Having a baby has made me healthier

It might be surprising, but it's true. Having a baby has made me healthier.

One of the big changes I've noticed is that we rarely eat out. Before Sydney was born we ate at home most of the time, but would go out to eat 2 or 3 times on the weekend. Now, it's a lot more challenging to get out because of Sydney's nap and bedtime schedule.

Instead of feeling limited by this, I've been using it as an opportunity to save money, eat healthier, and get creative with my cooking. I've gotten into the habit of picking something new or a little more involved to cook on the weekend. This way we still get to enjoy a delicious meal and I don't feel deprived.

I've come to realize that in many cases I can cook food that tastes better than what we'd get at a casual restaurant. I'm often dissapointed when I eat out, though of course it's nice to get out and have someone serve you food and do the dishes. I still go out to eat, but it's much less often and when we do, I view it as a special opportunity and choose the restaurant carefully.

Some of the things I've cooked recently:
Fresh pasta with homemade bolognese sauce
Black eyed peas with collard greens
Black beans with bacon