Viewing entries tagged
health

What I Learned

What I’ve learned during the Living Well Spending Zero Challenge is I don’t need near as much as I think I do. I don’t need as many conveniences, meals out, and I certainly don’t need more clothes. I realized my previous “cutting back” wasn’t cutting it enough. Although I missed the dinners and the drinks, I felt better about my spending than I had in a long time.What I’ve learned during the Living Well Spending Zero Challenge is I don’t need near as much as I think I do. I don’t need as many conveniences, meals out, and I certainly don’t need more clothes. I realized my previous “cutting back” wasn’t cutting it enough. Although I missed the dinners and the drinks, I felt better about my spending than I had in a long time.

This month I was more aware of every item that went into my cart. I realized I was buying extra tea, when I have a mound of it in my cabinet. I realized how many times I pick up a random DVD from Target. I realized how many dinners a month I actually schedule with friends. Although none of these things are bad, I just don’t need as much of them. I want a simpler life and these purchases don’t always contribute.

This is what I do “need,” a healthy life, a healthy mind, and a healthy pet. The rest are just details.

Until next time,

Kaycee

P.S. My favorite song today is Little Bit of Everything by Keith Urban

Caving

I ran eight miles and didn’t pack enough for lunch. Not only did I cave on the Spending Zero Challenge, I also compromised my healthy eating habits by spending $2.14 on fast food. The thing no one tells you about running is it gives you an insatiable appetite. I personally feel that’s why you see so many runners that are overweight. The calories you burn running don’t necessarily compensate for your crazy appetite later. I caved. I ran eight miles and didn’t pack enough for lunch. Not only did I cave on the Spending Zero Challenge, I also compromised my healthy eating habits by spending $2.14 on fast food.

The thing no one tells you about running is it gives you an insatiable appetite. I personally feel that’s why you see so many runners that are overweight. The calories you burn running don’t necessarily compensate for your crazy appetite later.

When I signed up for the Disney Marathon I was glad it was over eight months before my wedding. Running schedules don’t allow for a lot of cross training, and I’m not always the best at not giving in to my crazy hunger. Although logically I know I’ve eaten enough, I usually keep snacking.

Luckily being a dietitian I know how to prevent unwanted weight gain. For any runners looking to get their weight down I recommend not ignoring your hunger, but instead being very picky about what goes into your body.

After a long hard run it’s super tempting to grab a large cheeseburger to refuel, but that’s not necessarily what your body needs. One thing I commonly notice among runners and other athletes is too much focus on protein and not enough focus on fruits and vegetables. Protein is important, but unless you work out hard five or more hours a day most days a week, protein shouldn’t take over your diet.

My personal diet includes eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, chia seeds (my favorite is Mila), quinoa, beans, and organic eggs. I eat minimal meat, dairy, and gluten and can always tell a huge difference when I add in foods that aren’t the best for me. Stay tuned to future posts for healthy tips, whether you run or are just interested in improving your health!

Until next time,

Kaycee

Lifestyle Reset

Today I am starting a fantastic nutrition program by my friend and nutritionist Dawn Hutchins! It’s called the Cleansing Life Diet Reset Program. If you are interested in getting your weight, diet, and lifestyle in check while learning a ton about nutrition along the way, this is the program!Along with the pool time I mentioned yesterday, this Happiness Project journey has helped make other much needed changes in my life. I have set a goal to go to bed at ten every night, and so far with the exception of my weekend nights I’ve made it there. I have started cleaning at least ten to fifteen minutes everyday, and it’s amazing how much better the apartment can feel. I have also decided this September I will be focusing on my health and in October I will be focusing on my finances. I will be using this lovely blog to regularly document my progress, and hopefully inspire others to improve their lives as well. Today I am starting a fantastic nutrition program by my friend and nutritionist Dawn Hutchins! It’s called the Cleansing Life Diet Reset Program. If you are interested in getting your weight, diet, and lifestyle in check while learning a ton about nutrition along the way, this is the program!

Dawn is a fantastic teacher and I am so excited for some accountability with my healthy eating! After reviewing her program I couldn’t wait to participate. Today is the first day and so far I’ve started with a green smoothie and my usual green tea. If you are interested in a little nutrition help hop over to http://www.floridacoastalcooking.com/cleansinglifeprogram and sign up for her free three-day program or email to join the next twenty-one day challenge!

Until next time,

Kaycee

P.S. My favorite song today is Thrive by Casting Crowns

Pool Time

My apartment complex has a resort worthy pool and I'm going to start using it more than four times a year. In the spirit of my happiness project I have been thinking about the things in life that make me happy. Spending time by the water in the sun rejuvenates me in a way that nothing else can.My apartment complex has a resort worthy pool and I'm going to start using it more than four times a year. In the spirit of my happiness project I have been thinking about the things in life that make me happy. Spending time by the water in the sun rejuvenates me in a way that nothing else can. Forty-five minutes by the ocean or the pool makes me a better person for the rest of the day. I write better, think better, and overall feel better.

I’ve decided while it is warm the pool will be my thinking spot at least three days a week. It’s hard to argue with when you don’t have to drive there and the relaxation makes you more productive.

What will you do for your sanity today?

Until next time,

Kaycee

P.S. My favorite song today is Day One by Matthew West