going strong

So my cousin asked me yesterday at Thanksgiving, why I haven't updated my blog with my weight loss progress. I answered that I have simply been busy exercising and cooking! I fit those two important things into every free nook and cranny of my busy life. I am glad I have re-prioritized my life though, because it has definitely paid off. I am now down to a size 4 and my energy level amazes me.

My new goal is to tighten up a bit more, and to do that I am back at the gym. I love that I now have the variety of cardio options that my home gym could not provide, but I do admit that the plethora of weight machines does intimidate me. I usually workout at night on my way home from work. It is a bit more of a challenge to get myself in the gym since I really loved working out around 9:00 am, when Enzo takes his first nap. But luckily for me, I must pass the gym on the way to my house, so there is that big glaring sign there to remind me (or guilt me) into turning in to the parking lot. I am always glad I did at the end of the workout.

A lot of people have been asking me what I eat. I usually start my day with steel cut oats with ground flax seed, agave nectar and fruit. One of my favorite snacks is cinnamon and raisin Ezekial bread with coconut oil spread on top with chopped bananas. I also love Nutivas hemp protein shakes. Lunch is usually a sandie on Ezekial bread with lots of goodies like avo, spinach, tomato, pumpkin seeds, gosh I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Dinner is usually thrown together since I will be at work to eat it. I love to make some brown rice or quinoa and throw some beans or tofu and sauteed veggies on top. I get all my goodies at Henry's (my new obsession) or Vitamin Shoppe, but you can find most of this stuff at a regular grocery stores.

And how did I do yesterday, Thanksgiving? I did great!I had an amazing time hanging out with the familia and had some yummy treats too. Here is how I got through this Holiday without guilt:
1. I changed the focus in my mind from food to family.
2. I ate as I normally do throughout my day. I did not skip meals to compensate for the extra treats I would be having later. I made sure I drank plenty of water and watched my portions.
3. During the feast, I chose foods that were closest to my normal everyday diet. I watched my portions and listened to my body to tell me when enough was enough. Key thing was that I didn't obsess about the fact the the foods were more fattening then the ones I normally prepare, I just made the best choices I could.
4. I treated myself to some of my cousin Sheri's famous dessert bars. Not the whole thing, but I still had some. BTW, they were amazing!

I have read many different opinions on how to get through the holidays. Some people eat as much of whatever they want and start over in January. Some avoid parties all together. But I enjoyed my approach this year very much and will do the same through Christmas. Plus exercise and good nutrition are stress fighters!