It's OK to feel full. (and giveaway winner)

We have a giveaway winner! (You know when I said I would post last night that really meant today.)

Congratulations to Mrs. Bear from Think Happy Thoughts. Send me your addresss (allisonrwalker@yahoo.com), and you should get your prize pack soon!

I used random.org to pick a winner. I enter all the names (some of you got four entries) into the list randomizer, and then I use the random number generator to pick a winner. I should have another giveaway soon!

It's OK to feel full
Throughout high school (and college, to some degree), I struggled with an eating disorder. Disordered eating can be a scary thing. But I also think we all deal with a lot of the same "fears" when it comes to eating (and exercise). I'm not ashamed to admit that I've struggled with how to eat healthy and be happy with my diet. Sometimes, I still think I can get obsessive about knowing exactly how many calories are in my dinner, but life's one big balancing act, right?

I think the most important thing I've learned over the past few years is that it's OK to feel full. For me, this used to be something I was afraid of. It seems many of us are conditioned to believe being hungry = losing weight.

So not true.

Being hungry for me = a grumpy, terrible person you don't want to be around!

For example, I had a great dinner last night. Turkey burger, sweet potato fries and steamed broccoli. But for a few minutes after I finished eating, I felt EXTREMELY guilty because I was full. Then, I remembered all the nutrients I ate that my body NEEDS. I remembered how the largest portion on my plate was the broccoli (no butter). I remembered that you can't beat yourself for giving your body the FUEL it needs.

Sure, it's not healthy to feel as full as you do on Thanksgiving EVERY DAY. But it is OK to tell yourself it's fine if you have just a couple more sweet potato fries.

P.S. I used Paula Deen's baked sweet potato fries recipe, and it was delicious. And no, there was no butter. :)

The Food Network photo was a little prettier that my baked fries.