Back to Basics

I must admit to all of you that I have sort of been off the wagon for a while...meaning I have been indulging more than I usually do. While I have still been getting all of my 5-6 weekly workouts in, my diet has been less than desirable. And that depends on definition! In terms of tastiness, chocolate goodness and lots of heart healthy red wine, well, it has been all that anyone could desire. But in terms of feeling as good as I know I can and all of my fall pants fitting nicely, well, again, it has been less than desirable.

So now that my birthday celebration is over, it is time for me to get back to the basics and do what I know works.

First of all, the refined carbs need to go. Only whole grains, fruits and veggies will remain to fuel my runs. I need to increase the lean protein intake as well. It is sometimes hard to get all the protein that I need to fuel muscle growth, but if I focus on it, I can get it in. Left to my own desires, I would eat more carbs than protein (unless of course that protein comes in the form of a rare filet mignon!). While "good" carbs (whole grains, veggies, fruits) are necessary and have their place in a healthy diet, protein helps you feel full longer and aids in muscle repair and growth.

And while I do believe that everything has a place in moderation in a healthy diet, the chocolate and wine indulgences need to be reduced. I need to really make it worth it. If I am going to have a glass of wine, piece of chocolate, or some pizza, it needs to be on occasion when I have worked hard all week and I am celebrating something (even if that is just a dinner out with friends) not every day.

As the holidays approach, I know that by getting back to basics now, I will be in a much better position to enjoy holiday treats, in moderation, while wearing my pants from last year! :-)