Well, I’m just going to do a quick post w/o any pics this time. It’s getting late and I’m trying to get more sleep!!!
This morning I was reflecting on the past week and I felt very good about it. I ate really healthy most of the time and exercised a lot. The thing that made me the happiest though was that it really didn’t seem that hard and I think I can keep it up! I also lost about 3 pounds! Yay! 3 pounds might not sound like a lot, but my clothes were becoming tight and now they fit well again! Yay! I’m hoping they will be loose soon! 😉
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Exercise Overview for the week:
Monday: Ran 5 miles
Tuesday: Bootcamp class at the gym
Wednesday: Muscle Works class at the gym
Thursday: Ran 4.5 miles
Friday: short workout at home (push-ups, sit-ups, planks, free weights)…kind of a quick workout, but at least it was something!
Saturday: Very lame 5.5 mile run
Sunday: Rest
I was glad I was able to exercise every day, but it wasn’t easy.
On Thursday morning before I left to go on my run, I looked around my house and felt overwhelmed because I needed to do the dishes, start laundry, pick up this and that, run to the store, etc. However, I knew all those things would still be there when I got back. I also knew how disappointed I would be if I didn’t get my run in.
So….I didn’t give it a second thought and I left out the door. I came back energized and happy to get all those other things done. Exercise does so much for me physically and mentally. I love it.
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Eating Overview for the week:
I must say I ate very well, but not perfectly. I was very aware of the quality of food I was eating and I also kept a rough mental calorie count in my head each day. I did splurge a little here and there, but each time I accounted for it in my calorie count for the day. I’m trying to keep it below 1500 calories for now.
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I am discovering so many new healthy recipes that make it much easier to stay on the wagon!!! I will continue to share all my favorite things with you all!
I was thinking today about something that has helped me that I thought I would share: (disclaimer: I am obviously not a pro; these are just things that seem to make sense to me)…
Take a minute and think about what foods tempt you…what are your (eating) weaknesses that cause you to fall off the wagon?
I know I am very much an emotional eater. I love to eat yummy, indulgent food when I’ve had a long or stressful day. I also love to watch movies late a night with my husband while enjoying yummy treats. I also love to go out to dinner and eat my favorite (not so healthy) foods!
I realized I love all of my favorite foods because they help me to relax and relieve stress! I also associate good, fun times with treats and yummy food!
Soooo, I have found the key to my success in overcoming these eating “downfalls” is to find something to replace them with!!! I think it is too hard and unrealistic to just continue to deny yourself and eat carrots all day! 😉 A “diet” doesn’t need to be hard. You just need to be selective and thoughtful about what you eat each day! So here are my ideas for replacements for some of the most tempting foods:
- Brownies/Cookies/Cake, etc.: replace with healthy versions. See my recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. They may not be quite as yummy, but they may help scratch the itch and keep you on the wagon! I have so many other “healthy treat” recipes that I will share on here soon!
- Candy: Enjoy hard candy. They are low cal and you can’t “inhale” them. Eat a small handful of dark chocolate chips or just a few of your favorite candies. Eat them slowly and really enjoy them.
- Chips/Salty Foods: Make homemade pita chips! Yum! I will post a recipe for them soon! Enjoy a controlled portion of your favorite chip. Don’t ever eat straight from the bag. You could also eat kettle corn or air popped popcorn.
- Fried Foods: Make your own homemade fries (once again, I will post a recipe for those on here soon too!) If you really love and are craving fries (or something similar), buy a small order and share them with someone.
- Soda Pop: Try to switch to diet or low-sugar versions. Enjoy Crystal Light or just water with lemon or lime!
Those are just a few thoughts. I think the bottom line is you can enjoy your favorite foods once in a while….but most of the time just find a healthier alternative and most importantly stay disciplined and in control!
There, that is my rambling for the day!!
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