Healthy Choices

Growing up, whenever I was grumpy or in a bad mood, my dad would always tell me "choose your attitude!"  He would tell me that if I'm in a bad mood it's because I'm CHOOSING to be and that I can just as easily choose a good attitude.  Choose a bad mood= be miserable.  Choose a good mood= be happy.  This has rung in my mind pretty much my entire life.  I hear him say it every time I'm crabby.  It is NOT fun to be grumpy or wallow.  

People have told me that I seem to have a smile on my face all the time and I'm always happy.  Well folks, I'll let you in on a secret:  I CHOOSE to be that way.  :)  Crazy, right?  But it's true!  I know that no matter what life brings, I'll land on my feet because I choose to, not because I'm lucky.  I'm not entitled to a good life, I MAKE it that way through my choices.  No one can change my direction in life without my permission.  

All that being said, I can CHOOSE to live a healthy life going forward, or I can fail to prepare and as a result make poor choices about my diet, activity level, amount of sleep I get a night, etc.  I wanted to share a few healthy choices I've been making lately to help me live a healthier life.  These choices are not always easy, but the right choices are hardly ever the easiest choice.  

1.) Bringing a healthy snack to work every day.  Today and a couple days this week I've brought a baggie of veggies.  I happen to like veggies and this is a treat for me.  I don't need dip with them usually, but I've made dip at home before using greek yogurt and various seasonings depending on my mood.  Usually a tablespoon or two of seasoning/rub per a cup-ish of greek yogurt. My favorite dips are made from Pampered chef "rubs."  <-- Click here to browse their offerings.  My favorites for dips are the Garlic and Herb, Bell Pepper Herb, Citrus Basil Rub, Southwestern Seasoning Mix and all purpose Dill Mix.

My healthy snack and water jug on my desk at work.

2.)  Bringing water with me.  I HATE, DESPISE, LOATHE, the water at work.  If I can describe what it tastes like, it would be discarded pool water that you washed carrots in.  Chlorinated carrot water.  No thank you!  I've been bringing my own water jug from home to make sure I always have it handy.  I put chia seeds and lemon in my water to make it taste even awesome-er.  The chia seeds don't add taste, but instead are quite nutritious.  I don't really notice them in there.  Check out this article on the 11 proven health benefits of chia seeds!  I also have almonds in my desk drawer for good for me "fuel" that comes in handy around 3:00 when I'm in desperate need for a snack and an energy boost.  Although, I'm realizing that this was much more related to a sugar crash than anything, because now that I'm not eating as much sugar, I can last through the afternoon without energy crashes.

3.) Chia seeds (see above.)

Egg white "scramble" with veggies

Cajun seasoned salmon

4.) Healthy, non-fried, restaurant meals.  It's a challenge to eat out and eat healthy.  It takes a bit more work, but it's totally doable!  I go online to check out the menu first usually, so I don't have to feel rushed to make a decision and regret it later.  I took pictures of two of my most recent healthy meals.  I should have taken a picture across the table at Christopher's plates in comparison.  You'd be even prouder of me!  

5.) Sugar-Free flavoring vs. Creamer in my coffee.  When every calorie counts, I would rather eat more during the day than spend the calories and fat on creamer for my coffee.  I have sugar-free and fat-free creamer in my fridge as well for the days I need that fix, but for the most part, I've switched to this.  I got this genius idea from my sister, Tara.  She even carries little travel sized squirties in her purse for when she gets drive-thru coffee.  She can stay on track while still enjoying her cup-o-joe.

6.) Exercise. This one is tough.  My busy schedule keeps trying to get in the way and it's been frustrating.  It's also been SO COLD so driving to the gym this week hasn't happened once.  I've been working out in my living room though doing the catching fire 30 day challenge exercises and these have been awesome.  I'm sore, so I know they're working.  Last night before parenthood I did two days worth of them (about 25 minutes total) because I had missed the night before and didn't want to get behind.  During Parenthood(BEST SHOW EVER) I stayed upright and marched in place and did laps around the end table while I watched since I wanted to "warm down" after doing the two Catching Fire workouts.  I was already feeling the burn so I stretched and marched instead of sitting still.  

My goal next week is to do my workouts in the morning so I can still partake in all the fun at night without sacrificing my workout time.  What are some choices you made this week (and the benefits or consequences you faced?)  What are your goals?