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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Healthy Habits


As many of you know, my husband and I have dedicated ourselves to a healthier lifestyle.  We have been working out every day for the last 45 days, and we intend to keep going till we can go no more!  I have also decreased the number of Pioneer Woman recipes that I prepare and increased the healthier recipes.  I love love love PW, but I am not a rancher, so I probably shouldn't eat like one every day :o) 

I have also become a beachbody coach.  I love being surrounded by so many positive and encouraging people.  Working out and living healthy has changed our lives so much already, and I want to spread that knowledge and help other people live healthier lives.

How have we changed?  Besides the obvious. . . losing weight (although I haven't lost much since I didn't have a lot to lose).  1. We have more energy.  Neither of us have that afternoon crash where you just want to take a nap.  2. Our moods are much better.  3. I have lost 11 inches all over my body (not quite sure how many Bryan has lost) 4.  Bryan was diagnosed with degenerative disc and had a herniated disc in his lower back--this has disappeared!  And I have scoliosis in my lower back from birth and lost my cervical neck curve from a car accident, when I have back pain, the stretching in the workouts gets rid of the pain.

Now many people have been asking for help with healthy meals and snacks.  I have been posting my healthy dinners.  But I haven't touched on other meals.

Breakfast: we like to mix it up.  Eggs, cold cereal, oatmeal, yogurt and granola, pancakes or waffles, english muffins. . .  and we usually have some fruit.

Lunch: usually leftovers or sandwiches.  Sometimes I will make chicken nuggets or fish sticks or hot dogs or homemade mac and cheese.  I know that these aren't exactly healthy, but in moderation they can't be that bad.  I make sure that the kids are getting an appropriate serving.  Lunches get a veggie and a fruit: raw carrots, celery, cooked green beans, corn, or broccoli; apples, grapes, bananas, mangoes, raisens. . .
Homemade fat free sugar free yogurt with Homemade sugar free strawberry preserves

Snacks: smoothies are a big hit in our house (I use yogurt, fruit (preferably frozen), and a liquid)  if the fruit isn't frozen then you need some ice.
 The general rule of thumb with snacks is to keep them small and to combine food groups.  For instance, you could have pineapple and pistachios, (Read the label and find out what 1 serving of each is!!!)  or apricots and almonds or raisins and peanuts.
Another good combination is cheese (string cheese, cottage cheese, laughing cow wedge) and apples
Whole wheat crackers and cheese or peanut butter
Sliced veggies and hummus, or low fat ranch, or a yogurt based dip.  Or celery with peanut butter
Hard boiled eggs
Last but definitely not least, Shakeology.  This is a powerhouse of goodness! 

Final thoughts: 
1. Always check the portion size.
2. When you buy fresh produce, wash it and cut it up as soon as you get home from the store.
3. Only buy the amount of fresh produce that you will eat in a week--the rest will go bad!
4. Keep track of your calories if healthy eating is new to you.  My Fitness Pal is a great resource!

Do you have any great tips?  Anything I am missing??  I love to hear what everyone else is doing!

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