Funk

So, you know how sometimes in life you get into a funk that is just hard to get out of? I've been there lately. After running 2 half marathons in six weeks, I kind of put my weight loss/maintenance efforts on hold. Who would have thought that while training and running 2 half marathons one could gain weight? And I'm not talking about "muscle weight" but that muffin top kind of weight.

Well, it happened to me. I found that when I was restricting my calories and carbs, my long distance running suffered. So instead, I ate whatever I wanted and was able to run well but I also picked up a few pounds on the way. Bummer! And with all of the busyness of the holidays and fun of holiday eating, I had pretty much made a decision...a very bad decision I might add...to just write it all off...to just give up. I'll pick it all back up in January, I've been telling myself. Who wants to diet in December? Definitely not me!

But, lucky for me, I have surrounded myself with great, supportive friends and I have to say that I've had a change of heart, thanks to two of them. They are both so motivated to exercising and eating smartly this month. And their motivation is rubbing off on me. So, instead of giving up this month, I am going to recharge the batteries. Don't get me wrong...I'm still going to have some fun, but I am no longer planning on gaining weight this month. At the very least, I am going to maintain. I know it is possible! Here is a simple list of how to have a more successful December! I'm going to do it! Are you?

Top 10 List for a Healthy Holiday
1. Plan holiday celebrations around activities.
2. Concentrate on quality, not quantity of holiday foods and activities. Keep your portions in proportion!
3. Give yourself the gift of planned physical activity. Current recommendations are to walk 10,000 steps, or about 5 miles, a day.
4. Never skip meals before or after a big celebration, this creates a famine- feast-famine cycle.
5. Put eating in perspective! Your attitude is your strongest asset.
6. Spend less time in the kitchen.
7. Rethink the food gifts you give. Consider fruit and nuts instead of homemade candies.
8. Go to the back of the line. Practice being a slow eater.
9. Get adequate sleep! Being tired also affects your mental ability to resist temptations.
10. Plan ahead. Schedule time for yourself and physical activity on a daily basis.


Here's a pic of me and "the hot pink mamas" at our last 1/2 marathon on Nov. 6th.