FOOD

I am a massive lover of food. My first word I ever said was 'more,' not mumma or dadda, 'more'. As in more food. I would sit there with my mouth open until someone put food in it. Pretty smart I reckon.

I was the type of girl who would wake up and say 'Mum what's for dinner?' Half the time she had no idea as it was 12 hours away, but when she did, and if it was a good dinner, I would be happy and excited all day… I swear I was normal!

These days, I come across so many social media clean eating and green living type sites/pages. While it’s great that they are promoting a healthy lifestyle, I feel that they can make me feel guilty for treating myself.

I am very passionate about cooking. I love creating new meals at home and I also love going out to restaurants. I think making and eating food is an experience. A fun and yummy one!

My girlfriends and I meet up really regularly for dinner. We 'get' each other. We all love food. We have lots of Taco Tuesdays, (It is rare when it actually happens on a Tuesday,) and we will usually have chocolate or ice cream for dessert. None of this raw cacao chocolate stuff. We go for the real stuff. The real good stuff!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should eat endless amounts of chocolate, take-away foods, and copious amounts of alcohol.

I’m saying, don’t feel bad about treating yourself and having a good time every now and then.

The other day my cousin said, 'If the Doctor seems to think you are healthy, if you feel healthy within yourself, and you are happy with the way you look, then you're doing fine.' (My cousin Maddy also has a fantastic Youtube account, check it out here! ATSDT) SHE IS SO RIGHT! I know when I need vegetables, my body tells me.

You can tell when you need a kick of some good vitamins, so feed your body what it needs when it needs!

I make sure I eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I actually love vegies so it is quite easy for me. I swap white rice for brown rice probably half the time, and I will make sure I drink at least 2 litres of water a day. They are my few rules I try to go by everyday. And then if I want to have a wine with dinner, I can. Or if I want chocolate for afternoon tea or dessert then I can. You have to enjoy yourself! I have noticed lots of dieticians say 80% healthy, 20% not so healthy.

I quite like that, because lets face it, a totally clean eating life is 'not living Barry'.

I find myself scrolling past all these labels on Instagram promoting their designs on tiny girls. And while they are beautiful, so are bigger girls. It really sucks how society has this picture of a beautiful girl in their head and she is the size 2 model you see plastered everywhere. To be honest, there are lots of times I wished I looked like them, but why?! I'm fine how I am, and so are you. So ignore those thoughts and love yourself. Remember, if you feel healthy and are happy with your weight then keep going, and don't feel bad about eating a thing!!!

Don't compare yourself, it's a trap.

I eat vegetables everyday, whether they be in a stir fry,

meat and vegetables or a bowl of steamed vegies with soy sauce.

- I eat 2 pieces of fruit a day

- I try to drink at least 2 Litres of water a day

- If I'm at a party or out to dinner, I don't hold back

- If I feel like a treat I will have one, and I will love it!

Below are some recipes from Taste.com (My favourite site for recipes) that I cook regularly. None of these recipes or photos are mine! Click on the photo to get the recipe.

Cleo xx

Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry