Yesterday was the celebration 5k for Girls on the Run at Sweet Briar College!
I felt like a proud parent.
It was an early morning. We left school at 6:45 and arrived at Sweet Briar around 8am. The race started at 9 so we had time to kill.
stretching.
coaches chitchat.
a pep talk.
and we were off!
It was awesome.
The atmosphere was full of encouragement, empowerment, and accomplishment.
Near the end of the race I looked at Catherine [left below] and said, “okay, no more hills and there are snacks at the end- you got this girl.”
Her response, “That’s like a value pack.”
Why yes, yes it is Catherine.
Everyone finished under 40 minutes, wahoooo. Every girl rocked it!
So thankful for Kelly and Mary. Girls on the Run has been incredible with these two!
The afternoon was spent cooking and baking for a Friendsgiving at Kelly and Larissa’s apartment. I made cornbread stuffing and pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
I love the holidays.
So much delicious food. I loaded up on roasted veggies, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, cornbread stuffing, mac and cheese, and the best green bean casserole ever. Really, ever.
I pried the girl who made it for her secret….everything from scratch. A girl after my own heart. She used fresh green beans, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms and actual milk and butter instead of condensed Campbells’s soup. So good.
And then Kofi insisted on shots of tequila. Oy.
I love the holidays, especially Thanksgiving. I am so very grateful to have such wonderful friends here. Being away from home these past two Thanksgivings has been hard, but always reminds me of the amazing friends I have been blessed with!
With the holidays in full swing, I often get asked how to enjoy the holidays without feeling guilt or shame or like crap come January.
Want the honest truth?
The holidays aren’t meant to be 100% healthy. It’s a time of love, happiness, sharing, giving, and gratitude. Yes, eat all the foods. The important thing is to have a healthy approach and mindset. The holidays are 6 weeks or so, not six months. Eating homemade baked goods and some butter for a few weeks is not something to lose sleep over. Simply remember these tips.
1. Enjoy baked goods from scratch that you wouldn’t make yourself. Forgo store bought baked goods, you can have those anytime.
2. Taste the good stuff. The first bite of pecan pie will taste the same [if not better] than the last. Have a a bite or two of a variety of desserts and rich dishes such as mac and cheese or broccoli casserole. Recognize when your taste buds get bored and stop eating. You’ll be satisfied, feel good, and get to taste everything. Win, win, win.
4. When you’re not at a holiday party or happy hour eat your normal foods that leave you feeling physically good. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats [avocado, nuts, seeds, olives etc.] and whole grains. Then when you’re at a party enjoy all the delicious food, the experience and being around people you care about, and not having to do any dishes!
5. Move your body. Maybe it’s for just 10 minutes of stretching or 5 minutes of jumping jacks in your pajamas, or a walk during your lunch break. Moving your body will remind you what it feels like to feel good. It can associate vs dissociate yourself with your body.
Cheers!
What’s your favorite part about the holidays?
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