Sweet Tooth Sweet Life

A Love of Food, Fitness, & Fashion

  • Home
  • About
    • Sponsorships
    • Contact Me
    • Everything NASM
    • Wedding
      • Courtney & Jay
      • Getting Ready
      • Ceremony
      • Wedding Party
      • Flowers
      • Decorations & Details
      • Reception
      • Honeymoon at Sandals Grande St Lucian
    • Q & A’s
      • Q&A’s – Round 1
      • Q&A’s – Round 2
      • Q&A’s – Round 3
      • Q&A’s – Round 4
      • Q&A’s – Round 5
  • Pregnancy & Babies
  • Meal Planning
  • Recipes
    • Recipes
      • Breads & Muffin Recipes
      • Breakfast
        • Coffee Recipes
        • Egg & Omelet Recipes
        • Oatmeal & Buckwheat Recipes
        • Pancake & French Toast Recipes
        • Smoothie Recipes
      • Cookies/Cookie Bars
      • Cakes/Cupcakes & Frostings
      • Dinners
        • Chicken & Poultry Recipes
        • Beef & Pork Recipes
        • Seafood Recipes
        • Crockpot Recipes
        • Meatless Recipes
        • Pasta Recipes
        • Pizza Recipes
        • Soup/Stew/Chili Recipes
      • Pies/Trifles/Truffles/Candies/Crisps
      • Salads/Sides/Odds & Ends
  • Favorites
    • Shop
    • Blog Love
    • Fashion
    • “Just Because” Posts
    • Workout & Fitness Posts
    • Cody Posts
    • Restaurants (local and travel)
  • Workouts
    • Workouts
      • Circuit Workouts
      • 20-30 Minute Treadmill Routines
      • 35-55 Minute Treadmill Workouts
      • Upper Body Workouts
      • Lower Body Workouts
      • Walking Treadmill Workouts
      • Elliptical Workouts
  • Resources

Guest Post: Staying Healthy For The Big Event

By Courtney 31 Comments

Today’s guest post comes from the always adorable, Colleen. I was first introduced to Colleen’s blog a few months ago and I immediately fell in love with her upbeat attitude, positive take on life, and her mutual love of cereal combo bowls.

Colleen is preparing for a very important event in her life, and today she shares with you all her tips for staying on the healthy bandwagon when times get crazy! Take it away, Colleen…

**********

Hi everyone!! I’m Colleen and I blog over at The Lunchbox Diaries! Let me extend a huge thanks to Courtney for having me over to hang out with you all today! Winking smile

I like to classify myself as a healthy living blogger, but my life is certainly full of indulgences: Cupcakes, chocolate, happy hours – all of these are treats that I enjoy regularly.

clip_image002

Here’s something else you should know about me: I am a bride-to-be who is not on a diet.

I’ve noticed that when we, women, have a big event looming in the future, we tend to go into freak-out mode about our weight and appearance – as if those are the most important things about us!

Well, ladies (and gents?) I’m here to remind you that it’s okay to relax! Weddings, graduations, senior prom…these are events that come by once in a lifetime (hopefully Winking smile ). Life is too short and these moments pass by too quickly for us to do anything else but enjoy them.

I’ve become aware of some trends in my life that have helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle, even though I’m planning a wedding! Here’s what works for me:

  • Stop the stress! Did you know that stress can have the most insane effects on your body? Functioning under stress can actually cause your body to gain weight, among several other negative things (like rationalizing having a McFlurry for breakfast…) So really, take a deep breath!
  • Indulge. If I tell myself “No more sweets until the wedding” I will without a doubt have a brownie sundae for dinner. Restricting has never worked for me – it only makes me crave the “treat” even more than normal. If you want a cookie – eat it! One snack, treat, or indulgence will not make or break your waistline.

clip_image004

 

  • Maintain a normal, attainable workout schedule (that you enjoy!). I already had a fitness routine in place when I became engaged, but I did have a fleeting week of trying to up my workouts by unrealistic means. I wanted to change my 35 minutes of cardio to 60, and I wanted to lift more weights than ever before. You know what happened that week? My workouts bombed. I had set myself up for failure because I didn’t have the time to meet those goals, and I don’t enjoy running on the treadmill for 60 minutes. For me, shorter, more frequent workouts are what work. Find a routine that you like and will be able and willing to maintain even after the big event has passed.

clip_image006

 

  • Keep perspective. People, myself included, have the tendency to get caught up in the unimportant things and fail to remember the actual event that got them in such a tizzy. If I spent all my time worrying about a number on the scale, I may very well miss the joy, love, and excitement that comes along with planning to marry my best friend.

These are some things that I keep in mind to help me stay healthy and sane when things around me seem to be going 100 miles an hour. I hope you enjoyed them!

*******

Thanks again for reminding us to keep it cool, Colleen!

Question for the Morning:

What are your tips for staying sane and maintaining your healthy lifestyle in the midst of a crazy/busy time in your life?

Share This:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Yummly (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on StumbleUpon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

June 16, 2011 Filed Under: Guest Posts Tagged With: guest post, staying healthy for a big event, The Lunchbox Diaries

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

« Seafood Buffet Snafus + Exciting News
A Break From The Beach »

Comments

  1. Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says

    June 16, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    I LOVEEE COLLEEN'S blog! i cnt relate to a wedding. but there are defs stressful and busy times in my life!.. the number 1 thing I do is PLAN and write to do lists!
    Reply
    • Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:01 pm

      I love YOURRR blog! ;)
      Reply
  2. Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says

    June 16, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Good tips! I totally broke the mold during wedding planning and was actually less worried about diet and exercise than I had been before. It was odd. I was still stressed though so it obviously didn't help alleviate that! haha
    Reply
  3. Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says

    June 16, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    These tips are all so true! I think that restricting myself and putting on wayyyy too much stress is just not gonna cut it. It's not healthy, and just doesn't make me enjoy my life or the event that I should be so excited about. My tip for being healthy everyday, not just when you're planning a big event, is to eat at home as much as possible, even when you have to invite friends over to have a potluck.
    Reply
  4. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

    June 16, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Yay for you! I was a bride to be who wasn't on a diet either. I thought it was so silly that people would change the way they looked just for their wedding day. What's the point?
    Reply
    • Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

      June 16, 2011 at 1:53 pm

      Yeah! I don't understand that. Why do people try to look like someone/something else? That's not who the other person fell in love with! Weddings can = pure insanity.
      Reply
  5. Danica says

    June 16, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    I love the attitude you have, Colleen!!
    Reply
    • Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks, Danica!! :)
      Reply
  6. Stephanie Bragg says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    I love that you said that! People go so overboard stressing about good things that they don't enjoy it. You're tips are great
    Reply
  7. Vanonymous says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    I love this post and totally agree with you! I'm getting married a week from Saturday (!!!!) and my family was shocked when I ate cake and ice cream after dinner last night. I will NEVER turn down ice cream... ever. :) My eating habits have not changed much in the 6 months I've been engaged; however I have upped my strength training b/c I want my arms to be more toned on the big day. It was a do-able goal and I'm happy with how they look. I've also found myself craving strength training since increasing it to 3x (from 1x) a week and plan on keeping it around after the wedding.
    Reply
    • Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

      June 16, 2011 at 2:40 pm

      You go, girlfriend! They wanted you to pass up ice cream?! Are they nuts?! :) I agree, toning the arms is something I'm working on too. Totally doable - nothin' crazy. Congrats on your wedding - it's so SOON! :)
      Reply
  8. Jillian says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Awesome tips - The one that I tend to forget about (but it is so true) is that being under stress causes unhappiness which can cause people to gain weight and low and behold - feel more stressed and unhappy. People (myself included) need to relax and enjoy life :)
    Reply
  9. Erica says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    this couldn't have come at a better time, as i'm 2.5 months away from my wedding, and have been feeling like it's "crunch time"...i felt guilty that my workouts haven't been intense enough...but i'm not the most athletic, and i'm super lazy, so for me, any workout--even if it's just walking--seems like a good thing to me. there was a time i tried to go balls to the wall and wanted to run (but after a week, i no longer wanted to go to the gym) i love this post! thanks!!! :)
    Reply
    • Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

      June 16, 2011 at 4:47 pm

      Oh I hear you! I'm feelin' the "crunch time" as well! Best wishes for your wedding! Ah! So soon!! :)
      Reply
  10. Lisa says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    What a great post! What I do to stay sane is make sure I have downtime (which, for me, looks like being at home and having some sort of regularity in my daily life) and going to Zumba regularly. And keep this in mind even after you get married, because life certainly doesn't slow down after your wedding is over. :)
    Reply
  11. Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Great tips! I definitely agree with some of your main points. When I try to workout too much, or cut back on foods that I love, I end up gaining weight and feeling worse about myself! If I just stick to my workout routine and eat what I want, I feel fine!
    Reply
  12. Jessica @ Bake a Little says

    June 16, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Great Post! Sometimes its hard to keep in mind the little things you can do to make things all a little easier :)
    Reply
  13. Annette@EnjoyYourHealthyLife says

    June 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    I plan! And I stick to my normal, healthy routine :)
    Reply
  14. Jordan says

    June 16, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    This is such a great post!! What great advice. Thanks, Colleen!
    Reply
  15. Lindsay says

    June 16, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    I love colleen's blog! :) These are awesome tips...whenever I am going through a stressful time, I just make sure to make activity of some sort a priority because it helps keep me sane and releases those endorphins baby! Also, if I deny myself sweets, I obsess over them until I stuff my face and feel sick, so therefore I treat myself with something everyday
    Reply
  16. Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says

    June 16, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    Very true, Colleen. I recently talked with my younger sister and she's practically starving herself for an upcoming beach trip. I don't get it. And I'm like you when to comes to workouts. Shorter and more often.
    Reply
  17. Sam says

    June 16, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    Woohoo! Good tips colleen :) I am the EXACT same way when it comes to restriction, the second I say I can't have something, I neeed to eat it haha. Just does not work for me! Plus i love my treats :)
    Reply
  18. Alexa @ Simple Eats says

    June 16, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    I'm a big fan of to-do lists and putting things in my calendar...helps me stay as organized as possible. Love Colleen's blog...awesome tips, girl!
    Reply
  19. Melissa says

    June 16, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    What a great post! This is just how I live, too, and it's worked better to maintain my fitness than any "diet" I've ever tried. I make sure to make workouts a non-negotiable part of my life. I think of it like an appointment with myself that I have to keep. It always works for me. Plus, I'm at the point now that I look at working out as more of a hobby that I enjoy than something I *have* to do, ya know? I'm excited to check out your blog since it sounds like we have a lot in common! :)
    Reply
  20. Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says

    June 16, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    I totally agree with all of your tips! It just doesn't make sense--you should strive for overall health in your life, not just when an important event is coming up! I think it can be a motivating factor, but not a reason to stress.
    Reply
  21. tina @ vanillandspice says

    June 16, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    These tips were awesome! I think stress takes the biggest toll on our bodies. Love Colleen's blog. :)
    Reply
  22. Khushboo says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    Such great tips Colleen! It baffles me when people cut their food drastically and up their exercise like mad a few weeks before a holiday! Like you, I prefer a more steady, consistent approach! What can i say- i like my food a little too much and don't have the mental capacity to work out for hours on end!
    Reply
  23. Brittany says

    June 17, 2011 at 12:41 am

    What a great post!!! Such great things in mind while i get ready to be a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's weddings in October!!! trying not to freak out :) I love Colleen! She's one of my blogger bff's =)
    Reply
  24. Niki (Life's a Payne) says

    June 17, 2011 at 9:18 am

    I love the post! Sometimes it is the simplest most obvious things that need to be said! Can't wait to check out The Lunchbox Diaries! When I am under a lot of stress with scool, I tend to forget to eat while I am working away and then become FAMISHED after! So keeping lots of fast and easy foods around is HUGE for me. Fruits, veggies, cereals, greek yogurt, chickpear... they are my life savers!
    Reply
  25. kristen says

    June 17, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    going to check out colleen's blog! What great advice, and i am defiantly the type of person if I restrict foods I want them even more! Finding time to have fun but get some exercise in is what I am striving for. With a five year old baseball in the front yard can work up a sweat, and is fun at the same time!
    Reply
  26. Abby says

    June 17, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    I'm SO glad that you said all that Colleen! I have been engaged a week- and have no idea what to do with myself. My first instinct was to LOSE WEIGHT! But then I feel the same way you do...I don't want to do it the wrong way! I want to be happy. I want to eat good (real) food and workout in an enjoyable way! Thank you so much for saying all that! On top of the wedding I'll be starting full time nursing school in a couple of months- keeping stress levels down in a must!
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • A Little Living Room Makeover
  • The Five F’s {3/12}
  • My Last 10 Favorite Amazon Purchases
  • Fun Facts Friday – The Five F’s

Courtney’s Recipe Picks!

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Subscribe to Sweet Tooth by Email!

Instagram

Instagram did not return a 200.

Follow Me!

  FitFluential Is Fitness Found 
  
 

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian, or certified fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my own personal knowledge, opinions, and experiences with food, fitness, and life. My Privacy Policy can be found HERE.

Content Marketing Editorial Calendar For WordPress

WordPress Support & Maintenance provided by WP Site Care

· Copyright © 2023 Sweet Tooth Sweet Life ·