Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Staying healthy on a busy schedule

I've been feeling a little...bleh lthis week.  Not under the weather per se, but just not at my optimal level of health.  I think my body might be fighting off an impending cold, or maybe I'm just worn out from trying to squeeze a summer's worth of social life into two weekends (oops?).  Either way, I'm just not feeling up to snuff.  What I've noticed though, is that I'm not eating as well this week.  Sunday afternoon I ate an entire pint (1/2 for lunch and 1/2 for dinner) of ice cream...not such a good idea.  On Monday, I picked up a box of Duane Reade branded cookies that I've been munching at my desk ever since, and today I succumbed to the office bagels and cream cheese.  What gives? 
The Offending Cookies

I'm reminded of the Nutri Grain commercial "One good decision can lead to another."  So what does one do when she falls into a trap of bad self propagating bad habits?  Make a plan!  I know that the reason I'm making bad choices (and feeling overwhelmed) is because I feel the fast approaching semester breathing down my neck.  There's a lot to get done over the next couple of days!  However, I can't let it be an excuse.  This is the new normal, and I need to start plotting out my meals for the week and packing healthy snacks so I don't end up grabbing the goodies in the office kitchen at 3pm.

Since I've had some good experiences with it in the past, I decided to head over the Self.com for some ideas.  A few years ago I took on the SELF Challenge to lose 10 lbs.  I didn't really follow it, but I exclusively used their recipes and snack ideas for a few months.  Combined with my own exercise schedule (running 20-25 miles per week & the occasional strength training), I didn't lose a single pound, buuuut I lost an entire dress size without cutting any calories.  I'm pretty sure that's a win!  What I like about the Self programs is that they use real food (better calories), and offer lots of simple options for meals.  It's less of a diet plan than a healthy lifestyle jump start.  I can cook, but I'm a busy girl and I want to eat healthy as quickly and efficiently as I possibly can.  Self's recipes are PERFECT for that.  (If you're interested, they have a "Lose 8" plan going on right now.)   

So now I'm geared up with a few new recipe ideas, a shopping list full of whole foods, and a way to stay healthy with my crazy schedule.

Do you have any tips for staying healthy on the go?

1 comment:

  1. Bring snacks! I'm loading up my bag today since I have a total of 3 orientations to attend! :) I gave you a shout out on my blog! See you today!!!

    http://sweatequalssuccess.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-school-back-to-school.html

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