Revamping the Plate

As always, it's been awhile since the last post. I'm trying to spend as much time with the boyfriend before we both go back to school, so I haven't been around the computer too much here lately. Thank God I am a Senior in college this year, because I am getting so burnt out on school. The breaks are never long enough :( The only thing good about going back to school besides knowing I'll eventually graduate, get a job, and make some cash is they have a gym basically in my dorm's backyard. It's brand new (think within the past 5 years) and it really is great. I have to pay for it in my fees so it's mine to do with as I please. I started hardcore trying to lose weight back in Dec. 2011 and the gym was a huge asset. It has an elliptical (my absolute fave), free classes (I did kickboxing), and all sorts weights, weight machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, etc. So, that said, I AM actually looking forward to getting back into the groove of a gym (gym rat, I know haha). I'm also looking forward to doing most of my exercises indoors for a bit. It's just so ridiculously hot here in the south. In summary, I'm excited to start working out on some different things for awhile. I'm hoping switching things up will rock some weight changes into place. Which leads me to some thoughts/questions/inquiries.

I've read in numerous places about what a typical plate for the healthy eater should look like. I've most often seen the plate consisting of 1/4 whole grains, 1/4 protein, 1/2 fruits and veggies.

Now, currently, I am pretty willy nilly with my eating. Yeah I think I do a pretty good job, but I don't eat any vegetables. And I'm just at a point that when school starts up (in 2 weeks, boooooo), I'd like to get pretty strict with this. Sometimes I can tell that I could do "more" and cut down on cereal and bread, and go for whole grain, reduce sodium, etc. So that's the plan folks! Just eating some healthier things, and still watching calories. How did the food revelation come about? I'm almost ashamed to say it. Soooo, besides the fact I didn't get my C25K (I know, I know) in this week or the fact that I haven't really exercised much at all this week, therefore not feeling like I'll have a loss I eat this delicious peanut butter called White Chocolate Wonderful and thought peanut butter was prety good for you. Well I had it like every other day (literally) and for 1 serving size of 32 grams it had 14 grams of fat... WTF. So this devil's candy is getting shelved for a bit too!

Now, I'm by no means saying that I haven't been working my butt off!! But, there is always room for improvement!

Questions: Do any of you have any tricks for getting in those veggies? What are some of your favorite whole grain eating options? Any food tips for me to consider?