It's update time

The pro's of taking so long to post again means that I have oodles to tell you!

Life, as it does, has thrown some pretty awesome curve balls. It's what makes living interesting, and also, allows for growth. 

One thing I have definitely been struggling with is diet. Not that I haven't started including some pretty awesome colours and nutrient rich foods, because I have. It's that good ol' balance. Portion control. Not eating my feelings.

And here is where I groan.

I've done well on somethings, failed in epic proportions in others. 

Take a look through to see what I mean :)

This mornings breakfast. thank you, The Protein Bread Co for this amazing, cakey bread. I topped it with a cup of frozen, mixed berries, a squeeze of lemon juice, a golden kiwi fruit and some fresh mint.

Yum!

Enter my high fibre, refined sugar free, gluten free nutritious Sunday start. 

See, something done right :)

And now, let me introduce you to my curve ball. 

After a few weeks of feeling absolutely fatigued beyond words, when my monthlies were due but didn't start on time, I decided to take a test, not expecting a positive at all. 

Are you as shocked as I was?!

Hubby was too. Incredibly so. It happened just before my 47th birthday, completely unexpected.

The elation was short lived. At 5 weeks, bubby went to heaven.

Just like that.

What a way to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary.

It involved much chocolate (thanks Max Brenner).

And that is where the diet went pear shaped.

Sadly, during this time, uni suffered a great deal.

Conceiving unexpectedly really shifted my focus and priorities.

I felt such relief that at last, I could do what has been held inside for so long.

I struggled to study, especially as some of the subject matter was down right offensive.

So, I now find myself 6 weeks behind in studies with one week left to do 2 critical reviews. However, come what may, I will be stopping studies for a season. Hubby is doing a grueling full time study load, and with travel to and from Brisbane a few times a week, it's just too much pressure for us both to be under.

And now, I can do what is really on my heart and not put it off. I'm actually really looking forward to a new direction. 

Having said all of that, I have managed to eat well often. Like this breakfast. perfect balance of protein, fruit and veg.

I have discovered this chewy, divine lower carb pasta from Herman Brot. I love it, and find that I need a smaller portion than recommended to feel satisfied, with less protein needed. I'm not vegetarian but am really trying to limit animal fats in my diet. My body loves me for it when I eat like this.

I finally found a way to make veggies that my family devour. This experimental veggie loaf used up several potatoes not eaten the previous night. When combined with some other grated veg, cheese, breadcrumbs and eggs, it was a winner! Seconds were had, and the loaf vanished quickly.

Portion control done right. A macadamia and parmesan crusted chicken breast with a simple salad. Incredibly delish.

Baked chicken breasts, tabbouleh and strawberries in a green salad, more healthy eating with good carbs. 

A successful experiment- beetroot protein balls. I had less peanut butter than usual, so wondered what would happen if I added a beetroot to the mix. I also added psyllium husk powder to thicken things a little, and success! Divine, chocolaty, guilt free bliss balls.

This is the freshly baked bread from The Protein Bread Co. It's definitely cakier than other breads, and takes longer to toast, but is so high in protein and fibre, it's super satisfying.

It also freezes very well.

Thanks to Woollies Taste magazine, I made this asparagus pesto, tweaked by me of course :)

And here is a divine dish for dinner, slathered in the above pesto.

Another breakfast done right, protein pancakes layered with fresh strawberries. So, so good!

Now that all is said and done, I'm keen to move forward. Weight gain isn't fun when spring is here and the daytime temps are already soaring. 

I miss exercise, and need to stop making excuses and get my butt back into it. Yes, its magpie swooping season, but as I've discovered before, with sunnies and a hat, a hit doesn't kill. Ok, it kinda scares the absolute poo outta me, but yet, here I still am to tell the tale.

One week of uni left. Though I considered withdrawing and accepting the penalty, I have to finish what I started, and give it my best, come what may. Who knows, I must just pass :)

I hope this encourages you to not give up, even when life gets weird, messy, busy and/or painful. 

Fingers crossed I bring you much more soon. 

Until then, thanks for reading :)