MeetMeOutside

The strongest connections are a result of shared passions and experiences. Living a healthy lifestyle can be hard, finding someone to share it with, shouldn't be.

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MeetMeOutside Podcast

Interviewing health, fitness, and outdoor professionals about their relationships and dating experiences. Find out how living an active lifestyle influences their relationship or who they chose to dat

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15 “Why Are You Still Single” Responses You Need to be Using

Single? I bet you’ve been asked why… as if that’s actually an appropriate question to raise. We’ve all been there, enjoying a date when low and behold, the dreaded “so why are you still single?” question is thrown on the table. I’m still dumbfounded that people think this question is warranted. I mean, what kind of response are they expecting? Realistically, nobody is looking for a deep-dive on your past relationships, so try one of these replies instead.

1.       Who said I’m single?

2.       Why settle for one when I can have many?

3.       What’s the rush?

4.       I like to think I’m actually just lucky.

5.       Because I knew you were out there somewhere.

6.       Because the love of my life is [insert celebrity that is completely unattainable] and if I can’t be with them, I don’t really want to be with anyone else.

7.       Ah the question that philosophers, psychiatrists, psychologists, business experts, botanists, astrologists, astronomers, academics, mechanics, writers, marketers, journalists, and politicians wrestle with. Yeah…. I don’t think I know the answer either.

8.       I still haven’t found anyone good enough for me… still… cough… cough…

9.       Name one married super-hero…. Exactly.

10.   I’m just not into settling.

11.   I’m still catching up on all the sleep I lost during my last relationship.

12.   I like doing whatever the hell I want, whenever the hell I want.

13.   Because you haven’t proposed yet…

14.   I’m not single. My boyfriend/girlfriend and I are in a long distance relationship and he/she lives in the future.

15.   Why are you so obsessed with me?

And if you’re just straight up wondering why, naturally, there’s a BuzzFeed quiz for that. 

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4 Cookout Favorites Gone Healthy

It’s that time of year again! BBQ season is upon us. Before you sign up to bring something that’s going to leave guests feeling guilty, try these healthy versions that will have everyone asking for your recipes.

1.       (Turkey) Sausage, Peppers, & Onions- this favorite will have the other guests fooled. Not only is Turkey sausage delicious alone, but paired with peppers and onions, you won’t even know the difference! With half the fat and calories of traditional sausage, this crowd-pleaser is great alone, served over rice, or on a whole-wheat bun! This simple but satisfying recipe from the Food Network is a perfect one to try!

2.       (Turkey) Burgers- What’s a BBQ without a burger?! Instead of using beef for your burgers, take your favorite recipe and swap in the ground turkey. You can still enjoy all your favorite seasonings and toppings all while majorly cutting your calorie and fat intake!

3.       Bean Salad- Skip the mayo-based pasta and potato salads, and pair your protein with a Bean Salad. Mix up your favorite beans like chick peas, kidney beans and black beans with some onions, peppers, and a dash of salt and pepper. Add a little red-wine vinaigrette with some freshly chopped scallions and you’ll be good to go!

4.       Banana S’mores- the preparation may not be as fun as roasting marshmallows on the open fire, but it’s equally as delicious. Cut your banana(s) length-wise, grill for 3-4 minutes, and then place them between your graham cracker and a piece of dark chocolate.

Bring on the BBQ’s and not the pounds. After all, BBQ season does come with beach season!

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Ballin on a Budget: 10 Date Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

The dating game can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be expensive too. Skip the fancy dinners, overpriced drinks, and costly activities. Instead, try these inexpensive (but awesome) date ideas … and no, Netflix & chill is not on this list…

1.       Picnic – head to a local park with a blanket, a bottle of wine, and a block of cheese. It doesn’t need to cost more than $20, and it is sure to be an enjoyable afternoon.

2.       Group Fitness Class- most studios offer classes for ~$15 a person. Whether it’s yoga, spin, or even a boot camp, a group fitness class will get your heart rate up without dropping your bank account down.

3.       Be a tourist- have you ever really explored your own city? I’m talking, grab a map, and stroll through the neighborhoods you’ve never seen before. It’s not only completely free, but also gets you outside, moving, and gives you and your date plenty of time to chat!

4.       Basketball – if you haven’t seen “Love & Basketball”, well… just watch it and you’ll get the point.

5.       Bowl- a little friendly competition is a great way to build a connection. Plus, bowling is only $15 on average for a game!

6.       Game Night- pick your poison- whether it’s monopoly, poker, or Mario Kart, a game night is the perfect [free] date for a day when you just aren’t feelin’ leaving the house.

7.       Mini Golf- a round of Mini Golf is ~$12 per person. That’s basically the cost of 1 drink, but it’s a hell of a lot more fun!

8.       Comedy Show- comedy shows are great for a date when you feel like going out on the town. They’re inexpensive and guaranteed to make to laugh. What more could you want!?

9.       Cook- cooking a meal is a great way to do something together without having to spend too much money. Choose a recipe that appeals to you both, hit the local grocery store for the ingredients, and get to cooking!

10.   Trivia night- check out the events happening at your local bars. A lot of spots tend to have a trivia night that’s totally free! Grab a drink and test your knowledge.

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The Most Common Habit of Successful Relationships

Today I stumbled upon an article on the topic of how your daily habits impact your relationships. Intrigued by what I read, I decided to do a little research to see what habits do truly have an effect on how you interact with others, both positively and negatively. After spending a good portion of my evening weeding through some of the nonsense to get to the goods, dissecting sources, and really analyzing the habits that were outlined, I realized something. There was one habit that every single article seemed to reference. What was it, you ask? Getting outside and going for a walk with your significant other each morning or evening.

It sounds too easy, doesn’t it? A 10 minute walk every day. How could that really have an impact on your relationship? Don’t worry, I asked myself the same thing. But as I continued reading through articles from Women’s Day, LifeHack, Women’s Health, and many more that all made the same point, it became clear to me. Going for a walk with your partner does 3 things- it gets you active, it gets you outside, and gets you together.

Isn’t it funny how something so simple and mindless can actually have such an impact on the bigger picture? According to Women’s Day, “not only will the fresh air clear your minds but also "the very act of walking in the same direction can help you two feel as though you're on the same team and want the same result”. Women’s Health, also shared similar results from a daily walk, with one reader saying doing so helps you get away from your phone and distractions, giving you focused time together “reducing misunderstandings and stress”. Can you guess what LifeHack had to say? Something similar, but of course! This source noted that going for a daily walk with your partner “promotes conversation, quality time, and exposure to fresh air. Once you establish this habit, your body will actually want to go walking”.

So next time you’re getting ready to end your night with some TV on the couch, try grabbing your partner and going for a walk first. Not only will it get you moving and breathing in the fresh air, it will also be benefiting your relationship. Haven’t found the one to walk with yet? Download MeetMeOutside in the app store and that could change! 

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Fuel Your Day: The Best Breakfasts To Keep You Energized for Hours

You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Starting your morning with something nutritious and filling will make every day better. According to Prevention.com, “in the morning, your energy stores are depleted by as much as 80% from the night before. Without food, your body begins to conserve energy and burn fewer calories”. So instead of skipping or skimping on the breakfast, try some of our favorites to keep you energized through the day.

1.       Eggs with spinach and tomatoes- Eggs will give you the protein you need to stay satisfied through the morning. When you couple them with some fresh spinach and tomatoes, your body is getting the vitamins and antioxidants it needs to be energized.

2.       Oatmeal- Avoid the pre-flavored oats and go with the steel cut alternative. These have more fiber and they are sure to fill you up. If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, add some fruit or honey to spice it up. Don’t have enough time in the morning to cook steel cut oats? Try overnight oats! Prepare them the night before with some almond milk, fruit, and nuts, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to go in the morning, just grab them and go!

3.       Shakes- A shake is a great way to fuel your day, especially when you’re on the go. Start with a scoop or two of protein, and then add in your favorites. For me, it’s 2 scoops of chocolate protein, a banana, some fresh spinach, and sprinkle of chia seeds blended up with ice/water. Don’t be afraid to switch it up though, nobody wants to drink the same thing every day!

4.       Greek Yogurt with berries- Packed with calcium and protein, this breakfast is sure to start your day strong. Greek Yogurt has twice the nutritional value of regular yogurt, and when you pair it with super fruits like blueberries; you’ll get the energy and brainpower you need to get going!

So before you run out the door skipping breakfast, think twice. It’s the most important meal of the day, especially if you’re active and on the go!

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Transforming Into an At-Home Yogi

Ever scroll through Instagram and wonder how the heck some of those Yogi’s bend their bodies the way that they do? I sure have. But the truth is, they too, were likely once in your position. Nobody is born a Yogi. It takes hours of stretching and practicing poses to master the art, but you have to start somewhere! Not ready to hop into a class just yet? Don’t worry; you can start your practice at home. You have the ability to transform into a Yogi, just follow these steps!

1.       Find your breath- One of the most important parts of yoga is breathing. Believe it or not, sometimes when we concentrate on holding a pose, we actually stop regulating our breathing. In yoga, it’s imperative that breathing is regulated throughout your practice, and especially when holding poses. To help find your breath, start and end every yoga practice just by focusing on your breaths.

2.       Start with introductory poses- Before you try to tackle the crow position, start with the introductory poses like Mountain, Downward Dog, and Warrior. Perfecting the basics will help you all the way through your practice.

3.       Give Vinyasa a shot- Once you’ve found your breath and perfected the introductory poses, put your progress to the test with a Vinyasa flow. There are plenty of videos online that you can watch and follow along with. Vinyasa yoga is comprised of various poses, where you flow from one pose into the next, all while keeping a steady breath. If you can perfect the poses of this flow while keeping your breathing steady, then you’re ready to test your boundaries

4.       Practice, practice, practice! If you’ve perfected your breathing and the Vinyasa flow, you’re ready to test your boundaries. Each month, pick a new challenging pose that you want to perfect. Each day during that month, after you’ve completed your Vinyasa flow, spend some time practicing your pose of the month. If you consistently practice and don’t give up, you’re sure to see improvement by the end of the month!

5.       Practice, practice, practice…..practice! When the month is over, it doesn’t mean the pose is over. By this time, you’ve likely been successful in holding your pose of the month. But before you move on to your next monthly pose, incorporate this month’s into your ongoing practice, so you never lose all that hard work!

There you have it. You’re already one step closer to becoming a Yogi and mastering some poses!  

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Overcoming Runners Block

Writers aren’t the only people who get blocked from doing what they do best. Ask any runner, and they’ll tell you Runners Block IS in fact a real thing. You know, that feeling where no matter how may days on or off you have, you just can’t get into a run. You run a few very forced miles, feel like you’re running through molasses, and eventually you give up because you either can’t breathe, or can’t bear to keep pushing through. With every step you tell yourself to just get a little further and you’ll get into the runners high, but it just doesn’t seem to happen. So what do you do?

1.       Stop worrying

2.       Hydrate

3.       Stretch

Stop worrying. Did you know that your muscles can actually tighten when you’re stressed? Whether it’s your job, your family life, or an upcoming race that has your mind consumed, use your runs to escape and think about something else. When you’re consistently thinking about the stress-triggers, your muscles can tighten up, causing you to feel more tired than usual, and making it difficult to nail your stride. So next time you head out for a run, think about what’s stressing you out before you walk out the door, and leave it inside.

Hydrate. Hydration levels have a direct impact on your performance. Ever try to run after a night of drinking? There’s a reason why it feels awful… you’re dehydrated! So hydrate before, during, and after your runs.. so pretty much all day, every day. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink about 3 liters of water each day, and women should drink just over 2. During a run, both men and women should hydrate every 15-20 minutes, or whenever the feeling of thirst kicks in. For a “normal” workout, men and women alike should drink an extra 2 cups of water, and for “intense” workouts, a sports drink should be thrown into the mix to help replace the sodium lost in sweat.

Stretch. A little yoga goes a long way. So break out the mat, and the foam roller if you have one, and give your muscles and ligaments a good old fashioned stretch. Tight muscles will limit your movement, so stretching both before and after your runs and workouts is key.

Now get back out there, you’ve got this!

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4 Healthy Eating Life Hacks A healthy diet means something different for everyone. For me, it's high protein, low carb, and minimal dairy. Cutting out the foods we love most is never easy, but there are plenty of replacements that you might not be thinking of. Here are 4 life hacks to keep you eating healthy:

1. Avocados- first and foremost, let's clear up the rumor that these delicious fruits (yes, technically by definition it's a fruit) are bad for you. Avocados are high in fat, but the healthy kind of fat. I know what you're thinking. "Fat... Is healthy? What is this girl talking about?!"

Let me explain.

Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, which regulates cholesterol and promotes heart health. And here's the best part- they speed up your BMR! That means they increase the rate which you burn calories while resting. Burning calories, while doing nothing? Sign me up! On top of that, they are packed with potassium (more than a banana) and protein (4 grams). So, "eat them plain?" you ask?

Sure. Or use them as a dairy substitute. Life hack: Avocados can replace butter in baking, milk in smoothies, cream in a cream sauce, and even mayo in your chicken or egg salad! 2. Bananas…does anyone else sing Gwen Stefani’s "Hollaback girl" in their head every time they need to spell that word? Weighing in at only 90 calories, bananas are fat free, and packed with potassium and fiber. They help with digestion, which is especially important for all my fellow runners that tend to get cramps. Life hack: bananas make a mean, dairy-free ice cream.  I'm not going to lie, nothing tops Ben & Jerry's, but considering the health benefits, this is pretty damn close. Simply freeze some bananas, and put them into a food processor. You can top with some berries, cocao chips (not to be confused with cocoa- there's a huge difference), coconut, or even a dash of maple syrup for some added sweetness.

3. Greek Yogurt- 1 serving of Greek yogurt has the same amount of protein as a 3oz lean meat- a perfect protein source for vegetarians, or those who just don’t love meat. With more nutrients than your typical yogurt, 1 serving can account for 15% of your daily calcium intake. Pair that with some OJ, and you’re good to go!

Life hack: Greek yogurt makes a great replacement for sour cream. It has nearly ¼ of the calories and 5x the protein, and I guarantee you wouldn’t know the difference tasting it blindly. So grab the plain Chobani and top your tacos! 4. Spaghetti Squash- despite its placement on my list, this is actually my personal favorite. With only 42 calories and 10 grams of carbs per cup, this winter squash is a no brainer. It has a little bit of each and every essential vitamin, and contains potassium and electrolytes to help build muscle and keep you hydrated.  

Life hack: With the right proteins and a good sauce, spaghetti squash really does taste like spaghetti…. And it’s half the calories of real spaghetti! My personal favorite add-ins are baked chicken with lemon and capers, turkey sausage with roasted tomatoes and basil, or a traditional marinara with turkey meatballs… Is it dinner time yet?

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12 Saint Patrick’s Day Road Races Bostonian’s Won’t Want To Miss

If there’s one thing we know about our Bostonian's, it’s that they LOVE St. Patrick’s day… and running! So before you reach for a Guinness this weekend, lace up those sneaks for a St. Patty’s themed race. Here are 12 themed runs happening in the area this weekend:

Saturday, March 19th 2016

Franklin Police & Fire ST Patrick's Day 5K- Franklin, MA

Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race- Holyoke, MA

Marshfield St. Patrick's Day 5K- Marshfield, MA

Mick Morgan's St. Patrick's 5K Road Race-Sharon, MA

Nutty Irish Cocoa Run-Salem, MA

Shamrock Stampede 5K- Plymouth, MA

St. Patrick's Road Race/Walk- North Oxford, MA

St. Patty's 5K/10K- Salisbury, MA

Sunday, March 20th, 2016

South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Road Race - South Boston, MA

Hibernian 5K St. Patrick's Day Recovery Run- Lynn, MA

Leprechaun 5K Shuffle- Bedford, MA

St. Paddy's Day 5K- Fall River, MA

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6 Date Ideas You Need to Try

Next time you’re thinking of making that dinner reservation for you and your date, think twice.  There are so many other options that are sure to give you more, all while getting you outside and being active. Here are 6 date ideas that won’t disappoint:

1.       Acroyoga- If you have never tried it, you should.  Acroyoga is a practice that combines yoga and acrobatics. Because the practice involves working (closely) together to accomplish poses, it’s the perfect way to build strength and your connection with your partner.

2.       Hiking- Hikes great for getting outside and getting to know each other. This workout is sure to tone your legs and get you some fresh air; all while giving you plenty of time to talk with your date along the way.

3.       Rock-climbing- If you and your date are first-timers, seek out a local gym with a rock climbing wall. If you’re veterans, test your skills in the great outdoors (don’t forget to snap some pics and tag @MMOutside- we LOVE seeing couples adventures like this!!).  This workout will most definitely test your fear of heights and work your arms, all while giving you the opportunity to bond.

4.       Sailing- Save this one for the summer, unless you and your date are lucky enough to live somewhere warm on the water! Sailing is the perfect adventure to really put your communication skills to the test, forcing you and your date to work together!

5.       Dance Lessons- Whether its salsa, ball-room, or hip-hop dancing lessons, this is a date that is sure to force you outside of your comfort zone, and really give you the chance to open up with your partner.  Put your creativity to the test, and show off those moves!

6.       Kickboxing- Couples that sweat together stay together, and this workout is sure to prove that. Hit the ring with your partner on your next date to see for yourself.

Let’s face it- the dinner and drinks combo is getting old, and there is no better way to get to know your date than taking on a new adventure, together. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and get active with your date!

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Recreational Runner: How I Discovered My Active Lifestyle

I have never really felt comfortable with the question “are you a runner?” I think the answer is yes – I like to run for exercise, I’ve participated in a few road races, I occasionally join local running groups. But when I think of a “runner” I don’t think of someone like me, I think of someone you’d see winning the Boston Marathon - lean, muscular, and incredibly fast. I found myself constantly comparing my performance pro runners, and telling myself “you need to get faster, you need to run sub-8 minute miles” and feel guilty for taking a rest day. But then I started to ask myself - where did these high standards come from? If my goal isn’t to be a top-ranked marathoner, then why am I trying to train like one?

If we get rid of those unrealistic standards, the idea of exercising and living an active lifestyle is far less intimidating. Let's not even call it exercise - call it recreation! When I changed my perspective and my unreasonably high standards, I had discovered a new sense of confidence to explore other types of exercise that naturally lead me to living an active lifestyle. Not only did I find myself pursuing more activities, I was also meeting new people and bringing my own friends to participate with me.

A couple years ago, I decided to join a triathlon training class at my local gym. I am a terrible swimmer, but I love to try new things and decided to sign up. The idea of being a triathlete was not in my mind, but rather - “hey I like running and biking, maybe I’ll like swimming too”. Well let’s just say, I will need a few more swimming courses before I think about signing up for a triathlon. But something very positive came out of that experience that was a bit of an epiphany for me. In the coach’s final review of my performance, (I will spare you the review of my swimming abilities) he described me as a “recreational runner and biker” - it was my aha moment! I am active because I enjoy it! Running, biking, walking, hiking are fun for me and as long as I keep that perspective, living an active lifestyle will naturally emerge over time. And it did.

There was never a day where I said “Jessica, TODAY is the first day of your new active life”. I just started trying new things, included friends and family, and always made sure I was having fun. I started with training for a 10k with a close girlfriend, and we had so much fun it lead us to signing up for a few more road races. Then we gathered up some more friends and got the courage to sign up for an adventure race. That was a turning point for me - finishing something I never imagined myself doing opened up a new level of confidence I didn’t know I had. From that point on, I have always been signed up for something - whether it’s a race, a package of yoga classes, or just a weekly running group.

So that’s my story and here is my advice: just sign up! Give yourself the opportunity to find something you love, form new relationships, make new friends, and soon you’ll find yourself smack in the middle of your newfound active lifestyle!

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The Science Behind Sweating Together: It’s Not Just a Saying

by Jaime B.

We’ve all heard it before: couples that sweat together, stay together. Makes sense, right? But is it actually true? As it turns out, yes. Researchers have uncovered several ways that being active with your date, long-term partner, or spouse can solidify a bond.

The Happy Factor

It’s no secret: physical activity makes you happy. When you exercise, your body releases a chemical called endorphins, explains personal trainer Fiona Ho in her article “Couples who sweat together, stay together,” that appeared in the Toronto Star. “They’re stuff that trigger positive feelings in your body, and make you feel brand new and shiny all over,” Ho explains. “For instance, the feeling that follows a good workout is often described as ‘euphoric’.” According to Ho, these good feelings lead to a more positive outlook in general – once of the biggest predictors of a strong relationship.

Love Potions

A racing pulse, sweaty hands, shortness of breath – running a few miles and feeling the power of attraction are very similar physical states. A landmark study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 1974 found that it’s common for people to mistake the two feelings. For example, they might be physically aroused, but confuse that for powerful romantic feelings. Theresa E. DiDonato, Ph.D., a social psychologist and an assistant professor at Loyola University, suggests working out with a crush for that very reason. “Use this phenomenon to your advantage by inviting your romantic interest to work out with you,” she writes in her article “5 Reasons Why Couples Who Sweat Together, Stay Together” in Psychology Today. “The results? A likely boost to your attractiveness in his or her eyes.”

Ties That Bind

Lifting weights in rhythm, matching your walking or running pace, tossing a medicine ball back and forth – when you’re working out with your date or partner, you’re not just having fun with a person you care about. You’re actually creating something called “nonverbal matching,” according to Dr. DiDonato. “Nonverbal mimicry helps people feel emotionally attuned with one another, and those who experience or engage in it tend to report greater feelings of having ‘bonded’ with their partner,” she writes.

What do you think – do couples who sweat together stay together? We’d love to hear what you think!

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| 10 Recipes for a Healthier Thanksgiving |

Tis’ the season of family gatherings, cocktails, and endless amounts of food, but that doesn’t have to translate into a halt in your healthy lifestyle. Here are 10 recipes to help you and your guests stay healthy this Thanksgiving:  

The APPS: This Thanksgiving, let’s stick to light bites before the big meal. Instead of cheese platters and savory dips, give some of these healthy appetizers from the Food Network and Dana White Nutrition a try: Antipasto Sausage Skewers, Roasted Eggplant Spread, and Sweet Potato Chips with Black Olive Tapenade.

The STUFFING: Traditional stuffing can have a lot of fat and calories between the amounts of sausage and bread that are used, so replacing these ingredients with healthy alternatives is key. This Quinoa Stuffing from BeachBody will give you the sweet and savory flavor you want, without making you feel stuffed...See what I did there ;)

The GRAVY: Gravy is comprised of a lot of salt and fat… that’s why it tastes so good!  While most health fanatics would suggest leaving it off your Turkey entirely, I’d prefer using a healthier version because let’s be serious, what is thanksgiving without Gravy?! This Mushroom Gravy from Chowhound is exactly the substitute you’ve been looking for. This recipe leaves the fat and drippings behind, and incorporates herbs and vegetables instead.

The SIDES: If you’re like me, the side dishes are the favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal, but they also tend to be packed with the most fat and calories. Sweet potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallow’s, mac & cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, candied yams... I mean, those names don’t even sound remotely healthy! But there are alternatives that taste just as delicious. This Thanksgiving, try these alternatives: Spaghetti Squash Mac & Cheese, Healthy Mashed Potatoes, and Rosemary Parmesan Sweet Potatoes. These favorites from PopSugar, Fitness Magazine, and Cookie + Kate are sure to impress your guests this year.

The DESSERT: Is your thanksgiving typically topped off with every kind of pie you can possibly imagine? This year, skip the traditional sugar traps and try a pie alternative that is a little lighter. This Pumpkin Pie from EatingWell uses only 1 tablespoon of sugar while your traditional pie uses almost a cup! Not a fan of pumpkin? EatingWell also has a delicious recipe for a Deep-Dish Apple Pie that has 1/3 of the amount of fat a traditional apple pie has!

Thanksgiving meals can be just as delicious without leaving you feeling guilty. If you start your holiday season with these 4 Tips to be Healthy This Thanksgiving, followed by the recipes above, you’re destined to feel great as the night rolls into Black Friday. Now get to shopping, you have cooking to do!

-Lauren

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| 4 Ways To Be Healthy This Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving is almost here and I, for one, am very excited for family, football and food! There's just something about that crisp fall air, the spirit and philanthropy that carries throughout the streets and the madness that occurs at every grocery store across the country. When it gets down to it, Thanksgiving is ultimately the home opener to a season full of holidays and good cheer. The downside to that is that we, as normal human beings, have to fight off the temptation of all the yummy food that comes our way during these few weeks. That got me thinking; how does one enjoy themselves and stay healthy during Thanksgiving and the weeks thereafter? It's not that you can't conveniently choose the holy Thursday as your cheat day but the fact is that it can be so easy to enjoy the foods you love and still maintain your healthy lifestyle. These are the five best tips we can give you this holiday season: EXERCISE AND STAY ACTIVE - In the weeks leading up to the inevitable feasts, choose to lengthen your workouts and increase your overall activity. On the day of the fun, challenge your friends to a touch football game in the backyard or go for a walk with the family. However you choose to stay active, it's important to burn off calories before or after any tempting meal. To put it in perspective, according to the Calorie Control Council, the average person consumes 4,500 calories in a holiday dinner. Woof, now that I think of it, two-a-days might be the play. EAT YOUR BREAKFAST - Experts say that eating a healthy breakfast in anticipation for a big meal can help control your appetite and food intake later in the day. I once had the theory that I wouldn't enjoy my turkey and all the trimmings as much if I ate anything before - I was dead wrong. Curbing my appetite in this fashion has left me hungry for the right amount of food, leaving me feeling great and not like a total zombie after the meal. PORTION CONTROL IS KEY - Once the food rolls out, it's all about controlling your portions. If you decide to take a little bit versus a lot of bit, you can leave yourself enough room to enjoy everything you love. If there are ways to keep the calorie count down, choose that route. Roasted vegetables and lean meat should always make an appearance on your plate, that's if if you can get your hands on them! Eat what you love but control what you eat - you'll be happy you did. BLAME IT (ON THE ALCOHOL) - Let me start off by saying that this one is a tough one given the seldom unions of friends and family during these glorious weeks. The fact of the matter is, alcohol has calories, and a lot of them at that! Out of the 4,500 calories that are consumed on nights like Thanksgiving, 1,500 of those calories come from drinks and appetizers. Choose to drink wine or low sugar cocktails and mix in a few non-alcoholic drinks, such as a zero calorie flavored seltzer, into the rotation. At the end of the day, these 4 tips are about being realistic. If you stay active before and during this season, you'll have a reason to treat yourself with all of Mom's cooking. Eating breakfast is important in your everyday life, why not stay consistent on days where you'll inevitably be tempted to eat everything in sight. Portion control is also a crucial part of living a healthy lifestyle, it's important that these joyous days don't throw you off track. Controlling what you drink and how much you drink during this holiday season will be tough for anyone who enjoys a drink or two but the outcome is so worth it! And after all, Jamie Foxx did tell us all to 'Blame It (On The Alcohol),' though I'm sure he wasn't talking about the same thing. -SH

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Looking to add some delicious and healthy protein into your diet? Try this homemade spinach and feta turkey burger recipe! Lean protein helps you stay fuller for longer and has the amino acids that are the building blocks for muscle! 🍴 (Via Health Magazine + Jillian Michaels) 1 egg (beaten) 1 clove of garlic (minced) 2 ounces of feta 5 ounces of spinach 1 pound of lean ground turkey Mix ingredients in large bowl and form 4 patties. Grill on both sides for 15 to 20 minutes. Add avacado and tomato. Use grilled eggplant slices as buns. ENJOY!

[meetmeoutside-blog]

| MeetMeOutside does Spartan Fenway….In Every Way Possible | We SPONSORED - As one of the official sponsors of the Fenway Spartan Sprint, our team was posted up at both Lansdowne and on Yawkey way, where we met an influx of pretty awesome people all weekend. Over on Yawkey, we had the pleasure of greeting racers entering and leaving the sprint, sharing fresh smoothies made on site with our blender-bike of course, and getting our singles excited about MeetMeOutside beta being available in the app store. When racers were ready to celebrate with their free beer courtesy of Shock Top, our MMO’ers were right outside Lansdowne to greet them with a pretty epic Spartan-themed photo booth. If you haven’t seen the pictures, check ‘em out here! We RAN - MMO had a total of 25 racers take on the course. With a team comprised of both MMO users and team members, we ran the stairs of Fenway (literally ALL of them... or at least it felt like it), conquered the obstacles (ok, maybe none of us hit the javelin target, but does ANYONE actually succeed on that one?!), and may or may not have stopped for a quick photo op in the dugout (come on, you’d do it to!). We crossed the finish line as a team in just over an hour, which if you ask me is pretty damn good considering we hosted the Fenway Spartan Sprint after-party the day prior, AND we busted our bums working as sponsors all weekend! ;) We RAISED - In an effort to give back to our favorite community (Boston, you’re our home!), we teamed up with our friends at Live4Evan to raise a considerable amount of money through raffles (shout-out to the awesome vendors who provided giveaways!), #DateASpartan Auction, and donations. All proceeds to the foundation go towards helping provide low cost patient-family housing options to the families of cardiac patients traveling to Boston from around the country to receive the world-class treatment available here. If you gave a donation or purchased a raffle ticket- Thank YOU! We AUCTIONED - The best part of the weekend was by far the first ever #DateASpartan Auction we held at Lansdowne. That’s right, date auction. Some of Spartan’s and MMO’s hottest bachelors and bachelorettes took the stage, introducing themselves by answering a series of impromptu interview questions, and offering up an MMO-planned date to the highest bidder(proceeds also went to Live4Evan). We can’t wait to share with you how the lucky couples dates went! And last but not least, we PARTIED - Alongside Shock Top and Lansdowne, we threw a great after party for racers and spectators on both Saturday and Sunday. The party had beers flowing, no shortage of laughs, and tons of lucky raffle winners who walked away with some pretty awesome swag. Lansdowne was packed from the moment the race started Saturday morning, until the Sunday Scaries started setting-in Sunday night, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks to all who spent time with us, we’ll see you at the next! -Lauren