Tips for a Healthy & Fit Summer Season!

I know, been a while, huh?  During the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time at work; it’s wedding and prom season.  It may sound fun and exciting and some days it is, however, take it from me, it can be stressful and exhausting!  Thank goodness summer is fast approaching and I can finally see the sunshine at the end of the tunnel.  Summer, to me, means three things: beautiful weather, outside play and [yikes!] bathing suits. 

 I don’t know about you, but for me, shopping for a bathing suit definitely falls into the same category as getting a root canal.  Just.  Not.  Fun.  As many of you know, over the past year I’ve focused on adopting a healthy lifestyle, which centers around making better choices when it comes to food and fitness.  I know that this summer’s wardrobe will be the best yet, but, admittedly, I’m still not so thrilled to look in the mirror some days... especially when wearing my slimming black turtleneck isn’t an option!  

I’m so lucky to have many amazing and positive women in my life.  Each possesses such strength and talent that I truly admire.  So, in an effort to embrace the care-free, “less is more” attitude of summer, I decided to ask a few of these gal-pals to share their secrets for staying cool, conditioned, and confident.

One of my dearest friends from high school recently completed her degree in Nutritional Health Counseling.   Her main focus is assisting women who struggle with conceiving, specifically how changing their diet and eating habits can affect their progress.  As one who practices what she preaches, she lives her life by the 90:10 rule.  90% of her diet is healthy and balanced, but she allows herself to “cheat” up to 10% of the time.  Since starting my journey I have taken this to heart.  It’s nearly impossible to “be good” 100% of the time and still be very successful.  After all, staying healthy is a lifestyle, not a diet, and I’ve found that giving your body what it’s craving once or twice a week is absolutely satisfying enough.  Just remember... moderation is key.  Have a slice of cheesecake, not a cheesecake.  ;-)

Finding time to exercise can be no easy task.  Especially when you’re like me - a busy working mom-of-two who strives to maintain a somewhat organized household.   However, a huge secret to my success has been “find something you truly enjoy doing... and do it”!  This can be as simple as walking the kids through Valley Forge Park [seriously, that trail is no joke and it really is so beautiful], as regimented and exhilarating as a twice-a-week fitness bootcamp, or as fulfilling as setting and achieving a personal goal.  No matter what, it’s always good to have the company and accountability of a good friend.  My workout buddies and I have our butts kicked at a training class together every Tuesday and also go for a nice long run.  Never in my life did I think I could be capable of running any kind of race, let alone develop a passion for the sport, but after completing my first 5K I was hooked.  I’m so fortunate to have a dedicated running partner who keeps me motivated and running at least once a week.  The best thing about having a workout partner is when your mind and body tell you to stop, your partner will remind you of the goal you set and keep you going.  We recently signed up for the Media 5 Mile on Friday, June 17^th.  It looks like a lot of fun and her pep talks & positive attitude that we can do it keeps me inspired.  I can’t wait!

“Zumba Mania”  If you haven’t shimmied your way onto the Zumba bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for?  Zumba is a Latin inspired dance class that keeps you moving and shaking for one long, fun hour.  When my girlfriend told me she had become a Zumba instructor and invited me to take her class, all I could think about was how much of a spaz I would look like.  Her advice?  “If you fall behind just jump around, move your hips and have fun.”  So, I figured why not, took the class... and I must tell you it was awesome.  Despite my crazy notion that the room would be filled with girls who looked like they stepped off the set of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, everyone was just like me... and we all had a great time looking ridiculous together.  This may be something you never imagined yourself doing, but get outside of your comfort zone and go for it.  It’s fan-freakin-tastic.  Life is about embarking on new experiences and challenges, and this one is fun, rewarding and super sexy!

Of course no healthy lifestyle is complete without a properly balanced meal.  I truly believe you can eat what you want, as long as you’re making better choices.  Here are a couple of yummy and easy meals [yes, even easy for me, the culinary-challenged] that I have received from friends and have fast become staples in my home:  

1. Tuna, Cheese & Avocado Sandwich:  It’s as simple as it sounds.  Start with a can of drained chunk-light tuna and mix in a little light mayonnaise. Spread that on some Rye or Whole Wheat toast and top with a slice of reduced-fat deli American or Jarlesburg cheese and half of an avocado, sliced.  Pair this with a few ranch flavored Rice Quakes or baked sour cream and onion Lays and it’s a quick lunch or dinner, packed with protein, for under 600 calories.
2. Homemade Margarita Naan Pizza:  I got this recipe from a fellow mom member and it is amazing.  Naan is a large, flat Indian bread and is only about 400 calories.  Top the Naan with a few slices of fresh Mozzarella, sliced tomato, fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.  Pop it in the toaster oven and in less than 15 minutes you have a yummy treat.  It’s a much better choice than those store-bought frozen pizzas, plus it’s a great way to log in a little extra quality time with the kids; mine love helping to make their own dinner!
3. Chicken Fajitas:  This has become my signature dish (really, ask anyone).  If you ever come over for dinner, I sure hope you like Mexican!  The most tedious part is truly the prep work, but this can easily be done the night before.  Just slice up some onions and red bell peppers and zip-lock those suckers until the next day.  Cook chicken tenders, cut into strips, all the way through in a sauté pan and then add the sliced onions and peppers.  Add in a packet of Fajita seasoning, mix it all together and once fully coated let sit for 3 minutes and serve with some low-fat Whole Wheat tortillas.  You can top these with some low fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, lettuce, tomato or salsa.  Everyone can build their own according to their likes and dislikes, which is why this has become a family favorite.
4. I scream, you scream...:  You didn’t think I’d forget about dessert, did you?  I am absolutely in love with Reese’s Cup & Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sundaes by Smart Ones.  If they’re not in your freezer right now, you are seriously missing out, girlfriend.  These little bites of heaven are a mere 175 calories, but o.m.g. are they amazing.  Pop it in the microwave and 7 seconds later dig in and smile after every bite.  This indulgence is completely guilt-free!

I cannot express what the power and strength from a girlfriend can do for your life and spirit.  I feel such gratitude, each and every day, for the wonderful people I am surrounded by and I do not take a single day for granted.  I wish you all a happy, healthy and amazing summer!

Until then,
Be creative & have fun
Jessica

By: Jessica McBrearty