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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sooo looking forward to vegetarian stuffing – I can’t even stand it! Thanks for sharing what you learned, G!
This just got me excited for the holidays!! I can’t wait to taste all the holiday treats, but also to spend time with my sister who lives overseas, and catch up while hiking, lifting weights, and eating good food. 🙂
I love my grandma’s sugar cookies with homemade frosting! I always try to get my workout in during the am over the holidays, because otherwise it gets pushed to the wayside!
Great Post! 🙂 I am sososo excited for the holidays! (sipping an eggnog latte as I type) and I totally believe in spending time with family and not worrying about working out/eating perfectly during the christmas/thanksgiving season. Me and my sister love dancing around the kitchen and doing quick push-up/ab workouts while baking 🙂 of course we blast christmas music in the background. It’s the BEST way to bake!
I love your blog, good luck with the shape awards! 🙂 Have a wonderful day!!
I am definitely looking forward to pumpkin pie. I crave the flavors that come with fall. I love it 🙂 The best way I’ve found to keep my weight under control in the winter is to walk everywhere. Sounds pretty simple. But we use cars so much these days. If you have things that are actually within walking distance, bundle up, and take a hike! The fresh air can make such a big difference. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!!!
I definitely agree on the notion of having a snack before a party. When I don’t walk in starving, I am much better at keeping my portions in check & eating my favorites (and skipping the snacks I don’t care for as much).
This has been a hard week, but your posts help me stay positive. I would love to win the giveaway!!!
I am looking forward to pumpkin pie.
Excited for a Mom’s Italian ricotta cheese christmas cookie! Also trying to offer my own mediocre cooking services this year for some dishes to offer healthier substitutions.
But I will still have some cookies !
The holiday food I am most looking forward to is Green Bean Casserole. I love the Cream of Mushroom and Green Bean combo… mmm mmm good!
One of my tips for staying on track during the holidays is getting a workout done first thing. If I tend to put off my workout, I will get cozy on the couch watching “Elf” and “Home Alone.” Get to the gym or outside early, then you have the rest of the day to relax!
I love the holiday seasons. Before I head to a holiday party, I eat a big salad so I won’t eat as many snack foods! Have loved your blog for over a year now, thanks for all of your great tips, workouts and recipes!
Great insights! I am always a little leerie come the holiday season about “falling off track!” I think what helps me the most is sticking to a workout schedule that keeps me having fun and motivated!
What a dessert table! I ALWAYS look forward to pumpkin pie and hot apple cider. Nothing says the Holidays like that combo to me 🙂 And breakfast on Christmas morning always must include hot cinnamon rolls. To stay on track during the holidays I just try to remember that I eat for health and happiness. If it doesn’t make me happy AND healthy then I don’t eat it! (who says cheesecake doesn’t make you healthy!)
Love- Misty!
November’s actually mine and my boyfriend’s birthday month which makes it twice as hard to eat and drink healthy! But dancing and getting a workout in whevener possible is definitely key during the holiday seasons. Besides, you only live once!
It’s the MOST wonderful time, of the yeeeeeeeeeear! 😉
So excited for more family, food, festivities, hopefully NYC on Christmas eve and cozy cooking with my sisters.
My tip for staying on track this season is not letting the neighbor kids shovel the big circular driveway, and maybe even shovel theirs 😉 such a fantastic workout shoveling is!
I’m most looking forward to my mom’s stuffing and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, and our Tucson friends’ green corn tamales! Yumm!
I stay on track during the holidays by doing exactly what you listed above – staying healthy and sticking to my usual routine when possible, but not being afraid to indulge when the time comes. The holidays, to me, are for spending time with my family and friends, and there is no room for stressing about what I’m eating and whether I’m exercising enough. Plus, I love the fresh start of the new year, which is a perfect time to reboot my health and fitness routine!
One of the treats I definitely look forward to is “pumpkin roll”–a delicious pumpkin cake roll with cream cheese frosting!
My tip would be to combine family time with active time–my mom and I always be sure to go for walks together during the holidays, and some of my extend family does a 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving!
I cannot wait for my mom’s homemade rolls. She only does them for special occassions and Thanksgiving is my favorite for them b/c they make the best leftover turkey sandwiches!!
I stay on track by signing up for various runs through the winter season that way i am motiviated to get our and run for something. Also, each year it is tradition to do the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, nothing better than getting a nice run in prior to all that feasting!
Unfortunately, I love desserts….it’s my downfall – whether it’s the holiday season or not. So especially during the holidays, I try not to overindulge. BUt I try not to deprive myself either. So the solution – everything in moderation….except I do have to ramp up the exercise and calorie burn. Can’t wait for the holiday season to begin!
I always find it hard to stay on track during the holiday season! When I go to parties, I always try to limit myself to a number of “bites” or tastes of treats. Then I eat as much green as I want!
My weakness around Christmas is tied to a wonderful family memory…making and eating divinity and different sugar candies as well as drinking Egg Nog, all with my grandmother. To help curb my sweet tooth during the holidays I try to stick to desert dishes revolving around fruit. But, I enjoy lots of different flavored teas with fat free milk added to it for that creamy almost egg nog memory. And, of course my lunch hour on the treadmill helps treadmendously! 🙂
I try to use a small plate for desserts and try to try a little of each! That way I got to have it all and didn’t overdo it too much! And sit with someone or a group to eat it! You spend so much time talking, you eat more slowly and it seems to last longer!
And don’t stand by the snacks and talk! You eat too much before dinner even starts! Make a small plate of snacks and appetizers and walk away to eat them! You can always go back for a little more if you feel the need, but will eat much less than the constant munching when it is right in front of you!
I can’t believe it is November already!!
The treat/meal I am looking forward to the most is probably the shortbread toblerone cookies. They are definitely not healthy and I only enjoy one but I do enjoy letting myself have one during the festivities!!
The holidays are always a tough time for me. I’m Southern and my family is the soul food cooking type, which means fat, salt and more fat :-/ But I’m gonna be ready this year. Formulating a plan so that I can still enjoy my faves, but not sabotage my efforts.
Great post thanks for all the info!
I am definitely looking most forward to being at home with my family for the holidays. How I stay on track is keeping up with my exercise and remembering that I do not eat as much as I can in one sitting, and that it will be there tomorrow. great post!
I was just having a conversation about staying healthy during the holidays yesterday and I’ve had it on the mind since–I guess great minds think alike?! I’m all about enjoying those *special* treats and cutting out the other stuff. For me, that is candied sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving and my grandmother’s turtle fudge at Christmas!
I am first looking forward to pumpkin pie (before all the Christmas treats!). One tip I have is to only make my favorite indulgent dishes to bring to a party or get-together to share. That way, I don’t end up with a whole pie or batch of cookies to gorge on at home.
These are good tips! I’m hoping to get on track during the holidays this year – I’ve been off the track since starting nursing school :/ Thanks!
This is my favorite time of the year..,,all the fall decorations, cooler weather, the holidays…No crazy diets for me either. I will be working out and looking for some balance though. 🙂
I really like the stuffing my dad makes! I am just going to keep all things in moderation. Enjoy but don’t overindulge!
Stuffing.. yum. I always try to get in a workout in the morning so that I don’t have to worry about it through the rest of the day.
Thanks for the tips on staying fit through the holidays. It is always hard not to feel SUPER guilty when giving in even just a little bit.
I am most looking forward to sweet potato pie at Thanksgiving! Love that meringue topping. Also, we grits, black eyed peas, etc (southern dinner) for New Years! Love that.
I really needed this post right now as we wrap up Halloween and head into full-on holiday awesomeness! For me, tracking what I eat through an iPhone app like “Lose It!” helps me put things in perspective. I still treat myself, but it goes in the books so I actually remember I ate that – and I can see the treats adding up in front of my eyes and scale back if I have to 🙂 Working out gets harder and harder for me as it gets colder, especially in the morning – can’t get out of bed! But like you said, it’s important to cut ourselves some slack. As long as I get in my 30 minutes 3 days a week at least, I’m not going to beat myself up!
I am looking forward to Christmas cookies!! A good way to stay on track during the holidays is to get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland snowshoeing! A great calorie scorcher and awesome glute workout!
I’m looking forward to Matt’s grandmother’s macaroni and cheese pie and my mom’s butter cookies. For staying on track, I don’t buy candy/treats to keep in the house and I tell myself that “something is better than nothing” in regards to activity. It also helps that it’s training time for our local half marathon (which is on Valentine’s weekend) which helps keep me on some kind of plan.
I’m Canadian so we’ve already had our Thanksgiving here. I just have to stay on the healthy track for Christmas! Every year I look forward to making (and eating) my family’s homemade sugar balls (that sentence sounds funny, but they’re really good!) and shortbread cookies. Probably the least healthy desserts ever but so delicious. I’m the same as you – I’d rather treat myself on yummy homemade things than processed supermarket treats. Plus, my family is pretty active so when we’re together, we tend to do active things like going for runs, hiking, playing team sports etc. Ahh I can’t wait for Christmas now!
I love the holidays! I can ‘t wait to bake cookies, eat turkey and run outside in the snow 🙂
Snowboarding!! During the holidays I can eat whatever I want because I usually spend Christmas Day or Boxing Day up on the mountain shredding the extra calories off.
thinking about holiday treats just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside 🙂 oddly enough, the foods that i like during the holidays are ones that can easily be whipped up all year round..but everything just tastes soo much better when you’re around your loved ones.
i love:
my mama’s pumpkin pie/apple pie
garlic mashed potatoes
corn on the cob
the icing that goes on our sugar cookies 🙂 whoopsies.
and white chocolate mocha’s in starbucks red cups (the red cup truly makes the drink THAT much better!)
my main tip for holiday eating is — don’t just shove food in your mouth, thinking that when the new year starts, your resolution will be to hit the gym everyday. sure, you can still shove food in your mouth during big family dinners — but hit the gym too. its always nice to go into a gym and break a sweat after being out in the cold. and i always like to break a huge sweat, and then walk out in the cold, wearing ONLY my gym clothes because im still so warm. makes me feel pretty BA!
I’m most excited for turkey. I don’t eat much meat most of the time, but my grandmother’s (organic, free-range, kosher) turkey is so good on Thanksgiving.
I’ve put my workouts on my calendar for the next month (and I’ll add December soon, too) so that even with tons of social and work commitments I’ll still fit in some sweaty time (kickboxing, yay!!).
oddly enough, the foods that i like during the holidays are ones that can easily be whipped up all year round..but everything just tastes soo much better when you’re around your loved ones.
i love:
my mama’s pumpkin pie/apple pie
garlic mashed potatoes
corn on the cob
the icing that goes on our sugar cookies 🙂 whoopsies.
and white chocolate mocha’s in starbucks red cups (the red cup truly makes the drink THAT much better!)
my main tip for holiday eating is — don’t just shove food in your mouth, thinking that when the new year starts, your resolution will be to hit the gym everyday. sure, you can still shove food in your mouth during big family dinners — but hit the gym too. its always nice to go into a gym and break a sweat after being out in the cold. and i always like to break a huge sweat, and then walk out in the cold, wearing ONLY my gym clothes because im still so warm. makes me feel pretty BA!
I am so excited for the holidays and I am looking forward to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and decorating sugar cookies for Christmas!
I always look forward to christmas cookies and cookie baking. I try and focus on making sure I move in some way every day. If I indulge, I try to really enjoy and savour one cookie instead of sort of enjoying a whole bunch of cookies…
i am so looking forward to pumpkin pies 🙂
Wow, Gina! Besides the amazing giveaway, I’m just impressed you were a part of that conference call! That’s so neat! How’d it come about?
Great tips, and you’re right – nothing new or earth-shattering. Just sticking to the plan is tough! For me, if I let my workouts go, my eating goes downhill. So my focus is generally to keep moving (agreed on the HIT workouts!) – then I’m focused and motivated to make healthy choices the rest of the day. Good choices really snowball and get you on a good cycle!
Thanks again for the giveaway! 😀
Keep up the Good WOrk. Your Posts keep me motivated. THanks so much for all you do!!!
I really look forward to seeing my family…there’s nothing better than a night around the table, catching up, playing board games, having a glass of wine! Thanks for your inspirational site!! 🙂
We are running a 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning as a family which I hope to make a tradition. We are also running two other runs in December so not training isn’t an option. It makes it a little easier to indulge a little over the holidays if your working it off. 🙂