Surviving "Snow-Palooza"

Living in Georgia, we are not used to regular snow showers, so when we are gifted with a snowstorm, Southerns basically go into hibernation for a few days. Of course, with each day being stuck in the house, my vow to not snack and eat "healthy" felt like a chastity belt around my mouth. So...how did I handle no regular cardio and my eating?

Well, to begin with, I planned; the weather was going to be bad, so I made sure I had healthy snacks- no, mom, not tofu, but snacks I enjoy like dill pickles, apples, sliced veggies, cheese, etc. AND...the best part is that most of these foods come in individual packages, so the measuring is already done! If you are counting calories, this is extremely helpful. According to my Dukan diet (which I am STILL waiting on the book, AMAZON!!!), as long as foods are zero carbs, zero fat, and zero sugar, you can have as much as you want! Happily, this is where dairy fits into the diet. So I stocked up and got ready for a few days of snow. Of course, what we thought was a few days turned into an entire week, so how can I fit in some exercise? Easy peesy! For starters, I have two videos that I try to participate with at least once a week. One is Jillian Michaels "30 Day Shred" and the other is Denise Austin's "Daily Dozen". I try to incorporate these into my weekly routine because both use strength training, so I get some weights into my exercise plan. Plus, both videos are quick and easy to follow! BONUS!

Now...I did snack some but I tried to be cool about it- if I had a glass of wine, then salad for dinner it is and my salads are delish! I use LOTS of colorful veggies and usually choose two different dressings to use, so I am not bored (and those salad dressings are on the side). In addition, I ADORE potatoes, especially fries and chips, so I tried Veggie Chips (found in the organic section) and I really enjoyed them! As for fries...I just don't think there is a low fat option, so I just have to think of fries as Brad Pitt and adore them from afar.

Overall, I feel pretty good about the week- I am still not tired of salads, but I have nixed the lettuce and just started to eat lots of raw veggies...really good! And maybe I should go ahead and throw this out there- for about the past 7 years, I have only drank about 2-3 carbonated beverages per month, usually none. Water, water, water, people!! And since giving that up and sucking down the H2O, my bowel movements have really become regular! Thank you, Lord!

I was able to incorporate exercise and I ended up at the gym twice and walked around 'hood a few times. In addition, I pulled out the hands weights, then tried some old fashioned push-ups and planks. So...truly there is no reason that exercise can't be incorporated into the day and with videos as short as 11 minutes....just do it!

Miss Mad, signing off....