Uhhhhh....I need to detox

Isn't funny how when life gets crazy the first thing to go is a healthy lifestyle? I have been on a wee bit of an emotional rollercoaster over the past week and my eating habits and activity levels have definitely suffered as a result. When stress takes over I have such a difficult time looking to salad to console me. Emotional eating is one of my biggest downfalls and it always has been. I eat to cure sadness and anxiety and boredom and over the years it really started to add up.

Looking back over the last 7 days I know that I haven't made the best choices. I weighed myself today because I felt it was time to face the music and although there was no gain (How is that even possible???) I still know that I need to get this under control.

My relationship with food should be emotionless. It should be about fuelling my body to run further and faster, to get stronger and become healthier. I should eat because I need the food not because I want it in some attempt to cure the blues or shake of the effect of a stressful day. I am not perfect with this approach yet but I am trying, little by little, to get there.

I am not a big believer in detox, at least in the celebrity-inspired drink only lemon juice and vinegar way that we so often read or hear about. Instead I think that its important to get your body and mind back on track after a few less than perfect couple of days by pumping yourself full of nutrients. Its vital to re-focus on all the good things that you been missing by overloading on fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains and get the sugar and fat out of your system so you won't crave more and keep repeating the cycle.

Today I had a huge serving of fresh berries and yogurt for breakfast. In fact it was so huge that a co-worker asked if it was anti-oxidant day. And don't worry I shared the fruit (spread the wealth right??) so I didn't overload on calories. The rest of the day was good too: Whole grain vegetarian sandwhich and an apple for lunch and a whole grain granola bar for a snack. Up next is a big ol' plate of steamed veggies and some chicken. Should be good and I am truly looking forward to it!

So here's to getting back on track. I'll keep you posted on how the week is progressing.

It's Christmas @ Starbucks!!

Its official: The holiday season has begun. How do I know you ask? Well the Christmas machine has infected my local Starbucks and for the next 2 months my daily Grande Bold will be served in the seasonal cup that all us caffeine fiends have come to know and love.

I love Christmas time! The fresh snow and crisp air, Jingle Bells and beautifully wrapped gifts. There is just something about the magic of Christmas that brings a happy little tear to my eye.

There is also something about the food-fest of Christmas that brings a few extra pounds to my hips. That part is not so magical. (If it were magical holiday calories wouldn't count!)

I need a plan to get through the onslaught of cookies and appetizers and high cal beverages that are about to surround me everywhere I go. Can I honestly enjoy the season while forsaking gingerbread men and steaming hot chocolate? Will it really be the same?

On the other hand, can I really enjoy the new year feeling bloated and heavier then I need to be?

I think I need to find some balance. A few less cookies, a salad or small meal before the party, a few more minutes on the treadmill. Small choices that will hopefully keep any weight gains small too. Sounds simple enough to me. I think I can do that!!

So here we go...may the holiday bring you happiness with those that you love and may the scale be kind to you when its time to take down the tree!

Tell me, how do you plan to get through the temptations that are brought on during the holidays??