The holidays aren't even officially over yet, and I'm already basking in the soul-eating, nauseous, pants-are-too-tight dance of post-indulgence regret. What do I have to show for all the celebrating? A slew of new, unhealthy habits I now get to break and clothing that no longer quite fits my body.
Writers have a challenging job of staying healthy. Think of it: the stereotype of the industrious author, hanging out - all day long - at the local coffee house, steaming cup of the house blend at their elbow ... and maybe one of those huge-as-my-face cookies to go along with it. Not to mention, this whole writing business involves a massive amount of sitting (hence, my pleasure at my new standing desk - woo hoo!).
As I prepare, like so many folks out there, for my post-holiday, personal bitch-slap, I'm re-establishing my usual, business-as-usual routines, habits, and activities: regular physical activity, calorie-counting, and (mostly) healthy eating. Thank goodness there are so many great tools out there - tools that can serve the writer and non-writer alike. Here are a couple of my favorites.
Regardless of the specific flavor of your post-holiday health regrets (and if you don't have any, well, God bless you, may the Force Be With You, & I need to learn your secrets), good luck with your own personal, post-holiday hell - uh, I mean, damage control.
Writers have a challenging job of staying healthy. Think of it: the stereotype of the industrious author, hanging out - all day long - at the local coffee house, steaming cup of the house blend at their elbow ... and maybe one of those huge-as-my-face cookies to go along with it. Not to mention, this whole writing business involves a massive amount of sitting (hence, my pleasure at my new standing desk - woo hoo!).
As I prepare, like so many folks out there, for my post-holiday, personal bitch-slap, I'm re-establishing my usual, business-as-usual routines, habits, and activities: regular physical activity, calorie-counting, and (mostly) healthy eating. Thank goodness there are so many great tools out there - tools that can serve the writer and non-writer alike. Here are a couple of my favorites.
- Livestrong: I couldn't live without Livestrong's "My Plate" feature, the most user-friendly, comprehensive calorie-counting, food tracker I've ever encountered. If you've found one that's easier with a better database and with the same range of conversion tools in all units of measure (i.e., oz to cups to grams etc.), please let me know. They still offer the classic "My Plate," which is what I prefer, but they gave the whole interface a sprucing recently, so there's a second option you might like better.
- MyFitnessPal: Although I prefer Livestrong's calorie tracker, myfitnesspal may be the most widely-used, likely owing to its integration with fitbit. I don't use fitbit, but I really like the myfitnesspal newsletter and many of their other resources, including recipes and physical activity articles. They often outline brief, yet butt-kicking, sweat-inducing moves. Earlier this month, they sent around a 5-move core workout that I'm sure I'm not at all up to right now, but I'll try like heck to accomplish.
- Skinnytaste: Seriously, this is the best healthier recipe blog ever. I've tried dozens of Gina's recipes (desserts, entrees, appetizers - you name it), and they're all good. Every one. Except maybe the Skinny Tikka Misala, but that's just me; I discovered I don't like curry. Oh well, live and learn. I've cut these recipes for 2 or 3 people and doubled them to feed a crowd; they always work. My favorite ...? Skinny Bolognese Sauce, or maybe the Autumn Penne with chicken sausage and Brussels sprouts, or the Crock Pot Pork Carnitas, or Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip ... Okay, I can't decide.
Regardless of the specific flavor of your post-holiday health regrets (and if you don't have any, well, God bless you, may the Force Be With You, & I need to learn your secrets), good luck with your own personal, post-holiday hell - uh, I mean, damage control.
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