WORKOUT -
Ran outside on the surface of the sun -
7.65 miles/1:05
hot and hilly
Walked the dog in the early am – 2 miles
Attention, people, I have an announcement to make: cannonball I went running at 1pm today. It was ridiculously hot and sinful and vile, but I’m sorta proud of myself for going instead of bagging it.
I’m a total morning exerciser and the past 2 days I’ve run later in the day which half sucks and half is awesome that at least I ran. I think I say a lot on here but here it is again, Do what you can on the day that you have.
Not every day is going to be easy or a “good” eating day or un-stressful, but try to make the best choices that you can today. and then let it be. Let go of the “I should be perfect and I’m not” guilt!
Moving on from that cheerful note, here’s another self-indulgent self-portrait from last night:
I haven’t washed my hair since Sunday and it is starting to multiply. In fact, I saw a bat fly out of it this morning.
All morning I worked on writing some posts for while I’m in Alaska so if I’m short on time (like actually doing work and fishing) I can throw one up asap. I’ve got one all about salads and salad dressings, some exciting news, some new races news, but is there any specific topic you’d like to read about?
SWEETS
Katrina emailed me with a question about candy. She’s increasing her mileage while training for a half marathon (awesome), but finding it harder to avoid eating too much candy and sweets.
She asked for any healthy eating tips or tricks so I’d like to ask you guys,
How do you avoid eating too much sweets/cookies/fill in the blank?
Do you have a healthy substitute, do you practice portion control, have a “freebie” day or just go plain buck wild whenever you want?
Most of the time I try not to keep my favorite candy in the house because if it’s there, I will eat it. If it’s not there, chances are I’m not going to put in the effort to drive to a grocery store to buy it.
For me I find it easier to just not have it around, but then again, when I do get my hands on some cinnamon bears, it’s GAME ON.
So I guess I have no good advice, sorry.
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{ 76 comments… read them below or add one }
I also have a strict “none in the house” rule, because I will eat it (candy, cookies, cake, other treats) past the point of comfort and enjoyment. Instead, I try to buy healthier ‘sweet’ things that I can eat without worry: in the summer, it’s all about stone fruit and fruit sorbets. In the winter, I try to buy low sugar, low fat ice cream. But remember: part of training is enjoying your added caloric needs–don’t be afraid of a small daily treat!
I try to eat dried fruit – it is still sweet – but not as bad for you and all natural – but otherwise I do the same… don’t keep it in the house!
I keep special dark Hershey’s kisses in my fridge to keep me from going nuts on candy. I really craved candy during my last marathon training session this spring!
I should maybe just go to rehab
I’ve been trying to eat a bigger breakfast which is helping & have semi sweet things in the house. Got Italian ice…sf …fruit…lots of it…today at the grocery store. Mission: avoid it at WORK! found a dark chocolate trail mix too. thanks ladies!
Have to agree with you, avoiding sweets at work is the HARDEST! When you are struggling to get through work, you just want to grab some sweets but then you regret it afterwards.
Lately I have been stocking my desk drawer with gum so if I get a sweet tooth, I just chomp on gum and try to distract myself from it. Ha.
I’m allergic to chocolate, caffeine and no alcohol. I eat candy. I indulge if I want to. If I eat too much my stomach will tell me. Too many Hot Tamales are unfriendly (same with Cinnamon Bears). But frankly, I have to eat a lot to reach that point. So I will almost always have a small package a day. And I have a candy drawer that everyone loves.
Oh my goodness you’re allergic to 2 of my fave things! You poor girl! (And no it isn’t chocolate LOL.) You should definitely indulge in some candy daily, I’m holding my coffee cup tightly right now thinking of the horror of being allergic to her.
I’ve been striving to cut out sweets (cookies, chocolate, ice cream) for ages, and I’m finally at a point that they don’t taste very good to me anymore. It took “quitting” them several times, but once I stayed on track for about 3-4 weeks, I lost my taste for them.
Today presented a problem, though. Work was very stressful, and raiding the candy jar was totally not appealing. Then I had to talk myself out of a craving for a margarita.
I’m a terrible choc-o-holic so def keeping the junk outta the house is the only way for me to have any self control. I try to substitue with yogurt, applesauce or cereal when i need a lil something sweet at the end of the meal, but chances are if we have a cookie mix, I’m making cookie dough. Or heading to the donut shop.
Sometimes if something yummy is there, i try freezing it to keep me away, but usually it turns out not bad frozen. I’m kinda pathetic…Thank goodness for running, right?!
I live up in the valley and thought running at 1 was a good idea too! (Toddler nap time) I actually kind of liked it, warming up in 3 seconds is great. But I definitely don’t plan on making a habit out of running in 95* temps
Besides not having it in the house, I have found keeping candy/sweets/cookies, basically anything you want to stuff in your face at top speed, in the freezer helps to slow me down. If I know I have to wait for it to thaw sometimes I will give up or by the time it is thawed I am not that excited about it any more so will have a reasonable amount instead of half the package. Disclaimer: this does not work for ice cream;)
I think you need to start a 2nd blog just about your hair! It’s seems to have a life of it’s own!
I agree- I don’t keep much junk in the house! If I am craving something, I don’t go for a healthy substitute. It’s never the same and won’t satisfy, so just do the real thing!
Since my husband went vegan, it’s a lot easier as we don’t have chocolate in the house or many kinds of candy (due to the gelatin).
Yes I would like to hear all about and see pictures from golf in Scotland.
When I run high mileage I get far too exhausted to prepare food. Often too tired to even microwave something from the freezer, so I start eating candy because I need calories NOW and that needs no prep. My solution is to have many calories of no-prep-needed food (nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit, crackers and peanut butter, bars) sitting on my desk (or wherever you crash after a run) with a big bottle of water and salt (if you sweat out a lot of salt like me). That way I can eat a lot of nutritious stuff without moving. Of course meals in the fridge or freezer that just need microwaving are good for later, but it’s the big pile of snacks that helps me cut the candy.
great ideas, thank you!
Oh – and an endless supply of snacks in your purse, in your car and in a drawer at work. New distance runners are never prepared for the big appetite changes and it will probably take a while to readjust to bigger meal sizes.
I want the exciting news, NOW (she stamps her foot). As for topics, I’d like to hear about Jaymcslim’s weight loss, and always love to hear about your adorable nephews. You changed my world by introducing me to pickles on salads, so any random post where I may learn a life-altering tidbit is great.
I am a paleo eater… 6 days a week. On the 7th day, I eat whatever I want. If I am craving something in particular during my 6 days, I write it down and save it for day 7. If I cannot wait, I indulge in coconut milk ice cream (or hop on the scale and remind myself why I don’t need the sweets!!).
In short… I don’t… Jokes. Well, sometimes.
My sweet subs are things like dried fruit – prunes, dates, apricots with some almonds. Or as a treat I have yog or fro-yo. it is pretty hard though and you do have to indulge every now and then. My biggest sweet reward always comes after a long run when training for a marathon and I really enjoy it as i feel like I’ve actually earned it! The short of it is – Never get caught short as that’s when you give into temptation (From too much experience!).
Seriously, how can you not wash your hair? I’m not picking or being snarky at all. I just cannot not wash mine! I went two days last weekend (after mentally prepping myself after your dry shampoo post) and just couldn’t not wash!
For real. I want to know. Because even using Pureology products, mine is taking a beating. Increased gym time plus training for my first run longer than 5K has me washing daily! Does the dry shampoo really keep it from looking greasy? What about sweat smell?
im just really lazy.
i also use pureology products, the purple ones.
I only wash my hair once (if that) every week. I’ve had Yuko straightening, so that helps, but it really doesn’t get oily until day 5 or so and then it can just be hidden in a pony tail.
It’s a lot better for our hair to have natural oils.
I only wash my hair 2x a week and I don’t even use any fancy pureology hair products, just use some plain ole shampoo and conditioner. Even after long sweaty runs and workouts, I let my hair air dry from the sweat, then spray in the dry shampoo. I use the TiGi Rockaholic Dry Shampoo , I tryed the PSSSSSST but I felt like it left my hair dull.
The first few times you go longer without washing your hair is tough and your hair isnt used to it because its used to having all the oils stripped out of it everyday, therefore it tries to make up for this by producing EXTRA oil — which is why you feel like your hair gets oily so quickly. If you can make it through a few days where your hair is less than what you want, your hair will adjust to the change, realize that is doesn’t need to over produce oil to make up for your daily shampooing.
I can only go 2 days. Instead of multiplying and looking like you belong in the 80′s again like yours SR, mine gets ultra greasy and looks like I’ve just jumped in the pool. It’s NASTY!
Thanks, ladies! I think the super greasiness had to be because it wasn’t used to not being scrubbed … so, I am going to give it a go while I am off for a long weekend and my work peeps won’t be any wiser.
And, I am going to hunt down some dry shampoo. My WalMart and HEB (the only grocery chain in South Texas) did not have it. I may have to venture into town (across a bridge and a whole 10 miles away) to see what Sephora or some place like that has.
I can’t have candy I like in the house. I will eat it. I always think the next time will be different, but it’s not. I still eat it. I wish I had better self-control.
How do I avoid candy? If it’s in a huge box in the middle of the road, I’ll swerve to avoid it. Otherwise, I have the willpower of a flea. I have no idea what their willpower is like. But they’re small and seem to eat a lot so just guessing here.
I only wash my hair twice a week. Thank God the hubs loves me.
I dont stock them.
BTW, it’s crazy hot and humid here all year round…so I can only run in the mornings or late evenings…else I’ll melt.
I cannot have it in the house or its in my mouth….but my weakness is ice cream so that definitely can’t be here or its gone!
HAIR HELP….my daughter (age 15) cannot find a shampoo and we have tried almost every version at Target, Pureology from Ulta, and different Avedo (its too early to worry about spelling but sorry that doesn’t look right?!) products. All leave her hair with a “gummy” feel/texture. It looks wet or greasy but is actually sticky to the touch.
A clarifying shampoo works best but not perfect…any suggestions? We have also used baking soda/water combo and apple cider vinegar rinse…it work ok too but I am just wondering if any one else has ever experienced this?
Thanks!
If you mean her hair is naturally oily, I have heard that using cheap shampoos actually works well…like Suave, etc. That is what the dermatologist told a friend of mine.
My vice are chips. Oh boy… we cannot keep them in our home. Occasionally we’ll have them, but they certainly do not last long at all! Then if there’s chip dip in the house, oh yeah all bets are off!
I keep the really dangerous stuff out of the house, but try to keep something only kind of sinful in the house. I figure if I have a little indulgence regularly, like an oatmeal cookie, or a bowl of sugary cereal, than I won’t go crazy and binge when I get the chance to have a real, sugary, chocolatey dessert.
I also try to drink more liquids like water and iced tea because they say when you think you’re hungry, most of the time you’re actually thirsty. So it’s a glass of water first, then a quasi- reasonable snack.
This is still a work in progress for me.
I also just don’t buy it. But I also buy something else in its place–fresh vegetables are a great substitute, and I eat them often at my desk at work and in the car on a long drive. Not as tasty as the twizzlers I’d prefer, but since I could eat the bag myself, it’s in my best longterm interest to not buy them. when at work, I tell myself before I get there that I’m only going to eat my own food, whatever’s in my lunchbox, regardless of what others bring in. If it’s too tempting, I avoid the kitchen altogether
Same here! I don’t buy it and I wont eat it. I also try to not have cash on me. If I have a couple dollars in my wallet I will be tempted to spend it on candy or a diet pop. Im too lazy to charge anything for a dollar!
I’m curious what the exciting news is!!
And I do what most people do … I try not to have too many sweets in the house. The sweets I do keep in the house are things that I won’t go crazy on. For example, I can keep a bag of just plain Dove chocolates around for months and be fine … I’ll just eat 1 a day, no problem. But if I keep a bag of Reese’s cups in the house, watch out. They’ll be gone in 48 hours.
You are gorgeous!!!
+100 to not keeping it in the house. If you do buy it, immediately portion it out into baggies, put 1 or 2 in a ‘convienent’ place and put the rest out in a deep freezer, high in a cupboard, etc. somewhere hard to get too.
I have no restraint when it comes to sweets! I get mad when hubs buys them because they will be gone in a second ( by me ). Also, why can my husband have a few peanut m&ms and be satisfied but yet if I have a few, I ultimately eat the entire bag. I wish I could find a happy medium but it’s either all or none for me! oh well
If I don’t buy it, I won’t eat it. Simple as that. I allow myself a treat when I want, even if it’s daily. I’ve kept off 30lbs, so that works for me.
I don’t buy candy, unless it’s a one time purchase, like a treat after a hard day. My wife, on the other hand, likes to buy candy and keep it around the house for the kiddos. Inevitably, the night time munchies kick in and I’ll grab a piece, or two, or three before hitting the hay.
We never buy candy or sweets, so the only way it is in the house is if I make it (then again, I bake every week, so it’s always around). I don’t really avoid it, but at least then I know exactly what’s going into my body and I can make recipes a little healthier while I’m at it.
ok, so i have a question regarding your hair. i have read on your posts how you go without washing your hair for days…..how on earth do you do this? like you, i run almost every day. i live in texas. as soon as i step out to begin my run my body automatically senses what i’m about to do and starts cooling me off with sweat. hense, my scalp is the first to sweat. my hair gets super wet ( and i have really long hair ). i feel nasty if i don’t wash my head and scalp with shampoo. so, how does one get away without washing hair? thanks so much!!
I’m the same, and in TX. Some hair textures just can’t go as long between washings!
I have super fine hair and my hair is almost always better the 2nd or 3rd day (of no washing). If it looks flat/greasy dry shampoo is my lifesavor..also B&B hair powder. Love!
oh mine gets super nasty too, i just let it go. for some reason it doesnt bother me. it probably should.
this post is all about using dry shampoo: http://skinnyrunner.com/2012/05/30/before-and-after-hair-2/
My friend once sent me a saying (maybe it was from your blog??) that said “no matter how slow youre going, youre still lapping everyone on the couch”. I love that- its motivation to get up and do SOMETHING. Even if you just run for 20 minutes on the treadmill
As for candy, I just dont keep any in the house. if I REALLY want something I have to put on pants and go the store!! And when I get there I buy the smallest portion. It will usually kill the craving. Then I eat some fruit to kill the “wanting more” feeling.
I try not to buy any candy either because I will eat it all…but I have two kids who want cookies and candy and ice cream. Usually, I try to find healthier subsitutes – fruit, for-yo, etc. But when that doesn’t work, I eat sugar-free jello which curbs my sweet tooth and has only 5 calories per cup. I also found that the more sugar I eat, the more I crave it, so I try super hard to avoid it. I only my kids hated sugar…
When you are craving sweets, try eating an apple or some sort of fruit. This is a healthy alternative to candy, yet you still get the sweet taste. Just don’t eat a lot of fruit after 4 pm.www.dashingdiva.net
Great tips! I’ve been on the right track, this week atleast. Accountability! http://sneakersandfingerpaints.blogspot.com/2012/06/sugar-sugar.html
¡¡¡ GUAPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!
¡¡ Qué bellezón !!!
… Madre mia
gracias, amigo.
I can’t avoid sweets. My running partner is trying to get me to stop but I just love sugar so much
We should start a support group “Runners with cavities”
I put it in the refigerator…it takes longer to eat it. Esp gummy candy.
I’ve had to go so far as to give the bag of whatever to my husband and ask him to put it somewhere I won’t find it, so now I just don’t buy the stuff, it’s easier that way.
As far as topics I’d like to talk about–can’t wait for the salads post, any tips on how to find the cute stuff at Nordstrom Rack (maybe it’s just the one I go to, but I always leave empty handed) and other ways to save money. I really appreciate how open you are about frugality and how to cut costs/save money.
I think you have good advice about not having it in the house. If you don’t have it, you can’t eat it.
I literally just posted about this last night (had written it earlier in the week). I actually have 5 sweet “go to’s” that are a LOT healthier, and some even hydrating. Zico Chocolate, Frozen blueberries, banana “n-ice cream”, Tj’s Coconut Water Fruit Floes & A Nuun “cocktail”.
like the shorts…I have a similar pair:)
I try to remember how bad I felt during my last workout after downing a bag of Reese’s Pieces. I try to tell myself it is not worth it!
I’m excited for whatever news you will share!! I am getting ready to do my first half in two weeks and I would love if you just gave a break down for idiots of what to expect that race morning. I’m nervous everyone will know what they’re doing and I’ll end up in the fetal position rocking back and forth…
I don’t crave sugar as much as I used to–just because I focus so much on whole foods, clean eating, and training and weight lifting, that my body doesn’t really want it. However, when I want some chocolate, ice cream, fro yo, etc., I eat it. But I don’t ever go overboard any more….I’ve just learned that it is never really worth it to stuff your face with sugar. (Okay maybe 1 x per year it is. Hahaha)
If Katie, is actually craving something sweet then her body is missing something. It is not natural to grave sweet stuff. She needs to find out what she is craving.
I am the wrong person to ask for advice on this one. I’ve read all the comments, because I need help too! I crave sweets after dinner every night and usually cave in and bake some cookies or something just so the craving will stop driving me crazy. I probably need to do one of those fasts or cleanses to break this craving, but I guess I’m too lazy.
I just don’t keep it around. And that goes for any and all things bad. Things like chips, soda, cake, candy, etc. Even if I’m not particularly in the mood for it- I’ll still eat it because I’ll feel guilty that I bought it and then didn’t eat it. Terrible, I know. So.. when I go to the store, I walk right to the produce section, grab my stuff and get the heck out of there! (In and out in like ~10 min). It does get harder as you increase your mileage because you try to supplement the calories you’re losing, but for that I just eat stuff like trail mix, as it’s pretty calorie dense.
I try not to keep it in the house. Kinda tough with 2 kids but I try.
I’m going on an Alaskian cruise next week. Maybe our boats will pass each other. I’ll be the one waving!
I always crave sweets after lunch at work… I’ve started to bring in some fruit to satisfy the craving!
When craving sweet. I will go for a protein smoothie, either choc or vanilla and add some fruit. I use ice so the texture is more of a milk shake. It really hits the spot.
If there is a candy/trail mix that I would eat too much. I have my daughter stash it or I portion it out in small snack size bags. Depends on my mood.
Hair – I can go days.. probably a week with out washing. I have long dark hair and work out intensely most days of the week. The natural curl comes to life. I use dry shampoo and it looks good!
I just laughed out loud at my desk at the anchorman reference. I needed that.
I guess I have a question…What makes people eat dried fruit, protein smoothies, almonds, wheat germ…instead of some good old licorice or tootsie rolls? Is this really true? If so, then I need to know how they’re doing it. Stat. This way I can save myself the agony of eating bags of candy and straight up cookie dough and having to run for miles to get back at ground zero again!
Also, it’s so good to know there are other people out there who wash their hair hardly ever like me!
Frozen grapes! They are super sweet, no added sugar and they take longer to eat then candy so I don’t end up eating too many. Added bonus – they never go bad so you’ll always have some waiting.
If that pic is your unwashed hair, I think it looks great.
I too, try not to have it in the house. Also, I find it easier to let yourself indulge once in a while. Otherwise, I’m likely to go nuts for a couple days. I try to stay in moderation. Having a cookie or two after dinner once or twice a week isn’t so bad. Eating an entire box of Oreos one afternoon isn’t that good (I try not to do that anymore!). Enjoy Alaska!
SR,
After running the SLO Half Marathon I was looking for some news on the event and found your blog…..which was great and has led me to other marathon bloggers. You have a great site and I find myself coming back because you give me what I am looking for in a runners blog. I appreciate all your reviews on running items etc. I hope you stay true to your evaluation of the product and aren’t sucking up to the product because you are finding monetary incentives. That being said, I have been looking for a good compression stocking and you had a really good write up on various stockings. I found your june 28th blog showing the pro compression stocking for 40% off with the code you provided. Wow! Your site finally paid off in a big way…..until I went to the website and you can’t actually purchase the item but only look at the stockings…..Ok, Bummer….I have thrown your website out to my running friends but they are convinced I am only on your site because you are a chick. Well, you are easy on the eyes but I am trying to find a similiar site run by a guy but hasn’t happened yet. Keep up the good work. Blogging is hard. Reading bad blogs is brutal and a waste of good time.
Thanks,
Chas
thanks chas for possibly the most backhanded compliment ever.
btw you CAN buy pro compression socks on their website, you just click the ‘add to cart’ button. just like you can go get a pair of CEP socks the same way. both great socks.
I just don’t keep goodies in the house. Especially not potato chips. I would eat the whole bag. It’s hard enough to resist all of the treats and stuff in the break room at work, and then coming home and trying to avoid it there too just takes too much willpower.
I have read in articles, way in the past, that if you crave sweets you are probably dehydrated. Try drinking a couple of glasses of water before indulging. For me, if I crave sweets, I instantly go for the Propel water which gives me the sweet flavor without the calories , and down a bottle or two. Then if I still want sweets in 20 minutes or so, I will break down and have a piece of candy or a mint.
It may not work for everyone, but it works for me.
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