 For the most part, Turkey day leads me to consume close to 10,000 calories within a 4 hour period. Last year, I ate myself into a nap, with drink still in hand. This year I'm taking a different approach. Don't get me wrong, on any given day I'm about 2 decisions away from being a glutton. BUT the difference is, these days I don't crave the same foods. Oddly enough, once you learn to prepare delicious meals with veggies, you learn to season them in a way that makes your mouth water. That being said, this year there is a definite plan when it comes to holiday eating. Believe it or not, you don't have to overeat on horrible carbs and heavy foods. As a matter of fact, if you're an athlete and care about your performance, it's smart to hold back a bit, even if that means not going back for 5th's or 6th's. The damage you've done in one day of heavy eating can throw off your system for a week or so, meaning you'll have to do a lot of catching up. That also doesn't account for thanksgiving breakfast and all the turkey you'll be eating AFTER thanksgiving Also, being able to control yourself on such a "glutinous" occasion will give you piece of mind. OKAY, so I'm pretty sure if nothing else we'll all still overeat just a little...I mean if food is hanging out on the counter, someone has to eat it, right? Make some small changes! HAVE A PLAN!My plan is this: - I know I'll probably be presented with some challenges. Mounds of heavy carbs, meats and gravies will be staring me in the face at every opportunity. SOOO I've decided to prepare the healthiest version of the foods I love. (everything is homemade too) - Veggie Loaf (replaces turkey) - Cranberry sauce with dates and maple syrup (definitely not from a can) - Sweet Potato/Cauliflower mash w/ coconut milk - Mushroom gravy - Gluten free stuffing - Roasted root vegetables - Fresh salad with homemade carrot, ginger dressing - Almost raw, frozen pumpkin pie I get it, totally different than what I've crammed into my mouth in previous years. The difference is, if I happen to over eat on some of the items above, the penalty is not nearly as severe. By cutting back on the heavy salts, canned products, fatty oils, mayo, butter, processed sugars and refined carbs. Also, I shop for my ingredients locally so I know where they came from and will have that piece of mind. I find it odd that we blindly neglect the thought process when it involves food. With the "instant gratification" fairy on your shoulder, it's hard to remember that there are consiquences to your dietary decisions. IF anyone is interested in how they can make some healthy decisions on Turkey Day...please get ahold of me and I'll steer you in the right direction. Also, I credit a lot of my eating ideas to Rich Roll. Check out his website and blog if you get a chance. The pictures below will take you to a few recipes. Athlete Highlight! Last blog post, I put out a giveaway. I'd like to announce that by luck of the draw, Brady Price will receive a brand new pair of Maui Jim glasses and a new pair of Asics shoes. His response to the "challenge" was spot on and very inspiring. It's important to know your "why" and stick to it when you're tired or don't feel like training. Read below for some inspiration and then take 5 minutes to answer it for yourself. - Why are endurance sports the driving force in your life and what are your goals for next season? Brady Price "Being a triathlete has changed my entire perspective on life, and how I approach each day. I remember when having a house was important, when my car was a status symbol, when eating was for pleasure only, when I worried what people thought of my clothing, and when I wanted to conquer the business world. Then I was introduced to endurance sports! My house is now just a place to sleep, shower and safely store my gear! My car gets me to the trail so I can train, and holds all my dirty shoes and bike tools. Food is now fuel, and recovery, and cheat days are more rewarding than ever! The clothes I wear are race shirts, and I sport them proudly, even at work! Endurance sports introduced me to life, and instead of waking up to work, and working to pay bills, and paying bills for what society says is “how life should be!” I wake up motivated to train, to better educated myself, to push the boundaries of what I thought impossible, only to realize impossible is just the beginning if you are willing to push past it. We are capable of so much, and I learn more about myself each time I toe the line. Life is about living, and this sport has helped me define that." My goals for next season! · To take full advantage of my first official “off-season” as an athlete. · To get back on my mountain bike, road bike, and enjoy some social riding with friends since I isolated myself during the past 5 months. · To work on my short game, and have some fun at the Clermont Sprint Series. · To tackle more 70.3 races, and continue working on my long game. · To continue working on my diet, and maybe trying out the Paleo thing. · To work on my mental toughness, so I can one day compete in a Full Iron Distance. (hopefully in 2015)
1 Comment
mom
11/21/2013 11:15:24 pm
I love your way of making things make sense:) Leave a Reply. |
