Healthy Choices in Sin City?

Been off the blog for a bit--that time of the school year for me, but now I'm back on track.  A few weekends ago I was presented yet another challenge to my goal of making healthier choices.  I attended a mini-reunion in Las Vegas.  Las Vegas is not my favorite place to visit.  I don't particularly like to gamble, and so on past visits, the only thing I ever found compelling were the cheap and bountiful buffets.  While Michelle hit the slots, I hit the Rio, or Mirage, or Caesar's, or you-name-it buffet.  Basically, I gambled with my weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

While I wanted to avoid the extreme food sins of past visits, I also wanted to ensure I enjoyed this one.  I went with no intention of completing restricting myself (see the 80/20 Principle in the--post).   However, I also wanted to be strategic so I did not come home with any major regrets.

First, we stayed off the strip in a non-casino.  The Embassy Suites is a great place to stay, just a few blocks from the casinos, that offers a fantastic free omelet breakfast.  By staying here, I knew it would be easy to avoid the breakfast buffet temptation, but still be able to enjoy a satisfying meal.

Second, we planned our meal locations carefully.  We again went off strip, first to a renowned steakhouse and next to a Korean Barbecue.  The latter was actually a second choice to a Japanese grill that proved too crowded upon arrival, but as an alternative, gave us what my friend Tracy dubbed an "all you can meat" experience.  Relatively on track with my eating style, but absolutely delicious.

Finally, I wanted to make sure I got my exercise in.  We got up and did our Crossfit workout at the 6am class before leaving Friday so that I had that under my belt.  And on Saturday, instead of going to the casinos, I planned a great hike up at Red Rock Canyon, just west of Las Vegas.  It was a great hike--challenging enough to be great exercise with spectacular views of the amazing rock formations and the courageous (or crazy) rock climbers.

So that's the theme again--balanced approach to make healthier living doable--and careful planning to make healthy choices fit in to any circumstance. 

Here's the meals for the next 10 days--

Tues, 5/22:
Grilled ribeye steaks with steamed string beans

Wed, 5/23:
Crockpot hot wings from the Civilized Caveman with salad

Thur, 5/24:
Crockpot Cuban Pork Lettuce Wraps from Paleomg

Fri, 5/25:
Grilled brats with steamed artichokes and salad

Sat, 5/26:
Prime Rib with steamed bacon-blue cheese brussel spouts--birthday celebration #1

Sun, 5/27:
Dining out--birthday celebration #2

Mon, 5/28:
Dining out--birthday celebration #3

Tues, 5/29:
Bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts with steamed broccoli

Wed, 5/30:
Jambalaya from Paleomg

Thur, 5/31
Grilled smoke sausage with grilled peppers and onions

This week's WODs:

Mon, 5/21:

Push Press
3-3-3-1-1-1

3 Rounds:
10 Deadlifts
15 Pushups
400 meter run

Wed, 5/23:2

Good Mornings
3 X 10

Row 500M
21-15-9
Hang Power Clean (115-95/85-65)
Dips