Good (mid) morning! These clouds I keep waking up to have me fooled into believing it’s cool outside. Since cool weather = baking to me, I decided to whip up some homemade blueberry muffins for breakfast. I am now patting myself on the back for this delicious decision. I picked up a big ‘ol crate of fresh blueberries at Trader Joe’s yesterday and was psyched to use them.
I had all intentions of adding flax and walnuts to the mix, but since I waited to have my coffee until after I made muffins, I forgot. I did use 1/2 whole wheat flour and 1/2 all purpose though! And right before I stuck ’em into the oven I remembered my crushed walnut pieces, so I sprinkled those on top.
Oh Yum, they turned out great!
Between the muffins and my aching to start baking ::giggles at unintentional rhyme:: I got to thinking about how my eating habits differ from season to season. I feel fortunate that I lack any type of sweet tooth… well, I did eat a handful of dark chocolate chocolate chips last night during the Bachelorette finale… did I forget to mention that? Well, consider this my confession.
Anywho, I see people that struggle with sweets cravings and it looks difficult. I can’t imagine craving something sweet after every meal or not being able to say no to Halloween candy. Side note: did you know that if you withstand from sweet treats for a few weeks and balance your blood sugars by eating more healthful combinations of food and natural sugars (like fruit), that your sweet tooth will be minimized, if not gone completely? It’s true… I wouldn’t believe it except I have seen it happen with more than 1 client- AWESOME.
But I do like hearty, savory foods and those mostly come around during the cool months. Hubbs makes an amazing chili and I love gumbos, jambalayas and soups… along with mashed potatoes. Yum... Mashed Potatoes.
I believe I tend to stay on a healthier track in the summer time because of the obvious reasons.
1.) I don’t feel like eating as much when it’s hot out.
2.) The choices are usually lighter and healthier (fruit, grilled veggies and lean meats).
3.) I know I will be in a bathing suit in all my glory at least 2-3 times/ week.
4.) I’m more active because of the extended day light hours.
Since I just began blogging a few months ago, I haven’t documented my eating habits through fall and winter, and I am looking forward to seeing how the change with the weather.
Do you find eating healthier easier in the summer or winter? Why?
Do you prefer sweet or savory tastes?
Side note… you know I love goat cheese! Check out Mara’s blog… she’s giving some away!
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Well the morning flew by! I wish that meant I got a lot of work done, but it probably flew by because I was reading all your blogs (stop being so entertaining, ok?!?) 😛
I also managed to squeeze in a workout with Jillian (I regressed back to Level 1 on the 30 Day Shred) thinking it would help me get more focused… it didn’t.
But it did get me geared up for a delicious lunch! Check it:
It was hard to decide what to dig into first!
Simple salad with romaine, tomatoes, last night’s chicken and a drizzle of Trader Joe’s dressing.
On the side for dipping there was some sliced peppers (Side note: I now notice how many peppers I eat since my Aunt Pat pointed out that she could never eat as many as I do… 😉 Hi Aunt Pat!), some TJ hummus (LOVING it), and some Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips.
OK, now I really (really really really) am going to get some work done before my special guests arrive in a few hours…
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My special guests arrived! Mom and Grandma Betty came to visit because they missed us so much 😉 well, actually it was so Grandma could see our new home!
We ate a snack together in the kitchen when they arrived.
Then after a little conversation we headed to our local tavern for dinner.
I had 3 wings and a Shock Top, then ordered fish tacos. I ate 1 taco and the filling out of a 2nd… Then I was way too full for the 3rd or the fries. I probably had a few at best. Luckily mom helped out with the rest of the fries 😉
Now off to listen to Hubbs play piano and play a little bridge with the fam 🙂
Alycia @ Fit n Fresh says
Your muffins look great!! I find that it’s way easier for me to eat healthy in the summer when fresh fruits and veggies are around in abundance. In the winter, I am constantly craving warm things like potato soups and chilis – which I why I’m always searching for healthier versions 🙂
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
I think it’s definitely easier to eat healthier in the summer. There are so many fresh foods and you just feel good in the summer so it helps you to make better choices (at least for me anyway). In the winter I like foods that can warm me up soo sometimes I tend to eat too heartily and too much.. whoops!
Rachel says
It’s definitely easier in the summer. All this fresh fruit, I can’t get enough of all of it! I have a sweet tooth for sure, but I think I like savory better. My sweet tooth is pretty easily satisfied with some dark chocolate or a sweet fruit. Unless its “that time,” during which all bets are off 🙂
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I’m more of a sweets girl, but I know that if I were to cut out sweets for a while my sweet tooth would diminish, I just haven’t had the courage yet!
I love summer time, lots of fresh veggies and fruits, plus I crave cold foods and lots of water. I definitely eat better in the summer.
homecookedem says
It’s definitely easier for me to eat healthier in the spring/summer. Many times when we go over to someone’s house, they have fruit out for dessert. But in the fall/winter there are pies, cookies, and cakes everywhere I turn!!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
It is SO much easier to eat healthier in the summer…fresh fruit everywhere! I also am SO seasonal in my cravings, meaning the summertime speaks “salad” and raw foods….come winter…well, I just don’t know what will happen 🙂
Shawnee says
Ohh I just baked muffins last week. Those look and sound fantabulous. 🙂
Nichole says
Glorious muffins doll! I agree that in the winter it’s less gratification when you workout hard and put on a sweatshirt, but you should always try to be kind to your body.
Agreed on the sweet tooth, it’s getting over the hump that hurts.
Lisa @ I'm an Okie says
I think Im naturally more of a savory person–but if I start having sweets, I just want more.
Ashley @ Cupcakes & Combat Boots says
I’m not a huge sweets person either…except for CERTAIN sweets (like fro-yo) which I could eat every day. 🙂
My eating habits do change from season to season but I still crave “winter” foods in the summer and “summer” foods in the winter.
Those muffins look AHHHH-mazing!
Allie @ CookReadRun says
I’m like you- I don’t have a sweet tooth. But I struggle with what to eat! I wish I could just snack on blueberries or bananas and be satisfied. I crave salty like cheetos, chips or veggies WITH DIP. Gasp!
Autumn @ Good Eats Girl says
Have a great time with your fam!!! The blueberry muffins look great! And I love TJ’s hummus, too! So good!
Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt says
Those muffins are stellar! I definitely eat healthier in the summer. There are so many fresh veggies and fruits available!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
The blueberry muffins look yummy! I agree with you about summer eating…It’s so much easier to feel satisfied with a fresh salad or a juicy piece of fruit!
Looks like a fun afternoon and dinner with the fam! Oh, and I LOVE Food Should Taste Good chips! Have you tried the cheddar flavor? A great Doritos substitute!
Mo@MommyRD says
My eating habits don’t change much season to season, but sometimes the variety of food changes. Example, eating a lot of bloobs and watermelon now, not so much in the winter.
Your muffins look sooo good!