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We all know that a healthy, balanced breakfast is the way to start the day out right.  Our bodies need food and nutrients to kick start our sleepy metabolism. 

Well I’m here to say, something else is necessary… at least for me.

EXERCISE

When I start my day with a mini or long sweat session, I’ve set myself up for a day of good choices.  It’s weird how it works.

Let me elaborate some…

Yesterday I took a rest day.  Don’t get me wrong, rest days are necessary, but usually I’m still active on my rest days.  I’ll walk the dog, or walk on my breaks at work.  Since we headed up to the lake house Thursday evening I didn’t have breaks at work to walk on. 

Instead I sat on my butt, watched a lot of TV and chowed down on not the best choices of food.  I felt blah and bloated all day.  Not how I like to feel.

The little bit of walking we did do yesterday was at the outlet mall where I got a new pair of Nike Frees.

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My old ones were an awesome bright purple.  They look a lot dirtier now than when I first bought them a year and a half ago. 

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My new ones only came in this color – that’s outlet shopping for ya – but at $50 I’ll take it!

So lets switch gears to today…

I wanted to try out my new shoes so I planned for a morning run.  Joe and I set out around 8am.  We did an easy out and back.  3.53 miles in 32:42, maintaining a 9:11 mins/mile pace. 

Once back I spent a long time stretching, made delicious french toast with an extra egg + banana + apple sauce.  By this time yesterday I already had a couple handfuls of chocolate chips + kettle chips in my stomach.  Today, after starting out with my morning exercise + nutritious breakfast, I feel like I’m back on track.

Now I can relax with the hubs + Joe and feel great about how my morning started.

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How do you set your day up for success?  A workout?  Healthy breakfast?

Share your tips!

Heather

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Heather

Hi! I’m Heather, the creator of Fit Mama Real Food, Everyday Muffin Party author, nutrition coach, group fitness instructor, wife, and mom of four. I’m so glad you are here!

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  1. Bonnie says:

    Oh man – am I ever in agreement with this post. It’s definitely true for me that if I start with exercise it sets me up for good choices all day long. I think that’s why I struggle with rest days and really need to get better at making healthy choices on those days specifically. We need the rest too! But I love the movement. 🙂 Good to know I’m not alone on this one – as I see in the comments too. No tips to share, just a comment to say I’m with you on this! And cool shoes. 😀

  2. sMiles from Callie says:

    I’m the exact same way! Yesterday was my active rest day and even though my boyfriend and I went for a 40 minute walk, I ended up eating my more than I usually do. The days when I workout, I’m much more disciplined and aware of my portions. Glad somebody else feels the same way!

  3. jodie says:

    You are so right. Working out first thing not only puts me in a good mood but I make better food choices.

  4. julie says:

    outlet shopping is like one of the only way i buy sneaks haha i’m fine with waiting for the good ones to come out for 50 bucks less a couple of months later!

  5. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says:

    A healthy breakfast and a morning workout is exactly how I get my day started on the right track as well. Reading some healthy living blogs inspires and encourages me too!

  6. Casey @ Insatiably Healthy says:

    Amen sister! A morning workout always works better than coffee for me. I think its a mood booster. I can think back on my morning and how I kicked butt in that run/bike/gym sesh etc…

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      Seriously a huge mood booster!

  7. Haley @ Health Freak College Girl says:

    morning workouts are totally the best! not only do you get it out of the way, but you also feel great for the rest of the day. then it’s even better when you come back and eat a healthy breakfast 🙂

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      Agreed!

  8. Erica says:

    I agree! AM workouts rock. I wish I could do them every single day! Yayy for new shoes!!

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      Same here girl.

  9. Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says:

    Definetly a good breakfast! Always 🙂