In month three of this commitment to change your lifestyle, you face a big temptation to indulge. It’s called Spring Break. Usually this means eat hearty, drink plenty, and engage in frivolous behavior. Basically, it is known as a time to take a ‘break’ and go nuts!

And, now that the ‘newness’ of your goal has worn off, Spring Break arrives at a time when you are vulnerable. This year is different, however. You made a commitment! And, even though it’s Spring Break, it does not mean you neglect or shelf this lifestyle change. I know it does not come easy. I’ve walked this road. You can walk it to!!

May I strongly encourage you to not allow the calendar to dictate whether you break from this new normal or not. Remember a commitment is just that; it’s a commitment no matter what are doing and no matter where you are located.

Hopefully, you are recognizing that cleaning + exercise = healthy and content life. If you find yourself among the group who dropped off the goal to eat clean and get physically fit, then seize the opportunity of Spring Break to jump back on track. Be an example to your family and friends of changing habits and developing a sustainable lifestyle.

This Spring Break whether you are staying in-town or headed off somewhere exciting, the benefits of exercise and clean eating go with you. Model this behavior for your family and friends. Try these low-cost activities over the Spring Break week:

• Ride your bikes in the neighborhood: set a goal to get to the closest pond or playground

• Actually use the basketball and hoop you bought

• Take the soccer and football to the park and practice different run and passing drills

• Create an obstacle course in your front yard, beach, or local park  using balls, mats, play tunnels, benches, slides, swings, pull up bars, etc…: go ahead and time each other and try to get a ‘personal best’ time

• Take a hike a local park or arboretum: bring a lunch and enjoy the outdoors

• Limit TV and computer game time to a few hours per week

• Use the stairs at any public venue, show, mall, or department store

• Park as far away as possible when you go to the malls, movies, or stores

• Stop every two hours while traveling by car: run around the car or the parking lot perimeter and do some stretching before continuing your journey

• Swim, play tennis, walk the golf course, and utilize the physical activities available to you at your vacation destination.

The benefits of clean eating on Spring Break include no extra pounds when you return or when the week concludes. Remember, getting and staying fit is 80 percent nutrition, 10 percent training and 10 percent genetic.

Eating clean is possible! Even on Spring Break, you CAN choose to not indulge and certainly refrain from over-indulging. Simply give yourself permission to enjoy one meal or even just one ‘cheat’ item during the week. Activate these principles with each meal you fix or dine out:

• Eat six small meals each day
• Eat about every 2.5 to 3 hours
• Combine a lean protein and complex carbohydrate at each meal
• Drink two to three liters of water each day
• Refrain from any alcoholic, soda, or sugar laden fruit drinks
• Consume fresh fruits and veggies...mostly vegtables!
• Eat whole grains, not refined, processed, or chemically enhanced foods
• Consume lean protein from fish, poultry, wild game, soy products, and legumes
• Eat healthy fats every day from fish, healthy oils like Olive, nuts, seeds, and grains
• Never miss a meal, especially breakfast!
• Control portion sizes...share meals you get when dining out or immediately cut them in half and ask for a doggie bag

I promise you, it is better to hit the pillow at night knowing you did not indulge and remained loyal to your commitment than over eating and being a slug to in-activity. Your body, soul, mind, and spirit will thank you. You CAN do this!!

Motivation Tip:

Find someone you admire and put up a picture of them some where you will see it everyday. For me, I have a picture of Dara Torres, the 41-year-old Olympic Swimmer, who capture several medals in the 2008 Olympic games! Her work ethic, dedication to her sport, and her body at her age all motivate me to keep eating clean and working hard daily for my goals in football.

Fun Football Fact:

It was not until the mid-1920's when football players first began to use shoulder pads, knee, hip, and thigh pads, and spiked shoes! Dallas

Diamonds season tickets are now on sale...check out our website for more information: www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com  

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

Dallas Diamonds start the season Saturday, April 11. For ticket information visit www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com