Chocolate motivation

First of all, let me apologize for posting this blog at the start of Lent.  But, it is good information for after Easter! So, bookmark it for later!

Seriously, chocolate is my motivation to workout and to workout hard!  I have a rather large sweet tooth and my choices have only become more refined as I get older.  I can no longer eat Hershey chocolate without it hurting my teeth…I know I’m strange.  However, a good dark chocolate bar, ice cream, cake, pie…oh lord I’m getting a sugar rush just thinking about all the sweet savory goodness.

So, you may be wondering why I’m making a post about foods that are in no way shape or form healthy or good for you.  (Even though the cheesecake pictured above does have bananas, it is safe to say it is still extremely high is sugar and calories.) Well, it is a huge reason why I work out 6 days a week.   Although it is a double edge sword.  The more that I work out, the more hungry I get and the craving is usually junk food.

If you must continue to indulge every now and then (remember moderation is key), here are some helpful hints to burn off the excess calories.  You can pair them with your daily workout or just do enough to burn off the crap, I mean sweet chocolatey goodness.

For 260 calories, which most candy bars are around that, you can bike for 30 minutes or climb stairs for 15 minutes.  You want a tasty donut, then head to a pool to swim for 30 minutes. To burn off a s’more, during those summer camp nights, simply push mow your yard for an hour. You’ll need to avoid using the self-propel mode so it is slightly more strenuous.

So, if you are like me and just have to indulge in a sweet from time to time, make sure you pair it with an increase in your daily workout regime.  Add some extra cardio and/or strength training to combat the extra calories.  If you can’t get to the gym that day, do some body weight exercises at home.  Some of my go to exercises are body weight squats, push ups, sit ups, planks, lunges, and dumbbell work (can use a can of vegetables if needed).  However, I’m learning some very interesting moves at the gym these days.

Let me reiterate that drinking water should be your first option before indulging in your craving.  If the water doesn’t work, drink another 8oz.  After all that water, you still feel like you need to eat whatever it is, then have a little bit to satisfy the craving.  Also, try to limit yourself to a sweet or junk food item to once or twice a week.  Make it a special treat for working so hard toward your goal!

Even if you have a piece of cake, brush it off and continue working towards your ultimate goal.  One meal or part of a meal will not break your healthy habits.  It is only when you continue to make excuses that it will pull you down.  Stay confident! Stay fit! Stay you!

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