||Day Thirty-One||
Summer, to me, is a time to rejuvenate and recharge after months of work/school/life in general.
For a lot of people that means working out, eating better, and just overall trying to get in shape. And while that's all well and good, I think it's important to not get bogged down by expectations such as losing weight right away or having a noticeable six pack. After all, summer shouldn't have to involve stress and disappointment. So relax, take a deep breath, and know that change takes time.
Also, know that it's okay to indulge every once in a while and reward yourself.
Like today, while out and about I decided to treat myself to a little Starbucks.
There aren't a lot of drinks from there that I like since I don't like coffee. But one drink that I do like is the Strawberries & Creme frappuccino, aka a strawberry milkshake in a Starbucks cup.
The problem is, a Stawberries & Creme frappuccino (or any frappuccino, for that matter) is chock full of the things that people who are trying to shape up fear most -- calories and sugar (also fat, though I stopped concerning myself with fat content when I realized that sugar is the true culprit of weight gain and that fat is what makes you feel full, therefore helping you eat less).
So how do you take an indulgent treat and make it a little less guilty?
{Get the smallest size}
Sure, any sized Polar Pop is 79 cents, but do you
REALLY need 64 oz of soda? No, you don't, trust me.
{Make alterations when you can}
Ask for nonfat milk instead of whole,
get the dressing on the side, etc.
{Enjoy it}
Eat/drink slower. It will save you a stomach ache,
and you might even realize that you don't want to have
the whole thing. And more importantly you don't NEED
to be a part of the clean-plate club. If you're full, stop.
Though food reward are okay every once in a while, I think it's also important to indulge in other ways.
{+} Start a new book, read for 30 minutes and if you're not hooked, find a new book.
Reading is both mentally relaxing (by taking your mind off of things) and
mentally stimulating (by challenging your imagination and cognitive abilities).
{+} Talk to someone important to you. Whether it's a family member, current friend,
old friend, significant other, just make sure it's someone who will make you
happy and won't add stress to your life through drama or negative energy.
{+} Pet a dog (or cat). Many studies have shown that petting a dog can potentially lower
your blood pressure and reduce stress. Not to mention dogs just seem to radiate
happiness. If you don't have a dog, you could look into volunteering at a local
shelter which benefits you and your community.
So if you're feeling tense, stressed, or feeling blue -- treat yourself.
And don't be afraid to indulge.
And don't be afraid to indulge.
♥K
