A Healthy Breakfast Doesn't Have to be Boring!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

1 c. of gingerbread coffee
1 T. half & half
1 slice of whole wheat potato bread, toasted
ICBINB spray
1/4 c. egg substitute
1/3 c. fresh steamed spinach
1/8 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. diced baby bella mushroom
1 slice Kraft 2% American cheese
108g clementine
1 c. 8th Continent Light Vanilla Soy Milk

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Another Holiday Party is Another Chance to SUCCEED!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Last week I attended the first of many holiday parties. I made a plan, I stuck to my plan, and I felt like a champion. I can't begin to describe the feeling of accomplishment. I felt like it was a true testament that I had arrived with embracing a healthy lifestyle. I didn't feel deprived--I felt like a super warrior! I focused on visiting with people and enjoying the conversations and smiles.



Now I'm facing three consecutive days of parties. It's a little more daunting than a single party, but my plan is to compartmentalize, plan, and stick to my plan. Part of the plan is having a backup plan in case I slip. The old me would have seized the moment and surrendered if I slipped, giving myself a perfect reason to eat myself into oblivion, and then of course, berrate myself for days. The new improved version of me has a plan, indeed!

First of all, my plan is to drink 60 oz. of water, this morning. That's right. I know that's a lot of water, and I'm going to be running to the ladies room all afternoon, but no big fat hairy deal! I'll also be sipping on water at the party.



Second, I'm eating half of a banana with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter about a half hour before I leave for the party. This strategy helped me last week as well. Bananas satisfy me. that's my normal snack before I work out. I'm a Diabetic and count carbs, so that means I have 30 grams of carbs to spend at the party. As far as the menu, all I know is it's a Mexican themed meal, so I'm not sure there will be a lot of options for me. When I arrive, I'm going to inquire to see if I can order a salad and I'll pay for it. Normally, I find businesses are more than willing to accommodate special requests. If by chance I can't get a salad, no problemo, I'll stop and pick one up on my way back to the office.



Last week I completely passed on the dessert. It didn't present a problem for me at all (not even the cheesecake)! Today I'll be doing the same. I have a party tomorrow night, and another one on Saturday and I think the dessert offerings will be MUCH more decadent at those two parties, so I will allow myself to have 2 bites at either one or the other. My doctor told me a long time ago that being Diabetic doesn't mean never having dessert. It means if you're having dessert, skip the pasta/rice/potato.



I'm wearing a newer pair of pants today--pants that actually fit. They're not stretchy and forgiving, and they definitely showcase the fact that I'm smaller than I used to be. Did you ever notice how you're more inclined to overeat when you're wearing loose fitting clothes?

That's my plan. I'm not fretting about tomorrow and Saturday because I've put my parties in their own little respective boxes. I have my plan. I'm strong and focused. I still remember how AMAZING I felt last week after leaving that party. It was almost euphoric! I crave that feeling more than anything I could possibly eat or drink. I am totally rocking this new healthy lifestyle and I feel a responsibility and pride in being a role model for others. So many friends and coworkers would love to have an ounce of my enthusiasm, willpower, and dedication to exercise. I know there will be times when I slip and I have a plan for that too. Immediately get back up and begin again. In order to truly succeed at this, we have to be ready for any situation, including those that don't go the way we plan.

These three parties are merely three more opportunities to ROCK IT!!!!

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Working Out is a MINDSET

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

I've always been one of those people who repeated the mantra, "I don't want to go to the gym." What I really meant was: I don't want to exercise; I don't want to sweat; I don't want to push myself; I don't want to have to physically work for this. I've never considered myself a lazy person EXCEPT when it came to working out.

Somehow, I've managed to recreate myself when it comes to exercise. There's no magic potion, no secret, no gimmick. I simply acknowledged my life would be shorter if I didn't start exercising and taking care of myself.

I've been exercising since June and I've changed my lifestyle in a way I never thought possible. There's still a little voice in a far off corner somewhere saying, "I don't what to go to the gym," but the voice is muffled now, the words barely recognizable. Instead of listening to that voice, my conscience now SCREAMS "I AM GOING TO THE GYM!" It's no longer a question of IF, it's a question of WHEN, and since I literally schedule my gym time on my calendar, it's not even a question of WHEN . It's just something I do now, regularly, as much as I can. I don't stress if I miss a day, or even two sometimes, but I won't allow myself to miss more than that unless I'm unable (sick). I've found working out when I'm not feeling well is a lost cause for me. I benefit more by listening to my body, taking care of myself, and hitting it again when I'm feeling well. The longest time I've gone without a workout since June is 4 days. That's amazing and a huge achievement for me.

This morning I was walking down the hall and one of my co-workers said, "how much have you lost now?" I danced around the question because I'm convinced it's not about the pounds. The huge difference in my body is a result of my dedication to working out. Sure, eating healthy is equally important and I've improved a great deal with that too, but my body has undergone drastic changes since June because of the exercise.

Don't allow your head to get in the way of your goals. It truly is a mindset. Don't accept anything but the best for yourself. If you have restrictions due to health, talk to your doctor and find ways to work around it. Exercising is life altering and life lengthening. It's one of the best gifts you can give yourself. The benefits are countless. Start slowly, even 10 minutes a day. As soon as you start feeling the almost immediate benefits, you'll gradually increase your time and your intensity. Shake it up, alter your routine, use the resources on SP for ideas. Find activities you enjoy like walking, biking, hiking, skiing, skating, swimming ... and just start moving.

You'll be surprised by what you can accomplish. Don't wait until tomorrow, or Sunday, or after the holidays. There's no better time than TODAY! YOU are so worth it!

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The Taste of SWEET Success!

Friday, December 07, 2012

On Dec. 4, I asked myself what it would take to feel good about the month of December as it relates to my healthful journey. Not just good ... really GREAT kind of good.



The answer, to me, was obvious. I want to celebrate Christmas this year knowing I won't have to backtrack in January to assess the damage that was done between Thanksgiving and New Year's and begin rebuilding myself. I want to enter January feeling stronger, healthier, lighter, and even more determined. That's when I came up with this Streaking to Christmas idea (see my 12/5 blog post for more info).

Today was the first of many holiday gatherings that I will be attending. I don't want to send my regrets to events because it's the people who really make the event, not the food. I have all of the necessary tools in my tool box to survive the celebrations. The most important tools are determination and willpower. I have those and I want good health for myself and those I love. What better way to inspire others than to walk the walk! I may have a little extra if you need to borrow some!



I offered to bring the vegetable platter today because I knew that would help me stay on track. I brought a wonderful assortment of celery, carrots, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and orange, yellow, green and red bell peppers, as well as hummus and some light ranch dip. The tables were overflowing with food ... a hoagie platter, mac and cheese, pasta salad, cocktail franks in sweet 'n sour sauce, hot sausage, fruit, and an abundance of cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, and assorted cakes.

My strategy: about 30 minutes before the party, I ate half of a banana. I consumed 40 oz of water this morning, along with another bottle of water at
the party, and I reminded myself this is day 4 of my Streak. I am not breaking my streak--it just isn't going to happen!

I totally rocked that party!



I don't feel disappointed or deprived and better yet, I don't feel disgusted with myself. I feel like I can almost taste the success of my day 4. I'm not sure I have ever felt this proud of myself when it comes to feeling like a true champion. It's just one battle, but if you win enough battles, you win the war! My mindset is solid and I'm focused on my goals.

Ain't no stoppin' me now. Bella's got her groove back!!!!!

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Christmas Streak - Day 3

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Nailed it!!!!!!

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