Thursday, March 28, 2013

Soldier's Subs

House guests, visitors, roommates, couch-surfers, family, sleepovers... So many different reasons why you might have to share your sleeping/living/eating space with someone else. With all the traveling I have done, and the amount of people who have stayed with my parents and/or I over the years, you'd think it'd be something I would be used to. But every guest is different, every situation is different, and you are different depending on when they are there.

It's a balancing act, trying to be a good hostess/friend, when you have your own life to live; eating habits, sleeping habits, and daily routines. How can you keep up getting a good nights sleep, getting to the gym, and eating heathily when you are spending your time visiting with a guest, going out or showing them around, and sharing food -which might mean you eat more of what they want. 

I am NOT complaining here. I love having guests, I have had my fair share of roommates, and I am so grateful for every person who has ever given me a place to stay and a good meal. Im simply stating that I now truly APPRECIATE the meaning of sharing a living space.

Roommates are one thing, you don't necessarily have to like one another, but you have to find a way to live together or someone will lose it. House guests are all different, whether they are friends, family, travelers, and how long they might stay... and for what reason. It could be emotional, it could be fun, it could be exhausting. Or all three. 

My point is, there is a way to be a gracious host, while also maintaining your own health and sanity. That might mean standing your ground, or saying no to some things... but in the end, being upfront about your expectations and standards will make the experience (however long or short) much more enjoyable. Even if that means taking a break from your house guests.


Why is the title Soldier's Subs? Because I don't eat like a man - an athletic, 2x my size man. And having house guests that eat like a soldier returning from the field has been a challenge. Because I COULD eat like that. I love food. Its how I was raised. There was no portion control, the method of eating was "clear your plate." I LOVE carbs - mostly because sweet things involve carbs, or carbs tend to be sweeter... either way. I can say NO to going out and partying rather than getting sleep before a 6am gym session and work the next day... but it is sooo hard for me to turn down a delicious Firehouse Sub and  Froyo after a long day of work when I only have boring spinach and plain ol' greek yogurt in the fridge.... What I have learned is to choose wisely. Its okay to give in to cravings, in fact its better to eat a little of whatever you are craving rather than to starve yourself and binge later, but don't always say yes. Or find a healthier substitute (like greek yogurt as a topping for tacos rather than sour cream).

 Nothing like a fresh banana and cold OJ to quench a morning sweet tooth. Plus egg whites, spinach, and avocado makes for one protein-refreshing way to start the day.

How to eat out healthily. SUPER-food! Sweet Potatoe to the rescue! 

How to not eat out healthily. Still better than a BigMac, 
but I love me too much crunch and creamy shrimp sauce. 


 Peach Cider + Muscadine sweet wine = delicious-o.

 Clean eats in the kitchen. rotisserie chicken, green beans, wild rice. Simple, yet filling and healthy. And I didn't break the bank at a natural foods store.

Achievement(s) of the Week: 

Feeling guilty when missing the gym. Sounds bad, but that only means the gym has become a priority and a habit in my life (which is a good thing and a long time coming). So, I went to the gym.
Sweat much? Talk about a good workout. Happy squatting! 

AND: Mastering the GHD - For this girl who is afraid of falling (not afraid of heights, per the Big Bang Theory) getting myself on this thing to do sit ups was terrifying. And talk about a workout! Hurrah!



BTW: Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I love that March has a holiday. For most people, in college or working, there is no break after MLK until Memorial day. And although we don't get off of work for this day, there's always so much going on the days beforehand. Plus, I'm proud to have a day to connect to my Irish heritage... I guess that means I should drink more on St. Patty's... 
NAHH, that's just a stereotype. ;)

'Til next time!

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