I did something last night I would tell my friends NEVER to do...

I bought a dress that's too small. I don't need to lose 20 lbs to wear it- but it won't look great until I'm at least 5-10 pounds lighter. It was love at first sight. It's a classic LBD with delicate detailing and cut and gorgeous fabric. And it fits- it's just too tight in the hips/butt area. I'm making it my my official goal dress.  AND...  I'm going to post a picture of myself wearing it on the blog by New Years Eve.  Ok. Now that I've typed it- it's official. 
So... considering this is the holiday season of indulgence in food, drinks and excess... how exactly do I plan to do this?
Get My Buff Arms Back.  Once upon a time I used to flex excitedly and make Chris feel my arms after a workout.  Now, I flex and nothing happens... back to Bar Method for me.  Never EVER have I had anything firm up my arms (and rest of body) as much as that workout.  It's an expensive commitment to make, especially during this gifting season- but I'm considering it my gift to myself this year!
Plan Ahead.  For me- the number one thing that determines if I'm eating right or not is how much planning I've done in advance.  If I don't have healthy snack/meal options on hand it's SO much easier and tempting to just stop for takeout on the way home or grab a pack of peanut m&ms to get through the afternoon.  I am going to do a major TJs run and get all my healthy "necessities" and at least 4 healthy meals for the week.
Don't Give in To Stuff I Don't Love. During the holidays sugar is everywhere! Cookies, candy, fudge, cakes- it's all tempting.  But when it comes to desserts- I know what I like.  For this holiday season, I'm NOT going to eat sugary stuff just because it's there.  I'll allow myself a few of my holiday favorites (Russian tea cake cookies- I have not forgotten you) but I'm not going to eat things like gingersnaps, or pecan pie just because they are in front of me.
That's my plan so far.  No crazy diet- just mindful eating and working out.  It always works- it just takes commitment to stick to it. I think having a reason or goal to help you "be good" during this holiday season is important.  Does anyone else have any good holiday diet tips? Am I crazy for buying the dress?
XO
Chel

Cyber Monday DEALS.com

This is not health related- but some of you who know me well are aware of my slight shopping addiction. Specifically with a focus on SALES/DEALS. 
Here are the best cyber Monday offers I've seen so far- all of them are valid today ONLY- so get shopping!
The Limited: 40% off entire site and free shipping (great work clothes/jewelry/scarves)
Ann Taylor Loft: 40% off entire site and free shipping. Code: ENJOY (same as above- some cute sweaters!)
The Body Shop: 3 for $30 ANY products on their site and free shipping (amazing body butters/scrubs and I also like their sheer lip colors)
DSW: 25% off entire purchase and free ship over $35.  Promo code is: cyber25 (Riding boots anyone??)
Kate Spade: 25% off their sale items and free shipping. Code is CYBER25 (They have a BIG sale selection and some really affordable bags once you factor in the discount)
New York & Co: 50% off entire purchase and free shipping! I don't normally shop this store- but with a sale like that I checked it out this past weekend.  They had some great basics & accessories and CHEAP prices.
Macys: Buy one get one pair free BOOTS.  Love this. Buy a gift and one for yourself :)
Steve Madden: another shoe deal! 35% off and free shipping. Code is SMCYBER35. They have FUN sparkily shoes for the holidays.
Endless.com: $30 off purchase of $100, $60 off $200 or $100 off $300.  They have a great selection of designer handbags, shoes and accessories.
Ok- that's all.  I am actually FINISHED Christmas shopping already.  Which is good- but now I have to resist continuing to shop! I will live vicariously and share my deals with you :) Happy Shopping!
XO
Chel
PS. You burn 75 to 100 calories an hour just SHOPPING! Oh wait... online shopping probably doesn't count...

Summer in November

What to cook when it's 96 degrees in November?? Yesterday I was driving home from a work trip in LA in my cool air conditioned car brainstorming the great dinner I wanted to make when I got home. It involved sausage, pasta and homemade sauce deliciousness! As I ran my plan by Chris he said "you realize it's about a hundred degrees in our house right now?" ... all thoughts of winter comfort food were out the window. 
So- I did the next easiest thing- www.samthecookingguy.com on my blackberry and a trip to Whole Foods.  It's an unbeatable combination.
I went for the Tuna Mango Tacos-and here is the VERY simple and healthy recipe.

• 1 ripe mango, diced small
• 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 fresh lime, squeezed
• 3/4 pound yellow fin tuna, uncooked and diced medium (I substituted albacore because they didn't have yellow fin tuna)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (I used a spicy fish blackening seasoning we brought back from Charleston)
• corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon oil 
• (my addition) half of a diced ripe avocado- added to the mango salsa topping.
• (my addition) 2 tbs of salsa added to the mango. 

Mix first 4 Ingredients and set aside
Heat oil to almost high
In medium pan and add tuna
Saute quickly & when almost done stir in seasoning
Put in a warmed tortilla and add mango salsa
That's all - ok, so it wouldn't kill you to add a little extra squeeze of fresh lime
It was so good! And I paired it with two fun sides from Whole Foods (their deli counter is a trap for me!) I got a cucumber greek salad and a grilled veggie cous cous, both of which we ate cold.  Served with a glass of chilled white wine and an episode of Modern Family...  it was heaven after a long hot day. 
Happy Weekend!
XO
Chel
PS- Sam the Cooking Guy is a GREAT local cook who offers the simplest recipes.  Every one I've tried has been delicious (Kate's Mom's Salmon is a favorite) and never excessive ingredient lists. I highly recommend checking them out.

Who Do You Want To Be?

“Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – Anonymous
Isn't that a great quote? Think about it for a minute. Really- why would your "self" just be out there floating around waiting for you to discover it? Doesn't it make more sense to think that you are creating who you are every single day with each choice and action?


If you look at your life this way- it's amazing how many more possiblites open up. Imagine if instead of stressing and searching for fulfillment from external sources- you woke up each day and took steps toward becoming the person you want to be. Imagine the difference you could make. 
How is this food related? Think about it- our bodies are one of the few things that we have 100% control over. You decide everything you put in your mouth, you determine when and how often you exercise. Most of us have a goal in mind when it comes to a healthy lifestyle, whether it's losing 10 lbs or fitting into your skinny jeans. Figure out what your goal is and then make the choices that will help you get there.

Create your own mission statement.  Who do you want to be? The potential is unlimited.  
XO
Chel