Are You Holiday Party Ready?

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Our social calendars will be slammed and the temptations and holiday treats will be coming at us in all directions.  I don't know about you, but it seems like treats are just flying through the air this time of year and right into my mouth!  It's the craziest thing!  

For me, this was always the time of year that I gained at least 5-7 pounds.  I would finish off the end of the year with a lot of regret, because of my excessive indulgences, and vow that next year would be the time that I REALLY got it together. 

This year has been different.  I have finally gotten my head 100% in the game and haven't looked back.  I have come way too far to undo all my hard work.  So what's a girl to do?  Give up?  Deprive yourself and stay home from all the holiday parties?  Nope!  This will be the year I finally find balance between being healthy but still living in the real world.  Will I have dessert and other out of the ordinary foods?  Probably, and while you are picking your jaw up off the floor, here's why.  I will not be eating those foods every single day.  Seriously people, no one is handing out awards to those who resist that piece of pumpkin pie.  One bad meal isn't going to undo all your progress just like one good meal isn't going to cause you to lose weight.  Eating Christmas cookies every day the entire month of December is an entirely different story.  

Here are some tips to help you stay holiday party ready while maintaining balance and ENJOYING the season.  

1. Drink Plenty of Water.
Staying properly hydrated will not only keep your complexion glowing, but it will also help you feel full.  It also keeps your muscles and other organs working properly. Feel tired or have a headache, you may need to drink some water.   How much should you be drinking daily?  Divide your body weight in half and that's how many ounces per day you should consume.  Example, if you weight 150 pounds, you should drink a minimum of 75 ounces each day.  

2.  Plan Your Weekly Menu
This is a crazy, busy time of year.  Between shopping, family gatherings and Christmas program practices, it's going to be so much more convenient to grab something on the go.  Have your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks prepared and prepped for the week so you can stay on track and stick to the plan.  

3.  Don't Skip Your Workout
Obviously there will be days during the season you simply cannot get to the gym or push play on your DVD.  But, not every day is going to be like that.  Even if you can't get 5-6 days in like you usually do, 3-4 is still good and it's better than sitting on the couch. Partner up with a friend or join an online accountability group who will inspire and motivate you to get it done each day.  

4. Have a Plan Before You Arrive at the Party
So, you know you're going to a party where the only foods will be cocktail wieners, sausage balls, crackers, cheese-balls and lots of desserts.  What do you do?  Eat a small, healthy meal or snack before you arrive.  Don't go into these situations starving.  You will over indulge and probably feel terribly bloated the next day.  This is a great time to make your favorite Shakeology recipe, some no fat Greek yogurt with fruit or an apple with peanut butter.  Protein will help you feel full so you can enjoy a few treats while not going overboard.  

5. Do Not Take Home Leftovers
I know, we all hate to waste food.  I'm from the south where we would rather have 2 extra casseroles that no one touches than dare run the risk of not having enough.  I completely understand that food is love to so many moms and grandmothers.  It makes us feel guilty and terrible to throw things away. What about all those starving people around the world?  
Here's the reality though, eating the mac and cheese one time probably isn't going to undo all your progress, but eating it for the next 2-3 days isn't a wise decision.  If you are worried about throwing out leftovers, look at the recipes and truly plan to only make enough for that one sitting.  If the recipe says it serves 10 and you have 10 people coming over, don't double the recipe just because you don't want to run out.  Coordinate the menu with everyone contributing so that there isn't too much.  

Bonus: Pamper Yourself!  
Schedule a hair appointment, get your nails done, buy a new outfit.  When you feel good on the outside, it may be just the extra push you need to stay true to your goals and finish out the year strong!  

Who's ready to have a New Year's resolution that finally isn't about weight loss!  

DIY Rice Heating

My upper body has been feeling pretty sore since starting P90X3. 

This Rice Sock Heating Pad I made when I went into labor with my daughter has come in handy to pamper those sore upper body muscles.  

Even though mine is in an old sock, I'm kind of attached to it.  We've been through a lot together. 😉💗🍼

Here's how you can make your own:

1 sock (can be old or a new pretty one...or if you are crafty, feel free to sew your own wrap)

1 pound of dry rice

Essential Oil (I love lavender, but this is totally optional depending on personal preference)

Place dried rice in a bowl (non plastic as that will absorb the scent of the oil for all of time) and mix in desired amount of essential oil 

Place rice mixture in the sock and tie the end tightly in a knot

To Heat: Place in the microwave for 1 min then heat at 30 sec intervals until it reaches your desired temperature 

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Tacos are a weekly staple at our house.  They are super easy to make quickly and super easy to double or triple the meat recipe to freeze for later.  Using ground turkey or lean ground beef makes this a healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy!  

Taco Seasoning 

Makes enough seasoning for 1 pound of meat

1 Tbsp. Chili Powder

1/4 Tsp. Garlic Powder

1/4 Tsp. Onion Powder

1/4 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (if you don't like spicy, this can be omitted.)

1/4 Tsp. Dried Oregano

1/2 Tsp. Paprika

1 1/2 Tsp. Cumin

1 Tsp. of Sea Salt (I usually cut this down to 1/4-1/2 tsp.)

1 Tsp. Black Pepper

For the Tacos

Serves 4

Combine all ingredients and set aside

Brown 1 lb. ground meat and drain off any excess water or grease. 

Combine the following with the browned, drained meat: 

taco seasoning

2/3 cup of water

1 can tomatoes with green chilies

Simmer until liquid is reduced

Serve on shells of Bib Lettuce with your favorite toppings.