Southern Living Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

As I reflect on my past eating habits, I am reminded of a peculiar phenomenon that can only be described as an addiction. Like a substance abuser, I couldn't help but indulge in unhealthy foods, despite knowing the consequences. The 80s and 90s were marked by alternating diets of red and white meats, in a futile attempt to find balance amidst my voracious appetite.

However, it wasn't until I started cooking my own meals that things took a turn for the better. Grilling steaks on my own grill seemed more flavorful than those from local restaurants, while cooking burgers at independent grills offered a healthier alternative to fast food. My room-mate's steel grill also introduced me to the joys of barbecue, which proved to be not only delicious but also cost-effective.

As I entered adulthood, I began to make conscious choices about my diet. I started ordering salads on hot summer days and opting for subs from Subway or Quiznos instead of fast food chains. The results were astonishing - no more instant bathroom breaks after eating! It wasn't until I turned 40 that I realized the extent of the damage caused by years of consuming unhealthy foods.

The changes in my diet have been dramatic, with noticeable effects on my body. Gone are the days of shrinking clothes; instead, I've gained an extra twenty pounds over the past year. Recent wardrobe malfunctions - three pairs of jeans split at the crotch and older t-shirts struggling to cover my belly - served as a wake-up call.

Weighing more or less the same for thirty years, despite eating whatever and whenever I wanted, I was shocked to step onto the scales and find myself hovering around 150 pounds. My recent physical examination only reinforced this new reality, with my blood pressure, EKG, and blood tests revealing signs of an unhealthy lifestyle.

As I look back on my journey, I am reminded that it's never too late to make a change. The key is to be mindful of our choices and strive for balance in all aspects of life, including what we put into our bodies. With this newfound awareness, I'm excited to explore healthier options like Southern Living's Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole - a dish that combines the comfort of tater tots with the nutritional benefits of eggs, cheese, and vegetables.

In the end, it's not about depriving ourselves of the foods we love, but rather finding ways to incorporate them into a balanced diet. By doing so, we can enjoy the flavors and textures of our favorite dishes while also prioritizing our health and wellbeing.

Southern living tater tot breakfast casserole