So I dont know if its just me, but this weekend felt nice, full, long and lovely. Im sure the previous week with the Super Bowl and having a million things to attend, in addition to every day life, made the low key-ness of this weekend extra savory.
It was super enjoyable taking the time to go to some restaurants- one in particular he he, visit with family and friends, and get plenty of instructing sessions in. I wanted to touch on a topic many people may interpret differently than I do. I have a lifestyle I refuse to stop trying to improve every day. I am surely not perfect and have realized that when I enjoy food consistently, balancing it every day and throughout the weekends, I feel a lot better about myself. If im too restricted in my diet, I splurge too hard and end up feeling horrible, even just with how my body reacts. So I was really happy with this weekend’s dabblings. I went out to eat Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and I’ll show you how.
Friday, after bridesmaid dress shopping with some besties, we hit up the Cheesecake Factory. I love this restaurant not only to indulge in the decadent cheese cake here and there, but now Im thrilled to reveal, for their wonderful Skinnylicious menu. Everything is under 600 calories. At a decadent restaurant like this or really anywhere else, this is very difficult.
Here is my pear and blue cheese flat bread pizza for only 490 calories!
With two of my beautiful besties!
Guess who LOVED Greenberry Shakeology after she taught on Saturday? This girl! Mixed it with almond milk and ice= 200 calories. Ordered a bag in bulk to start making it asap shortly after.
My man and I enjoying a dinner date at YES Cheesecake Factory. YUP I went there twice in a row! I had no complaints seeing as it had the Skinnylicious menu and wanted to order what my friend got the night before!
My bbq chicken dinner with corn and greenbeans, so so so good! Under 590 calories!
Sunday we went to Coldstone Creamery for some ice cream. I didnt fret and looked up the menu ahead of time. Perfect, sinless sans fat sweet cream like it size= 170 calories plus sprinkles= 25 calories, whoo hoo! The birthday boy opted for a bit more chocolate and dedadence, sorry babe but his cost him= 730 calories= yikes!
The sweet cream was so so so good. Im so glad I tried it out!
Heres a little tastes of the treats I make for myself out of the kitchen. A yummy protein pancake with 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup, egg beater, better n’ peanutbutter and banana= 350 calories.
Delish and yeah ….Im kind of obsessed!
The point of all of this is, if you avoid scrumptious restaurants because you just dont feel there will be a meal for you, look a little closer. Or its too stressful. Or you’ll just go crazy and order everything on the menu- give yourself some credit and treat yourself to a balanced life instead of a teeter totter situation, where you restrict and then go overboard.
Some other favorite health conscious options of mine are= Seasons 52. Applebees has a wonderful healthy menu. You can see everything listed at Panera. Look up everything up from Subway, and I even stopped by Au Bon Pain downtown and they list all their calories. Olive Garden also makes notations of what healthy meals they have on the menu and you can access the calorie info if youd like! Love this trend and hope to keep seeing more and more of it.
My suggestion is to fill yourself up with the good stuff, will ya? Have a great week and thanks for reading! 
Maria ”Like the Lettuce” Romaine, xoxoxo
