Hi! Real quick—how was your holiday? Did the mantra trick get you through to the other side?
Speaking of mantras, it’s resolution season in America. Gyms and health clubs everywhere are feeling huge spikes in attendance. We personally like resolutions in theory—especially if it means we get to see you—but they’re all too often connected to disappointment. Resolutions just seem determined to lose steam.
If you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution and didn’t keep it, it’s not your fault. It actually makes sense that we crack under the pressure put on us to be healthy and happy and successful and well liked, ideally all while appearing reasonably attractive.
See if these crazy contradictions ring true for you: Self worth is measured by how many hours you work per week but also by how much time you make for your family. Or: Happiness is measured by how accepting you are of your own body, but aging isn’t really desirable or even acceptable. And if you look at models and movie stars, it seems downright preventable. (Hey … it is not.)
Instead of resolutions (I’m going to lose weight; I will travel more; I’m going to make more money), try New Year’s “themes”— sort of like the mantra idea we talked about a couple of months ago. Here’s one: This year, I am going to forgive myself when things don’t go the way I planned. Or: Whenever it feels right, I am going to take on a personal challenge without letting anything get in my way.
Think about a specific pressure you feel trapped by, and develop a theme that will help you outsmart it. This theme is your new best friend; let it stick by you through thick and thin.
Trusting and responding to your theme, no matter WHAT society is telling you to do, could open up a whole world of personal freedom—and could make for a pretty great year.
Let your theme and this refreshingly simple take on self-worth be your inspiration for 2016:
“The greatest gift you will ever receive is the gift of loving and believing in yourself. Guard this gift with your life. It is the only thing that will ever be truly yours.” – Tiffany Loren Rowe
Happy New Year, and here’s to a simply happy you!
WARNING: Enjoying your Thanksgiving meal has been known to cause … health and happiness.
Technically, this is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But hark! Think back on the last several holidays. How did you feel throughout the season? If you can answer this question with “sheer delight,” then no need to read on.
However, if you experienced some negative feelings, like stress, fatigue, worry or guilt, then read on for some holiday liberation.
On top of the stresses that come with planning, budgeting, cleaning, cooking, hosting and shopping, there’s pressure not to gain holiday weight. Borderline psychotic tips for a “thinner Thanksgiving” go something like this: “Don’t go to a party hungry!” and “Police your portions!” You know what? These pieces of advice are only good at adding stress and stealing joy.
So how about taking an improved approach to our holidays this year?
Think about how you want to FEEL this holiday season, and let that be your mantra. How do you want the people you love to feel when they are around you?
If you normally feel stressed, you might select calm. If you normally feel tired, you might choose to feel energized instead. If you feel anger and resentment, pick joy. You get the idea.
Basically, you can create a mantra around how you would like to feel. It’s as simple as orchestrating your experience in a different way. For instance, stress can be alleviated if you create your holiday plan ahead of time and write it down. Feeling overwhelmed can be solved by asking people for help. Your mantra this season might be something like, “Organized and ready.”
Finally, let’s get to this food thing.
I bet you spend a whole lot of time on preparation, only to sit down and feel guilty about enjoying it.
Hey.
Skip the side of guilt this time. Claim your right to experience eating wonderful food with your loved ones. Now, I’m not suggesting you stuff your face for 30 days – no one one wants to feel those aftereffects. However, I believe if you choose a mantra that gives you permission to enjoy the true feeling of the season, you may find that stress or the urge to overeat will automatically disappear.
What will be your mantra?
One of our wonderful members at OTAC was generous enough to supply me with fresh cucumbers and beets from her garden. There is simply nothing like utilizing seasonal fruits and vegetables from a local source. The freshness alone provides a ton of flavor – and the nutrient density is off the charts, making this garden veggie recipe absolutely amazing.
Thought I would share the recipe where I incorporated the fruits of her labor! Thanks, Lori!
Ingredients:
4-5 raw beets (large)
4 raw cucumbers
1/2 sweet onion chopped or thinly sliced (your preference)
4 tsp. honey
4 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
a dash of Tabasco (optional)
1/4 cup + 2 tbs. olive oil
fresh dill
salt and pepper to taste
Garden Veggie Recipe:
Wash beets and wrap each individual beet tightly in aluminum foil. Roast in oven at 375 degrees for about 90 minutes (less time if beets are small).
Once out of the oven, unwrap and peel the beets, allowing time to cool.
Partially peel cucumbers and chop into chunks. Chop cooled beets into chunks. Combine the cucumbers, beets and onion in a large bowl.
To make the dressing, combine honey, vinegar, mustard, Tabasco and olive oil and stir well to mix. Pour over veggies and add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the dill on top to garnish.
Refrigerate for at least one hour.
Enjoy!
Kim
“Trust yourself – you know more than you think you do.”
This anonymous quote is stuck to my oven in the form of a magnetic sticker, given to me many years ago. Like most ideas, its meaning has changed for me as time has gone by. I think it was initially given to me as a way to boost my self-confidence and remind me to trust in my own judgment. Seems like great advice for all of us, right?
Now, as I see it, the quote encourages me to take a different type of action when I’m having “a moment of temporary insecurity,” as Martin Rooney, one of the fitness industry’s best motivators, states. The moment of insecurity he speaks of might cause me to freeze from fear of failure, or simply be unwilling to make a change to better myself. To overcome that insecurity, the action I’m now inspired to take may actually surprise you.
The fact is, I really should trust myself, because I do know the answer. The answer may lie, funnily enough, in the fact that I don’t know what to do!
I know that I don’t always know what to do.
Doesn’t sound all that profound, I know. But if I come to terms with the not knowing, it opens up an opportunity for me to seek advice from others that I do trust, others who are more knowledgeable than me in that particular field. I can even choose to look for answers by researching the matter at hand on my own. Once I’ve collected the knowledge I need (knowledge is power!), I can move forward.
Moving forward might be the most important part. Move not only to better yourself but also to accept responsibility for your hopes and dreams, or even be an inspiration to others! On some level, most people want a little guidance. When you know the right thing to do, and you take action, you are paving the way for others to follow. You are a living, breathing example to your family, your friends and to those who may look to you for inspiration when they “don’t know” and need your advice. Each time you take a small step, it builds momentum for a leap, and just like that, you become someone who has the knowledge to pass on.
Whether you do or don’t know your next move in response to a challenge, understand there is a definite action to carry you to that next step. Know that you will make mistakes. If you’re like me, my guess is you have already made many mistakes in your lifetime – and you have overcome them. You will overcome again and again, each and every time.
What is it that you want out of your life? Are you working toward becoming healthier, progressing in your career or being a better parent, spouse or community member? Whatever your aim, trust that you know how to get there…and trust that sometimes the “knowing” is asking for help.
Spring is in the air! The sun is shining! Energy levels are on the rise! It’s time to spring forward, literally!! No more thinking about eating better….let’s do it! And let’s not make it too complicated! Let’s DO something we know we can do! Often people tell me they are quite successful throughout the day, but they usually fall apart nutritionally in the evening. Let’s see if we can create a healthy eating habit just one night a week – what a doable start!
This was dinner for my family on Sunday evening – It’s unusual as I am the only one in my family that likes fish. In fact, most of the time, I am preparing myself something completely different from what the rest of my family will eat. But not this Sunday! I decided to just DO IT and they enjoyed it!
Here is Halibut baked in parchment paper with a side of fresh green beans and half a sweet potato. The Halibut is delicious, flavorful and really easy to make – here is the recipe:
You will need:
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
8-10 shitake mushrooms, chopped
1 14-oz can artichokes (in water) drained and chopped
1 tsp thyme
2 cloves of minced garlic
3 tbs olive oil
1 cup white wine
1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth (this is optional)
1 14-oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
several dashes of tabasco
1/4 tsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste
4 6-oz Halibut filets, skinless (or any other white fish that you like that is similar: cod, rockfish, etc. will work just as well)
Old Bay seasoning
freshly squeezed lemon
4 pieces of parchment paper (about 15 inches long)
Sauté’ onion and mushroom in olive oil for about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add minced garlic and thyme and sauté’ for another minute. Add wine and chicken broth and allow to simmer and cook down until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add tomatoes, tabasco, sugar, salt and pepper and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. Now, add the artichokes and stir. Allow to cool.
(This ragout can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge if that is easier for you.)
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Take your parchment paper and fold it in half to make two rectangles. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray. Place about 1/2 cup of ragout on one side of the parchment paper (next to your fold line), then place the fish filet on top of ragout.Salt and pepper the fish and then add some Old Bay seasoning. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top. Fold the other half of the parchment paper over top of the fish and bring the edges of the paper together. See the video below on creating your parchment packet. It’s super easy! Don’t think about it – just do it – you can! Place all packets on top of a cookie sheet.Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes – it will be done perfectly – no need to worry. Once out of the oven, place on plates and cut an “X” in the top of the parchment. You can either eat it in the parchment or simply slide it out onto your plate with all the yummy ragout! Enjoy your fish with a green salad or green veggie and half a sweet potato or brown rice. Or, eliminate the potato/rice all together and just double your veggies!
So, this spring – just do it. Cook an easy, delicious and nutrient-dense meal at home just once a week. I will keep posting recipes this month for you to try. Challenge your cooking skills weekly – creating a weekly habit of healthy eating will be realistic to achieve and oh so good for you!Let’s build on these good habits all spring long – adding a healthy breakfast in a few weeks (recipes coming) and so much more! Spring forward, summer-ready!
Bon appétit!
As seen on The Hunt Country Scout Guide blog…
Whenever I hear someone call a person a “go-getter,”I know the words are meant to show admiration for a person’s ambition and energy. In this country, we show off our busy lives like a badge, telling anyone who will listen how busy we are. This outlook probably evolved because we value hard work, and we want to be seen as tireless go-getters who do everything we can for our families.
One day I really started to examine the way of life of a go-getter. I started to consider what this term actually means.
If you really think about it, the go in “go-getter” is a directionless word, absent a destination. In life, we’re all about the go, go, go, spinning in circles but not always making measurable progress toward an objective.
Imagine how your life would change if you knew exactly where you were going. If we all took a moment to establish a few specific goals each day, week, month, or year, and went after them with purpose, our lives might feel more rewarding and less chaotic.
Take a look at these short-term goals and think about which ones you’d like to see happen in your life more often:
– Spend 2 hours more each week with my family members
– Prepare a meal at home tonight and sit down as a family to enjoy it
– Mindfully relax for at least 10 minutes each day
– Pack my lunch a few times this week instead of going out to lunch
– Enjoy a date night with my spouse
– Commit to 3 days per week of exercise
– Replace soda with more nutritious drinks
– Explore another form of exercise and discover something I might really enjoy
– Complete a project at work that I’ve been procrastinating over
Now that we’re in January, consider all the fresh opportunities to set new and long-term goals for the year. Our lives can certainly stay busy, but we can feel better about how our hours and days are spent when there are tangible priorities and goals on the horizon.
Instead of go, go, go-ing into each new day, steer towards something that’s important to you and to your family. Be a goal-getter! Your accomplishments will amaze you.
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Recently, out of sheer curiosity, I joined the trend to ‘drink’ my veggies. I wanted to find out if I could blend kale, broccoli, Swiss chard, spinach or avocados and ease into the green with a sensational and delicious drink that even the most resistant green-eater might like (I’m looking at my husband).
After numerous attempts, my Vitamix and I finally came up with a drink that I love – AND that my husband will drink every morning!
Before I share my new green routine, I want to address a couple of points if you’re new to embracing veggies in this form:
1) To do this right, you need a good blender! I finally decided to bite the bullet and bought a Vitamix. It is an investment worth making – I use it for everything from shakes to soups to sorbets, and it delivers an absolutely flawless consistency every time.
2) Ease your family into this by using more fruit in your shake. Up to 60% fruit is fine in the beginning, and it adds a delectable sweetness and consistency that is still very healthy.
3) When integrating veggies into your smoothies, always use citrus to balance out the bitterness that certain greens (like kale) tend to have.
4) Follow my recipe to the letter if you are just easing into the green. It tastes delicious and fruity and offers plenty of quality nutrient density.
So here it is, in this order:
– 4 oz of pure pineapple juice (100% juice)
– 4 oz water
– 10 red seedless grapes
– 1/2 just-ripe sweet green pear or 1/2 sweet apple (like Honeycrisp or Gala)
– 1/2 ripened avocado
– optional, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
– 4 broccoli florets
– 2 large leaves or 4 small leaves of kale (Swiss chard or spinach work great, too!)
1 cup of ice
Blend the ingredients at a very high speed until smooth. Swallow your vitamins and nutrients in the form of whole foods blended into a sweet and scrumptious shake.
The holidays can be a very busy time for everyone, and eating nutrient-dense foods can sometimes be a mighty challenge. To keep your body’s health in check, create smoothies that include healthy greens, healthy fats and proteins. This wonderful habit will help you and your family stay on track all year long, and it’ll keep you looking and feeling your best! Enjoy!
The holidays often leave us with wonderful memories…and a few extra pounds.
Here are some fitness tips to help you kick off a healthy new year that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine–without breaking the budget.
Start a journal of foods and exercise. You’ll be surprised what you eat!
Get support from family and friends for your healthy lifestyle efforts.
Walk for 30 minutes a day at a good speed.
Spend time physically playing with the kids, grandchildren or your dog.
Run up and down steps a few times a day.
Get your heart rate up.
Park and walk. Find a parking space as far away as possible and walk.
Eat smaller portions (think salad plate) instead of filling a dinner plate.
Cut down on sodas, lattes, sugar. Don’t buy these items for your home.
Eat and drink slowly and in moderation.
Bring your own healthy lunch to work each day.
Fill up on salad and veggies.
Drink water before dining out.
Start a meal with a non-creamy soup such as a bouillon or broth.
If you’re traveling, take along healthy snacks you’ve already prepared.
Work out at with a friend; a work-out buddy can be a great inspiration.
Now you’re now on the road to a healthy new lifestyle and truly happy new year!
How many times have you jumped into an exercise or weight loss program full-steam ahead only to find within a few weeks you are burned out, discouraged and sometimes even a few pounds heavier than before you began?
You are not alone.
Popular culture has brought us up to believe there are quick-fix secrets to getting in shape and “having the life and body you have always wanted.”
The truth: there are no permanent quick-fix secrets. Healthy living is a lifelong journey- not a 5, 10 or 100 pound weight loss destination.
Getting in shape for life requires planning, setting realistic goals and expectations and taking it one day at a time, one step at a time.
So let’s focus on the journey!
First, take a little time to sit down and answer the following questions thoughtfully and honestly:
Are you physically ready to begin exercising? Have you spoken to your doctor?
Envision how your life would be different one year from now if you were to become physically active. Where would you be? How would you feel? What would you look like?
Why do you want a healthier and more active lifestyle? For change to be successful, it has to be aligned with your core values. Be honest here. Why is this change important to you? What is your primary reason for becoming more physically active?
How will you personally benefit from becoming physically active? How will your family benefit from this change? List at least four benefits to help you stay focused.
What obstacles and challenges will you face when beginning your fitness program? How will you overcome them? Be specific.
What people, resources and systems can you rely on for support? Make a list of the types of physical activities you enjoy or can envision yourself trying.
Next, don’t hesitate – get started today! Click here (.pdf) to download a free six-week fitness planner.
Commit to making the small suggested changes each week as part of your personal wellness plan.
You will soon find fitness becoming a regular, pleasurable and gratifying part of your life; and you will be amazed at how great you will feel.
Anyone who has spent an afternoon outside in the heat of a Virginia summer can attest to the importance of hydration.
Remaining hydrated (having enough water in your body to maintain crucial functions) is beneficial when trying to lose weight. It is also particularly important for athletes, regular exercisers and individuals who participate in summer outdoor activities where the body loses electrolytes through perspiration.
Electrolytes are electrically charged particles that help the body function normally. Some of the more familiar electrolytes include calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Calcium and magnesium help muscles contract and relax. Sodium and potassium help water stay in the right balance inside and outside of cells. Sodium is the electrolyte lost in the highest concentration in sweat.
A few of the symptoms of dehydration are headaches, hunger pangs, and/or fatigue. Dehydration sometimes is mistaken for hunger, so make sure you drink 8 oz of water, and wait 10 minutes before consuming additional calories. Often the symptoms will subside, which indicates you just needed to hydrate yourself. However, if after 10 minutes the hunger pangs are still there, enjoy a healthy snack.
Many of us overuse sports drinks, flavored beverages and sodas that contain a lot of wasted sugar and calories. In fact, some of the most popular sports drinks have as much sugar as a regular soda! (Did you know that 11% of the total calories consumed in the United States come from soda beverages? This alarming statistic helps us understand how these empty calories have a direct impact on our obesity epidemic.)
As a general rule, sports drinks become beneficial only after 90 minutes of high-intensity exercise. Up to that point, water is the perfect hydration choice. Some people tell me they don’t like water. If this is the case, dilute your sports drink with water and create a 50/50 mix. You will still get the flavor you like, with half the calories and sugar.
Doctors recommend adults consume eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids per day. Active adults should add two or three additional eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids per hour of exercise. These fluids should be water or come from water-rich whole foods, which are the best choices for keeping the body hydrated and maintaining electrolyte balance.
Whole foods include the replenishing electrolytes magnesium, potassium and calcium. Examples are: green leafy vegetables, whole grains and lentils (magnesium); bananas, raisins and potatoes (potassium); and yogurt and milk (calcium).
Challenge yourself to stay active AND properly hydrated this summer with the right choices for your personal level of activity.
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