Where does the time go! Summer is over, school is back in session and the holidays are quickly approaching.
For many (if not all) of us, time passes way too quickly and we can easily put our jobs and our families ahead of our own health and peace of mind.
We're not saying ignore the kids, let your spouse fend for himself, or start slacking off at work. But, we want to make sure you're also making some time for yourself and that you don't leave it to January 2012. Fall is a perfect time to reboot, the weather is cooler for an outdoor jog or stroll and it’s easy to picture your renewed, fitter self in a few months, at a holiday party or family gathering.
So let's start today!
We all know it’s not just about diet. When was the last time you got a good night's sleep? Had a great workout? Or got a massage? Do you have an endless To-Do list that’s keeping you from taking a walk? Do you want to try yoga, boxing or P90X?
Well this week, SheSpeaks wants to help give you some tips and a friendly boost to Reboot Your Body. And, we're enlisting the SheSpeaks community to help with their collective wisdom and cheerful advice. So, we're asking each of you to share your tip, your words of wisdom, whatever you've learned along the way that has helped you and might help someone else!
Comment on this blog post below with your words of wisdom and enter to WIN one of the items below that will help you Reboot Your Body Today! The contest starts Thursday, September 22nd and ends midnight EST Tuesday, September 27th.
Here’s a tip from a member of the SheSpeaks team:
If you’re looking to lose weight, the “My Fitness Pal” app on the iPhone is ridiculously helpful. You enter how much you weigh now, how much you want to weigh and it will tell you how many calories you can intake a day and track it. Enter everything you eat each day (as specific as the Cosi signature salad) and whatever exercise you do and it will tell you how many calories you ate, how many you have left (if any) and exactly how much you would weigh in 5 weeks if you keep doing what you’re doing. It’s a great way to know exactly where the weight is coming from and how to lose it!
And these are the prizes!
Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation DVD System (over $50)
Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit
Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer
YogaAccessories 1/4” Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat
Good Luck!
I like to take an evening walk with my baby. He loves going out in his little push car or his stroller. I jog for short periods and alternate with walking. It allows me to get some quality time in with my little man and also get some exercise for myself.
When I want to reboost my body - I head to the salon. There is nothing like getting a hair cut, getting a fresh color put on and having someone else dote on me for 2 1/2 hours. I feel so refreshed and sexy when I walk out - it really picks up my mood. When I need to reboost in between foils, I think there is nothing greater than setting in a nice warm bath with a good book after the kids have gone to bed. I try and do this at least once a week - that is MY time and I love it.
Another thing I like to do to recharge is take a walk with my son. Almost every day that my husband is working, we walk to the park to go play for an hour or two, then come home for lunch. Of course he's thuroughly slathered in sunscreen and we tote a large reusable bottle and a sippy cup of water! I also like to end my evening, if it's been a particularly difficult day (Now that my son is three, those are becoming more and more common!), with a small plate of 6 Kashi TLC pita crisps, or another whole grain/low fat/high fiber cracker, a wedge of Laughing Cow Light cheese (Chipotle Queso Fresco is my favorite at the moment!), a couple slices of nitrate-free low fat deli meat, and a glass of wine, snuggled on the couch with Husband watching a movie!
I keep a ton of veggies in my front of my fridge and quickly cut them up when I'm ready for a snack. I also have a crystal bowl on my counter that I use to hold red and green apples, bananas, and any other non-refrigerated fruit that I pick up when it's at a great price, so that I'm more likely to have a healthy snack instead of load up on cheese (Oh how I love cheese!) or something unhealthy, since it's in front of me anytime I'm in my kitchen or open my fridge. I also keep guacamole in my fridge and stir in some hot sauce and salsa for a veggie dip that's healthier and tastier than ranch! (Cont.)
I like to take a daily walk for the dog, but also for me. It's a good time to think and regroup. I also try to eat lots of fruits/veggies, which keep me feeling my best.
I would so like to win these I need to lose weight I do not feel good about myself or my body right now. This equipment would so come in handy for me.
A power nap always help me! I also try to take time to remind myself that I am important and need to do something for myself! Take a walk, go for a swim, or just do some Yoga!
Go for a walk with the kids out in the fresh air!
To re-boot my body, I plan, plan, plan. I do a big shop at the grocery each Sunday and get tons of fruit and veggies and then wash and divy them up into lunch bags so I have prepped fruit and veggies to grab as I head out the door each morning.
Exercise is very important. To ensure that I take time for myself I have a self improvement week once a month. This week is dedicated to doing everything to improve the way I look and feel including exercise. I do my nails, condition my hair, yoga, facial mask, and anything else that I may be neglecting about myself. We should always schedule time for ourselves.
move catch up with your friends from the couch to a trail for a walk. you'll be surprised at how much better the chat is because you're focused and away from distractions and getting moving will help motivation too
I have found that joining a Zumba class has encouraged me to expand my weight workout. It is so much more motivating to have a group of women to workout with rather than just doing it on my own.
Cut up fruit and put in individual bags so it ready when a hungry pain strikes.
I like to "reboot" by eating a huge salad full of different shades of powerful greens at the start of a new week. Then I go for a long, intense bicycle ride and sweat out the toxins from the previous week.
Like it is for many others, it is hard to find time to nourish myself. With my roles as a mother, partner, friend and working woman, I find it difficult to allow myself the time I need. One of my obstacles is my partner! He is so supportive of my going to the gym or taking time to go out by myself.... until the moment it is time for me to walk out the door. Then the pouty face and questions of "when will you be home?" start. So I have decided to create a foundation on which it is easier for me to take this time for myself. I sat him down and explained to him why these things are important for me. I explained how much I love him and want our relationship to flourish and how I want to become more healthy so I am around to take care of our family for many years to come. He has been much more agreeable and it felt really empowering to communicate how my taking time for myself will help all of us. Happy Mom, Happy Family!