-Anonymous
This week's post is inspired by 3 things.
This week's post is inspired by 3 things.
1. a few girls from my small group training class who suggested a "smelly dinner" (meaning we go out to dinner after class straight from the gym one night) Thank you Arielle and Kristen!
2. a group of girlfriends I met through salsa who really stick to things they can do together like classes. Thank you Andie, Lanette and Sandy!
3. an article in Women's Health that suggested
adding a social aspect to working out would increase the likelihood that people would stick to it.
So here's the idea...HEALTHY HAPPY HOUR!
Once or twice a week why not forego a real happy hour that often includes binge eating and drinking for a healthier version?
Many of you have friends who also work out, probably even at your own gym-and if you don't belong to a gym I bet you could find people you know who would like to walk, run, hike, go for a bike ride, play some recreational sports or etc with you.
Pick a night to meet up at the gym, or at a place where you can do any of the above activities to get in some exercise then either go out for a healthy dinner or host one at someone's house. You can:
a) take turns finding a new spot with healthy options on
the menu
b) take turns cooking a healthy meal (it's summer, there are a ton
of great options. For example-you can grill or make an awesome salad since so many great fruits and veggies are in season right now. Click here for a list provided by the CDC)
Suggestions for healthy summer meals at home:
*Grill up some shish kabobs-get the wooden skewers at
the supermarket and load them up with your favorite meat, poultry, seafood and color it up with your favorite vegetables. Peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry or grape tomatoes are a great place to start.
*Fajita salad-grill some chicken, steak or shrimp, season some
peppers and onions, if you don't eat meat or fish black, red or pinto beans are a great source of protein in lieu of meat or fish, dice up an avocado, add tomato if you like it or even some salsa and toss. There are so many flavors going on you don't even need dressing!
*If you're not a fan of salad throw that mix over some brown rice for your own version of a "naked burrito" (minus the tortilla)
*Think "protein and a vegetable" at dinner time...there are so many was to prepare any of your favorite meats, fishes, tofus and veggies. Try out a new spice or seasoning, switch up your combinations, test out something you never thought you'd like (I didn't try asparagus until last summer and now it's my favorite vegetable-thank you Molly Keane!)
*If you love seafood check out these cedar grilling planks, they're especially amazing for salmon. If Williams-Sonoma is a little out of your price range they have them on Amazon too!
I'd love comments and your ideas if there are any dishes you love to cook up in the summer that fall into the category of "healthy"...please share :)
So grab a few friends, pick a good night and think about how good you'll feel after putting in a workout and nourishing your body with a healthy meal...
INSTEAD of downing dollar beers, $3 martini's or mixers, and bar menu appetizers
