Busy is the biggest excuse - Juggling Holidays, Work, Horses and Fitness

Well, my friends, not sure about you, but I have been doing a balancing act these last couple of weeks. First, there is work. The Year End scampering in the office has been more hectic than usual due to the economy and deadlines are looming. Add holidays to the mix, a statistics final exam, the house and of course the horse, and what you have is a highly combustible mixture for keeping off the pounds. The goal is to balance all of these things I have to do and still take care of myself. It is really easy during these hectic times to eat fast food, stop the exercise routine and maybe just plop down on the couch at the end of the day with a big bag of something salty and crunchy. It is easy to justify it because you are so BUSY! But......it is not worth it.

Eight years ago when I was 300 pounds I would rationalize that I was busy and did not have time to eat right. Exercise was the furthest thing from my mind. Busy, Busy, Busy....I had to get stuff done no matter the cost to my health. I was cranky, unhappy and it did not help my family enjoy the holidays. After everyone went to bed, I was the woman on the couch with the big bag of chips or the huge cereal bowl of ice cream to reward myself after a hectic day. You feel great for a couple of minutes, then the guilt sets in. I have been there and done that, I know what it feels like.

I am going to be honest here......It is hard sometimes, but I keep telling myself to "keep my eyes on the prize." The prize is my health and staying fit and keeping my weight under control. And I now know that I have the strength to get through a rough week. Which means I have to politely decline more events, find shortcuts and easier ways of getting things done. For instance this week I had several days of early meetings. So, my usual AM work out had to be moved to later in the day. One day, on Tuesday, I just could not make it to the gym at all, it was impossible. But I made a point that day of walking between buildings instead of driving and I took a brief walk before the evening meeting. Last night I decided to go to the gym on the way home from work. But as soon as I started my exercise an announcement was made that the gym was closing in 30 minutes because of their Christmas Party. I was really looking forward to the yoga class but I was still able to do 30 minutes of cardio before "lights out." Oh, and by the way, when I came home, really tired and hungry, my daughter was in the kitchen baking a big batch of chocolate mint cookies made with Andes Candies. I took one look, grabbed a big bottle of water and went upstairs to a long hot shower. What a temptation especially since the whole house smelled wonderful! (Thankfully she took them all to a party tonight).

Anyway, I know that many of you are facing the same challenges - too little time for holiday prep, stressful situations at work and all of the tempting holiday goodies. It was hard, but I did OK, not perfect but OK. Also, I could not find one day during the week to see my horse, Nitro, but I will see him tomorrow and Sunday for a bit. There will be more time for riding between Christmas and New Years when I am off from work.

This week was tough but I was balanced and I am not feeling guilty. I decided that Christmas may not be an extravagant affair in my home, but it will be warm and inviting to my family and friends. My family will be happier because I will not allow myself to get stressed and I will stay the course with my health.

How are all of you doing? Hang in there! Drop that cookie, put down the chips, you can do it!

Happy healthy trails to you.