Thursday, June 9, 2016

Staying Healthy Around Temptation

It's been a whole nine days since I have posted, and it's with good reason. I started a new job! Completely abandoning my comfort zone, I have stepped foot into the car industry. After a month and a half of hiking Southern California, being back at a desk is tough. Being around vending machines is tough. Staying fit in this environment will be tough, especially with three months until the wedding. But I know if you are in it with me, I can do it.

Some things I have learned this past week

  1. It's okay to say no. Just because the office is having  a potluck and there is cake doesn't mean you have to eat the cake.
  2. It's also okay to eat. On the same note, don't alienate yourself because of your diet. If there is a pot luck, find the veggie and load your plate, opt for the healthy option.
  3. Stay away from the vending machine.
  4. Stay hydrated - on water!! No diet soda, no energy drinks (I am still learning this one)
  5. Stand up - can't leave your desk and walk? Stand for a minute or two.
  6. Pack wisely - always bring an extra healthy snack. To over pack is better than under packing, because that's what will lead you that devil disguised as a vending machine.
  7. Smile.. because I am just feeling the good vibes and all my readers should too!

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Trying New Things - Bring on the red meat!

For ten years I stayed away from red meat. In the beginning it was strictly for weight loss purposes, and it slowly turned into nothing but an unnecessary restriction. For months my fiancĂ© has been eating steak in front of me, confused as to why I settled for eggs... again. The truth is I was a little nervous to steer away from my narrowed diet for fear of weight gain. How stupid is that? 

Now, am I advocating steak and cheeseburgers for dinner every night? Absolutely not. I do have a wedding to rock in a little over a 100 days! I will still stick to a poultry and fish diet mostly, but once a month I will fuel my body some delicious meaty protein.

The benefits of red meat? High in protein, iron, b12, and omegas.
The risk? High in saturated fats that can lead to heart disease.
The solution? Moderation and grass fed if possible (leaner and higher in omega 6 and CLA)

Last night I ate my first steak in a decade and it was DELICIOUS. I made it healthier by sticking to a deck of cards portion size, skipping the mashed potatoes by adding a side of sauerkraut, and staying away from processed, sugary sauces (that means you BBQ and ketchup!)

The first question people asked was "did you get sick?" Nope! I went to bed with a happy stomach, and woke up feeling normal as ever.

Try new things, your body may just thank you.