So Many Apples, So Little Time

So many apples, so little time.

During the middle of December I realized I hit a lull with exercise.  I seem to operate this way.  I am really consistent and good for 6-8 weeks and then I burn out for a few weeks, then I’m back at it again.  I used to feel really guilty about this. I would beat myself up and return to exercise even harder. I did the same thing with healthy eating.  I realize now this is probably somewhat normal.

I’m trying something different this time. I’m approaching the next lull (whenever it should come) with kindness and respect.  I’m much more consistent with exercise in general so I’ve been practicing more with healthy eating.  Instead of letting my inner critic make me feel bad when I slip up on eating healthy, I’m pulling myself up by my bootstraps IMMEDIATELY and returning to healthy habits.  My old mindset used to be something along the lines of “had a cookie after lunch, oh well, the whole day is shot”.  It’s a bad pattern to get into.   So far it seems to be working.  It feels so great to take the guilt off my plate.

Runner Girl

2012 has been GREAT in many areas but most pronounced is my level of fitness.  I realized just how fit I’ve gotten when I had to quickly run up five flights of stairs the other day.  Normally I’d be pretty winded at the top.  I was definitely breathing hard but not wiped out like I’d expect.  I’ve been running about 6-8 miles/week since the early fall.  Unfortunately I have developed plantar fasciitis so I’ve cut back on that.  I’m proud that I got in a full 5K distance before I stopped. I’ll be out for 1-2 months, or until my PT says it’s OK.  To make up for the lack of running I’ve increased my walking, elliptical usage, swimming, yoga, and dance.   Who knew six ‘Just Dance 2’ songs could burn 200 calories?

Yummy

I’ve also had fun in 2012 with trying new recipes.  My favorite so far are Coconut Energy Truffles. They have dates, dried cherries, walnuts, cinnamon, salt, coconut flakes, peanut butter, and coconut oil in them.  I replaced my mid-morning muffin with hard boiled eggs a long time ago but sometimes I really want something sweet and these really do the trick.  They really do give a great energy boost and are excellent before/after workout snacks.  This is my nutritionist’s recipe.  She has lots of great recipes on her site as well.

I’m excited that 2012 is off to such a great healthy start.