Good morning Blog Buddies!
As I mentioned yesterday, this week is about getting back on track! I wouldn’t change the time spent with my family this past week and weekend for absolutely anything (I actually got really sad when it was all said and done yesterday!) but it’s definitely challenging to maintain a healthy eating and living plan when you’ve got a packed schedule and lots of goodies to go around!
My personal challenge this week is to remain active and make healthy eating decisions, no matter what’s happening in my life. It’s my commitment to myself. I think this is great timing because the upcoming Holidays usually mean parties, packed schedules and lots of temptation. By getting myself back in a healthy routine now, I’ll be less likely to slip later!
So, back on track week starts today with…
1. Early morning exercise and a healthy breakfast!
That means a brisk – BRISK – morning Mom walk (it was cooooold!!) and an Overnight Fruit & Yogurt Parfait!
I honestly haven’t been able to stop thinking about this cold, creamy and chewy breakfast since I made it last week! All you do is combine half a yogurt container with 1/4 cup old fashioned oats.
Let the oats soften in the yogurt, in the fridge, overnight. In the morning, mix in the rest of your yogurt and top with anything you like!
My parfait was topped with:
- 1/2 a Honeycrisp Apple
- Sliced banana
- Sliced Almonds
- Dash of Cinnamon
I find that a combo of protein (yogurt,) fat (almonds,) and carbs (apple, banana & oats) does a really good job at keeping me full and satisfied until my next meal. This fruit and yogurt parfait matches all the criteria!
Other delightful toppings could include:
- Berries
- Raisins
- Granola
- Toasted coconut
- Cereal
Oooo – you know what I just thought of?? A parfait with vanilla yogurt mixed with pumpkin butter as the base! Eeek – for sure sometime this week!
2. Bringing (not buying!) a healthy lunch.
Going out to lunch is a ton of fun – I LOVE trying out new dishes and tasting new flavors. But at the end of the day, it’s cheaper and healthier to bring your own lunch. Today, I beefed up a Dole Autumn Splendor Salad Kit!
If you slap the name “Autumn Splendor” on something…I’m pretty much going to buy it… Love these flavors!
I added some carrots and the other half of my Honeycrisp apple for girth…
And let the pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and garlic herb seasoning do the rest. 
3. Bringing a light, yet satisfying afternoon snack.
It’s a given that the 2:00 munchies are going to hit. By providing myself a portion controlled, 100 calorie bag of popcorn – I know I’ll get to enjoy a crunchy, salty, satisfying mid-day snack that won’t derail my healthy eating efforts!
4. Drinking PLENTY of water throughout the day.
Drinking water ALWAYS makes me feel better after a few days of less than healthy behavior. To me, it’s very cleansing! I’m aiming to drink three of these 32oz bad boys throughout the day!
5. Wearing comfy shoes.
These ballet flats will make it easy to take quick, blood pumping strolls throughout the day.
6. Hitting the gym!
I think we can all agree that a good sweat sesh is just what the doctor ordered when getting back on track. I’m planning on hitting the gym this afternoon. The physical benefits are obvious, but mentally – a good workout really puts me in an amazing state of mind. It makes me want to eat healthier and make better decisions!
Time to get this back on track week started. I’m feeling optimistic and excited!!
HAPPY MONDAY!
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What’s your favorite way to get “back on track”?
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If you have a chance today, please check out Holly’s fundraiser to build a drinking well, that will provide clean drinking water for rural Cambodian’s in need. $10 is all it takes to help – that’s like 2 Starbuck’s lattes…we can spare that, right?
I know exactly how you feel! I feel like I got soo off track during the weekend. Even though it was well worth it, it’s so refreshing come Monday to get back into the “healthy routine”. I can’t wait to hit the gym after work today!
Oh, and that salad mix looks awesome!
LOOOVE your ballet flats
Your breakfast looks delicious! My favorite way is to just jump back on the wagon as soon as I realize I’m off…
Great strides to start a fabulous week! I am a big proponent of packing my lunch. It takes out the guess work of what’s really behind the nutritionals!
My biggest way to get back on track is to consume as many fruits and veggies as I can! I normally do anyway, but on “splurge” days or around the holidays…well…sometimes I MIGHT choose a cookie over an apple.
So I stock up on F’s & V’s and it just makes me feel so clean and refreshed.
I think a good breakfast is the best way to get back on track
kristin, thank you so much for your support on this project! seriously, it makes me so happy to know there are fabulous, generous people like you out there
also, your back on track could not have come at a better time! i need this desperately, and shall follow the steps accordingly!
have a wonderful day!
I need to get back on track the best I can in a short amount of time. Went up to Minneapolis (and loaded up on Trader Joe’s goodies, by the way!) this weekend and totally fell off the healthy eating wagon. I have a short work week and a long, Thanksgiving celebration this weekend so I’ll really need to kick it into high gear if I at least want to maintain.
Lots of healthy eating and hitting the gym 4 days this week.
I am 100% with you on getting back on track. I’m doing the same this week!
I am having such a hard time getting on track at all these days. I do great during the week when I am home but I travel for work and that makes it so difficult. I have a 3 day trip this week and I can pack in a carry on if I don’t take my sneakers (which means no hotel fitness room) so I might hit up the library for a yoga or pilates DVD that I can do in my hotel room.
Yay back on track week!! I need it. I’m pretty good about breakfasts and hitting the gym, but I need to work on no mindless snacking/picking around the house and at work. Those little bites add up!! Also no ice cream this week. As much as I love it, I went overboard last week (and last night!).
I’m doing the same this week, getting back on track. I plan to drink a lot of water and continue with clean eating.
I hear ya, I had my father in law’s 60th birthday BBQ Saturday night which ended with a Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cake with chocolate ganache. This morning was an egg white omelet, body pump at lunch, home made northern bean soup for lunch. Apple, carrots and mini organic Greek yogurt as snacks. Yum!
My favorite way to get back on track is similar to you. I eat tons of veggies/fruits, whole grains, no sugar, little meat and lots of tea and water. I tend to feel better after that. Oh and and the sweat sessions help
i love this post! brining healthy lunches, drinking water, having wholesome breakfasts are exactly what the doctor ordered! You’ll do great this week!
Just wanted to let you know that you have my new favorite blog! I love all the ideas that you give me for maintaining a healthy lifestyle- while not becoming obsessive about counting calories or denying treats. Good luck with your goal this week!
I had my back on track week last week. I’m feeling better already! I must try that salad mix. Right up my alley!
There’s a bakery/cafe in Chicago that makes a similar breakfast (they call it swiss oatmeal) that I have been obsessed with since visiting there over 2 years ago! I make my version with Bob’s Red Mill 5 Grain plus flax hot cereal (instead of plain oats), and add apple, banana, blueberries, raspberries, sliced almonds & dried cranberries. SO good!
LOOOVE your gym bag…what brand is it? I love the double straps, as opposed to the single strap that I can NEVER get to stay on my shoulder.
I’m in the SAME boat as you this week. After getting back from a weekend at home with family I NEED to get back on track and I’m doing a lot of the same things you are! Eating good, gym, packing a lunch!
PS: LOVE your gym bag. It’s very cute!
Cute flats!!!
You are totally ready to dominate this week!
The way I get back on track is to do exactly what you are doing. Hop back on the healthy living train. Not restrict my eating or over exercise, but to eat healthy foods and get active.
You’re not alone in trying to get back on track this week, I had an early Thanksgiving this weekend and definitely indulged to the fullest!
I love mixing oats w/yogurt (or muesli!), it’s such a treat to wake up to in the am.
I NEED to get on track I’m pretty down on my weight etc. so I need to get back on it. Eat less, fewer carbs harder work outs! Good luck!
Also your gym bag is so cute!
wearing comfy shoes to work is such a good motivator for me to take a quick stroll!! My get back on track is to really focus on veggies and planning to make sure I get plenty. I also get in some serious sweat sessions which just makes me feel good and productive.
That is so cool that Dole has salads now! I know how you feel, Monday is always the hardest day but definitely a get back on track day. I went to the gym and got in a good 30 minute run today. Even though I badly did not want to go, I felt amazing afterwards
Hey,
!
I was wondering how much you eat throughout the day. I know that to maintain or loose even (well so I’ve heard) you need to eat like 6 times a day…3 meals and 3 snacks. What exactly do you do? I just had a baby and am trying to eat well and exercise although I can only do the exercise part when my husband can watch her for an hour. Even then I have just been working out in my basement with videos b/c I am scared to go to the gym by myself even though I have a membership. (i went before i got prego). So some helpful advise would be great
Thanks
I’m trying to get back on track too! It’s so hard when a) your husband keeps buying beer, wine, and pizza fixings b) it’s been SNOWING so my want-to for exercising (at least outside) is about a 1, if that!