Healthy Valentines

It's been estimated that the average American man will spend approximately $131 dollars --women slightly less-- on Valentines Day.  I am not a fan of flowers or stuffed animals. Furthermore, my husband knows better than to hand me chocolate in obnoxious quantities.  What's a guy/gal supposed to get their healthy, active sweetheart?

With the big day closing in I wanted to urge you to use your money wisely and show your support at the same time. When your significant other is working their tail off to get healthy and be fit it just doesn't make sense to gift them an enormous box of  garbage containing thousands of calories or take them out to a ridiculously expensive restaurant that serves rich/fattening food.  Don't do it! Beyond sending the wrong message you will negate what they are trying to accomplish.

Thanks, but no thanks

 What's your valentine into?  What gift would help motivate them?  Help them get closer to their goal? Or, reward them for reaching a goal?

 Hooked on a runner/walker? They should change their shoes after roughly 500 miles. Since shoes are hard to buy for someone else, I suggest a gift certificate from their local  running store.   Buy an awesome pair of wool socks and slip the certificate inside them.  A new runner could ask questions while buying their shoes and take advantage of the knowledgeable trained staff.  A Road-Id is also a great idea if they run/walk alone.  Accidents happen, it's smart to be prepared.

Will pink make her faster?

Don't leave home without it

 Love a cyclist?  They are super easy to buy for.  We tend to go through a lot of tires, tubes, Co2 cartridges and hand-warmers.  Gift certificates to their favorite bike shop could replace worn gear or invest in a pair of  winter cycling tights or gloves. There is no such thing as cold weather if you have the right gear to deal with it.

Pearl Izumi makes great stuff

Know someone who likes to play outdoors in the dark? Keep them safe and buy them a reflective vest that glows in the dark.  I received one, instead of the usual t-shirt, at a race in 2011. I wear it always!  A new headlamp complete with batteries would be good choices too.  It helps tremendously if you can see in the dark and also alerts others that you are out there.

HI-VIZ  Vests

 Still not sure.... a massage or a few sessions with a personal trainer might work.  Hey, you could also buy yourself some personal training and a massage while you are at it.  Getting healthy as a couple can be fun.  Plus, it's easier with a buddy.

Another thought: Spend time rather than $$ on your relationship.  A hike in the woods or a walk hand in hand around the neighborhood = priceless.

Have a healthy and Happy Valentines Day.
Wendy

February Inspiration **** Traci Berry

Empowered!

I love to hear about weight loss success stories.  I want to know EVERYTHING about the journey. Losing weight is not easy.  There are good times and bad times.  Life doesn't stop just because you need to lose weight. You have to make it work. Meet Traci, she made it work.

Tena and Traci (Aug '11) 

I met Traci about 5 years ago.  She was in her early 40's, stood 5 foot 4, and weighed 190 pounds.  We saw each other at bike races and chatted about our kids and,of course, riding bikes. I had not seen her for a while and almost walked right past her last year.  She had lost 50 pounds and looked amazing. I wanted to know every detail and asked Traci if I could write about her journey. She answered all my questions.   Prepare to be inspired.

Traci started gaining weight when she went off to college.  She began eating chips/dips, junk food, fast food, and drinking beer.  Upon leaving college she yo-yo dieted, tried Weight Watcher's and Nutri-System, Slim-Fast, got married and gave birth to three boys. She just couldn't shed the weight.

Traci and her boys

  In 2011 she had an eye opening experience while doing a research study for women having a high BMI.  Unfortunately Traci fit the bill and participated in the study. Her measurements were taken and then she had to perform some fitness tests.  She absolutely crushed the tests and remembers the tech saying " she was amazed that a person of (her) size could complete those tasks so easily".  The tech was a friend of hers,Traci knew she was not trying to be mean.  However, it did get her thinking "about others seeing me as fat". 

Traci had  finally realized she needed to take care of herself, especially if she wanted to be around for her boys.  She had lost her father to heart disease when he was only 38!  She was becoming a prime candidate herself and needed to turn things around.  She already knew that the 'diets ' she tried were not going to work.  So, Traci changed her lifestyle.  She does not eat out, watches her portions, and keeps healthy snacks on hand so she won't make poor food choices.  She started using a food tracker app on her IPhone.  Recording every bite, even a StarBurst fruit chew. She likes the accountability and says it keeps her on track.  Calories in, calories out.   Traci said her diet is " a healthy mix of proteins with vegetables and healthy grains".  When she wants something sweet she reaches for an apple or banana. Instead of chips she enjoys popcorn.  

Summer 2012

Traci has always been a cyclist.  "Before actively losing weight, I would ride when I could", she said.  Now she has the energy to ride any time she wants.   She commutes to and from work, 24 miles round trip, three to four days a week.  Traci's passion is mountain biking however, she need something to do on days she didn't ride.   She began hiking in the woods and walking fast around her neighborhood.  Just recently she has graduated to running. Don't tell anyone.... she has her eyes set on a half-marathon ( in the future)   

Traci told me she had an incredible support system.  " My boys and Tena have been extremely supportive...... (Tena)  reminds me regularly everyday that if I made bad choices that tomorrow is another day......It's a lifestyle NOT a diet".  

Before and after

Traci's Advice

Always read food labels

Be mindful of portion size

Listen to your body

Be prepared with healthy snacks

Up physical activity

Continue to learn about proper nutrition