KISS is an acronym for “Keep it simple, stupid” as a design principle noted by the US Navy. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore simplicity should be a key goal in design and unnecessary complexity should be avoided. (Taken from Wikipedia)

This saying applies to so many facets of our lives. For me it especially resonates when it comes to nutrition. Did you know on average the typical household only has about 10 different meals that keep getting reshuffled onto the dinner table? Only 10. Wonder why? Because we are all creatures of habit and when we go to the store we buy the same thing, cook the same thing, and eat the same thing over and over again.

I have found that my diet consists of eating the same thing most days.  This truly helps eliminate decision making and stay on track as well as leave more time to focus on more important things.  How many times have you come across an amazing recipe on TV or a cook book and gone and bought all the 50 ingredients to make the meal just once? And then all those random ingredients sit in the pantry or refrigerator. Why is that? Because we are all creatures of habit. 80% of the time we’re going to make not only what is easy but something we know how to make without having to think. Since we know this is true, why not embrace it and focus on keeping it simple?

Just make sure those basic go-to meals that keep reoccurring in your diet are full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and void of the processed stuff.  Would you like to see my typical “Keep it Simple” daily meal plan?  I’d be happy to share it with you, just ask!

Have a great week,
Meryl

Featured Recipe

Individual Serving Pumpkin Mug Cake

INGREDIENTS
¼ cup oats, ground (or oat flour)
1 teaspoon Stevia
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ scoop vanilla protein powder (I prefer SHAKEOLOGY, ask me why- I’d love to tell you!)
¼ cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1/8 cup almond milk
½ graham cracker sheet, crushed

DIRECTIONS
1. Grind the oats
2. Add the pumpkin, egg and milk and stir well.
3. Spray the bottom of a mug or small bowl with cooking spray.
4. Sprinkle the graham cracker pieces on the bottom.  Pour the batter on top.
5. Microwave for 1:40 – 2:20, or until set but not overcooked.  Invert on a plate and serve.

(Recipe and image taken from Blogilates.com)