Ad man hub had his office Christmas party this evening. We left the house with Baby Elvis screaming his sweet little head off - not a good start to the evening. However, it turned out to be a fun evening. I had a whole glass of wine! It's been over a year since I had that much to drink! Plus I had some nice adult conversation.
As I was purusing the food spread half a glass of vino in, I happened upon some lovely little chocolate petit fours. "Hmmm" I thought to myself, "I think those look good. I should probably avoid eating one, though, since I already had a cookie after lunch..." Who am I kidding. I saw chocolate and I was like a moth to a flame. I had the sucker gobbled up in about 10 seconds. Then what to my wondering eyes should appear but one of my naked stretchers. And yes, she saw me gobble up the treat (and actually I had two).
She leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you ate that..."
Ugghhh, like a dagger to the heart. I was caught.
That ugly, nagging, yet familiar, guilt creapt up into my throat. Here I am trying to spread the good word of health and fitness to the world and I was eating garbage. But you know what. It tasted good. Darn good. It's the holidays and I wanted a treat.
Here's my perspective: I had one glass of wine, mixed with sprite for a spritzer. I ate dinner before I went to the party. AND I had a killer workout this morning. I practised what I preached.
If we constantly make ourselves feel guilty for small slip-ups, then we are bound to fail in the long run. A healthy lifestyle is not a sprint, it's a marathon. I ate two petit fours (ok three) and I am no worse for the wear. I have a class tomorrow that will burn up those calories lickety split and will vow to eat conservatively. I'm absolved of my diet sins.
And, to my naked stretcher that caught me chocolate-handed as it were, I am so glad that you follow my blog. I am glad that you helped me see perspective on guilt. And of course, I knew you were kidding! To err is to be human. Tomorrow is a new day and a new workout!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
December 18: Visions of Sugarplums
Baby Elvis has decided that sleep is not necessary. In fact, it is for the weak. He is strong and therefore needs no sleep. His Mommy apparently doesn’t need sleep either. I am hanging on by a thread in the sanity department.
This recent lack of sleep has gotten me to start thinking about the days where I would sleep in until I felt like arising (looking thin and lovely in silk pajamas no less). Now, I have constant bags under my eyes, spit up marks forever on the shoulders of whatever I wear, no pants even on because I took them off midway through the evening because I still have post-prego hot flashes and I am certainly not looking nearly as thin…but it’s bliss. I love Baby Elvis more than I could even describe in words. I love being a Mommy.
Ok. Enough about me.
I want all you naked stretchers to think about sleep. It is crucial to get 6-8 hours to maintain a healthy and balanced mind and body. The holidays (parties, late-night shopping, trying to get things done at work so that you can enjoy the holidays) wreak havoc on sleep. There have been studies on sleep’s impact on maintaining a healthy weight. Check this one out:
Tonight, turn off the TV, close the laptop, turn of your cellie and GO TO BED! I will live vicariously through those sugarplums that are dancing in your heads.
This recent lack of sleep has gotten me to start thinking about the days where I would sleep in until I felt like arising (looking thin and lovely in silk pajamas no less). Now, I have constant bags under my eyes, spit up marks forever on the shoulders of whatever I wear, no pants even on because I took them off midway through the evening because I still have post-prego hot flashes and I am certainly not looking nearly as thin…but it’s bliss. I love Baby Elvis more than I could even describe in words. I love being a Mommy.
Ok. Enough about me.
I want all you naked stretchers to think about sleep. It is crucial to get 6-8 hours to maintain a healthy and balanced mind and body. The holidays (parties, late-night shopping, trying to get things done at work so that you can enjoy the holidays) wreak havoc on sleep. There have been studies on sleep’s impact on maintaining a healthy weight. Check this one out:
Tonight, turn off the TV, close the laptop, turn of your cellie and GO TO BED! I will live vicariously through those sugarplums that are dancing in your heads.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December 17: HOT Holiday
Simple tip today: Drink hot cocoa as a treat in the evening before bed. There are some delicious low-sugar or no sugar varieties out there. It will be a special little holiday treat that satisfies the sweet tooth without packing on too many calories.
Ooohh drink it by the fire for even more HOT holiday fun!
Ooohh drink it by the fire for even more HOT holiday fun!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December 16: In the mood
When do you tend to do the most snacking? For me it’s right before dinner. I wait for the ad man hub to get home from work and nibble on crackers, pretzels, craisins – anything that is seemingly small. All those “small” snack add up to overeating, though.
During the holidays there is so much to keep us busy – wrapping presents, decorating, calling old friends, shopping, looking at Christmas lights, etc. Find a holiday-esque activity to keep your mind off food. All these fun things will put you in the mood. Well, not that kind of mood. The holiday spirit kind of mood.
During the holidays there is so much to keep us busy – wrapping presents, decorating, calling old friends, shopping, looking at Christmas lights, etc. Find a holiday-esque activity to keep your mind off food. All these fun things will put you in the mood. Well, not that kind of mood. The holiday spirit kind of mood.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December 15: Avoid Diet Sabotagers
You know the friend that always orders dessert, no matter the occasion? The waiter comes to clear your plates and asks if you want dessert and she glares at you with a look that says you had better eat some of this chocolate cake with me or I will "unfriend" you on Facebook. She is a Diet Sabotager. She preys on your weaknesses and exploits them with her sugary talons.
This holiday season, you are bound to go to a few special dinners or lunches with friends to exchange gifts and spread oodles of merriment. My tip today is to be the first one to order. She who orders first sets the tone for what everyone else orders. Think about it, if your friend orders a salad first, then you feel like a piggy if you order a burger and fries as said friend sits there munching on healthy greens. Same thing goes with the person who orders dessert. When that waiter (who just wants the tip to grow) drones on about how delicious the chocolate molten lava cake is, be the first to say NO to dessert. Or even tell our friend the annoying waiter when you order the main course. Say "hey there, we don't want dessert, so don't tempt us!" He or she will just have to deal with it.
I've done this and generally they laugh and say "on a diet, huh?" And you can say, "no, I just like to stretch naked..."
This holiday season, you are bound to go to a few special dinners or lunches with friends to exchange gifts and spread oodles of merriment. My tip today is to be the first one to order. She who orders first sets the tone for what everyone else orders. Think about it, if your friend orders a salad first, then you feel like a piggy if you order a burger and fries as said friend sits there munching on healthy greens. Same thing goes with the person who orders dessert. When that waiter (who just wants the tip to grow) drones on about how delicious the chocolate molten lava cake is, be the first to say NO to dessert. Or even tell our friend the annoying waiter when you order the main course. Say "hey there, we don't want dessert, so don't tempt us!" He or she will just have to deal with it.
I've done this and generally they laugh and say "on a diet, huh?" And you can say, "no, I just like to stretch naked..."
Monday, December 14, 2009
December 14: Best and Worst Holiday Eats
I came across a great website that listed the best and worst things you can eat this holiday. I had to pass along...
Offendor - Better Alternative
Cheese straws, potato chips – Pretzels, low fat popcorn, baked chips and salsa
Candied nuts or candy – Small amount of plain nuts
Fried veggies, wings with creamy or cheesy dips – Fresh fruits and veggies
Breaded or fried shrimp – Shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon
Cheese and buttery crackers – Lowfat crackers or Melba toast with low-fat cheese
Cream soups or bisques – Vegetable or broth-based soup
Sweet potato casserole – Baked sweet potatoes
Cranberry sauce in can – Cranberry relish or gelatin salad
Lots of gravy with your mashed potatoes or loaded baked potato – Mashed potatoes with a dab of gravy or a plain baked potato
Dark-meat turkey with skin – White-meat turkey without skin
Processed meats, sausages, fatty meats – Lean meats without visible fat
Veggies in cream sauces, casseroles topped with fried onions or cheese – Simply prepared veggies (no cream!)
Stuffing with sausage or high fat meat – Cornbread or fruit-based stuffing
Croissants, butter rolls – Whole-wheat dinner rolls
Pecan pie with whipped cream – Pumpkin pie with nonfat whipped topping
Ice Cream – Fruit sorbet or frozen yogurt
Eggnog – Apple cider, mimosa or bloody Mary
Fruitcake or fudge – Chocolate dipped strawberries
Source: Uhc.com
Offendor - Better Alternative
Cheese straws, potato chips – Pretzels, low fat popcorn, baked chips and salsa
Candied nuts or candy – Small amount of plain nuts
Fried veggies, wings with creamy or cheesy dips – Fresh fruits and veggies
Breaded or fried shrimp – Shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon
Cheese and buttery crackers – Lowfat crackers or Melba toast with low-fat cheese
Cream soups or bisques – Vegetable or broth-based soup
Sweet potato casserole – Baked sweet potatoes
Cranberry sauce in can – Cranberry relish or gelatin salad
Lots of gravy with your mashed potatoes or loaded baked potato – Mashed potatoes with a dab of gravy or a plain baked potato
Dark-meat turkey with skin – White-meat turkey without skin
Processed meats, sausages, fatty meats – Lean meats without visible fat
Veggies in cream sauces, casseroles topped with fried onions or cheese – Simply prepared veggies (no cream!)
Stuffing with sausage or high fat meat – Cornbread or fruit-based stuffing
Croissants, butter rolls – Whole-wheat dinner rolls
Pecan pie with whipped cream – Pumpkin pie with nonfat whipped topping
Ice Cream – Fruit sorbet or frozen yogurt
Eggnog – Apple cider, mimosa or bloody Mary
Fruitcake or fudge – Chocolate dipped strawberries
Source: Uhc.com
December 13: Breathe Deep
Stress can cause you to gain weight. Gasp. Just one more thing to worry about, right? Well, unfortunately it’s true. While avoiding stress is near impossible, take the time today to do something that relieves stress:
1. Take 10 minutes to stare, think and breathe
2. Get a massage
3. Get a pedi
4. Make the hub babysit while you go wander around Target and buy things you don’t need (I’ve never done this…)
5. Watch a silly movie (my fave is Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion. You will heart it. I promise.)
6. Have half a glass of wine (enough to relax, but without taking in too many calories or wake up with a hangover)
7. Take a bubble bath (oh and add that half glass of wine for bliss…)
8. Hug someone (the hub, your baby, a friend, it feels so good)
9. Talk to a friend on the phone for way too long. Catch up and talk about happy things, try not to complain about the hub or work. Think of all the wonderful things that are happening or you want to happen.
10. HIT THE GYM (punch it out in kickboxing, cycle in out in spin, shake it out in a dance class, or pound the pavement running. Ahhh…a hard workout will make you feel fab!)
1. Take 10 minutes to stare, think and breathe
2. Get a massage
3. Get a pedi
4. Make the hub babysit while you go wander around Target and buy things you don’t need (I’ve never done this…)
5. Watch a silly movie (my fave is Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion. You will heart it. I promise.)
6. Have half a glass of wine (enough to relax, but without taking in too many calories or wake up with a hangover)
7. Take a bubble bath (oh and add that half glass of wine for bliss…)
8. Hug someone (the hub, your baby, a friend, it feels so good)
9. Talk to a friend on the phone for way too long. Catch up and talk about happy things, try not to complain about the hub or work. Think of all the wonderful things that are happening or you want to happen.
10. HIT THE GYM (punch it out in kickboxing, cycle in out in spin, shake it out in a dance class, or pound the pavement running. Ahhh…a hard workout will make you feel fab!)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
December 12: Build Healthy Traditions
For my family and me the Holidays are all about living out time-honored traditions and making new ones. You know, like eating a bunch, taking a long nap and waking up with a cookie hangover. The only thing that cures a cookie hangover is a long hard workout...or more cookies.
Anyway, back to traditions. Since this will be Baby Elvis's first Christmas, I am in "new" tradition mode. Years from now when he looks back on Christmases past I hope that he thinks of all the fun and special things we did. And then, I hope he passes those traditions along to his family.
One hot button for me is to create healthy traditions for our family. I will bake Christmas cookies and serve eggnog, but I also want health and fitness to be ingrained in Baby Elvis's value system.
This year, we are going to go for a walk after Christmas lunch. We will break out the stroller, bundle up and walk the neighborhood to look at lights and maybe even break out into a Christmas carol or two. Insert eye rolling here. But seriously I've always wanted my family to break out into song like in a musical. We don't have to dance or anything, but singing would be fun...
I encourage you to find your own healthy tradition. It could be putting oranges in everyone's stockings (vs. candy). Maybe you gather up the fam and play a game of touch football or freeze tag after eating. There are so many things that you get everyone involved in that are both fun and are aligned with a healthy lifestyle.
Anyway, back to traditions. Since this will be Baby Elvis's first Christmas, I am in "new" tradition mode. Years from now when he looks back on Christmases past I hope that he thinks of all the fun and special things we did. And then, I hope he passes those traditions along to his family.
One hot button for me is to create healthy traditions for our family. I will bake Christmas cookies and serve eggnog, but I also want health and fitness to be ingrained in Baby Elvis's value system.
This year, we are going to go for a walk after Christmas lunch. We will break out the stroller, bundle up and walk the neighborhood to look at lights and maybe even break out into a Christmas carol or two. Insert eye rolling here. But seriously I've always wanted my family to break out into song like in a musical. We don't have to dance or anything, but singing would be fun...
I encourage you to find your own healthy tradition. It could be putting oranges in everyone's stockings (vs. candy). Maybe you gather up the fam and play a game of touch football or freeze tag after eating. There are so many things that you get everyone involved in that are both fun and are aligned with a healthy lifestyle.
Friday, December 11, 2009
December 11: Bring It
The rows of delicious cookies, trays of beautiful appetizers, creamy dips, chips, pies...
How do you survive the buffet line at that party? It's all so...good...but very bad...
The food spread at your holiday party may be stacked with unhealthy options. Don't give in and sacrifice your exercise and healthy eating regimen. Do something about it!
If you don't think that there will be healthy options at all the parties on your social calendar, then bring one. It's polite and customary to bring the host a small gift as a "thank you," right? Well, forego the wine or desserts and opt for a fruit salad, veggie tray or sugar-free jello. If you can't count on your host to think of your health, think of it yourself. It's like a little gift for you and the party attendees.
More tips coming at you tomorrow!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Survive the Holidays - Lotsa Tips
So I am behind. That's what a baby will do to you. They will steal your heart and ALL of your free time. Then when they are asleep, you rush around cleaning the house. Uff.
But, I have some great tips for you to survive the holidays, it's like opening a bunch of presents all at once:
December 5 - Tip #5: Rethink your Coffee
I love Starbucks. I mean I really LOVE Starbucks. Prior to deciding to stay home with Baby Elvis, I was hitting the Buck every other day. Expensive and calorie-crazy. But I heart flavored coffees, that I felt so deprived. And those delish holiday limited time flavors, oy vay! So, I've recreated my fave lo-cal style. I make my own Peppermint Mocha with regular brewed coffee, a packet of diet hot chocolate (only 25 calories) and two sugar-free peppermints. Drop in the peppermints and the hot chocolate powder into a large coffee cup, pour hot brewed coffee overtop and enjoy. Best sipped by a roaring fire with a good book (or with your laptop surfing Stretch Naked!)
December 6 - Tip #6: Run for a Reason
We all feel charitable this time of year (as we should) and want to give. Why not give and get your workout on at the same time! Check out http://www.runontexas.com/calendar/Calendar.htm for a listing of charity runs in your area.
December 7 - Tip #7: Portion Control vs. Dieting
Don't obsess over your calorie intake this month. Just be smart. If you eat something that you know is not good for you, only eat a little. We can overeat on healthy stuff, too, so think portion control. It is a slippery slope when you "cheat" on your diet. Sometimes we allow ourselves a treat and then think "I've already screwed up, so why not go all the way." That one cookie turns into ten + a big scoop of ice cream to top it off. Don't deprive yourself, but also be smart. One cookie. Not ten. But if you do accidentally eat ten hit the gym HARD. Take your workout to the next level. This isn't punishment, it's BALANCE.
December 8 - Tip #8: Silent Night
We are so busy this time of year that we eat on the run, we snack on the go and are doing a zillion things while eating. This hurried, busy, fast eating routine will lead to overeating and lack of satisfaction. Use mealtime as a break from your busy day. Sit in your dining room (instead of in front of the TV) in silence. Enjoy each bite, think about how lucky you are for your family, your health, your son, your dog, your beautiful Christmas tree – whatever you are thankful for, think about it now. You will eat less and have a little more peace of mind. Then, put the dishes in the dishwasher and get back to the fast-pace!
December 9 - Tip #9: Hot gear for a hot workout
Have you bought a fab new outfit for the holidays? A sassy dress, super cute jeans or a short little sparkly skirt? Of course! Or at least you have put together something that you feel pretty (or handsome in), right? Can you say the same for your workout attire? So many of us wear ratty, pit-stained reject clothes to the gym. I guarantee you will look forward to and enjoy the workout more if you wear something cool. I'm a Nike nut, so am always on the lookout for cool items. Kohl's and Academy have really stylish workout gear on sale almost all the time.
If someone is bugging you about your Christmas list, ask for a gift card to a sporting goods store and get some hot tennies or new clothes. You'll run to the gym!
December 10 - Tip #10: Fill up before you party down
Holiday parties probably start for you this weekend. I know that I have two that I am planning to attend with my ad man hub (without the baby!) I'm sure my clever hostesses will have an array of delish appetizers, desserts and yummy adult beverages. In order to avoid stuffing myself into oblivion and erasing my awesome Saturday morning workout. I am going to eat before I go to the party. When you arrive super-hungry, then you are likely to gobble anything in sight. And those mini desserts/apps don't fill you up that quickly but pack a powerful punch in the calorie and fat department! Show up semi-full and have a few little treats. Your best bets are the veggie tray (obviously), shrimp, chicken skewers and mushrooms. Avoid anything creamed (like spinach dip or artichoke dip). Steer clear of meatballs, eggog and (sadly) pecan pie. A sugar cookie is just as tasty and without as much guilt. And in terms of alcohol, your lowest calorie options are diet coke and vodka, a white wine spritzer or vodka tonic. Drink responsibly!
More tips coming at you all month!
But, I have some great tips for you to survive the holidays, it's like opening a bunch of presents all at once:
December 5 - Tip #5: Rethink your Coffee
I love Starbucks. I mean I really LOVE Starbucks. Prior to deciding to stay home with Baby Elvis, I was hitting the Buck every other day. Expensive and calorie-crazy. But I heart flavored coffees, that I felt so deprived. And those delish holiday limited time flavors, oy vay! So, I've recreated my fave lo-cal style. I make my own Peppermint Mocha with regular brewed coffee, a packet of diet hot chocolate (only 25 calories) and two sugar-free peppermints. Drop in the peppermints and the hot chocolate powder into a large coffee cup, pour hot brewed coffee overtop and enjoy. Best sipped by a roaring fire with a good book (or with your laptop surfing Stretch Naked!)
December 6 - Tip #6: Run for a Reason
We all feel charitable this time of year (as we should) and want to give. Why not give and get your workout on at the same time! Check out http://www.runontexas.com/calendar/Calendar.htm for a listing of charity runs in your area.
December 7 - Tip #7: Portion Control vs. Dieting
Don't obsess over your calorie intake this month. Just be smart. If you eat something that you know is not good for you, only eat a little. We can overeat on healthy stuff, too, so think portion control. It is a slippery slope when you "cheat" on your diet. Sometimes we allow ourselves a treat and then think "I've already screwed up, so why not go all the way." That one cookie turns into ten + a big scoop of ice cream to top it off. Don't deprive yourself, but also be smart. One cookie. Not ten. But if you do accidentally eat ten hit the gym HARD. Take your workout to the next level. This isn't punishment, it's BALANCE.
December 8 - Tip #8: Silent Night
We are so busy this time of year that we eat on the run, we snack on the go and are doing a zillion things while eating. This hurried, busy, fast eating routine will lead to overeating and lack of satisfaction. Use mealtime as a break from your busy day. Sit in your dining room (instead of in front of the TV) in silence. Enjoy each bite, think about how lucky you are for your family, your health, your son, your dog, your beautiful Christmas tree – whatever you are thankful for, think about it now. You will eat less and have a little more peace of mind. Then, put the dishes in the dishwasher and get back to the fast-pace!
December 9 - Tip #9: Hot gear for a hot workout
Have you bought a fab new outfit for the holidays? A sassy dress, super cute jeans or a short little sparkly skirt? Of course! Or at least you have put together something that you feel pretty (or handsome in), right? Can you say the same for your workout attire? So many of us wear ratty, pit-stained reject clothes to the gym. I guarantee you will look forward to and enjoy the workout more if you wear something cool. I'm a Nike nut, so am always on the lookout for cool items. Kohl's and Academy have really stylish workout gear on sale almost all the time.
If someone is bugging you about your Christmas list, ask for a gift card to a sporting goods store and get some hot tennies or new clothes. You'll run to the gym!
December 10 - Tip #10: Fill up before you party down
Holiday parties probably start for you this weekend. I know that I have two that I am planning to attend with my ad man hub (without the baby!) I'm sure my clever hostesses will have an array of delish appetizers, desserts and yummy adult beverages. In order to avoid stuffing myself into oblivion and erasing my awesome Saturday morning workout. I am going to eat before I go to the party. When you arrive super-hungry, then you are likely to gobble anything in sight. And those mini desserts/apps don't fill you up that quickly but pack a powerful punch in the calorie and fat department! Show up semi-full and have a few little treats. Your best bets are the veggie tray (obviously), shrimp, chicken skewers and mushrooms. Avoid anything creamed (like spinach dip or artichoke dip). Steer clear of meatballs, eggog and (sadly) pecan pie. A sugar cookie is just as tasty and without as much guilt. And in terms of alcohol, your lowest calorie options are diet coke and vodka, a white wine spritzer or vodka tonic. Drink responsibly!
More tips coming at you all month!
Friday, December 4, 2009
December 4: Tapas anyone?
My brother-in-law and his wife are going to Spain in the Spring. What an amazing trip that will be! I got to thinking about those Spaniards. They do it right. You know?
They are famous for their Tapas. Small plates. Your chances of overeating from a small plate are drastically reduced, right? If Ibiza, Spain (and their bevy of beautiful bodies) is any testiment to diet success, then we gotta give it a shot.
My tip today is to dish out your meals onto a SMALL plate. You know those small plates that came with your dish set that you only use for toast or a piece of cake? Use THAT plate for dinner or lunch. You can fill it completely and give the illusion that you are eating more. If you use a large dinner plate and leave it only half-full, then you feel like you are being deprived. Rule of thumb: Your protein (lean) should be the size of your fist, 1/2 - 3/4 of your plate should be filled with veggies and the remaining portion should be a light starch (small sweet potato, brown rice, etc.)
And to my diet cheaters out there, yes you could pile up that small plate with fried, creamy, buttery and fatty. But, hold yourself accountable this season!
If you are feeling extra special festive, eat your dinner, then throw the plate against the wall - Opa! Do this at your own risk...
They are famous for their Tapas. Small plates. Your chances of overeating from a small plate are drastically reduced, right? If Ibiza, Spain (and their bevy of beautiful bodies) is any testiment to diet success, then we gotta give it a shot.
My tip today is to dish out your meals onto a SMALL plate. You know those small plates that came with your dish set that you only use for toast or a piece of cake? Use THAT plate for dinner or lunch. You can fill it completely and give the illusion that you are eating more. If you use a large dinner plate and leave it only half-full, then you feel like you are being deprived. Rule of thumb: Your protein (lean) should be the size of your fist, 1/2 - 3/4 of your plate should be filled with veggies and the remaining portion should be a light starch (small sweet potato, brown rice, etc.)
And to my diet cheaters out there, yes you could pile up that small plate with fried, creamy, buttery and fatty. But, hold yourself accountable this season!
If you are feeling extra special festive, eat your dinner, then throw the plate against the wall - Opa! Do this at your own risk...
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Start Today: 25 Tips for Surving the Holidays Sans Extra Weight
Coming off the Thanksgiving weekend and then my birthday, I had one of those epiphany moments. You know the ones where the sun shines a little brighter and your head becomes clear (and you might even start skipping)? Well, maybe not the skipping part, but I had a moment. So, I ate my way through the past week. Let me outline my indiscretions (although mine are nothing like Tiger’s of late):
Thanksgiving – Your traditional calorie-laden fare + two pieces of pie.
Friday – Sticky buns for breakfast, pizza for dinner + dessert
Saturday – Mexican food, turkey pot pie + dessert
Sunday – Pasta, garlic bread + dessert
Monday – dessert
Tuesday – dessert
Wednesday (my birthday) ¬– Mexican food, wine + LOTS of dessert
Ok, here we are on Thursday and I had that epiphany thing. It’s the holidays, the food temptations are around every corner – the candy dish at the office, the tempting appetizers at all those holiday parties, the special lunches with friends, the happy hours, the cookies that you have to bake so that your children get a special holiday…it goes on and on! Well, I am not going to pretend that I will skip those delicious cookies with the Hershey kiss pressed into the top. I am just going to have to balance it out. Smart. Thus my epiphany. I’m not going to give in and say “starting January 1 [insert good intention here]…” I’m starting NOW. I’m going to balance treats and holiday fare with good habits and strong workouts.
To my credit of those 7 days of shoveling garbage into my stomach, I worked out a lot. I even worked out on my birthday, at 6 AM nonetheless – a commendable feat.
Rather than waiting until January 1st to get in gear, join me and start now. No excuses. There are so many ways to survive the holidays without gaining weight.
My naked stretchers, you are in luck, I’m going to uncover these tips and share them with you. It’s about balance. Like an advent calendar, I am going to reveal a new tip each day leading up to Christmas. How fun, right!?
Stay tuned and stay warm. It’s actually pretty darn cold in Dallas!
Here are the 3 tips for December 1-3:
Tip #1: Make a pot of soup on Sunday and eat it every day for lunch. It’s so easy to give in and go out with the group to any number of diet torture chambers (i.e., restaurants), but think of your soup as gaining valuable time (and avoiding disastrous calories). You can get more done at the office and leave earlier if you work through lunch! Leave early to get to the mall OR the gym!
I like to make tortilla soup and eat it with baked chips and avocado. Here’s my recipe:
Ingredients
Chicken breasts baked and cubed (one breast per person), just season with salt and pepper before baking
3 cans diced tomatoes (low sodium)
1 can water (use the same can from the tomatoes)
2 small cans low sodium/low fat chicken broth
1-2 jars of prepared salsa (I like On the Border Mild)
5-6 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
1 can of corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup chopped carrots
1 large white onion, chopped
Directions
Season raw, thawed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Bake chicken at 325 degrees. Let cool and chop into cubes. In a large pot, add a touch of vegetable oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrots and corn until slightly browned. Add all other ingredients (chicken, tomatoes, water, chicken broth, salsa, black beans and tortillas) and simmer for 1-2 hours on low heat. Note that the corn tortilla pieces will thicken up the soup and give it a nice corn flavor. Mmmm...
Garnish with any or all of the following...
Avocado, sliced
Shredded cheddar cheese (light)
Baked tortilla chips
Cilantro
Taste-y!
Tip #2: Try a two-a-day workout. Sounds crazy and like you are on a high school football team or something, but it is totally doable. Wake up a little early in the morning and go for a brisk jog around your block. 15-20 minutes ought to do the trick. Plus the cool air will wake you right up! Bring your iPod tuned up with some Christmas music and you will get in the spirit, too!
Then fit in your regular workout during your lunch break or after work. It is so tempting to skip the gym this time of year to tackle that long to-do list, but that is the worst thing you can do. You are so busy doing things for others, you forget yourself (and your health in the mix). Be a little selfish and keep yourself accountable to – well – yourself.
Tip #3: Try taking the stairs, parking as far away from the entrance as possible in parking lots and walking to talk to people in the office instead of calling or emailing them. Weight loss and maintenance are really based on a simple principle; eat less, move more. Move more. Forget the lazy habits that technology have brought us. Take a little more time to get there and enjoy the journey and the extra calorie-burn.
Stay tuned for another tip for surviving the holidays tomorrow!
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