Summer time; a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate around campfires, pizza, and refreshing mojito's.
This time of the year can be challenging for many to stay on track with their nutrition and training. I know personally this summer has been challenging because it has been a great one full of celebrations like my wedding, Danny's birthday, and my brother visiting us for 2 weeks. Staying on track with a healthy meal plan can become tiring and inconvenient. However, with a little strategy and awareness you can enjoy your summer without neglecting your goals.
For example, last night I went to my girlfriends bridal shower, and O.M.G she had the coolest cake ever! A Twinkie cake! It was at that point that I knew I was the only one in control of my decisions. It was then that I realized I had to choose either to indulge in possibly the coolest, sweetest, most delightful cake and love every bite OR to love my goals more? Tough choice when you are actually in that position. I decided right then and there that I had indulged enough this summer and have had a blast!
I had a great time last night at her shower, I did not need the Twinkie cake to make it any better. I kindly declined and left the party feeling very proud of my decision. Am I better than the ladies who had a piece? Absolutely NOT! I have a goal set now and every decision takes me closer or further away. I also am seeing the bigger picture...a healthy lifestyle. I should make good decisions not just because I am stepping on stage in front of tons of judging eyes but because it is good for me. I had my time to indulge, I loved the yummy cupcakes at my wedding and a piece of cheesecake for Danny's birthday. Those ladies at the shower were having their time. It just wasn't my time to indulge in the sweetness of the twinkie cake.
Here are some helpful tips to stay on track and still enjoy your summer time fun:
1: Take a scoop of glutamine during an intense craving or before you go out. Glutamine is a BCAA that will help reduce the intensity of your cravings.
2: Drink mineral water with a slice of lime, lemon, or orange instead of alcohol.
3: If you drink alcohol drink red wine. 5 oz of red wine (1 glass) has about 15grams of carbohydrates. So you can replace your starchy carbohydrates like rice, bread, and potatoes with more veggies. I also recommend drinking a glass of water between servings of wine.
4: Do a quick little workout or go on a walk or bike ride before you go out. When you exercise you release those good feeling hormones. Those hormones will lift your spirit and you will more likely make better food choices because you want to continue to feel good and to refuel your body.
5: Chew gum while cooking, it will help prevent you from snacking while preparing food.
6: Have a scoop of protein powder before you go out. You will most likely not eat enough protein while out so this will be protein "insurance" and it will help you to feel more satisfied.
7: Leave the party early. The later you stay the most likely you will have late night snacks and drinks. Plus you need your beauty sleep!
8: Look at a picture or read an article that inspires you. When I have a weak moment I tend to read articles written by women in the fitness industry I respect. Their words help me to regain my inner strength and reminds me that I am capable.
9: Love your goals more than the temporary fixes. Period.
10: Write down your cravings and save it for your "happy meal" or "reward meal." There is a time and a place to enjoy some treats. I always recommend fitting them into your meal plan instead of eating randomly here and there. Random quick fixes can amount to a lot over the course of the week. Make sure you have a plan so that you'll be prepared and in control of the situation.
XOXO,
This time of the year can be challenging for many to stay on track with their nutrition and training. I know personally this summer has been challenging because it has been a great one full of celebrations like my wedding, Danny's birthday, and my brother visiting us for 2 weeks. Staying on track with a healthy meal plan can become tiring and inconvenient. However, with a little strategy and awareness you can enjoy your summer without neglecting your goals.
For example, last night I went to my girlfriends bridal shower, and O.M.G she had the coolest cake ever! A Twinkie cake! It was at that point that I knew I was the only one in control of my decisions. It was then that I realized I had to choose either to indulge in possibly the coolest, sweetest, most delightful cake and love every bite OR to love my goals more? Tough choice when you are actually in that position. I decided right then and there that I had indulged enough this summer and have had a blast!
I had a great time last night at her shower, I did not need the Twinkie cake to make it any better. I kindly declined and left the party feeling very proud of my decision. Am I better than the ladies who had a piece? Absolutely NOT! I have a goal set now and every decision takes me closer or further away. I also am seeing the bigger picture...a healthy lifestyle. I should make good decisions not just because I am stepping on stage in front of tons of judging eyes but because it is good for me. I had my time to indulge, I loved the yummy cupcakes at my wedding and a piece of cheesecake for Danny's birthday. Those ladies at the shower were having their time. It just wasn't my time to indulge in the sweetness of the twinkie cake.
Here are some helpful tips to stay on track and still enjoy your summer time fun:
1: Take a scoop of glutamine during an intense craving or before you go out. Glutamine is a BCAA that will help reduce the intensity of your cravings.
2: Drink mineral water with a slice of lime, lemon, or orange instead of alcohol.
3: If you drink alcohol drink red wine. 5 oz of red wine (1 glass) has about 15grams of carbohydrates. So you can replace your starchy carbohydrates like rice, bread, and potatoes with more veggies. I also recommend drinking a glass of water between servings of wine.
4: Do a quick little workout or go on a walk or bike ride before you go out. When you exercise you release those good feeling hormones. Those hormones will lift your spirit and you will more likely make better food choices because you want to continue to feel good and to refuel your body.
5: Chew gum while cooking, it will help prevent you from snacking while preparing food.
6: Have a scoop of protein powder before you go out. You will most likely not eat enough protein while out so this will be protein "insurance" and it will help you to feel more satisfied.
7: Leave the party early. The later you stay the most likely you will have late night snacks and drinks. Plus you need your beauty sleep!
8: Look at a picture or read an article that inspires you. When I have a weak moment I tend to read articles written by women in the fitness industry I respect. Their words help me to regain my inner strength and reminds me that I am capable.
9: Love your goals more than the temporary fixes. Period.
10: Write down your cravings and save it for your "happy meal" or "reward meal." There is a time and a place to enjoy some treats. I always recommend fitting them into your meal plan instead of eating randomly here and there. Random quick fixes can amount to a lot over the course of the week. Make sure you have a plan so that you'll be prepared and in control of the situation.
XOXO,
Abby
A Twinkie cake?? That sounds awesome! Can't say that I've ever had a Twinkie, but I love all those cake shows on TLC and Food Network! Good job putting your goals ahead of the cake. Sounds like it was a piece of cake decision for you (haha pun intended)!
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz! I cannot remember the last time. Had a Twinkie. Did you know they had a shelf life of 12 years! What's wrong with that picture?
ReplyDelete