With the holidays and cooler temperatures just around the corner, it's the perfect time to get outside, get healthy, and get back in the habit of making smart choices every day. It always feels a bit overwhelming to get back into a healthy lifestyle when I've gotten out of the habit, however I've found that if I focus on improving just 3-5 little areas of my health at a time, it's a little less daunting.
If you're also looking for simple ways to improve your health this Fall and want to borrow some of my current "health pledges", here you are:
1.) Commit to something. Sign up for a race, whether it's your local Turkey Trot or a full marathon, sending in your deposit money and training will keep you motivated. I signed up for Ragnar a few weeks ago and couldn't be more excited (or scared!).
2. Menu plan. If I don't sit down every Monday morning and physically write out a grocery list and menu for the week, you can bet we will be eating takeout every single night. Luckily, there are so many great cookbooks and blogs that keep us from doing that too often.
3. Go outside. It's a lot easier to get moving when you're outside. Whether you go for a morning jog, walk to the park with the kids, bike instead of drive, or go out and do some quick yard work -- just go outside! The vitamin D doesn't hurt, either.
4. Drink up. Aside from the obvious benefits of drinking plenty of water, it also helps keep the snacking and overeating at meal times to a minimum. I like to bring this everywhere I go; it's the perfect size and easy for kids to drink from, too.
5. Quiet time. I can tell if it's been a while since I've gotten some of this. I like to get it in either by going out for a solo walk at night, practicing yoga, or reading -- anything that helps me clear my head and relax.
6. Take advantage of deals. If you're looking for more than just 5 ways to jumpstart your healthy lifestyle, keep an eye out for special offers on health products and services. Be sure to check out Blue365Æ, a national program offered by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to members of participating Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies. It's essentially a "Groupon-like" program that promotes healthy living by offering weekly discounts on a wide variety of fitness, health, and travel deals. It's the perfect and most affordable way to try new things and keep you on track. Check out some of their deals here, and read what other bloggers had to say about the program at the Blue365Æ page on BlogHer.com.
Also, BlogHer is providing two (2) $500 Visa gift cards to winners selected from a pool of all participating bloggers. To be entered for a chance to win one of the two gift cards, please tell me:
How are you planning to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season?
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive two (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: #SweepstakesEntry; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the Official Rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
Entries from all participating blogs will be pooled for winner selection; only two (2) entries per household. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This Blue365Æ Program Sweepstakes runs from 10/16/12-11/12/12.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies. †BlogHer†is an independent and/or separate company providing marketing/promotional services and does not provide Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield products or services.
98 comments:
So far I've been failing with all the delicious desserts that have been catching my eye, but I'm working on cutting back how much of each I eat (it is impossible for me to avoid entirely!). I definitely need to drink more water too. I'm glad the weather is cooling off because it means walking weather to me. Nothing better than a cool day and getting bundled up for a brisk walk!
We have recently moved to a new state and had a baby so I am going to join a gym that offers babysitting. This way I get a little break and some me time and get a good workout in.
I am 4 months pregnant so I definitely have my share of lazy days, but I like to write the miles I've walked on a calendar hanging in my kitchen, and try to beat my mileage each week. Having it hanging somewhere so public makes me want to log some impressive stats!
I make a list for the grocery store and plan out a menu each week, and keep a list of our menu options on a chalkboard on my fridge. Sometimes I include a list of healthy snacks we have on hand too, to remind us to snack on nuts and fruit.
I've been trying SO hard to get outside each morning with the kids and to do SOMETHING. even if its just a walk around the apartment complex. It's something. And Crossfit or yoga once kids are in bed or before they wake up is a must.
I have been so busy with school that I have had a hard time working out and eating healthy. It just seems to be SO much easier to grab something quick and usually that's not too healthy. Right now I am going to a yoga class between my classes (and yes that means I look gross everyday I do this) and I have been trying to cook healthy meals for my husband and I on a budget. It is hard but I know it will be worth it!
https://twitter.com/loveaudriana
Oh goodness! My favorite ways to stay healthy throughout the holiday season is to find healthy recipes for my favorite treats. It can be a difficult task, but since I'm a savory snacker, I'm always munching on popcorn popped in olive oil with some salt, bits of cheese and healthy crackers, and indulging once in awhile on some pie. Yum! Of course my gym pass helps make the season go by healthier and happier also! Hope I win this awesome giveaway!
I signed up to run the Color Run on a team in San Diego in November! To prepare I'm doing a Couch to 5k training plan but otherwise I'm an avid yogi and practice Power Yoga at least four times a week. Physical fitness aside, I find that there is no better way to stay mentally healthy during holiday craziness than with some namastes and stretching my body!
After recently having a baby and a not-so-fun gallbladder surgery, staying healthy has been on my mind quite a lot. Not only being healthy individually, but as a new family of 3. Now that the weather here in AZ is cooling down, we are planning to go on family walks, exercising, planting an edible garden together, and eating simple, unprocessed healthy meals (cut down on sugar and carbs for sure!).
I'm going to watch my portions - everything in moderation!
I'm going to watch my portions - everything in moderation!
My tweet for entry #2: https://twitter.com/JackieGrand
I do a high-intensity bootcamp class three times a week; I also do one yoga class a week. I try to make home-cooked meals during the week and splurge only on weekends. Also, no alcohol during the week. :) Thanks for the chance to win! xo.
I pledge to be able to do 100 push-ups by December 31 2012. Booyah.
I've been using 'MyFitnessPal' since having a baby 3.5 months ago (only a few days before you). I've lost 40 pounds since being pregnant, and will continue to use this to lose weight. Eating well, and in good portions. Also, I walk my dog twice a day, so that helps.
I'm 8 months pregnant so, sometimes the thought of moving at all is miserable, but I've been going for a walk every night and taking in the beautiful red rocks and gorgeous weather of Southern Utah. I've put away the candy and diet coke for water and apples in hopes of a healthy baby too. :)
I've recently cut back my multiple Cokes per week to just one, and it sucks. But I'm doing it! I also run fairly regularly and the cooler temps make it easier.
I'm still trying to work off the last 15 pounds of my pregnancy weight and have recently resolved to get serious *finally* and lose the extra weight. I don't so much as mind the way I look, but I hate the way I feel. I'm tired all the time and the extra weight literally feels too heavy on my frame. I plan on cutting out sugars and most gluten and drinking TONS of water. Secondly, after I get my diet under wraps, I plan on going for a 20 min jog during the workweek. Just 20 minutes can make a huge difference if you stick with it. I've done it before and I can do it again.
My family is taking a Christmas cruise and I definitely want to stay healthy for that. I am planning on going to the gym with my husband a few times a week, eat lots of my veggies, and limit holiday treats for special occasions only.
I will stay healthy by drinking lots and lots of water during the dry winter months, and walking over my hour long lunch break.
i love this. i just got done running my first marathon {finally blogged about it} and I want to continue to believe that I can reach my goals if I work hard. I have tried to eat really clean simple the last few weeks. I take my girls to the store and we each get to pick out one new fruit or veggie to try that week. It keeps meals interesting and kids willing to try new things.
your girls are just sooo beautiful.
tweeted here: https://twitter.com/kellyanne13
plans for getting healthy and fit this season :
-slowly up-ing my time at at the gym
-cutting back on the dr pepper
-if i choose to indulge in one of the neighborhood christmas treats, i will stick to portion sizes!
lots of water, moderation, and bundling up in the cold and taking more walks.
With a 4 month old baby I am working so hard to loose those last baby pounds and stay healthy. WATER all day long. Moderations. More "healthy" home cooked meals and taking the baby out daily in the jogger stroller. I have a checkoff list on my front door of my goals for the fall/winter. You can bet my healthy plan is top priority and getting checked off daily.
Training, training, training! I signed up for a two 10ks and a 5k in November, and working on my 2nd half marathon in the fall. I also just finished my first Ragnar, you're going to have such an amazing time!! One of the most challenging and rewarding things I've ever done.
My husband and I are undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization) this winter and I want to try and be as healthy as I can. We are committing to sitting down to plan meals for the week, cutting out alcohol, and walking more. I do zumba now, but will have to stop temporarily.)
So many great ideas! I find myself so much happier when I take the time to be outside for 20 minutes every day, so I am going to make the time for a 20 minute walk outside every single day for the rest of the year.
I also need to increase my water consumption, so I bought a new water bottle to entice me to drink throughout the day. Hopefully it helps!
I've been on a green smoothie/gym scheduled since January and it's been tougher to stick with it with so many fun options and candy around with the holiday season beginning. I work out really early in the morning so I start the day right, and also so I can go for a night walk if I made some poor eating decisions.
I've been making it a point to go to the gym at least once a week for yoga as an add on to my daily 2 mile walks. Also working on cutting back on the ice cream so I can be as healthy as possible for any gifts that might be coming my way :-D
Last night, I tried planning a healthy meal menu for the week. Turns out, I'm not too good at that yet. Instead, I think I'm going to try and take a walk on my lunch break everyday. Get out and enjoy the nice fall weather! Also, I'm trying to work some meditation into the mix. It's still a work in progress.
After having a baby in 2010... I'm still working on staying fit by pushing my 2 year old around a 2 mile loop in our neighborhood every morning, and aiming to do a Jillian DVD during his nap 5 times a week...knock on wood. We also meal plan and try to eat out on weekends only:)
After having a baby in 2010... I'm still working on staying fit by pushing my 2 year old around a 2 mile loop in our neighborhood every morning, and aiming to do a Jillian DVD during his nap 5 times a week...knock on wood. We also meal plan and try to eat out on weekends only:)
i'm going to keep meal planning and tracking everything i eat and my exercises into myfitnesspal. i've lost 30 lbs since my baby was 6 weeks old and am 17 lbs under pre-preg! i hope to keep it up.
I just signed up for fitness and dance classes at a studio in Chandler... there is a 3 month pre-pay commitment so if I don't stick to it, I will lose money! That's all the motivation I need right there :) I go at least 3 times a week and I am signed up for a 5k in December and in January. I don't even know who I am anymore. And I like it.
My tweets were protected when I wrote this, hopefully the link works? https://twitter.com/Mm_Owl
I intend to juice fruits and vegetables daily and walk ever morning!
https://twitter.com/nadiasheaessa/status/258653878726299649
I am trying to get outside and walk as much as I can... also get enough sleep and eat right.
I try to plan my meals and shop at farmer's markets, so I'm not tempted by pre-packaged food!
John and I are trying the Eat to Live diet. No dairy, added sugar, oil, or processed grains. Basically the goal is to eat as much fruits and vegetables as possible. It's a 6 week plan and it's only the end of week 1! It's been hard but worth it. We are trying to break our addition to unhealthy snacks and treats by being very strict for awhile and then eventually easing up in hopes that it will help us develop a healthier lifestyle
I am planning to stay healthy this fall and holiday season by eating right, getting enough sleep,
and not letting the stress of it all, get to me.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/259031187551551488
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
I luckily live in a place that is warm all year round, so I make no excuses to not run and do my workouts everyday. I usually run in my neighborhood in the morning, and then I do a crossfit workout in the afternoon. After a miscarriage in the summer, I made a commitment to myself that I would keep my body healthy for when the next pregnancy happens. I made that a goal for me and my future little ones, and that has made a huge difference in staying healthy. Also, I plan out my meals every Sunday afternoon and make sure to have leftovers for my lunches. We eat out only twice per week and that has SAVED me!!
I plan to increase my water, fruit and veggies intake and take zumba classes, tracietrump@yahoo.com
I am getting back into my workout regime!
Walking my dogs more and riding my bike, plus making healthier food choices.
Now that the weather is so lovely, going on family walks helps get in exercise time that I wouldn't normally be able to carve out.
I am going to eat more fruits and veggies, drink more water and pray everyday!
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/260023070826315776
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
It's going to be tough since I just moved to a state that has snowfall, but I will work out five days a week through the winter, even if it means joining a class or fitness club! I may even run in the snow!
I love to eat when I'm bored... so I have made a goal not to buy any sweets/treats to keep around the house. Then there are no temptations for me! I also have started to make weekly menus and write out my grocery lists ahead of time, so I know exactly what I need at the store and I don't end up wandering down the candy aisle... :)
I plan to take walks and play lots of tennis to stay healthy this season.
hlee99 (at) gmail (dot) com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/leedhowell/status/260226479374336000
hlee99 (at) gmail (dot) com
I plan to keep exersicing, take a flu shot and eat right.
huntandride@hotmail.com
https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/260418581244817408
huntandride@hotmail.com
I plan to stay healthy by getting my flu shot and washing my hands often. Also, I need to stop kissing my 5 year old all over his face. I have a feeling that's how I get sick! LOL
i'm looking forward to using my new jogging stroller this fall
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/karinaroselee/status/260840363198119936
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
I am trying to get healthy by having regular Dr. visits, eating better and exercising as much as I can.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/bdiane35/status/261121056453033985
What a great question! I need to double down and FOCUS on two things:
1) Menu Plan. Like you, if I don't do my weekly planning on Sunday evening, then it is all take-out and/or Trader Joe's salads all week.
2) Commit to moving my body 6 times a week. I like Matthew McConaughey's motto "you've gotta sweat a little every day."
Thanks for giving me focus!
I'm taking sugar out of my diet- minus fruit of course. I've already done a WHOLE WEEK! I'm focusing on the foods I can eat rather than all that sugar I can't and won't eat.
I plan to stay healthy by drinking more water or tea, walking my dog and trying to only eat when I am hungry...not bored.
When weather starts getting cold around here, I like to do exercise DVDs in my home. Some of my favorites are Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred, the 10-Minute Trainer, and Turbo Jam. We also make a lot of healthy crockpot meals and try to avoid eating fast food. I also use a small plate at holiday parties, so I am less likely to overeat!
nbalogh522 at gmail dot com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/maybaby522/status/262286037101985792
nbalogh522 at gmail dot com
I plan on increasing my water intake, eating more veggies and continuing to exercise at least three times a week.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/262326690351550468
I eat more and get lazy about exercising when it gets dark and cold, so I intend to continue being serious about meal planning and scheduling gym time no matter what....I never regret when I go, even if it is hard to get there!
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
Eating healthy. Watching the sweets. Walking. Taking vitamins. I already got a flu shot as I am near my young nieces and nephews a lot and I tend to older parents. I am trying to get enough sleep. I am trying to stay hydrated with water. I use a stepper when watching tv. I also make sure that I have time with my husband and friends
Just increasing my intake of water during the winter helps keep me in better physical shape.
Our dog helps keep up healthy on these cool Autumn evenings by insisting on a family walk every night after dinner. It's a great to get everyone up and moving!
I plan to stay healthy by continuing our family walks and riding my exercise bike!
tweet
https://twitter.com/sleatham1/status/263547968836218880
i am gonna start taking vitamins again and watch what i eat
nannypanpan@gmail.com
I plan to bundle up my son and walk to the playground or park as often as possible. onefrugalgirl at gmail dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/264174532368166912
I'm going to work out at the gym or hike to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season.
eugeniewu at gmail dot com
I tweeted this at
https://twitter.com/wizardewu/status/265297480109924352
eugeniewu at gmail dot com
Walking and trying not too eat too many holiday goodies!
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm planning to eat healthier during the holiday season than past years. And I'm using an exercise ball and weights to try new exercises. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/265330011614097409
songyueyu at gmail
I'm running a half marathon in April, so I'm going to be training all winter!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/266349421325873153
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I love to walk, so I will be doing that outside until the snow falls. Once that happens, I will have to resort to my treadmill.
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/266363678171987968
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I plan on taking it easy on the hydrogenated fats and taking walks..thanks for the great giveaway
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
tweet: https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/266949941233086464
anashct1 (at)yahoo (dot) com
I plan on running and eating healthy to stay fit
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/267384701436698625
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
I plan on joining Curves and eating less fast food
marybug2@yahoo.com
I also tweeted
https://twitter.com/marybug2/status/267720264983404546
marybug2 @ yahoo . com
I will be doing a LOT more exercising and eating less sweets
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/MsCarolsueA/status/267816424209272832
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I am trying to stay healthy by watching my eating and not over eating all the amazing fall and holiday treats
sahmofdq@gmail.com
Tweeted https://twitter.com/SAHMofDQ/status/267857787852296192
sahmofdq@gmail.com
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