Thanks to the start of the New Year, it seems as if everyone has gotten on the healthy-living bandwagon. I’ve been on it for a quite a while myself, but I can’t help but notice that I’ve had a renewed interest lately in being even healthier than usual. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I am right in the middle of week 2 of marathon training, or week 3 of the Tone It Up Love Your Body Challenge, or maybe it was even last week’s juice cleanse. Whatever it is, I am feeling quite amazing. Working out every day and eating super-clean [and skipping out on large quantities of alcohol] can really do wonders!
The last night of 2012!
So what have I been doing for the past 2 weeks to give me this rush of energy and enthusiasm for healthy living? Here’s the breakdown:
- I’ve discovered Peppermint Tea. This little gem in quite the perfect antidote to my raging sweet tooth. Craving coming on? Pop a peppermint tea bag into some boiling water and that sweet tooth has all but vanished. Try it.
- I dug out the chia seeds from the back of the cupboard. Nothing makes you feel healthier than topping pretty much anything with this superfood [it's a complete protein, contains omega-3's, lots of fiber, shall I go on?]. Plus, I feel like they make you feel fuller longer due to their water content once you let them sit for a few minutes.
- I’m going out to dinner less, bringing lunch to work, and staying in and cooking with friends to entertain myself. Good for your weight and wallet. No explanation required.
- I am combining cardio with strength training, instead of doing one or the other. The cardio keeps me slim, the strength training is giving me muscle-tone. Put them together and you’ve got a power combo. I usually do one and skip the other, but now I am making the time to do a little bit of both each day, and I can already see the results. This might seem like common sense, but it’s something that I have never done before.
- I signed up for a race + am following a running program [Hal Higdon's Marathon Training, Novice 2]. I don’t have the self-motivation to make myself go out and run 30 miles a week, so by signing up and paying for a race, I am giving myself that kick in the ass that I need. I mean, who wants to wake up on a Saturday morning and go run 15 miles? Not me. But I’m doing it because my training program says I need to. My reward? A lot of me-time, a clear head, healthier lungs, and a massive sense of accomplishment. I don’t always want to run, but once I’m out there on the road, breathing in the fresh air, I am always glad I did.
- I am attending yoga classes again. On my off/rest days I have decided to attend a yoga class in the park. It makes me feel really peaceful and happy. Yoga stretches out my tired and sore limbs from the week’s running and strength training, and gives me an overall feeling of well-being. It’s a very welcome addition to my exercise program, and keeps me sane, happy, and motivated.
- I am loading up on fitspo! From my Women’s Health, Self, and Fitness magazine subscriptions, to my favorite health and fitness bloggers, to the healthy Instagram accounts that I follow, surrounding myself with health and fitness-related material keeps my healthy lifestyle top-of-mind and keeps me inspired.
What are you doing to stay healthy this year? Have you been keeping up with your New Year’s Resolutions? Share with us, we’d love to know!
Haute.Healthy.Happy.
Peppermint Tea? Gotta try it, thanks!