With the holidays comes a plethora of goodies. All sorts of tasty treats that we usually don't indulge in seem to make their way to our kitchen counters, and very frequently into our mouths. Now, I am all about moderation when it comes to eating and exercising...and I think that there is nothing wrong with allowing for occasional indulgences. HOWEVER, it seems that with the holidays there are so many reasons to indulge they become far more than occasional. As the holidays come to an end there are many thoughts of improving eating and exercise habits. This is a great thing to aspire for. With that being said, I have a little piece of advice for you.
Create for yourself a setting for success. If you have holiday treats and candies adorning your shelves and countertops, the chances of you walking by them and snagging a bite or two are a lot greater. With extra bites of treats and goodies you are stunting your progress towards improvement! So...My advice to you is to GET RID OF IT. All of it. Deplete your home of the temptations that are stopping you from getting where you want to be. I bet there is a lot of junk that you will never even miss. Do a pantry/fridge clean out of the foods that aren't doing much for you and replace them with the healthy and nutritious foods that will benefit you!
Tis the season for healthy food choices and achieving your goals!
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Muncher Cruncher Healthy Travel Tips
I am ALWAYS so excited to leave on trips. Traveling is so fun. However, I always get a little stressed too...probably because I hate packing. I leave tomorrow for my Arizona/Austin Christmas, and I can hardly wait! It was 10 degrees when I got in my car this morning...get me out of here. If you were wondering how the packing is coming, it is looking a little something like this...
and that is only just the beginning. According to my dad I have inherited my inability to pack lightly from my mother. What can I say? She is a good woman, and she always looks fantastic! :)
When it comes to traveling people will quite often use it as an excuse to throw in the healthy towel, if you know what I mean. Here are a few tips that will help you to avoid doing just that.
Muncher Cruncher Healthy Travel Tips:
- Bring your own snacks! Sometimes traveling puts us in situations where we are foodless for quite a while. These are the times we usually get so hungry that that the..."I don't even care give me that entire Cinnabon NOW," monster kicks in. Instead of letting your body get there bring your own snacks. Some of my favorites are almonds, turkey jerky, Larabars, protein bars, string cheese, apples, bananas, clementines, oranges, healthy cookies, etc.
- Bring a water bottle. When we aren't at home or in our normal element, we tend to drink much less water than normal. Bring a water bottle with you so you can fill up wherever you are and keep yourself healthy and hydrated.
- Eat before you go. If you know food may be an issue on your travel day, don't wait to see what the airport or convenience store may have that fits into your healthy eating plan, eat something beforehand that will fill you up and keep you from becoming ravenous.
- Bring your workout clothes! Even if you are going to an unknown destination in which you may not have a lot of options as far as working out is concerned, there is always something you can do. Bring your own workout DVD's, bands, or a jump rope if you are worried your options may be limited. If you are staying with family, go for a walk! If you are staying at a hotel, find out before hand what their amenities are. You can always use their gym, or swim some laps in the pool.
These are just a few simple things that you can do that can certainly make a big difference in how well you do on your vacation. I've said it about one million times, the key to success is preparation and planning. If you don't set yourself up for success, finding it may be a wee bit difficult.
Happy and SAFE travels to all those who are venturing to their Christmas destinations this week!!
When it comes to traveling people will quite often use it as an excuse to throw in the healthy towel, if you know what I mean. Here are a few tips that will help you to avoid doing just that.
Muncher Cruncher Healthy Travel Tips:
- Bring your own snacks! Sometimes traveling puts us in situations where we are foodless for quite a while. These are the times we usually get so hungry that that the..."I don't even care give me that entire Cinnabon NOW," monster kicks in. Instead of letting your body get there bring your own snacks. Some of my favorites are almonds, turkey jerky, Larabars, protein bars, string cheese, apples, bananas, clementines, oranges, healthy cookies, etc.
- Bring a water bottle. When we aren't at home or in our normal element, we tend to drink much less water than normal. Bring a water bottle with you so you can fill up wherever you are and keep yourself healthy and hydrated.
- Eat before you go. If you know food may be an issue on your travel day, don't wait to see what the airport or convenience store may have that fits into your healthy eating plan, eat something beforehand that will fill you up and keep you from becoming ravenous.
- Bring your workout clothes! Even if you are going to an unknown destination in which you may not have a lot of options as far as working out is concerned, there is always something you can do. Bring your own workout DVD's, bands, or a jump rope if you are worried your options may be limited. If you are staying with family, go for a walk! If you are staying at a hotel, find out before hand what their amenities are. You can always use their gym, or swim some laps in the pool.
These are just a few simple things that you can do that can certainly make a big difference in how well you do on your vacation. I've said it about one million times, the key to success is preparation and planning. If you don't set yourself up for success, finding it may be a wee bit difficult.
Happy and SAFE travels to all those who are venturing to their Christmas destinations this week!!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Muncher Cruncher Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
Oh my goodness...I love Christmas so much I can hardly stand it! This weekend was spent delving into all sorts of Christmas festivities! Christmas shopping...Christmas music...
Christmas treats...Christmas concerts...
Christmas wrapping...
I love it all! I really do. It really hit me this morning how magical and wonderful the Christmas season is. It is such an incredible time of gratitude, giving, and love. I hope you feel the same way!
I always like to throw out some healthy holiday gift ideas that may give you some ideas for a few items to add to your own list, or may help you to determine some fun things to give your family members and friends this year to keep them feeling and looking great! In no particular order...
Muncher Cruncher 2012 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
1. Gift cards to healthy restaurants or health food stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, etc.)
2. A gym membership or class passes
3. Healthy Treats (fresh fruit, nuts, natural foods, popcorn, nut butters, etc.)
4. New workout clothes/shoes
5. An Ipod or MP3 player
6. New workout headphones
7. A new gym bag
8. Gift card for Itunes
9. Workout socks
10. Water bottle
11. Exercise DVD's
12. A Foam roller
13. A gift certificate for a spa treatment or massage
14. Fitness & health related books
15. Cold weather workout accessories (hat, gloves, scarf, neck warmer)
16. Garmin
17. Heart rate monitor
18. Exerspy
19. Subscriptions to healthy eating or fitness related magazines
20. At home workout gear (kettle bell, TRX trainer, dumbbells, treadmill, elliptical, bike, etc.)
21. Skincare products
22. Healthy cookbooks
23. Fun headbands, hats, hair elastics
24. Lift tickets to a local resort
25. Outdoor sport gear (snowboard, skis, snowshoes)
26. A road bike (If you'd like to get me this I would gladly accept...) ;)
Hopefully these ideas help you find ways to give and receive the gift of health this year!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Beware: The Holidays are Heavily Upon Us
If you haven't noticed, we are in full swing of the holidays. I love it. I love it. I love it! I hope you are loving it too! It is definitely the time of year that stresses people out the most as far as their health is concerned. We seem to have less time to work out, and the food is abundantly before us. So much food...everywhere...and most of it is not greens and lean protein. Just saying. When times get crazy (and the food abundance gets crazier) a reminder of a few healthy holiday tips might just be beneficial.
Don't skip meals. Instead of not eating all day to "save up" your calories, try to eat clean and healthy (and normally) and when you get to your holiday parties eat sensibly. If you skip meals you will be more likely to overeat when you get to your holiday functions.
Journal your food. You may consider this a nuisance, but if you are wanting to avoid the extra calories from excess bites here and there, the best way to do so is to write down your caloric intake. Keeping a food journal can help you to be more aware of what is going into your mouth.
Make your food choices worth it. There is going to be an abundance of sweets and junk, that is just the way it is. However, not all of it is going to be worth it. If there is some kind of sweet treat or divine indulgence that you make once a year and absolutely die for, by all means, have some. If you arrive at party with a table full of day old store bought cookies, passing them up is probably going to be OK.
Get moving. When time seems short, the first thing that we let fall through the cracks is our workout time. Don't let this be the case. Try to keep your workouts regular, and you will feel so much better. (Especially if you aren't eating as well as you usually do.) If you don't have lots of time for exercise, get your family moving instead. Make some holiday memories by going snowshoeing, walk around the neighborhood to look at the lights, deliver your neighborhood treats on foot, go ice skating, etc.
Try to get some sleep. Believe it or not there is a direct correlation between not getting enough sleep, and not losing weight. Your body needs your sleep time to recharge and repair itself.
Get adequate amounts of sleep and you will help keep your body in a healthy place during the holidays, and your mood will be better too!
Bring your own healthy additions to the holiday spread. If you are attending a holiday party, bring a healthy side, salad, or appetizer to share. If you do this you will know that there is something there that you can eat and feel good about. Veggie trays and fruit platters are a great and easy contribution.
Don't give up! The worst thing you can do is throw in the towel, and say you'll start over in January. Just keep going doing the best you can, and then sure...kick it into high gear in January. There is no reason not to continue on with your progress throughout the holiday season. It IS possible!
Have a happy, healthy, holiday season!
Journal your food. You may consider this a nuisance, but if you are wanting to avoid the extra calories from excess bites here and there, the best way to do so is to write down your caloric intake. Keeping a food journal can help you to be more aware of what is going into your mouth.
Make your food choices worth it. There is going to be an abundance of sweets and junk, that is just the way it is. However, not all of it is going to be worth it. If there is some kind of sweet treat or divine indulgence that you make once a year and absolutely die for, by all means, have some. If you arrive at party with a table full of day old store bought cookies, passing them up is probably going to be OK.
Get moving. When time seems short, the first thing that we let fall through the cracks is our workout time. Don't let this be the case. Try to keep your workouts regular, and you will feel so much better. (Especially if you aren't eating as well as you usually do.) If you don't have lots of time for exercise, get your family moving instead. Make some holiday memories by going snowshoeing, walk around the neighborhood to look at the lights, deliver your neighborhood treats on foot, go ice skating, etc.
Try to get some sleep. Believe it or not there is a direct correlation between not getting enough sleep, and not losing weight. Your body needs your sleep time to recharge and repair itself.
Get adequate amounts of sleep and you will help keep your body in a healthy place during the holidays, and your mood will be better too!
Bring your own healthy additions to the holiday spread. If you are attending a holiday party, bring a healthy side, salad, or appetizer to share. If you do this you will know that there is something there that you can eat and feel good about. Veggie trays and fruit platters are a great and easy contribution.
Don't give up! The worst thing you can do is throw in the towel, and say you'll start over in January. Just keep going doing the best you can, and then sure...kick it into high gear in January. There is no reason not to continue on with your progress throughout the holiday season. It IS possible!
Have a happy, healthy, holiday season!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Let Them Eat Turkey!
Thanksgiving dinner most definitely happened here. I think I am still full from it.
We ate outside, which was awesome. It was in the eighties, and I loved every second of it! (You know I love everything having to do with the 80's...temperature, decade, music, those born in the decade...) My job was to create the veggie tray that looked like a turkey.
Who said eating healthy wasn't fun? I think I may have a future in food art. Don't you? I was actually pretty close to my paleo self with my turkey day meal. The one exception being my mom's corn bread stuffing, which is absolutely to die for.
My other standard Turkey day job is to roll out the rolls. I may or may not have made some as large as footballs...your welcome family. My nephew Blake, threw down about five of them...nbd.
Yes, that is a roll in his hands. It is smothered in my mom's homemade jam. Elaine doesn't disappoint! I had so much fun spending the day with my family, and then of course getting to relax with a full tummy!
The Smith Family turns out some good people, I must say.
And let's be honest, I don't hate winning at all... ;)
It was such a great holiday! I have so much to be grateful for! I hope your holiday was just as fabulous! :)
We spent a lot of the day playing games. Our traditional bocce tourney was so much fun...maybe because I won...
Friday, November 16, 2012
Friday Favorites
I get a lot of questions about my favorite this or that, so I thought I'd give you a list of some of my favorites as of late.
Snacks:
- Oh Boy Oh Berto Natural Teriyaki Turkey Jerky. I get the double pack of this from Costco because it is a smoking deal, and it helps me to be sure I get some protein in me even when I am really low on time.
- Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds. I LOVE these. LOVE . LOVE. LOVE. I love almonds anyways, but these have a little sweetness to them, and they can come to the rescue for chocolate cravings.
- Baby Carrots. I go through phases with these. I try not to overdose on the carrots because they are a little higher in sugars and carbohydrates, but they are another easy way to get some nutrients on the go.
- Pink Lady apples. Oh my delicious. If you want a crisp apple, these are AWESOME.
- String Cheese. Apparently I've been in a big hurry lately, because this is another portable snack I can grab and eat as I am running out the door. Easy and delicious.
Exercises:
- Kettle Bell Lunge Passes. You could do these with a single dumbbell as well. Start standing with the kettle bell in your right hand. Step back into a reverse lunge with your right leg, pass the kettle bell underneath your left leg to your right hand, and return to standing. Repeat the same motion, stepping back with your left leg, and passing the kettle bell under your right leg to your right hand.
- Walking push up pyramid. Start standing. With legs as straight as possible bend over and put your hands on the ground. Walk out to a push up position. Do 10 push ups. Walk the hands back, and stand again. Repeat, and on the next round do 9 push ups, then 8, 7, etc. Stopping at 1.
- Burpees with a pushup. Sucky as they may be, they make for an awesome addition to any workout.
(Although my clients may disagree)
Athleticwear:
- Nike climacool half zip pullover. (As seen here) It has thumb holes. Who doesn't love thumb holes?
- Nike Free's (Sans Halloween socks)
- North Face Coat. This becomes a part of my winter uniform because it keeps me so warm! Best purchase ever. If you don't have a winter coat, you should probably consider this one.
Snacks:
- Oh Boy Oh Berto Natural Teriyaki Turkey Jerky. I get the double pack of this from Costco because it is a smoking deal, and it helps me to be sure I get some protein in me even when I am really low on time.
- Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds. I LOVE these. LOVE . LOVE. LOVE. I love almonds anyways, but these have a little sweetness to them, and they can come to the rescue for chocolate cravings.
- Baby Carrots. I go through phases with these. I try not to overdose on the carrots because they are a little higher in sugars and carbohydrates, but they are another easy way to get some nutrients on the go.
- Pink Lady apples. Oh my delicious. If you want a crisp apple, these are AWESOME.
- String Cheese. Apparently I've been in a big hurry lately, because this is another portable snack I can grab and eat as I am running out the door. Easy and delicious.
Exercises:
- Kettle Bell Lunge Passes. You could do these with a single dumbbell as well. Start standing with the kettle bell in your right hand. Step back into a reverse lunge with your right leg, pass the kettle bell underneath your left leg to your right hand, and return to standing. Repeat the same motion, stepping back with your left leg, and passing the kettle bell under your right leg to your right hand.
- Walking push up pyramid. Start standing. With legs as straight as possible bend over and put your hands on the ground. Walk out to a push up position. Do 10 push ups. Walk the hands back, and stand again. Repeat, and on the next round do 9 push ups, then 8, 7, etc. Stopping at 1.
- Burpees with a pushup. Sucky as they may be, they make for an awesome addition to any workout.
(Although my clients may disagree)
Athleticwear:
- Nike climacool half zip pullover. (As seen here) It has thumb holes. Who doesn't love thumb holes?
- North Face Coat. This becomes a part of my winter uniform because it keeps me so warm! Best purchase ever. If you don't have a winter coat, you should probably consider this one.
This pic was taken tonight at the Riverwoods holiday lighting celebration. Christmas is upon us my friend, and I couldn't be happier.
Songs:
- Jump, Rihanna. My neighbor just showed me this one, and it was insta-love. AMAZING.
- The Lucky One, Taylor Swift.
- Die Young, Ke$ha. Maybe I should start spelling my last name with a dollar sign . $mith is way cooler than Smith.
I hope your weekend is Amazing! TGIF!!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thanksgiving Preparation
It almost seems like Thanksgiving and Christmas have been rolled into one 5 week celebration. I don't hate it. So, this post technically could be titled Thanksgiving AND Christmas preparation. Either way you look at it, the holidays are charging at us, and so are all of the parties, dessert trays, neighborhood gifts, Costco samples, and seasonal goodies that come with it.
As you know, I LOVE all holidays. It is just in my blood. I get SO excited to decorate, celebrate, bake, and enjoy the festivities of the season with the people I love. I assume many of you feel the same way. With the holidays come a lot of fun and fabulous traditions. Many families have certain foods they love to eat, parties that they always attend, and outings that occurs each year. With these traditions come a lot of traditional holiday goodies, and often we find ourselves using the holidays as an excuse to go buckwild at the dessert table. Many people even decide to throw in the towel, and start saying things like..."I'll just start over for New Years." Oh if I had a dollar for every time I have heard that one. Let's make that ten dollars, I might as well make the big bucks.
While New Years is a fabulous time to refresh goals, and get revamped for progress that is coming ahead, why not keep making progress through the holiday season instead of setting yourself back. Here are a few ideas that may help keep you moving forward. For Christmas this year, you should give yourself some healthy progress or some weight loss!
1. Set guidelines now. Make some goals for yourself as to how you are going to plow through the holidays with ease. Maybe your goal will be to allow yourself one dessert a week, or you may even want to decide that you are not going to partake of all of the neighborhood goodies that come your way... GASP!?!?!?!...I know. I said progress...remember?
2. Make exercise a priority. As times get busy with holiday fun, or schedules become extremely full. With these full schedules we start shuffling things around, and quite often exercise seems to fall of the to do list. Don't let it! It may be a good idea to try to get your workout in first thing in the morning to make certain that you don't get to the end of the day and find that you are out of time.
3. Choose to keep your family and friends active. Add some new traditions to your family fun like skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, neighborhood Christmas light walks, and hiking to cut down your own Christmas tree. There are more holiday traditions than the ones that just involve eating. Weird, I know.
4. Stay in check. Make a schedule that allows you to visibly cross off your exercise, weigh yourself, track your food, or whatever else helps to keep you honest.
5. WATCH YOUR SNEAKY HANDS. I can't emphasize this one enough. Dessert trays, bags of treats, food preparation, and any other events with food can allow for forgetful hands. What do I mean by this? I mean that it is really easy to grab little handfuls, bites, and tastes here and there without even thinking about it. Be aware of what you are eating! Little bites (especially of decadent sweets) quickly add up.
As you know, I LOVE all holidays. It is just in my blood. I get SO excited to decorate, celebrate, bake, and enjoy the festivities of the season with the people I love. I assume many of you feel the same way. With the holidays come a lot of fun and fabulous traditions. Many families have certain foods they love to eat, parties that they always attend, and outings that occurs each year. With these traditions come a lot of traditional holiday goodies, and often we find ourselves using the holidays as an excuse to go buckwild at the dessert table. Many people even decide to throw in the towel, and start saying things like..."I'll just start over for New Years." Oh if I had a dollar for every time I have heard that one. Let's make that ten dollars, I might as well make the big bucks.
While New Years is a fabulous time to refresh goals, and get revamped for progress that is coming ahead, why not keep making progress through the holiday season instead of setting yourself back. Here are a few ideas that may help keep you moving forward. For Christmas this year, you should give yourself some healthy progress or some weight loss!
1. Set guidelines now. Make some goals for yourself as to how you are going to plow through the holidays with ease. Maybe your goal will be to allow yourself one dessert a week, or you may even want to decide that you are not going to partake of all of the neighborhood goodies that come your way... GASP!?!?!?!...I know. I said progress...remember?
2. Make exercise a priority. As times get busy with holiday fun, or schedules become extremely full. With these full schedules we start shuffling things around, and quite often exercise seems to fall of the to do list. Don't let it! It may be a good idea to try to get your workout in first thing in the morning to make certain that you don't get to the end of the day and find that you are out of time.
3. Choose to keep your family and friends active. Add some new traditions to your family fun like skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, neighborhood Christmas light walks, and hiking to cut down your own Christmas tree. There are more holiday traditions than the ones that just involve eating. Weird, I know.
4. Stay in check. Make a schedule that allows you to visibly cross off your exercise, weigh yourself, track your food, or whatever else helps to keep you honest.
5. WATCH YOUR SNEAKY HANDS. I can't emphasize this one enough. Dessert trays, bags of treats, food preparation, and any other events with food can allow for forgetful hands. What do I mean by this? I mean that it is really easy to grab little handfuls, bites, and tastes here and there without even thinking about it. Be aware of what you are eating! Little bites (especially of decadent sweets) quickly add up.
Alright Holiday Season...Here we go. Let's DO THIS!! One wintery step at a time.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Weekend Weather and Wednesday Wonders
So if you weren't in Utah this weekend, you missed out on QUITE the
storm. My sweet and darling family was in town, so we all were able to
enjoy it together!
They were here visiting from Arizona, so they were thrilled to see a
white out. If only I shared the same enthusiasm.
But it does look pretty...from the inside?
Some of you have wondered about some healthy and delicious recipes for the upcoming holiday season, and so I thought I'd share some of my favorites...
Appetizers:
Sides:
Desserts:
- English
Trifle- Healthy Banana Puff Pillow cookies
- Cinnamon Bun Cake
Make your holiday preparations smart ones! xoxoxo
Thursday, November 1, 2012
New Start November
Welcome to November. WTF? How in the world is it already November? I feel like time has flown by?? The past couple months have been a little crazy for me for a wide variety of reasons. Between traveling, birthdays, emotional chaos, and everything else in between...I feel like my diet has been mediocre. I have still stayed paleo, I've kept up with my working out, and I'm sure to some people my efforts would be great. However, I don't feel like I've done as well as I could have, and I want to get back to feeling like myself again. So...I bring you...
Remember how yesterday was Halloween? Chances are you may have indulged a little more than you wanted to, so if you'd like to jump on board with me, feel free! Today is a new day, a new month, and a new beginning.
My focus points for the month...
- Cut out mindless snacking (this is my weakness...bored/emotional eating)
- Pay attention to hunger signals
- Get in 3 circuit workouts and 3 interval cardio workout per week
- Drink more water
Basically...just get back to being on top of things! It makes me feel better. :) Do you have any goals that you would like to set for New Start November? I'd love to hear them!
Also...It's hard to believe that just a couple weeks ago I was in New York enjoying pretty blue skies.
I send all my love and prayers to anyone on the east coast dealing with the terrible storms!
New Start November.
Remember how yesterday was Halloween? Chances are you may have indulged a little more than you wanted to, so if you'd like to jump on board with me, feel free! Today is a new day, a new month, and a new beginning.
My focus points for the month...
- Cut out mindless snacking (this is my weakness...bored/emotional eating)
- Pay attention to hunger signals
- Get in 3 circuit workouts and 3 interval cardio workout per week
- Drink more water
Basically...just get back to being on top of things! It makes me feel better. :) Do you have any goals that you would like to set for New Start November? I'd love to hear them!
Also...It's hard to believe that just a couple weeks ago I was in New York enjoying pretty blue skies.
I send all my love and prayers to anyone on the east coast dealing with the terrible storms!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
If You Didn't Know, Dancing is Good Cardio
So, I have a secret. I LOVE a good dance party. I don't care if it's in the kitchen, my car, or in the neighbors living room...or in this case...at a cabin in the woods. We had our annual themed Halloween party this past weekend, and we may or may not have danced the night away. It is a GREAT workout. I will tell you that.
Last year for our party we did the WWII theme, and it was so fun. This year we had a Twenties Gatsby party, and it didn't disappoint.
Food, friends, fun, and like I said...a lot of dancing. Such a good time. :) If you can't make it to the gym and you want to burn a few, just turn up the jams and get low! Oh...and if you are looking for away to avoid snacking at a Halloween party, just wear some finger gloves. I didn't touch any of the appetizers because it was too much work. ;) Happy Halloween Eve!
Last year for our party we did the WWII theme, and it was so fun. This year we had a Twenties Gatsby party, and it didn't disappoint.
Monday, October 29, 2012
So much candy...so many calories...
Halloween is in the air. If you haven't already celebrated five times over, this sugary season is sure to hit you sooner or later. I know I have already done my share of celebrating.
I have a lot of my clients tell me some of the following obstacles that can thwart healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle during the holidays...
- Halloween is centered around candy. Hence; candy is everywhere.
- There are a million parties/functions/get togethers (all of which serve a million desserts.)
- Handing out candy to little trick or treaters means leftover candy, which means bite size pieces of candy for snacking.
- Halloween candy usually comes individually wrapped. One grab here, and one grab there doesn't seem like a big deal. (Unfortunately, all those "grabs" add up.)
- Fall food and treats are delicious. Pumpkin anythings just smells and tastes fantastic.
Now...I get it. I promise. Just because I choose not to eat candy and desserts, doesn't mean I don't understand the temptation and draw to deliciously decadent pumpkin flavored desserts and bite sized Snickers. Yum. BUT...I also know the benefit that you can receive from NOT gorging yourself on Halloween candy. Click HERE for some excellent Halloween help tips from years past.
As for this years tips, I'm going to keep it simple. Focus on your goals. Don't go crazy like a kid in Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory. When all is said and done and it is November 1st, chances are you won't remember what you did and didn't eat on Halloween. So...maybe you don't HAAAAVE to have that doughnut, cookie, candybar, handful of candy corn, and caramel apple...just saying.
Don't forget to enter this October's Mix Giveaway!
Our Gatsby Halloween Party this past weekend was amazing...there are more pics where that came from I promise. :)
I have a lot of my clients tell me some of the following obstacles that can thwart healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle during the holidays...
- Halloween is centered around candy. Hence; candy is everywhere.
- There are a million parties/functions/get togethers (all of which serve a million desserts.)
- Handing out candy to little trick or treaters means leftover candy, which means bite size pieces of candy for snacking.
- Halloween candy usually comes individually wrapped. One grab here, and one grab there doesn't seem like a big deal. (Unfortunately, all those "grabs" add up.)
- Fall food and treats are delicious. Pumpkin anythings just smells and tastes fantastic.
Now...I get it. I promise. Just because I choose not to eat candy and desserts, doesn't mean I don't understand the temptation and draw to deliciously decadent pumpkin flavored desserts and bite sized Snickers. Yum. BUT...I also know the benefit that you can receive from NOT gorging yourself on Halloween candy. Click HERE for some excellent Halloween help tips from years past.
As for this years tips, I'm going to keep it simple. Focus on your goals. Don't go crazy like a kid in Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory. When all is said and done and it is November 1st, chances are you won't remember what you did and didn't eat on Halloween. So...maybe you don't HAAAAVE to have that doughnut, cookie, candybar, handful of candy corn, and caramel apple...just saying.
Don't forget to enter this October's Mix Giveaway!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Finishing the 4th!!
The Beach Boys definitely brought it Last night! The fireworks did not disappoint either! The Stadium of Fire was awesome! We got some more exercise in by biking to the stadium to avoid traffic, and then hiking ALL the way to the top. When people suggest parking far away as a healthy tip for life, they should suggest sitting far away too...that was a lot of stairs.
I went to the show with my darling friend Amanda, and my cute mom and pops.
I have a small obsession with fireworks, and by small I mean that I cannot stop "oohhing and ahhhing" the entire time. I just think they are SO incredibly beautiful!
I hope that the rest of your celebration was fabulous, festive, and full of fireworks!
DAY #5: 5 burpees with a pushup
These are AWESOME to add into your lifting workout to make it a circuit workout. Try inserting five or ten burpees with a pushup in between sets of exercises, and you will have your heart rate sky rocketing!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Happy 4th!!
I love the 4th of July. I really really do. I love the patriotism, the fabulous red white and blue clothing choices that come out of the woodwork, the bbq's, the pool parties, and OF COURSE the fireworks. I am ecstatic about tonight because I know that there are great fireworks in store! My fourth of July activities for today were a little out of the norm, but so much fun!
My friends and I decided to hike Stewart Falls, and it was so beautiful. We weren't the only ones with that idea...It was awesome to see a lot of families out getting their exercise on together!
It was such a beautiful hike! If you are ever in UT, take the time to get out there and do it!
It is very easy to get together with our friends and family and gather around food. We do it all the time, and of course it is so fun. However, every now and again, decide to get out and do something active with your family instead!
The July challenge continues...
Tonight I'm going to The Stadium of Fire. SO FUN! I can't wait for all of the patriotic festivities! Happy 4th of July!
My friends and I decided to hike Stewart Falls, and it was so beautiful. We weren't the only ones with that idea...It was awesome to see a lot of families out getting their exercise on together!
Thanks to my friend Scott for documenting the whole hike!
The July challenge continues...
Day #4: Four lengths of walking lunges.
Find a long hallway and lunge down and back four times. Carry dumbbells if you need to make it more difficult. You should end up doing around 50 lunges :)Tonight I'm going to The Stadium of Fire. SO FUN! I can't wait for all of the patriotic festivities! Happy 4th of July!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday St. George Outings
I saw on a friends instagram that the weather in Provo was not so great while we were away...which makes me glad that we got away to enjoy some warm sunshine.
We spent Sunday doing some more relaxing and exploring.
We spent Sunday doing some more relaxing and exploring.
It was an absolutely beautiful day.
Happy Memorial Day to You!
Click HERE for some Memorial Day Recipe Inspiration!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Weekending and Tips for Eating Out
About 15 of my fabulous friends and I decided to take off to St. George this weekend to enjoy some care free sunshine. I am a huge fan of road trips, especially when they include all of my favorite people.
After we arrived to our condo we took all watched a movie/took a nap, and then I talked my friend Amanda into doing a circuit workout with me. We headed down to the resort gym and this was our view...not bad, right?
Amanda and I made it through a series of cardio intervals with burpees, pushups, squats, and some weights. I absolutely love having people to workout out with me. It makes getting through a workout so much more fun.
A workout is always by some good relaxation and a good meal...both of which we nailed perfectly.
I am usually not a huge Texas Roadhouse fan...GASPS...I know. Probably because I knew I was going to have to smell those cinnamon buttery rolls without delving in. However, I ordered a baked sweet potato and some fresh veggies and it hit the spot. Just another reminder to me that if you are willing to put some effort forth, you can almost ALWAYS find something healthy to eat on the menu. The safest bets when eating out...
- Dishes that are NOT a combination of lots of different things. AKA...noodles covered in cream, doused with fried shrimp and cheese. A better option? A grilled cut of meat with veggies. Ask to have your veggies steamed without butter.
- Avoid the pre-meal binge fest that can get a little out of control. With restaurants that serve appetizers before your meal like a loaf of bread, chips, or rolls, it is SO easy to sit down and dive in out of sheer starvation. If you feel like you are lacking self control, ask your waiter to skip the appetizer and order your meals right away.
- Watch your portions. Ask for a lunch portion, or ask your waiter to bring a to go box with your meal. As soon as you start to eat. take half of your food and box it up so you don't overeat.
- Remember that eating out doesn't have to mean taking a vacation from the healthy lifestyle you are trying to live. You can eat out and be healthy too! Far too many people use eating out as their excuse to choosing foods that aren't a great option. Using this excuse every now and again is fine, but when it happens ALL the time you are only stopping yourself from making any progress! A few healthy choices can go a LONG way!
I hope your Memorial Day Weekend has been great so far!
Do you tend to choose healthy options when you go out to eat, or do you fall victim to the vacation eating mentality? What helps you to make good decisions when you are ordering at restaurants?
Don't forget to enter May's Music to Move to Mix Giveaway!
After we arrived to our condo we took all watched a movie/took a nap, and then I talked my friend Amanda into doing a circuit workout with me. We headed down to the resort gym and this was our view...not bad, right?
Group gaming on the Ipad followed by some Texas Roadhouse.
- Dishes that are NOT a combination of lots of different things. AKA...noodles covered in cream, doused with fried shrimp and cheese. A better option? A grilled cut of meat with veggies. Ask to have your veggies steamed without butter.
- Avoid the pre-meal binge fest that can get a little out of control. With restaurants that serve appetizers before your meal like a loaf of bread, chips, or rolls, it is SO easy to sit down and dive in out of sheer starvation. If you feel like you are lacking self control, ask your waiter to skip the appetizer and order your meals right away.
- Watch your portions. Ask for a lunch portion, or ask your waiter to bring a to go box with your meal. As soon as you start to eat. take half of your food and box it up so you don't overeat.
- Remember that eating out doesn't have to mean taking a vacation from the healthy lifestyle you are trying to live. You can eat out and be healthy too! Far too many people use eating out as their excuse to choosing foods that aren't a great option. Using this excuse every now and again is fine, but when it happens ALL the time you are only stopping yourself from making any progress! A few healthy choices can go a LONG way!
I hope your Memorial Day Weekend has been great so far!
Do you tend to choose healthy options when you go out to eat, or do you fall victim to the vacation eating mentality? What helps you to make good decisions when you are ordering at restaurants?
Don't forget to enter May's Music to Move to Mix Giveaway!
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