Road to Healthy Eating

The road I think of is long and smooth with a nice ending.  I think I have my eating habits under control.  I know that the road is long but do not foresee too many bumps.  This image shows a long clutter free road.  I don't want to get caught up in any speed traps or potholes.  I will eat healthy when I can and if not I will keep going down the road.  I'm not worried about any road blocks.

All About Cold Cuts

1.  I always have cold cuts on hand, especially turkey, ham and salami.  My kids take their lunches to school and this is always an option for them.  I don't consider bacon a cold cut.  My kids eat salami right out of the package.

1a.  My kids eat a lot of sandwiches for lunch.  We also make paninis quite often.  I feel good about the sandwiches, I use whole wheat bread and lettuce and tomato.  It feels like something substantial for the kid's lunches and easy to prepare and transport.

2.  I am aware of pre-packaged cold cuts like ham, turkey, salami that I use.  I am also aware of the other meats such as olive loaf, liverwaurst and others I can't remember that I don't use.  It is a foreign section to me, I'm not interested in fancied up processed meats.  I am aware of the deli counter cold cuts.

2a. I imagine some cold cuts are better than others, I'm embarrassed to say I do not know.  The weird pickled meats in the pre-packaged section seem like bad stuff to me.  They seem like they are reallllyyy processed.

2b.  The deli meats seem like they are healthier to me.  You can see the counter person carving your meat from a real section.  I'm pretty certain the pre-packaged meats have fillers and other bad ingredients.  But the deli is often busy and I need to get something for sandwiches.  We are not eating it everyday and I don't think it is bad if you eat other good things too.  Pre-packed is often cheaper too, so I have to take into account cost as well.

3.  I am looking for certain kinds of meat when shopping for cold cuts.  I like lean meat like turkey and ham.  I get the salami because everyone (including me) likes it.  Specifically I am looking for taste.  For the deli and prepackaged are comparable, I don't find one or the other overwhelmingly better than the other.

3a.  I like certain brands because I have always bought them and know what to expect.  I like Hillshire Farm, Oscar Meyer and Sara Lee.  I like a thinner sliced meat because it easier to make smaller sandwiches if needed.  Again, I hate to say it but I am not picky about ingredients.  I know it won't kill me and I know it is a decent source of protein and my family likes it.

3b.  I like the packaging of Hillshire Farms the best.  I like the resealable tubs.  The meat is thin and the portion size is good.  I like the reassurance of the deli meat (sara lee).  I feel like it is the best I can buy for my family. Sometimes I buy too much deli meat though and end up throwing it away.  I believe Oscar Mayer is the only pre-packaged salami available, so it is my only other choice.  I eat and serve cold cuts for the kids lunches and dinner time for paninis.  I feel confident of serving all the above brands, I feel like my kids are getting a decent source of protein and a full stomach.

4. I think Oscar Mayer cold cuts are both good and bad.  I like the salami but a lot of the other meats are weird.  I grew up eating bologna, but that just seems way to processed for my family.  I don't think my kids have ever eaten bologna.  Oscar Mayer seems like a factory company.  When I think of Oscar Mayer I think of a factory for meat and meat only.  Big ole meat processing plant.  I don't really have an impression of Sara Lee and processed meats, I think of Sara Lee more of a bread company.  Same with Hillshire Farms, they make other products besides meat.

4a.  I'm sure a lot of people eat Oscar Mayer.  I hate to say it but I do think of the less advantaged using Oscar Mayer.  The cost may be a factor when choosing Oscar Mayer.  I think people with less money would choose Oscar Mayer.  It isn't a "top" brand to me when I think of food brands.  It has a ghetto quality to it.  But then again, I do not live in the ghetto and I have a budget to.  I am just supposing.

4b.  I love Oscar Mayer bacon.  It is my top brand for bacon.  Nothing else compares.  I'm not happy unless I have Oscar Mayer bacon, I don't want any other bacon!

5.

Dear Oscar Mayer,

I am writing to you as a concerned consumer.  I have used and know about your products all my life.  I do trust you, but feel you may have a bad reputation.  I love and trust your bacon and will buy your salami, but you seem a little out of touch.  The color of your packaging and the way you package your cold cuts makes me think of a big smoke stack factory.  I wish you could take me into your reliable looking carving station to know you are thinking about me and my family.  I need reassurance that you are doing your best to provide the best "non-factory" ingredients into my food.  Make your products more user friendly too.  I hate that I can't seal my bacon after I have used it!

I would love to talk more if you are interested!

Thanks
Monica

Let's Dive Into the Pantry/Refrigerator

1a.  The contents of my refrigerator say I have a chaotic approach to meals.  I am the only one who goes through the refrigerator and there is a lot of stuff in there.  Not crazy bad but my husband saves everything and it gets forgotten.  Mostly healthy stuff though.  I couldn't even find any ice cream in my freezor!  Oh, kinda low on groceries.  May is so hectic and we just got a new puppy.
b.  I'm surprised I have three bottles of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce!  I don't have an inventory of what I have!  I'm usually at the store planning a meal and not certain if I have something so I buy it anyway.  I'm so guilty of having several extra items of things I don't need.
c.  Im happy I have eggs, bacon, yogurt and milk!  This means I'm OK for at least today.  I do not need to go to the store.  My kids would be happy eating the above for dinner.  With bagels too.
d.  Im less thrilled with outdated cold cuts and leftovers.

2.a.  These items save me time.  The burritos take less than two minutes in the microwave and the kids can make all this stuff except mac and cheese.
2b.  This food fits OK into my philosophy for feeding my family.  We don't eat this everyday, but it is food and my kids don't complain and I can still get out the door.  I wish I had homemade burritos, pizza, waffles and mac and cheese always on hand, but I choose not to.  By the way I do make all the above homemade when I can.  At the end of the day my kids are fit, healthy and successful.  I can't do everything, nor do I want to.

3.a.  All of the above items carry no risk.  I could eat or serve any of these items without worry about nutrition or calories.

4a.  These items don't really provide any nutritional support to my diet.  These are indulgent items.  I'm sure they are loaded with calories and artificial ingredients.  I'm sure they lack any fiber, protein or vitamins.

5.  a.  These items are staples.  I had to throw out some expired ham and salami from the deli, but those are usually on hand as well.  My kids make sandwiches all the time and especially love salami.

b.  Bacon, cold cuts, etc.  fit OK into my overall approach to eating.  I know they are loaded in extra addititives and such but they are a source of protein.  They have some nutritional value in my opinion.  And who wants to give up bacon?  Sorry some things are worth the calories.

c.  I guess I would wish for less processed prepared foods if this is possible.  Less preservatives, more fiber.  Ingredients that would make me feel better about serving them.  For example, I always buy the waaaayyy more expensive Eggo Whole Wheat Waffles because they have whole grain.  I hate paying $3.50 when they are not on sale, but it is worth it to me to get a little extra nutrition for me and my family.

6.The section where the pre-packaged meats in the places I shop are not my favorite.  It feels "unhealthy."  I grab what I need and never browse.  I would never "over do it" in the pre-packaged or what I would call processed meat section.  Besides bacon, I feel the deli section of the grocery store probably offers me better quality meat.  Although I do not know this.

Eating and Food Choices

1.  My approach to eating for myself is to try to only eat when I'm hungry and not to overeat.  I recently lost ten pounds by using this approach.  I have also mostly cut out sweets from my diet..which I love!  I have pretty healthy eating habits and try to pick good food when I am hungry.  I really care about calorie content and keeping a good balance of food.  I compromise when I am at parties and salt and vinegar potato chips - I cannot live without them!  But instead of eating a whole bag I will just eat a few.

2. a.  My approach to eating affects my family somewhat.  I do not stock my house with junk, but they do not eat all the same things I do.  I try to provide heathly food for my family, but they really prefer junk.  I do buy stuff that I know they like and will eat and try to talk myself out of thinking it is bad!  For instance, I buy frozen pizzas and mini frozen tacos, the kids love this stuff.  I just think oh well they are kids, they can get away with eating that kind of food.  It's not all horrible, but I let them have stuff they want sometimes.  I usually do not eat "their" food.

2b.  I shop for food as I need it.  I shop at least three times a week or more.  I am always out of something and while I'm at the store I pick up what I need for the next few dinners, lunches, etc.  I usually do not make lists, I wish I was more organized.  I go to Jewel, Dominicks, Target, Costco and Walmart for most of my food.  It usually takes me about 30 to 45 minutes.  I will use coupons on occasion.  My husband loves to leave me coupons, but I often forget them!

3.  My eating habits and food choices have changed based on what I said for question #2.  I have tried to limit my amount of food and when I do eat I try to eat healthy options.  I will still eat some bad stuff, but try not to go overboard.  For instance, I used to buy packages of cookies or candy and eat it all day long.  I would over do it.  Now when I have something sweet I really think about it.  I'm resisting buying the cookies and candy.  I have started eating a lot more yogurt and fruit.  I hate to say it but I have made these changes for vanity!  I want to be thin and healthy.  It's really not that much more work to remain thin.

4.  During a typical week I will eat eggs, toast, waffles or yogurt for breakfast.  Oh and of course coffee!  I usually try to have a glass of juice in the morning as well.  I like to eat very light in the morning, but I never skip breakfast.  After the kids leave for school, I just eat little things during the rest of the morning and afternoon.  I try not to plan a big lunch.  I just eat when I'm hungry.  Typically I will have a yogurt, banana, sushi or granola bar.  In a way I am a little afraid of food, I don't want to over eat.  I will also grab something like soup or half sandwich from Panera.  Oh yes, I eat my salt and vinegar chips too!  For dinner I try to make something for my family like spaghetti, tacos, paninis or chili.  I almost always include a vegetable.  Some nights it is impossible to cook because of our schedule and will throw I pizza in or make sandwiches.  When I make dinner for the family we do not usually sit down together.  We have an island and I get the kids served while I'm standing.  I will grab some of the food I made when I can.

4a.  Meals on the weekend are a little different.  We usually make a big breakfast for the kids including eggs, bacon or sometimes homemade waffles and pancakes.  Because of our crazy sports schedules we often eat on the road on weekends.  Like the week days, if I have time and we are at home I will make dinner at home.

5. Mealtime success to me looks like a well balanced meal for me and my kids.  I love preparing something good that is homemade that everyone likes.  This is a success!  Sometimes we are eating snack food for dinner and I wish we weren't.  I wish I could prepare a healthy meal every night.  My kids have gotten picky and I feel I have missed my opportunity to introduce healthy options.  I wish I had more interest and desire to read good cook books and feed my family healthy every day.  I achieve success with meals I would say 50% of the time.  Time to plan and prepare gets in the way of always having a successful mealtimes.
3.

About me

 1. Hello!  My name is Monica and I live in Elmhurst, IL.  I am a stay at home mother of four.  I spend a lot of my time taking care of my family which includes driving to hockey, soccer, softball and lacrosse during the Spring months.  I feel I am pretty easy going and like to have fun.  I am a member of a travel tennis team, which is a big passion of mine.  I also volunteer at the library, YMCA and numerous school programs.  I would call my family my number one passion and hope that I am doing a good job!

2.  As you can see from my picture, I have a lot of kids close in age!  Four kids in six years.  Three boys in a row and then a girl.  The personality of my household is somewhat hyper.   There is always something going on.  Kinda like the song "My House in the Middle of our Street."  "There's always something happening and it's usally quite loud!"  My kids have friends over, or are going to other friends houses or to extra curricular activities.  My boys are all percussionists and that brings me great joy.  I'm lucky my kids are thriving although it is hard to control the chaos sometimes.  My role in the household is the one who keeps it together.  I am responsible for much of the household including bills, shopping, forms, you name it!  I organize and arrange for most of my family's outside activities.  I believe my family would agree because they see me doing stuff all day.  It's my joke that I never sit down!

3.  I would quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood."  I like to take each experience and try not to judge.  My husband sometimes hates how open I am, but I can't help it.  You never know what you might learn from someone or a new experience.  I think I am a pretty friendly and open minded person.  I always like to tell people," you never know what someone else is going through."   It's easy to talk bad and be harsh but you never know when you may find yourself in a troublesome spot.  I think compassion is what I would most like my children to understand.

4.  I am most proud of the family I have.  I am so lucky to have pretty good kids.  I have tried hard to raise them right and to be loving.  They are good students, well liked and most important healthy.  Conversely, I do struggle with parenting at times.  I could put even more into my job as mom.  Especially for my younger kids.  It seems my older two boys got a lot of my early energy, but my younger two get a little less active mom. I sometimes feel guilty when I know I could do more.  I see the super moms at school and it makes a little uneasy!  But then again, I have to be sane and happy too.

5.  My goals and aspirations are something that I have confusion with sometimes.  I would like to work, but feel it may be too late now since my kids have never know me to work.  However, I am considering going back to school for massage therapy.  The schedule is manageable and would give me a new goal!  I'm not certain yet what I want to "do,"  but again my family is my priority.  Five years from now I will hopefully have one child in college, two in high school and one in middle school.  I imagine my daily craziness will be similiar, but hopefully crazy boy behavior will be more tame.  I would like to have some kind of job, hopefully fulfilling.  If not fulfilling, at least a little extra money would be helpful with college!

6.  Top ten brands, I will start with the beginning of the day to the end.

1.  I make my own coffee at home and tend to buy Dominick's store brand.  I love the chocolate coffee and start every day with a pot of coffee that I drink throughout the day.  I love the taste of the coffee and the routine of relaxing with my coffee.
2.  I use my skincare both in the morning and in the evening.  I use Olay Pro V, both moisturizers and eye cream.  I am religious about taking care of my skin.  I love the products, they have been winners of all kinds of beauty awards.  I want to "preserve" what I have left!  lol!
3. I go to the grocery store almost every day.  I go to either Dominick's or Jewel depending on where I am coming from.  I don't really love these stores, they are just convenient and I have to get my groceries!
4. I go to Target or Walmart at least once a week.  I like Target better than Walmart because I can find "good" items too, like clothes or home items or gifts.  Walmart is definitely out of convience, I think I can find a lot of good deals on food and other items there.  Target is more of an experience.  I know what I going to get but don't mind browsing for other stuff I don't need!
5. Face greek yogurt is my new favorite food.  I have been eating a ton of it since last month.  It is pretty tasty and only 150 calories, plus all the good probiotics.
6. Dunkin Donuts.  If I need a quick coffee or snack I love Dunkin Donuts.  I love their Vanilla Nut coffee.  Also, they have a great vegetarian flat bread sandwich I don't feel guilty about eating.
7.Thomas Bagels.  This is more for my kids.  They eat bagels every day!  Either for breakfast or lunch.  I will occasionally have one.  I love the whole wheat bagels, I feel that at least they are not total junk.
8.Oscar Meyer Bacon.  Again, more of my kids food.  We go through 2 lbs of bacon a week.  My kids love making bacon egg and cheese sandwiches in the morning.  I love Oscar Meyer bacon, it is a little more expensive than the other brands but worth it.  My husband always brings home cheaper brands and it makes me mad!
9. Tide.  This should be my first entry! I do so much laundry!  I only buy Tide.  It is a brand I trust and don't even think about buying anything else.  I don't necessary love it, it is just a necessity.
10. I do like shopping and would categorize the stores I like in the same paragraph.  I love Nordstrom.  Favorite store hands down.  Customer service is outstanding and the merchandise is always up to date.  Too expensive though....I also like the Gap and Banana Republic.  They are both solid stores for basic clothes.  I can't always find something I like in them, but eventually I do.  These stores are always on my list when shopping.