Putting healthy habits into action

So 2016 is here and it’s time to put my money where my mouth is!  After 6 ½ weeks of not running, plus the holidays and a weeklong work trip, I gained 5 pounds (and that is in addition to what I already needed to lose)!  It’s time to tackle my health & fitness goals for 2016 and beyond:

Reeling in the calories
This is week 1 of my fitness re-boot.  I’m back using My Fitness Pal and tracking all my calories.  This worked for me in 2013 when I lost 20 pounds and I know it will work again.  I’m dirtying every one of the measuring spoons and cups in my house, and I’m thrilled.  I’m two days in, and am loving it so far.  I have been under my calorie limit both days!

Making Healthier choices
Breakfast is an egg white scramble, and I’ve had smoothie bowls for morning snacks.  Lunches have been soup & salad or an awesome veggie stir fry with cauliflower “rice”.  Dinner has been zucchini noodle “pasta”with meatballs and a fantastic greek salad topped with a Mediterranean chickpea burger patty.  Heavenly. I’ve even snuck in dessert both nights of strawberries and a ½ tbsp. of NuttZo Power Fuel.  I haven’t had any alcohol or chips (both big weaknesses for me) – but it’s only been 2 days! 

Gaining Strength
I have a brand-spanking new gym and it is cool to have a fresh start there.  I’ve made it twice this week, and boy am I sore from lifting weights.  I have some idea what I’m doing, but it is still very intimidating. In fact, my next post is going to be on the subject of “gymtimidation”.  I typically avoid lower body strength work, which probably sounds ridiculous.  I don’t like to be sore, it makes me not want to run – and we all know that running is a top priority for me.  However, I know in the long run that it will make me a stronger runner, so I need to suck it up.  I did squats with a weighted ball and boy do I feel it. Starting next week I am going to add in some full body cardio & weight dvd workouts into the mix, too.

Being a cardio machine!
I saved the best for last – I am cleared to run again so I’m back at it (slowly).  I feel very sluggish like I’m clearing out some cobwebs, for sure.  I’m running but don’t feel like I’m running well yet, but I will get there soon I am sure! When I had my weight loss success a few years back, I was working out multiple times a day.  Either 2 runs a day or a run and a cardio/boxing dvd.    I need to restart my engine and become more efficient at fat burning.

Here’s hoping I can keep it up! How are you doing with your health & fitness goals for the new year?