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?

Perspective

Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today is my first day back from a two day business trip. Boy, did I have fun but I learned a lot about myself too.

I have struggled my whole adult life with eating out. As a kid, I associated eating out with someone's status in society. As a teenager, fast food was a great way to eat in my car without someone judging my every bite. Today, I feel that my status in my life should allow me to treat my family and myself to the occasional restaurant meal. The truth is eating out is so BAD for us. Right?

Obviously, fast food, donuts and 400+ calories of Lattes are terrible choices when choosing to dine out. But being on a business trip and miles from my home, I was faced with this battle every meal. I had a great plan, though. Whole Foods was around the corner from my hotel so I went there first. I bought, whole wheat bread, apple gate turkey, cheddar cheese, greek yogurt and berries. Awesome! I was on it! I had dinner in the hotel room and watched some Netflix.

The next day, I met my work associate over donuts. I refrained. WIN. Then the business lunch came. My associate decided to treat me to lunch at The Lazy Dog. Who am I to say no? That would be rude, right? :-)

Since I started eating healthier and cleaner, restaurant dining comes with a dose of anxiety, guilt and then, a session of self loathing. Disappointment that I "gave up". Daily, I watch beautifully, thin girls eat terrible and the never seem to regret it or gain weight. Yet here I am, enjoying a restaurant meal knowing the days that follow will come with weight gain and swelling from the salt in-take. It's not fair!

So what's the solution? Quit eating out? Accept the self loathing as just a burden to bare? No, Definitely not! I have adopted the 80-20 rule. Eat healthy, homemade meals 80% of the time and splurge on dinning out 20% of the time. Does that mean fast food, pizzas and waffle cones? Be smart about it! Choose dishes high in vegetables. Choose meats that are seasoned with spices and lemon. 

At Lazy Dog I choose the Lavash vegetable sandwich with a side of watermelon. Below are the ingredients for 1 serving.

1/2 Lavash Bread

1 Tablespoon Red Pepper Hummus

4 slices Turkey Lunch Meat, I suggest Applegate

1 slice Gouda Cheese

2 slices Roma tomatoes

1/4 Avocado

Handful Romain Lettuce, Spinach Mix

Few slices of red onion

Notice no mayo, dressings or salt. This sandwich was delicious, healthy and since it was served in a restaurant, pretty. No guilt, regret or added pounds included. There's one catch. In the restaurant, this sandwich ran $13.99, drink not included. At home, I made four sandwiches served with Zevia for $12.49. That's $3.12 per meal. 

I don't choose to give up restaurant dining because my status in society can't support it. I choose to give up restaurant dining because it is economically smarter for me to eat at home. The difference is...it's MY choice!