Planning Ahead

I am not a morning person, just ask Matt!  I woke up this morning and was so confused as to why my alarm was going off so early.  I hit snooze....twice!  The second time is when it hit me, it is going off because I need to get to the gym this morning! CRAP!!  I left myself with 10, which ended up being 15 minutes to get ready.  My mornings feel like the movie Groundhogs Day.  I get up, wake Po up off his bed in our room.  Walk in to the living room, let Remi out of her kennel, put the dogs outside, let Phoenix out of his kennel, go to the bathroom, let the dogs back in making sure to wipe the mud off their feet, put Remi in her puppy area, make Po lay on his bed, put food in Po's bowl, release him from his bed to eat, feed Remi, feed the cat, feed myself....

This morning, I didn't have much time, so I was speed walking around the house.  When it came time to feed myself I was so glad I had planned ahead last night.  See not only did I need to feed myself before the gym, but I also needed to make sure I had food to take to work.  Yesterday I cut up tons of veggies and cooked a chicken enchilada meal (minus the tortillas), I also packed my lunch so all I had to do was grab my Turtle Ridge tote!  I also knew that Monday morning is the worst, so I thought about what I would make for breakfast so it was just instinct when I got up.  I made myself a protein shake which consisted of vanilla protein (26 grams), 8 oz coconut milk, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 banana (I know not something I should be eating every day on paleo but they are going to go bad if I don't finish them).  It was so good AND since I was running late, I was able to drink it on my way to the gym.

I have found that in order to live a healthy lifestyle and make healthy choices each day, I HAVE to, I mean absolutely, 100% have to, plan ahead!  If not, I get stressed because I'm always running late, again just ask Matt.  So try it this week, plan ahead, pack your lunch, make extra dinner so you don't even have to think about it.  Cut up tons of veggies so you can just grab a little of this, a little of that and before you know it, you have a huge, wonderful, colorful salad.

Planning ahead also allows you to feel in control and likely get more sleep as everything is ready to go.  My nightly habits include not only packing my lunch, but if I am going to workout, I also put together my bag so all I have to do in the morning is go through the feeding ritual.  Once you start planning and preparing things ahead of time, you'll find it saves tons of time and, at least to me, is such a rewarding feeling when you walk out the door with your healthy food choices!  I guess I'm never walking out the door though, its usually an awkward speed walk with 3-4 bags (Purse, gym, laptop and lunch bags) slung over my shoulders as I'm trying to make up for lost time!  You get my point though!

Menu for today:
Breakfast - Protein Shake
Post-Workout Snack - Muscle Milk Light Protein Drink
Lunch - Salad with balsamic dressing (homemade), leftover chicken enchilada meal

Snack _ Grab and go Trader Joe trailmix (1 bag), Apple (if needed)
Dinner - Hmmm thinking oven roasted chicken (I have a whole chicken) with grilled asparagus (Bonus, the leftover chicken can be shreaded and used for salads!)
Dessert - A piece of dark chocolate with the most wonderful strawberries I found at Trader Joes!