Holiday Weight Gain

All the magazines and tv commercials are talking about how to avoid holiday weight gain. In a few weeks it will be how to loose the holiday pounds. This is a never ending cycle each year. A few days ago my mom asked me if I want to do a 2 hour spin class on Thanksgiving and a cardio plus weights class at 7:15 the following morning. In order to not feel guilty about my food coma from Thanksgiving is this what I need to partake in? This holiday is not about eating for my family it's about making sure the stuff we eat doesn't create a muffin top. I did agree to do both classes and in my mind this means I can eat double the pumpkin pie right? Well actually no, this means I will sustain my current weight. After reading this article: I learned that the average person only gains 1 lb but they won't loose that pound.
So what steps should you take to avoid that dreaded one pound? or better yet don't worry about it we could revisit this topic after New Years and loose that one pound together.
Hmmm tough decision I know...... Well for me I already have about 5 lbs to loose from Halloween candy (I love candy and couldn't resist), unemployment blues drinking and cooking by myself and not having the portions quite down (overeating my yummy creations). Or maybe I am just gearing up for the holidays.... stretching the stomach for Thanksgiving. No really I am going to try to avoid any weight gain, maybe I can be the first person to loose weight over the holidays!!! Eat in moderation, lots of exercise, laughter, water, and moderation of alcohol, and smart drinking (www.justalittlechocolate.com/2009/11/19/liquid-calories-watch-out)
Good luck, stay skinny! I will begin my quest for weight loss during the holidays.....

Grocery Store

I have always been a fan of going to the grocery store, whether it is the fat kid in me that enjoys staring at food or just another activity to curb my ADD I am not sure. Today out of sheer necessity and a little case of boredom, I ventured to the closest market, King Soopers. I am usually a Safeway loyal customer but it is too far away from my current abode. There are those that cut out coupons, have a list of each item and the sporadic shopper. I am usually the latter although I do quite a bit of price comparisons. The key to this is having a shoppers card and looking at the fine print, price per ounce or unit. Sometimes they get you with the big bold price saving sticker but if you look closely another similar product not on sale will be a better deal.

With the trends leaning towards organic and natural foods I have migrated more towards the chemically injected fruits and vegetables, more bang for your buck and lets just say I like to always strive to be unique. But seriously, I bought some fuji apples that were the size of grapefruits, amazing in my mind. Now don't get me wrong, WholeFoods/Whole Paycheck has some great items but how can I afford to shop there? Not in this lifetime plus why do they think they can mark-up items found at other grocery stores, such as hot sauce. I was going to buy some Chaula and it was over $3 for small bottle, about a dollar more than normal. To wrap things up check out the fine print on price labels and go big or go home!

Giving Thanks

As we spend this next Thursday filling up on delectable items such as turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and, if your as lucky as I am, some homemade pumpkin pie courtesy of mama Ann, did you take the time to give thanks? The holiday is indeed about expressing things we are thankful for. In light of the holiday I thought it was fitting to reflect on what I am thankful for. As times are tough it is important to reflect on the good. I am thankful for my brother's successful new marriage, my health, friends, new and old, my family who are so very supportive, my loving boy who keeps me grounded and in check with reality and of course, not to be forgotten the dog in the family, Jack.
If you think the Tryptophan and red wine combination will get the best of you before you have enough time to reflect on what you are thankful for take a moment to do this. Whether it is family, friends, the workout you had today, your career take a second to:
Write 5 things you are thankful for today
Write 20 things you are thankful for this year
Take a look and your list and create goals for tomorrow and next year
If you would like to make self gratitude a part of your daily routine there is even a iPhone application called the Gratitude Journal to help you personally record what you are thankful for each day.