After a weekend full of celebrating (!!!) hearty food, lots of beer, ice cream, and pumpkin pie fudge, I felt ready to get back to my more normal way of eating today. I loaded up on many of my standard healthy eating favorites yesterday.

Oats for breakfast, Love Grown granola and Larabars for snacks, egg sandwich for lunch, and quinoa for dinner. Delicious!

I also felt really antsy to get in a workout. My legs were no longer sore, but I knew I needed to hold off on a run, so spin class it was!

I planned to take it really easy, but I should have known that my favorite instructor would pull more out of me. I actually credit her a lot with increasing my cardiovascular and my leg endurance during her tough workouts. She never fails to take me past my comfort zone. I truly think spin class helps my running. And I’m not just sucking up because she reads the blog either.  Hi, Sophie!!!

As always, it felt so great to get right back to the normal go of things. I keep way more motivation that way and I know it’s all part of maintaining my healthy habits. Which I am all about, especially during this time of the year with the numerous events and celebrations that happen.

Last week, I had the chance to sit in on a video chat with Bahar Takhtehchian, the senior associate health editor for SHAPE magazine.

Bahar shared lots of tips on remaining healthy during the holidays, including some of my favorites:

• When you know you will have a heavier dinner out, make sure to choose healthier options during the day.
• Focus on satiating foods that include fiber, protein, and healthy fats – such as some almonds and an apple – for snacks before big meals out, so the chance of overeating decreases.
• Get in whatever activity you can, because even 20 minutes can go a long way!
• Splurge on the things you can’t get throughout the year. If it’s not special, is it really worth it?
• Remember positive mantras like “Do I want a moment on the lips, or to take care of my body for a lifetime?” <—or something like that 

I really enjoyed the chat. It covered many ideas I already knew, but it never hurts to reinforce good habits and gain that extra bit of motivation before such a busy and food laden time of year.

In fact, SHAPE magazine and Fiber One (the sponsor of the chat) have teamed up to help YOU as well. One lucky winner will receive:

• a one year subscription to SHAPE magazine
• a yoga mat
• a stability ball
• a water bottle
• a pedometer
• Fiber One brownies

As usual, there are two ways to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment on this post sharing either: how you stay healthy during the holidays OR your favorite snack for on-the-go.

Optional Extra Entry: Share this giveaway via any of the share options at the bottom of the post. Leave a separate comment letting me know you did so.

Giveaway will end this Thursday at 10 PM EST. Winner announced on Friday (promise! and remember to check if you won the Champion giveaway). No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Good luck!!!! Can’t wait to read all your tips! 

I may not be a rocket scientist…but I know Mondays sometimes need a little pick me up.

I may not be a fashionista…but I know quality workout clothes.

I may not be a champion athlete…but I know how to feel like one with hard work in my goals.

I may not be Oprah…but I know how to give out prizes.

I may not be too sneaky…but I know you’re getting excited by now.

Have you solved the puzzle yet? In case you haven’t, I will gladly spell it out for you.

Remember about a month ago when I had the chance to participate in Champion’s Shape Your Life blogger ambassador program? Through the program, I received three different outfits to suit my personal fitness goals. I then reviewed each outfit and shared my thoughts with all of you. In case you missed them:

• Shape Smoothing Long Top & Ultimate Women’s Running Tights
• Double Dry V-Neck Shirt & Smoothing Capris
• Two Champion Sports Bras

Now, I get to pass along my favorites to one lucky winner! I have to admit that I had a hard time choosing which items were my favorites. I love them ALL and wear each regularly. When it came down to it, I knew which ones eeked out just above the rest.

First up, I have the Champion Double Dry V-Neck tee with the Shape Fitted Smoothing Knee Capri Pants.

As well as the best sports bra I’ve owned – the Double Dry Spot Comfort High Support Bra.

All three pieces have all the qualities I look for in my workout gear:

• high quality so they can endure lots of use
• comfort to move easily
• moisture-wicking material
• flattering
• versatile for a wide variety of workouts

I just know you will love these items as much as I do! I wish I could give a set away to every single one of you. Sadly, I can’t. So let’s get you started on the giveaway fun!

Two ways to enter. Be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH entry.

• Leave a comment on this post about anything your heart desires. It can be about the Champion gear or FFF…or your dog’s name if it so suits you. Have fun!
• Share this giveaway via Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, etc. You can use the handy share buttons at the bottom of the post or post something similar to this:
  • @TinaFFF is giving away her favorite @ChampionUSA outfit – capris, dry-fit tee, and sports bra! Enter to win -

Open to US residents only. Ends Thursday Sep 22 @ 8 pm EST. Get those entries in now and good luck!