How This Runner Is Sticking To Her Diet Through The Holidays

This post was sponsored by Optimum Nutrition as part of an Influencer Activation, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

If you knew me as a child, you would never have guessed that I’d grow up to be a fitness and nutrition nerd, but here I am, training for my second half marathon and counting nearly every macro that goes into my mouth.

From lazy to exercise fanatic.

Not your typical farm wife, I imagine.

Who knew that eating a certain amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates was such an important part of training?

But you know what? It’s paying off!

I’m running the fastest times I’ve ever run. Not anywhere near the big leagues of course, but I’m reaching new personal bests, and that keeps me motivated and excited – even when the training hurts.

I don’t always want to get out of bed in the morning before the kids are up so I can fit my run in or get them dressed and in the car to come to the gym with me. I don’t always want to eat healthy.

Sometimes I want something sweet when I know I don’t have the carbs and fats to afford it.

It’s a trade-off. Do you want faster times, or do you want a brownie?

Fortunately, the world of fitness-geared food has come a long way in the last decade, and hitting those macronutrient numbers without feeling deprived is easier than it ever has been.

Recently, I’ve been hooked on Optimum Nutrition snacks.

It started with using their whey protein for post-workout fuel, but now that I can slide into Walmart and grab goodies that taste like dessert but are good for my macros, I’m hooked.

Chocolate Covered Protein Almonds, and Cinnamon Roll Almonds

I gotta tell you, these are my favorite. Addictive! I like to use these for my mid-afternoon snack. They basically taste like candy, help me meet my protein goals, and have enough fat to keep me satisfied until dinner.

Salted Toffee Pretzel and Peanut Butter Crunch Protein Crisps

These are by far the best protein bars I have ever had. Just like eating a granola bar! I love to pack one in my purse for busy homeschool co-op days when we’re out all day, so I don’t feel tempted to stop for fast food on the way home.

Protein Cake Bites

These are perfect for snacking on in the middle of long workouts, and it feels like you’re eating dessert!

My favorite so far is the birthday cake flavor, but chocolate-covered donuts, peanut butter chocolate, and red velvet aren’t far behind.

Eating right can be difficult, especially during the holidays when we’re surrounded by candy and dessert all the time, but with Optimum Nutrition’s snacks, I’m hardly even temped to cheat on my diet (unless you put a pecan pie under my nose. I’m pretty sure that would break me), and with some luck, that will lead to setting a personal best in the 10 race next week.

Hurray for easy nutrition!

In summary, here’s how I’m nailing my nutrition this holiday season:

• Recording (In MyFtinessPal) what I’m going to eat for the day before I even put the first thing in my mouth.
• Keeping less macro-friendly food that tempts me out of the house.
• Taking macro-friendly treats with me everywhere I go so I won’t be tempted by the goodies available.
• Asking myself, “How is this food going to affect tomorrow’s performance?” before I eat it. There is nothing more motivating than knowing that eating my body’s version of “bad” food will make my run hurt.
• Accountability. Having someone who has permission to knock the cookie out of my hand when all else fails. 😉