Thinking Out Loud #8 – NEDA & My Experience

As you may already know, this week is National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) week. I hold this week VERY true and dear to my heart. If you weren’t aware, I suffered from not just one, but multiple eating disorders. Wow.. were those words hard to type. My disorders ranged from binging, to bulimia, to annorexia, to a body image disorder. I am actually in recovery as of right now.

Thank you, Amanda. ❤

1. I’ve only heard NEDA mentioned within the blog world, not out in the real world. I would inform my classmates if they knew what this week was and if they even knew what NEDA stood for. Did I get a big fat no. The number of eating disorder increases every year, and campaigns have been made, but why is this week not mentioned on the news? Eating disorders are deadly and people need to be aware of how rapid and widespread they are. I have been LOVING reading about other bloggers thoughts on this topic, because I feel like they get me and understand.

2. Like I mentioned earlier, I am in recovery. Yes, I still have food fears. Yes, I mentally count calories in my head. Yes, I get uneasy about schedules, what’s being cooked, and how it is cooked. I shy away from going back for more food or honoring all of my cravings. I admit to all of that. BUT, I am getting better with my food. Seriously, this past year I am finally eating more.

3. I guess you’re wondering why I developed so many disorders? Well, it all started in eighth grade. Man, were those the carefree years before hand.. It wasn’t until eighth grade when the messages of the media smacked me in the face. I realized I was over wight beforehand, but did I care about my body image? No. Did I actually enjoy food? Yes. Eighth grade was the time when I started paying attention to what people were saying. I started noticing how being skinny was the definition of beauty. Slowly I started covering up my body by wearing jackets and jeans every day (even in the sweltering heat of good ol’ AZ). It then led to eating less and less every day. Eventually, I wasn’t eating at all. I was always fatigued. My hunger was virtually gone. I lost 100+ pounds, my hair was falling out, my nails were brittle, I stopped getting my period. Ultimately, I slipped into a depression.

4. In my free time, I used to spend hours upon hours on tumblr scrolling through posts of skinny girls and how happy they looked. I thought that starving myself would make me happy (DAFUQ.) I obsessed over thee “diet rules” of going low carb, no fat, not eating past this time, eat every 2-3 hours, yadda yadda yadda. I wrote them down and had reminders everywhere.

5. You know what the really scary part of it was? My friends or family didn’t really notice until I had gotten down to 98 pounds at a 5’4 height. For years they didn’t seem to notice. All they thought was that my endless working out was paying off. I burned every single calorie I may have consumed. My friends thought the same. It wasn’t until when people hugged me that they felt the pressure from my bones and how it would leave me grasping for air.

6. Recovery is a choice. Recovery is a choice I made. Honestly, you can’t force something/someone to change, because by nature, it/they will resist. I saw how much it effected my friends, family, school, health, and relationships. Granted it took me quite some time, but I am grateful that I finally recognized what I was doing to myself.

7. One thing I have to stress about recovery is that it is a journey, but you are STRONG enough to conquer the inner thoughts and monsters. There are times where the thoughts are over powering, but you are a WARRIOR, you are FIERCE, you are STRONGER than they ever will be. Ups and downs along the way are bound to happen, but they do not define you. They are learning experiences.

8. I am ALWAYS here for you. I promise. Tweet me, e-mail me, comment below, heck- ask for my number and you can call or text me!

9. I love food. 😀

10. I hope you are having an amazing day. ❤

-What are your thoughts?

-What advice do you have? 

-What’s your favorite food? 

—————

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

WIAW – Big Plate Takeover

Guess what day it is. Guess what day it is. It’s What I Ate Wednesday! 😀 This week, my hunger has been up and down, left and right; basically all over the place. I have been craving foods like none other! When I learn how to drive, late night craving trips will be in order. 😉 As for now, here are some of my eats on BIG plates that I have eaten this week.

Thank you Jenn for hosting! ^_^

A turkey burger on a bed of spinach, steamed cauliflower, and quinoa.

Whole wheat pasta topped with tomato sauce, lean ground beef, and mushroom with a side of veggies and homemade garlic bread.

Grilled chicken, half a quesadilla filled with cheese + mushroom + onion, roasted sweet potato coins, and steamed cauliflower topped with hot sauce.

Egg white oats topped with apple, fruity pebbles, and peanut butter with a side of coffee.

Pancakes topped with sf strawberry jam and blueberries, two rice cakes topped with spinach + turkey + tomato, broccoli topped with salsa, carrots, grapes, strawberries, and trail mix.

Seasoned baked chicken, broiled sweet potato, and asparagus. 

French toast topped with strawberries and cinnamon, two rice cakes topped with spinach + turkey + salsa, carrots, grapes, apple slices topped with cinnamon, and trail mix.

Pork chop, cabbage, and quinoa.

Egg white oats topped with fruity pebbles, sf strawberry jam, blueberries, and peanut butter with a side of coffee.

Baked chicken, cabbage, and mashed sweet potato.

*Picture a jaleneno cheeseburger with fries, pizza, a tereyaki chicken bowl on a bed of white rice.*

Those were some of my eats from the past week. If you didn’t notice by now, I am a very hungry girl.;)

I hope you have an amazing day filled with good food, good people, and all around good vibes. ❤

-What’s your favorite treat?

-What’s your favorite restaurant?

-What eats did you have this past week?

———————-

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Morning Ramblings

Good morning and happy Monday! It’s currently 7:46 am and I am up on a day off from school. Oh how my internal clock loves waking me up early. I thought I would try out something new and have a talk over a bowl of oatmeal and a big cup of coffee. 🙂

-This weekend, I went out of my comfort zone and met new people. I am a true introvert at heart, so going out to meet new people was something new for me. Although I am pretty much the “shy girl” at school, I didn’t really have a problem sparking a conversation with the people I met. *Personal victory.* This year I plan on branching out and going out more. I need to experience life more. I mean come on, you do only live once. 😉

*Gah, my coffee slightly burned my tongue.* o.o

-I’ve been on Twitter more and more lately. You should follow me and tweet me so we can become friends. Yes? Yes.

-My new addiction over the weekend was binge watching The Carrie Diaries on Netflix for all of Sunday. Yes, I did finish all 13 episodes in one day. That pretty much sums up how addicted I can become to things. I remember when Christine got me into The Following. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it. It’s so good!

-The weather in Arizona has been absolutely perfect lately. Seriously, not too hot and not too cold. Enough sunshine with a cool breeze to enjoy. I have been one with nature and just sitting outside to enjoy some fresh air. I’m tempted to go outside after breakfast and take a nice, long walk.

-I really want to take a road trip to California or Nevada or Texas. Seriously. Who wants in? 😀

*Oh my gosh.. this oatmeal is so good.*

-I don’t think I can go a day without having oatmeal for breakfast. Seriously.. If I am craving waffles, pancakes, or french toast, I choose to have it for lunch. Would this be considered an addiction..? Let’s hope not.

-I really want to run. Like I have been craving a good run lately. You bet your booty I’ll be lacing up my running shoes and go on a long run once I get the okay from physical therapy.

-Speaking of physical therapy, I had this delicious chewy chocolate cookie with m&m’s. Made my mouth water. Why do I mention that? Well, I have been eating intuitive lately and finally coming to good terms with food. I never thought I’d be this happy before to not be stressing over numbers. 😀

*Aww, my coffee is gone.. At least I still have some oatmeal left.*

-Am I the only one that picks out all of the toppings of my oatmeal first before actually eating the oatmeal? Probably..

-I have been loving drinking almond milk straight up. It’s so good!

*Opp there goes my oatmeal..*

I’m glad we had this little marvelous random chit chat over a bowl of oatmeal and coffee. Let’s do it again some time? 😀

-What are your morning thoughts?

-What do you like watching on Netflix?

-What have you accomplished lately?

-What are you blessed/grateful for?

—————

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Spill It Sunday – I’m a Bookworm

Hey, hey, hey! It’s Sunday funday. 🙂 

Today marks the halfway point of my four day weekend. I’m happy to say that this weekend has been filled with going out of my usual comfort zone and hanging out with some new people. I’ve noticed that the more people I meet, the more nonawkward I am when talking to people for the first time. This is a big accomplishment for me since I usually stay home on the weekends. I’m becoming a beautiful [social] butterfly! (Please tell me someone got that reference..) Anywho, onto the topic of today’s post; books.

Thank you, Arman for hosting!

Curls for daaaaays. (Yes, I’m wearing shorts.)

I’ve always been a book worm, so this post is perfect for me. Although it may not seem like it now with my hectic schedule, I love indulging into a good book. I can polish one off in a few hours. Once I start, I can’t stop. I always get lost into all of the new worlds and become attached to the characters. I laugh, I cry, I rejoice, I get angry. I’m preeeeeeetty serious about books as you can see. I have a little library in m my room. Am I the only one who marks up their books with pen/pencil/highlighter to emphasize memorable/inspiring quotes? o.o

1. Favourite novel of all time?

-I have a tie between two books.. Dreamland by Sarah Dessen and Vixen by Jillian Larkin.  I got so emotionally attached to the characters in Dreamland. I kid you not, my parents couldn’t get me to put that book down. I have read it about 6 times already. I highly recommend it. Sarah Dessen is such a gifter rider. Vixen caught my attention, because I am all about that time period. Seriously, I love reading and learning about flappers. I don’t know why, but I find them fascinating. Probably because of their beauty and carefree nature.

2. Favourite genre (e.g. Crime, Thriller, Biography, Fitness etc)

-Right now, I have been into fitness and nutrition books, but ultimately I would have to say either thrillers or crime. They always know how to suck a girl in. Unless I do read to the end, I usually think about so many different scenarios until I find out the true result.

3. Favourite childhood novel/Favourite teen novel?

-I read the entire Goosebumps series, Captain Underpants series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, the Magic Treehouse series, the Nancy Drew series, but they never really would be proclaimed as my favorite. I would probably have to say Harry Potter.

4. Favourite Series?

-I can’t just choose one.. I loved reading the Harry Potter series, Hunger Games series, the Crank series, the Pretty Little Liars series, the Flapper Girls series, etc. You can’t make me choose just one..

5. Which book would you hope future generations will continue to consider a classic?

-The Freedom Writers. I absolutely love it. It sends such a powerful message as well.

6. Worst novel to be written?

-Erm.. I haven’t really read any bad books, but I guess The Babysitters Club. It never really interested me..

Well, that’s a wrap for this post. I hope you are having/have an amazing day! ❤

-What’s your favorite book?

-What’s your favorite book series?

-Are you a book worm?

-What book are you reading right now?

———————–

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Thinking Out Loud #7 – Cravings Gone Wild

*happy dance* *happy dance*

It’s finally Thursday! I can say that I am loving Thursdays as much as I am loving Wednesdays on the blog world. I love drooling looking at other bloggers food creations as well as reading their random thoughts. I feel a bigger connection towards them. Ya feel? I first and foremost have to thank the lovely Amanda for hosting today’s link-up. You are creating a connection between bloggers world wide! 😀

1. You guys.. I have a confession. I have a new found love for a new-to-me drink. I crave it all hours of the day. I have already had one every day this week! It’s so sweet, refreshing, AMAZING. I love Diet Snapple Peach. There. I admit it. It’s just so good! I went to go see my long time best friend that I had not seen in over a year, and I stumbled upon this precious baby. I was freaking out when I drank it. I usually like to stick to my water, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee, but man! Make room in the fridge for my Snapples!

2. Like my craving for Snapples, I have also been craving Pho. I first had it in December for my birthday with one of my good friends. Did I fall in love with it. It was so tasty and I loved the kick from the jalapenos and sriracha I added into the mix. 😉 I was able to satisfy this craving with my mom with the chicken and shrimp combo. She has been feeling a bit under the weather lately, so I suggested we try Pho, because let’s face it, it works wonders for you. She fell in love. Like daughter like mother. 😉

3. I was probably the only one that hasn’t mentioned Valentines day around here, but I did get a bit of a surprise when I came home. I found this beautiful banquet sitting on the kitchen table when I came home from school. They were sent from my friend that was deployed in Afghanistan. Let’s just say I was swooning over the beautiful and thoughtfulness.

4. My iPod COMPLETELY deleted everything out of the blue! Music, pictures, videos, apps.. Poof. Gone! I was having trouble with my iTunes account for a while, but I didn’t expect it to delete everything! I lost so many precious memories.. Even my iTunes library deleted. I had to create a whole new account and start all over. Humph.. 😦

5. I have a Spanish oral test tomorrow. I am so bad at Spanish. I can understand pretty much the basics, but speaking it? No bueno. Especially speaking in front of everyone to answer 3 questions and describe a picture for a minute? No me gusta..

6. On the up side, I have a four day weekend this weekend! HOLLA. 😀

7. I went to my first physical therapy session on Tuesday and it was good! I got two massages (upper and lower back) and learned some stretches to do at home. My back is pretty tight, so I have another appointment today. I find out how many sessions I’ll need and when I can get back into the groove of thangs. Having high hopes!

8. The weather in Arizona has been PERFECT lately. It may be getting up to 80, but the wind just makes it all good. Why can’t it stay like this all of the time?! I would be more of an outside adventurer if it was. I am just not looking forward to the excessive heat that will be coming my way shortly. o.o

9. I’m going to end on an odd number, because why not? I hope you all have an amazing day! ❤

-What have you been craving lately?

-Do you speak another language?

-Tell me some of your random thoughts! 

——————–

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

WIAW – The Food Does The Talking

Can I just say this four day week is ALREADY flying by?! It’s crazy how it’s already Wednesday, but that only means it’s closer to a four day weekend. Holla! 😉 Now, for the main event.. FOOD.

Thank you Jenn for hosting this marvelous linkup.

A turkey burger on a bed of spinach, whole wheat pasta, and honey maple beans.

Steak topped with hot sauce, roasted sweet potato, honey maple beans, and peas.

My attempt at being cute for V-day with Warm Apple Pie Oatmeal topped with a peanut butter heart with a side of coffee.

PB & J Melted Banana Oatmeal with a side of coffee.

A spinach + turkey + avocado sandwich on whole wheat, apple slices, carrots, broccoli topped with salsa, grapes, and almonds.

Chicken and Shrimp Pho.

Roasted pork, mashed sweet potato, carrots, grapes, and roasted parsnips.

A chicken + cheese + red pepper + onion enchilada topped with green chili sauce and hot sauce with a side of veggies.

I love a week filled with good eats. Makes this foodie happy. 😉

-What do you like to put on your sandwiches?

-What do you like to put in your enchiladas?

-What’s your favorite breakfast?

———————-

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

PB & J Melted Banana Oatmeal

Sweetness from the strawberry jam and melted banana. Creaminess from the melting peanut butter. A bit of a crunch from the chia seeds. Protein packed. Full of volume. A childhood classic.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Melted Banana Oatmeal

When I think back to my childhood, I always remember my mom packing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich everyday with a banana on the side. My mom always cut my sandwiches up into four squares and remove the crust (I used to never be a fan). Today, it always takes me back when I have the combination of pb & j. Ahh, the good ‘ol days.

This oatmeal is full of volume, protein, and flavor. Every bite will not disappoint. I find it comforting eating this in the morning with a side of coffee. Always thinking back to the cartoons I watched while eating a sandwich, the play dates where pb & j was the main course of the tea party, and how I always could count on my mom for putting the right amount of each ingredient to satisfy my hunger.

 

PB & J Melted Banana Oatmeal

Ingredients:

2/3 cup oats

4/3 cup water

6 tbsp egg whites (optional)

1/4 cup cottage cheese (optional)

1 tbsp chia seeds

1-2 tbsp strawberry jelly

1/2 (or whole) FROZEN banana (sliced)

1-2 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter)

Blueberries (optional)

Directions:

1. Measure out oats and place in bowl. Top with water.

2. Microwave for 2 minutes.

3. Add in egg whites. Microwave in 30 second increments. Stir each time, so they don’t overflow.

4. Once at consistency you like, add in the banana slices and mix in. Microwave in 20 second increments. Stir in between rounds.

5. Remove from the microwave and mix in the cottage cheese. After mixed in thoroughly, add the chia seeds.

6. Top with blueberries, strawberry jam, and peanut butter.

7. Enjoy. 😀

*Ingredients optional but recommended. 😉

*Banana must be frozen.

I hope you have an amazing day. ❤

-What food makes you think of your childhood?

-What’s your favorite classic combo?

-What recipes do you like that includes these ingredients?

—————

 Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Spill It Sunday – Shuffle It Up

Happy Sunday Funday! I hope everyone is having a relaxing day filled with love, good food, and good vibes. Today’s theme is shuffle edition. I am a HUGE music lover. It gets me through so much. It really gets to me. I love to dance (very awkwardly) , sing (even though I really can’t) , and reminisce along with it. So many memories can be captured in a song. It’s amazing. Anywho.. onto the shuffling!

Thank you Arman for hosting! 😀

Selfie.

The Prompt: 1. If you have an MP3 player or Ipod, put it on shuffle and list the next 5 songs/videos on it and tell us why it’s on there!

1. All For You – Janet Jackson.. I remember back in the day when I would clean the house with my mom. She would turn on the tv to the music stations, and it seemed as if this song came on every.single.time. We’d sing along at the top of our lungs and dance around while cleaning. Oh were those the days.. 😀

2. Neon Lights – Demi Lovato.. I’ve always admired Demi Lovato and her strength. With some of her experiences, I can relate to her. I have been supporting her since she’s been on Camp Rock. Woah.. that takes me back. I love the beat and lyrics. Definitely will be a song I will incorporate into my running playlist.

3. My Everything – Randolph Permejo.. I was dedicated this song by my best friend. It’s so cute. It makes my heart melt and I can’t help but smile when I listen too it. So adorable. ❤

4. Till I Collapse – Eminem.. It makes me feel bad ass. I love lifting to it. It’s motivating. Need I say more?

5. It Will Rain – Bruno Mars.. This song was my go to after a breakup. When I first heard it on the radio, I fell in love with it. Gah, Bruno is so romantic. I better turn this off before I get too emotional..

Well, as you can see.. my arrangement is quite random. I listen to a variety of different music, I PROMISE. I need to update my playlist ASAP though. I hope you’re having an amazing day. ❤

-What’s your favorite song?

-What is your go to workout song/songs?

-Who’s your favorite artist?

—————

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

Thinking Out Loud #6 – I’m Kinda Obsessed

Is it just me or is this week flying by? Seriously, the weeks seem to be going by faster and faster. I guess I shouldn’t complain, because it makes the week go by quick, but can we slow down the weekends to really enjoy the time off? Please and thank you! 😀 You already know what time it is. It is Thursday which means..

Thank you ever so much to the beautiful Amanda for hosting!

1. So, tomorrow is Valentines day. For some people it is a day where couples will spoil each other beyond belief and for others, it is just another Friday. Either way, a day of getting spoiled or going along with it as a Friday are both desirable options. Plus, it’s the start to a long weekend. How can it get any better than that? On the point of getting spoiled, I don’t think one day should just be a “mandatory” day where people show their affection for each other. That should be every day. 🙂

2. I was on the late end of finding out that Shirley Temple died. R.I.P to another beautiful angel with a head filled with 52 curls. ❤

(Props to you if you know why I said that!)

3. On Tuesday, I found out that I have to go to physical therapy for a while. I’m happy about that. For a while now (before what happened), I had some pretty bad back pain and just ignored it. Now, I will be focusing on my back, neck, shoulder, and arm muscles for optimal recovery. I haven’t met who I will be working with, but I know I will get along with them either way. We’ll be spending some time together, so why not make a new friend? 🙂

4. I don’t know if you noticed (although it’s pretty obvious), but I FINALLY made a header. Granted it may not be the most fabulous, but as my first one, I think it’s pretty legit. It fits. Over time I will change it, but for now, I am happy about it.

5. My chocolate sweet cravings have been THROUGH THE ROOF. I don’t know why they have been so intense. I am getting in my nutrients from fruits and veggies, but when it hits after dinner, BAM it’s always back. I have had my fair share of Twix this week. Who doesn’t love Twix? 😉 Friday will be glorious for my sweet tooth.

6. Can anyone give me some suggestions for new oatmeal toppings? Or suggestions for recipes you’d like? I’m in a rut and I want your input for some inspiration! Oh, and I have an oatmeal recipe that was a hot topic yesterday coming up soon. 😉

7. DID I TELL YOU GUYS I FINALLY GOT MY BRACE OFF?! 😀 My neck is finally free! It is taking some getting used too (cue the pain), but I am working on it. My recovery is going spot on. Every day I am getting closer and closer to getting healed.

8. I have decided that once I recover, I am going to start running again. For a while, I had to put it on the back burner due to an ankle injury, but I have been itchin’ to lace up my running shoes and enjoy the beautiful weather here in AZ. Did I mention that it’s getting up to the 80s? Hopefully I have a speedy recovery to be able to run in the gorgeous weather of Spring. 🙂

9. My Disney obsession is growing. All I have been doing is watching Disney movies, drawing Disney pictures ( I decorated my art sculpture final with Disney characters ), listening to the Disney stations on Pandora and Songza, and dreaming of going to Disneyland. I think a trip to California is in order..

10. I have made the decision that I want to be Tinkerbell at Disneyland. See? Told ya i’m Disney obsessed. I’ve been told that I look like her, so why the heck not?! I have high hopes about this job. 😉

I hope you have an amazing day! ❤

-What are some food inspirations you can pass along to me?

-What’s your favorite Disney movie?

-Favorite Disney character?

-What have you been craving lately?

—————

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com

WIAW – Eat All The Food

Guess what day it is? It’s hump day! Happy WIAW fellow foodies. 😉 This week has been filled with foods full of volume. Voluminous food and I were just meant to be. Let the spotlight on food BEGIN.

Thank you Jenn for hosting!

A quesadilla filled with steak + ground lean beef + skim mozzarella cheese, roasted chicken, and steamed broccoli cuts.

Whole wheat penne pasta topped with tomato sauce and ground lean beef and a side of steamed broccoli cuts.

Grilled chicken, fresh green beans, and roasted sweet potato.

Warm Apple Pie Oats with peanut butter and a side of coffee.

Grilled chicken, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, steamed broccoli cuts, and trail mix.

Pizza, wings, grilled chicken, carrots, and cabbage.

Warm PB&J Melted Banana Oatmeal with a side of coffee.

Apple slices, strawberries, trail mix, grapes, and carrots.

Roasted chicken, corn, mashed sweet potato, steamed cauliflower, and steamed zucchini.

Steak, fries, and peas.

Pork chop, brown rice, and veggies topped with green chili sauce.

I hope you have an amazing day. ❤

-Are you a volume eater?

-What’s your favorite meal?

-What were some of your delicious eats?

———————-

Connect with me!

Instagram -> @myhealthlyjourney

Twitter -> @xolovenatalie

Pinterest -> @xolovenatalie

E-mail -> lovenataliemarie@gmail.com