch was an egg white fritatta…
- 2/3 cup liquid egg whites
- leftover Oven Fries, diced
- 1/3 cup roasted red peppers
- big handful baby spinach
- Laughing Cow Light Cheese wedge
So filling!
I needed a little crunch with it, so I opened these bad boys…
I was careful to dole out a small serving instead of munching out of the bag because these guys are crackilicious…
Dinner was yet another turkey burger concoction. A hot one – Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burgers! This was the star…
I placed 4-5 chipotle peppers in a small food processor with a few tbsp. water and blended until mostly smooth…
and added the puree to 20 oz. ground turkey breast along with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. ground cumin. Mixed well and formed into 4 burgers.
Ready for grillin’…
I topped my burger with guacamole and fresh salsa…
together with a simple salad…
Such fresh flavors and the burger came out juicy with just the right amount of kick! Ole!
By the way, unpacking FAIL … 
On a fun note, Kathleen at Journey to Becoming Healthier Inside and Out is having her First Giveaway!!! Click HERE to check it out!
Have a great day, everyone!
How do you feel about counting calories? Do you find that you need to count to stay on track or do you trust yourself to eat the right amounts for your body?
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
29 comments
Here is my experience. Track points and it worked for so long then stopped. Track calories in and calories out, and it worked for so long and failed. Focus on micro nutrients, it worked for so long then stopped. Currently I am trying to find the thing that kicks my metabolic furnace back into the proper working position, and he current experiment is with a higher fat content. I don’t think there is any universal answer, I think our appetites give us the best clue as to what we should be eating, but it gets so hard to follow what it is saying with so many other voices out there working on our heads ! There are a billion experts, all saying the different ultimate advice, and all tend to make us feel like we know nothing. There comes a time when you have to kick out the experts, listen to your inner voice and act accordingly. May we all get to that place one day !
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:31 am
True that!
That waffle sandwich sounds awesome! I can almost taste it!
I do not count calories but I do track macros when I need to dial it in.
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:32 am
What are macros?
Great post! I too switched from counting points to intuitive eating (THANKS TO YOU ACTUALLY!!) and have found life so much more fulfilling. I still struggle, I still will add up my points in my head from time to time, but I can’t follow WW because I don’t use my points well. I know it’s the best plan out there but I found I’d avoid nuts and Greek yogurt and other healthy foods because they were too pointy.
BTW- I still didn’t unpack either… oops… going on day 4 over here haha.
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Wow, Stephanie! That is amazing!!
For me, I think I need to track. I just need that check because sometimes I rationalize a certain food, but when I see the nutrient stats, it makes me pause and change my mind (sometimes).
I totally agree about the larger breakfast, by the way! I’ve been having a substantial breakfast this past week, and I definitely find it reduces my snacking tendencies for the rest of the day.
This sounds so healthy. All of it. The thinking. The food. You. You are doing great.
Thank you!!!!
I think everything you ate looks great!!!! You are so creative! I guess I need to branch out a bit myself.
That turkey burger looks delicious! YUM!
I eat a higher point breakfast(4-5pts) and then I do not need anything till Lunch. It is helpful but I need to make the right choices with those 4-5 points or I will be hungry.
Thanks for your comment about my WI. :-/ I am really frustrated- more so at the fact that I pay for a plan that I can not get help from when I ask for it. My leader has not been supportive at all.
Since I was not blessed with the kitchen creativity gene, don’t know what I’d do without you and some other knights in shining armor! Those waffles are on my menu for tomorrow and wanted to let you know that the Banana Ice Cream has become a daily must. Thanks so much for the time you take with the descriptions and the pictures.
I count calories meticulously and document. Daily allotment changes based on what phase I’m in, but my head always calculates. It’s what works for me and I’ve done it so long, it’s habit, not tedious. (I even calculated and documented last night’s little episode with the Triscuits!)
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:34 am
You have definitely proven that it is a successful tool for you!
I’m doing WW for now – officially joined as I told my brother I would if he did
Eating much healthier overall – more fruit and veggies and I hardly shop the isles of the grocery store any more
You are doing great and your breakie looks good. I also drink ice coffee every day – love it
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:35 am
Way to be a supportive sister!
I need to “watch” myself most times, so if that means counting points, then that’s what I’ll do. Counting calories, fat, carbs, sodium, etc. can be overwelming so points works well for me.
I know what you mean about the breakfast “points’ issue. You need something that will sustain you! I don’t mind having a breakfast usually up to 6 pts. Usually it clocks in around 4.
Since making goal, I’ve been trying to listen to my body signals more but this last week was a mess!!
I love your breakfast! I must get a waffle grill and make those waffles!
that egg frittata looks amazing especially with all those veggies! dr oz just said on his show yesterday that breakfast should be substantial, if not our biggest meal of the day, so you’re on the right track!!
I can’t have those sesame sticks in the house. They are crack-like in their munchability.
I find it interesting that bring up this topic today. Because I have been struggling with this same subject. Learn to just love myself and not make food such a big deal. There is more to life that food right? I have come to realize that I made food such a big thing in my life. I am beginning to listen to my body and eat what I want in moderation. I do believe we can find a middle ground and I plan on finding no matter how long it takes me.
Thanks for the constantly inspiration!
I LOVE Tiffany and her site – she makes AMAZING cookies too – not so clean though
LOL.
I LOVE your thinking too! You know, doing CORE taught me the best how to listen to my body, what it wanted/didn’t and to decide if things were really worth it. I LOVE your new approach and that you are learning so much about you.
You seriously don’t mess around with your chipotle’s 4-5 is HOT!
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Oddly, I’m not a huge spicy fan, but these seem to have just the right amount of kick. Those 4-5 were spread through 20 oz. of turkey, so that’s probably why it wasn’t too bad!
I really liked what you wrote on Weight Waters and counting calories because I’ve been struggling with the same things since ending my relationship with POINTS. I try not to count calories anymore either but I still keep a guestimation tally in my mind most days. Don’t you think it’s funny how points and calories have two separate values in your mind? When I think about 300 calories I think, “that’s not that much” but if you tell me 6 POINTSI literally want to run in the other direction. Keep up the good work girl! Love the breakfast btw!
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:38 am
My thoughts exactly! 6 Points would have been a deal breaker, but 300 calories sounds just fine!
Okay, I want, no need that breakfast!! While I originally lost my 70 pounds on WW, I too would have thought a 7-8 point breakfast would be out of the question! It’s weird how the points kinda trip you up, but saying less than 350 calories for breakfast doesn’t!
One point is about the equivalent to 50 calories, and personally, I don’t think that’s enough to eat.
And another reason I like you . . . our love of chipotle peppers!
I’ve been a Lifetimer for over 3 years, I still count. I’ve tried not counting and it drove me nuts (and I actually went back and tracked everything). I’ve done both plans and maintained successfully on both.
I think I need the restraint of some sort of tracking, at least journaling, because I think that’s what helps me from falling back into old habits
I made the waffles last weekend and they were awesome (half batch), I actually ate the last 2 today. I loved them, but I can totally see those becoming a trigger for me if I kept them around all of the time
That breakfast looks delicious. Honestly, I’m a little scared to stop counting points and try listening to my body- I’m not sure I could handle that quite yet. You seem to be doing so well and all of your food looks so healthy, pretty and yummy!
Marisa Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:40 am
It’s been a process and some days I’m not good at it. But, overall the mindset is changing!
If I don’t count calories, I’m in trouble. Some days I’ll over eat like crazy, and then other days, I’ll barely eat (very rare though). Counting keeps me right.
Unfortunately, I do best when writing everything down and counting calories. I hope that one day I can do it the Geneen Roth way and trust my body!