I think I know exactly how my gerbils felt. They'd run for hours on that little metal wheel and never really get anywhere. I'm sure, if their minds allowed that is, that they were frustrated, confused, and just plain tuckered out.
How do I know this? Because that's exactly how I feel!
School started back up this past Monday - I'm sure you noticed the lack of postings here as Ellie and I got back into the swing of things. For me, this translates into having to have three children out of the house by 7:30, spending about two hours a day in the car as I truck the two oldest boys back to and from schools, and days full of meetings and commitments. Just this week, my schedule includes a staff meeting at our church, a meeting with my volunteer team with the youth group, a board meeting at each of the big boys' schools (one meeting each, mind you), a dinner party, and a birthday party. Sprinkle in grocery shopping, school commitments, and appointments, and the week is pretty full!
It's been a struggle this week to stay with the program. I've started adding carbs and sugar back into my diet, and while I don't crave them, I find myself trying to justify grabbing the piece of bread or granola bar because it's fast. I'm proud to say that I haven't given in yet this week!
Instead, I've tried to plan ahead. As I prepare each of the big boys' lunches the night before school, I make myself some healthy snacks, and stash them in the diaper bag and car. Measured out almonds and fruit/veggies have been great substitutes for the peanut butter toast, or *gasp!* drive thru windows.
Breakfast has been tough. I usually make a ton of pancakes on the weekend and use that for the quick breakfasts when we have all slept in a little too long. I'm trying to avoid those for myself, so I haven't made them this week. (I'm sure all of you in the youth group just giggled, as you are all aware of my pancake addiction). Instead, I've focused on a hard-boiled egg (made the night before) in the car on the mornings that I forget to feed myself breakfast - like this morning.
I've been trying to get up before the kids to work out and get a solid breakfast in myself. I'm 1 for 3 so far this week - I need to work on that more. Getting out of bed on a cold Maine morning is a little tough, though!!
Overall, I'm proud of myself and my willpower so far this week. I've had many instances where it would have been easy to slide into my old habits, and I've managed to over come them. Fingers crossed that I can keep it up this week and I'll see results!!
I'm curious - what are YOUR go-to snacks or meals for those busy mornings? Or, are you like me and you forget to feed yourself as you're making sure everyone else has healthy, balanced meal? What are your tricks or tools?
Have a great Wednesday, everyone!
I try to make sure there is protein in whatever I'm having so I'm not starving two hours later so my breakfast go-to's are:
ReplyDelete-Oat Bran -can make 1 bowl in micro is 2 minutes with flax seed and raw almonds
-Steel cut oats in crockpot the night before with almonds or walnuts
-Peanut butter toast
-protein smoothie in blender (can be as simple as protein powder and milk, but depending on time I add flax seed, fruits, spinach)
-low fat cottage cheese on half of toasted english muffin or bread
-toast with a slice of low fat cheese and a big slice of tomato
I still struggle with the snacking-coffee is usually my snack of choice;-)
Heidi, I am so proud of you!!!! You have done an amazing job so far!!!! Thanks for riding this wave with me :)
ReplyDeleteI second the vote for crockpot steel-cut oats--that stuff sticks with me for a LONG time. I make mine with skim milk, walnuts or almonds, applesauce (or pumpkin or berries), and cinnamon. I actually make enough for a week at a time and just nuke it in the morning.
ReplyDeleteThis is Jess, by the way. Your blog is great--keep up the good work! :)
ReplyDelete