Sneak It In {Fit Friday}

Yes, I love exercise. Yes, I love the gym. Yes, I love eating healthy.

 

No, I don't love to work out all the time. No, I don't always want to go to the gym. And NO, I don't always eat healthy. The struggle is so real sometimes.

How do I manage? I've taught myself how to "sneak it in." You don't always have to change into gym clothes, lace up the sneaks, and actually drive to the gym to get in a good workout! And you definitely don't have to always eat a salad or a plate full of vegetables to eat healthy or enjoy the not-so-good-for-you foods that you love. One of the ways I keep my sanity is by getting exercise in a little throughout the day in ways that don't require that I go to the gym, as well as choosing modified versions of my favorite not-so-healthy foods.

     One thing I miss about teaching is the opportunity to get in some exercise doing almost anything! I stood for most of the day, but any of my students can tell you that Mrs. Pace was never hesitant to break out into some lunges or calf-raisers while they were working. At first this made for some strange looks from my kids, but it was only a matter of time before they were completely accustomed to it. In addition to that, I would jog up and down the halls any time I had the opportunity. I know my "hallmate" teachers had to think I was crazy for doing so, but it was my way of fitting exercise into my job!

     While I'm completing my master's degree, I'm working at a real estate office, where I'm the "assistant credit manager," as well as the office gopher; I have desk work to do on a daily basis, but I also do a lot of errand-running for the owner and my mother (working with my mom is the coolest thing ever). Any time I have the opportunity, I break into a jog when running errands around "the Square" in the town where I work. When I'm stuck at my desk inside the office, I'm known to do a few standing pushups against my desk, wall sits, and I do twenty-five squats every time I'm sent to one of our two vaults. I'm not sure when this became routine for me, but squats are always a good idea, right? We also have a tall, narrow staircase leading up to the second floor, and I'm known to run the stairs a few times throughout the day.

     As far as eating healthy, you know that this is not my strength. One thing I struggle most with is definitely my diet, but I've realized that I don't have to do completely without those foods that I love. I can still enjoy a big, juicy hamburger now and then, but I eat it with a small salad or steamed vegetables on the side. I still enjoy a good dinner out with my family at our favorite Mexican joint, only now I order tortilla soup with avocado, and I go a little lighter on the chips and salsa! I love brownies and have recently discovered Fiber One fudge brownies; 90 calories in one!!! I warm them with a little bit of peanut butter on top for the ultimate dessert!

It's all about balance, from eating to exercising! Moderation is key, and it's okay if you don't always get it right. Earlier this week I had a doozy of a day and was craving chocolate soooo bad! Instead of eating an enormous slice of chocolate cake, I walked to the pharmacy next door for a small bag of M&M's, which I shared with my mother. Find small ways you can sneak healthy eating and activities into your day and note the changes you feel in yourself and energy level in a short time!

*How do you sneak fitness into your day?
*What healthy eating habits or tricks work best for you?