Holiday Weight Woes

There is SOOOOOOOOO much information out there about holiday weight gain.

It’s ridiculous isn’t it?

 

Or maybe it’s not?

 

Around this time of year, I find myself feeling conflicted. I don’t want to be deprived of treats and delicious holiday foods, but I also don’t want to feel bad about myself throughout the holidays because my clothes feel tight.

 

Both choices have the tendency to leave me feeling distracted from what is most important- spending time with family and cherishing the special moments.

 

When the holidays come around, I am usually traveling. So I’m out of my normal routine and I am rarely the one preparing the meals.

 

This year, I really want to enjoy the holidays and find a balance that works for me.

 

 

So here is my "10 Ways to Feel Good through the Holidays" checklist

 

10. Always pack running/workout gear even if you’re packing light. Fitting in some exercise will make a world of difference.

9. Focus on healthy goals that are easy to achieve even if you’re not in control of the food served. Can I still aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water? Sure! Water is always available

8. Try and get 5 servings of fruits and veggies daily (fruit tarts kind of count)

7. At big dinners/meals, have what you want, but stick to 1 plate. It’s just a dinner, afterall.

6. When eating dessert, don’t eat anything standing up. Put all cookies, chocolates, etc. on a plate and sit and enjoy with coffee or tea.

5. Don’t drink too much booze.

4. Only eat stuff you like. Just because it’s out doesn’t mean you have to eat it. I always find myself eating things like cashews because they are out. I don’t even like cashews.

3. Remember that 2 not-so healthy weeks isn’t the end of the world. And having control over food is not going to make you a better person, or more deserving of love, affection, or anything else.

2. Be nice to yourself. Look around and you’ll see that 95% of people are indulging around this time of year. You don’t need to be a healthy eating robot all the time.

1. Clear up space in your mind to focus on family and friends. Enjoy conversation, or just observing. Being around those you love is the most important thing.

 

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!! 
 
Love,
Jamie

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The Best Kind of Workout

I knew I wanted to do some exercise today. But I wasn’t sure what I felt like doing. It’s pretty humid here, and a run just wasn’t that appealing.

At about 1pm it dawned on me…I want to watch TV, read magazines, and zone out on the elliptical.

I used to be SO concerned with making sure that all of my cardio "counted". Basically that meant that every trip to the gym needed to include barf-worthy interval workouts or why even go?

Now, don’t get me wrong- I love a hard, heart pounding, sweat dripping workout, but it isn’t the only kind of cardio that "counts"

I think it is just important to get some movement, some blood flowing, some sweat, and just have fun! A  walk outside or a slow 30 min on the elliptical are still GOOD FOR YOU. So don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.

Lunch was a no-brainer. There was leftover roasted broccoli from last night in the house, so I had to make my Cheesy Pasta with Roasted Vegetables.

This time I also added in some chickpeas. Because who doesn’t like a little hot carb on carb action?

Speaking of carbs- they are another thing that is good for you, but often demonized in certain diet and fitness circles.

For me, throwing out a lot of those old "rules" has been a huge part in my ability to find more balance in my life.

 

How about you? What fitness/diet rules do you follow or break?

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Why today is awesome

Today, my friends, is an awesome day. And it’s not even 1/2 way over yet.

Here’s why.

1. I have my first guest post up at Cardio Foodie. Thanks Karissa!

2. I had one my best (and fastest) runs EVER. It was the first time I ever completed the 5 mile hilly course in under 50 minutes. And it’s beautiful outside.

5 miles, 49:32 minutes

Mile 1- 9:45

Mile 2- 9:48

Mile 3- 9:59

Mile 4- 10:07

Mile 5- 9:52

3. Joe took a half day so he could study for a test tonight. It was cool to hang out a little this morning.

4. I had my first orange of the season and it was delicious. It got all over my hands and they smelled wonderful. (also got to drink out of my awesome 3D Scottish terrier mug)

5. My presentation for class is over! But also, I realized how much I enjoyed working on it. I know I did the right thing by deciding to go into teaching. This becomes clearer and clearer each day.

6. Yesterday’s emotional eating was a great learning experience. And I’m glad I was able to share it here. Life has ups and downs and it is all about what we learn along the way. That is how I find balance. And appreciation even in the little things. Even in the not so happy things.

 

Why is today going to be awesome for YOU???

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