I spend a lot of time in my car. A lot of time! After working out, getting ready for work, and getting my daughter ready for the day, I drive to daycare and then spend about an hour diving to my office.
Having a long commute is just part of living in Washington, DC. Over the years, I’ve learned to treasure those three hours a day. Those hours give me time to think, to sing, to talk to family and friends, and to prepare for the day ahead or behind me.
Some of my favorite moments in my car these days are when the sun is shining, my car windows are down (hello, fall!), my sunglasses are on, my favorite songs are blaring, and I have a soy chai or sweet treat in my hand after a long day of work. Those are my favorite me moments and are the moments I’m able to digest and process everything that has been on my mind all day.
I’ve spent a lot of time these past few months thinking about my weight loss and the changes necessary to feel better and to see results. “Balance” has been a hot word this year, but I think balance is really the key to weight loss. Weight loss takes a lot of sacrifice, but you also have to be realistic and know that you cannot be restrictive all the time. On the flip side, you also have to be honest about the number of treats or higher-calorie meals you’re consuming.
Even if I’m having scrambled eggs with veggies for breakfast, a bowl of soup and sandwich from a restaurant for lunch, and then vegetable tacos for dinner, I have to be smart and realize that I don’t also need dessert. My lunch most likely had more calories in it than my regular sautéed zucchini and turkey meatballs, so I probably shouldn’t also have the added calories of the ice cream.
In my car and in my office at work, I keep a stash of my favorite treats, including Fiber One® bars and cookies. For me, they are a small treat that satisfies my craving for sweets while also keeping me on track. I love enjoying a bar on the road or an ice cream sandwich after dinner if I haven’t had any other treats that day.
I’m not tracking what I eat on paper or in an app, so I’ve had to really hone in on my body’s needs and to be aware of what I’ve already consumed that day. It takes time, but you learn how to balance it all and to enjoy all foods within true moderation.
I love my time in the car, though my commute can be a nightmare some days. It gives me time to think, to breathe, and to enjoy some me time.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by General Mills through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Fiber One®‘s Brownies & Bars, all opinions are my own.
