Hello Friends!
As I write this the weather is damp and muggy, but sunshine and heat is in the forecast.
Last year at this time I wrote about BBQ's and beers and staying on track with your healthy lifestyle while still enjoying some of the traditional fun summer has to offer. And it’s worth repeating.
I honestly find it easier to keep my workout routine in the winter than the summer. My schedule gets so full as the days get longer. I tend to enjoy a few more cool bevies and socialize more.
As we all know, not all calories are created equal.
Let’s take my go-to wine/prosecco as an example. While their caloric index is lower than a beer, they have no redeeming qualities… no matter how much resveratrol they may boast.
We can try to justify that it's a healthier choice, but we all know it really isn’t… too bad it’s so delicious. Moderation is key.
I find even if I enjoy a mere six-ounce glass a day affects my performance, sleep, hormones and hydration levels.
I like my friend Jo’s approach. Friday night is the one night a week where she enjoys a small glass, rarely having more than that. Make it special, savour the time with a friend or a solo glass if that’s how you roll.
I must admit, I love me some local craft beer, those sours… YUM! It’s so easy to get comfy on the patio at Red Beard, Noble Pig or Red Collar and just let a sunny afternoon drift by. One of my favourite things to do for sure. Again in moderation, making it an exception, not the rule every weekend.
I use a fun app called ‘My Fitness Pal’, it has a scanner that will tell you how many calories are in most of the food/drinks you’re enjoying.
The math to maintaining YOUR healthy weight (as every ‘body’ is different) is pretty simple, 3,500 calories is one pound. If you ingest more than that, whether it’s food or drink you will gain a pound, that simple.
If you move a little more, literally a 30-minute walk (to the liquor store or local pub …just kidding) and eat a little less you can ‘easily’ drop a pound a week…. Again subjective.
Each day; 250 calories burned through movement, remove 250 calories of food/drink, you’ve got 500 calories done without much effort, in seven days there’s your 3500 … you should either maintain YOUR healthy weight or reduce it slowly and methodically until you are where you feel perky and energetic.
What does 250 calories look like? A pint of beer is more, a can of beer is about that. A can of iced tea is almost that! Two slices of toast, a cup of rice, an enormous plate of veggies.
Did you know a large movie popcorn bag with topping is almost 1200 calories and an absurd 82g of really bad for you fat? That’s more than half my entire day’s intake and I wouldn’t even be full or receive ANY nutrients at all.
So be wise about the choices you make ... note to self.
I lived a plant-based life, so my plates are usually very full, it’s pretty awesome. I eat so much, so often. Eat real food and you can’t go wrong.
The world is shifting towards plant-based living. Look at A&W and their burger!? Although not vegan, the effort is there.
I’m going to try it, without the mayo or bun, hopefully, there’s lots of lettuce.
Red Robin even offers a tasty vegan version of their vegetarian burger with endless broccoli rather than fries.
Then I order a fun craft beer and the entire plan is thrown out the window.
Baby steps here friends.. we got this. It’s YOUR life.. it’s waiting.. live it now!
