Hello, friends! It's that time of year again- football season! This time of year is one of my absolute favorites. It is full of fellowship with friends and fun days with the family, however it also means going to a lot of parties with a lot of tempting foods! However, if we shift our mindset to focus on the real reason we go to events- to spend time with friends, not eat the foods that are available- it will be easier to stick to our goals and healthy lifestyle.
Many people get anxious about going to tailgate parties while pursuing health and fitness goals because they know they will be surrounded by tons of options that are delicious, but most certainly not good for our bodies. However if we re-direct our thinking about these events, sticking to our plans and goals will be a lot easier. Why is it that we go to these events in the first place? Is it solely to eat food? Of course not! We go to these events to spend time with the people that we love while having so much fun watching the game and catching up. Focus on enjoying being able to spend sweet time with your family and friends, and then eat exactly as you would on a normal, healthy day. Here is what a successful healthy day of eating on a Saturday in Athens could look like:
7-9:00 AM Get in a nice walk or run in the morning, even though you will be on your feet a lot today it can help you get your mind focused on health and wellbeing. Spend some time in prayer and meditation during this walk/run, being thankful for the day ahead.
9:30-10 AM Drink a large glass of water with your coffee (sweetened with Stevia in the raw and/or almond milk) and have a Go Dawgs Smoothie!
11 AM As you begin getting ready for the game, enjoying a beautiful Saturday with your family.
12-1 PM Eat a healthy lunch that packs in protein and will keep you full as you go to parties, tailgates and other events. A great salad or an open faced sandwich with extra veggies. Before you leave the house, pack a few snacks to keep with you and help avoid temptation such as: nuts, string cheese, KIND bars, apple or banana.
1-3 PM Enjoy fellowshipping with your friends!! Each time you think about indulging in something you may feel bad about later, try purposefully walking away from that and going to say something encouraging to a friend OR reach for another water bottle with a healthy snack you brought. You will feel strong when you steer clear of these tempations!
KICKOFF! Go Dawgs!!
7:00-10 PM After the game ends is often a challenging time to stick to health as well, because you are tired and hungry from hours of cheering, walking and being on your feet. Have dinner ready the night before so when you get home something can be prepared quickly to feed you and your family quickly, but healthy!
EVENING- Take this time to reflect on the day. Think about how good your body felt throughout the day, and take time to be thankful for such an incredible day. If you had a few slip ups and aren't completely satisfied with how you ate today, be encouraged knowing that each day begins fresh and you have the opportunity to eat healthier each and every day!
Porter having his best game day!
This is one of my favorite smoothies to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or split with the kids for a snack! You could even sneak in some zuchinni (peeled and chopped) without anyone noticing you added in a veggie! Can't wait for you to try this yummy treat and feel great while cheering on the Dawgs!
GO DAWGS Smoothie
· 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
· 1 cup Greek yogurt or 1 serving vanilla protein powder
· 1/2 small frozen banana
· 1 cup strawberries
· 1 tbsp. chia seed
· 1 tsp. honey or stevia
· ½ cup crushed ice
· Top with chocolate chips & slices strawberries
Blend until smooth
Have a fabulous weekend with your family and friends!
Blessings,
Caroline