Cranberry Morning
Good morning, blog friends! I still can’t believe that the weekend is over! I had been looking forward to our NYC trip for weeks and weeks, and just like that it’s all over! It was an amazing time, but why did it have to go by so fast!? Time flies when you’re having fun! I have a 2.5 day work week ahead of me, so THAT’S something to look forward to! Am I right!? 
Workout
I struggled to get out of bed this morning, but managed to have a decent workout. I walked on the treadmill, varying inclines and speeds for 60 minutes. I had planned to do some running, but my body was not in the mood to do so. I finished-up my workout with 15-20 minutes of various upper body strengthening exercises using free weights.
Walk Stats:
- Distance: 3.87
- TIme: 60:00
- Pace: 15:30 min/mile
So, my 5K training has recently gone out the window. Let me explain why… I lost that stupid transmitter piece to my Nike + iPod gadget! I had been faithfully using it to track my runs, and honestly, it kept me on track and motivated to pick up the pace and increase my distance. The Nike + iPod gadget/program is especially awesome because you can set running goals for yourself– either by distance or time, and it provides you with constant updates about your running stats (distance, pace, and time). It’s great! Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I lost the tiny transmitter piece that is needed to connect the iPod with the tracking piece in your sneaker. I had used it for a run in our building gym, but knew that I brought it back up to our apartment. I’m one of those people who hardly ever loses things, and I was especially careful with this small piece for just this reason. I looked and looked and looked, but basically, the stupid thing disappeared! However, this morning, I was taking out the trash near our desk, which is mostly paper, and found it in the midst of junk mail! Sa-weet! I knew it would eventually turn up! I only have a couple of weeks to the Jingle Bell 5K, so I need to get my butt back in gear. Finding this little, plastic piece is hopefully just what I need to get back on track!
Breakfast
Mmmmmm… cranberries! I can’t wait for cranberry sauce mixed with stuffing on Thanksgiving! 
This morning’s bowl of oats was cran-tastic!
In the mix:
- 1/2 cup dry oats
- 1/3 cup cranberries
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
- 2 scoops of Barney Butter
Holiday Quick Tips
Over the weekend, a reader left a comment on the blog asking for some advice for staying on-track, being healthy, and enjoying the holiday season. You guys know that I love to eat, so the holiday season is tough for me as well, but here are a few of my favorite tips that help me indulge, but not over-do-it.
- Use a plate! In my opinion, this is the post important piece of advice for dealing with all of that wonderful holiday food. If I start picking at appetizers and platters, I never seem to stop. However, if I get myself a small plate, load it up with goodies, and enjoy it, I’m much less likely to go overboard. Once the food on my plate is gone, I know that it’s time to stop munching.
- Only indulge in the once-a-year goodies. I wait all year for my mom’s pumpkin pie, so when Thanksgiving rolls around, I make sure to leave room for a piece. Instead of filling up on everyday appetizers and treats, like store-bought cookies, chips, cheese and crackers, etc., I save the calories for a piece of warm pumpkin pie (with ice cream). Similarly at holiday parties, I will only eat things that I really, really love or have never tried before.
- Exercise (on the day of the holiday party). If I plan to splurge, I will make sure that I have a good workout to help balance-out any extra calories. Plus, exercising always makes me feel good and more confident about myself.
- Don’t beat yourself up. If I indulge too much at a holiday gathering, I try not to feel guilty. I just eat lightly the next day, exercise, and get back on track. The holidays are supposed to be enjoyable, and for me, eating and drinking is the best part!
More Tips for Navigating the Festivities:
Question of the Day
What’s your eating “game plan” for Thanksgiving?
Posted by: Tina 40 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized, motivation
Tags: cranberries, pumpkin seeds
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Hey Tina- quik question for you- i have the nike+ipod gadget but it never seems to be accurate for my runs. I tried to “calibrate” it by running .4 of mile on treadmill but then it seemed even more inaccurate- any suggestions for calibrating or how to make gadget more accurate?
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:12 am
i’m glad you had a good time in New York!
I’ve never been one to overeat on Thanksgiving…except for stuffing. I’m not an appetizer person and during dinner, I load up on salad first and put sides where I have room. But, if I could, I would probably just eat a plate full of stuffing. My FAVORITE and definitely my splurge of the day.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I think the indulging in once a year goodies is a good tip. There’s no need to chow down on brownies when you can get those every other day of the year. Fill up on the special occasion treats!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:15 am
great festival breakfast!!!!!~~~~~ love the color and I bet it tastes great too!!!!
thanks for the holiday tips. Unfortunately I don’t have any holiday meal since I live alone in US, so no family meal~~~
Enjoy the short week!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:21 am
i too subscribe to the belief that its important to focus on homemade, once a year treats. i also try to go for a long run before the meal.
also, this is kind of sadistic, but i wear tight jeans to dinner.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I also LOVE food way too much not to enjoy the once a year treats, so I just have to make up for it at the gym! I will say I have gotten a lot better at not OVER loading my plate…it’s just so good.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am
your cranberry oats look so festive!
great tips, i agree with the tip to focus on homemade treats! (except in my family, EVERYTHING is a homemade treat…trouble!)
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I love cranberry oats! I need to get some fresh cranberries ASAP…
For Thanksgiving, I only eat things that are strictly thanksgiving food. Turkey? Yes. Mashed potatoes? Nope! I make them all the time! Stuffing? yes. Jello? EW!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Your oats look really good, thanks for the idea!
As for Thanksgiving, I don’t really have a game plan, I just try to not eat until I’m uncomfortable. I take what I want and leave it at that.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Your weekend was faaabulous!!
CRANBERRIES!!! Yum
**Eating game plan = ENJOY!!! I love Thanksgiving for the family time – people need to stop stressing about food and enjoy their loved ones!!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I completely agree on indulging in once-a-year treats and trying to get some type of activity in on holidays. Since it will just be my husband and I for Thanksgiving this year, we are only making our favorite ’special’ things and won’t be tempted by the rest!
I ran the Jingle Bell 5K in St Louis yesterday, it was so much fun!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Cranberry morning over here today too! Oats look fantastic! Thanks for the holiday tips, never enough of those! I can’t wait for thanksgiving, I totally agree with you- there is a time and place for everything- including indulgence and restraint. Thanks for the inspo!
-C
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
peanutbuttalova,
Good question! I’m not too sure, but I found this info online that might be helpful to you: http://podophile.com/2006/08/15/want-better-accuracy-from-your-nike-ipod-sport-kit-calibrate/
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:11 am
My plan is to start the day with a healthy breakfast, and focus on the Thanksgiving foods that I like best. I will also take a walk that morning, which is a nice time to quietly reflect before the house gets busy and crazy.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:14 am
My iPod died in the middle of my work-out, so I understand that one thing that you need to keep yourself going!
After being invited to two pot-lucks before Thanksgiving day, I definitely needed a game plan! Aside from getting my work outs in, this is my plan when it comes to the actual meal: 1) load up on any possible veggies (baked carrots, salad, green beans, sweet potato) 2) take about 3 oz of turkey 3) fill in the rest of my plate with very small portions of the indulgent items (mashed potato, mac and cheese) 4) Stay away from the drinks (I failed to do this at the first pot-luck, whoops), 5) No seconds.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Game plan for Thanksgiving is to get up early and go to spin class and workout for a bit after on the Elliptical. We got a guest pass for my stepson so that should be fun. He turned 24 today. As for my eating game plan, I am going to try my best to watch the size of my portions and drink lots of water as usual.
Glad to hear you had an amazing time in NYC. Sorry it was so short. We are getting ready to spend 8 glorious days in Jamaica and I can’t wait to get out of town. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground when I woke up this morning blah. LOL
Have a great holiday!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I love walking for exercise
My game plan – I’m hosting so I’m having lots of healthy goodies! We’re having a Tofurky instead of a real turkey because it might end up just being me and Bobby (not sure if friends can come yet). I’m also going to do stuffed acorn squash and maybe roasted or steamed asparagus. Lots of veggies = good.
I think for dessert I might make pumpkin roll which is definitely indulgent but I haven’t had it in a longggg time and it reminds me of my Grandma
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Alright – well I am definitely using the “get a plate” tip. It’s soooo true! My game plan also includes getting a good run in before and Friday and not eating things just cause it’s Thanksgiving.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I love your tips!
I made homemade cranberry preserves a few weeks ago and put some in my oats last week, soooo great!!
As for the game plan- everything in moderation, and like you said, indulge only in the things that are THIS TIME OF YEAR… why eat a chocolate chip cookie if its not holiday’ish?
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
those were some great tips! i think my “game plan” for Thursday will be to workout a little in the morning ( instead of taking a whole day offf this week), eat sensibly leading up to the dinner. Im going to use your advice and stick to one appetizer plate and the splurge. I remember last year i was so full from appetizers that i wasnt that hungry for the actual dinner!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
The only bad part about that iPod setup is how small those pieces are! I don’t have my shoe piece actually in my shoe – I basically slide it in during my run (I didn’t buy the Nike shoes, and I didn’t feel like cutting a hole in my Brooks). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost lost one part or the other!
My eating plan is sort of outlined here actually
– using a plate, eating that once-a-year pie… I’m actually going to TWO meals, so I have to remember that there will be dessert at both places – I should pick the one meal where I’m less full.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
What a delicious bowl of oats! I can’t wait for Thanksgiving cranberries!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed New York, it looks like you and Mal had a blast
Thanks for the holiday eating tips- I think that using a plate is one of the best tips. I am one to munch and munch without a plate. I am definitely going to use this tip over the holidays.
I hope you have a great Monday!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
My game plan is just to enjoy the time with my family. I actually do not love most of what will be served, so I just bring along a few dishes that I like to help out the hostess, and I know either way I’ll be back on track by Saturday.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
good tips! i needed these!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
wow-tina, did you even know cranberries were the bSI of the week!!? that’s so coincidental!!
my game plan is to focus on the family, the food and treats are a wonderful part and as long as they arent the main focus everything runs smoothly!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
My plan was to start the day off right with a sweaty workout at the gym…but my gym is closed on Thanksgiving! Anyone else have that problem?
As far as food goes, I’m gonna try not pick at food before the meal. Oh, and I’m going to make your Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf for a healthier dessert!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I agree with you, Tina, on only indulging in things that are “worth it.” I will not eat store bought desserts or random office goodies, choosing instead to save my calories for the good homemade stuff. I am also trying this year to moderate my sweets intake on days other than holidays. If I eat my usual dark chocolate or other small treat on a daily basis, on TOP of holiday treats, it really adds up. So I scale back on the small daily treats and save calories for bigger, more indulgent items.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
just caught up- looks like it was a fabulous weekend!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I had a hard time getting in the running groove too! I bounded out of bed but when I got to the gym my brain/legs did NOT want to cooperate. I made myself run a half hour.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
my plan is pretty simple. Don’t eat everything in sight like it’s the last meal of my life haha. Just relax and take lots of small bites of whatever it is i want to try so that I would hopefully kick all the cravings.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I am making chocolate pumpkin loaf too!! I cannot wait.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Thank you Tina! very helpful!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I think I just fainted over your martini bill. Holy cow!
I’m making thanksgiving dinner so I know everything that goes in it! LOL Help with food prep that way you can be more in control over the ingredients and make better choices. That’s my tip
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Wow, those cranberries look so good! I love the holidays and the food but this year I want to make it more about people…I will still enjoy the seasonal goodies that come once a year, hoping for moderation! This year my mom, sis and I are running a 5k turkey trot to get our holiday started with some exercise…which seems to set the tone for the rest of my days
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Thanks for the tips!
Honestly, I plan to go whole hog on Thanksgiving. I am a pig at heart and it’s just what I do!
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
My plan is eat a healthy bowl of oatmeal, go to the gym to cycle with one of my favorite instructors, (or run the turkey trot still not decided) and then eat the good food that my family has made. I’m probably going to eat once because there is no way I can eat turkey and all the sides twice in one day. I can only eat it once and then I’m pretty much done.
on Nov 28th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I discovered your blog yesterday and I am already very addicted to it! I was so excited to wake up this morning and make fancy oatmeal. I tried the cranberry one and it’s sooo delicious! My favorite part is the little tastes of PB i’d get. yum! I stirred in a TBSP of PB after it had been microwaved – is this what you do?
your body looks fantastic! i hope to lose the 30-40 pounds i’ve put on with the help of your blog. Thanks so much!!
on Nov 28th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
N,
Yep, I add the PB after I cook my oats. Good luck with your weight loss journey! Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions!
on Aug 26th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I wanted to comment on the person who was serving tofurky instead of regular turkey. My aunt has insisted on serving me tofurky pretty much every year since I became a vegetarian. I’m the only one in the family so she feels the need to do something special which I do appreciate. However, tofurky, in my opinion, is terrible for you. Have you read the list of ingredients? It has more sodium and artificial chemicals than a science experiment. I’ll admit that I do love the taste but in reality just eating regular organic turkey is SO much better for you. I think it’s better to make a tofu dish or serve fish if you want to be healthy. I begged my aunt to just get a nice piece of fish but she insisted on paying $15 for that crap. This year I’m going to have to bribe her or something to get out of it.