FitCity: Goodbye

Sad news this week- FitCity is going away.  You can read about it here.  And you can read my final post here.

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Prior to 2010, I never put much serious effort into my health. Up into college, I had been healthy enough (meaning thin enough). After college, I started to gain but never felt like it was out of control. Then marriage and 2 babies left me very aware that I wasn’t taking care of myself. I was working towards figuring out what I needed to do about it when I discovered FitCity and then became a Mom Blogger here.

And it changed my life.

I knew I couldn’t write about healthy living if I wasn’t living a healthy lifestyle. Writing for FitCity jump started my plans to make some serious changes in my life. However, when I wrote my first post in February of 2010, I had no idea that writing for FitCity would lead me on a journey of running, cycling, activity on vacations, juicing, connecting to nutritionist and exercise experts on Twitter chats, and even doing a FunRun with Jared from Subway.

Thanks to the motivation I received when I started writing for FitCity, I can say that I’ve done several 5K’s, I’ve done a half marathon, I’ve biked 30+ miles, and I’ve even gone from thick and heavy running shoes to minimalist running.

When I first heard the news that FitCity was coming to an end, I was worried that the motivation to continue finding ways to experience healthy living would also come to an end. You see, even though FitCity gave me that jumpstart, I still have been fighting my own personal battles of getting off track, finding motivation, fighting my emotional eating battles, and so on.

But over the course of these 2 1/2 years, I’ve developed an incredible support system. I have found the inspiration to start healthy living groups in my church and online (through Facebook). The group in my church has been going steady for about 18 months. We have a regular Zumba class, we walk, we do bike rides and 5K’s together. We are planning some great things for the year ahead- like a virtual walk to Jerusalem. My Facebook group (Eat Smart, Move More!) has become a source of inspiration, motivation, support, and sharing. It’s a place where we share our victories over fast food, our struggles with stress eating, our plans to exercise that day, our accomplishments and our challenges. I’m hoping to kick off a pedometer challenge there to get people walking and running – and to get myself walking and running more.

FitCity may be coming to an end but my Fit Living doesn’t. Won’t. Can’t.

I plan to keep connecting to my support system through my Facebook group, my church group, and will be sharing more of my healthy living thoughts and experiences on my own personal blog, Eternal Lizdom. I hope you will join me. One of the things I truly treasure the most about my time with FitCity are the friendships I’ve made with my fellow Mom Bloggers. I’ve come to know these beautiful women and am inspired by them in so many ways.

Thank you to Eleather, Lisa, Jennifer, Amy, Kelly, Danielle, Rhonda, and all the other amazing women and businesses and restaurants and services I have come to know thanks to FitCity.

Because of this online community, I am a stronger and healthier mom that is consistently striving to bring healthier choices to my family, raising healthier kids, and seeking ways to inspire the community around me to focus on health, nutrition, and activity.

FitCity: I Want to Ride My Bicycle

Have you been thinking about taking up Cycling?  Check out my tips on how to get started over at FitCity Indy today!

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My friend Amy recently posted about bike riding here on Fit City.  She gave some great tips on riding with your kids.  I want to share some tips on starting to ride on your own.  Cycling is great exercise.  Personally, it’s an activity that I simply enjoy.  I’ve done the running thing and I set and accomplished goals.  But I never came to really enjoy running.  When I ride, I simply enjoy it.  I enjoy the wind in my face, I enjoy feeling the strength of my legs, I even enjoy the challenge of getting up a hill when I think I’m not going to make it. 

How do you get started?

Get a bike. Get a helmet. Go!

It really can be that easy!

You can also start out by heading to a local bike shop and talking to the pros about what kind of riding you plan to do, what kind of terrain you plan to ride on, and how often you plan to ride.  Your local bike shop can also point you towards riding groups or cycling events.

What to Have

The other accessories I like to have are riding gloves, glasses, and my bike bag.  Because I like riding longer distances, having padding to protect my palms is a good thing.  I also like to wear sunglasses to protect my eyes from dirt and bugs.  I wear glasses for near-sightedness anyway and have prescription sunglasses.  But even when I am wearing contacts, I wear sunglasses or clear safety glasses when riding.  And my bike bag holds my first aid kit, water bottle (stay hydrated!), has a top clear sleeve for my riding map, and a side pocket where I can slip my phone.

What to Wear

When it comes to clothing, the only money I have put into what I wear is to buy cycling shorts.  I’m a woman but I really like my men’s biking shorts best as they have thicker padding than my women’s capris.  Just try on lots of styles and see what is most comfortable.  Other than that, I wear my basic sneakers, my typical workout socks, my regular sports bra, and regular workout wicking shirt or tank.  I’d love to have a bike jersey with the funky pockets in the back but I’m not ready to spend that much yet.

The most important thing you wear when cycling is your helmet.  In the past few months, I have had a cycling friend experience a serious head injury due to not wearing a helmet and another friend avoid a serious injury because she was wearing her helmet.  Wear a helmet on every ride.

Where to Ride 

I’ve really enjoyed Saturday morning rides on the Monon Trail from Broad Ripple all the way up to Westfield.  I also enjoy just riding around my town.  It’s important to know the rules of the roadfor any place that you choose to ride.  You can use websites like MapMyRide or Bikely to find routes that others have mapped.

But the most important thing is to just get on your bike and ride.  Set a time goal to start with- ride for 30 minutes 3 times per week to start out.  Then increase that by 15 minute increments.  Or start with a 5 mile route and then grow to 7 and then 10.  As you gain confidence and passion for this activity, you will gain knowledge and experience and soon you might be inspiring others to come and ride with you!

FitCity: Gettin' My Juice On!

Find me over at FitCity Indy today and see how my explorations in juicing are coming along!

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My family doesn’t drink juice.  Juice in bottles at the store is typically a high sugar no-no in my home.  We wil sometimes buy orange juice to use in smoothies or if my daughter is in an OJ phase.  But 97% of the time, you won’t find juice in my house.

That’s changed.  Kind of.  Now, you will find this as a centerpiece in my kitchen:

My wonderful Mother's Day gift from my family!

Several weeks ago, I watched a documentary called Hungry For Change and it inspired me.  I started doing a lot of reading and learning about making your own juice and the health benefits of juicing.  A friend offered to loan me her juicer so I could decide if I wanted to invest in my own.

From my first glass, I was hooked.

Here’s what I know about juicing.  It’s an amazing way to get fresh, raw fruits and veggies into your system in a very efficient and easy to absorb way.  I can practically eat my rainbow of colors for the day in 1 glass.  I enjoy making combinations and experimenting with different fruits and veggies.  I have juiced combinations including beets, spinach, carrots, broccoli, apples, oranges, collard greens, blackberries, strawberries, pineapple, mango, peaches- it’s endless!  Don’t get me wrong- I still love a good salad and my fresh fruit but starting my day or having a snack of fresh juice has definite benefits.  My mood and energy are higher, I don’t feel like eating as much nutritionally vacant foods, and I just feel healthier!

Turns out, it’s also a great way to get my kids even more interested in fruits and veggies. 

Up until this morning, they weren’t too interested in trying any of my crazy juice combinations.   They thought it was just weird that Mommy was drinking spinach, carrots, beets, apples, and more.

A blend I made this week- spinach, carrot, blackberry, apple, peach, cilantro.

 This morning, my 7 year old was fascinated with my spinach-carrot-pineapple-ginger-apple preparations.  She enjoyed bites of fresh pineapple as I worked on prepping my produce.  Then the juicer did the work and I had a lovely glass full of vitamins and minerals. 

I always offer a drink of my juice to whatever kid is close by.  And the answer is always no.  But this time, my daughter had been so much a part of the process that I thought she might go for it.  I had to convince her that it really tasted like pineapple.  And when I told her about the ginger- she worked up the nerve to try a tiny sip.  She sipped, smiled, I got a drink, and then…

She drank about half of my juice.  And was then very excited to tell Daddy that she drank spinach and carrots.

Looks like I might have found another way to get fresh fruits and veggies into at least one of my kids!  I thought I was juicing just for my own health benefit.  I hadn’t anticipated that it would be a new way to get healthy stuff into the bodies of my family.  And that truly makes it the best Mother’s Day gift I could have received!

Fit City: Calendars

Come hang out with me at FitCity today!  

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I have a friend who is very motivated by having a fitness calendar.  Having a set plan of what activity needs to be done that day gives her a plan and also a sense of satisfaction at having completed the workout.  She has given me some great resources for calendars to help with a walking plan, fitness plan, and more. 

Calendars have helped me on parts of my fitness journey.  Couch to 5K required following something of a calendar.  Training for a half marathon did as well. 

My schedule is busy and having a calendar should help me get my workouts in- at least a minimum amount of activty, right?

I’m going to try it.  I’m going to create a calendar with a workout goal for each day.  I’ve learned that I have to allow flexibility in my schedule or else I end up “punishing” myself if I don’t get that workout done- and I usually punish by pigging out.  Not a good plan.

But I do have some motivation.  I have some things on my calendar that are keeping me eager to move more and maintain and improve my fitness level.

Dirty Girl Mud Run - A 5K obstacle course that includes mud and water and climbing.  It’s not a timed event so the speed isn’t important- but having the strength and endurance to finish the event is what matters. Plus, I haven’t played in the mud since I was a little kid so I’m looking forward to getting dirty!  May 12, Klipsch Music Center, Noblesville

Girlfriend Ride – There are 3 different distances. My plan is to complete the 50K ride and I am very excited to be riding with a team this year!  Last year, it was me and 2 friends.  This year, it’s me and about 20 friends so far!  We are of varying fitness levels and won’t all do the same distance but I’m so excited to go on this ride for my second year and have so many others joining in!  June 16, Columbus, IN

Fishers Freedom Festival 5K – This was my first ever 5K jsut 3 years ago.  It runs in my neighborhood so I have never had a good excuse to not participate (but I sure did complain it blocking up the streets).  June 23, Holland Park, Fishers

What motivates you?  What’s on your calendar?  Have you set time to be active today?  Do you have a fitness goal on your calendar for this week or month?  Do you have an event that you are looking forward to completing?

Week 7 and FitCity: Feeling It

I'm down another pound!

I have to give a lot of credit to my workouts.  One of the great things about the Weight Watchers program is that I earn points for my workouts- and I get more points for higher intensity workouts and longer workouts.  If I can hit the Y and do 30 minute son the bike or treadmill, do my strength training routine, and then take a group fitness class, I end up with a great amount of points that I can use on indulgences or I can just hold on to and take pride in my good choices.  Weight Watchers tracking will automatically deduct from my Activity Points if my daily points go over my daily allotment.

Something interesting over the past month, as I try out different group exercise classes and workouts, is that I am realizing just how much fitness I've lost in the past year.  When I backslid, I really backslid.  I gained weight and lost a lot of strength and endurance.  Check out my post about it over at FitCity and let me know if you've experienced something similar as you work towards healthier living.

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What is about making healthy choices that suddenly puts a glaring spotlight on just how unhealthy I’ve been?

I’ve been doing Weight Watchers for almost 2 months.  I joined the YMCA in addition to my other gym membership in an effort to have a workout facility available evenings and weekends and in order to encourage my husband to focus on fitness, too.  I’ve been making a serious effort to try new group classes and invest myself in what is offered to me with the Y and with Weight Watchers.

I’ve lost 14 pounds.  I’ve been working out consistently.  I’ve tried Zumba, Strength & Endurance, Interval Training, and Water Aerobics.  I’ve been slowly working my way back into running but my passion isn’t back just yet.   I have a strength training program.  I am on my way to healthier living.

So why does making these healthy choices lead me to realize how fat I am?  How unfit I am?  How much I struggle?

Truth is… it’s easier to be fat and lazy.  It is easier for me to choose to eat food-like products and sit on my couch and tell my kids what to do and what to play and watch TV than to focus on eating real food and plan my day to include time for exercise and focus on getting the entire family up and active.

The first group exercise class I tried at the Y was Water Aerobics.  It was a 90 minute “Super Session” and I have to say that I enjoyed the workout.  It is definitely easier on the joints and ligaments and such as I didn’t have that post-workout pain that can happen from certain muscle use.  This was my first ever group in a pool experience and I was definitely nervous about it when I walked into the locker room.  I found 2 friendly faces in bathing suits and asked if I could tag along.  It broke the barrier for me- from there, I was ready to try a new class.  I felt like I had taken a risk and discovered that maybe I wasn’t so bad off in terms of fitness.

The next week, I ended up in FitCity’s own Taylor’s Strength & Endurance class.  Um…. she whooped my backside.  Well, really she shredded my thighs.  I think we did about 1 million different squats and lunges.  Then there was the weight work that killed my arms and shoulders.  It was a great workout in terms of really working all the muscle groups.  But I had a very emotional moment in that class.  We started doing a series of push ups and I could barely do 2 or 3 and that was doing them “girlie style.”  A year ago, I was working my way toward being able to do 100 push ups and I was up into double digits and here I could barely do 1.  I almost broke down, I almost quit.

This is where I should say uplifting and encouraging things about how I kept going and stayed strong.  But that isn’t where my head went next.  I felt like a failure, I felt damaged, and I felt like I had really let my body go downhill.  I felt like it was completely unfair that I knew how it felt to be fit because I’d been there just a short time ago and so now I have this real gauge of just how unfit I’d become.

From there, I struggled with my clothes, my belly, my food choices for a few days.  How can it be that I was working so hard to get healthier but I was suddenly very painfully aware of how bad I’d let myself go?  I’m one who really focuses on loving myself- this self-pity was an old demon that I didn’t want back in my life.

So I wallowed in it for a few days. Partially not by choice since Taylor’s workout left me incapable of walking for 4 days.  But I allowed myself to have my pity party while my head sorted some stuff out.  And when I came out the other side, that’s when I was ready to start up with the encouraging words and thoughts.  That’s when I realized that this isn’t about the past (can’t change it and can’t go back to it). This is about the choices I make each day in how I will care for my body with the food I eat, the schedule I keep, and the activity I choose. 

I am not as fit as I was 1 year ago.  And a year ago, even though I was making great progress, I wasn’t as healthy as I’d been as a teenager.  I’ll never be as anything as I was in the past- my focus is on today and the goals I have set for tomorrow.  Yes, I backslid over the past year.  I gained some of the weight back and I lost a lot of levels of fitness.  But if all I do is focus on being fat, all I will ever be is fat.  If all I do is focus on what my body can’t do, I wont ever get my body to do those new things or reach the next level.

FitCity: Mindfulness

Find me today on FitCity!

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I’ve taken a renewed interest in my health.  I’m currently in my 4th week on Weight Watchers, have joined my local YMCA, and am considering training for some events coming up this May (Dirty Girl 5K Mud Run & Obstacle Course) and June (Fishers Freedom Festival 5K- it was my first ever 5K back in 2010).

I’ve taken an interest in trying new things with this renewal as well.  As I continue on this ever-evolving journey, I want to share my new experiences with you.

In the past, healthy living has primarily meant making good food choices and being more active.  Most recently, it meant being focused on running and achieving goals through running that I never imagined would be on my list of accomplishments. 

This new evolution of healthy focus is proving to be threefold.  I am rediscovering my love of and passion for real food.  I am eager to try new workouts and new events and do things that I’ve simply never done before.  I want to be more mindful of my body and my health.

I was recently introduced to the idea of Mindful Eating and that has led me on a journey to being more mindful of my health in general.  Mindfulness is simply the idea of being attentive, aware, and careful about something.   By being aware and attentive, I am finding that there are nuances to food that I hadn’t appreciated before, that there are moments when my body shifts from warming up to ready to go, and times when deep breathing is all it takes to bring back my sense of calm.

Here are a few exercises you can do to be more mindful of your eating, your activity, and your stress level.

• Select a food, like an apple, and take a moment to hold it in your hand.  Pay attention to its weight, color, any marks on the skin.  Think about the tree that grew the apple.  Hold the apple to your nose and think about how it smells and what the smell is telling you about the food experience you will soon have.  Hold the apple to your lips.  Be aware of the feel of the smooth skin and tha tyou are still able to smell the fruit before you bite into it.  Bite into more slowly than you are used to and pay attention to the sensation of your teeth and gums as they encounter the apple.  Let the fruit sit on your tongue for a moment.   Slowly begin to chew.  Notice the way the juice comes from the apple to your cheek, your tongue, your throat.  Chew thoroughly, paying attention to how the feel of the fruit changes as you chew.   Even as you swallow, pay attention to the food as it travels down your throat.  Before you bite again, sit and feel and taste the sensations in your mouth and nose from that one bite.
• Go for a walk.  As you walk, focus on your body.  Start with your head.  Feel the weight of your head as it sits on your neck.  Move your attention down your body, focus for a moment on each joint, each muscle group.  Feel what your body does as it is moving.  Notice when your joints become more fluid, when your heart rate begins to increase, when your body temperature rises.  Take time to pay attention to your surroundings and make a mental note of the air, the sky, the scenery around you.  At the end of your walk, take time to notice how your body cools, how your buscles and joints feel, and how you feel about the activity you’ve done.
• Stressed out?  Take a few minutes away from the stress- somewhere private where you can be alone to focus.  Simply close your eyes and focus on your breathing.  Being mindful of your breathing can immediately help reduce your stress level.  Instead of simply taking a few deep breaths, take the time to pay attention to all the changes that happen when you inhale and exhale.  Feel your lungs expand and collapse.  Pay attention to other part sof your body that move while you inhale and exhale.  Notice how your heart feels when breathing in and when breathing back out.

Making time to focus on mindfulness means slowing down, being purposeful, and staying focused on the present rather than worrying about the past or planning for the future. 

When I am more mindful of my healthy living choices, I make better choices.  It is so easy to get lost in the constant craziness of life.  A big part of why I gained back weight I had worked so hard to lose, why I had stopped running, why I was losing my fitness level was because my focus was on my busy-ness.  We are all familiar with the hectic pace of life when we have days of endless meetings, the kids have homework and sports and playdates and activities, we have our own commitments to family, friends, church, community.  It is very easy to lose yourself and lose your “now” when the focus of life is on all that chaos.

Try to find a moment of mindfulness in your day.  Just 5 minutes of focusing on the present, on the details, and slowing down your pace can make a huge adjustment to your mental health and the choices you make in taking care of your body.

FitCity: Paula Deen

Wanna know my thoughts on the Paula Deen brouhaha?  Head over to my post on FitCity!  I'd love for you to share your opinion over there, too!

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It’s the Big News these days- Paula Deen has come clean with her diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes.  She was diagnosed 3 years ago and is now trying to make a major overhaul to how she is perceived in the public eye as she goes from being the Queen of Butter and Sugar to an advocate for healthy living and diabetes medication. 

I can understand the social outcry over the news about Paula Deen’s condition.  It feels like a marketing move rather than a recognition of changes that need to be made.  It feels like the corporate sponsorship with this diabetes medication is more important than Paula actually being a positive and healthy influence on her followers.

Paula Deen built her fame on her Southern charm and Southern cooking.  Recipes ranging from fudge made with Velveeta to deep fried lasagna were commonplace on her Food Network program.  I have watched enough episodes to know that “moderation” or “healthy substitution” or “steamed veggies” were words that didn’t come up.  Ironically, I used to watch Paula’s show at the gym, on the treadmill, and often found that the butter and sugar and other ingredients inspired me to do just a bit more work. 

I don’t know how many people watched Paula’s show and would then do everything she did.  I know that I have roots in the South and know some Southern families and many of those people do enjoy country fried chicken smothered in gravy and consider Velveeta to be a food group of its own.  I also know that many of those people know full well that fruits and vegetables that grow are healthier when eaten raw and not from a factory and not drowning in butter, salt, bacon, and cheese.

But don’t we already know what the right and wrong choices are?  Is there anyone who was watching Paula and following her recipes who thought they were being healthy with those choices? 

It all boils down to one of those “soap box” themes for me.  Personal Responsibility.  Where is the personal responsibility?  Where is Paula saying, “My diet has been horrible for years and now I am paying the price.  If you make changes now, you might save yourself from this diagnosis.”  Where is Paula saying, “Not only have I given up my sweet tea and started walking a mile each day on the treadmill, I am also completely overhauling my diet and focusing on ways to live a more active lifestyle overall.” 

If Paula Deen came to me and asked me to help her fix this mess, I think the first thing I would advise is that she step up and accept responsibility that the choices she has made and the foods she has promoted are not healthy.  Those are indulgences that should be saved for an annual family reunion or holiday gathering.  I would encourage her to partner with nutrition and fitness experts who would help her with a complete overhaul of her diet and activity level.  I would ask her to make the menu in her restaurants a healthy one- dropping the fried foods and butter laden dishes and overly sweetened desserts.  I believe Paula Deen has a real opportunity to influence change and she is, instead, choosing to focus on managing diabetes with medication and very slight modifications to diet and exercise.

I also think that I, as a mom and wife, need to continue to lead the way in my own family.   I am a reasonably smart woman and know, with or without Paula Deen having diabetes, that fried foods aren’t healthy.  Sugary treats aren’t healthy.  Fake cheese isn’t healthy.  I know that a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables is best.  I know that daily activity and an active lifestyle is best.  I know that replacing sugar with artifical sweetener isn’t the best option.  I know that overloading with regular cheese in place of fake cheese isn’t the best option.  I know that sautéing in oil isn’t the best replacement for deep frying.  I know that playing Just Dance is better than watching TV on the couch.  I know that taking the family for a hike is better than sitting the family down for a movie-and-popcorn marathon.

Interestingly, at the same time that Paula Deen’s news hit the social networks, a new report on the obesity epidemic was released.  1/3 of adults and 17 percent of children are obese and the numbers show no sign of improving.  Apparently, there is still a large part of the population who doesn’t have the resources, knowledge, or concern to make healthier choices.  And maybe this is where Paula Deen’s biggest mistake lies.  Instead of stepping up and trying to live a truly healthy life and encourage others to make life altering and saving and improving changes as well, she is instead advocating that sometimes you just end up with Type 2 Diabetes and look at this great medication you can take to help manage it. 

We are each responsible for our choices.  Paula Deen doesn’t determine my understanding of healthy living.  I am responsible for learning and sharing what I learn and encouraging my family and working through my personal struggles to do better with the knowledge I gain.

FitCity: Forgiveness

Go... read... comment.

Please and thank you!

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It’s that time of year- the time when treats and meals and pitch-ins and potlucks and cookies and baked goodies abound.  It’s that time of year where we get so busy running errands, making lists, wrapping gifts, and so on that there just isn’t time for our usual priorities.

Unfortunately, my priorities slipped months ago and I’ve been struggling to recover.

I’ve gained a lot of weight.  I’ve stopped working out.  I was starting to get back on track but then the holidays hit and everything was a struggle again.  There is a long list of reasons and excuses as to how I’ve gotten back into this unhealthy lifestyle.

Part of me wants to be angry with myself, to beat myself up, to sit back and wonder how I could let this happen.  Part of me wants to be optimistic and look to the future and how I will get back on track.

But I think the first thing I have to do is forgive myself.

I have to forgive the days of not going to the gym and not getting up early to workout and not finding any time in the evening for some exercise.

I have to forgive my shopping habits that went from being prepared for a healthy lunch and breakfast to relying on fast food and treating myself to meals out.

I have to forgive myself for giving in to laziness and exhaustion.

Life changes happen.  There is a reason why changing your life from one of unhealthy choices to healthy living is full of challenges.  There’s a reason why it isn’t easy.  I’ve spent the last few weeks being pretty angry with myself over getting to this point.  I’ve been depressed about the condition my body is in again.

I helped a friend clean our church and my arms were sore after washing windows.  The idea of running makes me cringe.  When I try to play one of my dancing games, I see the reflection of my rotund self and feel pretty gross.  My energy has plummeted.

Life has gotten crazy.  My schedule is overwhelmed with higher requirements at work, with commitments I’ve made to my church family, with commitments I’ve made to my kids, with attempts at quality time with my husband.  I don’t think I’ve ever known how it felt to truly be so busy.  And the thing that went first was my exercise plan.  After that, it was a fast downward spiral back into night time snacking, junk food grabbing, and even a stint of a daily stop at the vending machine.

Last night, I saw a picture of myself and realized that I have to make some serious changes.  Immediately.

Making big changes as I face the holidays is a plan to fail- I know that.  But after the holidays, it’s time to start planning on getting my diet back in check.  I need to focus on fresh fruits and veggies.  I need to start tracking what I consume throughout the day.  I need to get my eating habits back in check- no more eating after the kids go to bed, no more grabbing a drive thru dinner full of unhealthy choices to ease my stress level. I need to get back into a regular exercise regiment.  That might be getting back to running or it might be finding some group exercise classes.  No matter what, I need to make a plan and stick to it.

I forgive myself for the bad choices I’ve been making.  I forgive myself for not keeping my health and well-being a priority.

Once I have forgiven myself, I can move forward and make it right.  I can make better choices and I can stick to it- I’ve proven that to myself before.

Forgiveness.  It’s what this holiday season is all about for me!

FitCity: Healthy Thanksgiving!

Looking for some last minute inspiration to help keep you on track with making some healthier choices this Thanksgiving?  Check out my latest FitCity Indianapolis post!

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Tomorrow is the Big Day- the day I wait for all year long.  Thankgiving is my favorite holiday.  I love the history of this holiday, the focus on gratitude, and also the food!  I love gathering with friends and family around the table for all kinds of yummy side dishes to accompany that big turkey.  And I dream of Thanksgiving pies all year.  My mom is famous for her chocolate cream pie, cheesecake, and pecan pie.

It’s easy for Thanksgiving to become a free-for-all in the eating and lazy afternoon department.  But there are some easy things we can all do to make the day a little healthier and still enjoy all it has to offer!

I received some information from the physicians of St. Vincent here in Indianapolis and I think these are tips that are easy to incorporate!

1)       Make a list and check it twice before heading to the grocery store. Planning your meals helps curb impulse buying.

2)       Use smaller plates. When you have a big plate, instinct tells you to fill the entire plate. However, by using a smaller plate you have less room and will put less food on your plate.

3)       Variety is the spice of life! If you really want a bite of everything that is being served, then have a small bite of each thing rather than denying yourself. If you don’t satisfy your craving, it’s likely that you’ll eventually end up eating the desired item anyway.

4)       Veg out. It might be difficult to completely cut out the high-calorie favorites like dressing and buttery rolls. But if you eat small amounts of these items and fill up on things like the veggie tray, salad or roasted vegetables, you’ll be doing great things for your health

5)       Don’t drink your calories. Choose water, sugar-free drinks or skim milk to limit calories.

I think those are all pretty easy to incorporate into my celebration this year.  The challenge will be not having 4 servings on that smaller plate.  And what about the veggies that we load up with creamy sauces and butter?  Is it possible to make my favorite side dishes a little healthier, too? 

Last year, I tried this fresh green bean recipe and it was a hit and it’s definitely heathier than green bean casserole with its cream soup base and fried onions.  My mom always makes a platter of roasted veggies.  We’ve included other fresh veggies at our table before.  There are some great and easy recipes for things like brussels sprouts, acorn squash, cauliflower, or carrots. 

Resist the urge to crash on the couch after your meal.  I hear the weather is supposed to be great this year so why not get outside for a family walk or a family football game?  And if you’re feeling really motivated, start your day with a 20 or 30 minute workout first thing.  Not only are you getting active, but you just might find yourself less stressed as the day goes on.

What are you doing to add some healthy options to your holiday this year?

Happy Halloween 2011

I'd hoped to share an adorable pic of my kids in their costumes with you today.  But when we got all dressed up for a local trunk or treat event yesterday, it was right after Zach's short nap and he wasn't too thrilled yet.

"Not too thrilled" soon became an understatement.

Thankfully, Daddy can always be our hero and save the day!

From our front door to yours... Happy Halloween!

What I'd really love is if you would pop over to Fit City and check out the radical move I've made this year that might result in my house getting TP'ed or might make our house the Coolest House Evah!

*****

*gulp*

I’m doing something different this year for Halloween. 

A lot of things are the same.  The kids will dress up and go door to door.  My daughter is going to be Daphne from Scooby Doo and my son is repeating last year’s costume- Captain America.  As we go door to door, my daughter will ask if the home owner would like to donate a canned good or non-perishable item for our local food pantry.  When we get home, candy will be divided and many pieces will be eaten.  Then it will be bagged up and I become the Controller of Candy Consumption. 

But we’re doing something different this year and I have to admit to being kind of nervous about it.

We aren’t handing out candy.  None.

Last year, we had a basket of candy and pretzels and a big bowl of non-candy and gave out some of each.  This year, I have the leftovers from last year and supplemented with a few things I picked up and we have an overflowing giant bowl of goodies to hand out that have nothing to do with sweets or snacks.

Puzzles, bracelets, play doh, card games, pencils, temporary tattoos, and I also have little bottles of bubbles to add to the bowl.  The best part is that whatever doesn’t get passed out will easily keep until next year.  I can also trade any leftover items with my kids for chunks of their candy. 

Older kids won’t be thrilled with our offerings.  Sorry.  But the elementary and preschool set should be pretty pleased.  I figure we might get toilet-papered for our efforts or we might end up being “the cool house.”  My kids were clamoring for the items in the bowl- they wanted the play doh and tattoos and wanted to touch each pencil and try on the bracelets. 

Why did I choose to go candy free this year?   Partially because I know the kids are going to have tons of candy that they bring into the house.  Partially because I know that we will have leftovers and I don’t need the extra candy in the house.  Partially because I like the idea that whatever is leftover can be saved for next year.  Partially because, to be totally honest, there’s just too much sugary junk out there all the time anyway.

Report back!!  Were there any houses on your trick or treating route that went candy-less or offered healthier treats?  Have you considered a less sugar laden option for the treats you hand out?

FitCity: Stick-to-it-ivity

Today, you can find me at Fit City with a post about Stick-to-it-ivity.  I always appreciate a little comment love on my Fit City posts so scoot on over there!

Tomorrow, I'll have an update on the situation with Teagan's school anxiety.  We are meeting with her teacher tomorrow morning and I had a great phone chat with the school guidance counselor on Friday.

*****

I found myself pondering active lifestyles the other day.  I’ve gone through a struggle the past month or so.  I shared a little about it in my last post.  I started wondering why I have been trying to be healthier.  What exactly is my motivation?

The standard answers are that I want to be around for a good long time for my family, I want to keep up with my kids, I want to feel stronger and healthier.  All are very valid reasons and have gotten me through some rough patches where I wanted to quit going to the gym or wanted to skip out on a run or workout.

It struck me that there is another reason why I keep going.  It’s something that’s part of my character and it is something that I want my kids to know and have as part of their character, too. 

Stick-to-it-ivity. Determination.  Perseverance. 

When my kids see me struggling, I also want them to see me trying my best. 

When my kids are struggling, I want them to try their best, try new solutions, keep getting up.

Living a healthy lifestyle is one way that my kids have stick-to-it-ivity demonstrated for them consistently.  They know that Mommy goes out for bike ride events, they’ve cheered for me at local running events, we talk about Mommy working out at the gym at lunch.  We do active things as a family- from visiting 100 Acres at the Indianapolis Museum of Art to walking around Conner Prairie to riding bikes or going for a walk in our neighborhood.

What I don’t want my kids to see is a pattern of starting something and never finishing it.  What if I’d tried running for a week and then just decided it was too hard so I quit and sat on the couch instead?  What if I decided that having fruits and vegetables in the house was too much work so I’ll just stick to fast food instead?  What if getting my family up and active was too much of a burden so I just gave up and popped in videos all day long instead?

Sometimes, I have a hard time finding my stick-to-it-ivity.  Sometimes, I struggle with commiting to the things that I know are important to me.  But then I remember that part of why I am trying and going and doing is that I want my kids to have someone to look to when they are struggling or wanting to quit. 

There is certainly a time and place where quitting is the right thing to do.  Determination doesn’t mean you never quit.  I’m at a point where I have given up running.  And facing that decision was pushing me down.  I felt like quitting running meant quitting all my healthy choices.  It was a big factor in that emotional eating issue and a big factor in my lack of attendance at the gym. 

I had a realization, though.  Just because I choose to stop running doesn’t mean I choose to stop making healthy choices.  I can ride my bike instead of run.  I can increase my weight lifting abilities instead of run.  I can walk instead of run.  I can hike instead of run.  I can still be active and healthy and have stick-to-it-ivity in my healthy lifestyle- even if I’m not doing the same healthy choices and activities as when I started.

And the really cool side benefit is that my kids see that I’m still going.  My kids learn, in an extended kind of way, that Mom is the kind of person who doesn’t just quit or give up.  My kids experience my determination on a regular basis.  What they hopefully learn from that, in the big picture, is that Mom will also not give up when it comes to fighting for them.  Running a half marathon or cycling 30 miles or hiking up a mountain are all very tangible demonstrations of getting through life.  Each step or push forward or up, even when (especially when) it’s tough to keep going, is an accomplishment. Also, you don’t have to be first, fastest, or go the furthest in order to win. 

Stick-to-it-ivity.  I won’t quit.  I won’t give up on taking care of myself, on teaching my family those healthy choices.  I’m going to fight for my kids.  I have determination and grit.  Sometimes it’s a struggle, sometimes there is weakness but the true value of stick-to-it-ivity is that you keep coming back to it, keep trying again, keep going. 

What keeps you going?  How much stick-to-it-ivity do you have?