The Brie cheese we bought yesterday at Whole Foods may be the stinkiest cheese I’ve even encountered.
Stinky Brie
The rank stench isn’t enough to put me off though, and the pungent cheese was the highlight of my lunch today.
For your viewing pleasure…
Brie + Apple Sandwich
I made myself a Brie and apple sandwich on honey wheat Pepperidge Farm deli flat bread.
On the side, I enjoyed a pop of color in the form of grape tomatoes and a sliced carrot from the farmer’s market.
Pop 'o' Color
Fruit (apple, tomato) + Veggies (carrot) + Protein (cheese) + Fat (cheese) + Whole Grains (bread) = Well rounded meal
Monday's Lunch
Weekend Warrior
As you may have noticed from my posts this weekend (namely the three-dessert extravaganza on Saturday night), I tend to indulge more than usual on the weekends.
By indulge I don’t mean I have an extra cookie or two… I really indulge, and sometimes eat so many sweets that I feel ill from all the sugar.
This doesn’t make me feel guilty, because it isn’t something I do daily, but it is something I’m becoming increasingly aware of.
Since I don’t deprive myself during the week, I know my weekend indulgences are not brought on by depravation or cravings, but rather by opportunity.
On the weekend, I find myself eating out more often, attending a BBQ at a friend’s house, or engaging in other activities where unhealthy food is available and often the center of the activity.
This realization prompted me to brainstorm some tips to help myself maintain my healthy eating on the weekends, which I thought I would share with you below:
- Eat a healthy breakfast: Start your day on the right foot by eating a breakfast that includes healthy carbs, fat and protein.
- Take time for snacks: I am often busier on the weekends and won’t eat my mid-morning or afternoon snacks like I normally do during the weekdays. Make it a point to eat your snack to avoid extreme hunger (and possible overindulgence) come mealtime.
- Assess your surroundings: If you’re truly at a special event (like a wedding), indulge (but don’t overindulge) in something special (like wedding cake). If the event is a routine BBQ or a simple get-together with friends, don’t use it as an excuse to down copious amounts of chips and dip.
- Fit in fitness: My days off from the gym put me in lazy-Julie mode. Even on rest days, get out of the house and go for a walk to remind yourself that healthy-living occurs on days away from the gym as well.
- Keep your hands busy: I tend to head into the kitchen when I’m hanging out around the house simply because I like to be doing something. Watching TV or a movie can make me antsy. Keep your hands busy with something else (file your nails, pet your dog, exchange hand massages with your boyfriend, flip through a magazine) while watching TV to avoid the urge to wander into the kitchen.
Do you struggle with healthy eating on the weekends? What are your tips for maintaining healthy eating habits over the weekend?
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i definitely do…we eat out a lot more on the weekends and that makes it hard to turn down the unhealthy options. i try to start off with a great breakfast though, and that usually helps set the stage for better choices throughout the day!
Great tips! I definitely tend to eat more indulgently on the weekends too. But I usually get more time outdoors and am more physically active on the weekends, so it balances out I guess!
Totally understand the eating issues over the weekend. My problem is my schedule gets all thrown off compared to how it is during the week. So I try to be mindful of eating times and keep it as close to it normally is as possible.
But sometimes, things happen. And I know the “so much sugar that I’m ill” feeling. All too well…
you should try a brie rollup:
heat a whole wheat tortilla in a pan with several slices/chunks of bri until it’s melted. Once melted and on your plate (unfolded still!) add some lingonberry spread (or any jelly you’d like) and fold.
sorry for the aweful description 😉
delicious, super quick and semi healthy 🙂
I definitely indulge on the weekends, but not to the point of regret. I think the nature of my weekend schedule allows for more indulgences—at work, I don’t have access to snacks or anything. Still, I know when to stop.
oh, that brie looks and sounds amazing, although I don’t think I’ve ever had one that’s been really stinky?? I love brie + apples.
I sometimes indulge more during the weekend… and if it’s too much, I’ll usually feel it and then make up for it in the coming days (I’m doing so today, heh) by eating really clean and getting in a couple workouts per day. Your list is a good one to follow, especially the keep your hands busy… sometimes if we are out & about I’m too busy to eat or just don’t feel as hungry.
great post! 🙂
These are great tips– I am definitely guilty of the same thing! I indulge BIG TIME on weekends…and it starts showing after a while!
Great tips! Sometimes it is so much easier to indulge on the weekend, but having a game plan can really help!
Yeah, it’s all about routine and schedule for me. Since the weekends have no regular routine and schedule, it’s a free for all! I have found that keeping a food blog does help!
p.s. Your brie looks amazing.
GREAT tips. Seriously. Will be using.
Also, late to the party on this, but I LOVE your wedding colors (including the champagne)! It’s very rare that I see someone’s wedding colors that I would even consider using for my own, but I would totally use yours! They’re so pretty, but they’re also timeless (IMO).
I wouldn’t call it a struggle to eat healthy on weekends, but I definitely do indulge a bit more. Like you, Julie, I find myself surrounded with many more opprtunities to enjoy different foods and treats that aren’t usually around during the week.
If I know I’m heading to a special event, or going out for a meal over the weekend, I make a conscious effort to keep the rest of my meals as close to my normal weekday meals as possible.
Because I eat quite mindfully and healthfully during the weekend, I consider my weekend “treats” the balance of my healthy eating approach 🙂
Great topic!
I agree, I feel balanced with my “indulgences” on the weekend too 🙂
My weekends are definitely the time for indulgence, especially when I’m at the beach or at school! My every day eating habits are WAY healthier than those of the normal college student, but in social settings I tend to indulge in the same things my friends are to feel “normal”…I get a lot of flak for the way I eat, so downing half a bag of chips and salsa is a way to get them off my back. Of course, the next day I always tell myself it was a stupid move!! My biggest tip is to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch, to allow for drunk pizza and beer!
Hey! I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and I love it! Love all the interesting tips, recipes, and bits of life as well. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I feel like I always indulge more on the weekends….mostly because I am not a work and it gives me time to be more creative with meals! I kind of like it though. I call it my “food play time”
isn’t that so weird! when i don’t work out i always feel so much lazier and tired then the days i do! and my friends are always like “don’t work out your gonna be tired” and i’m like “no i’ll be tired if i DON’T work out”
great plan for the weekends!
an apple and cheese sammie sounds SO good right now 🙂
Hi,
I was wondering what snacks you eat between meals. (I was looking for some examples of high protein snacks). Also, on a day like this where your meals are well-rounded did you eat a high protein snack or a carb, protein combo. Thanks.
i eat a morning & afternoon snack everyday – it usually has both protein & carbs. today i had a quesadilla (light cheese microwaved on a whole wheat tortilla) in the morning & my afternoon snack is going to be greek yogurt w/ fruit & nuts stirred in
The weekends are always the toughest time for me to stick with healthy eating. I get to spend more time with the boyfriend on the weekend, and his eating habits are nowhere near as health-conscious as mine. I do my best to resist his constant influx of food, but sometimes I succumb (especially when we go out to dinner!). I like your tips though, and I have a feeling they’ll help me come my next weekend outing with the boy!
I definitely eat more on the weekends but I think it is out of boredom more than anything else. I feel like during the week I am always on the go go go so on the weekends all I want to do is chill. Usually like you I get antsy just sitting around…I am going to try that keeping my hands busy trick! That is a GOOD one!
For the most part I can do ok on weekends… I try not to use my long runs as an excuse to really indulge, but you know sometimes you gotta!
Oh wow, that brie and apple sandwich looks wonderful!! 🙂
Those are great tips for the weekend. I like indulging a bit more, but try to balance it out with workouts and healthy meals spaced around the indulgent meals.
I have something hilarious to tell you. Now that I’ve been working at a computer all day – I spend a lot of time on blogs. My cube-mate absoluetly loves when I read your daily posts — he has such a crush on you. He wanted me to tell you that he thinks you’re his perfect match — only one problem — the rock on your left hand!
oh my gosh – too funny! 🙂
Hi Julie! One of my VERY favorite things about your blog is how you are absolutely healthy AND real. During the week, I am completely inspired by the well-balance, nutrient dense nature of your meals and your strong exercise schedule. While many bloggers are able to achieve that, I feel even more drawn to your blog because you are a model of balance and truly LIVING life. I think this comes through on the weekends, the fun things you do with your fiance, and your indulgences. As long as they aren’t making you feel sick or upset, I say go for it! At the same time, I think the tips you listed are really great and will help you if you find yourself with your hand stuck in the cookie jar on a Saturday 😉 Seriously though, love you and your blog!
I’ve always heard that it’s good for your metabolism to have one or two higher calorie days each week. It shocks your body into burning calories and fat more effectively and it’s actually a proven body builder trick to rev up your metabolism. Sounds good to me!
I ALWAYS gain weight on the weekends, no matter how hard I try:/ ah! I hope your tips will help me 😀 Thanks!
i always indulge a bit more on the weekends, no big deal! I make up for it during the week and I never feel guilty about it either, because it is a concious decison to indulge and heck…its amazing and worth it most of the time! 🙂
that stiny brie looks delish!
Yeah i overindulge on the weekends as well, because I’m home all day a lot of times and around food all day haha
I definitely have overindulging tendencies when it comes to special events like BBQs and weddings.
I have been planning a specific treat for the weekends and I look forward to it. So I try to turn down other sweets because I know I’ll be getting something great eventually.
I also tend to be SUPER lazy on rest days. So I am trying to do something active every single day, but have a couple of days where it is very low key.
I totally just wrote about this too. I do so well on the weekdays and I indulge a bit on the weekends. Unlike you though, I do feel guilty sometimes, wish I didnt though. So my plan is to only eat out one meal and week and eat as I please. Then the rest of the time, I will be good! 90- 10. Lets see how this works.
great tips, i have trouble on the weekends because here (in mozambique) i am often just sitting around the house ALL DAY, which means LOTS of time for eating. Even if I get exercise, the temptations are still there and boredom makes it way more tempting to eat. Plus, I just HAVE to make pancakes or french toast or muffins or something on the weekends… so it definitely shows. I need to work on it. Maybe I should just make myself busier 🙂
I think that my weekends are really sabotaging my health/diet aspirations, so this post was spot-on for me! I’m really regimented during the week and I bring lunch to work 90% of the time, so I never have issues during the week. But oy, the weekend!
I’m with you on the healthy breakfast and working out. I try to do both of those things right away so at least I did SOMETHING right. I’ve been calorie-counting the last few weekends to assess how much I’m REALLY eating, and that’s made me put down the fork a few times. I know that can be a trigger for some, so if I’m not calorie counting, I try to make sure my meals are 2/3 produce, and just limit carbs (save them for beer) 🙂
your lunch is so colorful.
I also indulge over the weekends but recently it has been more like the past two weeks.
Occasions such as weddings, big events, and cookouts I feel is a time when you should have everything. It is also so true about just sitting at home and snacking for no reason.
I try to maintain a healthy balance and really listen to my body. When I feel gross I don’t want to do anything and I end up eating more. So i try to incorporate as many colors as possible along with the not so good for you stuff.
Hi, nice post! I love the fruits! They are so fresh! Thanks for the tips too 😛
Skipping breakfast does not lead to weight loss, which often leads to the opposite. Your weight, if you skip breakfast, because you tend to eat more calories during the day.
You want breakfast to start your metabolism, so you energy. A car does not run empty and your body. Filling the car with petrol, and just watch. It’s the same with your body to feed a healthy breakfast.
Yes, I struggle with this too. I think that calling it opportunity hits the nail on the head. I have been more mindful of it, though, since starting the blog.
If I ever feel a struggle with healthy eating, I tell myself that I can eat anything as long as I qualify it as “healthy” 🙂
This is something I struggle with too. Sometimes I get into an all or nothing mode. Or I’ll be healthy all week knowing I want to indulge on the weekend. Even worse, I’ll have overindulged on the weekend and feel regret and obligation to restrict myself the following week, which usually doesn’t work out the way I had hoped because when you restrict you become hungry and then overeat again. Its a vicious cycle that I am learning how to overcome.
The other weekend I was at a friend’s wedding and completely overindulged. I had been restricting all week in hopes of looking the way I wanted to in the dress I’d picked out for the occasion. At the wedding I chose the grilled chicken breast, veggies, and a side salad from the buffet but after a few glasses of wine my I went back for a dinner roll and a slice of cake. At that point my mindset turned to, “Well I’ve already eaten some unhealthy things so I’ll call it a loss.” I went back for two more slices of cake and a large, frosted cookie even though though I was satisfied after the first piece of cake.
What I’ve learned is even after an overindulgence, you should get back to your normal, healthy eating routine. Restricting yourself afterwards will only make things worse, believe it or not. Skipping meals to cut calories is NEVER sustainable.