A Holiday Survival Guide

The Christmas tree is lit, "All I Want for Christmas" seems to be on repeat on the radio, and you're starting to dread the arrival of your January credit card bill. Not to mention tasty temptations like Christmas cookies, candies and egg nog are out in abundance!   To quote my favorite holiday movie, Christmas Vacation..."It's the holidays, and we're all in misery!"

I feel the holidays should be spent with family and friends sharing in the Christmas spirit...not worrying about money, presents and holiday weight gain!  Research shows that average weight gain over the holiday season is around 1-2 pounds for a normal weight person.  For overweight and obese people, holiday weight gain tends to be a little more, up to about 5 pounds.  While fear of weight gain tends to be dramatized and 1-2 or even 5 pounds may not seem like a lot, over several years these pounds add up to an unhealthy weight and increase risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease.  As with most things, the best thing we can do is to be prepared and have a plan to combat this dreaded weight gain!

Check out my top 5 tips for enjoying holiday parties and events while maintaining a healthy weight:

1.  Just Say No! When your hostess with the mostess offers seconds, don't feel guilted into taking them!  Simply compliment her (or him) on how delicious everything was and how much you enjoyed it.  Also saying no to a few parties or events throughout the month is a surefire way to minimize stress and avoid holiday burnout.  

2. BYO...Healthy options! If you are always underwhelmed by the number healthy side dishes available at a party, bring your own.  This is the smartest way to ensure you can make healthy choices and stay on track with your eating.  It could be as simple as a veggie platter or fruit salad and has the added benefit of making you look like an extremely thoughtful guest!  

3. Be smart about your surroundings.   Standing right next to the buffet or snack table will inevitably lead to mindless snacking.  Focus less on food and more on socializing with family, friends or coworkers by engaging in conversation.  Set yourself up for success by choosing smaller appetizer plates over larger dinner plates.  Decide ahead of time which of your favorite foods are "worth" indulging in and treat yourself to small portions.

4. Eat as you would on any other day.  One of the biggest mistakes people make is to not eat all day in order to save calories for later.  While this sounds like it could work, going to a holiday party feeling ravenous can quickly lead to overeating.  Follow your usual eating pattern and make sure to have a protein-rich meal prior to party-time!

5. Keep (or start) moving!  Schedule exercise in around your holiday parties and events.  There's no need to wait for New Year's Resolutions to get active.  Planning your exercise in advance will prevent you from falling off track during the hectic holiday season.  Enlist a friend or co-worker to help you stick to your commitments!


And one bonus tip:

1. Move on!  If you indulge (or overindulge) this holiday season, acknowledge it and get over it.  There's no reason to beat yourself up or continue to sabotage your eating by dwelling on it.  I always like the analogy of getting a flat tire.  If you're driving along and get a flat, you wouldn't get out of the car and slash the other 3 good tires, right?  No! You fix the one problem tire and get back out on the road! 

Here's to a HEALTHY and Happy Holiday season!

National Running Day

If you're a runner (and probably even if you aren't) I don't need to tell you that today, June 6 is National Running Day.  How fabulous! A whole made up holiday to celebrate running! 

I spend plenty of time running and thinking/talking about running.  Today is definitely just another day to reflect on why we run, how it makes us feel and what keeps us coming back for more! 

Running has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Don't get me wrong, I wasn't was out running 5ks in my diapers and I was never on the track team.  I grew up watching my amazing father finish countless 5k & 10k races, a handful of marathons and most recently a few Goofy Challenge races (a half marathon followed by a full the next day).  Throughout my life, I've watched and cheered my dad as he humbly runs race after race, without much complaint and never seeking recognition.  He would finish his training runs so early in the morning that if I didn't see those New Balances by the door, I would never have known he'd been gone.  Needless to say, he's the reason I started running and continues to be my inspiration.  Without even knowing it, he has taught me so many life lessons through running.  Now as I'm getting older, there's not much I enjoy more than running with my dad.  

We don't need to go fast, we just run.  

I continue run because it makes me happy.  There is never a time when I don't feel better after a run than I did before it.  Running is my outlet.  Nothing relieves my stress like a good run. It makes me physically and mentally better in so many ways. 

running=happiness.

I only hope that I can continue to  follow in my dad's footsteps (pun intended) and run for years and years to come! 

Now you tell me...

Why do YOU run? Did you get a chance to get out there for a run to celebrate this "holiday"?! 

If not, there's still a few hours left in the day! ;) Lace up those shoes and get out there! 

NYRR Emerald Nuts Midnight Run

First and foremost: Happy New Year!!!

I am so unbelievably happy to say that I was 100% sober last night and feel fantastic this morning.  Instead of paying big money to have a mediocre time at a bar or club in NYC, my roomate and I ran the NYRR Emerald Nuts 4-mile Midnight Run.  

Decorated & Ready to go!

If only we could train Rocky to take our photos...

We left Queens around 10 p.m. and didn't run into any trouble on the subway or getting to Central Park! When we arrived at the bandshell, we were blown away by just how many people decided to ring in 2012 with a run! There was music, dancing and even a costume contest.

The Costume Contest

We weren't really in costume, but figured since we both dressed all in black, we could be "New Year's Ninjas".  Hence these silly photos:

Despite the crazy number of people, NYRR & Emerald Nuts put together a good race.  Everyone got fun foam hats (ours were shiny, therefore more fun...), blinking lights and Breakfast to Go packs.

Because this was a "fun run", there were no corrals, and everyone just started gathering behind the start line. Again, I was amazed by the number of people choosing to start 2012 on the right foot (pun intended :) ).  I was also surprised at the number of people watching, cheering, or just randomly wandering around Central Park waiting for midnight.

After the countdown to midnight, the fireworks started and we were off! Well, it took us a good 5-minutes of walking to get to the start line, but at least we were MOVING at midnight!

It was roomie's first race ever, so we were eager to get going!

I'd say this was a perfect first race for her, since it's not timed and there are so many people around for encouragement!  We alternated running & walking, and we'll see how she feels today, but she did great!

Look at her go!

As for me, I LOVED taking part in something fun & healthy to start off 2012.  I liked not running for time and spent most of the race just smiling and checking out the fireworks, the ridiculous costumes and the drunk people on the sidewalks.

Cheesin in 2012!

We'd heard a rumor that the water-stop at Mile 2 had champagne, which was more than enough motivation to get there!

Don't usually see that at a race...

 Of course, we grabbed some "champagne"! Okay, fine. It was sparkling cider...but we can pretend, no?

Cheers!

From there on, it was back down the West side to the finish, where we had water, apples & bagels waiting for us.  We did it!  Congrats to the roomie on her very first running race! I'm quite proud of the new runner! Maybe there are more races in store in 2012...

So congratulations to all NYE Midnight runners and I wish you all a very healthy & Happy New Year!

Today for us is all about good food & good friends, as we're hosting a New Year's Day brunch in a few hours.  Cheers!

A Healthy, Happy Holiday!

Here's hoping you all had a healthy & happy holiday weekend!  I know I sure did! 

Dad and I started our weekend off right with a nice 5-mile run along the Rail Trail in Poughkeepsie on Christmas Eve.  Dad ran in these super fun Christmas socks!

An elf...? Or just Dad?

This was followed by an entire day of eating. And the Giants/Jets game, of course.  We went out to both breakfast and dinner on Christmas Eve.  I did my best to make healthy choices with an egg white omelette, fruit & a corn muffin at breakfast.  Dinner was tough at an Italian restaurant, but I'll consider my giant pasta dish carb-loading for the Christmas day run! :)

Christmas Day started out with another run...about 4 miles this time!  Then it was time for more food & a few gifts!  Although Rocky probably deserved coal this year, Santa left him some nice toys in his stocking!

Although we "cancel" Christmas, we do still draw one name for a Secret Santa gift! Thanks to my Not-So-Secret Santa, I now have some awesome new running socks, gloves & hats! Couldn't ask for anything better than that! :)

My SIL went a little overboard with the amount of food, but it was all absolutely delicious.  I think I am still full from the veggie lasagna, mashed potatoes, pierogies, vegetable casserole, shrimp, beef tenderloin & ham.  Well, no meat with feet for me, but it sure looked good!


Linzer tarts? Don't mind if I do!

And it wouldn't be Christmas without COOKIES! Linzer tarts, gingerbread men, rum balls...oh my!  I think my party-tummy is just resolving itself now!

Overall, my holiday weekend was filled with all of the best things: family, a little running and a lot of FOOD!!!

Thankful Thursday: Food & Free Stuff!

 Happy Thursday! Here are the things I'm thankful for this week:

1. Running in SHORTS in December. Again. While I'm certain the ridiculously warm weather can't be good in the long-term, I'm thankful for being able to still run comfortably!

Shorts. Thumbholes. Thumbs Up!

2. Cookies. Especially these super easy chocolate peanut butter oatmeal drop cookies!  Good for fueling my run...right? No? Whatever..still yummy.



super unhealthy. and super delicious.



3. My incredibly lazy, yet always entertaining dog.  Bulldogs have a ton of personality & health issues that are a big ole pain in the butt.  The most frustrating thing being their stubbornness.  However, he cracks me up on a daily basis.  I can't handle how he falls asleep standing up.  Or sleeps in completely random (and undoubtedly uncomfortable) positions.  He runs into things all the time and gets visibly embarrassed. I'm so thankful for his ridiculousness!



Can't possssssibly keep his eyes open...

  

4. Justin's Nut Butter. Specifically, the Maple Almond Butter. Hands down the best nut butter I've ever had. 

5. Free Stuff.  And fabulous friends who like sharing free stuff with me. One fabulous friend shared her free tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular last weekend.  I've never been, so I was thrilled! As VIP attendees, we enjoyed a little pre-show party, got our picture taken with the fat man, and received NYC Rockette Christmas ornaments!

Thanks, Rose! <3

The show was incredible!  Not only did it put me in the Christmas spirit, but it really tempted me to dig out me tap & pointe shoes too! Ha...I could totally be a Rockette...

On a serious note, I highly recommend seeing this show if you get the opportunity! I think I smiled like a fool the entire time. Especially during the 3D "tour" of Manhattan on Santa's sleigh! :)



<3 the thumbs up Mr. Claus!





On that note...I wish you all a very Happy & Healthy Holiday!

 Cheers!





NYRR Jingle Jog 2011 Recap

This Saturday, my SIL and I got decked out in fuzzy Christmas socks, reindeer antlers and jingle bells to run the NYRR Jingle Jog in Prospect Park. The course was originally supposed to be 4 miles, but due to some weird construction, it ended up being a 6K (3.7 miles).  Since we planned to just have a nice fun run, this didn't bother us one bit! 



Dancer & Prancer!

 The weather was absolutely perfect for a nice morning run!  It was in the low 40's and pretty windy, causing the SIL to lose her antlers about 500 yards past the start line!  I didn't time myself or even look at my watch ONCE, which felt absolutely fantastic! We just ran at a comfortable easy pace and ended up with an official time of 35:57 (9:39 pace).  Nothing to brag about, but it was just nice to take part in a fun run with my new sister! :)

With the socks!

As usual, NYRR put together an extremely well organized and fun event.  Each mile was marked and there were more water stations than I think are necessary for a race shorter than 4 miles.  Oh and there were red & green bagels waiting for us at the end! Yum!

Mmm RED & GREEN carbs!

My brother brought the dogs along, so we were greeted at the end by some pooches begging for our bagels! Someone was a sucker and gave in!

The pups wanted in on the red bagel action!

As soon as they're available, I'll post the official Brightroom pics, which I'm sure will be just fabulous of us! Happy Holidays & Happy Running! :)

Thankful Thursday: Presents for Pretty Girls

Good morning.  It's Thursday. It's 9:00 a.m. and I'm on the couch watching Live with Kelly! AKA I'm not interning today.  So you can bet I'm thankful today! 

1.  I'm so very thankful for a 4-day weekend.  I'm not interning today, or tomorrow. WOOHOO!

2. A nice healthy start to my day.  Hot tea, vanilla Chobani with blackberries & granola, and an orange.

yum.

3.  Presents for Pretty Girls.  Yesterday, I received some fantastic gifts in my mailbox.  I guess I can break this into 2 parts:

     a.  The first was several grocery store gift cards from my dear brother & sister-in-law.They must know how I'm struggling to get my fruit & veggie fix on my limited budget.  So I'm thankful for them and they're ridiculously generous gift.

     b.  The second package came from my father...the Adele Live at The Royal Albert Hall album.  This woman is so incredibly talented, absolutely beautiful and even funny.  This is a must-see/have. Love her. And Pops for getting it for me! :)



Thanks, Dad!

4. Rain. What's that saying? Something about if it never rained, you'd never appreciate the sun...?  Well I agree whole-heartedly.  Rain stinks, but it does make you value the good weather days!  And I kind of love running in the rain.  I seem to always feel great when I run on rainy days.  There are less people around, it cools me down, and I generally feel like a badass. 

5. Cancelling Christmas.  As you might have noticed from #2, my family is incredibly giving.  But a few years back, we decided to "cancel Christmas".  My poor mother gets upset everytime I say that, but in truth I think it's the best thing we've ever done.  We no longer have to stress out over money or figuring out what to buy each other, especially since we are lucky enough not to NEED anything.  This is not to say we don't still buy gifts at Christmas time.  It's just now we spend our money on a family who truly needs it.  We "adopt" a family and each choose one person in that family to purchase for.  This year, I have a 7-year old girl and am psyched to get shopping for that kid! Bring on the Barbies and board games!

Now I'm off for a quick run, followed by shopping til I drop! Happy Thankful Thursday! :)

Thankful Thursday-All things Holiday!

1. Having one day left of my food service rotation. Goodbye 4:30 a.m. alarm!

2. My health! My hip still aches when it's cold and/or rainy, but I'm so thankful to be able to run (mostly) pain free!!!

3. Holiday happiness.  We put up our tree last night!  I know some people have been in the Christmas swing for weeks already, but I refuse to start celebrating until now!  It's December 1st-bring on the snow, hot chocolate, candy canes & tinsel!

Our newly decorated tree!

And our decorating helper...

4. My new bed.  (Did I use that one already? Whatever. I'm extra thankful! No back pain all week!)

5. Pears! My favorite fruit is now in season and I'm loving all types-Anjou, Bosc, Bartlett...yum yum! They're low calorie and high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K.  And delish!



What are you thankful for today...?

A Happy and Healthy New Year in 2011!

Happy New Year! For most people, weight loss now becomes a top priority this time of year, with resolutions and the chance to start over fresh.  If you find yourself making resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle for 2011, my advice is to keep it simple.  Make a short list of realistic, achievable goals and then set yourself up for success! 

If you really want to eat healthier, start with a kitchen/pantry overhaul.  Toss highly refined pre-packaged foods and stock up on healthy items.  Make sure to always have frozen and canned vegetables around for those times when you aren't able to make it to the grocery store!  Canned beans are another great staple to keep on hand and add to salads or dishes to bump up the fiber content.  Other healthy choices are unsalted nuts, oatmeal, low-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat cheese, hummus, olive oil and a variety of spices.

Eating in restaurants and ordering take-out can be costly to your wallet and waistline.  If you're not making it yourself, it can be difficult to know exactly how the food is prepared.  Cooking at home can be fun, cost-effective and will definitely cut back on calories, fat and sugar intake.

If your goal is to start exercising more often, start off easy.  Take at least a 30 minute walk most days of the week.  Take the stairs instead of an elevator.  Sign up for a charity 5k run or walk in the spring and train smart for it!  If staying motivated is an issue, enlist a good friend or co-worker to hold you to gym dates. 

In addition to eating better and becoming more active, try to get more sleep each night.  Research continues to show that lack of sleep leads to increased risk of obestiy and Type 2 Diabetes.  Eliminating or cutting back alcohol consumption will also speed up weight loss, so aim to drink less often.

So here's to a new year of good food, fitness and fun! Cheers!