Temptation in the office!

Someone at JFA is celebrating a birthday today (no - not me but you can mark your calendar for the first weekend in November).  Our break room is chock full of delicious treats, courtesy of another JFA'er who enjoys baking.  This table of delights is a potential diet-destroyer for sure!

I am a believer that moderation is a key concept when it comes to life's choices and especially when it comes to gastronomy*.  I admit to being an enthusiastic foodie, saved only by the fact that I enjoy spinach as much as I enjoy a french fry. 

I gave myself permission to try one dessert and approached the decision strategically.  This strategy/decision-making process is one I use often - especially at buffets or parties. 

First, a review of all that is offered: 

• cupcakes with a white frosting
• chocolate chip bundt cake
• coconut cream cake topped with flakes of toasted coconut
• chocolate fudgie mousse pie
• towering cake with light chocolate icing topped with strawberries that hasn't been cut into. 

(Are you drooling yet?) 

Then, an assessment of each and how my taste buds may respond: 

• cupcakes - not sure what the frosting is (vanilla or cream cheese).  I imagine it's cream cheese, which I'm not a fan of.
• chocolate chip bundt cake - you had me at bundt
• coconut fluff extravaganza - love coconut milk but not coconut flakes
• chocolate fudgie mousse pie - looks rich
• towering cake - could be tasty

Finally, a decision:
I hate to destroy an uncut cake and the chocolate chip creation looks so moist and dreamy.  So, I cut a wedge of the bundt cake and enjoyed that as my dessert and decadence for the day.

 I could fault myself for a lack of willpower but instead, I am happy to report that I did not to consume a week's worth of calories in one afternoon.  Cheers to the small victories.

*I am the first to admit that it may appear that moderation flies out the window when it comes to fitness.  I am an endurance junkie (helps offset the foodie in me) and will continue to participate in events that take hours to complete.  Moderation in that sense equals knowing my physical, mental, and environmental limits and, as a result, waiting until my children are older to attempt a full Ironman.

Visiting, holiday travel, and friendship

On the heels of the Independence Day holiday, it's time for my annual post about trying to make healthy choices during summer travel.  Here is a link to my 2011 road trip adventure. 

My family piled in the car on July 3rd and traveled about 4 hours to Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire.  We packed snacks for my oldest daughter (graham crackers, goldfish, Dora snacks, and squeezable fruit) while husband and I didn't worry too much about ourselves.  When we did get hungry we stopped at Subway for a healthier fast food alternative, plus that gave me the opportunity to stretch my legs rather than going through a drive-through.  Our friends live on a small island which is only accessible by boat.  To stay active on this trip, we swam and kayaked.  Since we visited a home we were able to eat in, saving us from navigating restaurant menus and the temptation to splurge on large calorie-laden portions. 

Our visit was absolutely delightful.  We visited with family friends whom I have known since 1979.  Each night after the little ones went to sleep, I stayed up and enjoyed long conversations my "second mother". 

According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, friends can

Increase your sense of belonging and purpose

Boost your happiness

Reduce stress

Improve your self-worth

Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one

Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise

Here is information from the Mayo Clinic about the benefits of friendship. 

Maintaining relationships takes effort.  It can be so easy to rely heavily on texts, email, and even Facebook to check in with people.  It's also common to get so consumed in every day life that weeks escape without reaching out and connecting with those we love.  Every once in a while it's good for the soul to pick up the phone, surprise someone with a card, or pile in the car and drive.