Good morning. I woke up early so I could get a few errands done. My "to do" list is growing faster than I can get stuff done!
Breakfast was simple. It totally hit the spot, too!
I had coffee (obviously!) and oatmeal. My oatmeal was kind of a "grab and go" mix of whatever was in my Nut Bag.
My oatmeal contained:
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 sliced banana
- Toppings: 2 tablespoons pumpkin granola and a small handful of pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds.
All I can say is there BETTER be pecan pie at Thanksgiving! 🙂
Exercising Through The Holidays
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s almost *the most wonderful time of the year*! Unfortunately, the holiday season is full of opportunities to blow your diet, slack off on your training schedule, or eat so much you can’t fit into your wedding dress come January 3 (or whatever).
The average American consumes 600 EXTRA calories a day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The typical Thanksgiving meal contains more than 3,000 calories. Now, I’m certainly not suggesting you avoid EVERY holiday treat or skip Thanksgiving dinner altogether! It’s a special time of the year, so enjoy yourself. Food is about more than just fueling your body.
However, for me, the easiest way to mentally AND physically "stay on track" is to EXERCISE my way through the holidays! Here are some tips:
- Exercise the morning of "big meal" holidays. Obviously, you’re not going to be able to burn off ALL the calories you will eat at Thanksgiving, but a morning run or elliptical session will make you feel more *in control* during the meal (i.e. working out on a holiday is more for your mental sanity than anything else).
- Be selfish. Some family member may not like it that you’re planning to go for a run in the morning. Maybe they want to spend extra time with you or maybe they feel guilty that THEY’RE not exercising. But you need this time for yourself, so GO! Don’t be peer pressured into sitting at home if you want to go for a run. Just make it quick and be very friendly when you come back!
- Invite your family members to go on a walk or jog with you. Exercising together can be a fun way to spend time together. And who doesn’t love a post-Thanksgiving game of pigskin?
- Play with the children! Kids are a great excuse to stay active, and their parents will thank you. Chase your cousins around the backyard.
- Don’t schedule exercise in on days when it is super unrealistic to happen. Meaning — don’t set yourself up to fail. If your holidays are very busy, don’t tell yourself that you’re a sloth if you only get in two days a week as opposed to 5. Do what you can, and be satisfied with that!
How are you planning to stay active during the holidays? I have a nice 9 miler planned for Thanksgiving morning! 🙂
pretty oats! today is DEFINITELY a 2-cup coffee day for me 😉
to prepare myself for the holidays i usually try to get in some exercise in the morning too. i also bring some of my own side dishes (fruit salads, etc.) that i know will be healthy options – just in case!