New Year

New Year: The End to the Feasting!

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Whew. Holiday eating has been a BEAST!

Resisting temptation has been just about impossible, especially last week! Just check out this Christmas Eve spread:

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And there was actually more food, it just didn’t fit on this table. Cheese (my kryptonite) and seasonal desserts definitely did me in.

Amazingly, thanks to working out (Holiday Hottie Fitness Challenge!) and giving away most of the unhealthy leftovers, I made it through Christmas with minimal gain: I’m sitting at 130.8 lbs even.

Still way up from my summer-time low (of 123.8 lbs, *big sigh*), but not horrific considering the average American gains 12 lbs from Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Day. I actually haven’t gained over the holidays – I put on my 8 pounds during the Fall (July 28th through October 31st, to be exact), when I tried to balance two full-time jobs!

I only have one more week of temptations to survive: I’m hitting NYC for the New Year! I absolutely CANNOT diet while in New York, of course, as this is really my only chance to try some of the delicacies of the city. Fortunately, I should counteract most of the bad food by the fact that I’ll be walking EVERYWHERE. My husband and I won’t use cab service (unless we have to travel completely across town), and we avoid the subways whenever possible, so we’ll be hiking around Midtown and the surrounding boroughs for a solid five days.

My husband and I did agree on a few rules in NYC to keep the weight gain at bay:

  1. If we can get it in Florida, we’re NOT eating it there.
  2. When dining out, we order one decadent meal and one healthy meal, then split them.
  3. If it’s not pouring rain or more than 2 miles, we’re walking it.
  4. We’ll drink at least 6-8 bottles of water per day. That’ll help with fatigue, cravings, and keep us hydrated in the colder weather.
  5. We’re not skipping breakfast. I actually found a few Groupons/Living Social deals for great breakfast eateries, so we’ll make sure we’re getting fuel into our bodies early in the day.

I plan to start 2015 with a lot of awesome memories and NOT worried about my weight, so I won’t start working on resolutions/ goals for my body and lifestyle until we get back on the 4th. 🙂

Bon appetit, my friends, and Happy New Year!

~ Tori

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The Required New Year’s Resolutions Post

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OK, you all knew it was coming… the infamous resolutions post. This is the expected annual tradition for any of us that has an unhealthy vice (which is practically 99.9% of humanity, I’m sure) and, for many people, it feels like an act of futility. While I’ve been a bit down lately regarding my weight and eating habits, I recognize the opportunity that comes with setting resolutions for a new year.

You see, I am a naturally competitive person and I thrive on goal-setting and benchmarks. In fact, I am most religious with my workouts and diet when I have a very clear, defined goal and a due date that I’m trying to accomplish.

For example, every time I’m invited to be in a wedding party as a bridesmaid, I make it a point to order a dress size SMALLER than what I need. (Literally, I won’t be able to zip the dress or, if I can zip it, I can’t breathe.) And, every time, I’ve managed to lose the weight (despite months and months of plateaued weight prior) in time to comfortably wear the dress for the ceremony.

There is something about a tangible goal – and putting my money where my mouth is by purchasing the dress ahead of time – that gives me the dedication of a saint, the self-command of a drill sergeant. So, with that being said, I’m outlining very goal-specific resolutions for 2014 that I hope will serve as the commitment I need to whip myself into shape.

So, here we go!

2014 Resolutions:

  1. Participate in at least ONE organized run/obstacle course per month. (Will be signing up for several races tonight – AKA, paying a lot of registration fees!)
  2. Complete a half marathon before before my 30th birthday. This run is practically starting in my backyard and supports a great cause, so there isn’t an excuse not to do it in March.
  3. Wear a size 2 dress on my 30th birthday. I’m currently shopping around for a nice one (trying to make sure it’s not stretchy, so I can’t “cheat” by squeezing myself into a size smaller than I am) and I will post a picture here once I’ve ordered it.
  4. Complete a full marathon before January 1st, 2015. (Dates past March 2014 aren’t posted yet, so I’ll have to wait to register for a marathon until later in the spring).
  5. Be more dedicated to the Paleo lifestyle. I will do this by spending the money on true, Paleo ingredients so I stop cheating with dairy, wheat, and soy. Julian’s Bakery and Caveman Cookies will become good friends in 2014.

I know I will be adding to this list of resolutions shortly, as I tend to create new, smaller goals to help ensure I hit the big ones. I just wanted to vocalize (and publicly commit) to some of my resolutions now before I have a chance to recant on them.

Between now and January 1st, I’m trying to stop stressing my weight and just enjoy good friends, good food, and good spirits. My weight has been teetering between 132-135 despite missed workouts and a crazy diet, so perhaps I won’t spiral into morbid obesity after all. I’m a little squishier around the middle, but I think that’s encouraged this time of the year, considering all the hugs we like to give out. If anything, I’m doing a favor for my family and friends – no one likes to huge a washboard or a wood plank, right? Right.

On that note, it’s time for a homemade brownie. Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

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