5:45AM Spin Class

Today I did something I haven’t done in a while: wake up before 6 AM to work out. Oh and it wasn't just before 6, it was before 5!! AH! Why would I do such a thing?!

Now I know you might be thinking I’m crazy, but let me give you my reasons for doing this.

ME time! This is the most effective way for me to have a quiet (the time it takes to get ready and the ride there) reflection period.  Oftentimes, I will be so focused after a workout or spin class that I don’t want to listen to music on the ride home. I encourage you to take 10-15 minutes of reflection time AFTER your workout with just you and your thoughts. It’s incredible.

Increase in Productivity. I honestly love getting up before the sun because I feel like the rest of the day will be super productive. And if I have already worked out before 7am, I have already accomplished one of my daily tasks. PLUS if you’re a busy person, as in, a full-time student, mother, working adult, it’s a great idea to go ahead and knock out your workout before the rest of the world yawns and rises.

Positive thinking. If you go hard in the mornings and give it your all, focusing on yourself, you will usually gain a positive outlook. I’m not really sure about the chemical processes....some may say it’s endorphins that make you feel happy...but whatever it is, exercising makes you happy, hopeful, accomplished, confident. I like doing things like this just to remind myself that I can do it. So, as Nike says, JUST DO IT!

Get it in! 

Here are some quick links to class schedules at nearby gyms:

GA State Student Rec Center: Early classes starting at 7:15am

LA Fitness Atlantic Station: starting at 5:45am 

LA Fitness Ansley: 6:00am 

LA Fitness Midtown II (Fifth Street): 5:45am 

LA Fitness Lenox/Buckhead: 6:00am 

YMCA Ashford Dunwoody: 5:45am 

YMCA Decatur/Dekalb: 6am

YMCA Villages at Carver Family: 5:45am 

Chick-fil-A: A Healthy Choices Guide

Chick-fil-A is probably one of the healthiest fast food chains ever! I’ve been continuously impressed with the healthier selections at this place. If you're ever in a hurry and your driving through the gamut of fast food restaurants, look to this place for the healthiest options. I've gone through the menu and have chosen my favorites and other great low-cal options. And yes, Icedream cones are involved! 

Here are my picks:

-Diet lemonade! Small = 15 cals

-GRILLED NUGGETS! 4 count = 80 cals, 6 count = 110 cals

-Multigrain oatmeal =140 cals w/out topping (290 cals with)

-Fruit cup Medium= 70 cals

-Multigrain bagel = 220 cals (no cream cheese)

-Chargrilled chicken sandwich = 290 cals (they serve their sandwiches on wheat buns!!! Just ask and make sure they use them.)

-Chargrilled Chicken (or spicy chicken) Cool Wrap= 410 cals (no dressing) In my opinion, it doesn’t really need it!

-all salads except the Chicken strips salad. All three are 250 cals or under! No granola, croutons, tortilla strips, or sunflower seeds.

-Dressing picks*: Fat free honey mustard (YUM!), reduced fat berry balsamic, light Italian

*The nutritional facts are on the back of the container. Make sure you pay attention to serving size!

-Side salad = 70 cals

-Chicken soup = 140 cals

-Icedream cone (small) = 170 cals

If you’d like to look up other options, visit their website here. http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Food/Menu

Sometimes you need a little chocolate...

It's true. You should never deprive yourself of what you love. And chocolate can be healthy. Just remember type and moderation.

Type: Any chocolate greater than 50% cocao (dark chocolate) has less milk solids, less sugar, and more antioxidants (and more flavor). Be sure to select a good quality. If you are only using a little, it's totally worth it.

Moderation: Although I don't know anyone who can eat a whole bar of chocolate in one sitting, that's probably not the wisest idea. Stick to one or two inch squares. This should satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard.

A trip to the farmers market this week meant LOTS of fresh, fragrant strawberries! I wonder what I had in mind...

Hurry up! I can't wait that long and the yogurt wants its spot back!

There's nothing left...

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Serving size: 4 medium strawberries

Strawberries
2-3 oz good quality dark chocolate
Wash and dry strawberries very well. Break or chop the chocolate in small pieces and place in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir. You may need a few more seconds in the microwave. Roll strawberries around in the chocolate, shake off extra chocolate, and place on a wax paper or parchment lined baking sheet. Place in the fridge until chocolate is set. The serving size is 4 medium strawberries. Extras can be placed in a parchment-lined tupperware and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.