• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Glowing Fridge
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Cycle Phase Recipes
      • Menstrual Phase
      • Follicular Phase
      • Ovulatory Phase
      • Luteal Phase
    • Breakfast
    • Smoothies and Juices
    • Drinks
    • Salads
    • Main Dish
    • Glow Bowls
    • Soup
    • Sides
    • Sauces, Dressings and Dips
    • Snacks
    • Sweets
    • Mocktails & Cocktails
  • My Books
    • The Plant-Based Cookbook for Women
    • The Happy Hormone Tracker
    • The Happy Hormone Guide
  • Hormone Health
    • The Happy Hormone Tracker
    • The Happy Hormone Guide
    • Food Chart Download
    • Hormone Blog Posts
    • Cycle Phase Recipes
      • Menstrual Phase
      • Follicular Phase
      • Ovulatory Phase
      • Luteal Phase
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Wellness
    • Hormone Health
    • Pregnancy
    • What I Ate
    • Why Vegan?
    • Vegan Starter Guide
    • 5-Day Cleanse
    • The Glow Down
    • Videos
  • KING COFFEE
    • 7-Day KING COFFEE Challenge
    • How to Buy King Coffee/Become a Distributor
    • About Reishi KING Coffee
    • FAQ About KING Coffee + Vegan Reishi Latte
  • Contact
    • Contact Me
    • About
      • About Me
      • My Vegan Story
  • Shop
    • Amazon Store
    • CODES
    • 7-Day KING COFFEE Challenge
    • How to Buy King Coffee
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • How to Buy King Coffee
  • Menstrual Phase Recipes
  • Follicular Phase Recipes
  • Ovulatory Phase Recipes
  • Luteal Phase Recipes
  • My Books
  • Wellness & Lifestyle
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Count Colors, Not Calories

    Mar 3, 2017 • Wellness & Lifestyle

    Count Colors, Not Calories

    My weight fluctuated throughout high school and college but stayed in the “normal” range, for the most part.

    I won’t say that I struggled with an “eating disorder” but my eating habits were definitely disordered and being in a sorority only put more pressure on me personally, because everyone was on a diet. Dieting was popular. Drinking in excess was popular and blacking out Thursday-Saturday was the norm. 

    I wouldn’t eat much before going out at night, sometimes nothing at all if we went out after class only to be STARVED when getting home, therefore inhaling whatever drunk food we ordered… I would restrict food (mostly carbs) before a vacation or before a dance to feel good in a tight dress but I wasn’t necessarily skinny because of all the drinking and late-night unhealthy eating… I was studying nutrition, fitness and health so I enjoyed working out and eating healthy food (when I wasn’t drunk) or what I considered to be “healthy” back then but it was a struggle because I felt enormous guilt with most foods. I was also chronically bloated/dehydrated from all the booze…

    My “healthy” diet consisted of low fat greek yogurt for breakfast and 100 calorie packs or bars for snacks. Sandwiches on a scooped out wheat bagel with deli turkey and “light” cheese or salads with hard-boiled eggs and low-fat dressing for lunch. Dinner was whatever they served, which was somewhat healthy (for the most part) because they always had vegetarian options and vegetables but on the weekends, eating healthy went out the window completely.

    There was a total lack of balance with my eating habits. Food was either “good” or “bad”. The whole “protein obsession” wasn’t really a thing yet, but “low fat” and “low carb” sound all too familiar.

    Everything was low fat and carbs were the devil which had me constantly asking myself “what in the world am I supposed to eat?”. One of the reasons I yearned to study nutrition, fitness and health in college was to learn about what was “healthy” and what was considered “right” or “wrong”, which totally backfired as food consumed me and became my main focus. 

    Today, my food philosophies go against everything I learned in school (counting calories, studying nutrition labels, calculating how many calories you need to burn to lose x amount of weight, calories in, calories out etc.) which I do NONE of today.

    • I don’t count calories
    • I don’t track macros
    • I don’t measure or weigh anything
    • I don’t read nutrition labels, only the ingredient list
    • I eat whenever I want, at anytime of the day
    • I probably eat 3x the amount of food now than I did back in college

    Count Colors, Not Calories

    As I stand here on the other side at 28 years old, I’m in a healthy, happy place both mentally and physically. I LOVE food again and I owe this so-called “food freedom” to the plant based lifestyle. Whether something is “good” or “bad” is no longer in my food vocabulary. I’ve found what works for me which is real, whole, plant based foods full of color and vibrance. No dieting or deprivation; just as much as I want and need to eat in order to feel full and satisfied.

    It is possible to thrive purely on an abundance of plant foods. 

    There are guidelines I choose to follow like not eating or cooking with oil when at home but if I’m out, I don’t worry about it. Never once has this lifestyle felt restricting because I’m always satisfied and there are alternatives for literally everything I could ever want. 

    My taste buds have evolved to crave color. Fresh fruits and veggies. Leafy greens. All the kale and spinach. I love them all because of how they make me feel. I’ve learned how to indulge and eat things I enjoy like the occasional vegan cupcake, coconut milk ice cream, chocolate chips on the daily, almond creamer in my coffee and red wine in moderation – all without guilt. These indulgences are not considered “cheat meals” to me, as that saying holds a negative connotation, like I’m doing something “bad”.

    They are just indulgences and are required to maintain sanity.

    I’ve learned how to eat plant protein like beans, legumes and tempeh and feel fueled. How to eat high-quality whole food grains like sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa and oats – as much as I want. How to eat whole food fats like avocados and raw nut butters and tahini on a daily basis and feel more than satisfied. How to incorporate superfoods like chia seeds and hemp seeds for extra plant power.

    I’m able to maintain my weight eating plant based vegan food while also gaining strength, endurance and flexibility. I feel agile, athletic, energized and hydrated. My workouts revolve around how I feel that day and listening to my body is the most important thing. I workout how I feel like working out, 2-4x per week. I push myself but I won’t do anything I hate. Some days I just want to SWEAT so I do the stair master for 20 minutes. Some days I want to lift and work on my strength and feel strong. Some days I’m really annoyed, agitated and my body is tired, so I do yoga or go on a walk to set my mind straight. The other days I relax. I workout to feel good, to get my blood pumping and to sweat out anxiety. 

    I never could have imagined getting to this place of balance with my eating and exercise habits but I’ve come a long way and I know many of you have too. 

    Why am I sharing this? Because of the constant stress surrounding daily food choices that I still see, every single day. I want to help people find the joy in food again. I want to help them count colors, not calories.

    Whether in the form of an email, comment or message on social media, I’m constantly getting asked about calories, nutrition facts, if a food is good or bad and how often should they be eating said food. 

    • How many calories for one serving of this recipe?
    • What are the nutrition facts for this recipe?
    • How many times per day/week should I be eating the ‘Cleansing Detox Soup’?
    • How much spirulina should I consume each day?

    I LOVE hearing from you guys. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE when you email me with excitement about starting the cleanse. I LOVE when you tell me your entire family was eating kale, after you made my ‘Spicy Kale and Quinoa Black Bean Salad’. I LOVE when you feel compelled to make positive changes after reading ‘My Vegan Story’. Answering and responding brings me happiness and lets me know what I need to do to improve TGF.

    I can’t help but want to scream every time someone asks me about calories or nutrition facts and if something is “good” or “bad”. I don’t know? How will it make you feel? It’s gotten to the point where I don’t want to answer those types of questions because my answer is rarely heard or liked and tends to go in one ear and out the other.

    I didn’t go vegan to lose weight; it sort of fell in my lap after a bottle of wine and this documentary on Netflix. For ethical reasons first, as I couldn’t bear to eat another piece of animal flesh for 20 lifetimes and secondly, because of the science surrounding plants and their undeniable ability to reverse chronic disease. Not to mention it forever healed my acne and has shown me what balance really means.

    I understand that establishing balanced eating habits takes time. It’s hard, its personal, it brings up emotions that have been tucked away for longer than you want to think about. A balanced, simple approach to eating takes years of mindful practice but it gets so much easier and becomes second nature, over time. I would not be where I am today if I still worried about calculating how many carbs were in my banana oatmeal or how much fat was on my avocado toast. I would not be where I am today if I listened to the media or if I followed the latest diet trends surrounding raspberry ketones or carb cycling. I would not be where I am today if I counted calories or studied nutrition facts or deprived my body in any way. 

    Not saying I’m the healthiest person in the world because I’m not. Not saying my way is the only way either… but I used to do the same exact worrying and counting and being scared of food and beating myself up over eating too much pasta or bread and you know what? I weighed more then than I do now and I sure as heck wasn’t loving or listening to my body. Those were stressful times, not happy times. 

    I understand some of you NEED to know exact amounts and be in control of every single calorie that enters your body because I was the same but unless you are on prep cutting for a bikini competition, counting anything in relation to food is not living a balanced life. You can’t do it forever. There is NOTHING more pointless in life than a short-term fix. Maybe you feel that counting is necessary in the beginning of your health journey, but I urge you to move away from it entirely and listen to your body instead. 

    Otherwise, when does it end? Do you plan on counting calories until you’re 90 years old? How about counting colors? 

    I will not give up on spreading this message of ‘Count Colors, Not Calories’ because there is nothing more liberating in life than to not worry about food choices ever again. Instead, be consciously aware of them. Study ingredient lists and forget nutrition labels. Indulge and get back on track at your next meal. Sweat when you feel like it and do yoga when your mind isn’t right.

    Whatever it is, find a balance. 

    ?

     

    You Might Like These too:

    • 3-Day Soup Cleanse3-Day Soup Cleanse
    • How to Discover Your Life BalanceHow to Discover Your Life Balance
    • I’m Pregnant! First Trimester Symptoms and RecapI’m Pregnant! First Trimester Symptoms and Recap
    • No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy BallsNo-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls
    • Why You Should Stop Eating Dairy Products and the Best Non-Dairy AlternativesWhy You Should Stop Eating Dairy Products and the Best Non-Dairy Alternatives
    • How to Freeze BananasHow to Freeze Bananas
    « What I Ate Wednesday
    Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. T

      March 12, 2017 at 10:41 am

      Thank you… needed this!

      Reply
    2. Abby

      March 11, 2017 at 7:14 am

      I can identify so much with your story. Your college days sound eerily familiar, I can remember counting carbs/calories and working out like a maniac before big events…. So stressful! I look back at college pictures and yes I was skinny but I was miserable, stressed, hung over and had painful acne. I weigh more now than I ever did, but I’m stronger and glowing and full of energy because of my plant based diet. It’s crazy to think that now I eat more, look better than ever, and feel my best without counting calories. Listening to your body and counting colors does WONDERS for your spirit. I love this space, thanks for being your authentic self!

      Reply
    3. Sarah

      March 06, 2017 at 10:41 pm

      So right and just so needed! I ignore calories and just look at ingredients.. Since eating this way and following your blog I have not weighed myself and nor will I again. I have started a guilt free training regime that is based on my mood, and It just keeps you motivated to have a healthy lifestyle and not just some fad diet or exercise “challenge,” that you cannot maintain. Thanks for all the tasty recipes, the body cleanse e-book and all these great tips!

      Reply
    4. Kathy

      March 06, 2017 at 8:31 am

      Wonderful advice. I always say I refuse to diet. I just keep adjusting and tweaking my lifestyle.

      Reply
    5. Emilie @ Emilie Eats

      March 05, 2017 at 11:53 am

      Don’t even get me started on raspberry ketones… real WHOLE foods are where it’s at!

      Reply
    6. jordan @ dancing for donuts

      March 04, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      i love absolutely everything about this post. EVERYTHING. counting calories makes me hate food and i love it so much. it sucks the fun out of something i find such joy from and takes us out of the moment. it’s definitely something i’ve struggled with, but i’m working on moving my focus from calorie counting to just eating more whole, real, unprocessed foods, fruits and veggies. basically just eating food that makes me feel good, and if that means a piece of birthday cake at a party, so be it.

      so beautifully written – thank you for sharing your thoughts. you’re beautiful inside and out!!

      Reply
    7. Melissa

      March 04, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      You are so lovely. I really appreciate the idea of counting colors instead of calories. I also love getting all your fabulous info and delicious recipes once a week! <3!

      Reply
    8. Arlene

      March 04, 2017 at 12:37 pm

      Love this! Well said, took me awhile to figure it out eating and exercising the same way. Best decision I ever made. Life is good..

      Arlene

      Reply
    9. Elise

      March 04, 2017 at 10:50 am

      This was just what I needed. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so happy I stumbled on your blog over a year ago!

      Reply
    10. Brett B

      March 04, 2017 at 8:44 am

      Loved this. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    11. Carly

      March 03, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Beautiful read! Thanks for sharing. I have a similar story with my love for Paleo, which I’ve been following for over a year now. It’s so freeing to eat clean and eat whenever your body says it’s hungry. I will now start to count colors!!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    SHANNON Leparski

    SHANNON Leparski

    Hi! I'm Shannon, a Certified Hormone Specialist and plant based blogger living in Chicago. I help women heal their bodies bodies from the inside out and balance their hormones naturally through a plant based diet and lifestyle. Let me guide you through it, so you can glow from within and feel the best you've ever felt!

    MY NEW COOKBOOK!

    Fertility Prep eBook!

    Fertility Prep eBook!

    The Happy Hormone Tracker

    The Happy Hormone Tracker

    My Book >> The Happy Hormone Guide!

    A look inside The Happy Hormone Guide. The first ever plant-based vegan book for balancing hormones, increasing energy and reducing PMS symptoms. With recipes and lifestyle tips for each phase of your menstrual cycle. #cyclesycning

    BECOME A PRACTITIONER

    HOW TO DETOX FROM BIRTH CONTROL

    HOW TO DETOX FROM BIRTH CONTROL

    NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL

    NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL

    Want to know the best foods to eat for each phase of your menstrual cycle?

    sign up to start eating in sync with your cycle!

    Footer

    shannon.leparski

    Wellness, Motherhood, Holistic Nutrition, Gut Health
    • Root Cause Practitioner
    • Author of The Happy Hormone Guide
    💌 shannon@theglowingfridge.com

    SHANNON LEPARSKI / IHP
    yes, being a mama will always be my #1 priority bu yes, being a mama will always be my #1 priority but in that I’ve sort of lost myself.

It’s my own doing too so don’t feel bad for me 😂 because it truly never felt right to leave my girl. We are very attached. Am I crazy? Yes, probably. But I’m okay with that. I realized my baby will be FINE if I go get a professional haircut or a pampering pedicure. Idk what changed but I think it’s the fact that I’m noticing more wrinkles and my hair could use a transformation. It’s greasy, heavy and lacking life. So I’m getting a haircut this week 💇‍♀️ I’m changing to a customized hair care system AND I’m scheduling a hydra facial because my skin desperately needs hydration. My skin, hair and nervous system need some serious self care haha.

Mamas, it may not feel right just yet to prioritize you but the time will come. Just follow your intuition 🖤🖤🖤 you deserve it.

#hairlove #selfcare #mamablogger #momlife
    bottomless king coffee please 🖤 #tiredmama wh bottomless king coffee please 🖤 #tiredmama 

what are you guys up to today?! I’m installing our new shower filter that I can’t wait to share about, running errands, cleaning, thinking about dinner, the usual Sunday things 💗💗💗
    HANDLE NAME CHANGE!! I’ve been wanting to do th HANDLE NAME CHANGE!!

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while as a fresh start with all the changes to my “brand” in the last year. It feels right to just use my name 😀 (fun fact: I haven’t taken my hubbys last name yet because of business paperwork that I’m too lazy to figure out 😅 name changes are complicated) 

@theglowingfridge started out of my love for the plant based lifestyle but so much has changed in the last 9 years and I’ve been itching to update. Nothing else will change and my blog will still remain as is, if you still use my recipes and such. Love you all and thank you for supporting me through all these changes 🤍🤍🤍

#namechange #handlechange #branding
    what I eat for gut health, happy hormones, healthy what I eat for gut health, happy hormones, healthy skin & hair, and to be a patient mama 🖤

When my blood sugar is on a nasty rollercoaster, I’m not the best mama that I know I should be for my girl. I’m more irritable and short. So I prioritize protein, healthy fats and carbs at each meal. This helps me feel balanced and provides energy to play and chase after her all day! I need all the fuel I can get.

- breakfast tacos with pastured eggs
- collagen king coffee ☁️ 
- leftover homemade chicken fried rice 
- swedish meatballs & gf pasta & green beans
- my homemade tahini maple cookies (I have a reel with the recipe!!) but I’m truly addicted 🍪 
- always sipping on @gerolsteiner_usa 💧

#whatieatinaday #happyhormones #hormonebalance #bloodsugarbalance #guthealth #hairhealth
    I don’t get ready everyday… But when I do I f I don’t get ready everyday…

But when I do I feel better, duh! And more confident. More productive. Happier in general. Of course I have super lazy days but I try to get myself together because I’m more likely to leave the house, you know mamas? I hate when people ask “why do you get ready if you’re home all day”.. 

I’m sharing different content like this because I feel like it and don’t want to be stuck in a box 😀

#grwm #sahm #selfcare
    I mean if you drink it everyday… It should be o I mean if you drink it everyday…

It should be organic, mold-free, tested for mycotoxins and taste delicious, etc. King coffee goes a step further with a therapeutic dose of reishi spores, the most powerful and potent part of reishi mushroom! Most other companies use the lucidum part of reishi, in case you’re wondering 👑

Want more info? DM me “king” and I’ll send you the deets 🤍🤍🤍

#kingcoffee #reishicoffee #reishi #healthycoffee #organic

    Shannon is a health enthusiast and plant based nutrition advocate, living in Chicago. She studied Health and Fitness at Purdue University and loves everything about the plant based vegan lifestyle, especially creating colorful, nourishing, happy hormone recipes in her kitchen. Read More…

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    MENSTRUAL PHASE RECIPES

    Vegan Tortilla Mushroom and “Mozzarella Cream” Pizza

    Banana Breakfast Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

    Vegan Crockpot Lentil Soup

    Simple Cucumber Salad (Vegan)

    Copyright © 2023 The Glowing Fridge on the Foodie Pro Theme