Happy Thanksgiving

Cliche time! But, if you don't do this once a day already ... today is a great day to start the habit.
What are you grateful for?

I am thankful for my health, my mind and most of all my partner in life and love.

I am gracious that I have a forum to express my opinions about fun beauty products, fitness modalities, fashion, food and health and that I have found others that are interested in the very same things!

Enjoy the holiday!

Thanksgiving - Have a Plan of Attack

So, Dad is making his famous deep fried turkey. Mom has been slaving over her stuffing, so good it is barely short of miraculous. Grandma's rich, creamy mashed potatoes and famous pecan pie are a shoe in to be on the tempting line up as well.

How do you navigate this day, so thick with food and tradition without blowing your nutrition plan?

I say you do just that.

No rules. No limitations - except on quantity. There is no need to miss out on any of the delicious, ceremonies treats that are a part of this gluttonous holiday.

Enjoy your life, your food, your family. Life is just too short to make food restrictions a part of Thanksgiving.

Have a plan of attack.

Get up early.
Have a sensible breakfast and even a small snack.
Get an energizing work out in. Some cardio followed by yoga, a fun class you usually wouldn't have the chance to attend, a brisk November walk ...
And when the smorgasbord is laid out, you can be in control, sampling whatever treats you like.
Savor each bite and really ask yourself if you need more.
Stop when you are full.
Drink a glass of water and see where you are at.
Focus on the conversation and company instead of on gorging yourself silly.

Give leftovers to the needy if possible and maintain this healthy attitude toward food for the rest of the holiday season.
(photo from: gospel.com)

Oldie, but look damn goodie - TRX

Gym in a bag - The TRX system.
Get one BEFORE the new year!!
The perfect holiday gift for yourself, a fellow fitness freak or someone who needs some inspiration!
Read more here: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/10/trx.html

Avoid the Inevitable Holiday Pudge

It seems unavoidable.

The inevitable holiday weight gain.

My strategy this year? It's twofold - literally.

First, I'm going to split my work outs to get at least two bouts of activity per day instead of one extended session. That will be twice the reminder not to sabotage my hard work by mindlessly eating and drinking too many calories. It will also shake up my muscles causing them to adapt to a new regime.

Yes - even in the time strapped chaos until January 1 - I am pledging to either split my workout into two parts performed morning and evening or add in an extra workout each day.

Second - I am going to repeat the mantra, "Taste everything - eat nothing" to be extra sure my calorie consumption stays in check while not feeling deprived. After all, what are the holidays without treats? But, one bite will have to suffice this year!

I refuse to let this amazing time of year expand my waistline!

How about you?

Are you up for the challenge?

(photo from: istockphoto.com)

Toe Sox

This blog aims to show you how to look your best from head to toe and this post takes that quite literally.
Your feet are the root of all stability for your body. If you aren't plugged into your soles, chances are your balance is questionable, you may suffer from back pain and are missing out on a key area of your body to work on.
Toe Sox address these issues by gently spreading the toes, hence the separate sheath for each individual "piggy."
Finding the articulation of the toes stretches and strengthens the muscles of the feet and starts to make you aware of the movement in each foot phalange. I couldn't resist ... say it ... FA LAN GEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Additionally these socks are a great yoga/pilates/workout tool in many ways:

1. Wear them to classes that use communal mats ... no more risk of toe rot!! YAY!

2. Use them to facilitate sliding movements where your feet need to drag through a pose or movement, such as learning the jump through/back used in Ashtanga yoga. Or to work your legs with sliding lunges; instead of picking up the foot to lunge, slide the moving foot along the floor to move from standing to lunge position.

3. Relax in them after a long day strutting the streets in the ridiculously high, yet fabuolous heels I know you were rocking at the office today. Seriously, Toe Sox are like a martini for your tootsies - and they will probably inspire you to roll out your yoga mat and practice!

4. You can hide your unpedicured feet from the hottie in your Thursday night class.

You can buy Toe Sox at www.toesox.com
They come in full coverage and half toe versions, with or without grip.
I have the full coverage version with grip, but my next purchase will be the half toe sox.
And ... I know we're a bit early on this ... but, since the music and decorations are reering their FA LA LA heads earlier each year ...
Check out the Holiday Collection - you can pre-order now!! The Holiday Toe Sox make a unique, affordable gift for your yogi, work out junkie and general "on their feet all the time" giftee.

(photo from: toesox.com)