Great Bread

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We were all out of bread this morning, so I decided to drive to Great Harvest bakery and pick up some goodies.

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 Maggie drove.

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Cinnamonnnn buns smelled so good. 

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However, since I apparently have no self-control around Great Harvest cinnachip bread, I opted for the Honey Whole Wheat instead.  Ingredients:  Freshly Stone-Milled Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Honey, Yeast, Salt.  I can get behind that!

 

Breakfast:

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Two over-easy eggs with a big slice of Honey Whole Wheat.

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And local, organic blueberries from the farmer’s market.

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Your Tips for Getting Over an Healthy Eating Slump

 

Last week, I asked for tips on getting over an eating or exercise slump.  Here are my personal favorites from this post (there are more than 520 other suggestions, too!):

 

Morgan at Life After Bagels wrote: “Starting to read all of these lovely blogs is what tipped me into my routine healthy eating. It was so easy when you knew lots of people were doing it and succeeding, plus it was easier to find new and delicious meals.”

 

Jessica wrote, “I had a major health scare a few years ago.   I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the young  age of 27. I was shocked, upset, bewildered, and  stunned. Throughout this experience, I have realized how important it is to treat your body well. You must be mindful what you put in your body and you must, must, must exercise!!  I finally stopped drinking diet coke (after all these years), realized that I should eat a healthy, filling breakfast, and to sometimes splurge on treats because life is WAY too short!!

 

Maryann wrote, “This is going to sound completely ridiculous, but my turning point was the moment I vowed to myself that I’d eat something a little decadent EVERY day. I’ve always attempted the intuitive eating thing, but i noticed that when I would crave all things healthy one day, the opposite extreme would still inevitably catch up with me. When I promise to have a little something decadent or naughty, my healthy eating is so much more consistent throughout the whole year! I think its so empowering to realize that you MUST feed both you mind, body, soul to live not only a long and healthy life, but one that provides nourishment to your heart and happiness. By incorporating this into your eating, the concept seems to spread into other areas of life and you treat yourself so much more compassionately and respectfully.” \

 

Erika wrote: “One of my biggest turning points in balanced eating was recognizing the importance of a big, filling breakfast. I’ve always been a breakfast eater, but it used to be sugary cereal or toast with jam, and it was probably 300 cal or less. I gradually amped up breakfast to 500-600 calories of oatmeal with fruit, nut butters, and milk, and it sets the tone for a whole day of healthy eating!”

 

Nicole wrote, “My turning point was just recently…after years of always thinking I needed to be on a “diet” to be healthy I just sat here one day and realized…NO! I can eat amazing food and be healthy without having to follow some diet book!( I used to think peanut butter and avocado were “bad” – crazy, I know!) Now when I see a certain amount of fat or calories in something I don’t freak out over the number. I simply ask myself, “Is it healthy natural ingredients that are good for me or should I pass because it’s something processed and won’t leave me feeling as good or satisfied as I should?” I have to also say that I think by reading this blog and others it has opened my eyes to see that being healthy is about a balance… something I really never had until recently!”

 

Nikee wrote, “My turning point was when I noticed that my children really do look up to me as a role model in what foods they eat. If I have healthy choices available and am I myself eating healthy they do the same. I find if I involve the 2 older ones in the process of cooking foods and shopping for them they seem to feel better about what they are eating and want to make healthier choices. We swapped out soda for seltzer or water flavored with orange or lemon. Also, we make sure to watch portions. I want them to know it is definitely to have treats, but just to limit them.”

 

Jen wrote, “I’d been eating fairly healthy (slowly switched from college food to diet food to real food over a period of years) for a while when my son was diagnosed with food allergies. When I started really reading ingredient lists and not just scanning fat and fiber and calories stats, I was a bit horrified at how many unnecessary and unpronouncable ingredients are in foods we consider healthy. I guess that was my turning point – I now aim for as simple a list as possible – or no list!”

 

Kate wrote, “I stopped drinking soda and started drinking tons of water – made a huge difference! I also focused on adding fruits and veggies and trying new fresh foods rather than mourning the fact that I was eating less processed food.  The switches made me feel so much better!”

 

Katie wrote, “The healthiest eating habit that I still work with every day is MODERATION. Being a healthy “freak” when it came to food only led to bad choices as my body and mind rebelled against myself for being so restrictive. But mastering the art of moderation allows me to maintain a healthy balance while not depriving myself of what my body sometimes truly needs and wants.”

 

Tyler wrote, “I try to incorporate the less is more philosophy. I’ll get a caramel latte but get skim milk, no whip, less caramel. I’ll use a full flavor dressing on my salad, but use less. Same with cheese, even though it’s realllly hard! Staying on track can be tricky, but it’s so worth it in the end!”

 

Maria wrote, “My Healthy Tipping Point is almost difficult to admit. When I finally woke up after years of working out and trying to “eat healthy” (you know, 100 calorie packs and turkey jerky), and obsessing over my scale weight, it hit me. One morning, I stepped on the scale and got really, really excited over a half pound loss. I repeat, I was oh so happy over A HALF POUND LOSS. Definitely some unhealthy thinking there. After I did my little “I just lost a half pound dance”, it occurred to me just how silly/crazy/ridiculous that was! The next day I hid the scale, looked up some food/health blogs and started a new chapter. My life is now filled with positive thinking (my legs aren’t short and stubby, they are petite and strong), Green Monsters, eating whole unprocessed foods, and doing workouts I enjoy, not dread. I can’t tell you how happy I am with myself and my new outlook on healthy living.”

 

To check out my favorite exercise hump-busters, check out this post. 

 

Is “balance” something you strive to achieve in your eating habits?  What does it mean to you?   Why is it important to you physically and mentally?

{ 90 comments }

 

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 14, 2010, 9:01 am

    SO many good tips there, I agree with them all!!
    I believe in balance – for eg, chocolate on a whole isn’t good for you. If you ate it all the time, you’d be very unhealthy. But a little bit is SO important for mental wellbeing, which is just as important as physical IMHO! And if you can’t treat yourself, then what’s the point? We all need breaks and treats 🙂
    I always aim for balance every day with eating – I have chocolate evyr day, I also have nut butters, LOADS of fruit and veggies, no processed stuff…so I can have chocolate and still be balanced and healthy 🙂

  • Jocelyn July 14, 2010, 9:02 am

    Balance in my eating habits as been, hands down, one of the HARDEST things…I have ever had to do. I am still trying to overcome my history of two eating disorders and the binge/starve cycle. Somewhere I have it engrained in my head that no matter how little/how much I will eat, I will gain weight, which I know is not true. It’s something I struggle with, so I will be happy to read the rest of the responces for some inspiration!

  • Exercise and Eat July 14, 2010, 9:06 am

    I agree with those tips- it’s all about balance for me, though! I eat balanced when I feel most peaceful inside, and when I feel peaceful I eat well, too- stress eating gets me every time and I really try to fight those urges!

  • Gracie July 14, 2010, 9:08 am

    Love those comments! I’m with Maryann…I eat at least one “treat” a day so I never feel deprived. But most of the time that treat is healthy (i.e. A small bowl of cereal or a vitatop) so it’s a win-win!

    • JenATX July 14, 2010, 9:10 am

      I like Maryann’s tip too! My senior year of college i developed a sweet tooth (roommates was a baker) & it was kind of frustrating because I couldn’t stop thinking about chocolate! I now keep some dark chocolate covered almonds on hand so I’m not eating cookies & cupcakes EVERY day haha

  • Jessica @ How Sweet July 14, 2010, 9:10 am

    Balance is HUGE to me. It is not secret that I hate veggies and love bacon and sweets. But I do balance it – I eat some veggies in forms I can stand and a few days a week have things that I love. I can honestly say I love all the meals I eat!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 14, 2010, 9:10 am

    I love Great Harvest Bakery. They’re bread is just so awesome!!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite July 14, 2010, 9:10 am

    Balance is so important when it comes to eating habits and life! I love everyone’s comments!

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy July 14, 2010, 9:12 am

    Balance is the fundation of my eating.

    I’ve tried to do the “only healthy” ways … but this way I totally felt deprave. This is NOT the way to either lose weight or keep healthy habits.

    I did lost a whole lot of weight, while eating Ice Cream, chocolate, pizza and drinking beer. If you “indulge” once in a while, in small portions, you’re most likely to not have a huuuge bingeing moment that you’ll regret 🙂

    Balance.

  • *Andrea* July 14, 2010, 9:12 am

    i love that you put these in a post! sometimes i don’t remember to read the comment section or don’t have enough time and i like how you summarized a diverse group of tipping pts! i feel like i could relate to at least 2 or 3 of them.

    yummy bfast! fresh breads are the best

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 14, 2010, 9:13 am

    Balance is essential because I know I will never be perfect (who is??) I will have days where I make choices that are great and other days when I don’t. And its not a 50/50 split by any means but I do like to leave a little wiggle room. Eating well makes me feel better but every so often so does chocolate!!

  • Mica July 14, 2010, 9:16 am

    I wish Maggie would drive me to a Great Harvest Bread! She looks like the best chauffeur (chauffeuse?) ever.

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers July 14, 2010, 9:18 am

    I’ve been finding that by listening to my body balance comes naturally. After say a weekend of beer and less than optimal food choices my body will be crying out for greens and nutrient rich foods. Same with exercise, a few days of not moving may at times be rejeuvinating and at others after a couple days my body is just itching to get moving and feel vital.

    Might sound flaky but I believe if you listen to your body it will lead you to balance quite naturally.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit July 14, 2010, 9:18 am

    balance is definitely the key for me. Even after I got over my severe ED symptoms, I was still obsessing about food, making rules for myself. I just recently was able to let myself start eating something sweet on any given day of the week, and it definitely is so much better. I used to make myself go the whole week without dessert and then on the weekends I would want a HUGE ice cream sundae or something. I’m really working on moderation.

  • Heather July 14, 2010, 9:24 am

    thank you for posting these. I am in such a healthy living slump and while all the blogs are soo motivating and wonderful, at times it feels like “everyone else” already has their perfect body and great life. If anyone out there is in a slump and wants to form a support group–or even just needs a weight loss/healthy living buddy for the summer–pop over to my blog and say hey

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! July 14, 2010, 9:28 am

    Balance is my motto these days and exactly what I follow on a regular basis……just like my blog says “Finding a Healthy Balance”! =)

    P.S. I so want to go to that bakery, they just don’t have good ones down here in Florida…=(

  • Rachael July 14, 2010, 9:31 am

    Balance is an entity that it always a challenge for me to attain – I still operate mostly in extremes. Black and white thinking/eating/acting anyone?
    Still, food is one area where I can be pretty balanced. I eat straight from the garden almost every meal, and I find that I’m satisfied with this diet, on a physical and mental level. The things that I crave – nut butters and good bread, mostly, are allowed in. Once I stopped banning these things, I stopped wanting them all the time. I’m trying to learn not to beat myself up over food; I think disassociating nutrition with emotion is the hardest thing I’ve come up against yet, as it’s such an easy crutch and association. I keep reminding myself that I’m still evolving, and what’s true today may change tomorrow or the next day, as long as I hold dear the intention to be whole and balanced.

  • Sarah July 14, 2010, 9:36 am

    Thank you for posting these! I am working on balanced eating in my own life right now. I *think* I’ve found my sweet spot. For me, it’s eating mostly clean and mostly vegan food, but not ALL. I started giving myself permission to enjoy food for the pleasure of it (while not eating past fullness), and that includes some foods that may not be considered healthy.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg July 14, 2010, 9:37 am

    So jealous that you live near a GH! Their high fiber flax bread was my FAVORITE when I lived near one…I still dream about it! 🙂

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape July 14, 2010, 9:39 am

    Balance to me is being able to maintain my healthy lifestyle while still enjoying life. That means keeping a good diet while occasionally splurging at restaurants or with friends. I guess it is being able to eat and enjoy food without guilt. For a while I would beat myself up if I ate that one cookie or candy bar. Now I realize that if I balance out my other meals (or just don’t eat a cookie every day) that there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying my splurge. Finally achieving this balance (which I think I have) is important to me because I no longer obsess over food. I have a genuine passion for it, instead, and celebrate the splurges as much as the usual healthy fare. And by not being so hard on myself anymore, I am a happier person 😀

  • Jess July 14, 2010, 9:43 am

    I LOVE Great Harvest. We buy all of our bread from our local store. I also have zero self control when it comes to the cinnamon swirl bread, or cinnamon rolls or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies…mmmm.

    Balance is definitely something I strive for. Some days I’ll eat more and the next I try to focus on eating fruits and veggies and no such large portions. It’s easier said than done though.

  • Camille July 14, 2010, 9:43 am

    I absolutely believe in balance! I find that if I deny myself of “treats” then I will end up eating too much of them later. It is important to remember that a piece of cake wont kill you but denying yourself treats just might 😉

  • Sassy Molassy July 14, 2010, 9:45 am

    I loved hearing everyone’s thoughts on getting over the slump! So interesting to hear what everyone’s turning point was.

  • Becca July 14, 2010, 9:48 am

    Some really inspiring advice! Thanks to all who shared.

    I also love your heart-shaped bowl. It’s like the sort of thing they have on TV ads for heart-healthy cereal – so appropriate when serving up healthy food!

  • Kelly July 14, 2010, 9:51 am

    I can relate so much w/Maria’s post 🙂 I feel so much more happy w/myself and I think I actually eat more (just healthier whole foods)! And I’m starting to no hate my short athletic legs 😉

    • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day (Formally A La Mode) July 14, 2010, 9:56 am

      Yay for short girls! I never thought I’d grow love my little legs, but just a little thinking turned that around for me. Glad that happened to you too 🙂

  • Jenny July 14, 2010, 9:52 am

    Balance is what I strive for. However, I do have some trouble not letting the pendulum swing so far either way. Lately it’s either I’m eating like total crap or doing super well. I would like to find a happy medium.

    Also, your recent post and the reader comments totally helped me get through my second hot yoga class last night. The first class was horrible. Intense, nauseous, and I just felt awful. I’m fairly certain I had a panic attack too. However, I was determined to go back to class and overcome the fear. All day before the 2nd class, I kept repeating, “It’s okay to be uncomfortable”. Class went well and I will definitely be going back for a 3rd class. Thanks to Caitlin and all the fellow readers who have AMAZING suggestions for getting through a slump or overcoming obstacles.

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 10:58 am

      Hot yoga can be sooo hard so WTG for pushing through!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 14, 2010, 9:52 am

    Yes, balance is so important to me. If I ate healthy all the time I think I’d be missing some of the joy of food. So I eat a cookie or brownie here and there. It’s so worth it.

  • Jill@MySoCalledHealthLife July 14, 2010, 9:52 am

    Oh em gee I just saw one of these bakeries a few blocks from my new place!! I need to go get some of their bread stat! No cinnachip for me! I’m not good with self control either. And I really when bread is made fresh with actual ingredients. The supermarket by me makes fresh tortillas on site (whole wheat too) and they are out of this world good!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day (Formally A La Mode) July 14, 2010, 9:54 am

    Balance is so so important to me. When I was counting calories, I was in deprivation mode and it was leading to crazy binges. Now that I allow myself that bite of chocolate or the occasional muffin, I’m satisfied, no binge necessary. What we traditionally call “bad foods” can easily be apart of a healthy diet in moderation and I’ve found this to be true each day.

  • Kelly July 14, 2010, 9:55 am

    I think it’s important to have balance in every aspect of your life. I had to remind myself yesterday that it was ok that I didn’t work out, and to not feel guilty about it.

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 14, 2010, 9:56 am

    Love this post!! I can relate especially to Maryann, Erika, Nicole and Maria’s thoughts as they echo my own. I used to think that if I ate a piece of chocolate I had somehow ‘failed’ at being healthy and so may as well go the whole hog and eat junk for the next two days, which is ridiculous! Thanks to reading your blog and others I had my own ‘Healthy Tipping Point’ and realised that balance was allowed and I didn’t have to be on a diet – it was enlightening! Now I enjoy getting out of bed in the morning and munching nut butter for breakfast, without feeling guilty about it – it’s healthy, not fattening! I look forward to a little bit of chocolate, cheese or ice cream and don’t feel guilty about eating it because I aim to balance it out with fruit, veggies and wholegrains. Some days it’s hard to be healthy and other days it’s easy but I try and just go with what I want. I have found that satisfying my stomach and not being hungry and deprived all the time helps me to make better food choices overall because I don’t feel ‘desperate’ for food or treats! It keeps me calm, centered and balanced.

  • Carolyn July 14, 2010, 9:59 am

    I just want to let you know thanks for mentioning the cinnachip bread issue. I have an issue with loaves of bread- i will just eat one piece of toast after another! Same with boxes of cereal. Literally- i have to stick to mini pitas and english muffins.

  • Carolyn July 14, 2010, 10:04 am

    Also, my healthy tipping point for establishing balance was establishing the “if I love it.” I used to eat oversized portions of most food, and while I was losing weight, I would not even buy foods I loved but I didn’t think were healthy and now I do both- if I love it, I will have it. I will strive for moderation, but if i overeat it, I will simply move forward to the next day and learn. I gained 5 pounds from my lowest weight finding this balance and learning to eat what I love, but I think I can maintain this weight long term and be happy and satisfied.

  • Gracie (complicated day) July 14, 2010, 10:06 am

    I just wanted to stop by and say I LOVE bread with normal ingredients! If we would just eat real live bread we wouldn’t have to label bread as a “bad” food (I don’t actually believe there are any bad foods, just bad food prodcucts/fake foods).

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances July 14, 2010, 10:07 am

    Such great tips, again! I can especially identify with Nicole, previously thinking that avocado and peanut butter were “bad” – my family STILL tries to tell me that these things are fattening and that I shouldn’t eat them. It’s been tough to alter my way of thinking, but I’m so glad I’m finally at a place where I understand I NEED healthy fats in my life. 🙂 thanks for sharing these tips, Caitlin!

  • Tracy July 14, 2010, 10:07 am

    Random thought… Oprah needs to be calling you.

  • tanya July 14, 2010, 10:08 am

    Bread is one of my favorite foods!
    The less ingredients used the better.

  • Tina July 14, 2010, 10:12 am

    I certainly have to have balance in order to be consistent with healthy eating and living. I used to be a huge sucker for the all or nothing mentality and it did me no good whatsoever. Now I have treats on a regular basis, but they aren’t over the top and are surrounded with other healthy goods the rest of the time. It really does make it all work!

  • Lisa (I'm an Okie) July 14, 2010, 10:21 am

    I loved reading the comments you picked out! You’ve got some wise readers.

    Balance means healthy to me. I spent too many years thinking I was healthy, when really I was just disordered in my thought and eating patterns. Now, after years of struggling, I realize that you can’t be healthy without balance.

    For example, I’m on a work conference trip this week. I told myself I’d blog about healthy eating on the road…and yesterday I had waffles AND pizza..which, the old me, would’ve considered completely unhealthy. But, I also had fruit and greens and a nice salad with veggies yesterday as well–it’s all about balance. And I didn’t feel guilty for my treats–which I would’ve in the past. That’s healthy to me.

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 10:59 am

      Eating clean on the road is so hard – it’s definitely about balance!

  • Joanne July 14, 2010, 10:38 am

    Balance is achieved through healthy living. This includes healthy eating habits as well as treating your self right daily. If you are out of balance, you don’t feel good. You could be depressed. It may be caused by not managing the stress in your life correctly or eating foods that cause blood sugar to rise,etc.
    It’s important to try our best to maintain a healthy balance so each day we feel empowered to move forward and be productive. Life is short and we should make the most of it instead of being couch potatoes and doing nothing.
    Feed the mind, feed the stomach, and energize the body.

  • Mary July 14, 2010, 10:41 am

    balance is important to me in my eating habits. it provides me with a sense of okayness if you will that i know where my food is coming from and what i’m putting into my bod. I’m also okay with a little chocolate now and again… in moderation of course

  • Kacy July 14, 2010, 10:41 am

    I definitely strive for balance. Life is too short for anything else. Some days are more balanced than other, but I know that on the whole I lead a very balanced, happy food/exercise lifestyle.

  • Run Sarah July 14, 2010, 10:45 am

    Great tips! Balance is so important to me – my motto is to eat healthy, natural foods as much as possible, always eat dessert, and never deprive.

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! July 14, 2010, 10:48 am

    At the moment, I am trying to find the right balance for me in terms of protein, carbs, and fat in my diet. I used to restrict my eating, but I have spent the last year trying very hard to get myself back to a good place physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am on my way, but I still have a lot of work to do! When I was losing weight, it always felt good to say “no” to things. Now, I am learning how to say “yes” every once in a while. Balance is a hard thing to attain…but I’m striving for it! 🙂

  • Wei-Wei July 14, 2010, 10:48 am

    I think that “Everything in Moderation” is a wonderful thing that I desperately need to learn. I think that healthy living blogs have helped me so much. And can you show us more Great Harvest? Or can you not take photos inside the bakery?

    Wei-Wei

  • Alexis @ Mission: Ambition July 14, 2010, 10:53 am

    Such great tips! And I definitely agree that reading blogs like this are a huge inspiration.

  • Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine July 14, 2010, 10:54 am

    These are all great suggestions! I am currently re-learning intuitive eating after about 3 years of meticulously planning my meals and it is a fun and tasty journey 😀

    I’m going to Great Harvest this weekend to check it out and I can’t wait!

  • Coco July 14, 2010, 11:08 am

    For me, it is important to find the right combination of exercise, food, and sleep for ME. As someone in recovery from an eating disorder, it is easy for me to compare myself to someone else’s habits and try to outdo them in some way. Instead, I am learning that moderation in all things is the best way to go. One person may be a vegan, another may love steak, but it doesn’t matter to me, as long as they have found what works for them.

  • Candice July 14, 2010, 11:10 am

    What a great post! I don’t know how I missed the first one.

    Honestly, I still have to focus on intuitive eating every day. I’m not sure if it will ever be easy, but it’s so worth it.

    I truly think it is all about loving yourself. If you love yourself and your living healthy for YOU, then it’s a lot easier to make the change. When it gets hard and you want to revert back to old habits and destructive behaviors, you just have to always remind yourself of why you’re doing it.

    Great post, girl!

  • Anne @ the doctor takes a wife July 14, 2010, 11:12 am

    Love those simple ingredients lists 🙂 I jump for joy everytime I see a Larabar and all the whole food goodness.

    Balance is definitely important… especially when you have other important people in your life who don’t subscribe to exactly the same eating theory as you. Case in point, last night Hubby was dying for chicken tenders. Instead of vetoing, I ate with him and added a couple to my salad. Probably not the best thing for me, but the greens made it that much better.

  • Cate July 14, 2010, 11:20 am

    All of these are great tips!
    Balance is certainly the key to a healthy lifestyle and something I take time to work on. I think of it like an actual balance, where you can put weight on both sides: if one side is heavier than the other things are off kilter; it doesn’t look right, it doesn’t feel right. Sure the other side is up high and seems light and happy, but that other side is bogged down and tired. Why have that unnecessary load or stress to constantly think about (oh I can’t eat this food because it is not on the “healthy list”)? I think that kind of thinking is what can lead to a slump. All or none thinking and eating does not work. A lot of these responses say just that.
    Sure finding the balance can be difficult, but I have found that taking the time to figure out what works for you makes things so much easier. With balance your mind, body, and soul are happy and healthy, and I think that is the most important thing! 🙂

    p.s. I absolutely LOVE Great Harvest! It is just so darn good. I wish there was one here in Orlando.

  • Katheryn July 14, 2010, 11:22 am

    So many great tips here. Thanks for this post!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter July 14, 2010, 11:33 am

    For me balance is eating my food groups properly. When I feel guilty about a sugary eat I overdose on the veggies and don’t get my whole grains or protein in.

  • Alaina July 14, 2010, 11:33 am

    I just read this on a website and though you might want to know, since you are a vegetarian and have been promoting Athenos brand feta cheese. “Athenos Feta Cheeses are made with microbial rennet which is derived (sic) the growth of pure cultures of bacteria or mold. However, two flavorings are added to this rennet, they are Lipase liquid and Rennet Paste. Lipase liquid is derived from goat/kid and Rennet Paste is derived from Kid, lamb, or calf.”
    source: http://www.heatherhaddad.com/?tag=rennet

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 1:04 pm

      I will investigate!

  • Christine July 14, 2010, 11:34 am

    This is a great post Caitlin! I normally am very ok with my eating but with my upcoming wedding have been feeling stress to be “perfect” in order to stay on track. I was actually sitting here all morning beating myself up for eating a bagel for a snack this morning. Thanks for reminding me that balance and enjoying life are key!

  • carol July 14, 2010, 11:49 am

    i agree with the “enjoy a treat everyday” thing .. but what if like for me i know i will not have self control to just stop after that “little treat” I’ve fallen into the trap WAYYY too many times of enjoying a small bowl of cereal which turns out into a full on binge of numerous bowls of cereal until the box is gone, toast with pb, ice cream, and the list goes on. I do feel like i restrict myself from things but i am happier on a day with no treats bc i know i have such a terrible habit of binges. what are your thoughts on this?

  • Christy July 14, 2010, 11:54 am

    I strive everyday to set a good example for my almost 11 year old daughter. I want her to be proud of her self image not obsessed with it like I am. I struggle with this everyday. Especially lately. I’m a triathlete, I do duathlons and road races all while trying to lose weight. The scale is not nice to me and it gets really frustrating when I work my booty off but not recognition with the scale. Yet I don’t want to become overly obsessed with it and show my daughter the way I behave! Some day I hope to become more balanced!

  • Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary July 14, 2010, 11:59 am

    Can I just say that I think I love Maggie ? I just love her short little legs !! ;D

    Balance is what keeps me centered. I find that when something is out of whack, I tend to feel it in my body and mind. I’m more lathargic… It’s harder to get motivated for a tough work out… It’s harder to even do things I know I need to do, like cook a healthy dinner. I find that when I am eating healthy (cooking almost all meals at home), working out and getting enough sleep I have so much more energy… literally and mentally.

    I got my teeth cleaned yesterday and the hygenist told me that she just started seeing a personal trainer a week ago. She said that her trainer told her that she was FORBIDDEN (noooooo!) to eat her favorite meal… She calls it ‘chips and cheese’… so, nachos. She told me that every day for the last week she has come home and craved nothing but chips and cheese and ate it every single night. I told her that I didn’t think her trainer was right. Eating chips and cheese is not the enemy, eating too much of it and not having balance is. She agreed and said she was going to talk to her trainer about moderation in portions bc she felt like once she was forbidden, it’s all she craved. Bravo to her! 😀

  • Danielle July 14, 2010, 12:07 pm

    I love all of the tips! I’ve really felt like I’m in a rut too so reading these is very helpful!

    This summer I’m trying to organize and de-clutter (thank you so much for posting your tips during the move!) and one of the things I’m focusing on right now is our cookbook/recipe collection. We have STACKS of Clean Eating magazines that I went through and pulled out all of the yummy recipes. Not only did I tear out nearly every page because everything looks so good and healthy, but it has me very excited to eat in a way that I know makes my body feel good!

  • Ellen@FIrednFabulous July 14, 2010, 12:11 pm

    Always love reading comments! Finding balance with food has always been a struggle for me. I either have the willpower of steel and don’t touch any food at a party (I know, no fun), or I eat everything in sight! Over the years it’s been getting a lot better. I TRY to stay balanced with carbs, proteins, fruits and veggies. Like, if I have an omelette with veggies for bfast, then I might have a sandwich for lunch, but if I have cereal for bfast, I try to opt for a salad. I don’t calculate it TOO much bc then it just gets stressful, but I just check in with myself to see what I need to eat more or less of for the remainder of the day. And oh yes, I always have my sweets!

  • Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler July 14, 2010, 12:26 pm

    Meal planning does wonders for me. If I don’t write out meal ideas for the week, or at least for the day, I get scatterbrained in the kitchen and will just eat little (not always healthy) snacks throughout the day, or I’ll only eat a snack and nothing else for the day. This tends to happen most when I’m under a lot of stress (which I currently am), so last night I went through my cookbooks and blogs, wrote down the meals I want to make this week, and made a grocery list for what I need. Already my mind was at ease (and soon, my stomach will be, too).

  • Janna (Janna's Keeping it Real) July 14, 2010, 12:27 pm

    oooh, i can’t wait to hear how you like that honey wheat!

    it was a toss up for me between dakota and the whole wheat! I’m almost positive you can’t go wrong there though.

    • caitlin July 14, 2010, 1:01 pm

      Dakota is my fav!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete July 14, 2010, 12:29 pm

    I strive for balance all the time. Most of the time, it is subconsciously, but sometimes not. I try not to obsess about it, b/c otherwise that isn’t balance either. I have so many friends who want to be so “healthy,” and it ends up hurting them. They are obsessed with it. And you know what happens? They end up binging. Or they end up working out so much that they have to go to a hospital. Trust me, this happened to one of my friends two weeks ago b/c she didn’t take any days off from working out for a very long time. She was afraid of “getting fat” if she took a day off. She ended up developing a heart problem.

    I think that if you aim for health most of the time, that is what your body will crave. Then, it isn’t such a big deal to reach for an apple instead of candy. Or when you do reach for candy or a lot of fried food, it isn’t a big deal either because you eat healthy the other 98% of the time!

  • Alyssa @ bride to be fit July 14, 2010, 12:50 pm

    Balance is so important to me mentally. I went through such a horrible phases of very low carb eating, and the moment I had a bite of a carb, I would go on an all out carb binge. It took me some time, but I’ve realized everything is ok in moderation. I balance each meal, and it made all the difference in the world! 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 14, 2010, 12:58 pm

    I always try to achieve balance with my eating habits. If I realize I didn’t have a lot of veggies for a few days, I will really focus on getting a bunch of veggies into my diet. I try to eat a WIDE variety of foods, and that helps me to achieve balance. I also never deny myself something that I am craving – I just eat it in moderation.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 14, 2010, 1:14 pm

    thanks for sharing those tips! I definitely strive for a balance. After having to deal with food allergies and intolerances, eating well and exercising are a must! I have pretty good self control. I think it is because I have realized that I actually feel better when I exercise and eat right. I think it takes time to get to that point, but it does happen. Not to say that the occasional splurge (ie. a loaf of cinnamon chip bread) is not a good thing…I think it really is, but when you realize that you feel better when you practice balance, you actually crave it.

  • Lisa July 14, 2010, 1:17 pm

    A long time ago I worked next door to a Great Harvest Bread and it was TORTURE. The whole building would smell like freshly baked bread and not only that, they gave away freshly baked samples with real butter on it. Oh my god it was soooo good. I gained a lot of weight at that job. 🙂

  • Dorry July 14, 2010, 1:18 pm

    I definitely try to achieve balance in all areas of my life, food included! I like to follow my cravings but I’ve learned healthier ways to do that over years so I never feel deprived. It’s important for me physically to keep my energy levels up and it’s important for me mentally to cut myself some slack at times and rest or indulge.

  • Maura @ theMOHdiaries July 14, 2010, 1:23 pm

    Balance is definitely something I strive to achieve in all aspects of my life, including my diet! I try to eat healthy on the whole: lots of whole grains, fruits and veggies but sometimes your body is craving something different. Pizza or a piece of chocolate. My Dad always taught me “Everything in Motivation!” It’s like his motto. My brother and I always chuckle and roll our eyes when he says it (mainly because we know its coming) but I think he may be on to something!!

  • claire July 14, 2010, 1:35 pm

    Yes, balance isn’t always easy for me and I really have to be conscious to pack meals for work so I can keep on top of my hunger and not become too ravenous! Physically I can’t maintain on too little or too much so moderation and balance is so ideal!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) July 14, 2010, 1:37 pm

    GHB is pretty much amazing. Props to you for just getting the honey whole wheat loaf! I go pretty crazy when I’m there!

  • Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun July 14, 2010, 1:37 pm

    The comments you put into today’s post were really inspiring! Thanks! 🙂
    (BTW – All the bread looked yummmmmmmy!)

  • Jessica @ Rawtumn July 14, 2010, 2:16 pm

    Balance is everything I strive for when it comes to food and working out. I tend to have an all or nothing attitude and it’s gotten me into trouble before with eating and overexercising. I think balance is the key to still enjoying these aspects of life, without it you’re going to struggle in some way on either side of that happy-middle-ground fence.

  • sarah July 14, 2010, 2:30 pm

    LOVE the heart shaped bowl! 😀

  • Kristin @ Navigating the Waves July 14, 2010, 2:33 pm

    Good bread and good cheese make me one happy person. Though since you can basically hopscotch to Great Harvest now, maybe it’s better to try a variety of breads. It would be especially unfortunate if you got sick of cinnachip bread and then stopped cold turkey.

    For me, I can only achieve balance when I focus on the positive things about myself, the food I eat, and my body… balance comes when I can feel good eating healthfully and enjoy the once-in-a-while treat. Whenever I get trapped in a cycle of negative thinking, I feel super unbalanced.

  • Stina @ Girl Can July 14, 2010, 3:55 pm

    I really need to get my butt over to Great Harvest. There’s one about 20 minutes from me, but it’s totally out of my way since there aren’t any other stores I go to near it. I think I need to start marking special Saturday morning trips.

  • Chelsey July 14, 2010, 3:59 pm

    First of all, I really love that heart bowl your blueberries are in.

    I do believe my diet needs some sort of “balance”. I make sure to get fruits and veggies in at each meal/snack and most always add some sort of protein to help with the “full factor”. I definitely believe in indulgences every once in a while – no need to deprive! However, I do believe that the food I put into my body will effect my energy levels, disposition, and overall health. I make sure to fuel it every day with foods that help me work at my optimal levels!!

  • Meredith @ An Epic Change July 14, 2010, 4:14 pm

    I was definitely in need of this post — thanks, Caitlin! I’m going through a summer slump because of a vacation to France immediately followed by a high-stress summer camp job that leaves virtually no time for workouts, and an impending move across country (the first time I’ll ever live so far away and be living on my own!) I keep saying to myself “Today is the day” and then I fail and give up and the rest of the day is bad. So what if I snacked on Pringles while stressing in the office today? That doesn’t mean that I can’t pick myself up and make the rest of the day, and week, better!

    I will remember this post when I feel myself slipping. I WILL get over my slump!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now July 14, 2010, 8:40 pm

    I definitely aim for balance. It’s not easy, but I am getting there. One day at a time, right?

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 14, 2010, 8:46 pm

    Balance is so key! I went so far in the direction of strictly healthy eating that I started having health problems! Now by allowing myself treats and FATS in my diet, I’m so much healthier, both physically and mentally.

Healthy Tipping Point