A couple of weeks ago I stepped on the scales and noted that unhealthy choices in meals and portion sizes had caused me to creep ever upward in weight. I determined to start eating less and eating more healthy foods. I began my search for healthier foods in our own little garden area.
About a year ago we planted some fig trees along the fence line. The trees grew well and soon blossomed to produce fruit. But, our first crop of figs was consumed almost entirely by ants and birds. We trimmed the trees back and took measures to reduce the number of ants in that area. A couple of days ago I prepared this little snack for myself for lunch.
The figs are so naturally sweet that we have learned to eat then right off the vine. When so inclined, we also add a couple of ripe maracuyás to add the unique sweet/tart flavor of passion fruit to a healthy lunch.
Fresh from the garden and totally healthy the lunch satisfies and nourishes better than a hamburger!
Another thing that we reported on a few months ago were the special empanadas we ate in Playas, Ecuador. Mary and I have tried a few times to make the dough for the empanada casings, but always came up wanting. Recently we discovered some empanada dough in the freezer section of Mi Comisariato and Mary used that to make delicious, filling chicken empanadas in our mini-deep fryer.
I am not really sure this is extra-healthy eating, but, when taken in moderation (just two) the calories are worth the extra exercise needed to burn off this delicious meat!
Yesterday Mary used the same dough to make apple and cherry pies similar to McDonald’s hot apple pies. I was good and only had one, but I can tell you they were better than we ever had from McDonald’s!
But, do not worry. My reduced calorie consumption does not mean we are doing without. Last night we went to our friend Pablo’s restaurant for chicken breast and salad. Pablo’s sister is good with graphics and created this “magazine” cover to memorialize the meal.
We both enjoyed a great salad.
Even eating healthier is better here where…
Life is good in Ecuador!
Sweet!
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Yes indeed and all I need to do is walk outside! We are so blessed.
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Figs are good for you!
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So I am told. Better yet, they taste great! Hope you are well JoAnn.
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Noticed a similiar thing on my scales…so I’m also trying to get back to more fruits and veggies that are so reasonably priced,.plentiful and delicious here in Ecuador. Thanks for the empanada hint…going to see if our store has it here.
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You are so right. Fresh fruits and vegetables are so good here that there is no excuse for unhealthy eating. For me – I need to monitor portion sizes and do a bit more exercise.
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Great post, but those last two images really tugged at my heart! You’re both dear sweet kind and very special souls! Love, Z
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You are so kind. You are a dear friend. Thanks.
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My pleasure; are you receiving rain? Someone wrote from Canoa a few days ago to say that they’ve received a lot of rain. They’re finding the weak points in their ceilings/roofs.
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Yes, we had heavy rains all night Wednesday and (surprisingly) all day long on Thursday. We had a little rain Friday and again Saturday mornings, but only a bit of drizzle this morning. It is so good to see the hills turn green with vegetation! Our house is staying dry though so all is well.
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I love it! Fresh is so wonderful, and how amazing to be able to enjoy straight from the garden. I agree with the last person… those last two pictures make me smile and bring warmth to my heart! Miss you very much! xo
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We had never lived anywhere where we grew figs before and I really like them. Fresh from the garden is always best, but the markets also have very fresh fruits and vegetables all year too.
Glad you liked the pictures. Pablo’s sister did a great job!
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I have been a right-off-the-tree fig lover since I got caught stealing them off a neighbor’s tree when I was 6. I got in a heap of trouble, but if I could, I’d do it all over again. Stay healthy. 😍
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Come on down to visit and we won’t even make you steal our figs! They are so good!
We plan to stay healthy and live here a long, long time!
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Good plan!
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Thanks for the thumbs up!
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And i love the food …really good.
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Thank you, Jake!
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Keep up the healthy eating 🙂
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We do not always eat healthy food, but we have adjusted portions and always eat fresh (ie. not packaged) foods. We both feel better because of it.
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