Cute, Crafty, Cooking, and More: Eating Healthy...Continued

On my own, I decided to limit my calorie intake to 1350 a day and incorporate 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week. Well, two days and even three days in were okay for me. Day four and the hunger really started to get to me. By day six, I was really holding back my tears at lunch when I looked at the VERY little food on my plate. For someone who is an emotional eater, this change is really hard.
I was telling my sister (the unpaid nutritionist) about the amount of calories I was eating each day. At times, less than 1350. After she input my info (weight, height, target weight)in to a calculator she proceeds to burst my bubble....in a great way! I was shorting myself 200+ calories a day. Plus the fact that I am exercising, even more calories were added in. However, I am sticking with my 1500+ calories a day (give or take a few)
I love to eat healthy. I always have loved to. I love fruits, veggies, seafood, chicken, nuts. Pretty much all that's natural and yummy.

One of my favorite things are artichoke hearts and capers. I love their tanginess, and saltiness and the texture...YUM! So two meals today were thought around both artichokes and capers.

Breakfast: Artichokes with eggs whites on toast
2 large egg whites (34 calories)
8 quartered artichoke hearts (30 calories)
thin sliced toast (40 calories)
1/2 tsp Parmesan cheese (5 calories)
Total Calories: 109

Heat skillet over medium heat and spray with pam or olive oil spray. Separate egg whites from yolks. Place artichokes in skillet and heat through. Season egg whites with salt and pepper and stir. Place egg whites in skillet and scramble until cooked through. Serve on your favorite low calorie bread; toasted and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

For Dinner: Baked Tilapia, Couscous with artichokes and olives, Asparagus with lemon

Tilapia 4oz. (90 calories)
1 Tbs. Capers (0 calories)
1 Lemon squeezed (5 calories)
2 tsp. Olive Oil (60 calories)
Artichokes (15 calories for 4)
Couscous (1 cup 230)
5 Olives (4 calories)
5 pieces of asparagus (22 calories)
Total Calories: 426 Calories

In a glass baking dish place tilapia with S&P, small sprinkle of olive oil, juice from a half of lemon and the capers. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes.

Cook couscous according to package directions and while covered and waiting for it to "fluff" put in artichokes, small amount of olive oil and black olives.

In a pan heated on med-high heat put juice of other half of lemon, asparagus and 1/4 cup of water. Cover and steam for about 7-10 minutes. Make sure it doesn't overcook (where it remains crispy)