Healthy Planning for the Holiday!

Staying on track during the summer holidays can be difficult. BBQs galore and we all know most people are grilling those burgers, hot dogs, and indulging in those sugary treats brought over by your favorite Aunt Edna! "Don't people know about this Lifestyle Change I am on" is all that is running through your head right?! Haha.

It doesn't need to be difficult or require a lot of thinking to stay on track during these fun summer holiday picnics! All you have to do is just "prepare" yourself a little bit and stay in the right mindset! I want to share with you all a few tips of how I plan on staying on track tomorrow for my sister's birthday and 4th of July picnic we're hosting!! :)

So, on our current menu we are planning on grilling some hamburger, hot dogs, having pasta salad, chips, and a fruit salad of some sort! We are totally skipping the cake - ha, my choice! I know it sounds like I am going to have a run for my money, which I totally am, because with all these temptations - it is going to be very difficult to stay on track! But I have a goal & I am totally sticking to it!

So here are my five tips that I want to share with you of how I will be staying on track tomorrow and over the course of the weekend!

1. DRINK WATER: H20 all day, everyday! Drinking enough water throughout the day can actually help you stay fuller! Try adding some strawberries, cucumbers, or even lemon/limes to create a flavorful, refreshing drink! (Drinking water can actually assist in weight loss -- so drink up!)
2. Drink my Shakeology! For those of you who do not drink Shakeology or even know anything about it - it's the BOMB.com! For reals! I drink chocolate Shakeology - sometimes add a little banana, and peanut butter in it for 1 of my fruits for the day, and a healthy fat and it fills me up!! Shakeology also helps with curbing my junk food cravings and keeping me full! GOOD BYE SWEET TOOTH - HELLO SHRINKING WAIST LINE! ;) HAHA. (If you would like more information on Shakeology, click here: Shakeology Information)
3. Commit to my daily workout! Just because it is a holiday doesn't mean it is time to slack! I will probably wake up to do an at home workout as well as doing a 5k in my community! :) A great suggestion I have for you to commit to your workout - SIGN  UP FOR A RUN! :) There is usually always a 5k/10k or some other type of race on the holidays! It is also fun to participate in these!!
4. Make your own healthy snacks/Bring a doggie bag! It is that simple! If you have goals that you are pushing towards, then bring along your own healthy snacks if you know there probably will be very limited options for you - do as you may! 
5. Do not deprive yourself! If you know that you are going to be having a picnic or something on the 4th of July and you would like to indulge just a little bit... save your cheat meal for that day; however, limit what you eat! I will be eating a turkey burger and probably have a little bit of pasta salad or something - but not overindulging! :) My countdown to Nashville meal plan is on point so I don't want to screw up my hard work!

I hope that you have found some of these tips to be useful and you are able to put some of them into play! You don't need to "dread" the holidays or isolate yourself during your health and fitness journey - all it takes is a little preparation and thinking!

I hope you all have an awesome holiday weekend and enjoy your time with friends and family!

God Bless the U.S.A! 

Vacations. BBQs. SummerTime.... Staying On Track!

How many of you have already attended a bazillion BBQs, birthday parties, graduation parties, company picnics, vacations, etc?! How many of you feel you need to go purchase a bigger belt!

Honestly, I find it so difficult to stay on track during these difficult times. As for an example today, I was invited to a birthday party. I went and really had no intentions on eating any cake. But, I did. The temptations got the best of me tonight, which is ok because I am human and I am not perfect BUT I will not let that happen every time I attend a party this summer!

I wanted to share with you all a few tips I put together for my current accountability groups! Staying on track during the weekends could honestly be a game changer for your journey! One tip that I did not put on this list below but I want to share with you all because I honestly think that it makes the biggest impact on your success... GO IN IT WITH A "CAN DO" ATTITUDE!

It is really that simple. When you focus on something and you believe that you are capable of achieving great things, you will do just that! You have to program your mind that you are able to achieve these goals!

So here are my 6 tips that I hope you find beneficial for staying on track during the weekends and all throughout this crazy, busy summer! :)

1. Don't Skip a Workout -- Honestly, it is so hard to just want to relax during on the weekends but even if it's a 20 minute walk around the neighborhood, a yoga class, or a bike ride! Just get moving!
2. Drink Water! -- Drinking water is so important. Staying hydrated is extremely vital for every bodily function. If you have too, set a reminder on your phone to get it in!
3. Get Outside -- Yes the outdoors are amazing! Go for a walk with your children, play outside with them, take the dogs for a walk... getting in fresh air can clear your mind and just make you happy overall!
4. Prepare for the week ahead -- I always spend my Sundays meal prepping. I will create my meal plan for the week with lunch, and dinner at home. It takes the guessing game out of work so when it comes Monday morning - you aren't thinking oh man, I forgot to get my lunch! No having to spend money out at the local Subway or restaurant! I also plan out a dinner menu with my husband so we aren't guessing on what to have and then get so frustrated we just go eat out (which truth be told... this does happen!)
5. Try something new - This can cover a wide variety of things.. a new outside activity, new recipe, new workout program, anything! Just try it. :) 
6. Evaluate your previous week - Take a moment to sit down. Think about what worked for you, and what didn't. What can you skip out on and what should you be doing more of!

I really hope that you find this beneficial. Feel free to share with any friends or family! Remember, be a weekend warrior and keep focused to achieving your goals even through these busy months of the year!

If you still find yourself with struggling to stay on track, feel free to contact me! I have an exclusive accountability group open to anyone and everyone! We share clean eating tips, recipes, tips to avoid the temptations at the summer BBQs, and the support is amazing! If you would like more information, please contact me: www.facebook.com/stephaine.clemmer!