The commercials are everywhere - and they are actually starting to get on my last healthy nerve. Fast food prices continue to drop and "good deals" are advertised constantly seeking to provide cheap meals to families during the troubled economy. As grocery bills, and especially the cost of produce, continues to rise, these "deals" may actually sound appealing to society.
My questions:
--Who can afford to buy a new (and bigger) wardrobe?
--Who can afford to buy medications or pay for medical bills as Combo #3 "supersized" messes with your health?
None of us!
WeightWatchers.com posted a great article about eating healthy during this economy. Check it out!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
I love it when you can change a man's mind...
I have been a sushi-lover for quite a while. You can't beat the health benefits! It's a filling, low-calorie meal that's high in protein, healthy fats and even has a bit of veggies.
Needless to say, if you like to go out to eat, it's a great option versus a bar and grill (our usual choice). But, turning my husband onto sushi has been quite difficult. He's very particular about fish in general, so raw fish is just that much worse. ("Is this salmon?" "It smells fishy." "Is this fresh fish?" "Are those scales?" "I think this will taste fishy.")
You get the picture. But, I've slowly turned him onto a few good sushi restaurants over the last couple of years, being sure to order him the "safe" sushi (read: no eel) and he has finally converted!
If you are new to sushi, here is a great reference. Most options are great, but as this article states, beware of those labeled "spicy" or "philly". These contain mayo or cream cheese, which adds extra fat you don't need. (Mind Over Mayo, remember?) Also, anything tempura means fried in oil! Stay away and opt for a California Roll!
http://eatthis.womenshealthmag.com/articlesDetail.php?Rainbow-Roll-1733=&page=1
Needless to say, if you like to go out to eat, it's a great option versus a bar and grill (our usual choice). But, turning my husband onto sushi has been quite difficult. He's very particular about fish in general, so raw fish is just that much worse. ("Is this salmon?" "It smells fishy." "Is this fresh fish?" "Are those scales?" "I think this will taste fishy.")
You get the picture. But, I've slowly turned him onto a few good sushi restaurants over the last couple of years, being sure to order him the "safe" sushi (read: no eel) and he has finally converted!
If you are new to sushi, here is a great reference. Most options are great, but as this article states, beware of those labeled "spicy" or "philly". These contain mayo or cream cheese, which adds extra fat you don't need. (Mind Over Mayo, remember?) Also, anything tempura means fried in oil! Stay away and opt for a California Roll!
http://eatthis.womenshealthmag.com/articlesDetail.php?Rainbow-Roll-1733=&page=1
Sunday, August 23, 2009
14-day Kickstart
I just finished my latest Boot Camp session, which once again kicked up my strength and endurance! I will be starting my third session on Sept. 8.
Until then, I needed to find something to keep me busy during my time "off". I don't want to lose everything I've gained. So, I found a great 14-day workout online that includes strength training, cardio/interval training and circuit training - all things I love to do!
I started day one yesterday and I am feeling it today! But, I'm off to the gym now to start day two. If you are looking for a kickstart or change-up to your workout plan, give this a try:
https://www.wellnessforlifecenter.com/article.cfm?ArticleID=25106
Until then, I needed to find something to keep me busy during my time "off". I don't want to lose everything I've gained. So, I found a great 14-day workout online that includes strength training, cardio/interval training and circuit training - all things I love to do!
I started day one yesterday and I am feeling it today! But, I'm off to the gym now to start day two. If you are looking for a kickstart or change-up to your workout plan, give this a try:
https://www.wellnessforlifecenter.com/article.cfm?ArticleID=25106
Monday, August 17, 2009
To cherish and protect
Do you ever get an invitation to one of those in-home "parties" and cringe? You know, the candle/food/makeup/jewelry or whatever product that your friends pedal out of their home. I cannot stand them! I always feel obligated to go and I end up buying an overpriced product that I don't want or need.
That said - and I can hardly believe my stubborn self is saying this - but, I believe I may have found a product that will change the tune I've been singing about home-based businesses. We went to a wine tasting the other day and they had several vendors there selling jewelry, crafts, lotions, etc. Usually, I browse these booths, but I'm never very interested in what they are selling. However, this time I found a great new product line that I will be integrating into my health and wellness routine. I cannot say enough about it - which is saying a lot for me! Like I said, I never get on board with these home-based businesses.
What do I love?
That said - and I can hardly believe my stubborn self is saying this - but, I believe I may have found a product that will change the tune I've been singing about home-based businesses. We went to a wine tasting the other day and they had several vendors there selling jewelry, crafts, lotions, etc. Usually, I browse these booths, but I'm never very interested in what they are selling. However, this time I found a great new product line that I will be integrating into my health and wellness routine. I cannot say enough about it - which is saying a lot for me! Like I said, I never get on board with these home-based businesses.
What do I love?
- It's hometown-based (Twin Cities).
- It's green. All products contain only plant-based, eco-friendly ingredients (no alcohol!).
- Not animal tested.
- They are anti-stress products that support my belief in health and wellness.
If you want to try it out, I highly recommend the purifying salt glow, which is what I purchased. It's AMAZING! And, my husband and I will be fighting over it because he loved it, too! It's $28 for about 80 applications. If you want to check out the entire product line, I recommend it! Again, I'm not a sales person for this company, but I cannot believe how amazing these products are!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tracking...a key to success
I get so many questions from people wondering how I've lost weight and kept it off. Or, how do I get back on track with weight loss after taking a break? Aside from actually wanting to lose weight, a significant factor is journaling or tracking what you eat, why you eat and tracking your activity level. Tracking can often be viewed as a chore. Try these tips if you want to get back to journaling, but you aren't sure how:
1) I show my journal to a friend every week, which gives me accountability.
2) If I lose weight for the week, I give myself a little reward each week. This is just a little something I wouldn't normally get for myself, but something I want like a new book or magazine, a new lipstick, etc.
3) This one is a little childish, but it works. If I have a good day, I put a sticker in my journal. This is silly, rewarding and allows me to go back and check out a good day if I'm struggling.
4) If I REALLY don't feel like tracking perfectly, I allow "guesstimates" for two meals a week. This way I don't feel deprived and knowing I don't have to be absolutely perfect every day actually takes the pressure off and makes it easier for me to stay on plan the other days of the week.
1) I show my journal to a friend every week, which gives me accountability.
2) If I lose weight for the week, I give myself a little reward each week. This is just a little something I wouldn't normally get for myself, but something I want like a new book or magazine, a new lipstick, etc.
3) This one is a little childish, but it works. If I have a good day, I put a sticker in my journal. This is silly, rewarding and allows me to go back and check out a good day if I'm struggling.
4) If I REALLY don't feel like tracking perfectly, I allow "guesstimates" for two meals a week. This way I don't feel deprived and knowing I don't have to be absolutely perfect every day actually takes the pressure off and makes it easier for me to stay on plan the other days of the week.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
People think I'm crazy...
...but for the past several weeks I've been getting up at 5:00 a.m. to go to a boot camp class at my gym. It was very difficult at first because I have always done my workouts after my work day. However, now that I'm about two months into my morning routine, I really dig it. I've even gone to class on days that I have off from work!
Why I love it:
I see results!
It's always better to have someone train you to push you to your maximum. I would never push myself this much during my own workouts.
I'd rather get up to workout than get up for work.
Sad, but true. It's much more motivating to get up and start my day with a vigorous workout instead of meetings and emails. I always have better days at the office when I've had a great workout beforehand.
I'm burning more calories.
Studies show that morning workouts can jumpstart your metabolism and keep it going all day. The scale and measuring tape have proven that to me as well!
It's difficult to start the routine, but once you try it, you may like it! I challenge you to start off your Monday morning with a workout. Even if it's just a 10-minute pilates routine in your living room, I guarantee you'll be happy you did it and it will reward you throughout the day!
Why I love it:
I see results!
It's always better to have someone train you to push you to your maximum. I would never push myself this much during my own workouts.
I'd rather get up to workout than get up for work.
Sad, but true. It's much more motivating to get up and start my day with a vigorous workout instead of meetings and emails. I always have better days at the office when I've had a great workout beforehand.
I'm burning more calories.
Studies show that morning workouts can jumpstart your metabolism and keep it going all day. The scale and measuring tape have proven that to me as well!
It's difficult to start the routine, but once you try it, you may like it! I challenge you to start off your Monday morning with a workout. Even if it's just a 10-minute pilates routine in your living room, I guarantee you'll be happy you did it and it will reward you throughout the day!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The easy choice vs. the good choice
Once again, it's the end of the week! Friday night and I'm ready to kick back! But, wait...it's weigh in day tomorrow, so I still have to THINK. After a great week, I don't want to ruin all of my hard work. I need my reward on that scale tomorrow!
Today was especially difficult to make good choices. It was a long week, I was stressed at work and short on sleep. Been there? Even worse, I had some pressure from the family to make the EASY choice and order pizza tonight. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I absolutely adore pizza, however, that is a choice that must be planned! And, it's certainly not the right choice as my last meal before weigh-in.
Thankfully, I didn't let the fact that I was very tired and stressed get to me. It does happen, but not today. I knew that cooking wouldn't be in the plan, so I chose a turkey sandwich on wheat from Subway. I was completely satisfied and feeling healthy!
It's important to remember moments like these when you are feeling weak because the GOOD choice made day after day is very rewarding and will help you meet your long-term goals!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)