This is such a difficult time for all of us, we often times find ourselves more stressed than joyous during this, otherwise, happy time of year. We’re so worried about the day of Christmas because we have this ideal of what we would like it to be. More often than not we’re disappointed- someone goes home upset or angry, the food (or dish) you made was bad because you left something out, you’re bloated and uncomfortable because you ate too much and feel guilty as a result (tomorrow’s the “get back into shape day”, and ultimately you’re stressed beyond belief. You worry about who’s going to shovel, then your’e worried about who’s dumb enough to drive 50 in a 30 in slick conditions, and you anxiously await for the weather report on the TV, radio, or the loading on your computer as if that makes things any better. We like to be prepared even if it’s out of our control! Then you’re worried about your plans for New Year’s, you don’t want to spend it alone, and you’re in the dark about what to do. It’s kinda crazy. My family and I like to watch Home for the Holidays, it allows us to think our family is just like other families. I suggest you watch it, it’s a good one! It’s really not about the preparation, stress, or the meal. What it is about is the time spent with family- believe it or not!

To battle the stress and my inability to control the perfect day, I’ve decided this is my empower my mind week. I know it sounds a little hokey, but I know how important it is for me to feel better the day after. Jeesh, I don’t even drink and I feel awful after. Perhaps that’s my mind saying I just eat too much…but it’s Christmas, right? Well, there’s nothing wrong with being a glutton one or two days a year (turkey day and Christmas), but we often rationalize those one or two days with many other days. Hence the crash diet, disappointment, and struggling with our personal goals to maintain a healthy eating lifestyle and consistent exercise. I’m going to me cognizant of my workouts and my eating so I don’t overdo it and feel lousy the day after Christmas. This is my mind saying I have control!

I like to plan my meals, I’m one of those…yep! I do hate leaving home for long periods of time, especially when I’m surrounded by people who love to eat all the not so good for you foods in places where it’s hard for me to find a healthy option. Well, being a vegetarian definitely has its ups, but it also has its downs when it comes to finding something other than a potato on the menu, or something that requires me to substitute or omit items off the dish. I went away for some Army training this week, and I knew I would be eating in the chow hall most of the time. Well, the Army diet, if done the right way, is three square meals. I say done right because people often have snacks late at night, or go off post and eat the oh-so-bad-for you foods + beer. Of course there are plenty of unhealthy foods for soldiers and the like to choose from in the chow hall, but luckily they have a great salad bar! It’s easy to choose comfort foods off the meal plan, most people do and eat too much.was able to maintain a steady eating schedule and maintain a workout schedule. There were nights when after working 13 + hours that I didn’t feel like working out, but I pulled myself to do it. It was hard, but I pushed even harder to get my butt on the tread! Thank goodness I didn’t! Unfortunately the cold thing has caught me in a bind, I haven’t worked out in 2 days…jeesh, I’m not feeling so great just from knowing that little fact. I’ll get there tomorrow hopefully!

Since I haven’t maintained the BEST workout plan throughout the week I’m going to make sure I do in the coming days and coming weeks. My schedule will change in the next 20 days, I don’t think working out will be much of an option. I might have to expedite it and make room for 30 minutes ONLY. Wow, that’s scary. It looks like my legs will be running faster than usual!

I’ve got a few things in mind this week for posts, I know people are busy so I probably won’t get as many readers as I have had! I hope those of you who have been reading continue to do so even after my hiatus over the past week! I’m back friends…take care!