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 am looking forward to spending thanksgivng with my sister! She lives in CA and so we haven’t had thanksgiving together in years!! Its gonna be so fun!
I am looking forward to warm and yummy delicious pies! I don’t restrict myself over the holidays, except that I try to watch my portion size. I also try to get in at least 5-6 workouts a week so that I am not gaining weight. I won’t eat your every-day run of the mill desserts, but if its something homemade, you betcha I’m having some!
I’m so happy the holidays are here … it means Peppermint Mocha’s from Starbucks!! Shopping on Black Friday would not be the same w/o one. I try to keep them a little bit healthy by skipping out on the whip cream and I use soy milk …. really wish they would get on board with almond milk 🙁
I love anything involving sweet potatoes!
How about 10 ways to “Nail It” this November 🙂 haha
I’m super pumped for Christmas cookies and Thanksgiving stuffing, and to buy a Christmas tree for our place for the first time this year!
Anything pumpkin…cupcakes, cookies, pie!! I make sure to get out and run in the morning…before I start cooking or cleaning. Let’s face it, once you start, you can never escape the kitchen!!
I’m looking forward to veganizing / gf-ing favorite Thanksgiving recipes like stuffing and pie!
my number #1 tip is to squeeze in workouts when you can – a little yoga here, a walk there, pushups in the hotel or at the fam’s house – it all adds up!
I agree with you about not indulging on factory-made goods around the holidays. Definitely save all my calories for the homemade stuff! = )
oh i cannot pick just one thing–homemade christmas cookies, holiday starbucks drinks, pumpkin pie… i’m all about the sugar 😉
my mantra during the holidays is simply to remember that holidays are a time of celebration, meaning, whatever i eat should be equally special. i typically ignore anything i can have at any other time of the year–examples: store bought desserts, items that i’m kind of “meh” about (like mashed potatoes–i know, i know). i also try to make smart choices with drinks, as that generally either helps or hurts all of the above!
I can’t wait for endless amounts of my momms’s sugar cookies! YUMMMMMM!! I try and stay as active as possible and let myself enjoy the holidays! I don’t think about anything that goes into my mouth. It sounds scary but, it works for me! The stress of eating right is completely gone and I, usually, end up eating less!!
I am most looking forward to desserts! I have such a sweet tooth, pumpkin and pecan pie are my two holiday favorites! I think everything in moderation is the best way to go. If you deny yourself the foods you love you will not be a happy camper, these special treats only come around once a year!! 🙂
I am looking forward to homemade gingerbread cookies with hot chocolate of course 🙂
My number one tip, is everything is okay in moderation and make sure to stay active! Oh and one more ENJOY the holiday season!!
Mmm stuffing. I always find it key to get the workout done early in the morning, preferably before everyone wakes up and the fun begins!
Going home for the Holiday’s isn’t hard for me – my parents are health NUTS! So the only thing I will be tempted by is my brother’s secret stash of candy. I’m looking forward to not having to cook 🙂
I love turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce! Yum! I try to stay on track by letting myself have whatever I want for 2 days (Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). The rest of the time I try to eat healthy and sensibly. This year I plan to start Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day with a run before stuffing myself with goodies!
I can’t wait for pumpkin pie. Yumm. Also, my mom makes these butterscotch cookie thing that are amazing. We call them “fat pills” since they are so caloric. Good thing she only makes them a couple time a year 😉
I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving stuffing! Do you have any GF stuffing recipes? My sister was recently diagnosed with celiac.
I’ll be having vegetarian haggis! I will be in Scotland visiting my boyfriend and his family and I will definitely be partaking in traditional Scottish food (except it’ll be veggie versions) 😀
I’m most looking forward to my own baklava recipe! I love making it and looove giving it away to friends and family.
I “stay on track” by indulging.. it sounds silly but I let myself indulge ON the actual holiday, Thanksgiving day, Christmas Eve/Day and New Years Eve/Day. Outside of those days, I am my healthy self. All-in-all, thats only 5 days of over-indulging as opposed to a whole month of damage I could do!
I love to set some fitness goals for the holiday months, that way I can focus less on obsessing over the extra treats and more on kicking some booty!
And, I most look forward to decadent desserts and my mom’s stuffing. It’s amazing and Southern style, which means cornbread!
Hmmm… I love stuffing and veggie trays:)
Anything peppermint during Xmas time (homemade peppermint candies, crushed peppermint cookies, peppermint bark…yummy minty goodness:) definitely gets me all in the spirity holiday mood! Pumpkin pie during Turkey Day gets me in warm fall mode ready for the cold months ahead!
I’m looking forward to the cracker filling my family makes instead of stuffing. I didn’t even know what stuffing is until I grew up. Aside from actually keeping up with exercising and diet, I think it’s a great idea to get together with somebody at a party a couple of days before and make something together. That way you can control at least one thing at the party, you can have fun, and everybody at the party will love you too. 😉
This is way too difficult to choose — I would have to say my mom’s stuffing! I am so sad that I am missing Thanksgiving at home this year because I am studying abroad, but it will be such a special homecoming to fly back right before Christmas!
My MIL makes the most amazing peanut butter pie. My best tip is to indulge in one treat per day, that way you get to enjoy it, but you aren’t going overboard.
I love mashed potatoes and gravy! Only time of year my mom makes it. These are the real deal with real butter. Yummy!! The turkey is pretty awesome too. Give me that, a few deviled eggs and a roll and I am good for another year.
Pumpkin pie! I am living in Thailand and pumpkin pie filling is IMPOSSIBLE to find, but we’re having some shipped here for a special American Thanksgiving meal in Thailand. So, so, soooo excited. 🙂
I can’t wait for turkey and homemade cranberry sauce!
My trick for keeping it together for the holidays is to get a workout in before you go to Grandma’s house, like the “Turkey Trot” 5k or something along that line. I find that if you work out first thing, you tend to make better decisions for the rest of the day. Plus… a little charity work on a day that’s all about ‘Thanks’, couldn’t hurt, right 😉
Yesterday I had the BEST “apple pie” flavored frozen yogurt and it made me crave a real warm apple pie. Fall and winter is usually the only time I make this treat and now I can’t wait to make it again soon! And I like to stay on track during the holidays by listening to my body- if I crave a treat I’ll have it and savor it but stop when I’m full. I also continue with exercise just like any other time of year- it always helps me cope with the stress of preparing for holiday gatherings and events.
I love that this year, I’m bringing healthy apps and a side so that I don’t have to sacrifice my clean eating! I also can’t wait to everyone to try them, love them, then tell me how healthy it is! 🙂
I am looking forward to the turkey and cranberry sauce and of course the many different kinds of Christmas cookies.
oh gosh. I’m most looking forward to my sister’s fantastic chocolate pecan pie. it’s amaaazing… and totally worth the thousands of exercise classes I’m going to have to attend to make up for my 50 servings. 😉
oh gosh it would make my whole year to win this giveaway!!
I loooooooove anything with cranberries. YummmY! I plan to stick to my usual work out routine but to not get stressed if I miss a day because of the holiday season. I love this time of year! I think it’s really important to enjoy it 🙂
Hi Gina!! I’m planning to make Smore’s cupcakes!! I’m so excited for them. And then I want to make pumpkin banana bread. AND – this isn’t sweet – but I’m making your sweet potato black bean chili tonight!! 🙂 Thanks for all the tips!!
I am most looking forward to my grandma’s christmas cookies. She puts orange zest in the batter & it makes them SO GOOD! My tip to staying on track is moderation & portion sizes.
I love taking walks with my family during the holidays so we can enjoy each others company, slow things down a little, but still get exercise. I’m really excited for pumpkin pie, and stuffing! And yorkshire pudding…mmmmmm.
I try to get my work outs in during the AM before all of the feasting and festivities begin. It allows me to jump start my day and feel better about what I’m going to be eating the rest of the day. Also then I can really just relax without stressing about finding time to work out. I’m excited for my mom’s chocolate mousse. I’m usually not a chocolate fan, but this is something I look forward to all year.
I’m running a 10k turkey trot the morning of Thanksgiving…it’s a nice way to get exercise in before indulging in a feast! Thanks forthe tips!
Thanks for the tips! This year I am bound and determined to have my New Year’s Resolution be something other than “lose the holiday weight”!
I LOVE my grandmother’s dressing! She has always made it from scratch, and I can’t get enough. Also, my mom makes an amazing sweet potato casserole, and a pineapple glaze for the ham. It’s driving me crazy just thinking about it… I love the holidays!
I love this post – the tips are really interesting. Every day I look forward to getting my daily dose of Fitnessista. Keep inspiring Gina!
You are adorable in the sleigh… and those desserts made me drool too!! Im in Canada so thanksgiving has already passed, its nice to have a break between overindulgent holidays! Happy WEDNESDAY! 🙂
I am looking forward to all the side dishes!!!! I could honestly fill my plate up with sides and forgo the turkey/duck/ham/whatever the main dish is. I am very excited for rattatoulie (sp?). This year I have planned a trip away for New Year’s so that will keep me on track fitness and diet-wise. I really want to look good in my dress for my midnight kiss ;-).
Last year when the holidays rolled around I was in the process of trying to lose 15 lbs (WHICH I DID! so proud.) and so my goal for the holidays last year was just to not gain any of the weight back. That’s going to be my goal this year, too. I will allow myself treats but I am not going to celebrate 25 days of Christmas. 🙂
As for what I’m looking forward to the most: green bean casserole. I love it. Also found a recipe for a goat cheese spinach and artichoke dip that I cannot wait to try!
Also can’t wait to do hot yoga on cold blustery nights. 🙂
MASHED POTATOES!!! my mom never makes them except on thanksgiving…even though i end up doing all the peeling, they are still SO delicious.
I’m so happy for you, hubby home, baby on the way and living close to home. I look forward to hopefully having all my family together for the holidays. Hubby left for NCO today, so we haven’t figured out Thanksgiving yet, but at least he isn’t overseas. 🙂
It is so true, there aren’t any fancy tricks to stay healthy, it is just a matter of willpower & keeping everything in perspective!
Even though it does seem early, it is exciting to see the holiday stuff coming out around town. And tonight, we are supposed to get our first dusting of snow here in Kansas City!
I’d love to win the Shape package.
holidays aren’t my problem…it’s minor injuries that sidetrack my usual routines. Getting off my rhythm can by sooo annoying!
I try to focus so much on resisting sweets and put more emphasis on getting the enough fruits, veggies, and important nutrients first! If I do that and still have room for more, I let myself go for it! Once you’ve eaten the healthy stuff, I don’t want to ruin my achievement with overindulgence anyways!