Being Present in the Moment

Being present in the moment. What does the really mean? Even at this moment I am sitting at Starbucks, drinking a Christmas Blend coffee with cinnamon and writing this blog post. How present am I in this moment? Why is this so important that I have to write about it?

Beimg present in the moment is The Key to being healthy and happy.

I read the other day that, "being present simply means being mindful".  Giving the current situation 100% of my attention. This made me wonder. How many unhealthy choices would I make if I gave every decision my undivided attention? Would I still choose a bagel? A cheese burger? Probably not!

During my journey I am learning that it's important to live and act intentionally. Yes, that's right. DO IT ON PURPOSE! Intentionally choose healthier foods. Intentionally exercise instead of watching tv. Intentionally turn off the electronics and have a healthy meal with your family. Imagine the freedom I would feel if I could turn every decision from a diet requirement ;-( into an intentional choice :-). Something I want to do as opposed to something I have to do. I feel free'er just thinking about it. When I was heavier I never worried about food. Causing every meal to be stress-free. Now that I am conscious of the food I take in, I am self conscious, anxious and sometimg down right unhappy during meal times. Is this because the food I eat doesn't taste good? No! It's because of my mindset. I feel that I am restricted to certain foods and if I don't eat them, I feel guilt  and self resentment.  I can't be the only one who feels this way. Right??

The key to changing this mindset is being present in the moment and choosing intentionally. Enjoying every bite, savoring every flavor and remind myself of all the benefits I could gain by making healthier choices.

Today's intentional choice:

10 minute H.I.I.T routine

• 1 minute high knees, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute walkout, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute plank toe touch, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute squat with a calf raise, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute Irish jig, 1 minute rest

No music, no tv. Just me and my intention choice.

What intentional choice will you make today?

The Challenge- Days 1-3

Breakfast has been good, and filling. I had cereal which was 3/4 cup homemade muesli, roasted butternut squash, apples and cranberries and almond milk. YUM!! 

At 11:15 am on day 2, I realized that I forgot my snacks. Oh no!! By noon, my tummy was growling and our office snacks were looking awfully inviting. 

At 12:30 pm on day 3, I experienced my first sugar withdrawal. Normally, I would grab a soda but not today. It's only 7 days to a habit, right? I am halfway through day 3 and I am standing strong, so far.

Lunch today was delicious. It was surprisingly filling and healthy. I chose salad for lunch today because it's pack full of veggies, nuts and protein.

Veggie Salad 

• Spinach
• Romain Lettuce
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Micro greens
• Sunflower seeds
• Black Beans
• Red Beans
• Celery
• Corn (today only)
• Cottage Cheese
• Avocado Salsa Verde

Daily Exercise was a 10 min HIIT routine:

1 min squat jump outs, 1 min rest

1 min plank alternative leg raises, 1 min rest

1 min squats, 1 min rest 

1 min tricep dips, 1 min rest

1 min calf raises, 1 min rest

Dinner was celery with peanut butter and 2 soft boiled eggs. Dinner was lite because my salad was filling. My evening treat was a cup of salted Carmel tea. All the taste of desert without any nasty side effects. 

To summarize, days 1-3 went well. I made good choices and I am ending today feeling accomplished. I also learned that preparation is important. My mid-morning and mid-afternoon On day 2 would have been a whole lot easier had I been prepared and brought my snacks. 

I hope everyone had a successful day. Please feel free to leave a comment on how your day went.