Make Attainable New Year's Resolutions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6ntfvCylsaB9Frd34RnTrUued6nsl1tcb4i6kRpBM9Z3iUOCfUMM65RsS7kHA72nosr4u-d9CXyxfOhgsh6q1ZYO-qmdJjecc4ujI_FkNtNheel5QcraXrcJ5dielhhA5Gs_OgC3na5A/s1600/silhouette-683751_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="achievable new years eve resolutions" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6ntfvCylsaB9Frd34RnTrUued6nsl1tcb4i6kRpBM9Z3iUOCfUMM65RsS7kHA72nosr4u-d9CXyxfOhgsh6q1ZYO-qmdJjecc4ujI_FkNtNheel5QcraXrcJ5dielhhA5Gs_OgC3na5A/s1600/silhouette-683751_1280.jpg" title="" /></a></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep your resolutions this year, by making them attainable and realistic. It’s fun to imagine the endless possibilities for the coming year, thinking about all the things you can do and all the plans you want to make. However, realistic resolutions are the key to success. Create attainable New Year’s resolutions, reach them, and then create a new goal. It is a cycle that leads to long-term success. </span><br /> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Why do attainable resolutions matter?</b></span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They matter because they’re attainable!</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are setting unrealistic goals for yourself, it is too easy to get discouraged when you don’t see appropriate progress toward your goals. This can diminish your drive for your resolution, even if you are bettering your life while working toward achieving it!</span></li> </ul> <br /> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Build on your resolutions.</b></span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you set resolutions that are attainable and set goals that you can reach, you will be able to continually build on new goals throughout the new years. This will inspire and motivate continual growth toward your goals. You will find new inspiration and checking off a goal and being able to set a brand new one for the future.</span></li> </ul> <br /> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What are some examples of attainable, buildable resolutions?</b></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weightloss</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead of saying, “In 2016, I am going to lose weight,” say, “By February 28th of 2016, I will have lost 10 pounds.” This resolution is trackable, attainable, and gives you a specific goal to reach! It is possible to lose 10 pounds in two months. With focus, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, you can achieve this resolution and set a new one! “Losing weight” is too ambiguous; without a clear, specific resolution it is hard to stay motivated.</span></li> </ul> <br /> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fitness</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I’m going to workout more in 2016.” Will you, though? You probably won’t with a resolution like that. Instead, make a resolution to “hit the gym three times each week” or “meet with a personal trainer twice a month to stay accountable for my fitness goals.” These examples of resolutions can be tracked and achieved routinely, so you can be proud that you are continually working and succeeding at your New Year’s resolutions.</span></li> </ul> <br /> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eating Healthy</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A healthy lifestyle seems to be on everyone’s New Year’s Resolution list this year. Attain this resolution by having a plan to live a healthier life. Don’t wake up on January 1st and expect to change your lifestyle. Research how you want to live, how you will implement healthy choices into your life, and how to will succeed with healthy living in 2016. Having a plan for a healthy life is the only way to succeed.</span></li> </ul> <br /> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For extra motivation or coaching on fitness and healthy living, please <a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/">contact me</a>! I am here to help inspire your healthy journey and get you on the right track toward fitness success. Make attainable resolutions this year and see how far you have come by December of 2016.</span>

Make Attainable New Year's Resolutions

8:30 AM

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Keep your resolutions this year, by making them attainable and realistic. It’s fun to imagine the endless possibilities for the coming year, thinking about all the things you can do and all the plans you want to make. However, realistic resolutions are the key to success. Create attainable New Year’s resolutions, reach them, and then cre

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Choose a Healthy Lifestyle, Not a Diet

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8BmrrNgx_JiiftqMKmlcF1xyn2G6dYVgWLgsHId2C7WF9iAWOoqs6sdoSBdW0XGED1hXMtdA2gxYC51RVbCerq0hpSbR_MJ71J1ERwJidBzSKVPdQv9STVQbTx5mj5fDmPqpjgj419BL/s1600/bigstock-Happy-cheering-celebrating-suc-84730193.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Choose a Healthy Lifestyle, Not a Diet" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8BmrrNgx_JiiftqMKmlcF1xyn2G6dYVgWLgsHId2C7WF9iAWOoqs6sdoSBdW0XGED1hXMtdA2gxYC51RVbCerq0hpSbR_MJ71J1ERwJidBzSKVPdQv9STVQbTx5mj5fDmPqpjgj419BL/s1600/bigstock-Happy-cheering-celebrating-suc-84730193.jpg" title="Choose a Healthy Lifestyle, Not a Diet" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A healthy lifestyle is something everyone wants. Smarter lifestyle choices can help promote improved mental, emotional, physical, and social health. Leading a healthy lifestyle is not solely about the physical appearance; it’s about treating your body well and living a full, rich life in every way! Making smart choices for your well-being is not a diet. If you’re looking for a happier, healthier life, don’t diet to lose weight. Refine your lifestyle. Live a healthy one.</span></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /> </span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many benefits to choosing a healthy lifestyle rather than a diet. Here’s a list to motivate you to make that lifestyle change and take care of yourself for the long term.</span><br /> <b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /> </b> <b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Clarity</b><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the first things you’ll notice when you start to make healthier choices is your mental clarity. Treat yourself to nutrient dense food and regular exercise, and your brain will show you the benefits. You will be calmer, yet mentally energized to handle tasks and daily responsibilities. A poorly-executed diet doesn’t do that. In fact, many diets can harm your mental clarity. Too often, diets are about cutting calories. They don’t consider the nutritional benefits of a proper amount of healthy food. Drastically cutting calories can make the body feel sluggish and make the brain slow in response. </span></span></div><b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /> </b> <b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nutritious Food</b><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When working toward a healthy lifestyle, the hardest part for most people is easing the cravings of junk food. While getting rid of junk food is challenging, it does get easier with time. Your body craves sugar when it is consistently rewarded with it. Once you can cut out unhealthy habits, you will have less physical cravings for those unhealthy foods. </span></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">A short-term diet can cause greater weight fluctuation because people are more likely to binge eat after reaching the end of their diet. This forms bad habits again and makes it harder to make healthier choices in the future.</span><br /> <b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /> </b> <b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Energy, Mood, Confidence</b><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A healthy lifestyle will improve your energy levels, your mood, and your confidence. Once the toxic, sugary food leaves your system, you will feel like a new person! Feeding your body the nutrients it needs through nutritious and fresh food will lead to naturally healthier choices because your body won’t crave junk food. Without these cravings, your moods will be more stable, and by implementing exercise a few times each week, you will have naturally higher levels of serotonin, which is a mood booster! </span></span></div><b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /> </b> <b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Longer Life</b><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taking care of your body will help you live a longer, healthier, happier life. Live life fully with a healthy lifestyle. Find adventures, endeavours, and do everything you want to do with good health on your side! </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /> </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For inspiration, advice, and the motivation to live a healthy lifestyle, </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! I’d love to support you on your journey. For inspirational quotes, follow me on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/alyssaschomaker/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram!</span></a></div>

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle, Not a Diet

3:45 PM

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A healthy lifestyle is something everyone wants. Smarter lifestyle choices can help promote improved mental, emotional, physical, and social health. Leading a healthy lifestyle is not solely about the physical appearance; it’s about treating your body well and living a full, rich life in every way! Making smart choices for your well-bein

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Practice Portion Control At Home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrBYVBqu80Da2YbQtGescMY8dYV6IyqVXYMoaoFjz1Z34tmOUFAhu_WoR-_WbOGKXRAyoH32FKdiGamyBSZvvVitCWCl-sC0o5ft_P9-NwKAcMsuceScVT0OBWMR64sb-fYa7cY_vrCrk/s1600/pasta-932172_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Practice Portion Control At Home" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrBYVBqu80Da2YbQtGescMY8dYV6IyqVXYMoaoFjz1Z34tmOUFAhu_WoR-_WbOGKXRAyoH32FKdiGamyBSZvvVitCWCl-sC0o5ft_P9-NwKAcMsuceScVT0OBWMR64sb-fYa7cY_vrCrk/s1600/pasta-932172_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Practice Portion Control At Home" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Portion control is treating yourself to a healthy amount of food, without over-consuming and over-snacking. Portion control can be especially challenging while eating at home because it is easy to snack continually or eat extra portions of dinner. The key to portion control is to break the habit of overeating. I’ve created a list of six helpful tips to help you practice healthy portion control at home. </span></span></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-26ff09b9-48d2-a04b-64c6-64b61125ed34" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don’t leave food sitting out.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Practice portion control by taking an appropriate sized snack and then closing the package. Put the package back in its place in the pantry. When you put your food away, portion control is easier, because you have to make a conscious effort to reopen the package for more snacking. This gives you more time to exercise your willpower and avoid overeating.</span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don’t snack from the package.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Following the same idea of putting the package away, never eat directly from the package. If you want to have a snack while you watch TV, take a portion of your snack and eat from a bowl. Don’t bring the entire package of your snack to the couch with you. It’s much easier to overeat when you have the entire package with you.</span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Use a smaller plate.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The easiest way to practice portion control is to use smaller plates in your home. Avoid the large serving dinner plates. Try using a salad plate to portion your dinner. Even a normal portion served on a salad plate will feel more satiating when you’ve finished eating. When your brain sees a smaller plate that looks full, you will feel more full. When your brain sees a big plate, that looks less full, you may not feel as satisfied after eating. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No seconds.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After you’ve finished your portion of dinner, avoid going back for seconds. Try going for a walk around the block, reading a book, or cleaning the kitchen. Distract yourself from your craving for a second helping. Once you can break the habit of eating second portions of food, portion control will be much easier.</span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Portion out your leftovers. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you intend to bring leftovers for lunch, try portioning your leftovers out the night before! When you have separate containers of food to-go, you won’t take overly large portions on your way out the door. It will be a way to remain consistent with your portion control, even when you’re in a hurry!</span></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> <span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For extra support on your journey toward a healthy lifestyle, contact me! I would love to offer support on your weight loss and fitness journey! </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out my website</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for tips, encouragement, and daily motivation to reach your goals!</span></span>

Practice Portion Control At Home

3:05 PM

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Portion control is treating yourself to a healthy amount of food, without over-consuming and over-snacking. Portion control can be especially challenging while eating at home because it is easy to snack continually or eat extra portions of dinner. The key to portion control is to break the habit of overeating. I’ve created a list of six

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Use a Fitness Journal to Get Back on Track

<b id="docs-internal-guid-61bc77fc-aee3-1254-0e1e-0cf1087970b7" style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy5uoMavwVUABRPsGXTI_BLNhfLrAJtsBqUf_fohYa663WqSpylomtBRMqRjLCEkyw4dv05_-WTrj51D9CQCqCNYAgCrgPn3oYTzZC7DLGEEmzAoudmH9NcJpE33-LMUHawGgLznF-8JI/s1600/travel-420011_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use a Fitness Journal to Get Back on Track" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy5uoMavwVUABRPsGXTI_BLNhfLrAJtsBqUf_fohYa663WqSpylomtBRMqRjLCEkyw4dv05_-WTrj51D9CQCqCNYAgCrgPn3oYTzZC7DLGEEmzAoudmH9NcJpE33-LMUHawGgLznF-8JI/s1600/travel-420011_1280.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><b id="docs-internal-guid-61bc77fc-aee3-1254-0e1e-0cf1087970b7" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is the week after Labor Day. It is possible that the long weekend and food splurging at cook-outs knocked you off your fitness track a little bit, but that’s okay! Use a fitness journal to get back on track with your health goals. We have three great ways to implement a fitness journal into your everyday routine. </span></span></b></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-61bc77fc-aee3-1254-0e1e-0cf1087970b7" style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /> </b><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-61bc77fc-aee3-1254-0e1e-0cf1087970b7" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What do you need?</span></span></b></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-61bc77fc-aee3-1254-0e1e-0cf1087970b7" style="font-weight: normal;"> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First, you will want to collect some materials for your fitness journal! You will need a small notebook or pad of paper that will fit in your purse or clutch. You will also need a reliable pen. If you want to get crafty, you can purchase supplies to decorate your fitness journal. I also suggest purchasing stickers or bookmarks as a fun way to note your accomplishments and successes. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What do you journal?</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A fitness journal is different from a diary. It is not a place to jot down your random thoughts and emotions. It is a place to write down physical feelings, food intake, and activity levels. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How do different foods make you feel?</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> When you are trying to get back on track with your fitness goals, write down the foods you ate while you were indulging. For example, if you ate a lot of chips, write that down and describe how they made you feel. Chances are; the junk food made you feel sluggish, irritable, bloated, and maybe even left you craving for more. Write down the physical symptoms you notice from food. Jot down how healthy foods make you feel as well!</span></span></div></li> </ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What was your activity level? </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Write down your activity level for that day in your fitness journal. If you went for a walk, played tag with your kids, lifted weights at the gym, or deep-cleaned your house, write down the type of activity you have done. This can help you remember different ways to implement activity into your life in the future. In this section, you can also note how you felt after the activity. Did you feel energized? Did you enjoy the activity? These are great questions to answer in your fitness journal!</span></span></div></li> </ul><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What do you do with your journal entries?</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once you get used to carrying the journal with you and writing down useful information, you will begin to notice patterns in your habits. You will see what days you are most active. You will be able to see how different foods make you feel. You may even discover an allergy or sensitivity that you didn’t know you had. </span></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ultimately, a fitness journal is a great way to help you stay on track with your fitness goals! With the aid of a fitness journal, you will be able to read about how you feel. Remembering how you feel when you are being healthy versus when you are indulging in bad habits will motivate you to continue your fitness journey, even on your off-days. For extra support </span></span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">contact me</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">! I’d love to help guide you on your fitness journey.</span></span></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span>

Use a Fitness Journal to Get Back on Track

11:00 AM

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It is the week after Labor Day. It is possible that the long weekend and food splurging at cook-outs knocked you off your fitness track a little bit, but that’s okay! Use a fitness journal to get back on track with your health goals. We have three great ways to implement a fitness journal into your everyday routine. What do you need? F

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7 Winter Foods to Eat More of This Season

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj7kcn6TQfrl1V6IeGrK4AKaaCjReeuLjyS4fqjrab3OGQSDO8XlQy_AVwxxD2_lp2H6CarAkgEL9ULwlOCF1odv4zuMbNukTU5_dqSm1S28zlBl8JaxIPe4dDqJRFn8FYBcMm-kwnmr8/s1600/winter_foods.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Collage of winter foods including root veggies. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj7kcn6TQfrl1V6IeGrK4AKaaCjReeuLjyS4fqjrab3OGQSDO8XlQy_AVwxxD2_lp2H6CarAkgEL9ULwlOCF1odv4zuMbNukTU5_dqSm1S28zlBl8JaxIPe4dDqJRFn8FYBcMm-kwnmr8/s1600/winter_foods.png" title="Winter foods" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">The winter blues can often leave us hungry and thirsty for warm foods that will fill us up and make our bellies happy. But sometimes, this can turn into eating lots of fried, high carb and high sugar foods that offer temporary relief. It’s difficult to notice the unhealthy habits until the pounds start stacking up and energy starts to decrease. Well, I’ve made a list of winter foods I like to eat, that make me feel happy and full yet are still healthy so I can stay fit and active. Start incorporating them into your meal planning for a healthy, satisfied winter!</span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-8ea59118-df12-e03a-17b1-f2f34e79adac" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">5 Winter Foods to Eat More of:</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Winter Squash -</b> At the top of my favorite winter foods list is winter squash, so delicious! There are a variety of squash in the winter family, including butternut, acorn, and spaghetti. Squash are full of vitamins, particularly A and C, but are low in calories so you can enjoy the goodness guilt-free! I love cooking squash and eating it warm with a few spices, or adding a fresh basil pesto to spaghetti squash for a healthy version of pasta. SO good!!!</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Root Vegetables - </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another group of winter foods that I can’t get enough of is plant roots. These are vegetables that are the root of the plant, so they are pulled from underground. The most common root vegetables are carrots, parsnips, radishes, sweet potatoes and yams. They are chock full of vitamins and nutrients, not to the mention the amazing flavor! A mixed root vegetable medley is the perfect side dish for any meal, just bake with butter and spices and you’ve got one of the best side dishes made from healthy winter foods! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Pomegranates - </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay, let’s talk about a winter delight that doesn’t need to be warm to be enjoyed, the pomegranate! This is one of those winter foods that is bursting with antioxidants and is a great dessert or snack option. I love opening up a pomegranate and eating it as a movie snack, it’s a huge upgrade from milk duds :) Oh, and did I mention </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/search/label/Winter%20Salad" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">winter salad</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Oatmeal - </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the reasons I love oatmeal so much is because it’s one of the most versatile winter foods. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy oatmeal, from savory to sweet, like this </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/2013/10/almond-joy-oatmeal.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">almond joy oatmeal</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; doesn’t get much tastier than that! It is one of the best breakfast options because it’s full of fiber and vitamins, plus there’s even some protein in there to keep you full and satisfied until your next snack or meal.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Honey - </b>Well, I suppose this isn’t necessarily one of the winter foods you would enjoy on it’s own (unless you really love it) but honey is a great way to add some sweetness to your winter foods to satisfy that sweet tooth. Drizzle it over some yogurt for a sweet afternoon snack, or put it in your tea or coffee to sweeten up your morning or evening beverage. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Homemade Soups and Stews - </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The great thing about soups and stews are that you can add as little or as much to them as you want. Make a light veggie soup for a great side dish or add some ingredients like lentils and chicken for a hearty main course. Winter foods are the best when you can customize them to what you feel like eating that day!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Eggs -</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The staple breakfast ingredient is also in my favorites for winter foods. Okay, so I obviously love winter foods that are versatile and eggs are something you can enjoy in a variety of ways. A nice omelet can be as simple or extravagant as you would like, or a hard boiled egg can top a nice salad. Eggs can be whisked, scrambled, and added to a delicious sweet potato hash or served with bacon. Try these </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/2013/01/line-muffin-tin-with-slices-of-ham.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">egg and ham breakfast cups</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for a quick on-the-go option.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">Don’t let fried foods and sugar dipped treats entice you too much this winter. Instead, try incorporating these winter foods into your daily meal plan for delicious and nutritious dishes that are sure to please your stomach and help you stay healthy and fit this winter! </span></span>

7 Winter Foods to Eat More of This Season

11:55 AM

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The winter blues can often leave us hungry and thirsty for warm foods that will fill us up and make our bellies happy. But sometimes, this can turn into eating lots of fried, high carb and high sugar foods that offer temporary relief. It’s difficult to notice the unhealthy habits until the pounds start stacking up and energy starts to de

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