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 apple pie and stuffing at Thanksgiving.. and mashed potatoes all the time!
I am looking forward to corn pudding and sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows! I can’t wait!
I do my best to get my workouts in first thing in the morning. It is so tough to get up at 530 when my daughter will sleep until 730 or 8 (she’s 3), but it’s totally worth it to get my workout in early so nothing else gets in the way. This is especially important during the holidays because I find my time gets sucked up by crafting, baking, etc and my workouts usually fall by the wayside. I hate getting up, but I love getting those workouts done! Then I get to enjoy a little “me” time before my little angel gets up (like now). 🙂
I’m beyond excited for Christmas fudge! Last year I got to participate in my first ever Christmas cookie swap and it was spectacular. I hope to do that again this year because it was super awesome to have all different kinds of cookies.
My weakness is always the sweet treats – and wouldn’t you know those are the things that make me feel sickest after going overboard on them? I think this year I’m going to try letting myself have one or two bites of each thing rather than having a whole piece of cake since we all know the first few bites are the most delicious anyway!
I’m definitely looking forward to christmas shortbread cookies and candycanes this year. To me those are the foods I associate with the christmas season so I’ll be sure to indulge in at least those two over the holidays 🙂
I love holidays and all the yummy eats around but this year I really want to strive to NOT eat every single thing on the table. This year when I am out at a party, I will navigate the food table with my eyes first and see what I REALLY want to try. Instead of trying every. single. thing, I will try a few of the things I simply can not say no to like my poppy’s (grandpa’s :-P) graham cracker cake!
I am looking forward to the homemade apple strudel and cream cheese danish we make for Christmas morning breakfast! Such a fun tradition and SO delicious!
I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving meal, it’s the first year we’re doing it at my parents’ and I’m doing the bird! So much fun. To stay on track, I make sure to start the day with a healthy breakfast and a decent dose of exercise, and keep myself fueled on healthy snacks, only indulging when it’s reeeeally worth it 🙂
xo
I am definitely looking forward to pumpkin pie – a staple at our family thanksgiving and Christmas meals! All of the family functions and holiday parties require a ton of energy to actually enjoy them, so I remind myself of how good I’ll feel post-workout on those days I just don’t feel like going out in the cold for a run.
I think my biggest tip is to not beat yourself up over your mistakes. I struggle with food discipline, so I usually over-indulge at holiday meals. Instead of beating myself up, I accept that I made a mistake and I get back on track with my normal healthy habits.
Being Canadian, we already had our Thanksgiving, but I always find that the one plate rule works for me. Fill it how I like but only one plate. That way I’ll still have room for dessert 😛
My favourite item – apple pie!
I am looking forward to all of the sides at Thanksgiving. Forget the turkey, give me mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie and homemade rolls.!!
I can’t wait for the holidays! I love cooking for Thanksgiving and all the decorations around this time of year! It’s my first Christmas being married and I can’t wait to celebrate!
My key for staying on track during the holidays is definitely working out. My parents and I have a Thanksgiving tradition of getting up early and doing a long run on the beach. Then later I can eat and nap and enjoy every second of the holiday! Definitely looking forward to all the desserts and appetizers. I could skip the whole turkey meal and just fill up on desserts and appetizers!
I am definitely looking forward to stuffing, pie, and potato latkas! And one of my biggest tips is trying to get my workout in before the holiday celebration if possible (a quick run in the morning before T-giving prep gets underway.
I’m most looking forward to my mom’s corn chowder! It’s a tradition that she makes every year on Christmas Eve… there’s nothing like a mama’s love in a bowl to warm your heart for the holidays 🙂
I’m definitely looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I think this year, it is more Christmas than anything else. I love the warm feeling of the Christmas tree and having all my family by my side. Since I don’t see my immediate family that often, it is pretty much the only thing that I as for for Christmas.
I’m looking forward to my grandma’s sugar cookies. They’re amazing!
I stay on track by trying not to mindlessly snack on all the baked goods that are always lying around my house on the holidays. If I want a cookie, I’ll purposefully sit down and eat one, and make sure I enjoy it!
Tofurky!! 🙂
I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. We are going to visit my parents and get to tell them the big news, that we are expecting a baby BOY, in person! And, of course, I’m dying for the pumpkin cheesecake and homemade mac and cheese I make every year. *Drool*
I cannot wait for Thanksgiving dinner, more so my moms Mashed Potatoes… I am getting my wisdom teeth out 5 days before this year, so i hope that i will be able to enjoy a full meal..
After thanksgiving i am excited for Eggnog Lattes <3
Since this is my first Thanksgiving being a vegetarian I am looking forward to Mama Peas cornbread stuffing and tempeh bacon. It looks and sounds delicious and I will not miss my family’s deep fried turkey one bit! 🙂
I’m looking forward to my grandma’s homemade pies! She’s 92 yrs old and still makes her own pies… homemade crust & all!! To stay on track, I make sure to still get my workouts in. I do them early in the morning & that helps me make healthier decisions all day. I do enjoy the holiday foods, but I tell myself to stay in control & not go overboard. It’s still moderation for me even over the holidays!
How about Naughty November? 😉
Thanks for the tips on keeping ourselves on track though. It is hard to lose the motivation and diligence when holidays roll around, but the little things really do help! Great giveaway by the way! Shape magazine is fantastic, always good advice and tips that everyone can use!
Can’t wait for thanksgiving, that is my superbowl!
I am already drooling over my gram’s Zucchini Quiche!! I stay on track by keeping on my exercise schedule!
Ok, so I couldn’t pick just one but I have three good ones!! Family time, Christmas music, and yummy food!! I am so excited for the Holidays and everything that goes with it!
Gina,
I was wondering if you could post the playlists to the music from yesterdays Zumba post/workouts? I loved the videos! You are amazing!
I always look forward to pumpkin pie at thanksgiving! 🙂
I am so excited for all the holidays this year, because it means I too am that much closer to meeting our baby due in March! I do my best to get moving every day during the holiday season, a little bit of exercise keeps me motivated to not overindulge!
I’m looking forward to my grandma’s stuffing. It’s delicious…none of that boxed stuff!
I’m not a huge fan of sweets, so I try to stay on track by avoiding them. That way I can indulge a bit in all of the appetizers 🙂
i’m looking forward to making (and eating) thanksgiving stuffing! my mom, sister, and i always make a HUGE batch because everyone in our very large family loves it. and of course we have to make enough to have leftovers! 😉
my tip for staying on track is to stick to tastes of the special foods that i don’t really have any other time of the year and then fill up my plate with fruit & veggies!
My favorite treat during the holidays is postellies. (not sure if I spelled it correctly). My mother in law makes them on Christmas eve when we celebrate my husbands grandmothers birthday.
I am looking forward to sharing the holiday season with my kids this year. They are now old enough to know what’s going on so they are really excited.
I stay on track by working out and avoiding too much sugar. I feel awful if I overload on sugary treats.
I cannot wait for my mom’s chocolate chip cookies (though my white chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are pretty good too 😉 ), and my first “married” holiday season!
Hi Gina!
I’ve set a goal this year for the holidays that I would not let others influence my food choices. Every year it seems I bend to family and friends and give up my good habits during the holidays. This year I want to stick to my plan and make good choices regardless. I AM looking forward to some turkey!
Hi Gina! I’m living in Toronto this year which means I’m not home for American Thanksgiving, but I am excited to recreate all my family favorites for my Canadian friends, especially my dad’s vegan cornbread stuffing!!
I always try to get in a great sweaty workout the morning of a party- knowing that I put in all that hard work makes me choose more carefully what is really worth it.
I usually go for just moderation and I am always so busy taking doing activities in the holidays that I don’t have time to snack as much as some. We have so many birthdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas too so I just keep moving. As far as what I am looking forward to the most…Corn Casserole that my husband’s family makes and also 7 Layer cookies (my sister and I used to make those first in our holiday baking extravaganza and they would be gone before we made the trays for work places. We would have to be made a second time)
I don’t know how you Americans handle thansgiving and christmas so close together!!! 😉
Being Canadian, we had thanskgiving 4 weeks ago leaving lots of time between the two holidays to get back on track. My key to staying on track during this time is to indulge my little heart out and don’t look back or regret. I eat all the delicious dishes and desserts on the holiday and maybe for a day or two afterwards. Once the treats are gone, that’s it and i go back to my normal eating habits.
As for my favourtie holiday meals/treats – thanksgiving it would have to be dutch apple pie using my great grandmother’s recipe. It’s heavenly. For christmas it’s pork hocks – a french Canadian stew with pork hocks, chicken and meatballs — it may not sound great but boy is it incredible.
I’ll echo your suggestion to make it worth it. It’s easy to get caught up on the party buffet and stuff one of everything in your mouth, but it’s so much more satisfying to pick the once-a-year special treats and savor those. I also try to get some exercise on the actual holiday. A walk between Thanksgiving dinner and the endless pie options does wonders!
Looking forward to my mom’s pumpkin cheesecake at Thanksgiving! : )
I’m most looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner. I’m hoping to keep things in moderation, by enjoying what I really love (candied sweet potatos) and maybe skipping those I don’t (stuffing).
I live in Canada and we have already had Thanksgiving so one more turkey dinner to look forward to! I stay on track by drinking my water throughout the day, and eating as best as I can when Im not at parties so that i can endulge when Im out. I dont do perfect all the time though :S.
I’m looking forward to apple pie at Thanksgiving. We went apple picking a few weeks ago and I halfway baked and froze the apple filling, and can’t wait to see how it turns out when I put it in the pie crust and bake it!
That prize pack sounds awesome!
The holidays are so tough when it comes to staying on track, but my best method is to try to stick to my regular schedule. It’s easy to skip the gym or the work out when there are Christmas movies to watch and decorations to hang, but I always remind myself that it’s just an hour or so, and I feel so much better afterwards. Get in the workout like I always do, then celebrate the holidays afterwards.
It is a holiDAY not week or month. I remind myself of this often. I ignore all the advice on how to make Thanksgiving “healthy” and just enjoy the day of indulgence, reminding myself that it is just the 1 day!
I love all the holiday baking, especially the cookie extravaganza!
Even though I’ve heard most of these tips before, too, it’s still so nice to get a refresher again before the holidays! I did body for life during thanksgiving and Christmas last year, so it was super easy for me to stay on track. I used Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve as “free” days. Not sure what my plans are this year, so thanks for the tips!
I am most looking forward to my mom’s caramel brownies. YUM! She only makes them around the holidays. To stay on track, I am signed up for a 10K on Thanksgiving day, and a half marathon on December 11!
I love those suggestions! You are right – same tips, we just have to execute them. Thanks for sharing and happy holiday season!
PS – did you know the Starbucks holiday cups have arrived??!
Pumpkin protein fluff reminds me of pumpkin pie…and I could eat it year round!!
I love all the holiday cookies and am looking forward to gluten free versions this year – lets hope they are good! My tip is go for what you really love when eating. Don’t waste the calories on things you could “take or leave” just because the foods are special for the holidays.