Lost and Found – Mamavation Monday

I don’t know what happened… ok, I do… but I don’t know why.  The beginning of the week was HORRID – lacking motivation, not wanting to do what I know I need to – I wasn’t eating the right things, and it was like I just didn’t care – all the while my brain was screaming at me to stop the sabotage!  I could list plenty of excuses – school winding down and finals this week (I’m done tomorrow), stress, “that time of the month”, fatigue, etc.  the list could go on and on but the bottom line is I didn’t eat right, I didn’t exercise like I should, I LOST my motivation…

and the scale shows it

That’s right – I GAINED 2 LBS

I’m embarressed by the slide… but I also know that is not productive.  Luckily, by Friday I had finally pulled myself out of the funk – and FOUND my motivation again.   Friday I did day 1 of c25k and although it was harder than I thought it would be, it was easier than the last time I tried in Feb of 2009.  I know I’m back on track NOW and the scale WILL reflect it next week.  Saturday, took a 4 mile walk with our very own SOTW Jessica, but somewhere along the way I tweaked my ankle.  I couldn’t do ANYTHING yesterday and today isn’t much better, but at least I’m eating clean whole foods again and watching my portions.  I’m back to sticking with the nutrition plan Alysa gave me as a Mamavation Mom and while I need to stay off my foot, that doesn’t mean I can’t find other exercise to fit into my day – the plan for today (and as long as it takes for my ankle to get better) is to stick with upper body – weights while I’m sitting on my balance ball is the most challenging I can come up with so I’m definately open to ideas.  I’m also going to be working in some gentle Yoga that the Dr. approved, and floor exercises are on the ‘menu’ as well.

C25K is obviously on a hiatus for now, but I’m actually looking forward to being able to start it again.

All in all, I fell off plan for a week and it’s time to get back on the wagon.  I know it is a process but I’m still frustrated that I fell so quickly after the end of the campaign.

Speaking of the campaign – i can NOT WAIT to see who all applies!  I’m looking forward to seeing all of your videos and cheering you on!

 

Is the EAS Active 2 Personal Trainer on your Christmas list?

Join me over at Bookieboo.com today for a quick overview of why I think it should be!

May your days be Healthy and Bright

The holiday season is definitely in full force at my house.  The tree is decorated, the lights carefully line the rooftop, stockings are lovingly hung on the mantle, and the baking has already begun.  As magical as this time might be, it can also be a stressful time. 

I like to think back to my childhood to remember the joy of the season as seen through a child’s eyes.  This helps me to stay sane during a crazy time.  Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years for how to stay healthy and sane through the holidays:

• K.I.S.S – While kissing your loved one can help make your holidays bright, I’m referring to the saying I hear a lot - Keep It Simple Silly (I know I’ve heard a different ‘S’ word used here, but I don’t like that one).  This can apply to everything from the decorations to the gifts to the food you prepare and/ or eat.  Keep it simple.  You don’t have to compete with your neighbors for the most decorated yard or prepare a lavish spread for every holiday gathering you host. 
• Family focus - I don’t remember every present I’ve ever unwrapped from birth to now, but I do recall the memories of my childhood.  Time spent with family.  Those are the things that your children will remember (and so will you).  So whether you build gingerbread houses (like my friend Rachel) or take walks throughout the neighborhood to admire the christmas lights, do it as a family.  Added benefit – If you are wearing Earth Footwear, an evening stroll can also work off some of the holiday treats you’ve enjoyed
• While we are on the subject of treats, Be Reasonable - You will be faced with an extrodinary about of temptations with cakes, pies, cookies, fudge, candy, brittle, brownies, truffles… (I could go on but I think I just gained 5 lbs thinking of those confectionary concoctions) Deprevation isn’t the answer – at least not if you are like me.  I don’t know about you, but when I deprive myself, I’m more tempted to eat everything in site.  If you want a cookie (or other treat) really think about it.  Do you really want it or are you mindless eating?  Have healthy snacks readily available, but if you really want something you are faced with – have 1 cookie – not the whole plate.  Have a few bites of cake/pie instead of a large piece.  Have a plan ready to deal with the situation and be gentle with yourself.
• Fitness – Fitness can be anything that gets you moving.  Schedule some time at least a few days a week when you dedicate a few minutes to being active – with or without the family.  Why is this important?  I have to quote one of my favorite movie lines for this -
  

  “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” ~ Legally Blond 

  I used to think I didn’t have the time or energy to exercise – Now I don’t know how to function without it.  I have more energy, get a better night’s sleep, and am an all around happier person because I schedule fitness into my day.  I honestly don’t know how my family survived before. 

• And finally, Take some YOU time - This is the hardest for me because I work so hard to ensure that everyone has the happiest of holidays, that I sometimes forget what my family really needs is a happy mommy.  Take a time out - Hey – it works for the kids! Remember to breath – deeply and fully.  Meditate, pray, do yoga – whatever relaxation method works for you. And don’t lose site of what’s really important this holiday season.

So those are my top 5 – Now it is your turn.  What do you do to stay healthy and sane during the holiday seasons?  I’d love to know!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Earth Footwear “All’s Well That Ends Well” blogging program, making me eligible to win a pair of Earth Footwear boots. For more information on how you can participate, click here.