Good morning, friends.
Over the past couple of days, I took some time to grieve. I cried, listened to DMB, and reminisced with old photos, but I realize the best way for me to cope is to try to get back to my everyday routine and be as positive about life as possible. I want to cherish my memories of him with smiles, not tears, andĀ I know he wouldn’t want it any other way.
Breakfast
It’s cool outside this morningāā fall is definitely on its wayāāso I whipped up a batch of warm banana oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar mixed in.
I topped my oatmeal with chia seeds, raisins, and scoop of peanut butter.
And I drank a glass of really strong iced coffee with vanilla soy milk. I guess I added too many grinds to that batch. Better too strong than too weak!
Feel Great Weight
Here’s this week’s Feel Great Weight post: 9 Summer Diet Tips to Stick to in the Fall.
Question of the Day
How do you change your eating habits and workout routine when the cooler weather arrives?
108 Comments
Tina,
You are so right that your friend wants you to be happy and think of all the good times you shared. I definitely know how loss feels and sometimes memories is all we have to get through these tough times because it simply doesn’t make sense.
Best wishes
Again, I’m really sorry to hear about your loss Tina. It sounds like this was a very special person.
When the seasons change, my workouts don’t really change that much. It’s more my eating habits that are affected – I tend to eat more cooked/hot foods than raw/cold things because it gets chilly WAY too soon here. Oh, and tons of pumpkin!!
I actually try NOT to change them. It’s so easy once it gets colder to opt for staying warm & cozy rather than trekking to the gym. It really takes an effort to keep up with the same routine.
Although I do start craving hot instead of iced coffee right around this time! š
Tina, I’m so sorry about your friend! You know you’re in SO many people’s thoughts and prayers š Sending good vibes and big hugs your way, lady!
Still so sorry for your loss, but I’m glad you are getting through the grieving process OK.
I actually work out more as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter. I don’t have as many excuses to not go to the gym – during the summer there are always fun things going on.
Routine is good. It doesn’t diminish how you miss your friend, but fond memories are comfort in the day-to-day.
Different foods definitely appeal to me differently during different seasons! I love soups and I’m glad soup season is on it’s way! I also love running in the cold so I’m looking forward to running season!
Good for you, Tina. You’re absolutely right – the only way to appreciate life and celebrate lost loved ones is to do exactly that – appreciate life and celebrate lost loved ones. Easier said than done, but important.
Losing someone that you care about is so hard. Wishing you nothing but the best in these next few weeks.
I eat more soups and oatmeals instead of smoothies and salads, and I am hoping to work out outside! This has been my first four SOLID months of working out at least four times a week, and I want to continue that as well as work out on the weekends outdoors to make it more fun once it cools down!
so sorry for your loss, Tina.
I am so sorry for the loss, Tina. I have thought about you the past few days and wondered how you’re doing. I am so sorry for his passing.
I wish you peace, love, and strength. And the same to his family.
xo
I get ample amounts of beta carotene via pumpkin!
Sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in knowing that even though life is short, is certainly is worth the living.
Sorry about your friend. š Staying positive about life is a great way to handle the tragedy.
In the cooler weather, my workouts stay basically the same. Once winter strikes in Minnesota, I’ll get my butt back in the gym but until the snow and ice take over I’m still outdoors!
My eating habits change in the sense that I start craving things like pumpkin, soups, chili…comfort foods! I don’t like salads as much and prefer warm vegetables (steamed or roasted.)
Love your strength and outlook Tina! Your friend would be proud!
In winter I crave more stodgier foods and out the window goes salads- I’m all about warm, COOKED meals!
I’m glad you’re staying strong and positive Tina! You’re right that that’s what your friend would want. š
When the weather gets cooler I crave a lot more hot oatmeal, soups, and roasted veggies!
Still praying for you, Tina.
In the fall I start running longer distances as the weather cools and spend less time inside at the Gym.
I also eat more soups, stews, and warm meals instead of salads and smoothies. Oh and Pumpkin.
Take the time you need but you are so right, celebrate your friend and his life! Maybe you should dedicate a run to him. I do that often in my yoga practices and during runs.
As for the cooler months, I definitely get into a soup making mode, and drink hot tea, and love the deeper red wines to warm me up! I’ll do less running outdoors the colder it gets and finally get back to the gym daily for fit camp, yoga and body sculpt classes! Yay for kids going back to school! ha!
It’s always hard to lose someone especially when it’s unexpected. It’s a part of life, but doesn’t make it any easier to handle. Stay strong! <3
Mmmm…I can’t wait till we have cool enough weather that I start craving warm breakfasts. It was still 75 this morning (at 5:15AM) when I got up, not quite oatmeal weather for me. I’m looking forward to hot cocoa and a roaring fire when it gets cooler – and more outdoor runs where I can bundle up in warm, soft running shirts.
Glad to hear you’re hanging in there. Take care of your self and your family!
In the summer it’s all about fresh and light meals like fruits and salads. Cooler weather means warm and hearty foods like chili and dumplings.
Love the title of this post! I do change my eating habits, but not much changes to my exercise habits (I’m a gym rat). I eat more squash, casseroles, and chia-like spices. Yum!
I think it’s important to grieve when you lose a loved one. I also think that you have to continue living your life the best you absolutely can even if that means breaking down and crying once and awhile.
I find DMB to be perfect for times like these. Continue to take care of yourself grieving when you need to, laughing when it feels right, and blogging throughout it all.
In the winter, I move my routine inside. I do less cardio (because my path is covered in snow) and ramp up my strength routine (which seems to diminish during the beautiful days of summer and fall).
I’m so sorry about your friend, but I’m glad you’ve gotten to take some time to grieve. I definitely change my eating habits when fall comes – a lot more warm food like oatmeal and soups! Also anything with pumpkin, squash, apples, and cinnamon! Fall is the best!
I admire your strength and positive outlook! I’m sure it can’t be easy.
During the cooler months, I have a lot moremeals that are warm such as oatmeal, soup, hot coffee, etc., and the smoothies, salads, and iced coffees are more likely to go out the window. I also tend to exercise indoors more (unfortunately) because it’s so darn cold.
I’m glad you’ve taken some time to yourself and away from blogging to do what you need to. Your in my thoughts Tina!
As soon as Autumn hits my cool coffee turns warm and I never look back. I also eat much less fruit and start eating more cooked veggies. It seems to flow naturally with what’s in season and available.
I basically eat/crave more hot food when the cooler temps arrive. Hot oatmeal, pumpkin, soups. š
I think getting back into your routine is a good idea — I hope it helps!
When the weather changes, I tend to eat more warm foods (more soups for sure) and for exercise I bring my workouts indoors.
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
I love working out outside when the weather gets cooler. It means I can run any time of day without having to worry about 95 degree temps.
I’ve never really noticed how my eating habits change to tell you the truth, but I’m totally going to take notice now. I guess more ‘warm’ things, but honestly, I will eat that ice-cream in winter if I want it.
I definitely crave many more soups, stews, chilis and big bowls of oats! I think I also really change up the types of fruit and produce I eat.
Hang in there – loss is such a horrible thing, but I think letting yourself grieve is really an important part of the healing process.
Continuing to think of you, so sorry about your friend.
I don’t think my habits change really but I do get very excited about running in the fall given the perfect temperatures. Eating wise, just more pumpkin and roasted veggies but not much different than before.
Thinking of you and happy to hear that you have so many happy times with your friend to remember. You are right…the best thing you can do right now is to move forward, embrace life and do good things that would make your friend proud.
I read that post on Health.com yesterday! A lot of great tips! During winter I really try to enjoy the food and activities that it offers. More soup. More outdoor walks (in Fall). And then a few pumpkin spice lattes along the way, too!
Continuing to say prayers for you and your friend’s loved ones!
I love to get outdoors more. The cool, crisp air is so refreshing! And it makes it less of a chore to do a long run when you won’t be completely drenched at the end. Food doesn’t change all that much for me though.
I am thinking about you today. I just posted about my attempts to come to grips with death, as well. It just hurts.
@Sally Anne @ PaleoRunnerGirl: It does. That’s a perfect way to describe it.
Glad to see you are up and at ’em! He would have wanted you to keep moving… he is in an amazing place š
Heck yes! And I cannot wait for hot oatmeal in the morning, homemade soups and chilis for supper. I am kinda over BBQ season and salads right now š
I am trying to stick with the same habits for exercise that I do in the warmer months. I do not want to give myself an excuse to slack in the colder months so I hope to stay as active as I was in summer in the coming fall/winter!!!!
I may add more walks, however, because there is nothing better than a walk on a brisk fall day!
I start signing up for more races in the fall (5K, 10K) to make my half marathon training more fun. We also like to start hiking again in the fall, especially once the leaves start to change.
We still eat oatmeal in the hot summer months but I start baking more in the fall (especially with pumpkin). Chilli, stews, casseroles and soups start making an appearance again too once the weather gets cooler.
I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m glad you did what you needed to do….my thoughts are with you..and sending you a hug too!
My routine changes probably only a small bit..I’d say my wardrobe changes the most š
Really sorry to hear about your friend, Tina.
As for your QOTD, I think I adapt pretty seamlessly to the seasons – at least spring, summer and fall. I eat TONS of fresh fruits and veggies all summer (not to mention more ice cream than I probably should) and some of those gradually disappear as they go out of season and are replaced with ones that ARE in season. I also probably spend more time outdoors in the fall than the summer. During the summer, aside from my actual workout time, I find myself indoors by the A/C far more regularly. Now that the weather is cooling down, I want to go for walks or take a hike over the weekend. It all evens out.
Well, until the holidays – I still haven’t figured out how to tackle those nearly as successfully!
Glad to hear you are back in your daily routine. You and other loved ones of your friend are in my thoughts and prayers!
I had you in my thoughts all day yesterday.
I don’t really try to change my workouts once the weather gets cooler – I know that I need to stick to it, so I do.
You’ve been in my thoughts this week! I hope that each day brings a little more sunshine into your life. One day at a time.
Your oatmeal looks awesome!! In the fall I become more active. I swear, I’m healthiest in the fall/winter. With cooler temps I have better work outs and eat healthier. I love fall!!
Have a wonderful day Tina!
I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your friend is smiling down on you and will always be in your heart.
I think you’re doing exactly what your friend would have wanted….live your life while appreciating it! š Take care!!
As the weather cools off, I like to walk/run outside more. I cannot stand being out there in the heat.
Because I workout in the am during the week i have to start bringing my workout back indoors, although i still try to get outside on weekends. With regards to food I definitely start moving the menu towards cooler weather meals like stew, and oatmeal for breakfast.
Sorry again to hear about your friend xoxo