Happy Fat

I love happy fat. You know what I'm talking about... the "let's-just-stay-home-and-get-fettucini-alfredo-and-then-lick-chocolate-gelato-off-each-other" kind of happy fat. It's awesome and I have NO JUDGMENT of you if you've enjoyed your lazy, indulgent days full of yummy goodness. For me, great food is a part of celebrating life and I embrace those sybaritic moments of hedonism.

But engage in that lifestyle for too long and you'll have a muffin top before you can say, "Nutella crepes!" (Have you tried those? omg... so awesome... )

Anyway, my point is that I totally get the food thing. I'm not the cleanest eater 100% of the time but I strive for balance. My boyfriend (tee hee... it's a new relationship so please wish me joy and luck and all that stuff) just had his birthday week (Yeah, you get a birthday week! Did you know that?) and we ate cake at least four times (or was it five?). 

So, you know what's on the menu this week? Veggies. Lots and lots of veggies. Right now I'm doing these artichokes in the slow cooker with just lemon, garlic and tons of Italian seasoning. When they're finished cooking, I will dribble a little olive oil on them and sprinkle some Parmesan on top. Seriously delicious with a little bit of healthy oil, tons of fiber and chock full of nutrients. Plus they take a while to eat so you can't scarf down too much before you start feeling full. Have you ever tried one? If you haven't, they're pretty fun and unique to eat. You scrape the soft edge of the leaves over your teeth and discard the rest on a plate... then you chop off the pointy stuff in the middle (the choke) and eat the soft artichoke heart underneath it.

So, that's how I maintain some balance after the happy fat attempts to make another appearance. Heck, even Michelle Obama admitted in a recent online chat that she and her husband gained weight when they first got married. (Yeah, go Barack!) Of course, she attributed it to being two busy working professionals but I've got my own theories. And the First Lady's answer to their weight gain struggle was (drum roll please....) to cook one meal a week at home and drink more water. Anyway... how about you? Any great recipes you'd like to share? How about "new love" stories? I love those :)

Health & Happiness,
~Zen