Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Morning After!

OK, raise your hand if you consumed the average calories on Thanksgiving.....that would be 4,000 calories!  I confess, I didn't actually count, but I probably came in at the national average.  And it was yummy! 

The morning of, I did a kick ass workout on my new step 360, complete with weight lifting, burpees, jacks and mountain climbers!  I worked up a good sweat, and I took a walk before the big dinner, so at least I mitigated a few of the calories!

My "morning after" included beach cardio and yoga.  Actually, Monday morning, I am beginning significant calorie restriction to get me through December.  My goal is to, not only, not gain any holiday pounds, but to actually shed a few.  My strategy is to indulge in a few scheduled holiday celebrations, but then to really restrict on the other days of this tempting month.

Wish me luck!  Please help keep me honest.  Please send me messages reminding me of my commitment to myself!  I look forward to your help!

Desire to exit the season a lighter version of myself.  Dedication to celebrating with balance.   Discipline to December calorie restriction.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Gratitude and Grace

Thanksgiving is a time of year to reflect on and express gratitude for our blessings.  I believe that gratitude is the foundation for our healthy journeys. 

As I thought about this post, our Thanksgiving post, I considered lots of different options.  There are so many things to think about.......eating healthy over Thanksgiving; not gaining weight over Thanksgiving; low fat and low calorie recipes to add to the Thanksgiving table; walking 10,000 steps on Thanksgiving to help mitigate the 4,000 calories that the average American will consume on Thanksgiving day.....and so much more.

Instead I decided it was much more important to focus on gratitude.  I think practicing gratitude prepares us to be a vessel to receive grace.  I have heard others express that perspective.  It makes sense to me.  As I scan my immediate world, the opportunity to be grateful is overwhelming.  The love that surrounds me, the abundance of material things, my friends and family, the great work I get to do, the best husband on the planet, living in San Diego, my health, my focus on my healthy journey to improve my health, course correct and celebrate health, and so much more.

My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you will scan your world and immerse yourself in gratitude for all of your blessings.  Then use that state of grace to share with others around you who are in need.  That is the true meaning and purpose of this wonderful holiday.

Oh yeah....AND eat drink and be merry and enjoy whatever you decide is worth enjoying!  Tomorrow we can exercise and restrict our intake once again!

Desire to be filled with grace.  Dedication to practice gratitude for our blessings.  Discipline to share our blessings with others.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

The Miracle Diet!

First of all, I am sorry I missed posting last weekend.  If you know me on Facebook, then you know I spent Thursday through Sunday at the hospital helping my Dad through a health crisis.  He is home now doing great.  He had to have emergency surgery to resolve a massive blood clot in his iliac and superior femoral artery.  I really felt the hand of God with us.  He is doing really well with a prognosis for a full recovery.  Hurray!

So, now for the miracle diet......it is simple.  When you go on vacation, you simply eat and drink whatever you want!  Then, if you do not gain weight....it is a miracle!  HAR DE HAR HAR! 

My sister shared that with me and I laughed so hard I almost cried! 

Of course, there is no miracle diet. The miracle is that when we carefully monitor and restrict our intake while getting enough exercise, our bodies seek a healthy weight and state.  That is the miracle.

So, if you are feeling a little out of balance, take a little time to analyze your intake and your motion.  I bet you will find your way back to balance and health!

Desire to honor the miracle that is our bodies.  Dedication to seeking health and balance. Discipline to monitor and adjust.