Having spent most of my life in Michigan, I am well accustomed to extreme winters; and by 'accustomed', I mean that I basically hibernated from December-March. About 4 years ago, I decided enough was enough, and vowed to find some fun outdoor activities that would force me out of hibernation. Fitness wasn't the problem, I was getting plenty of exercise swimming and practicing yoga-INDOORS. The problem was regular bouts of seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D), most likely attributed to staying inside most of the time. Natural lighting and spending time in nature does wonders for our brains-so outside I went!
Cross Country skiing was the first pursuit; I visited Stoney Creek, rented a pair of skis, and off I went! I loved it so much, learning that going outdoors in the winter was do-able as long as you dress appropriately for it! My next challenge, was to take up snowboarding...something I never thought I would be able to do. Flash forward a few years, and my husband Matthew and I are now living in Colorado, spending as much time as possible playing outside in all kinds of weather. One thing that venturing up into the mountains for our various pursuits has taught me is to PLAN AHEAD. We have climbed mountains without proper clothing, leaving us ill equipped for fast changes in temperature and sudden storms, ample water, and even enough food! We learned fast, and today, when we know we will be heading up, I begin prepping a day or two ahead of time. Today was no exception.
The plan is to head up to Vail or Beaver Creek tomorrow, as the mountains are finally getting some much needed snow. We like to get an early start, so the more I can accomplish ahead of time, the better! This is how my day began:
Obviously, meal planning isn't just for those interested in outdoor adventures in the mountains. Many people plan out (and some even prepare) their week's meals on Sunday afternoon, to avoid having to figure out what to make for their meals when they are hungry, tired and sometimes stressed out. I believe that this is one of the biggest reasons so many people struggle with their weight; convenience foods and restaurant foods are often high in calories, and the portions are more than what most of us needs in one sitting. A simple guideline to determine how much food to put on your plate, simply visualize two of your fists worth as a portion. If you still feel hungry after that amount, consider these couple of tips to ensure that you are digesting your food properly: 1. Drink a tall glass of water 15 minutes prior to eating, and 2. Chew your food really well-as in 30 or more times per bite! With few exceptions, restaurant portions can literally be cut in half (or shared).
Does anyone have any tips for staying healthy when traveling for work? This is a question I intend to tackle, since I am asked this frequently.
https://www.facebook.com/5280-Fit-with-Naomi-772856129570110/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Cross Country skiing was the first pursuit; I visited Stoney Creek, rented a pair of skis, and off I went! I loved it so much, learning that going outdoors in the winter was do-able as long as you dress appropriately for it! My next challenge, was to take up snowboarding...something I never thought I would be able to do. Flash forward a few years, and my husband Matthew and I are now living in Colorado, spending as much time as possible playing outside in all kinds of weather. One thing that venturing up into the mountains for our various pursuits has taught me is to PLAN AHEAD. We have climbed mountains without proper clothing, leaving us ill equipped for fast changes in temperature and sudden storms, ample water, and even enough food! We learned fast, and today, when we know we will be heading up, I begin prepping a day or two ahead of time. Today was no exception.
The plan is to head up to Vail or Beaver Creek tomorrow, as the mountains are finally getting some much needed snow. We like to get an early start, so the more I can accomplish ahead of time, the better! This is how my day began:
- Make my smoothies-I have a condition that has warranted the necessity of making several lifestyle and dietary changes. I often have a smoothie in the morning that typically consists of almond milk, berries, spinach, avocado, protein powder, cinnamon, and cacao.
- Make a breakfast casserole for Matt-he sometimes enjoys the same smoothie that I drink, but it is also fun to make something savory that I know he would enjoy!-http://easyrecettes.com/bundt-cake-breakfast-2/
- Make a big pot of veggie soup-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435652963937984627/
- Make a large salad/salad dressing-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/376191375119168010/
- Make tuna wraps for an extra meal "just in case"-snowboarding burns a lot of calories, particularly when you plan to stay all day, it is better to have too much food than not enough!
- Make a simple dinner for this evening (fish tacos-yum!)-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/376191375118294598/
- Fill up water bottles/and or camel backs
Obviously, meal planning isn't just for those interested in outdoor adventures in the mountains. Many people plan out (and some even prepare) their week's meals on Sunday afternoon, to avoid having to figure out what to make for their meals when they are hungry, tired and sometimes stressed out. I believe that this is one of the biggest reasons so many people struggle with their weight; convenience foods and restaurant foods are often high in calories, and the portions are more than what most of us needs in one sitting. A simple guideline to determine how much food to put on your plate, simply visualize two of your fists worth as a portion. If you still feel hungry after that amount, consider these couple of tips to ensure that you are digesting your food properly: 1. Drink a tall glass of water 15 minutes prior to eating, and 2. Chew your food really well-as in 30 or more times per bite! With few exceptions, restaurant portions can literally be cut in half (or shared).
Does anyone have any tips for staying healthy when traveling for work? This is a question I intend to tackle, since I am asked this frequently.
https://www.facebook.com/5280-Fit-with-Naomi-772856129570110/?modal=admin_todo_tour
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