5 Awesome Fit Foods {that I used to hate!}

Hey There Friends! How’s it goin?

Being back at school this week has been a, mostly unpleasant, shock to my system. But, I think I’ll be over my Reading Week withdrawals by the weekend, so it’s all good 😉

Changing Tastes

When I was doing the ground work for the ‘Eat the Rainbow‘ post last week, I was amazed by how much my diet has changed over the last few years. 

I was actually a seriously picky eater for most of my life. If I had my way when I was younger I’d have tried to survive on chocolate and bread alone. I kid you not.

Now here I am, eating brussel sprouts and drinking green smoothies.

Who am I?!?! 😆

But honestly, most of the foods I probably couldn’t survive a week without were ones that I abhorred as little as 2 years ago! Crazy innit?

5 Fit Foods that I used to hate

Eggs used to be a huge no-no for me. My family loves them…I hated even the smell of them. That really put a damper on family breakfasts, since I would refuse to come out of my room until the scent went away 😕

But one morning in January/February 2013, I woke up with an intense craving for eggs. It was insane. I actually left my home that cold, winter morning  to get a carton of eggs because I needed them so badly!

I have no idea why that happened, maybe I needed more protein or something? But now, I buy and consume about a dozen eggs a week!

Benefits of eggs: These little guys are choked full of vitamins and minerals and are a low calorie source of protein!

Red beans. Black beans. Kidney beans. Pinto beans. Lima beans. You name it, I didn’t want anything to do with it.

However, my new found love of beans were borne out of necessity, not want. Meat can get expensive, especially lean meats. So I needed some go-to meatless meals that were filling and nutritious.

Enter beans. 

Now, I make a pot of chili almost every week. I eat burritos with more beans than anything else. I have bean dips, bean chips and bean salads. I honestly love them. 

Benefits of Beans: Beans are a good source of high-fat protein, like the kind you find in red meats, and are also full of heart-healthy nutrients.

Blasphemous! I know!

Who in their right mind doesn’t like peanut butter? This island girl sure didn’t. Clearly I’ve been insane for most of my life 😕

I don’t remember exactly when I started eating peanut butter. I think I bought a bottle because this peanut salmon recipe called for like 2 tablespoons. And then I just couldn’t bring myself to waste the rest of it. So I used it.

Now I put it in everything. I dip my fruit in it, put it in my smoothies and even in pancakes! And I even prefer the natural stuff to the rest 😯

Benefits of Peanut Butter: Aside from being a source of protein, natural PB contains healthy fats, fibre and is a natural energy booster.

My interaction with spinach before last year was limited to episodes of Popeye and the occasional vegetable lasagna.

This was another one I had to force myself to start eating after I found the green smoothie movement. But now I buy it without thought at the grocery and even started branching out to other greens like kale!

Benefits of Spinach: This versatile green, is extremely nutrient dense. It is heart-healthy, helps protect against eye diseases and is an excellent source of iron.

My reaction the first time I heard about this little gem was ‘keen-what?’

I’ve never been a fan of rice, and couscous is just gross to me, so I jumped at the chance of trying a substitute. And I’ve never looked back. Regular quinoa Red quinoa. Black quinoa. I eat and love them all!

The fact that it’s so good for you is honestly just a plus for me. Cuz I’d totally eat it anyway 😉

Benefits of quinoa: This grain is a complete source of protein since it contains all 9 essential amino acids. It also contains twice as much fibre as other grains and is a good source of iron.

What about you?

How has your diet changed since your health and fitness journey began?

What foods do you eat now, that you didn’t before?

Share in the comments below!

 

 

 

 

p.s. There’s still time to enter the In the Dance Fitness Jamaica DVD giveaway!