What do You SEE?

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vision - what do you SEEChecking in…how are you doing with your 2017 health goals? As we’re moving into the end of January, we’re hitting the point where resolution excitement begins to dwindle, motivation starts to wane, monotony (or boredom) starts to set in and the focus and clarity even start to fade.

Numbers motivate. At least for a short time. But let’s be real. Sometimes they’re just too hard to look at. Sometimes it feels waaaaay easier to be an ostrich with its head buried in the sand than to face the truth and reality (and sometimes the ugliness) of what’s really happening.

Numbers like these…

  • In 2012, approximately 50% of all adults (117 million), have one or more chronic health conditions; 25% of adults have two or more. –Prevention of Chronic Disease 2014
  • About 47% of adults have at least one major risk factor for heart disease or stroke: uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high LDL cholesterol National Center for Health Statistics 2012
  • Less than 18% of adults consumed the recommended amount of fruit and <14% consumed the recommended amount of vegetables
    • Reversed, that means 82% do NOT eat recommended fruit servings
    • 85% do NOT eat recommended vegetable servings —2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Report, Center for Disease Control
  • Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems.” –National Center for Health Statistics, CDC, 2012
  • The numbers you see on the scale or on your lab results.

But there’s a MUCH better long-term motivator…and one we just can’t live without:

VISION.

Yes. It’s THAT important. You see, without a vision (or a dream or goal) discipline and motivation will be non-existent. Literally, without a vision, people tend to have no guidelines and even run in circles and direction-less, since they don’t know where or what they are really running towards.

Take just a few minutes and get a really clear vision of what “good health” will look like for you.

  • What is it you want?
  • What exactly will this look like?
  • What (different) clothing/styles will you be able to wear?
  • What kind of energy will you have?
  • What will your labs look like?
  • What symptoms will you be without?
  • What are some specifics you would like… in your muscle tone? endurance levels?

With each season of life, the vision may change and need to be updated. But, without knowing what exactly it is that you are working to achieve, there will be no guide to motivate you to make the better choices and keep you encouraged at your progress along the way. Most importantly, you want to be able to celebrate your success. And then even move on to a new vision (and goals).

So, get specific. What do your health goals and health vision look like for 2017?! Don’t forget to write them out. There’s something special that happens as you clarify and set your vision on paper (or on a screen) in words!!!

 

(And YES…this works for more than health goals!) 🙂

How to Avoid Failure in Your New Year’s Resolutions

new years resolutions healthy eating losing weight2017 is here, bringing a fresh start and new beginnings. After all of the wonderful holiday parties, dinners and goodies, many are ready to think “diet.”

But, don’t you just hate diets?! I do too! Just the word brings dread, a grimace and a roll of the eyes! Die-ts are so….restrictive…and…imprisoning. The word alone sounds painful, and well, you can see the 3-letter word built right into it! Yet, it’s a quite popular way to lose weight, “get back on track” or “be healthier.” In fact, this year, according to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, it’s the TOP resolution of the year.

A new year comes and we “buck up,” thinking, “This time, this die-t is going to work.” You and I both know what happens. We make it for a few days, maybe few weeks, a month or two at most, and then we’re back to the same old, same old. Nothing really changed, except we feel like we failed, yet again…at another die-t! It simply keeps setting us up for failure. Forbes magazine reports on research in the Journal of Clinical Psychology that shows in fact only about 8-9% of people are successful in keeping their New Year’s resolutions.

Maybe what’s worse is “healthy” has gotten a bad rap, taking on an image that often makes us believe that healthy food is going to be entirely boring and tasteless, making us deprived and miserable. Without a shift and change in our perspective and thinking, we will continue doing and perceiving healthy as we always have and no lasting changes will be made. We’ll just continue experiencing the same results. This would a definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.

When we want real change, it must begin from within. True motivation begins with a new mindset. A timeless proverb says, “As we think, so we will become.” And it’s TRUE!

Beliefs → Thoughts → Habits → ultimately, our Future and Destiny

We must get a fresh taste and perspective on “healthy” (no pun intended), so we can get the results we really want.

SO, how about a new approach?! What if the diet-thing dies forever, and it transitions into a lifestyle? A regular part of life. A new habit.  A new way of living. A daily thing. A totally new beginning. The new normal.

When we get free to stop thinking and focusing on what we can’t have, we can start concentrating and looking at what our body actually needs for wellness, healing, prevention and our other health goals. Then, you get to enjoy the often very quick results and effects of a (re)nourished body, which helps to naturally push out the things that are more harmful to our bodies and even the foods that sabotage our health goals. A new lifestyle mindset and achievable goals and will set you up for success.

Stop and think for a few minutes:

What are your perceptions and perspectives on health?

What mindset is holding you back from giving up die-ting?

What belief(s) are hindering you from moving into choosing healthy as a daily lifestyle?

What belief(s) will keep you pressing forward into a lifestyle of health?

 

Now, how do your resolutions need tweaking?

Be sure to pass the perspective on to a friend!

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Sweet Holiday Bytes

…and Just. Like. That. We’re in the final countdown to Christmas (and Hanukkah) and very likely the busiest holiday travel, shopping  (and wrapping), cleaning, cooking, baking and eating week! Umm… where in the world did December go? If you’re like me, you might be feeling just a bit behind schedule, with many things still to tie up and wishfully finish on your lists.

SO grab a cup of your favorite drink, sit back beside the fire (real or e-fireplace), put your feet up, take a deep breath and refocus for your week ahead and add in a couple more of these ideas to make this a feel-good, meaningful, fun week…with a strong finish to 2016.

(Catch Trimming You this Holiday Season here if you missed Part 1.)

10- Stay hydrated. This will help keep hunger cues from being confused with thirst cues and will keep you feeling a bit more full and satisfied, not to mention sharper, more focused and energized throughout the holidays and parties.

11- Add to the party. If you can, take a “healthy version” dish or snack to contribute to the spread. Share the goodness and know you will have a good option to enjoy.

12- Hide the goodies. Yes, I know you know where they are, but still, out of sight or in the freezer does slow down the nibbles, compared to constantly seeing them out on the counter, in the cookie jar or candy bowl.

13- Design your own coffees. Peppermint mochas and eggnog lattes are loaded with sugar. Home coffee makers are coming out with brilliant, easy and affordable designs. Use flavored coffee beans, grinds or spice up your own. Add a natural sweetener of choice and froth an unsweetened milk alternative for a heavenly (and virtually no calorie) spa for your insides.

14- Slow down. The December calendar can easily be overloaded with programs, concerts, parties, shopping, traditions, time with family and friends and a host of other special events. You don’t have to get caught up in chaotic schedules. Choose the events that are most important. Simplify traditions. Be creative. Decorations can be just as beautiful and meals just as delicious simply done. Your friends and family will likely appreciate the reduced pressures too.

15- Enjoy the season. Sure. Go ahead and indulge in a piece of pumpkin pie, a couple gingerbread cookies or whatever your favorite goodies may be. Savor the memories, traditions and those special times with those you hold dear. Choose reasonable portions. Sit down and be “in the moment” with it, love every bite, and don’t feel guilty!

16- Celebrate your victories. Focus on the progress you do make in the season. Whether it’s maintaining a bit of an exercise routine, trying new recipes, reducing sweet beverages or avoiding the extra holiday pounds, congratulate yourself! Remember, every single step forward counts!

 

Wishing you and yours the Merriest Christmas, or maybe a Happy Hanukkah, as you celebrate the season of Light, Hope, Miracles, Peace, Love, Joy and Promises fulfilled.

 

Trimming You This Holiday Season

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Definitely one of my favorite seasons with the lights, the nostalgia, time with family and friends, warm fires, crisp, cool air, dreams of “White Christmases,” cozy fires, candles, (did I mention I love the lights?!), rich colors and of course, fabulous flavors! From mid-November through the first week of the January bowl games, it can be one big, on-going, holiday party! Within our extended family, we have 4 birthdays, in addition to Thanksgiving, at least 2 Christmases and that doesn’t even consider any of the other fun seasonal parties, get-togethers and shopping sprees with all my favorite seasonal flavors, coffees and the goodies that are more easily and abundantly available. SO, what do holidays look like when living a “lifestyle” of health? How can you survive the season without fluffing up and requiring a crash course  recovery come January 2nd? Here are the secrets I’ve learned to help you make this the most enjoyable, healthful December!

1- Start now. It doesn’t matter where we are in the season. Start today and start reaping the benefits. It’s not too late and sometimes tomorrow doesn’t seem to show up.

2- Be realistic. There’s no need to plan weight loss from November to December, just plan to maintain not gain.

3- Eat breakfast.  Skipping meals typically sets you up to fail later in the day, making you more hungry and more likely to make impulsive food choices and to fill up on the abundant holiday treats.  Plus, it’s a perfect time to fit in green smoothies to help balance out what choices come later in the day.

4- Stay active. The gym routine, walk or jog may be shortened, but some is still better than none. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a brisk walk, look at lights, try ice skating, or do a short, home workout.

5- Plan ahead. If you know you’re going to a party, balance the rest of your day’s eating accordingly…eat lighter and more plant-focused and nutrient-dense before the event. Limit yourself to a single trip through the food line or even have a snack, green smoothie, veggie plate or salad before you go, to reduce the party munchies.

6- Sip wisely. Lattes, hot chocolate, cider and party drinks are usually loaded with empty calories and little nutritional value.  This can easily lead to weight gain, especially when paired with all the other holiday goodies. Sweeten drinks with stevia or honey, choose sparkling waters and pick your favorite indulgent drinks in moderation.

7- Try new recipes. Look for simple recipes with endless possibilities on social media. Just a few simple modifications can tweak your favorites into more healthful delicious-ness, while experimenting with a few new ingredients can hook you on some new favorites!

8- Make and freeze ahead. It’s the perfect season to make a big pot of veggie or bean-based soups or meals and freeze for a quick, nourishing meal to serve in the time-crunches later in the month.

9- Be still. In the midst of the bustle, take a few minutes to just slow down and unwind.  The holidays can be very busy and stressful.  Light candles and decorative lights, listen to Christmas music and just “be” to clear your mind, think, refocus, relax and even ponder the real meaning of the season.

Wherever you may be and whatever the season of your life may be, choose to make this your best season yet! Marvel at the beauty, ponder the significance and savor the Goodness of the Season.

 

Watch for Part 2 with more tips next week …and be sure to pass the secrets on to a friend!

 

5 Lessons from the Garden – Part 2

I’m still amazed by the depth of these seemingly simply little “life-lessons” from the garden. Wow! If we can simply keep them at the front of our minds and walk them out, they are life-changing! Hope you find them encouraging wherever you are at in your “dailies,” as we continue from last week. Catch Part 1 here if you missed it.lessons-from-the-garden

 

3- Keep the cats out! –Some messes and distractions that come along in life just aren’t worth it! Some events, opportunities, appointments, even people. You name it – They can be toxic as they come into your space and ‘dump their mess.’ They may be good, well-intentioned and even super cute…and sometimes deceivingly so! But, see them for what they are. Either be OK with cleaning up the mess they bring because it’s worth it to you OR choose to make and keep a mess-free, clean “space” by restricting them from your “garden.” (For the record, I’m not anti-cat. I simply don’t have one and don’t want the responsibility to clean up regularly after someone else’s.)

4- Plant seeds! And most are very small! But don’t let the size be deceiving. They hold a TON of potential to produce a large harvest. The same with seeds in our life. Seeds of hope, new ideas, and dreams come to us in seed form. Most of them can seem small, maybe insignificant at first, and sometimes even our hopes start out as a very tiny glimmer. BUT, as they get planted, watered, cultivated and protected, they grow and develop…taking root and beginning to produce. Rarely do they come or start by accident, but it takes time, intention, tending, nurturing, developing. Just like the garden!

5- Give it time! – A crop requires a lot of work and TIME! I’d really rather have an instant fix and instant results. We live in a fast-paced technology, microwave, fast-food, 140-character-Twitter culture… but (sadly!) that’s just not how it works. This is such a good reminder, especially for me, when I get in a hurry and am very impatient! So much happens in the “process”…character development, skill development, stretching, roots go deep and solidify the “structure,” new ideas, new pathways and SO much more! Sometimes we can’t even see or understand what’s actually happening in the growth process until much later. Then…WOW! Look what has grown and even multiplied into being! Keep waiting; trust the process is doing good things and will bring great results!

 

So tell me about your garden! Any “cats” you need to keep out of your garden?? What seeds do you want to plant? What seeds need a little extra tending in your life? Where do you need to relax, take a deep breath, be patient and let the “process” have its way?

Be sure to share with a friend today who needs these little reminders!

Happy Gardening!

Baked Zucchini

Fast – Easy – Fresh – Different – Veg Variety – Flavor Adventure

easy zucchini recipe

Baked Zucchini

1- Wash and Slice zucchini, horizontally into strips, about 1/4″ thick.

2- Spread strips onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3- Mist with a little fresh olive oil (spray) and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, garlic and Italian seasoning blend…or a blend of fresh, chopped herbs.

4- Bake at 350 just until tender, flipping half way through. About 15-20 minutes.

5- Add a protein, beans, another veg.

Then, enjoy with family or friends!

5 Lessons from the Garden – Part 1

lessons-from-the-gardenFall! It’s finally (mostly!) here! Don’t you just love the change of seasons?!  After the long HOT AZ summer months, I’m LOVING being back outside. AND it’s finally time to plant the garden! I certainly don’t claim to have a green thumb just yet, but I’m working on it and learning a ton in the process! It truly amazes me how our great-grandparents could survive growing the majority of their own food! What a lot of hard work. TOTALLY worth it with the flavor and nutrient quality; in fact, I’m spoiled! But I’m still surprised every season by what it takes to make a thriving garden!

More than just the fresh air, free (sweat) sauna and the excitement and anticipation of fresh produce, gardening always makes me ponder life. The parallels and visuals between the two are so incredible! Let me share just a couple I’ve been contemplating (and living out!) over the last few days and months…and how they can affect many areas of our lives!

1- Clean out the old season! – To make room for the new plants and new life requires ripping out last season’s plants, digging up old roots, and preparing for the new. SO true! So many times before we can move into new jobs, relationships, projects and adventures, we have to clean out from the last season: things we no longer need (clutter, files, equipment, books, clothes, etc.—cleaning our offices, storage room, garage, closets, pantry, kids rooms). It doesn’t just stop there, but also means letting go of past disappointments, regrets, guilt, resentment, comfort (oh my!), and sometimes even relationships and jobs. It’s those things that clutter our lives or no longer serve us and that will only hinder us and keep up from moving into the “new.” It’s amazing how deep and how big the roots can grow beneath the surface. Leaving them there will simply choke out the room and life of new plants trying to grow and be established in their place.

2- Prepare and re-nourish the soil – Healthy garden growth and nutrient-dense produce needs to grow in good, rich soil that can nourish the seeds and allow for good water drainage. Sometimes we get wiped out from our last season or we’re just not quite prepared for the new to come into place. Either way, it often takes time, effort or focus to get ready to go into a ‘new’ season. It can mean re-nourishing our body, soul and spirit, resting and recharging to be re-energized to focus on new projects, ideas or assignments. Sometimes, it’s even healing, recovering and softening from life’s circumstances, events or even traumas we’ve just lived through. Once replenished, it makes for an easier, more productive and healthy new season and harvest.

So tell me about your garden! What are you planting? What needs to come out of your life before you can move into your new season? What the state of your “soil”??…What kind of tending and TLC does it need to be ready for the “new”?

Seasons are usually for a window of time! Take advantage of it…and look for Part 2 next week.

Share these tips with a friend and “get ready” together!

 

12 Secrets to Living Your Healthiest Year Yet – #12 Give

give 12 Secrets to Living Your Healthiest Year Yet – #12You were made for a purpose!  Part of this includes giving to others the gifts, talents, personality, perspectives, style, humor, wisdom, gems and resources that have been placed and grown within you from life experiences, education and training, as well as genetics and Divine Design.  These were not meant just for you, but to be shared and poured out to enrich the lives of others.  Blessings will flow and result in a life of fulfillment beyond your imagination!

12 Secrets to Living Your Healthiest Year Yet – #11 Speak Wisely

speak wisely Take some time to hear what you are saying and carefully filter what others say to you.  The power of our words and those spoken over us have a profound influence on our lives.  Because we speak what we believe, our own words and even the words of others can be easily planted, growing in the soil of our mind and heart, resulting in a “harvest” that we may (or may not!) want.  We must realize their power.  You have the choice to shape your life and your future with the power of your words!