Day 8 of New Year New You

7 Days down, only 24 more to go!  Don't be overwhelmed we are taking this one day at a time.

My Day 7: What a great day it was, there were NO complaints about the weather from me. As for my day I had S'mac for lunch... If you don't know this place.... stay AWAY is sinfully delicious and full of endless calories.  All they make is Mac n Cheese, need I say more!  After lunch I had to make sure dinner was full of Veggies.  Didn't make it to the spa as I imagined HOWEVER the Spa came to me, it was very nice.

Time for Day 8:

Fitness:
Checked the weather for you,  although it will not be as warm as it was yesterday its still going to be a nice day so get out and enjoy.

Go for a RUN.  Yes I said run!  :)  Set a goal:

• Time 
• Distance 

If your new to running don't worry about speed, just move, dress appropriately and get outside.  Take the dog, kids, a friend or spouse with you.  Running with someone makes time and distance go by faster then being alone.

If you have questions about running let me know.  When you get back post a comment here or on Facebook and let me know how you feel.

Food:
Make enough to take to lunch tomorrow. Taking lunch not only saves you $$ but its healthier for the new you as well.  Besides your food always taste better then take out.

How about giving this recipe a try:

Lemon - Caper Chicken

4 - 4 oz Thin Chicken Cutlets

1/2 cup low fat milf

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp lemon zest

2 tsp olive oil

1-2 tbsp capers

In shallow bowl combine 1/2 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper - Set aside

Dip the Chicken Cutlets into 1/2 cup of low fat milk (one at a time) Next coat both sides with the above flour mixture.

Combine 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tsp of lemon zest set aside. 

Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in large saute pan over medium-high heat.  Add cutlets and cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through.  Transfer to a plate but keep warm.  

Add the lemon juice mixture and 1-2 tsp tbsp capers to saute pan, scraping pan to loosen any browned bits.  Drizzle sauce over Chicken and serve with Brown rice or roasted new potatoes and a veggie of choice. 

For my vegetarians here is a Tofu Steak Recipe to replace the chicken above.  

Self Growth:

Rest easy and Sleep Tight!  Plan to go to bed tonight 30 minutes to 1 hour before you normally do.  Giving your body time to whine down after all of the days and weekly activities is good for the body and the brain. 

Turn off the TV and the cell phone. No laptops, not evening a book!  Going to bed with sensory stimulation causes our mind to continue to process even while we are asleep.  So here is your NEW YOU bed time plan. 

• Spray Lavender on the Sheets and Pillow 
• Or use Johnson n Johnson Lavender Lotion on your hands, feet and neck
• Lay on your back - Close your eyes and mentally shower yourself with love and appreciation
• Notice your entire body from your feet to your head
• Contract and stretch your muscles, flex your feet and hands
• Let yourself melt into the bed resting your hands over your belly 
• With each exhalation notice your naval expand on your inhale and relax on the exhale
• Close your eyes and imagine releasing all tension for about 12 - 15 breaths
• Roll on your side into the fetal position and drift off to sleep

Enjoy! 

See you tomorrow, 

Taj 

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9619972@N08/3198810449/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 7 of New Year New You

Well it's been one week!  I hope each of you are diligently following along.  I am having fun setting up the daily challenges. MY apologies for the late post... Today is my birthday and I was out last night with some friends.  :)

My Day 6: Got in my plyometric exercises and put an apple in my salad!  I wasn't able to invest in my workout yesterday... But there is ALWAYS today.

Here we go with Day 7:

Fitness:
Surprise its your day off.  Yeah!  Everyone needs a day off from work and so does your body. ENJOY, there are no physical moments you have to perform today.

Now if you weren't able to complete one of the other days fitness challenge and you want to get it in today, be my guest.  I am keeping it leisurely today.

Food: 
Go GREEN today!  Make today about adding more green veggies to your diet try:

• Collards Greens
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Spinach

Green leafy veggies are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Grab a freshly made glass from your local juice bar, make your own at home.  Steam them for lunch or dinner or  stop by a local raw food restaurant like: Quintessence in Manhattan. 

Self Growth:

Take advantage of your day off! Restore your body with one of of the following: 

• Massage
• Sauna or Stem Room Treatment

If getting to a spa is too late notice for today, bring the Spa to you!  Prepare a hot bath with the following: 

• Candles to set the ambiance
• Epsom Salt
• Drop in some Lavender oil (if available to you)
• Bubbles are always nice too

Afterwards give your body a nice self rub with some lotion or baby oil.   Take your time and move with the muscles, long strokes. 

Enjoy!  I think I see a Spa Treatment in my near future :) 

Until tomorrow

Taj 

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alicehenneman/5849718391/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Holiday Food and Alcohol Guilt

I confess!!!

I ate Mac n Cheese, Corn Bread Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Chocolate Cake and more just two weeks ago at Thanksgiving dinner.  And since this is confessional.... I brought back leftovers for the next 3 days.  YES I flew food across the US from GA to NY!  What? Don't judge me. 

Then to top if off just one week later, (literally last Thursday) I flew to Las Vegas and hit the ground running (more like walking) with Shots of Tequila followed by Jack Daniel's (you should try the single barrel - smooth) and I ate fast food too.  Stop shaking your head!  

Life is about Living, Loving and Enjoying some guilty pleasures... So yes I am guilty as charged!  

Interesting thought: I bet I am not ALONE! 

To make matters worse I swear from tomorrow on I have some type of Holiday party, friend get together, dinner thing etc. every other day until Wed Dec 21st.  Thank God I am leaving for GA on the 21st... or else I might need counseling.  

But enough about me and my confessions..... Tis the season to be Jolly, Happy, Merry, Gleeful and full of Cheer.  As you reflect on Thanksgiving and dive into the future of Hanukah, Xmas, Kwanzaa and any other excuse you can think of to get together with folks don't allow guilt to ruin your night or the next day. 

It seems we are harder on ourselves then ever before, especially with restaurants displaying food calories and magazines writing just how many calories are in your favorite apple martini.  Over thinking every thing we put in our mouth can not only lead us to obsessiveness but it takes us away from the moment and reason we came together in the first place. 

There is ecstasy in food and friends, go out enjoy the textures, tastes, company and appreciate a little heaven in something other then the GYM. 

Its all about balance, so if you have a party every other night like me... watch what you eat in between days.  Have an extra salad, oatmeal instead of bagel with cream cheese, walk on the treadmill for an extra 10 minutes.  Take the stairs for the rest of the month.  Drink a lot of water every day.  

And here are two good tips: 

• For every alcohol drink you have, drink a glass of water right after  
• Also drinking water before your meal will help you not to over eat

So as you enjoy the rest of the month and year with family and friends, leave guilt at the front door, put a smile on your face and enjoy the festivities.  

Keep your eye out for my 2012 New Year - New You Challenge coming soon! 

Taj 

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/casabelle/5236869231/sizes/s/in/photostream/