EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
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| Gluten Free, Dairy Free Pancakes w/ Berries |
Often I hear people say they are going to skip breakfast because they will be eating so much later, especially on Thanksgiving. The question is, has that worked out for ya? Probably not, as according to WebMD, weight control is the #1 reason to eat breakfast. Just like any other day, if you skip breakfast, chances are you will be starving once any food is put out and you will eat anything and everything in sight. What do you have to show for it? One heck of a stomach ache. That and potentially a few extra pounds. That's no fun. Eat a healthy and well-balanced breakfast to curb your hunger and allowing you to savor each and every morsel.
MOVE YOUR BODY
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| Moving my body during the running leg of Lake Waconia Triathlon 2009 |
The morning of the 4th I was able to get a good sweat in with a 3.5 mile trail run in a beautiful park with the sun shining, great scenery and a sense of accomplishment. But what was really happening? Within seconds: My brain released endorphins, increasing my motivation and ultimately the intensity of my workout. Within the hour: Norepiniphrine, dopamine and seratonin are all chemicals that overwhelmed my brain and created a mood of calm and peace. Within 24 hours: Increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain allowed me to be focused and have an improved memory.(For more benefits, read the full article from Fitness magazine) How do these things effect us when eating? Individually and collectively they allow us to be in a positive state of mind with little to no anxiety and nervousness. In a state of clarity, when faced with a difficult choice such as a 2nd brownie or more veggies then we make the right choice for us.
NO SNOWBALLING
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| My potential snowball |
On the 4th, it was only 7pm and I had realized that I basically had ate non-stop for the last 3 or 4 hours while nibbling on apps, dinner and random licorices, mints and chocolates that somehow always seemed to find their way into my mouth. After fireworks, there was a beautiful homemade apple pie my brother in law made. We discussed these pies a few months ago, so they were a long time coming. Now what? According to Psychology Today, I could eat a piece of pie and blame it on a hormone called ghrelin. This hormone is released when we are truly hungry but it is also released in our brains when we see a reward, aka apple pie. I was definitely not hungry. So I looked at it, politely declined and walked away saying no to the ghrelin in my head. The following night there weren't as many temptations, I had taken breaks from eating and the ghrelin was in my stomach because I was actually hungry. So I thoroughly enjoyed a small piece of pie and it was darn good too.
KEEP IT REAL
The moment we think that an event is "special" in terms of the food is the moment that we set ourselves up for trouble. Trouble in the sense of letting everything we have learned about how our bodies react to certain foods, aka weight gain, stomach upset, bloating, etc. go straight out the window. I love cheese, LOVE IT!!! I am from Wisconsin, you betcha. My body? Not such a fan as I get headaches, nausea, and muscle aches when I choose dairy. For whatever reason though, when any type of cheese is set out on the party table, I have to have it. Somehow I think that I will be magically immune. Who am I kidding? It's important to listen to your body and remember how it thanks you when choosing items that leave you feeling energized. Don't get me wrong, the event should still be special. Focus on how amazing you look in your new outfit, your cute toes from your pedicure, or the belly laughs between you and your family or friends.
Whatever your next event will be, try these four tricks to keep you feeling as great as you look. Or better yet, looking as great as you feel.
I like your common sense approach, and the conference thing went better with your advice. BUT. I missed meals cause I was racing from one meeting to another and wished I had a great snack in my bag, lightweight, no refrigeration required and not messy to eat. I tend to do granola or protein bars in that situation, but is there somethign healthier?
ReplyDeleteGlad it went well. I always keep homemade trail mix in my purse - a mix of whatever nuts you want to include, dried fruit and coconut. Similar to a granola bar but far less sugar. For me, it's a healthy balance of protein, carbs and good fats to sustain me to my next substantial meal. No mess too which is helpful. An apple is always an easy thing too - can be eaten hot or cold.
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