It All Adds Up
Posted: December 28, 2010 at 1:55 pmThis is a compensated review by BlogHer and Jimmy Dean, however the opinions and feelings expressed here are my own.
2011. A new year. Normally I do not buy into the “resolution craze”, but 2011 will certainly include changes and growth for me. A new baby will fill my year, as well as working towards getting back into my “best-shape” self, where I feel physically strong and emotionally well. In order to do that, I will have to commit myself to taking the necessary steps to care for myself.
I will need workouts. Not only will workouts improve my endurance and strength (and the look of my backside – just saying), but they will also give me a mental break and time to de-stress. That’s pretty important for this momma.
I will need to provide for my personal needs. For me, that includes many things. Prayer and quiet reflection, because you don’t want to know me without them. Activities and hobbies I feel passionate about, like this blog, because they provide an outlet. A focus on sleep and rest, because its an important part of health. Hey, that goal will help the prayer too. I know I’ll be praying for sleep with a new baby!
I will need quality eating habits. I did my best while pregnant, but a pregnant body wants what a pregnant body wants. Those hormones are crazy. Even I don’t want to step in my own way of getting whatever it is I may crave.
Spending a good chunk of the year watching my typical nutritious noshing slip little by little, I know I need to refocus my healthy eating practices the most. How? The KISS method – Keep It Simple Stupid. Yes, it would be stupid of me to make things more difficult than necessary and place rules and restrictions on myself. I only want to have to defeat binge eating once, ya know.
- “The balanced diet”. I want to be sure I eat adequate protein, enough quality carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats. Getting enough of each will surely leave me satisfied and help provide for my body’s needs – from breastfeeding to workouts.
Carbohydrates provide a top notch energy source; fiber aids digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels stable, etc.
Healthy fats help the brain’s functioning, the production of cell membranes, the heart’s health, the absorption of nutrients, and much more.
Protein is vital to help build and repair tissues, bones, muscles, cartilage, etc. through the essential amino acids found in protein sources. It also is another viable source of energy for our bodies. Visit http://jimmydean.com/proteinbenefits/ to learn more about the benefits of protein at breakfast.
I don’t feel the need to meticulously track these components like in the past, thank goodness. How boring! I simply plan to include a form of each, in a reasonable portion, at most meals.
- Whole foods. The best place to find those essential macronutrients of carbs, fats, and proteins is within the natural foods of the earth. I want to focus on incorporating such foods, in as wide a variety as possible, into my regular eating again.
- Don’t fret food choices. As much as I want to focus on choosing whole foods, I also won’t stress myself over needing to turn to easier options at times. Let’s face it. Some days it will be tough. Sometimes I may need to reach in the freezer for something like a Jimmy Dean D-Light breakfast sandwich in the morning, when I’m rushing around to get out the door with two kids. It won’t be a go-to daily meal choice, but I do think its important for me to realize options like that are okay too. Plus, they clock in with under 300 calories and a good balance of protein (15-23 grams), carbohydrates (around 30 grams), and fat (around 7 grams). When paired quickly with some fruit or a green monster (spinach/banana/milk smoothie), I still focus on getting in those wholesome foods as well. Visit the official site for more info on the Jimmy Dean D-Lights.
It’s most important for me to still get in a balanced breakfast, rather than end up starving and reaching for tons of cookies and chocolate in the afternoon. Some, okay. Just not tons. We all know life is no fun without a little chocolate.
It’s the overall balance of things and doing what works for me and my lifestyle that matters most. In all ways, doing what suits my best interests and making choices I can live with happily and healthfully on the whole will bring me to my best-self again. A better you comes in knowing yourself and being confident in the decisions you make that keep you feeling good on all levels. So, cheers! To a year of improvement…and only you can determine what will get you there.
What decisions do you plan to make for a better you in 2011? Or how important is a good breakfast to you in a balanced diet? Comment below for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!
Giveaway Entry Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. Giveaway dates are 12/28/2010 – 1/30/2011. Visit the exclusive offers section for more chances to win!
Tags: breakfast, giveaway, healthy habits
I am determined to exercise more. Last year I started eating healthier so no I need to tone up.
I have already begun, 4 weeks smoke free
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/20555795435364352
In 2011 I plan on incorporating more physical activity into my daily life. School has consumed me for the last five years and I am ready to get active and challenge myself. I want to be able to keep up with my nieces and nephews.
I was raised that breakfast is an important start to the day and have found that when I miss it, my day is not as good. Oats are my new favorite breakfast food and really help start my day off right.
I’m planning on trying to eat less fat and exercising more!! Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
I count on breakfast to get me going that is why I always start with a big bowl of oatmeal. Warm, filling and full of nutrients!
In 2011 I plan to take on the largest fitness challenge of my life so far: I will be running a marathon on Jan. 16. After that is all said and done, I hope to relax a bit on running and focus on some cross training. Breakfast fuels my body and I used to run without eating because I would be scared my stomach would be finicky. Now I tackle my run after a nutritious breakfast, because I know it will help fuel my body!
I need to work on mindful eating. Not dieting at ALL, just being more aware of what goes into my body. I’d like to consciously reduce sugar and listen to cravings.
A good breakfast is absolutely essential to my healthy lifestyle. There are many days when I just don’t have an appetite in the morning, but if I give in and don’t eat something it throws off my entire day!
I also tweeted the giveaway, but I can’t figure out how to get a URL for the tweet! Any tips?
If you click below your name where it says time sent, it will take you to a status page with the tweet. That will be the URL for it. I hope that makes sense. 🙂
I plan on eating and exercising for better performance in my sports! That will mean more veggies and less “extra” cardio.
Hi Tina-I stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago. LOVE it! I love your posts and especially reading about your goals for being healthy after having your new baby. It’s so encouraging…I’m nowhere near having a baby, but the post about setting manageable goals really helped. Good luck with the new little one! Praying for you, sister!
In 2011 I’m planning hoping to continue more weight training and cross training! Not all running for this gal 🙂
A good breakfast is a super important part of a healthy diet!
I tweeted it. http://twitter.com/#!/HappyHealthMama
You look amazing in the photo, BTW.
For 2011- i want health and to get debt free. surely both will happen! And to get going on my new blog- i started it and now have had a hard time finding time to get to it 🙁 im a horrible blogger but a laptop would for sure make it soooo much easier so thats what im saving for! But i LOVE reading your blog.
oh, and yeah- that $100 would help too but live is great with or without it 🙂 congrats on your little girl and new baby boy! cant wait to see pics…… and i promise ill be around more to comment 🙂
Breakfast is very important to me, it keeps me from overeating at other meals.
Breakfast is immensely important to me. When I skip it, I feel off for the rest of the day.
I am going to have smaller portions and drink water with every meal
[email protected]
How important is a good breakfast to you in a balanced diet?
Breakfast is very very important to me. I start the day out with coffee and carnation instant breakfast, fresh fruit and usually a muffin. I depend on a good breakfast to start the day off right. When I work in town I need the mental energy to do my best at performing secretarial duties. At home I need the physical energy that ranch life demands. Today that included caring for our livestock in blizzard conditions.
I plan to drink less sugary drinks.
This year I plan to gradually increase my daily exercises.
Even when my stomach is upset due to medications in the morning, I find its important to have at least a protein bar and shake as breakfast.
chainmail (at) iwon (dot) com
I tweeted about this
http://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/20744301218627584
chainmail (at) iwon (dot) com
I plan to eat better and get moving!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should be as nutricious as possible.
I am planning on reading throughout the Bible this year.
I plan on walking more on a daily basis even if it’s just in the neighborhood and transition to jogging
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/20890901979070464
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Longer walks Twice a day and eating healthier are my goals for 2011.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/20893543807582208
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
I need to get in better shape and work out. I used to be so active but now I am the complete opposite. 🙁
I tweeted about this promotion!
@AFwifey4ifey
I need to exercise more consistently so plan to walk 10,000 steps per day.
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom
tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/status/20940590636072960
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom
I’m going to exercise at least 5 times a week.
I plan on exercising daily for better health. Even if it’s only for 20-30 minutes.
Hi Tina! I just stumbled across your blog & I love it! How exciting that you will be getting a sweet new addition to your family in 2011. I am looking forward to following you here at FFF. 🙂
I plan on doing more yoga in 2011 to increase my flexibility and hopefully prevent injuries. I have always been an avid runner but have never really stretched my muscles & I hope to change that in this upcoming year! I put my body through some tough workouts & I would like to “reward” it at the end of the week with some good yoga stretches! And I have to eat breakfast in the morning or I am sluggish all afternoon!
tweet-http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/21067344440721408
Thanks
I am going to lose weight and get into shape this year.
I have retweeted.
http://twitter.com/mrcheapo/status/21172933309243392
Cute cartoon! I try to find the time to prepare a good breakfast to start the day or I find that I do a lot more nibbling and add on the lbs. I plan on exercising more this New Year, especially to gain back strength.
Tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/21226317592666112
Eating a healthy breakfast not only gets my metabolism going, but it sets the mood for my eating habits for the rest of the day. When I eat a good breakfast, I tend to eat a healthier lunch and dinner too, because I am not starving and reaching for not-so-good-for-me snacks.
I do some form of exercise at least 5 days a week. I really need to be more mindful of what I am sticking in my mouth and plan on making changes in my diet by eliminating convenience foods and eating more fresh fruits and veggies. Thanks!
My diet lacks enough veggies & fruits. I’m going to make a conscientious effort to get enough of both.
My plan for 2011 is to “do what matters most”. That means I will put my time and energy toward the things I care most about, which includes keeping in touch with the people I love, making our home a more orderly place (which will make my sweetheart very happy), and finding time to quilt.
wordygirl at earthlink dot net
My ultimate goal this year is to get more sleep I have lacked on that this past year
[email protected]
My tweet
[email protected]
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/21567662945472513
More water, more sleep, and more walks with the kids!
Fortunately, breakfast has always been my favorite meal, so keeping that routine won’t be difficult for me. This year brings a new challenge: I’m having extensive back surgery this week. As much as I may hate it, I’ve vowed to follow the directions of my physical therapist. It’s crucial for me to regain strength and stamina.
Thanks for a great giveaway!