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’m looking forward to my mom’s cornbread stuffing! 🙂
Thanksgiving stuffing all the way
my tip is to only have ONE plate at holiday parties! Fill it up including your dessert, eat slow, enjoy your meal, chat with family members and DONT stress about it. The more you stress about how much your eating the more likely you are to overeat.
Totally looking forward to my step moms sweet potatoes! Sugar, butter, marshmallows.. enough said.
I am most looking forward to my mom’s almond biscotti. It’s my Italian great grandmother’s secret recipe!
Oh man- gingerbread during the holidays- there’s nothing better!!! I’m also a big fan of any/all of the veggie selections at my family’s gatherings.
I can’t wait for my aunt’s stuffing! 🙂 It is the perfect mixture of sweet and savory!
Faves are definately my mom’s stuffing and cranberry sauce!!
I think a good way to stay on track is to get others involved. Invite the family to go on a walk together or all do a “turkey trot” or “jingle bell run” together. Staying active doesn’t have to be a chore!
I can’t wait for sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving!! Yummmm!
I am looking forward to plain and simple shortbread! So delicious and fun to make! Christmas coffee bread also tops my list!
I am looking forward to stuffing, sweet potatoes, and homemade dinner rolls…pretty much carbs in general! To stay on track, I make sure I don’t skip breakfast, otherwise I definitely end up overeating.
These tips are so helpful and just a reminder that it’s very easy to stay on track by being mindful.
The give away sounds amazing, as do the nanas’ cakes and pies 😉 My favorite holiday treat are my MIL’s pecan melt away cookies, so buttery and delicious. I also love my mom’s vegetarian shepherds pie. I love the holidays!
I’m totally looking forward to my mom’s sweet potatoes – she makes them with brandy and pecans and brown sugar — so freaking good!! Yum!
Mmmmm….. pie 😀 that’s what I’m looking forward to!
Also, maybe “Ways to make November Neat (or Nice or Nifty or Nutritious!)” ?
I love the tip about saving dessert for when it’s really worth it! It’s so tempting to overdo it around the holiday, so it’s helpful to think about enjoying the homemade treats and skipping the same-old factory treats.
Thanks for the tips!
Oh man I can’t wait for my mom’s homemade stuffing and pumpkin pie! She makes some great vegan version for me every holiday season. Even though it’s sad that we don’t get snow, the great thing about Arizona is that thru the holiday season we can still go running so I can indulge in those yummy treats without feeling guilty.
Stuffing! I can’t get enough of the stuff. I mean, all the food is great at Thanksgiving but I would trade it all for my mom’s stuffing.
My tip for staying on track is to plan a mid-winter swimming vacation. My hubby and I take our 3 daughters to an indoor swimming park and I know I want to look good, so I dont slack too much during the winter. I am most looking forward to attending a Christmas meal where I didnt have to prepare any food. I dont care what they feed me, I am just glad to have the day off of cooking 🙂
My mom makes a pumpkin cheesecake pie with WHOLE WHEAT CRUST! it’s the best of all worlds. Thank you for posting this list of tips. It’s common sense, but easy to forget when the pies make their entrance 🙂
I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving, especially pumpkin pie! My biggest tip to stay on track during the holiday season is to not show up to parties starving–I try to eat a little snack before so I don’t immediately attack the buffet with abandon. 🙂
Mashed potatoes with gravy!!
I have a hard time abiding by my tips but keeping in mind that there WILL be other cookies, pies, etc. Also, eating a little beforehand helps too
I’m looking forward to actually baking the things everyone is dreading (and loving). My favorites is probably apple pie!
I love running to keep myself in check, but when it gets too cold I prefer a good spin class
Gimme some pumpkin pie! Great giveaway 🙂
Last year was the first time I cooked the family’s meal all by myself…and everyone loved it! It was so fulfilling, not only literally ;), but emotionally to see my family enjoy a special hearty meal I lovingly prepared for them. This year I hope to repeat this heartfelt action and by cooking myself I have better control of the fats, sugar, salt, etc that go in the foods. Happy holidays 2011!
I’m looking forward to my mom’s stuffing! so yummy
My Aunt’s snicker doodle cookies (or really any of the cookies she makes). Her snicker doodle cookies win by a long shot. Perfectly chewy, but not too soft, with lots of cinnamon. I always manage to “stay on track” by signing up for a marathon/half marathon in February. I just focus on training for the race (which includes mostly nutritious foods) and that always seems to keep me moving.
Yummm I cannot wait for the holidays! I’ll definitely have to keep these tips in mind and not overdo it.
I look forward to my nana’s vegan potato taquitos!
I’m most looking forward to Thanksgiving breakfast with my brothers- it’s fun getting to cook for them. My best bet for staying on track is not eating all the stuff that people bring into work, it’s just never worth it.
Love the pictures at the end of you in the sled! We have already celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada, but in my books the Christmas season bagan today! Love the tips for keeping healthy during the holidays!
I love a good homemade pumpkin pie – and delicious red wine!
I’ll be hosting our second Thanksgiving this year and the numbers are growing. Our little house will have 20 adults and some little ones running around like crazy 🙂 I definitely is all about about perspective for the holidays, just doing your best and not punishing yourself for being part of the holidays!
Knock Out November
I have been craving stuffing for WEEKS, I can’t wait until Thanksgiving!
I LOVE pecan pie! It is absolutely delicious and absolutely horrible for you! This is the my first holiday season where I’m going to work on staying on track, so thanks for the tips!
I really love pumpkin pie. After going vegan, I didn’t have any for a few years until I finally bit the bullet and made it myself this Thanksgiving and will be making it again for Christmas!
My favorite way to stay in shape is to get outside and enjoy the season… beautiful fall leaves and brisk air during Thanksgiving, and beautiful Christmas lights during…well, Christmas!
The holidays are a time for family, fun, and festivities not food fears! There is nothing better than the holidays and the traditions that go with it.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving Day Dinner the most! I always make sure to fill up on fiber rich foods and drink a lot of water beforehand so I dont stuff my face with junk all night. lol
Not to sound full of myself but I usually look forward to the baked good that I make haha. I’m pretty much the only one in the family that likes pumpkin so I gotta treat myself 😉
I try to stay on track by having an organized schedule and not stuffing my face everytime someone offers me something “bad”. Its kinda hard to say no especially since I’m still a teenager and my body wants me to be a fatty but being motivated for my wellness keeps me going!
p.s you’re daughter is gonna be psyched to have you as a mom! You cook awesome healthy food and you’re way cool and down to earth!!! 🙂
Thanks for the ways to stay on track! It’s *always* needed! Halloween has even thrown me off slightly. I never eat candy and so allowing myself indulge over the weekend has turned into 3 days of eating candy! Gah! I am OK with it, but need to get back on track 😉 I will hopefully have it figured out before the holidays set in! XO
I look forward to swedish meatballs, my mom does a great job……! It’s good to get some walking in the day of Thanksgiving or Christmas, with a big family, cousins, their young kids………..it’s fun to work off some of that meal:)
Love that you said to not get too hung up on weight loss during the holidays! I agree, it only comes once a year and you should savor the treats and time spent with family!
My favorite is chocolate cream pie at Thanksgiving…sooo good! I swear I could eat the whole thing, but luckily my family moves quickly to that pie too so two pieces is always my max. To get ready for my pie eating, I always run the Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving morning. 5 miles in the morning with the family is a good way to get up and start the day!
stuffing, mashed potatos and graaaavy! Can’t wait!
I am oddly excited to have turkey and cranberry sandwiches! I love using leftovers and every year I look forward to have turkey sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce and cream cheese. I knew temptation was going to be hard this season since working in an office of all women (treats for every.single.holiday) so I joined a gym two weeks ago and know that I need to balance my day. If I know that I am going to indulge for lunch or dinner, I make sure to have a healthy breakfast and include lots of fruits and vegetables in addition to the splurges.
Pumpkin pie all the way! I’ve been craving it since august
I just keep with the normal routine during the holidays. I always make sure I have a hearty breakfast (steel cut oatmeal for the win), good snackage and good lunches and dinners. Plus, going to the gym is a great stress reliever. This year I signed up for one month of unlimited yoga classes!! That is my gift to myself!!
Over the years, I have come to realize these goodies come and go. I strategically decide what I want, when I want. Chocolate is my downfall, so I choose dark chocolate.
As for homemade goodies, I go for something I never have. Most of the time the stuff out there is that I can make on my own (and healthier)!!
I know life is too short but I rather remember the memories that I made than contemplating whether I should have that dip or not!
BTW-you are too cute in your Zumba video. You are an inspiration!
I try to just treat the holidays just like any other time of year. I enjoy foods in moderation and know that next year there will be another holiday – its not going anywhere =)
Sweet potato casserole and gingerbread cookies!
I try to avoid lingering in the kitchen! and if I have to, I make sure I’m doing dishes or (quickly) wrapping food up so I won’t sneak bites!
I make the best sweet potato casserole (it’s not at all healthy).
Last year on Thanksgiving morning, I went for a run in my neighborhood. So many people stopped and said encouraging words during my run!
Things are changing in my world so I don’t know what I will be doing during this holiday season.