That which does not kill you makes you stronger

Last night, we took the family to Applebee's for supper. I had the Cajun Lime Tilapia Weight Watchers meal, which was awesome. The fish was perfect and was served on rice with fresh red and green peppers and a side of broccoli, cauliflower, and squash. We also had an appetizer sampler from which I ate hot spinach and artichoke dip. So now, lets take an inventory of the vegetables in this meal:
- green and red peppers
- cooked spinach (a first)
- artichoke (another first)
- squash (yet another first)
- broccoli
- cauliflower
Also, I should mention, the night before that I ate a baked sweet potato, cut french fry style - another first, and delicious I might add.

For those of you that didn't know me a year ago, you probably do not realize the significance of this. I spent most of my life being pretty anti-veggie. I would eat a select smattering of raw veggies, mostly lettuce, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and celery. Raw only - cooked vegetables grossed me out, I would literally gag if I came in contact with cooked vegetables. When I got a burger, I would immediately pick off the tomato and onion. For pizza, I was a strictly meat only gal. And so it went for years and years, picking off some of the only healthy pieces of my meal.

A big part of my transition from the chubby life has been a commitment to not only eat healthier and smarter, but to keep an open mind to new things that I have habitually rebuffed. I have realized that vegetables are actually tasty when cooked right. I purposely try new foods that are prepared in a healthy way.

I tried four new vegetables this week and I am still alive to tell the tale - that's awesome, yeah me.

As far as exercise goes, I completed my 5th day for the week today. I did 30 on the trainer, and did 30 on the treadmill with my sister Michele chatting with me on the elliptical, which was fun. The outdoor ice rink at Traxler Park was set to open tonight too. Mike and I were going to go and give it a whirl, but it was warmer this afternoon and it looked like they weren't going to open after all. We'll have to try another time I think. Sounded fun though, at least something different to do and a chance to get outside!