Fall Into a Healthy Routine

It's officially fall! I can tell because everything is now pumpkin flavored and I actually had to throw on a sweatshirt to walk to the dining hall this morning, which is terrible, because I usually don't even want to put pants on.

BUT ANYWAYS...

Unfortunately fall means that people tend to start losing the motivation that they had, over the summer, to be healthy and fit. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU.

I know the weather is not so great and comfort food is calling your name, but don't give in. It's time to kick it into high gear and either revamp your routine, or for those of you whom haven't started yet, now is your time.

In order to be healthy and fit, all throughout the year, you need to change with the seasons. It's important to keep things interesting and allow yourself to mix things up once in a while.

Yesterday in my government 101 class, this guy that sits by me was telling me about how he could not get himself to go to the gym because it was just too cold to walk there, so instead he did some high intensity interval training videos that he found on youtube. If you face this problem of lacking motivation because of the weather, take advantage of the internet and all of it's fitness resources, you have no excuse. However, if you do prefer taking a walk or running outside, try to slowly make the adjustment to the treadmill or elliptical over fall, so when winter comes you are ready. If you struggle with boredom on the treadmill, refer to my post entitled "Workout of the week: A Treadmill Workout."

About the comfort food that is calling your name....

Resist the urge. Whether it be pumpkin pie or mac and cheese, comfort food is not the answer. To stop this craving, enjoy a bowl of a homemade soup, or if making soup is hard for you, Amy's Soups are a great, healthy option!

So think about your current routine, and ask yourself, is it time for a change? A change may keep you going and healthy. I know it's time for a change for me :)


On a side note...
I apologize to everyone who has been contacting me lately, regarding health and fitness, for the delayed responses. I just had midterms so I've been very busy, but luckily my schedule is starting to clear up, so feel free to continue to contact me for help and motivation!

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

One of my favorite combinations has always been chocolate and peanut butter, whether it be ice cream or in cup form, I love chocolate and peanut butter. Of course, living a healthy life does not necessarily allow me to eat a big bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream or even a twin pack of peanut butter cups, but alas I found a solution to my craving: Chocolate peanut butter protein balls. Ringing in at about 75 calories per ball, these delicious bites of protein pack the flavors I love AND are full of protein and nutrients. I thought it would only to be fair to share this recipe for you all, and especially for my dad who is begging for it. As I tell my dad, eat these babies in moderation, one a day or every two days is a good rule, because even though they are nutritious, everything should be eaten in moderation :)

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup (dry) Old-fashioned oatmeal
• 2/3 Cup coconut flakes 
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (I use natural peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (up to you whether its semi-sweet, dark, or even cacao nibs)
• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Stir all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl until they are thoroughly mixed
2. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let chill in the fridge for half an hour
3. Once done chilling, roll into balls (about 1" in diameter)
4. Store in an airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to one week 

Don't Fear Change, Embrace It.

I was once so afraid of change. I couldn't throw my schedule off in even the slightest of ways. Eat breakfast an hour later? No way. Go to sleep past midnight? Not a chance. Start eating healthy and working out? Excuse my French, HELL NO. That would throw everything off. I can't pinpoint all of the reasons why, but I was scared of change. Sometimes, however, change is necessary.

I once had a basketball coach that constantly asked "What is the definition of insanity?" And the whole team would answer, "Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result." This phrase became my reality and it made me realize that I was insane. I was eating terrible food and never working out and I always expected that I wouldn't gain weight, but I did. Not too mention I was anxiety ridden and not doing anything about it. This led me to realize that change was necessary.

Successfully, I changed my life. Six months ago (exactly), I took a left turn on the path I was going, and it led me in the right direction. Who knows what would be going on in my life right now if I would have never changed, but I don't even want to imagine life another way. Not only did I lose 40 pounds, but I lost the anxiety that burdened me because of my negative self image. I changed my body, and in turn I changed my attitude and my perspective on life. I am much more positive and confident and I just live. I enjoy every moment, good and bad, and look forward to what the future holds. I look back and see how far I've come, and I am still amazed at myself and my progress every single day.

I write this blog post today because I know a lot of you are ready for change. I have recently been contacted by many people (most around my age, some older) looking to lose weight or become fit, but they all tell me the same thing, "I have no motivation." They are all searching for something to inspire them and to push them to change. Well I hope you all can look, not only to me, but to yourself. Motivate you. You can do it. Don't change next month, next week, or even tomorrow, start changing today. Cut something out of your unhealthy diet today, like soda, or start working out today. Make little changes. This will make it easier to ease on into the big change; changing your life.

I always find myself looking back at old pictures. In some of them, I don't even recognize myself. I started my change, exactly 6 months ago, but the difference is incredible. Not only do I see a skinnier and healthier individual, I see a more confident, happy, young woman. I feel and look amazing and it's all because I took a leap of faith and I changed.

I want you to change.

The picture on the left was taken a year and a half ago and on the right it now.