If this year was a race, now would be the time you turn the corner, see the finish line, and start your finishing kick (you’ve got one, right?). Despite how the rest of the year might have gone, it’s always nice to finish strong. That’s my theory anyway, and finish strong is exactly what I’m going to do.
I know myself well enough to realize that when I fail to reach a goal, it typically boils down to one thing: Lack of planning. Seriously Seat-of-the-Pants should be my middle name cuz that’s how I roll on lots of things. Too often I’m scrambling right under deadline because I fail to plan.
I’m good about sticking to running and training for races. Why? Because I follow a plan. Even when I’m not on an official training plan, I’m still on a basic one that includes 3 runs per week, (speed, tempo, long), maybe the runs aren’t as speedy or long as they would be if I had a race on the horizon, but still, I do them.
Instead of letting Halloween and all it’s chocolaty goodness be a gateway into a downward slide that includes minimal workouts, lack of sleep, poor food choices, and excess indulgences until the new year, I know if I plan out a strategy now, that doesn’t have to be the case.
5 ways I’m finishing strong this year:
Plan meals. I suck at this one most of all. Ok no wait. It’s a tie with prepping meals. I never do that either. See my next point below.
Prep Meals. Truth: I’ve never done this before. Ever. Until now. Earlier this week I went out, bought containers and finally did some freaking meal prep! Granted, this week may be “easier” because I’m single parenting so I’m prepping for just me and not worrying about the Caveman, but let the record show I AM PREPPED! I followed the 1-2-3 philosophy I learned from a Nutritionist (whose name escapes me) at the WOW Summit. She told us that you only need to decide on 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 3 dinners and not worry about being redundant. Once you get momentum (and progress) going, the repertoire can expand but start basic so you’re not overwhelmed at the get-go. Sounds simple enough, right?
- My usual breakfasts (1/2 English muffin toasted and topped with avocado and egg, protein smoothie) are easy to make so no prep required.
- For lunches and dinners I prepped Southwest Buddha Bowls, Turkey/Butternut Squash Bowls and a few different soups.
Track Food. I suck at this almost as much as I do meal prep but not quite. I’ve actually been successful with tracking for entire months so I know I can get back on that horse, thanks to My Fitness Pal. So far food tracking has been easier because I’m eating the same things and keeping snacks to a minimum.
Plan Thanksgiving. Since we’re hosting this year, I’m going to plan the menu, table arrangements and do as much as possible ahead of time so I’m not stressed out and crazy with last minute stuff.
Plan Strength and Crosstraining workouts. Too often I show up but then default to the same, uninspired routine. Better than nothing but would be so much more effective if I planned out exactly what I wanted to do and aligned it with my goals. I’m going to let you in on a little secret: While everybody’s out holiday shopping and going to parties? The gym gets pretty empty. Take advantage of it!
Let the record show, I have no intention of depriving myself on Thanksgiving Day or through the holidays/holiday parties etc. but in the scheme of things, those are just a handful of days. I’ll revert back to my planned meals for the rest of the time. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it. Let’s finish strong!
How will you finish the year strong? How do you maintain fitness/eat healthy through the holidays? Do you do meal prep?
I’m linking up with Meranda, Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five.
Seat of your pants? That would be me…I’m going to get one more half in this year, come hell or high water! And you know I just keep rolling with meal planning, etc.
Great tips!
If this year was a race, i’d be just coasting to the finish line..haha (it must be going down hill)!
I’m an accomplished seat-of-my-pants champ, as well. And, I also suck at meal prep. I am consistent at staying active, but I sometimes default to the tried and true instead of taking the time to plan out a new routine. Gosh, are we sisters? 😉
I’m all about meal prepping and planning right now. Because I’m not training, I feel like I have more time to devote to both. My hope is that it will become habit so that I can continue doing it once I start training again!
I’m with you on wanting to finish the year strong! Now that cross-training and strength work are dominating my fitness plans I’ve embraced a training plan for the gym. And the gym is starting to get a lot quieter so there’s the added bonus!
My life is always less stressful when I meal plan, which of course begs the question, why aren’t I more consistent about doing it?!
Prepping meals and trying to stay away from sugar is the key for me. That chocolate really does me in
I have been tracking for years now on my Lose it app and I never really lose it so I was contemplating just letting this go…but maybe this isn’t the time of year for that!
I like the life plan – that is what I work off of when I am not training, I still know I will make that 4 days goal of working out 🙂
I treat myself on occasion so I don’t binge on the treats. The holidays should be enjoyed.
Tracking meals for me is really key. It’s kind of like having a training plan to follow — doesn’t always happen according to plan, but having that plan just makes life easier!
I’m beginning to prep stuff for Thanksgiving already. This is my third Thanksgiving. At least no one complains to my face & my sister is eternally grateful that she doesn’t have to do it (because she works in retail and it’s just madness for her at this time of year).
I’m not as good with meal prepping. But I will just cook up a batch of quinoa weekly, roast all the sweet potatoes at once, that kind of thing.
Meal prep or planning? Nope. I am better in the winter when I am home on Sundays (and not boating).
I have never tracked my food.
What I am good at is staying active. I try to run at least 3 times during the week and long on the weekend. How long depends on if I have a half coming up.
I’m not too much of a planner, hence the reason I thought I’d throw a few easy November goals out there. My husband cooks 5 days out of the week and most often will plan ahead (and even shop) for what I need on the few days I do cook. For me it’s mostly finding time for it all. I’m just too over-committed!
Because I cannot exercise as much as usual coming off the ankle break I am really trying to plan and track food.
I love how you say that you won’t be depriving yourself during the holidays. 🙂 I don’t do any meal prepping but would like to.