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.  

  

Chicken Salad- 21 Day Fix Approved

Chicken Salad is one of those things you usually avoid when eating clean and healthy because it's loaded with fat and calories. 
Here's a chicken salad recipe that will satisfy your cravings and doesn't taste like you are sacrificing any flavor! 
21 day fix container counts included. Feel free to play around with the ingredients! 

1 serving of chicken + 1 tbsp plain, fat free Greek yogurt (1 red) ❤
2-3 scallions, minced (free)
1/4 tsp curry powder (free)
1/2 cup grapes (1/2 purple)💜
6 almonds, chopped (1/2 blue)💙
Bed of mixed greens (1 green) 💚

Lose the Excuses- The Top 5

We've all said it- Well, I know this isn't an excuse, but here's the "reason."  An excuse by any other name is still an excuse.  I say this as a reformed excuse maker.  Here's a couple of my former excuses and a couple I've heard from others along the way.  At the end of the day, it's up to you to get out of your own way and make things happen.  Here's a couple suggestions to help motivate you along.

1.  I don't have time.  

Preach it.  There are 24 hours in a day but when you factor in things like commute time, school, work, church, extracurricular activities and everything else that makes up your day, the time seems to disappear.  The best advice I can give is that we all make time for the things that matter most to us. You may have to get up 30 minutes earlier and push all the toys out of the way, but you can push play on a workout DVD at home.   Yes, there will be the days that you are operating in survival mode and maybe you can't get in that time, but you don't give up.  I have a friend who is a mom, works 12 hour shifts and yet she still schedules in that gym time.  It's not negotiable.  She's a rock star and looks amazing because she got out of her own way and made it happen. 

2. I don't have the money. 

Times are tough.  We live on a single income and I 100% get that.  Here's the deal- if you don't invest in your health now, you will be later on in the form of doctor visits and prescription medications. Given, exercise isn't a 100% guarantee that your life will be disease and problem free, but it will reduce your chances of developing things like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, joint problems from carrying excessive weight and lack of energy, just to name a few. 

3. I don't want to cook a separate meal for me and my family.  

Children can be the most picky, frustrating creatures on the planet when it comes to mealtimes.  What they ate last week, they will say is disgusting this week.   As a parent, it's up to you to set some healthy habits for your family now.  If you are struggling with your weight, chances are, your children are going to face that same struggle one day.  It's genetic and it's a learned behavior. Teach them healthy habits now. Set them up for a healthy, successful future. 

4. I don't want to give up (fill in the blank.)

Instead of focusing on what you are giving up, think about what you will get in return.  I never thought I could give up coffee creamer.  It was my one big indulgence each day.  When I did 21 day fix, it wasn't allowed and I planned on doing the program exactly.  I switched to unsweetened almond/coconut milk blend and I haven't looked back.  Focusing on what you're giving up leads you to feel deprived.  Focusing on what you are getting in return, such as weight loss, more energy, defined muscles and smaller clothing sizes, makes you realize that those so called "sacrifices" are mere investments into your new, healthy future. 

5. I'm just going to do this diet for a few weeks, or take these new supplements I heard about. I'm not going to name any brand names but we've all seen them.  Here's the deal, you have to be willing to make a lifestyle change. Before you start using one of these products or eating some fad diet, ask yourself a few questions- Is this setting me up for long term success?  Is this program teaching me healthy eating and fitness habits that can be sustained over a lifetime? What are the long term effects of this product on my body? The biggest problem I have with these companies is their motivation and ethics.  I do not feel that it is prudent to sell a product that is marketed at weight loss while telling people they can continue eating unhealthy foods as long as they take a certain "fat-blocking" pill. Your money can be better spent investing in healthy, clean foods and a good fitness program.  There's nothing you can take that replaces healthy, balanced eating and exercise. Nothing. You don't need it.  

There's no magic formula.  All it takes is a made up mind fueled by hardcore determination.  Cut out the processed foods, the sugar substitutes (yes, all the diet soda and diet foods included) and high fat foods and fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, good carbs and healthy fats.

The path of most resistance is harder, less traveled and sometimes lonely, BUT it is always worth it. YOU are worth it.  Your family is worth it. Don't be the only one standing between you and success. Get out of your own way and make it happen.

Have you gotten out of your own way and reached success?  Post your success stories in the comment section!  

Mom- It's OK to Vent Without Feeling Guilty

Sometimes parenting can be so completely frustrating. There are the endless questions, the temper tantrums, the sleepless nights and accidents that still happen despite your best baby and childproofing attempts. Some days are just hard. What can make things just a little worse in your already hard, frustratingly difficult day? Deciding to "vent" to someone who, despite good intentions I'm sure, put you on a guilt trip by saying things like, "They won't be little forever, so enjoy these days," or "These are the easy years." While I'm sure the intention is to change that moms perspective and focus on the big picture, the fact of the matter is, she simply wants someone to empathize with her and acknowledge that yes, some days are really tough. There are days you already feel like a completely and total failure and the guilt trip just sends you right on over the edge. We all know that the years pass all too quickly, but knowing that doesn't always make those LONG days any easier. To all the moms out there feeling like you are in the thick of it, here's a virtual fist bump. 👊You're going to make it!

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Can we all take a minute out of our day to acknowledge this truth?

 I love that as a stay at home mom, social media is sometimes the one thing that keeps me connected to the outside world. I love seeing what my friends are up to....but sometimes, I will admit, I get a little jealous. There, I said it. Maybe I'm the only one...but I doubt it. It seems like some people have such perfect lives. They seemingly take vacations every week, their husbands send them flowers for no reason once a month and their children are super genius prodigies with not a speck or stain on their perfectly styled boutique outfits. Today, when scrolling through your news feed, please remember that comparison is the thief of JOY. 

That family who seems to take a trip every single week may have 2 parents working hard, long hours each day.  Those weekend getaways may be the only time they can get away from all the distractions and spend quality family time together.  Let's celebrate that regardless of the circumstances, these are families spending time together.  Families are breaking apart every day, let's celebrate that some people are not giving up and doing whatever it takes to stay together. 

The mom who gets flowers from her husband just because- who even cares what's happened on the other side of this picture.  Can we just celebrate for a moment that chivalry still exists and this husband took time to make his wife feel loved and appreciated! 

The super genius prodigy children- let's celebrate that these parents are investing in this child's future and thus grooming someone who will one day be a productive member of society.  Besides, we all know that "our" child is the smartest, most amazing, wonderful little human on the planet.  

Those perfectly styled children in their spotless outfits?  Come on, we all know it was all that mom could do to get a picture BEFORE total mayhem enviably occurred and chocolate, spaghetti sauce, or marker got all over those precious outfits she scored on Zulily or 75% off  clearance.  She just wanted to savor that brief moment in time when it "looked" like she had it all together.  

Facebook is all smoke and mirrors. We don't know what is on the other side of all those positive social media posts and pictures. Let's all find True JOY and happiness with our current season of life despite how messy, hard or chaotic it may be.