Happy New Year!!
So, yesterday I was in the middle of my run…feeling like I was going to die, of course (not really. well, sort of.)…checking the time left on the treadmill, realizing I still had seven minutes left. Sweet Jesus. Longest seven minutes ever.
Every morning, I drag my ass out of bed at 4:50 to engage in major physical exertion. And the chill of the garage. Sounds like a hoot, huh? Oy.
Some mornings, I fly! Like, “Ya baby! I am killing this!” Other mornings feel like torture and I question “why the Hell am I doing this, again??”
Oh, right. Because being in shape feels amazing. Fitting in your clothes feels amazing. Walking up the stairs and not being winded, is awesome.
I’m happy to say that those 10 pounds I lost back in June, I have kept off. WOOT. And with middle age, the holidays daily life, that is no small feat.
Although some would probably argue this, I’ve decided it’s easier to lose weight, than maintain it!
No diets, here. I love my sugar, my carbs, and all the white foods! I’ve just gotten better about portions and cutting my belly off when I’m full…no matter how badly I want that 4th sushi roll. And, of course, you gotta exercise.
BUT I do try to balance out the fat-laden cream cheese dips and donuts, with roasted vegetables and whole grains. Not nearly as much fun! But whatevs.
So come on you guys! Get moving. Eat healthier. Balance out your foods. Moderation is king! And since we all know you can’t possibly start a diet in the middle of the week or in December, the New Year is perfect!
Here are over 25 healthier recipes to start us off in 2016!
Jacked Up Monterey Chicken Salad
3-Ingredient No-Bake Energy Bars
Mini Salmon Asparagus Frittatas
Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites
Tabbouleh
Skinny Bruschetta Chicken
Hearts of Palm Artichoke Avocado Butter Lettuce Salad
Red Potato, Kale, Mushroom and Feta Frittata
Quinoa Corn Chowder
Charred Kale Caesar Salad with Honey Chipotle Chicken
Butternut Spinach Multi-Grain Medley
Spaghetti Squash Bolognese
Vegan Sloppy Black Eye Peas
Cauliflower and Quinoa White Chili
Cleansing Tri-Color Quinoa Salad
Lightened Up Chicken Fingers and Dipping Sauce
Avocado Chicken Salad
Shrimp & Garlic Rice Stuffed Peppers
One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops
Grilled Shrimp Recipe with Roasted Garlic Cilantro Sauce
Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Mexican Chicken Soup
Tropical Smoothie Bowl
Quinoa Taco Bowls
Maintaining IS harder. Without question. And you absolutely rock for keeping the 10 pounds off. *Massive high five*
Thanks, Melissa! I know you get this. Totally.
Congrats on keeping the 10 lbs off!!! I agree, keeping and maintaining is hard ass work! I love this list of recipes . . I need to try each one! And 4:50am?! Damn! Every morning? girl, I love that!
Haha – Walking up the stairs and not being winded DOES sound awesome! (Seems like just rolling over in bed gets me winded right now:) I’m going to have to join your “I’m killing this!” mentality as soon as this lil’ babe pops out! Also that Italian Kale salad has my name on it.
I love imagining your face when you see those last 7 minutes. Haha! That’s the worst! This is great motivation Amy I need it!!
Happy new year! And thanks so much for this healthy inspiration, I really needed some! Determined to get back on track after a month of indulgence! :)
Yep. This holiday period has been pretty bad. I’m running a 5K tomorrow at Maidu.
It’s just so hard to get out there and run in 28° mornings. (Cue non-Californians.)