Learning How To Balance

I found this article from Health.com - It's so important to set goals and  make changes that you can and will stick to.   Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're planning healthy meals: Downsize portions - Change your perspective on portion sizes. Anyone can eat healthy foods, but portions are often much too large. Using a smaller plate also help you eat less because the smaller portions make it look fuller.  Think protein first - When planning a meal, the first thing to think about is protein. If you eat a balanced meal of whole grains with protein and fat, most likely you will tend to snack less and cravings for sweets is practically nonexistent. Aim for at least one serving of protein at each meal, which equates to about five ounces of chicken, five ounces of canned tuna, or a couple of eggs. Color your meals.   Eat salads.  Prep veggies. Stock-up on non-perishables. Allow yourself to indulge. Read more here: Plan Healthy Meal...

This cartoon seems so appropriate right now.... this winter has been crazy cold for our area and I think others too!   With colder weather comes the need to "hibernate" - which has been part of my problem.  When it's cold all I want to do is comfort myself with food.  Which is OK if I had made healthy choices with the "comfort food". It's hard to do that! Unless you try just a little bit to find healthy comfort meals!!  Once again... ironically I have a Pinterest Board named " HEALTHIER CHOICES "!!  I just have to laugh at myself sometimes!  But check it out... there are some great pins on there.  Back to healthier eating.... I plan to make this one next week! Healthy Chicken Vegetable Casserole Minutes to Prepare: 15 Minutes to Cook: 30 Number of Servings: 6 Ingredients 12 oz cooked chicken breasts, diced 2 T all purpose flour 2 T butter, unsalted 10 oz skim milk 1 pinch white pepper 1 t Italian seasoning 1 T parmesan cheese, gr...

So this AM I decide to weigh myself.... (first time in a while) and I have to admit...I was SHOCKED!!!!  "Udderly" Shocked!!! And I'm going to post it here: 156.2  Looks like Christmas, a business trip to Las Vegas, drinking "good beer", FREEZING COLD WEATHER and other excuses have caught up to me!!!   So I MUST get back on the wagon... this was a true test that I cannot stray from my exercise schedule and logging my food!!  (With a few exceptions of course)  I can tell that I haven't been working out to my normal level nor have I been watching what I eat.   What's ironic about this is - I watch fitness videos, read articles, etc. all the time "to keep myself motivated"... Ahhhh, I guess I've been putting that "motivation" in my pocket b/c until now... I haven't done much with it.  But we are back to it and ready to see some progress!!   To get started here are a few things to remember: Be kind to yourself  ...

I haven't posted in a while - holidays, busy schedule, laziness, etc. But I'm back on the wagon and the image above really struck me considering all the junk that comes thru the doors during the holidays.  It's all about making decisions, sticking to them and how you think about it when you do stick to them.  Making the "shift" in your brain is not easy - the lil' devil on your shoulder will still pop up from time to time and if you indulge its OK but don't let it derail your whole day, week, etc.  On that same note here are a few ideas for goal setting.  This is what I plan to work on in the month of January.   The 6 Characteristics of Effective Goals Challenging:  Your goals should be realistic and suited to your present capabilities. You can’t go from habitual couch potato to world-class athlete overnight, or recover the “look” you had in your 20's if you’re pushing 60 right now. Small, progressive steps toward reasonable, long-term ...

I don't know about you but I am highly effected by the winter months!  It's cold, it's get dark earlier and earlier, the holidays take over your schedule, etc.  I found this article on SparkPeople that had some great ideas for lifting the "ho-hums" of the dark winter months. 15 Natural Mood Lifters - Quick and Easy Ways to Lift Your Spirit Here are a few more natural mood lifters you can try. Eat often and eat light.  When you  eat at regular intervals  throughout the day you will prevent dips in your blood sugar that can negatively affect your mood. Plan your meals and  snacks  to prevent yourself from getting overly hungry, aiming for three to six eating episodes (total meals plus snacks) each day.   Limit refined carbohydrates  such as soda, candy, cookies, and white flour, which are concentrated sources of sugar. These foods may give you an immediate rush of energy, but they will cause you to crash and fatigue soon after...

#sparktheseason - Day 2 - Tradition.  Kind of goes with yesterday's "Lights" post! Walked Bax at the park this evening...started out as a very gloomy evening but when I got to the park...the sunset showed it's self!  Gorgeous!

#SparkTheSeason - Lights Dec. 1-6 Goals:  1) 64oz H2O Daily 2) Stay w/in daily calories 3) Exrcse 5 x a week.