Those of you who know me know I have gone down this path many times..... I don't always stay there for one reason or another, bum knee, crazy allergies, work, etc..... and when I am not working out (with someone to hold me accountable), my eating gets out of whack.
So here I am again, trying to stay healthy. I am working out, twice a week with a group and the best trainer I know, also trying to walk to get in extra cardio(running is out for me) and really being diligent about logging my food.
We will get back to what helps with the above statements but first, why am I doing this. I do not focus on fitness and being healthy for a number on the scale, I am past worrying about that, did that too much growing up in the world of Ballet. Now it is about, how do I feel on a daily basis, focused, alert, energetic, etc... It is also about how I feel in my skin and in my clothes. I have no delusions that I will ever have a six pack or look like any model or celebrity and quite frankly I don't really want that. This is about me being healthy and subsequently being able to have energy to live life!
What am I doing to try to achieve the above mentioned? Well, several things actually. Let's see, I am working out again with Val doing a boot camp like workout with a group of ladies twice a week. Val gets results, and after two weeks I am already noticing a difference in how I feel in my skin. She pushes you but in a way that is motivating. I am really taking seriously the change in eating habits. I normally don't eat badly, but I also don't really pay attention to what I am eating. So now I am really using My Fitness Pal to log foods and pay attention to what I am eating. It can be fun to see what you can put together to still have that variety in food that really does taste good while being good for you (more on that later). I bought a fit bit, I know, I know, some of you will be like, really? why? but for me it keeps me focused and after two weeks it is working for me. And lastly, I am trying out Thrive. I am normally really skeptical when it comes to things like Thrive, but my Sister-In-Law and my Step-Mom kept telling me how it is working for them, from more energy to being more focused and just plain feeling better, I finally said, ok, I will try it. And, so I did. I used to feel completely drained at the end of every day, absolutely NO energy. With Thrive, I am tired at the end of the day but not exhausted. I am more focused during the day as well. I have also found I am drinking a lot more water and much less caffeine. So far, I am on board with Thrive.
The key for me in staying on track with all of these things is holding myself accountable and preparing ahead of time. The hardest part in all of that is the food piece. But after two weeks I am doing pretty well. Shop for a week at a time (this helps me from getting bored with the food). I look online to try to find good and flavorful recipes that are healthy as well. There are lots of ways to eat healthy and still be satisfied. Now, I fully believe that if you really want a piece of pizza or a hamburger then go for it. The same goes for that piece of chocolate. Here are a few of things that I find curb the need for the crunchy or sweet snacks of the unhealthy variety:
- Carrots or celery with a little balsamic vinaigrette
- Celery with a little peanut butter
- Cucumbers
- Edamame
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Nuts (almonds are my fav)
- Seeds (I like sunflowers)
- Greek Yogurt with granola and fruit
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Watermelon
That helps with the snacking, but you also have to think about what you actually eat for dinner. So I try to substitute some items, I am NOT going to do Tofu or quinoa, or even wheat pasta so I have to find other things to switch out for a little bit healthier option. See below to just name a few:
- Lean ground turkey instead of ground beef
- Portabella Mushroom caps instead of a hamburger
- Spaghetti Squash instead of regular spaghetti (I have to have pasta so I have to indulge every now and again)
- Lean Pork
- Sweet Potatoes instead of actual potatoes
Ok, so anyway, this is just what I do. I am not a nutritionist or a dietitian so take it for what its worth. :)
