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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I love the holidays! <3 I just moved from CA to NC and sadly I won't get to go home for Thanksgiving, so I'm missing out on all that family time and food. But, I can't wait to go home for Christmas – I'm looking forward to pineapple casserole (and most everything else hehe)! yum!
we always have crab legs and lobster for christmas eve dinner… so yummy!
I’m not really a fan of holiday meals, but I love gingerbread men, they’re delish!
I’m most looking forward to Thanksgiving. I can’t get enough roasted turkey or green bean casserole!
I’m looking forward to spending my first Christmas with my boyfriend’s family. I’ve heard the food is amazing, so I’m excited for ALL of it!
I’m looking forward to gingerbread 🙂
I’m just glad it’s pumpkin season for a little while longer. I cant get enough! At least in some forms it’s actually pretty healthy 🙂
How about 10 ways to make November No Joke!! 🙂 Ps. You looked so cute in your Zumba videos with your belly! The highschoolers were totally right, it does not look real on your little frame!!
Pumpkin pie.. its always pumpkin pie 🙂
I also LOVE using leftover turkey to make awesome sandwiches!
Christmas does seem to be coming extra early this year…but I won’t complain!
i love the green beans. and i make sure to walk every single day, no matter what.
Christmas Eve at my parents farm, we eat calico beans, cheese and crackers, brashetta, holiday cookies, before going as a family to a Christmas Eve church service with full bellies. I look forward to that more then the traditional turkey dinner on Christmas day!
I can’t wait for maple brussels sprouts, pumpkin pie, and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” in a few weeks!
turkey, more turkey and sweet potato casserole. delish!
I’m looking forward to cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving. One thing that helps me “stay on track” during the holidays is participating in holiday-themed running races. They’re really fun and they keep me training.
Being vegan has its ups and downs during the holidays. The upside is that I can’t indulge in most of the treats so it helps the waistline. But it also sorta sucks not being able to join in on the festivities like that.
That being said, Im looking forward to trying my hand at a vegan pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving.
Your Christmas tree looks amazing!! Is it bad I’m already resisting the urge to put my Christmas decorations up!? And I would love to win that prize pack! Shape magazine is by far one of my favorites!!
I love cranberry sauce sooo much. I think a way to stay on track during the holidays is to pick which days to really indulge- ie just Christmas day, not Christmas eve, Christmas day and boxing day!
I am looking forward to my grandma’s gumdrop cake! She only makes in for my grandpa’s birthday, which we celebrate on Thanksgiving, and she won’t share the recipe. It is so delicious. mmmmmm 😀
I’m looking forward to Grandma’s stuffing. I’ve turned into a pretty good cook over the years, but somehow cannot replicate Grandma’s magic! 🙂
As far as staying on track, this year my husband and I are starting a new tradition of a Thanksgiving Day 5k. Earning that Pumpkin pie!!!!
My husband, son and I just got stationed in Hawaii, so sadly we will not be getting to spend the holidays with family. Sooo I guess I am looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving with local friends Hawaiian style with poi, rice and pineapple:) Of course, I will have to make some pumpkin pie just to make it somewhat feel like Thanksgiving:)
Im looking forward to my aunt’s chocolate cake! It’s so good!
I’m really looking forward to Thanksgiving this year as its only the second one we have celebrated. I am such a fan of turkey and stuffing, it’s where I fall off the healthy eating wagon *just a little*
With all the office lunches etc going of that time of year though, I make sure schedule in to a extra Yoga session that night, or help the local animal shelter out by taking some of their doggies on an extra long walk to burn off some of the yumminess!
What treat am I NOT looking forward to on Thanksgiving!? Stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, and HOMEMADE pecan pie MMM! I’m always in charge of the sweet potatoes which are candied, but not to the extreme…sweetened with some orange juice and just right 🙂
My tip? Listen to your body, and eat slowly. No need to stuff yourself!
That’s a tough one – I love Thanksgiving, but we do fondue on Christmas eve, which is super fun and something we started when my oldest daughter was born, so it’s our own little family tradition. I have a giant sweet tooth & one tip (from you!) that helps me stay on track is thinking about where the treat came from – homemade in someone’s kitchen or from a factory? Makes it much easier to resist the commercially made goodies you can get pretty much any time.
I love going on a festive night runs. When Christmas rolls around I love jogging around the neighborhood admiring houses and their unique light displays. I also love to see lit Christmas trees peeking through windows. Not only does this help keep you in great shape throughout the holiday season it’s also a fun activity you can do with your significant other.
Our family tradition (and I know we are not alone) is eating chinese food on Christmas Eve – it is so yummy and always gets me psyched for Christmas the next day. Of course I’m also looking forward to all of the sweet treats that come with this time of year!
Also, thanks for posting those tips. I think I’ll write down my health goals for this holiday season and post it in my room. I definitely want to make sure I keep exercising even as the busyness of the holiday season and finals week are approaching.
I’m Mumbai and there are no DECORATIONS. I’ve been on pinterest trying to get DIY ideas- I LOVE decorating!!
I can’t wait for sweet potato casserole. I’ve made this certain recipe for 10 years now, full of butter, and brown sugar, but I think this year I’m going to try to healthify it a bit using tips I’ve learned from your marvelous blog!
I am looking forward to squash and pecan pie:) As for staying on track with my fitness I workout first thing in the morning, that way I have no chance of putting it off aka not doing it!
I can’t wait to have the christmas tree back in the house, and to watch christmas movies with the love of my live!
Hooray for the Holidays! 🙂
For me the holidays are when I like to kick my cardio into high gear. Nothing new or fancy, just an extra 20-30 minutes here or there. It makes me feel better about the extra treats I know I’ll be having later. 🙂
looking forward to lots of time with the family…and snowboard season!
One of the best things – a nip in the air, beautiful Christmas lights, and a long walk with a friend
Oooh this is my first time commenting! I’m actually a bit of a new reader, only found out about your blog about a month ago. I love it so much and you eat such different things that I’m trying all these new things like beast salads 😛
The holiday tips are very helpful! We don’t have thanks giving here in New Zealand so only Christmas do I have a chance for over eating… 🙂
Anyway, so excited for your giveaway! Can’t wait for it to be drawn 😀
My favorite food from the holidays are sweet potatoes. The rest I could do without.
I am looking to sign up for a half-marathon in February. Having a race always keeps me in check with my eating…and makes working out a priority (and during the holidays- I need that!).
Great tips! I also love the idea of bringing something healthy to a party so you know there’s at least one thing there that is nutritious 🙂 It’s funny…I often do this, and then everyone runs over to it. I usually sit there and say, “Oh, it’s modified” or “It’s a healthy version” but no one cares, and they all gobble it up. 😉
I love all the new people that come out of the wood works when you give something away. 🙂
I’ve always had a small family and I am going on 2 years with my husband. We keep trying new things to do and new family traditions to start. So far, nothing, but a few things have “stuck”.
I don’t really like ham so that is something I cannot stand. OH and nothing is better after a huge turkey dinner then to go to your 24 hour gym and work it off. Nobody is there since it is a holiday so you have nobody to impress but yourself!
I am so excited about the upcoming holidays (especially this year because my whole family will be together)!
The meal/treat I am most looking forward to is Christmas Eve dinner at my mom’s – honeybaked ham, twice baked potatoes, a veggie, and her amazing gingerbread cake houses (YUM)!
My best tip for staying healthy: I’m lucky to have an active mom and sisters so we always make sure to go out for a brisk walk after the main meals (Thanksgiving/Christmas). It’s fun as we do it together and we get to look at the neighborhood decorations!
Wow, a massive amount of comments 🙂 For holiday treats, I always look forward to christmas cookies (a very traditional thing here)!! The best ones are the cookies made with ground almonds, egg whites and cinnamon ANd the traditional butter cookies … yum! 🙂
My Aunt’s Red Velvet Cake is a slice of heaven! My sisters and I always begin Thanksgiving day by climbing Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Thanks for the tips…sometimes it’s good to hear things we all might know but haven’t explicitly thought about in awhile:)
Pumpkin pie is what I look forward to most 🙂 And the fiber trick is a huge one for me. I make sure to eat healthy filling things before I’m about to be presented with a dessert display
My mothers home made mac’n cheese. Im lactose intolerant , but i eat it anyways, its that GOOD!
My tip for staying healthy is to just to make sure i dont stuff myself silly and do something active before the meal/treat and make sure to jump back on the healthy train the next day.
I LOVE the soups at Thanksgiving (butternut squash, sweet potato), and I plan to stay on track by having a marathon January 14th. I can’t slack off too much or I won’t make it =)
Thanks for the tips/reminders! I just had my second baby a week ago so I need to remember these this year especially!!!!
Great tips! I need to remember the savoring “a” drink rule, among many others. I am most looking forward to homemade pecan pie after a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner!
I am looking forward to the christmas pudding my mom makes! My tip for staying on track would be to have a little of everything and savour it!