Business Travel Struggles

While traveling for business this week, I found out just how challenging it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road.  As I looked at my agenda for the trip, I knew it would be difficult to fit in gym time, so I packed resistance bands and a jump rope--- my go-to pieces of mobile gym equipment that I have grown to love.  The hotel actually ended up having a great gym and I made time for three workouts during the four day trip....even if it meant waking up extra early or going to bed a bit later.  The workouts weren't on the intensity level of my kickboxing classes, but they got the job done and I'm proud of myself for making it happen.

Eating, on the other hand, was a different story.  To give you a sense of the struggle, I was on the Daniel Fast to kick off the new year coming into the trip and now I'm not. While I ate as many fruits and veggies as possible, there were some days when NONE of the food options were Daniel Fast friendly (just imagine the typical conference junk...yuck!)  I just couldn't see how I was going to be able to keep my energy level up during the trip without food in my system.   I'll will definitely give the fast another try when I'm back home and can prepare my own meals. 

Another thing that makes staying healthy on the road (especially for business trips) difficult is that your sleep schedule is usually jacked up. While it was a productive and fun trip,  I was running around like a mad women and only getting about 4-5 hours of sleep per night.  There lots of research around how people who don't get eight hours of sleep on average weigh more than those who do. It annoys me when people brag about grinding so hard they don't sleep.  I don't think that's anything to be proud of.  Get your butt in the bed. 

Anyway, I can't wait to board this plane in a bit---please believe I will be all the way knocked out.  After all, I'll need to rest up for the intense workout I will be putting  myself through as soon as I get home.

Declaring My Goal

It's the third week of the new year and according to research, you've likely folded on at least one of your new year's resolutions. An info graphic developed by Betterment, an online investment company, shows that while 45 percent of Americans make promises for the new year, only about 8 percent actually achieve them.  Even worse, 25 percent don't make it past the first week. How's that for a 'Happy Monday' fun fact?

I recently met someone who had 50 resolutions for the new year.  While I commend that type of determination, I've chosen to go with quality over quantity in 2013.  While I'm not a fan of new year's resolutions per say, I do believe in on-going reflection and goal setting to become the best person you can be.  After much thought, I narrowed what could have easily turned into a long laundry list down to three SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.

Sure, I have big dreams for my future, but these three are the priorities; things that hands down, I must make tangible progress on this year. And if I'm honest with myself, some of them are are repeat offenders to the goal list.  But that's OK. The past is over and it's never too late to make a change! One of the things I appreciate most about my list is that I believe the realization of these goals will have positive ripple affects on almost every other area of my life.  Let's give it up for building a solid foundation!

I've obviously been pretty transparent about one of my goals through this blog: to improve my health & fitness. I'm not going to lie, loosing 25 pounds feels amazing!  I went to the gym this weekend and picked up a 25 pound weight.  That thing was heavy! I couldn't believe I used to carry that around. While I'm proud of myself, I refuse to get comfortable. It ain't over yet. But let's be honest: it never will be.  This is about lifestyle change.

I haven't been specific about a number, but I know you are curious. So here it goes:  I want to loose 25 pounds by May 16 (my bday).  Oh, and I want to feel comfortable in a two piece bathing suit this summer.  I'm thinking of it as a bday present to myself.

There, I said it.  I'm both empowered and terrified.  But I'm focused. Five pounds a month is totally doable, with discipline and hard work. Each day, I will move in the direction of this goal, sharing with you along the way. You have now officially been enlisted as my accountability partner. 

If you are making progress on your goals this year, keep up the good work!  If you slipped, don't be too hard on yourself--no one is perfect. The key is not to give up. Every day provides a new opportunity to prove the statistics wrong and be part of that 8 percent!

Let's go get it!

Holiday Report Card

My holiday break was wonderful.  I rested, reflected, and spent time with some of the most important people in my life.  I also ate. A LOT.

As much as I tried to follow my own advice, I have to admit-- I slipped up on the nutritional front.  If I had to estimate, I probably made the wrong food choices 4 out of 10 times.  Mom's ribs called, and I answered--more than once. There were so many celebrations (engagements, reunions, etc.) that were of course accompanied by high-calorie, fattening food.  And I caved under the pressure.  

 Saying goodbye to my mane.  I 
am not my hair!

However, the holiday's weren't a complete bust.  I'm proud that I made exercise a should vs. a must.  Probably because I secretly knew that eating would be struggle city.  I worked out all but two days over the past week and a half. So what happened on those two days you ask?  I got my hair done the day before, lol.  Oh the plight of African-American hair and working out!

P90X and the YMCA were good friends this holiday season.  I also got creative with custom cardio routines and resistance bands when traveling.   Even so, I really missed my kickboxing routine as Keller's Martial Arts closed for the holidays.  I can't wait to get back into the  groove tonight!

So where did I net out?   This morning, the scale said that I maintained. I'd give that a B minus.  Could be worse, but definitely room for improvement. If you made some bad choices over the holiday's, don't beat yourself up.  Learn from your mistakes and keep it moving.  I'm realizing this journey is not about perfection but rather balance.  Especially if you are in it for the long run.  Happy New Year and New YOU!

How did you do with your fitness journey over the holiday's? How do you plan to start 2013 off right for a new you?