Hi friends! Hope you had a wonderful Holiday break. We sure did and the celebrations have yet to end. My parents flew in the day after Christmas and surprised the kids on my daughter’s 6th birthday which was Saturday, and my other daughter’s first birthday which was Sunday! And the hubby took off work so we have another week to be on “vacation”.
But my blogging vacation is over.
A lot of people participate in nutrition and fitness challenges at the start of the New Year. And I am totally for it, what ever it takes to get mentally focused on eating healthier and adapting a healthier lifestyle.
For me, things simply got so busy at the end of this year, mostly because it was our first time having 4 kids during the Holiday season and it was much more difficult than I imagined. From October through the end of the year I just felt like I was always running on empty. There was always something that needed my attention and like many others I let exercise go a little. I didn’t stop altogether, but I just reduced duration and frequency to an abnormal (for me) low.
So the day after Christmas, since the hubs is still off work, I went to the gym which I never get to do anymore. I hopped on a treadmill next to a line of super fit soldiers and I just ran. I keep my pace between 8:30-9:00 minute miles the whole time because I felt so energized. I ran 4 miles with ease and felt like my old self again. It was all I needed to realize that my workouts are now going back to top priority of the daily “to do” list.
Overall I don’t think it killed me to take a few months at a slower pace because something truly had to give. But it just wasn’t me. I used to be the gal who had to sweat daily and I was getting too comfortable with my lighter schedule.
I am really excited to set some fitness goals for 2015. I am going to find some races to run in 2015, I am going to get back to having a regular yoga schedule and incorporate some at-home fitness routines as well. I think I want to create more of a workout schedule so I know what to expect each week. As opposed to just figuring it out upon waking, but more on that later.
For those of you looking to eat healthier in 2015 and reset your diet after the Holidays, I thought I’d share some of my favorite healthy recipes. If you don’t like the looks of any of these, look for recipes that are low in sugar, salt, carbs and high in nutrients, protein and fiber. Chose plant-based foods and eat your meat on the side.
Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potato and Cabbage Salad
Black Bean and Veggie Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Kale Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Ham and Veggie Crustless Quiche
Fire Roasted Tomato Vegetable Soup
Kale and Butternut Squash Frittata
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough Balls
These are just some to get you started if you are tying to lose weight or just eat healthier. It’s all about being prepared my friends and a lot of those recipes are make-ahead ones that are perfect for meal prep.
Before you go I want you to think about what you want to be different in 2015. Right now. Stop, grab a pen and jot down some ideas. Do you want to try a new fitness class? Do you want to set a time-related goal for running? Do you want to cook more vegetarian meals? Do you want to lower your body fat? How are you going to do that? Let me know if you have any questions as we approach the end of the year!
Questions: Have you thought about New Year’s goals or resolutions- what are some of them? Anyone participating in a New Year’s reset or challenge group? I will be conducting a survey to see how I can better help you in 2015 so look for that!
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Those recipes look yummy! I especially love the slaw recipe – Good luck with the new year’s goals.
Carrie@familyfitnessfood.com recently posted..Big Plans
Thanks so much Carrie
The recipes look great. I can’t wait to check them out. I too want to get back to a regular yoga schedule. I made a pretty good start in December, and now I want to keep it up. My yoga studio has a January yoga challenge and I think I will join. There are prizes!
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Workouts, Vegan Eats, & Christmas (and Blendtec)!
That’s awesome. I did an IG yoga challenge that I loved
Thank you for pulling together these recipes! I definitely need them. I definitely know wha tyou mean about the last part of the year. I was just exhausted and spent in every way. I’m excited for you to get back to your routine and to you. PS I loved seeing your yoga photos pop up in my feed this fall! Can’t wait to see more
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Top 5 Nailed It List of 2014
I really loved doing that challenge. I plan on doing another. Thanks Christine
It all looks so nourishing and good way to start the new year!
Jennifer F recently posted..Lettuce Party! 8 Healthy Appetizers for New Year’s Eve
Thanks Jennifer!
I never like to call the “goals” but I already am working on my list of “no pressure” intentions and ideas to think about and hopefully work on in the new year!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted..A Lovely Little Christmas
No pressure intentions are good. I am excited to see what the new year brings!
What a great New Years list! I’m kind of relieved to know I wasn’t the only one getting a little too comfortable with decreasing my fitness – I hate it! Looking forward to getting back to my old self, as well. Hope you have a happy New Year
Alanna recently posted..My Day in Santa Barbara
Thanks Alanna. It’s just such a busy time for all. I am really looking forward to the new year and a little downtime!
I usually don’t set too many health/weight loss goals for the new year, except this time! I’m doing my own take on the 21 Day Fix, mainly watching my portions and moving every day. Just ordered a fitbit to help!
Emily @SinfulNutrition recently posted..How To Make Veggies You’ll Want To Eat.
Good for you- a little challenge at the start of the new year is always good. A fitbit sounds fun too!
I have been thinking about my goals and planning how I want to get ahead of it all this year. I want to make realistic goals that are challenging but achievable.
Good for you. That is what I want to do- on every area of life and do some planning. I need to be more organized for sure.