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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My favorite holiday this season is actually a family holiday. It’s called Eggnog day, and November 15. We consider it to be the start of the holiday season and have a candle-lit dinner with veggie lasagna, veggies, and eggnog while Christmas music is playing. Afterward, we watch a Christmas movie and eat pumpkin pie. We usually put up all the Christmas decorations around this time, and it’s a great time for our family to get together and enjoy the holidays together.
I usually look forward to Thanksgiving because my sisters and I all come home from different areas of the country, but this year I am unable to make it home. I am so sad, especially because I was living in Australia for most of this year and am now back in the states and STILL not be able to be home. So now I am looking forward to late December when I can FINALLY go home!
Omgosh I can’t wait for my mom’s homemade apple pie. Sooo good and so worth it.
I can’t wait for Christmas Eve to have everyone together for a big crab feast and a side of…. the game LCR 😉 LOVE everything about the holidays!
I have no tips, since I need to lose weight. As far as wat I am looking forward to….Sweet Potato casserole…YUMMERS!
I look forward to my Grandmother’s stuffing & her homemade rolls! I like to keep myself accountable by eating light in the morning, and Thanksgiving usually takes care of lunch and supper for our family!
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 love Thankgiving dinner! I cannot pick just one thing, so I will list them all! Honey baked ham (with the juices and pineapple), sweet potato casserole, green beans (fresh of course, no hamhock though!), (real) mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll….. I could go on and on!
For me, I try to eat sensible on days that we will be having bigger meals, such as Thanksgiving. I am choosey about what I put on my plate, only picking my true favorites! I try to beef up the exercise that week. I try to fit in a walk post meal as well!
Ps- Make November Nifty?, Make November Non-Normal? Neat? Notable…notorious?
‘n’ is hard…good luck!
Pumpkin pie is amazing, especially when homemade, but really it’s the combination of turkey and gravy (with a hint of curry powder in the gravy) that I really look forward to at holiday time! As an ex-vegetarian it was all I craved for about 4 years!
Pumpkin pie and stuffing for sure! My tip is a nice walk after the meal with all my cousins and Jillian Michaels videos in the morning! You are fab in the Zumba vids!
I am looking forward to traveling out of state on Thanksgiving to meet both sets of my boyfriend’s grandparents for the first time. In the past, I really haven’t tried to stay on track but this year I hope to go on morning jogs.
I just found out that I can’t have gluten or dairy so I have to find something that tastes as good as cheesecake.
LOVE your comment about not stressing about fitness over the holidays! I am really close with my family and they are always so intrigued about health and fitness and ask me lots of questions because I am currently a dietetics student in college SO we started a new tradition and everytime we all get together for a celebration we always do a family walk together too! My favorite has been christmas because there’s always a big house deocrating contest so we can enjoy it!
Amazing giveaway prizes! I read shape online a lot and as a poor college student it’d be SUPER nice to have some extra equipment that I can’t afford on my own right now;) p.s. you’re breakfast cookie is my new favorite morning go to! <3
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I’m most looking forward to my mom’s homemade stuffing and banana cream pie. As far as staying on track, I definitely do my best to treat the holiday as 1 day and keep up with my workouts. I prefer to get it in at 5:30 am before the workday and the stressors of the day so there’s no excuse for skipping it. 🙂
I went vegan earlier this year and will be taking my lil one home to visit my family for the holidays so I’m pretty nervous they won’t be very…supportive lol and I am gonna miss out on a lot of things that I’m used to, however, Im planning on making some yummyness that everyone can enjoy (and see that I’m not a rabbit lol) and so I can stay full and not feel left out!
I’m looking forward to sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans! And homemade cranberry sauce, yummm.
I loooooove pumpkin pie. The best way for me to stay on track is to have a race or two to train for
My family is huge and ahem…..split. So there are a lot of step families and in laws and cousins. With everything going on, we always get my immediate family together the Saturday night before Christmas, dole out presents, eat, drink, and be merry…..in our PJs :). Everyone from my 13 year old cousin to 70 year old Pop Pop wears matching PJs. It’s a blast! It also makes it easier so everyone can do their own thing on the actual Christmas day.
Mmm, my favorite treat during the Holiday would have to be Pumpkin Pie 🙂 I just loveee enjoying a cup of coffee and Pie after dinner! Also, allowing myself to taste the things that I love most around the holidays helps to keep me on track, and I don’t feel deprived. Also, I will make mini goals for myself over the holiday which really help when it comes to giving in to cravings! For example, if I get a workout in that day, I’ll allows myself an extra special treat! It’s always fun to stay on track for the most part and still relax and de-stress with the family<–Wine helps with the de-stessing part of this as well…Just sayin!! 😉
I’m definitely looking forward to mac ‘n’ cheese and mashed potatoes, but I will be making my very own chocolate pie and apple crisp that I do every year, and they’re both scrumptious.
To stay on track during the holidays, I will stick to my normal workout intensity, but if I feel I overindulged I’ll take my baby (golden retriever) for an extra walk 🙂 Quality time with the puppy-dog is always needed.
I looooove sweet potato casserole. I could eat it every single day, but i always wait until thanksgiving to make it. I don’t have a set plan to stay on track. I indulge on the holidays and make up for it the next day. My favorite thing is attending a yoga class the day after thanksgiving. So much fun to burn off the stuffing with my fellow yogis!
I love Christmas Eve and all the fish we eat…love shrimp cocktail!
I just try to exercise like normal and eat healthy most of the time…I also only eat things that look really good…I don’t waste calories on things that are ‘so so’.
My absolute favorite holiday food-wise is Thanksgiving. I love turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes (mp’s are my fave food). However, we spend Thanksgiving with my Mom’s sister and she doesn’t like to stick to the traditional so we never know what we’ll walk into. Thanksgiving is a holiday I was hoping to be able to host once I moved out but I moved into a shoe box so unless my family wants to fight over who gets to sit in the tub and who gets to sit in the sink, I won’t be hosting Thanksgiving this year.
My favorite holiday family-wise is Christmas. We spend Christmas Eve with my Mom’s side. At this point it is only the sister above. I actually started cooking Christmas Eve dinner a few years ago when they were sick of cooking and tried ordering out. I was having none of that! So now I cook dinner at my Mom’s house for everyone. We have Christmas Dinner at my parent’s house as well. My Dad’s side of the family is huge because we are all still so close to his cousins. My parent’s house is jam-packed and it’s just a lot of wholesome fun. The cousins usually fight to the end in a board game while the aunts and uncles hang in the family room.
I might hate winter weather in Pennsylvania but I love the winter holidays!!
I forgot to mention how I stay on track! I don’t really worry about it because I don’t eat terribly the rest of the time. I use those holidays to enjoy good food and good family! And shoveling snow burns a lot of calories!!
What holiday meal/treat are you most looking forward to? What’s one of your tips for staying on track during the holiday season?
Meal/treat: I love pumpkin pie 🙂
Tip: I like to bring my own dish to the party that way there’s a healthy option. Of course I’ll have other food too but I’ll put it on a small plate so I’m aware of just how much I’m eating and that I’m not eating too much.
I’m looking forward to my mom’s cranberry salad with cream cheese and toasted pecans! My main tip for staying on track is not depriving yourself, keep healthy, but deprivation only leads to binge eating later on.
I love making Christmas cookies with my mom and look forward to those every year!
I think the best thing to do to stay on track during the holidays is to try and start the morning off right, with a healthy breakfast and workout/yoga or just a quick walk if possible. It helps to set the track for the day!
I am most looking forward to the Christmas cookies I bake with my Nana every year, not only are they delicious but special because I love spending that time with her. To stay on track during the holidays I try to only indulge in the things I actually loom forward to during holiday festivities and not mindlessly eat things i could get any time lol. As far as fitness goes its definitely hard to stay on track with how busy the holidays are but if I know im going to be indulging a lot on a particular day I make sure to get some kind of activity in. Congrats on the Blogger award! 🙂
Thanksgiving is by far my fav holiday. My aunt makes a delish stuffing with chestnuts in it that I dream about. As a nurse, I only get to spend every other Thanksgivng with my family while I work the other years. I think this has made me appreciate the family and holiday even more!
Enjoy your holiday planning Gina!
I can’t wait for oven-roasted TURKEY….its the one time a year that I have it and nothing else compares.
Happy November, Gina! : )
I’m definitely looking forward to the big Thanksgiving meal – turkey (one of the few times a year I have it), cranberry sauce (canned has always been my favorite), and pecan pie! So exciting!
One of my tips for staying on track health-wise would definitely be keeping track of my eats throughout the day. By doing this I can see if I should be drinking more h20, chill out on the sugars, or add some proteins to the mix! It’s easy to eat lots of delicious food without realizing how much you’re actually consuming.
i am looking forward to our christmas morning sticky buns! a huge family tradition!
my tip – don’t let weather stand in your way (i’m in canada!) – invest in warm clothes and accessories and let nothing stand in your way – get out for a wintry run or walk!
Great tips! I can’t wait for my aunts apple pie!!! I recently found your blog and am HOOKED!!! (I’m a fellow zumba instructor and loved your videos of mini class at the high school!)
definitely apple pie! good thing it’s in abundance this time of year 🙂
In terms of staying on track – I remind myself that a holiday meal is and will not be my least meal ever, so there’s no need to eat my weight in food.
So excited for the holidays! Starbucks started giving out their red cups, and that just screams “Christmas is coming!”
It’s refreshing to hear it’s *okay* to have a piece of pumpkin pie during the holidays, I don’t have to feel so guilty and still stay on track.
and I like gnarly! haha
Christmas is my favorite holiday! It doesn’t get any better than being surrounded by the ones you love, yummy food, christmas music, and hot cocoa on a cold day!
I definitely agree that all the stored went from Halloween to
Christmas overnight. I can’t wait for the holidays. This is the first year I’m going to try and stick to my fitness routine through the cold Colorado winter.
I am looking forward to holiday cookies!
I like to load up on the veggies from the veggie tray first so I am too full for a lot of the sweet stuff.
I can’t believe we’re talking Thanksgiving and Christmas already! I can’t wait to spend time with my family and enjoy all the treats of the season – in moderation of course! I’m especially looking forward to trying Silk’s version of eggnog this year for a bit of a healthier option.
pumpkin pie and canned cranberries (where they come out still shaped like the can :/)
cinnamon buns on christmas morning is a tradition in my family too – love those! i never have them any other time of the year 🙂
I cannot wait for stuffing! It’s one of those things I ONLY eat once a year. Even though I love it, it just doesn’t feel right eating it if it’s not Thanksgiving!
the classics- pumpkie pie and cranberry sauce- although im living abroad and cant find either here 🙁 Still, normally during the holidays I like to indulge (reasonably) on the holiday and, like you said, get back in to the regular routine of eating healthy right after. 🙂
I’m a pie girl! I could probably give up the rest of Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner and just have dessert!
What keeps me on track (and kept me from eating a single piece of Halloween candy) is just thinking about being good to my body. Holiday treats are (more than) fine in moderation, but I try to think ahead to how my body will feel afterward. I dance and work out all the time and I know that what I eat affects my performance. My mantra this season is to treat myself well!
I always look forward to being with my family on Christmas. My best stay on track tip is to get your workout done in the morning and to only choose foods that you don’t eat during the rest of the year!
I am looking forward to the amazing butternut squash side dish my Aunt makes every year, yum! As far as staying motivated go I just think about how much I enjoy keeping up my active lifestyle and how great the day seems after completing a workout.
My favorite holiday treat….wow…so many to choose from! But I would have to say mint m&m’s. I really don’t eat M&M’s during the year, but there is just something so yummy about the mint ones! 🙂 To stay on track during the holiday season, I make a variety of cookies and treats, but I make sure they are as healthy and natural as possible. I love experimenting and what better time to do it! If I have a plethora of healthier treats to pick from, I can still enjoy the holiday treats without all of the guilt. 🙂
I am REALLY looking forward to mashed potatoes, turkey, and apple pie!!! Yum!! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for the food!! I look forward to it every single year!!
To stay on track I make sure to get my workouts in, and I feel I workout harder when I know I am going to feast! hahaha.
I always look forward to my Mom’s sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving. It’s a tradition every year and I seriously could not have my Thanksgiving meal with out it!! In order to stay on track I will try limiting my sweets to only a few a week. Sweets are my biggest obstacle when it comes to eating clean so I will also try just popping a piece of sugar free gum instead or eating a piece of fruit. Exercise wise I go to zumba every week and once I’m home from school I will pick up with my Jillian Michaels videos and maybe walking around the neighborhood too!
Without a doubt stuffing and apple pie. yummmm. i LOVE thanksgiving. My justification: winter runs and hikes. I love the cool air.
Well Canada has already had thanksgiving so I just have the crazy Christmas holidays to get through food/fitness-wise. Since I’m a university student I always drive back home w/ the fam for the holidays. One of my biggest challenges is just not giving into all the yummy temptations that my parents house has (really just things like bread, cheese, pasta and starches that the BF and I don’t really buy). On top of that, my mom is an AMAZING baker and bakes like 20 kinds of cookies which are so tempting! I definitely love holiday sweets. 🙂
My two fit-tips for the holidays are 1) Don’t deny yourself the treats but take small portions or split them with someone else. 2) If you’re travelling/away from the gym, use at-home fitness methods like work-out vids and resistance bands!
PS. I didn’t comment this morning because I watched that zumba video on my phone and you are AMAZING! You kicked some serious butt on that floor and you look SO fantastic!