Staying on Track {Giveaway}
*******This giveaway has already ended. Stay tuned for more!
Hey everyone! How was your day?
I was blown away by all of your awesome comments and sweet compliments on the Zumba videos. Even though it’s a little more challenging than it usually is, I still love teaching so.so much. Dancing makes me happy and is one of the few things that feels good right now, so I’m sticking with it as long as I can. Maybe I can plan some “let’s take a Zumba class” meet-ups when I get back into the traveling thing 🙂
Last night, while nana, madre and I were shopping, I couldn’t believe that all of the Christmas decor was already up. It’s like retail skips right past Halloween into Christmas, which I love, but it just seems so early this year. Just another excuse to get the tree up before Thanksgiving, eh?
[Our 2009 tree]
Holidays are definitely already on the brain for many people, and it was the topic for this morning’s conference call.
After I posted this morning’s post, I hopped on a video conference with the Shape Magazine Senior Associate Lifestyle Editor. The funny thing is that I woke up a little earlier so I could brush my hair and look semi-human, but we could just see and hear her, no one else could see us.
The funny thing is that if I would have zombie-d it, it would have been set up where everyone else could see me. Isn’t that how it always works out?
Anyway,
the video chat was fantastic. The speaker was Bahar Takhtehchian, and she discussed her favorite tips for staying on track during the holidays. She was a joy to listen to, but I couldn’t help but think “I’ve heard all of these tips before. I hope she shares a secret awesome trick I can share with my readers.” But the truth is, the methods to staying on track during the holidays are really all things we’ve heard before. Just like healthy living in general: the idea behind it is simple, but the execution is where it can get tricky.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the things she discussed, along with my own tips in brackets:
-You can still enjoy the holidays while maintaining your fitness and health accomplishments- treats are ok! [I am a huge believer in treating yourself! The only time we can run into challenges is when we tend to celebrate holidays over and over and over again. If it’s Thanksgiving, live it up- but after that holiday, get back into the usual swing of things]
-Make important choices during the day. Enjoy a satisfying breakfast with a combo of whole grains and protein- choose foods that will fill you up and keep snacking at bay. As far as lunch goes, choose something like salad, broth-based soups, salad, whole-grain sandwich (hummus or avocado instead of mayo), and keep lunch lighter since those who are at work are unable to nap after lunch and digest a large amount of food. [I also like to enjoy something healthy before going out to a party, such as some soup or a large salad. This way, I know that I’ve had some veggies and nutrients before the party, and don’t arrive ready to stuff the buffet table into my face]
-Go for healthy snacks, as they keep blood sugar stable and rev the metabolism. Some good choices: fruits, nuts and yogurt. [Amazeballs, egg puffs, smoothies, small salads, veggies and hummus, banana or apple + almond butter, deli meat or tempeh rolled up with some goat cream cheese, Larabars]
-Aim to get enough fiber. Women need 25g per day and men need 38g. Not only does it help with satiety, it can help to prevent disease.
-Stay hydrated (avoid caffeine since it has a dehydrating effect, and we can easily mistake thirst for hunger). Take H2O in a bottle with you, or flavor it with some lemon zest [I also like to add fresh berries, cucumber, mint, or orange slices to add some flavor]
-Keep moving! Use the mall for cardio, walk and chat with a friend (extremely beneficial in such a technology-focused environment), find a class you love (an instructor who inspires you, amazing music make all the difference), work out with a buddy who will motivate you to reach your goals, make small changes.
-Choose wisely and don’t overdo it.
When it comes to the holidays, I really think it’s important to remove pressure from yourself as far as working out and eating perfectly. The holidays aren’t a time to go on a crazy diet or set some lofty fitness goals- it’s a time to kick back, relax and enjoy family, friends and the season. I think that it’s much easier to stick to what you want to achieve when you’re willing to cut yourself some slack. Enjoy dessert, just don’t enjoy it every single day at every chance you get –treats are everywhere, from now until New Year’s. I’ll usually go for the ones that are really *worth it* like my nana’s Bundt cake, or my other nana’s Thanksgiving pies. If it came from a factory, it’s not worth it to me.
[Thanksgiving table of dessert justice]
As far as cocktails go, I don’t really have to worry about that this year, but usually I’ll go for something clear with club soda, a beautiful cocktail or fancy pants glass of wine and savor it.
As far as fitness goes, if you’re running short on time, go for a quick and effective workout. HIIT is one of my faves- 20 minutes and you’ll torch a ton of calories and have a higher afterburn effect throughout the rest of the day. For weights, choose compound movements that work more than one muscle group at a time (like lunges with a bicep curl or overhead press).
Definitely look for the forest, not the trees, and in the grand scheme of things, if you’re *mostly* sticking to your usual habits, a few extras here and there are NBD.
What holiday meal/treat are you most looking forward to? What’s one of your tips for staying on track during the holiday season?
I cannot wait for Thanksgiving. Cranberry sauce, stuffing and pie… and I’m drooling.
When you leave a comment, you’ll be entered to win an amazing prize pack from Shape magazine:
-a one-year subscription to Shape magazine
-a yoga mat
-a stability ball
-a pedometer
-box of Fiber One Brownies
See ya in the morning with 10 Ways to Make November Gnarly <— help me with this title? haha
xoxo
Gina
**************************This giveaway has ended as of 11/3 12:01 AM EST. Stay tuned for more fun giveaways in the near future!
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It has to be the weird, yet yummy, grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs at our extended family potluck. Those things are so good! I also looooove me some dressing. I could just get a huge bowl and eat dressing with a little pumpkin pie afterward. Yum!
It’s always good to hear the Holiday Tips again, even if it’s all old news. Sometimes repetition is what it takes to actually follow advise 🙂
I can’t wait for my sister’s decorated sugar cookies; she makes the best! And I try to only stray from my usual eating habits at parties and avoid the between-party indulgences (pumpkin cream cheese muffins, anyone?)
What holiday meal/treat are you most looking forward to? = holiday baking season! Cookies & fudge!
What’s one of your tips for staying on track during the holiday season? = everything in moderation, deep breaths, and a chill attitude as much as possible 🙂
What holiday meal/treat are you most looking forward to? What’s one of your tips for staying on track during the holiday season?
The holiday treat I’m most looking forward to is probably gingerbread cookies.
A tip for staying on track during the holiday season is: moderation. Enjoy the holidays and treat yourself, but don’t go crazy after having one or two cookies. Savor each bite.
Those are great tips! It never hurts to be reminded of what works.*
I can’t wait for my Mama’s dressing!
My favorite holiday treats are definitely desserts. My mother makes an amazing apple pie and great cookies. During the holiday season, I try to keep plenty of healthy sweet snacks in the house. I’m always tempted by high calorie, high fat sweets at holiday parties. It’s easier for me to resist them if I know there is an equally sweet but much healthier treat waiting for me when I get home.
For Thanksgiving, I’m in LOVE with green bean casserole. I know that it’s only for 1 day a year, and so I don’t really hold myself back. I have a committed workout schedule so I don’t worry too much about the very few family meals that come around this time of year. Plus, if you only have a small portion, you can try a little bit of everything!
Also, if you bring a healthy dish to pass you know that at least ONE dish there will be healthy for you to load your plate up with.
For Thanksgiving, I’m in LOVE with green bean casserole. I know that it’s only for 1 day a year, and so I don’t really hold myself back. I have a committed workout schedule so I don’t worry too much about the very few family meals that come around this time of year. Plus, if you only have a small portion, you can try a little bit of everything!
Also, if you bring a healthy dish to pass you know that at least ONE dish there will be healthy for you to load your plate up with.
I just adopted the “it’s not worth it if it’s from a factory” mindset. Treats should be just that: special things for special occasions. Except York peppermint patties, they’re a necessary evil 🙂
Ohhh I love my grandma’s mashed potatoes and gravy! Delicious!
anything gingerbread! i stay on track by letting myself a treat in moderation. if i deprive myself i jut end up indulging to excess which never ends well
The easiest way for me to stay on track during the holidays is schedule in fun workouts. I’m okay letting my eating “slide” a bit – the effects on my fitness/weight on the scale are never long-term anyways 🙂
I’m definitely looking forward to baking holiday cookies!
I look forward to the things that my grandmother used to make, especially the salty ones — like that good old stand-by, Chex party mix. SO bad, and yet SO good!
Thank you for the reminders. Those tips are the same thing we hear all the time yet somehow when the holiday roll around we seem to forget about them. I know when I get busy water is one of the first things I forget about until it is the end of the day and I have barely had any. Have a great day!
I stay on track by making sure I get my workout in first thing in the morning, no matter what. Puts me in a great mood by getting those endorphins going! I’m also more inclined to choose healthier choices after I’ve exercised, so that helps a lot too. That said, I’m a big fan of desserts, so I’m looking forward whatever sweet thing we decide to make this year 🙂
What an awesome giveaway! Thanks so much! I must say Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday… stuffing and apple pie! Love!!
holiday meal i’m most looking forward to? stuffing!
Good tips!
the only “n” word I can’t think of is neat-o and unless we’ve been transported back to the 60’s that’s worse than gnarly!
Silk soy nog!!!
I absolytely love love love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday! I cannot wait for Turkey, stuffing, stuffed artichokes (i’m Italian), sweet potato casserole, my aunt’s tiramisu, my mom’s chocolate delight, and of course, pumpkin pie. My tip for staying on track is to not starve yourself until your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner…you will only end up eating more because you will be so hungry. So have a light, yet filling breakfast, maybe a piece of toast with two scrambled egg whites and some apple butter, or a medley fruit mixture with some fat free Greek yogurt!
I love pumpkin pie with real whipped cream…that is my one big treat on Thanksgiving. And Christmas cookies come in second place.
To stay on track…my philosophy is moderation…treats are needed to motivate you to be healthy the rest of the day.
I look forward to my Gran’s shortbreads. Hard to have just one.
One tip I like is if you don’t LOVE the sweet/treat you don’t have to finish it. Ask youself, is it worth it?
Drink lots of water so you’re already full!
I am looking forward to rolls…lol. I just love those holiday rolls that are warm and buttery 🙂
As for staying in shape, I usually try and eat really well balanced through out the day, if I know I am having a big meal later that night. I also keep up exercising as much as I can! 🙂
Fun giveaway!! Love everything in it! 🙂
My absolute favorite holiday treat is the prime rib my dad makes on Christmas. I rarely eat red meat, but he’s such a wonderful cook, once a year, I make an exception. Plus, I’ve gotten him to start buying the organic, hormone free meat, which is fabulous!
I can’t wait for my grandmom’s pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, and my other grandmom’s cookies 🙂
My huz and I both decided that, starting November 1st, we would cut out our nightly snacking ritual in front of the TV. We want to enjoy the holiday season but not wake up in January with a few extra LB’s!
The best way to stay on track for me is just to limit the ‘extra’ foods, load up on veggies at big meals so there’s less room for the other stuff and stick to my regular workout routine. If I can’t, just be active somehow everyday!
We already had Thanksgiving in Canada, but my favorites are sweet potatoes and stuffing!
I’m looking forward to walking our city’s Turkey Trot…..never did one before, but I would love for it to become a tradition. As for food: ALL of it! There isn’t one thing that I don’t enjoy eating at the holidays…LOL!
I am so looking forward to thanksgiving stuffing – my thanksgiving meal plate is basically just veggies and a ton of stuffing, with tiny tastes of everything else haha. my most helpful trick is always to just get out there and exercise whenever you can – i always feel better and tend to eat healthier overall when i feel good about myself physically, and any form of activity can only help — especially during the treat-heavy holidays 🙂
What holiday meal/treat are you most looking forward to?
I can’t wait for thanksgiving, this year will be much different with everything gluten free, but I make this great polenta, apple, sausage stuffing thats gluten free and amazing!
What’s one of your tips for staying on track during the holiday season?
I always get a nice workout in the morning of thanksgiving (super session of Jazzercise–I havent tried Zumba yet, but it looks like tons of fun from your posts) so I dont feel guilty all day. Then lots of walking the next day shopping. 🙂 Just always make time for exercise during the holidays even if its just a short walk or work out video, you’ll be much happier if you do!
I seriously just blogged about this. I am really just looking forward to family and being in the Florida sun. I think Thanksgiving day races are great because you get in a workout and start the holiday with a healthy mindset.
I’m looking forward to the Ferrero Rochers that always show up in my stocking. They’re available year-round, but for me, they’re a Christmas treat 😀
Tips? When serving up family dinner, ask to get your veggies before they’re slathered in butter
Don’t start eating until you’ve put everything on your plate (sometimes we start clearing our plates before the stuffing has even come our way)
Go for the half-slice of pie, and use a bit of whipped cream instead of ice cream
Eat breakfast before opening stockings–that way you’re not digging right into the chocolate because you’re low blood sugar and then eating brunch on top of it 🙂
Help with preparing Christmas dinner–that way you’re keeping your hands busy and not just snacking and snacking as you wait for dinner to be served (and eat a real lunch!)
I can’t wait until Christmas eve and our traditional seafood feast… homemade pasta & sauce, and plates upon plates of seafood!! Definitely a cheat meal. To me, the holidays (and all other days really) are all about moderation. Everything in moderation.
I’m looking forward to baking christmas cookies! Yum!
Stuffing and cranberry sauce!
I can’t wait to make cookies for Santa with my girls. It’s one of their favorite parts of the holiday season, and I love watching it through their eyes. Then I love playing Santa and eating said cookies 😉
Sweet Potato casserole! My moms recipe is amazing. No marshmallows here, just walnuts pecans brown sugar butter and more! It’s like a sweet potato crisp, ah-mazing. I would be happy to share the whole recipe if you would like 🙂
I keep myself on track with butt kicking shweaty work outs, balancing out the days and choosing what is worth the indulgence 🙂
And maybe a detox at the beginning of the year …. 🙂
It’s completely lame, but I absolutely love the cranberry sauce from a can – I’m sure it’s not great for me, but that’s always the first thing I think of when I think about the holiday season. As far as staying on track, I let my self have a little bit of everything I want, that way I can enjoy all the delicious tastes, but I don’t get too much.
Green Bean Casserole!
I can’t wait for the homemade stuffing! It’s not a difficult dish, but for some reason it’s something we always have at the holidays!
As far as keeping on track, I know ahead of time there’s no way i won’t eat more then normal, so I make sure I firing extra exercise, even if it’s just walking more then I normally would 🙂
I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving, because my dad just moved in with my husband and I and he cooks up the meanest turkey with all the trimmings – talk about drooling – I’m really all about doing/eating what I want all year – but I definitely don’t over indulge, so this way I really am always on track …my favorite quote kinda goes with that one “everything in moderation or else pay”
Hmmm i think i’d have to say that i can’t wait for the thanksgiving STUFFING. bahahaha It’s been a while 😉
TO stay on track, I’d have to say you gotta keep up your routine workouts despite holiday season!
I always look forward to Macaroni and Cheese (I make it with butternut squash and its so delicious!) and pumpkin pie of course! But I always try to run a Turkey Trot the morning of Thanksgiving or at least try to get to the gym for an hour or so before the day begins!
I always try to remember for Thanksgiving that it is just one day. I don’t like to over do it because I’ll just end up feeling stuffed and uncomfortable. It also helps that I do not like leftovers!
my favorite “treat” is turkey- i look forward to my mom’s every year. and probably eat way too much of it, but i be sure to keep on track with the gym, and eat smartly all throughout the days leading up & following!
I always look forward to my mom’s homemade stuffing … no other stuffing compares! As for staying in shape, I always try to do an extra hard workout the day of the party … then I never want to “undo” all my hard work (and if I do, at least I will have burned a few more calories!)
I’m looking forward to some acorn squash dishes, my aunts rolls (and desserts!) and casseroles =)
I love, love, love stuffing!! I VERY rarely have it during the year, so on Thanksgiving, I can’t get enough!