Wednesday, September 11, 2013

{Business Lunch Survival}

On occasion at my job, I go on business lunches with our customers.  It's always fun and I enjoy meeting new people, touring foundries and connecting with my customers.  It can be challenging to stay on track during these business lunches, but it isn't impossible.

I've comprised a list of ways YOU can survive your next business lunch:

{1}  Be prepared.  Know where you're going ahead of time and do some prep-work.  Google the restaurant and check out their menu in advance.  Most restaurant websites nowadays list the Nutritional Information directly on their site!  Preparation is the key to staying on track and being successful.

{2}  No munching.  Skip the tortilla chips or bread basket.  Mindless munching is a quick way to add loads of calories to your meal.  Instead, try sipping on your water.

{3}  Go light.  Most restaurants have a lunch menu that provides a lighter portion option.  This is an easy way to help keep your portions in control.

{4}  Eat slow.  You're going to be chatting with co-workers or customers, so just take it slow.  You'll fill up faster on your lunch and avoid over-eating.

{5}  Remember your goals.  Don't be surprised if you receive a few comments on your "healthy" food choices during the business lunch.  I've heard it all from "What diet are you on?"  to "You don't need to worry about what you eat!"  It's okay to be different and choose healthy options.  Don't let anything discourage you from making good choices for yourself.  Most people won't understand, and they don't have to.  Try a positive response back like: "I really enjoy eating healthy when I can." 


Xox,
Mrs. Munana

Friday, September 6, 2013

{Gym Junkie}


I've got a confession to make.... I am a gym junkie! 
 
I love everything about the gym: the sweat, hard work, cardio, weight training, classes, the cute workout gear -- I love it all!  There was a period right after we moved where we had cancelled our gym membership at Lifetime Fitness simply due to distance.  After a month or so, I was desperately craving the gym.  I needed it.  I found a gym close by my work, Sky Fitness in Midtown Tulsa.  We signed up right away, and I'm hooked yet again.  I look forward to going to the gym, it's my stress relief and my second home.  I attend Zumba classes three days a week, plus a Hot Vinyasa class on Sundays.  I head to the gym right after work and stay for two hours.  Stephen is always by my side and before classes, we work on toning and weight training together.  He's been a great teacher, showing me new techniques and helping me tone my problem areas.  He is also my biggest motivator and supporter.  I am so thankful we are able to workout together, it's been a great bonding experience for us as a couple. 
 
Did you know that there's WAY more than just physical benefit of exercise?  As if the physical benefits aren't enticing enough....Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, boost happy chemicals, improve self-confidence, alleviate anxiety, boost brainpower, sharpen memory, helps control addiction, and increases relaxation. 
 
After a gym sesh, I feel empowered and unstoppable!  The high I get after a workout is the most incredible feeling.   
 
 
Stephen has been a great help teaching me the ropes on weight training!
 
I'm a sucker for russian twists!
 
 
 
 

 
 
With each passing day, I notice that my strength and endurance is building.  I never thought I'd be the girl who could do a yoga head stand (still working on perfecting it), be able to do push-ups, or have bicep muscles!  I'm learning more each day and am excited to see more results over time.  I am very thankful that I have a healthy and strong body that is able to try new things and push myself to new levels. 
 
Xox,
Mrs. Munana 
 
 



Thursday, September 5, 2013

{Scaling Back}

I weigh in once every few weeks at my local Weight Watchers.  Since I'm a Lifetime Member now, it's just a routine check-up to ensure I'm maintaining my weight loss.  I went in today on my lunch break as usual and stepped on the scale.  A lady working the counter behind me chimed in and said, "Girl, it doesn't matter what that scale says, because you look awesome!" 

She made my day. 

What a great reminder.  It's not all about a certain number on the scale.  It's about being healthy, happy and strong.  It's about loving yourself and what you see in the mirror, even if you aren't "there" yet.

I love that I can say I am no longer a slave to the scale.  I embrace who I am and celebrate how far I've come.  I'm not perfect, far from it.  I make mistakes daily and am constantly learning.  But my mistakes don't stop me or discourage me from keeping on my path of a healthy life. 

I walked out of my weigh-in today with a smile on my face not because of the number on the scale, but because of the fresh perspective I was given by a complete stranger.


 
 
Xox,
Mrs. Munana