Guilt-free Indulging on Thanksgiving

A holiday centered on the appreciation for the pioneers who first landed on American soil, has seen the cornucopia grow to be much more than turkey and potatoes. When you’re giving thanks this November with your family’s favorite recipes, it’s hard to use self-restraint when it comes to the less wholesome choices.

Instead of cropping out the sweets and carbohydrates altogether, on the nation’s most agreed upon “cheat day”, try to split portions into half sizes. I’d recommend teaming up with your grandmother on this—she’s known for taking smaller portions, anyhow.

To continue this theme of treating yourself, Ace Fitness compiled a list of foods you don’t have to avoid on this holiday. Amongst this list of eight edible items worthy of second helpings, my favorites include turkey, pumpkin pie, stuffing with turkey broth, and the sweet potatoes.

If 2013 should have a slogan, it would be “Learn from Your Mistakes” (we’re lookin’ at you Miley Cyrus and Obamacare). So learn from Thanksgivings of your past and don’t cut any foods out this year. Make room for small portions of every dish, and re-visit the leaner choices. 

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Adopting a Natural Running Form

Along with the classic runner’s sweet tooth, one of the hardest things to correct is your running form. I found this video featuring two nationally renowned runners, Sandi Nypaver and Sage Canady, in which the natural forms of running are demonstrated.

For runners who are partial to the short, quick runs, being on your toes might be a habit of yours. For the longer distance runners, a bad habit to break might be the relaxed form of sitting too low in your stride. Watch as Nypaver and Canady identify some of the most common erros in running, and edit them accordingly.

The tips within the video are great for any level of runner. Take some of this advice and take time to consciously edit yourself on your next run. 

Happy trails.

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Staying Motivated for your Workouts

During this time of year, there are a number of things that might keep you from changing into running clothes and log some miles for the day. The devil on your shoulder—picture a hairy, couch-potato version of Danny DeVito—might try to convince you to indulge in some sweets, catch up on the last few episodes of Modern Family, or stay in the warmth of your bed because it’s a cold, dangerous world out there.

With that being said, it’s a good thing we all have that ideal, healthy version of ourselves sitting on the opposing shoulder to urge us into our workout routines day-to-day. While we’re on the subject of the fit version of yourself, it should be said that you should remind yourself of your goals every so often. When you’re losing track of the progress you want to make and the goals you’ve set, take a break from the calorie counting and workouts schedules to revisit your ‘fit-spiration’, if you will.

Some common ways of maintaining your motivational levels involve making a vision board with quotes, photos, and other miscellaneous items that urge you to keep going. A less crafty version of a vision board might include a hand-written list of five reasons you want yourself to stick to your workout regimen. Keep your vision board or list in a visible place.

Pushing past the days where you’re sore or are tempted much more towards snacking versus running, can be made easier with reminders from your ideal self—the angel on your shoulder. Be sure to give yourself a cheat day, and if all else fails enlist your fitness guru friends as workout buddies. This way you feel a little more accountable, if not nervous as to what insane push-up routine they might put you through if you miss a workout.

If you're looking for some more tips on staying motivated, browse this article from giaim.com 

Happy trails.

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Running free of frostbite: 3 tips for running in the winter

With Halloween nearly knocking on our doorstep, the looming winter weather is not so far away. Getting motivated to run in colder temperatures is the first feat. Next, you want to ensure that you will be warm and dry from the start of time on your stopwatch, ‘til the end. Below, you’ll find some tips to avoid icy workouts.

1. Getting Dressed: According to an article from Runner’s World, ’10 Tips for Running in the Cold’, there’s a rule of thumb for dressing for colder runs. Mark Grandonico, the president for the Maine Track Club, says to dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer outside. With technical fabrics, that wick moisture, you’ll allow for enough body warmth to accumulate within your run without overheating.
2. Deep Breaths: On a vigorous run, taking deep breaths from your stomach can make your throat dry and cold. An easy way to avoid this is to run with a mesh or cloth cowl neck warmer covering your mouth. This will filter warmer air into your mouth while breathing. If you dislike running with a cowl, try altering your breathing pattern so you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can also aid in avoiding side aches.
3. Before Leaving: Don’t start the time on your watch if you haven’t performed some sort of warm-up. “The cold doesn’t feel so cold if you’re warm,” says Lauren Salmon on Runner’s World. Not warming up is an easy way to let the chilly winter air stifle your performance during a run. Get a head start and prepare your muscles and cardio for the low temperatures outside.

Now go out and run atop the loud, fallen leaves, or the melting snow-covered pavement this winter. Run happy and run warm. 

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Fourth Meal: 3 Great Snack Ideas

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee on any morning is enough to pull you from your bed to the kitchen. After your senses have been shaken awake and your bed-head has started to lay flat, however, you might not crave a hot cup of Joe. In order to get a midday fill of energy, open your cabinets to one of the following snacks.

1. Hummus on wheat crackers: A mini meal, hummus with your preferred wheat cracker, like Wheat Thins or Triscuits, will give you an appropriate dosage of protein and fiber. This is a heavier snack that can help you re-energize if you have a more intensive workout on a particular day. (280 calories for 3 oz. hummus and 8 crackers)
2. Popcorn (Unbuttered or lightly buttered): For the salty snack-lovers in need of something filling and low in calories. (80-100 calories for 2 cups, popped)
3. Fruit Popsicles: If salty is your second choice, and you’ve got a sweet tooth to satisfy, reach for a store bought or homemade fruit popsicle. For a homemade recipe, use your favorite low-sugar lemonade or juice and mix in sliced fruit for a more filling snack. (75 calories for every 3 oz.)

For a complete list of 25 snacks for a runner's appetite, check out this article from Runner's World. 

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