Travel

Staying Healthy When Life Happens

I’ve had a tough week.  We all have those weeks, when life just happens.  We all know that routines are comforting, they help you stay on track and stick to the plan, which ultimately is the first step to a healthy lifestyle.  Unfortunately, life throws you some curveballs every once in a while.

Maybe you got some bad news at work, your child is sick, you had a fight with your loved one, or you lost someone close to you.  Whatever it is, things happen that can affect our state of mind, which in turn will affect our physical state.

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Here are some tips on staying healthy when life happens:

Control the controllables.  If you’re taken away from your gym or yoga studio or regular place of exercise, use your two legs and get up and move.  Even if it’s just for 15 minutes.  That’s why I love running and yoga.  You can do it anywhere!  Any type of physical activity releases endorphins which naturally makes you feel better.

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Snack often.  Don’t starve yourself if healthy foods are not around.  You will end up pigging out on all the bad stuff that is available.  Try to grab some on the go healthy snacks that will fuel your body.

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Wake up early.  Early mornings are the best time to get some physical activity in when you don’t have the time.  Get up 30 minutes before everyone else and go for a jog, take a walk, or do some sit ups in your bedroom.  I found a great website that emails you an exercise every day that requires only YOU.  No props, gyms, or machines are needed.  It’s called Bodeefit.

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Stay hydrated.  I literally never leave the house without my Camelbak water bottle.  I call it my “adult bottle.”  People might think it’s weird but I don’t mind.  Staying hydrated is huge when your body is run down emotionally or physically.  If you don’t drink enough water your mind will trick you into thinking you need something else when in reality you just need some H2o!

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Realize no one is perfect.  There is not a human being out there who eats perfectly all the time or exercises consistently 365 days a year.  It’s okay to let go, get off track, or indulge.  It might seem like you are being unhealthy, but you know what…sometimes it’s healthy for the soul. The best thing about straying off your routine is you can turn around and get right back on track in the blink of an eye because it’s something YOU control.

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A Perfect Saturday – Workouts, Wine, and Friends

Yesterday was what I would call a perfect Saturday.  I fit in all of the things I love!  A great crossfit workout to kick-start my weekend before we headed to the vineyard to enjoy some wine, cheese, and time with friends.  What can be better than that?

Here is the Crossfit WOD I chose

45 pound barbell Overhead squat, 50 reps
100 Abmat sit-ups
115 pound Overhead squat, 25 reps
50 Toes-to-bar
185 pound Overhead squat, 10 reps
20 GHD sit-ups

Here is how I modified it (I ended up completing it in 15:50)

20 pound barbell Overhead squat, 50 reps
75 Abmat sit-ups
30 pound Overhead squat, 25 reps
35 Leg Raises
40 pound Overhead squat, 10 reps
20 GHD sit-ups

I ran a mile before this workout and then did some yoga on my own after it.  My abs are pretty sore today, so I guess that means it worked! After our workout we came home and made our go to Saturday omelet, which is also my go to dinner many nights.  It always does the trick.

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Later we headed up to Wallingford, my hometown, to Gouveia Vineyards.  Gouveia is a gorgeous winery set up on a hill in Wallingford, CT with breathtaking views and beautiful sunsets.  I still can’t believe we have such a fantastic place in my hometown and I didn’t know about it until just the past couple of years.  Here is my Yelp review.  If you ever find yourself in Connecticut, Gouveia is a must – see!

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We made a stop at Whole Foods to grab some cheese and crackers.  One of my favorite cheeses from Whole Foods is called Midnight Moon.  It’s made with goat’s milk and tastes like a mix between goat cheese and gouda.  For crackers, we usually get Nut Thins.  They are gluten-free and made from almonds.  You can find them in most grocery stores now a days.

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We met up with friends, some who I haven’t seen in a while, so it was really nice to be with everyone.  Once the sun started setting we went picture crazy as I always do!

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We all had a great time and a perfect Saturday.  What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday?

Take Me Back Tuesday – Boston

A big part of me will always be in Boston.  The day I graduated from college (the University of Massachusetts, Amherst) I decided to pack up my apartment and move to Beantown!  I spent the past four years there from 2009 to 2013.

I started my career in Boston, had what I call my “first adult relationship” in Boston, started practicing and found my love of yoga in Boston, and navigated the ups and downs of my early 20’s in Boston.  It’s been quite the transitional year moving back to Connecticut.  While I know it was the right choice there are just some things about Boston that I will always miss!

10 Things I Miss About Boston

Running along the Charles River

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Fenway Park – The fans, the sunsets, the beer, and the singing.

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The T – Never thought I would say that! But I miss being able to hop on the train to go to the store or dinner, and all of the “interesting” people you encounter.

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Newbury Street – What a beautiful street lined with brownstones and has great shopping, food, and people watching.

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The North End / Waterfront – My first company was in this neighborhood.  The North End is the “Little Italy” of Boston with fantastic restaurants and some great Italian American culture.  It also sits right next to the waterfront which is just a beatiful place bustling with tourists.

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Running around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir – I lived close to the reservoir most of my years in Boston.  It was about a mile and a half around, a perfect place to run, and had some great sunsets.

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The Skyline 

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Hip Hop Yoga – My very first yoga class was at Sweat & Soul yoga to try out Hip Hop yoga.  It’s not what you think it is!  It’s just vinyasa flow to loud music and so, so much fun!  This picture was at a hip hop yoga event near Copley Square hosted by Lululemon.

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The Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, & Patriots and all of their crazy fans.  

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The Boston Common & Public Garden

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I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend four years of my life in one of the best cities in the world!

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