how I mindfully forge (not forage!) through the holidays
I really love the holidays. Yet, balancing all of the things I want to do with my friends and family can be a challenge. Workouts, holiday parties, and airplane travel can wreak havoc on my body.
I’ve been working out consistently since college. Thanks to Julio and Megan at Fitness on the Run (FOR), I have finally figured out how much of an impact my diet has on my body and on my workouts. This realization has actually given me a better sense of sanity. If I miss a workout due to an early meeting or travel, it’s ok. This doesn’t have to make me crazy or feel guilty. I know I just need to be more mindful of my diet. Before training at FOR, I was afraid of protein, especially eggs and bacon. I would rather eat yogurt with fruit and granola. I thought that was a better choice. I had no idea how much sugar I was eating every day. Being mindful of sugar and empty carbs has been an eye opener.
I plan to approach the holidays with this same sense of mindfulness. I will choose a great glass of wine or champagne over the iced sugar cookies that I love and will focus on protein and veggies at the buffet. I almost never take the passed hors d’oeuvres since they are usually something with bread or cheese that I might regret later. I have learned that for me, bread leads to more bread, and sugar leads to more sugar. Knowing this helps to stop the carb train in its tracks. Sometimes… Every week I plan my cheat treat so that is something to which I will look forward and helps curb the mindless eating when all the treats appear at parties or the office.
