S.A.D. no more!!

From Askdrsears.com:

"STANDARD AMERICAN DIET (SAD)


If you were to list the factors that increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, intestinal disorders – just about any illness – the standard American diet has them all:

*High in animal fats
*High in unhealthy fats: saturated, hydrogenated
*Low in fiber
*High in processed foods
*Low in complex carbohydrates
*Low in plant-based foods

The striking fact is that cultures that eat the reverse of the standard American diet – low fat, high in complex carbohydrates, plant-based, and high in fiber – have a lower incidence of cancer and coronary artery disease (CAD). What's even more sad is that countries whose populations can afford to eat the healthiest disease-preventing foods don't. The United States has spent more money on cancer research than any country in the world, yet the American diet contributes to the very diseases we are spending money to prevent."

I have been following the Eat To Live plan since November '09. Last weekend on our mini-vacay, I decided I'd had it with beans and salad. I ate everything I even slightly wanted, and then some! Fries, po-boys, pasta, tons of iced  and hot fancy coffees, salty everything, beer, French toast...I had no fresh anything (unless you count sandwich garnishes) for 3 days. I thought I would be happy and relaxed to finally eat some fun food, but guess what?

It's taken me 4 days to even feel halfway normal again! I've been sleepy, grouchy, negative, dare I say, depressed, and had some stank motivation. The gym sounded lame and a nap seemed the way to go. I craved soda and junk. LAME-O!! Not to mention I came back 3.3 pounds heavier in just 3 days. Noooooo! After all my hard work for the last three months!!

Lesson learned: I think over the last few months I finally have been eating well and taking care of myself enough to experience what people talk about with a healthier lifestyle. I didn't know how much extra energy and good spirits I had until they were temporarily gone! I've gotten myself back in gear this week with all fruits/veg/sprouted grains for the last few days, with plenty of cardio, weights, and sauna. Just going back to my low-salt eating has made a world of difference. Those 3.3 pounds are history and I feel like I have a better grip on things.
And now...headed back to Food Central, aka New Orleans, for Playoff Game #2!!! What's a girl to do? I'm sticking to my vegan guns this time!!! If I have a treat, it's gonna be a dessert or coffee I really want. My meals will be as fresh and as healthy as possible, even if that means the majority of it comes from my trusty backpack. No amount of indulging is worth the sluggish feeling I've had this week (but I'm glad I went on my bonanza so I could see for myself!!).

Here are some of my ideas for ways I can eat healthier away from home. I don't usually like pre-packaged food (too much waste!), but on trips it seems like it could be a lifesaver...

*almond milk "juiceboxes"
*vegan shake mixes
*mini packages of baby carrots, apples, grapes
*ziploc of flax seeds and other healthy salad toppers
*small packets of healthier salad dressing
*raw food bars- I like Larabars
*remembering my probiotics and vitamins

Any other ideas?

Finally, and with much gusto...WHO DAT!!!!!