January 19, 2011

Changing the Way We Do Things

A few days after Christmas I had a bit of a breakdown. At the dinner table. Hubby and I were eating yet another processed meal out of a box and I just couldn't take it any more. With work and the holidays I hadn't had time for any exercise and I felt awful... sluggish, no energy. That night we made a decision: it's time to change some of our bad habits.
For the last year, Hubby's work made it hard to eat healthy. He was gone five nights a week, which made it easier to rely on convenience foods. Now that his schedule has changed, we need to change too.
I've started a new exercise program. It's a challenge because it requires a 6 day a week commitment, roughly an hour each day. (It lasts 90 days if that helps you figure out what program I'm doing). Hubby has been good at helping me. He is "lucky" enough to be able to get up at 4:30 am and use the gym at his work. So if the girls don't have school (meaning I can't work out while they're in school), then he willingly takes over "quad duty" when he walks in the door so I can get in my work out. I'm on the third week and feeling good. I went for the "classic" routine (meaning more strength training) but I think at the end of this week I may switch to the "lean" version because I feel like I need more cardio.
We're also really making an effort to eat better. Since that night we have not had one meal out of a box, except for the occasional frozen meal when I'm working during the dinner hours. We've always been bigger lean meat eaters (fish and chicken) than red meat, so that hasn't been a difficult change. We're also adding more vegetables and brown rice rather than bread. 
The vegetable issue has been a bit of a challenge. We would both rather go organic, but when you're on a budget it's hard to justify a $2.99 bag of carrots versus a $.79 bag. I know organic tastes better, but still.... I'm hoping during the summer I can frequent some of our local road side vegetable stands for fresher produce. We also have a vegetable/rice steamer on order, which should help us broaden our choices.
As for the girls, they are reaping the benefits of extra vegetables. As for the processed food, they're five. We're getting there. At least they eat organic mac and cheese!

10 comments:

MaryAnne said...

I'm very impressed that you are getting so much working out done with four 5yos! For the organic food, I've had some success at Costco - some of their organic frozen vegetables especially are reasonably priced, at least where we live. I know that selection varies a lot by region - and, of course, I don't even know if you shop there!

Quadmama said...

We shop at Sam's Club and I keep meaning to check the produce there. Thanks for reminding me!

The Planet Pink said...

It is alot of work to change eating habits! And you're right, justifying the cost is daunting. Why does eating healthy and close to the source have to be so expensive? But it's worth it in the long run. You won't regret making the effort if you stick with it!

Christina said...

Good for you for making the switch. :) We did last year and at first it was tough but once you know where to shop, and what to buy it's not to bad. And yea, I'm not buying organic veggies right now, just a few here and there. We eat so many, it's hard to spend that much. In the summer our garden is awesome for that reason though. Saves us tons of money!
Good luck!

Quadmama said...

My goal is to have my own garden this year.

Anonymous said...

We have a steamer that we use a lot. We even steam okra, which is surprisingly good steamed.

If the girls balk at veggies, you can always put them in meatloaf and such.

Renae said...

Good for you for deciding to make a change. I never really look forward to exercising, but tend to feel sluggish and cranky if I take too many days off. I hope you're able to stick with it for the 90 days. You should join the Move It 2011 challenge! I've found that very motivating and know it will keep me moving all year.

As for the foods. I do my best to prepare healthy meals each day, but there are some processed foods in the mix. I once listened to a story on NPR where some guy being interviewed talked on and on about the importance of eating organic and non-processed foods. Afterwards, I felt so down about not being able to fully do that for my kids. The cost is just outrageous, especially for organic meats (his solution- become a vegetarian), so I just do the best I can. And try not to beat myself up too much about the areas where I fall short.

Kim said...

The problem with organic fruits and veggies for me is that we have such a tiny window of opportunity for eating them (they go bad SO FAST). I think it's because they have to be trucked up here, which takes a day or 2 off their lifespan any way. I tend to buy in bulk, and I have to be really careful about the organic fresh stuff I get.

Keep up the good work with the exercise. Ahem. And now I'm off to the treadmill . . .

Lauren said...

GO YOU!

I completely understand the convenience foods. My husband and I both work 24 hours shifts so there is lots of excuses for boxed dinners in my house. I simply stopped buying it 2 weeks ago. Hubby actually made dinner in a pot on the stove for himself and the twins while I was away at work!

Quadmama said...

I'm sure we'll still resort to boxed foods now and then, but it's so nice to have "real" food.

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