Reflections on a canoe day trip – healthy eating with choices

A day canoe trip in the light rain. While everyone else fished I learned to be in the moment

Hi Day Trippers,

This summer I did a nice canoe day trip with my amazing nephew and his wonderful girlfriend.  They are big time nature lovers and have both studied to have full time careers in conservation.  I was so pleased to share a day in the rain with them.  As they both love fishing as does my hubby, it meant for 7 hours we paddled and enjoyed the peaceful time on a small lake.  The rain fell lightly on and off but we were prepared with rain gear and zip-off pant/shorts so we could enjoy the day when the sun came out between the showers.

I have never been fishing with others for that long so it really taught me patience as I was not fishing.  I relaxed and really was in the moment.

I was in charge of the food for the day.  I was still fairly new to my new approach to wellness so while I wanted to ensure we had a healthy meal I also included treats that would not leave everyone wishing they had been in charge of the food.  Here is what I packed:

An wonderful lunch that worked for everyone on the canoe day trip.

Lunch (our main course and on the healthy side.  The meal is all about choice.  It allowed me to eat with others and not feel isolated)

• Carrots and celery
• Jicama marinated in lime juice
• Green Monster Hummus (recipe here)
• Rice crackers
• Brown rice with Adzuki beans
• Reflections Sprout Salad (recipe here)
• Cheese
• Smoked local sausage

Snacks (all healthy and combined with a protein and fat for good digestion and blood sugar balance)

• Orange segments
• Apples
• Almonds
• Almond butter

Dessert (I choose to have desserts for everyone – I did not have any.  This was a day that allowed choice with no judgement)

• Butter tarts
• Brownies

Hydration

• Water.  We only had three water bottle so we conserved what we had.

We packed it all in cooler bag with a freezer pack and off we went for the day.

A yummy meal enjoyed on an island. Sprout salad, carrots, celery, jicama, and Green Monster Hummus

We had plenty of food and a great day together.  I felt included and that I had lots of choice as did everyone.  As you start your journey, be sure to plan for your success and include others in your new healthy eating approach.  Just be sure to include items on the menu that they will like to eat.

A great day that ended with no wind and a totally flat lake that gave wonderful reflections.

May your journey to health be filled with reflections on where you are now and where you want to be.

Jo, your 9CupChallenge partner