#12DaysofFFF: Day 2

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Happy Monday, everyone!  First & foremost, I'd like to wish my sister a very happy, happy birthday... I hope that this year is full of lots of health & happiness! It is going to be a GREAT year... I can feel it! :)

Sooo... how was your Thanksgiving? I hope it was full of fun, family, & laughter! Mine was fantastic - great food, friends, fam & company. The rest of the weekend was a swirl of fun and hard work! Woof! I work in the shopping center business so I had to be up bright and early on Black Friday morning for an interview with a local news station. The work day was productive and busy (as expected) then -- Kristen & Mark made us a DELICIOUS dinner. It included lobster and champagne... I was in heaven. I worked again on Sat, we got our beautiful tree on Saturday night and then celebrated Stacy's bday yesterday and today!

This weekend was a perfect example of my next TIP for #12DaysofFFF:

BALANCED EATING!

Thanksgiving dinner, dinner with friends, wacky work schedule, two birthday celebrations, a christmas tree lighting. All of the above serve up A LOT of tasty and delicious food. It's ok though, guys... It really is. Here's why: Plan, listen to your body, and think to yourself "Balance". If you have a huge luncheon coming up, eat a light protein rich breakfast such as eggs and an orange. Eat a giant dinner the night before? Listen to your body... are you hungry in the morning? If not, wait a little and then have something light and protein rich. Boozey dinner and another lunch planned the next day? Stay away from the booze the next day and choose a light option. This tip is something I execute ALLLLLL the time. I choose wisely when I'm out to eat or at a party. Eat protein rich snacks first. Choose a meal that has protein, carbs, & veggies. Balance, Balance, Balance... I'm telling you - it works!

Here are some examples:

1. Pizza for dinner? Eat it with a salad. The fiber will keep you fuller and slow digestion.

2. Filling lunch? Eat a light salad OR a protein rich dinner. Example: fish with roasted veggies, grilled chicken with salad, sautéed shrimp with green beans. etc.

3. Big dinner plans? Eat a light but filling breakfast & lunch. Eggs, grilled chicken, veggies, cheese sticks, peanut butter on an english muffin, etc.

There is always room for the good stuff, just be mindful of upcoming meals and how to balance it. Remember, tip #1 was to MOVE MORE. Incorporating more movement and a balanced approach to eating are the two biggest steps to a healthy lifestyle (and holiday season).

Question of the Day: How DO YOU balance meals during busy times?

Have a great week! xo

Giving Thanks

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Good morning, everyone! I hope you are all enjoying a relaxing day off with family and friends. Yesterday while baking a pie with my niece Ella, we got to talking about two things. One: What are we most thankful for this year. The unanimous answer was family, friends, and Stacy being on the road to recovery. Two: Then, we got to talking about what our favorite Thanksgiving Day food is. Mine is mashed potatoes. Everyone else said stuffing with gravy. What is yours?

As I reflect on the past year, I am so grateful for so many things. There have definitely been some rough times, but, today we will focus on the positive. I am thankful for my family and friends - I am thankful for Stacy being on the road to recovery - I am thankful for Rob and becoming friends with each other's friends - I am thankful for my new job and the great people I've met - I am thankful for my health and the health of those I love.

Here's a quick snap-shop of those I am thankful for from the past year. Have a WONDERFUL day! xo

#12DaysOfFFF Day 1

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Goooood evening, everyone! How are you all doing? Gearing up for Thanksgiving? I'm getting pretty excited myself. So, the busy holiday season is coming up; COOKIES, more cookies, christmas parties, cookies, peppermint stick ice cream (my fav), hectic schedules, cookies, big-delicious meals, cheese platters, brie wrapped in phyllo (omg can't stop), white russians (mmm), egg nog, espresso martinis, cookies, and dip (oh, dip). Am I missing anything? Seeing that this could potentially be an issue (I've read that some tend to gain anywhere from 1-10 lbs during the season), I want to provide #12DaysofFFF to help keep us in check! 

I promise, I indulge... I definitely do. I have many holiday favorites and there is no way I'm going to turn everything down. No way jose. BUT, I've learned to take a MUCH cleaner, smarter approach. I'll go into more detail throughout the next couple of weeks, however, I'll tell you that it's pretty much all going to revolve around moderation and balance.

So, are you ready for Tip #1?!

MOVE MORE!

I can't stress enough how important it is to MOVE. Your body is made to move. Move it. Moving your body will keep you energy up, increase alertness, and improve your metabolic rate - burning more calories.

I put together the above list that can be pinned or printed as a little reminder of ways to move more throughout the day.

1. Can you squeeze in a little walk at lunch? Even a little tiny one? Even a mile? It'll help.

2. Do you have a doggy? Go play a little longer or go for an extra stroll. Again - even if it's only for 10 minutes or so. Every bit helps. Too cold? Bundle up! The very nice people at the local Massachusetts brand, Kurgo, sent me this awesome loft dog jacket for Stella. It's only $25 and it fits her perfectly. Stella had a jacket that didn't fit her very well and would fall off when we'd walk her around the neighborhood. This one fits so nicely and as soon as we put it on her - she loved it! They also sell reflective vests and leashes which I LOVE because it gets dark so early now. Isn't she so cute? (Kind of went off on a tangent there!)

Here's your coupon!

20% off dog harnesses, car seat covers and more

3. Sitting at a desk can be detrimental to your health. Set a timer to go off every 45 minutes (you'll be surprised how fast it goes by). Stand up stretch and do some squats.

4. Stay at the gym an extra 5 minutes. Just hop on the treadmill or do a weight session (squats with overhead press is a great burner)

5. Super pressed for time? Wake up 10 minutes earlier and do the set listed above in your pjs. No need to change or even put on sneakers.

How do you add in extra movement throughout the day?! Hashtag #12DaysOfFFF with your response. Would love some more ideas.

Have a fabulous week of fun and movement! xo

*I was not compensated to write this post, however, Kurgo did send me the nice, warm jacket for Stella to try out. As always, opinions are my own (and that coat is awesome!)