Happy Friday!
It's that time of year again- football season! This time of year is one of our absolute favorites! Weekends are full of fellowship with friends and fun, full days with the family; however, game weekends can also equal parties with a lot of tempting foods! However, if we shift our mindset to focus on the real reason we go to events and parties- to spend time with friends, not to only eat the foods that are available- it will be much easier to stick to your September goals and healthy lifestyle.
Join us at 7:30 this Saturday morning for a "FIRE UP THE DAWGS" full body strength workout! You will feel strong and energized the whole game day!
Many people get anxious about going to tailgate parties while pursuing health and fitness goals because they know they will be surrounded by tons of options that are delicious, but most certainly not so good for our bodies. However if we re-direct our thinking about these events, sticking to our plans and goals will be a lot easier. Why is it that we go to these events in the first place? Is it solely to eat food? Of course not! We go to these events to spend time with the people that we love while having so much fun watching the game and catching up. Focus on enjoying being able to spend sweet time with your family and friends, and then eat exactly as you would on a normal, healthy day. Remembering all things in moderation is your motto for the day! Here is what a successful healthy day of eating on a Saturday in Athens could look like:
7-9:00 AM Get in a nice walk or run in the morning, even though you will be on your feet a lot today it can help you get your mind focused on health and well-being. Spend some time in prayer and meditation during this walk/run, being thankful for the day ahead.
OR
You can join us at 7:30 AM for a TransFormer Saturday Workout!
9:30-10 AM Drink a large glass of water with your coffee (sweetened with Stevia in the raw and/or almond milk) and have a Go Dawgs Smoothie!
11 AM As you begin getting ready for the game, enjoying a beautiful Saturday with your family.
12-1 PM Eat a healthy lunch that packs in protein and will keep you full as you go to parties, tailgates and other events. A great salad or an open faced sandwich with extra veggies. Before you leave the house, pack a few snacks to keep with you and help avoid temptation such as: nuts, string cheese, KIND bars, apple or banana.
ENJOY THE AWESOME GAME & CHEER LOUDLY FOR THE DAWGS!
1-3 PM Enjoy fellowshipping with your friends!! Each time you think about indulging in something you may feel bad about later, try purposefully walking away from that and going to say something encouraging to a friend OR reach for another water bottle with a healthy snack you brought. You will feel strong when you steer clear of these temptations!
7:00-10 PM After the game ends is often a challenging time to stick to health as well, because you are tired and hungry from hours of cheering, walking and being on your feet. Have dinner ready the night before so when you get home something can be prepared quickly to feed you and your family quickly, but healthy!
EVENING- Take this time to reflect on the day. Think about how good your body felt throughout the day, and take time to be thankful for such an incredible day. If you had a few slip ups and aren't completely satisfied with how you ate today, be encouraged knowing that each day begins fresh and you have the opportunity to eat healthier each and every day!
This salad is excellent and one you can bring with you to a tailgate for a healthy option!
September Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups lightly packed spinach
- 1/4 cup Quinoa
- 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
- 1 small or medium apple, cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp Goat Cheese
For the Vinaigrette:
- 1 tsp minced shallot
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp fig preserves or maple syrup
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions:
Add greens to a large dinner plate or salad bowl. Top with cooked (and cooled) quinoa, apple chunks, dried cranberries, and walnuts. To make the vinaigrette, combine the shallot and vinegar in a small mixing bowl, whisk to combine. Slowly add the olive oil by pouring in a steady stream, whisky vigorously until emulsified. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and serve immediately.
Enjoy your game day! Cheer the dawgs on to a victory, while making healthy decisions for your day! You can find great meals, snacks, and appetizers on the TRANSFORM section of the website. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you. Have a fabulous weekend with your family and friends!
Blessings,
Team TransFit
