Happy Friday (or Saturday) Blenders!

Let's start off our Friday with a pretty snowy tree pic!

So, there you are! haha

And we did it! We made it to the start of the weekend! Whoo hoo! I'm so glad this week is over lol.

Do you guys have any fun things planned for the weekend?

I don't have much going on. More snow shoveling, and trying to stay warm--it's supposed to be frigid again this weekend.

Now let's talk about some workouts happening for today!

Are you guys working out today, or are you resting?

I'm gonna do this kickboxing and lower body strength combo:

https://www.fitnessblender.com/videos/cardio-kickboxing-and-lower-body-strength-workout

I haven't done it in awhile, and I really like it. So I'm really looking forward to this today!

Random side note: when I typed "kickboxing" into the workout search bar this morning, it for some reason auto-filled to "cranberry cookies"? Maybe my computer is trying to tell me something? 😆

I'm totally onboard with getting cranberry cookies in exchange for doing some kickboxing. This needs to be a thing.

Anywho, since we're already talking about food, let's talk about it some more! What's on the menu for you today, Fellow Blenders?

I'm thinking a picadillo! Haven't made this recipe in a long time, but it's delicious and easy:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/257322/chef-johns-picadillo

I used ground venison in place of beef, and like to add in a chopped green bell pepper too. It's great served over rice, pasta, spaghetti squash, or even on a roll--almost like a sloppy joe! I love it!

And don't forget, if you're following along with Erse's Healthy Eating Challenge, make sure to check-in with her! Here's her Day 12 post:

https://www.fitnessblender.com/community/discussion/10481/healthy-eating-challenge-day-12

Alright, let's get to our Fitness Friday question! I'm borrowing this one from Coby from a few Fridays back when we had a "Ask Your Fellow Blenders" Fitness Friday.

So, you've worked hard for awhile on keeping up with workouts and eating real food. You've put in the time and effort, reached your goal...but then what? What do you do after that? What exactly is maintenance mode? What does it feel like, how do you switch your mindset to maintaining vs weight loss?

(Such a good question Coby! I hope you don't mind me borrowing it!)

So this is kind of a tough answer, because it will be individual for everyone.

(Also, here's an FB article/vlog about this if you'd like to check it out:

https://www.fitnessblender.com/articles/do-i-have-to-keep-working-out-once-i-reach-my-goal-weight-how-to-maintain-weight-loss )

I know for myself, it's tough to mentally go from pushing towards a goal, to maintaining that goal. And it's definitely not something that occurs overnight. How do stay motivated to keep active and eat well indefinitely?

It's a bit overwhelming when you look at it that way lol. But it's true. You have to find a spot, I believe, that is easy for you to maintain. That you aren't fighting with yourself about calories in and out, but rather just living your life. And the way you eat, they way you workout, the way you take care of your body, just becomes a part of your life.

I guess the way I think about this is, I shouldn't have to think about it? If that makes sense. I should just eat well, and exercise to feel good, and my body will maintain itself.

It took me years and years to figure this out, and find what works best for me. So yeah, it was definitely not an overnight thing.

So I'm interested to hear your perspectives on this Fellow Blenders! What does maintenance mean to you? How did you find that happy-medium for yourself?

As always, I look forward to hearing your responses!

With that, I'll let you get to it!

Thanks so much for checking in with me today, Fellow Blenders! And I hope you have a fantastic day!

Go out there, and kick some butt today!