Friday, January 20, 2012

SMALL STEPS

Today I’m welcoming Jess Macallan to our Fluffy Friday. Isn't she adorable? I’m thrilled because she has some fantastic suggestions for making small changes in our lives. Seriously, these I can handle. Take it away, Jess.
I’m excited to be here today! Boone was nice enough to let me geek out *cough* I mean chat about healthy ideas for those of us chained to our computers most days of the week. I’m a yoga teacher and nutrition student, but haven’t always had a good grasp on my health. I’ve had to get smart about what I eat and how I move and would love to share my small steps with you.
I’ll start with food because writers need the right kind of fuel to keep those creative juices going. I eat a lot of small meals throughout the day otherwise my blood sugar tanks and my family runs to the bunker. It’s not pretty. My go-to snacks are:
·         Apple slices with a tablespoon of peanut butter. You get a serving of fruit and healthy fats. (Yes, the right kind of fats can be good for you!)
·         Kale chips. I make my own with a little olive oil and sea salt. You get a serving of veggies, more healthy fats and sea salt contains trace minerals our bodies need.
·         Turkey rolls. I’m a big fan of keeping things simple, so I’ll wrap julienned veggies in a slice of turkey, or turn it into a lettuce wrap. The carbohydrates from the veggies and the protein from the turkey are just what your creative brain needs to churn out your best work.
·         Homemade trail mix. Add nuts like almonds and cashews, dried fruit, whole wheat pretzels and chocolate chips (dark chocolate if you can find it). If you’re counting calories, put your portions in Ziploc bags or small Tupperware containers so you can grab and go without worrying about blowing your calorie budget.
Movement is another matter. I’m content to sit at my computer while my elliptical gathers dust. Lots of dust. But as a yoga teacher, I know better. Plus, my back and shoulders start protesting quickly. We don’t all have access to a gym, nor do we need special equipment to keep our bodies health. Here are a few ideas to get you moving:
·         Use commercial breaks to your advantage. Those few minutes are perfect for time on the treadmill or a little yoga. Go to Yoga Journal to search for poses that best fit your body’s needs (i.e. bad back, carpel tunnel, neck problems, etc.)
·         Take a dance break. If you listen to music while you write, get up and dance to a few songs. You might even shake and shimmy a few great ideas loose. *winks*
·         Walk with your characters. A 30 minute walk is the perfect time to chat with your characters, work through a plot hole, or brainstorm your next best seller.
·         Enlist help. One of my favorite websites to jump start your way to health is Spark People. They offer eating plans, exercise and nutrition info, challenges, and so much more. Best of all, it’s free!
Writers have the incredible self-discipline to produce novels. If you channel some of that self-discipline for your health, it will be easily within your grasp. The main thing to remember is that small changes can have a BIG impact. Create 1 or 2 new habits a week and see where it takes you. Dancing and apple slices anyone?
As a writer, what’s your biggest health challenge?
Thanks so much for letting me stop by to chat! I hope you’ll connect with me on | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | JessMacallan |
Get your copy of STONE COLD SEDUCTION at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books On Board | Powell's | BAM | Diesel
About STONE COLD SEDUCTION
“Elle. It’s just Elle.”
When a regular night of Robin Hood-ery results in the manifestation of some, um, unusual paranormal abilities, perfume-maker Elleodora Fredricks realizes the normal world she lives in isn’t quite… normal. And neither is she, thanks to her father, king of the shadow elves. Not only is he evil incarnate and the reason Elle moonlights as a burglar—someone has to take care of all his victims—he’s stolen her memories.
And only reading her fate can fix that.
Good thing she’s got a trio of hotties willing to help her find said fate. Saving her oracle BFF’s fiancée, falling in love with the gargoyle, and making up for breaking the phoenix’s heart ought to be a piece of cake for the princess of the shadow elves.
If only the king didn’t want his daughter dead…
About Jess Macallan
Jess lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband and three children. She thrives on creative chaos. Curiosity drives her to try new things as often as possible. When not writing or chasing trouble, she teaches yoga, reads, runs a mini farm, watches MMA and gardens. The only things she takes seriously are chocolate, tea and world domination. But mostly chocolate.

6 comments:

Lisa Kessler said...

Great tips!!! I have a recumbent bike and I can still come up with excuses for why I don't have 30 minutes... Yeesh!

I need to remember I'm worth the time... :)

Why can't exercising be as fun as eating??? LOL

Lisa ;)

Boone Brux said...

I love recumbent bikes. I wish I had one, or a treadmill, or warm weather to walk in.:)

Jess said...

Lisa, you said it perfectly--you are worth the time. I think it's easy to forget that, especially when we're busy with family, writing and life in general.

Boone, I'm with you on the warm weather.

Rebecca Thomas said...

My biggest health challenge is just making myself hit the treadmill and scheduling it into my life. Every day. I'm always happy when I exercise, its just the...oh, I want to finish this one scene syndrome, I think. In the meantime, I'm gaining another pound.

Jess said...

Becky, I have that same issue. I do much better when I have a friend who holds me accountable. And I try to do something that's fun so I actually want to make the time. Zumba and the kettle ball are my current faves. :)

Louisa Bacio said...

Fantastic tips, Jess! Like all those different snack ideas, that are easy to eat while typing! I've been getting myself to grab fruit like a tangerine rather than chips!