DAY 50! Halfway Mark and Tips

Woohoo! I have reached the half way mark in this "challenge" and I must say that I can't believe that I have gotten this far already. When I first started this, I honestly thought that it would be the hardest thing to do considering the fact that a lot of "healthy" foods out there didn't meet my standard criteria for a "clean diet". Here are some things that I learned throughout all of this:

• Don't be caught in a slum! There are many vegetables out there to choose from when making a dish. Green beans, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers and corn are just a few staple items that I constantly use yet I never get tired of. Make is interesting and combine new items together for a dish that is completely your own! If that fails, know that sauteed zucchini never gets old
• It's okay if you have been stuck in a brown rice and bean rut for a couple of days. Throw in some spices or herbs to make it a different meal! You could literally eat the same thing 5 different times...if you know how to season it.
• You don't have to use meat! Having a meal full of veggies and legumes is fine. Who says you NEED animal protein to survive?
• Don't buy Tyson meat....ever! That "stuff" is so industrialized, it's almost like it's not even meat anymore. Plus, don't let the convenience of having already grilled chicken on hand full you into thinking that it's healthy.
• Look for animal proteins that are natural. Although it may look like the price is more expensive, it's not. They don't sell natural animal protein in bulk so you think that you are paying more but you are actually getting the chemical, pesticide, and hormone free product for the same price! 
• Buy meats, poultry, and fish in bulk. If you see a good price, chances are that it won't be there for long so go ahead and make that purchase now. When you get home, portion it out and freeze it. If it is beef that you are buying, you can even season and cook it to your liking and then freeze it. 
• Natural yogurt and Greek yogurt have the same amount of protein in them. After comparing the labels, I realized that the nutrition facts were about the same. The only difference is the texture of the yogurt.
• Frozen produce is still produce...but frozen. However, make sure they don't come with added sauces or syrups.

Breakfast: scrambled egg sandwich on whole grain bread, smeared with avocado; a bowl on Honey Nut Cheerios with 2% milk

Lunch: I saw a friend on campus and we decided to have lunch there. A nice little Mexican restaurant was my best bet at the time. My lunch bowl contained: rice, a romaine salad blend, guacamole, pico de gallo, and pinto beans

Snack: 20 almonds

Dinner: Grilled chicken breasts strips served with sauteed green beans and a side garden salad

-Eating Clean in College