Okay, everyone. Tomorrow is October 1, 2009. There are now three months left in this year. Where has all the time gone?
I want us to really think about what we are expecting to happen these last 3 months, as far as our health and fitness is concerned. We really should have an expectation of what we want to see happen for ourselves. It has been said that if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. So for today, we are going to revisit our health and wellness goals and ask ourselves some questions.
First of all, what are your current goals? This is the very best place to start. If you haven't written down your goals, no worries. You signed up with Beachbody for certain reasons, so take some time and think back to those reasons. Why did you want to start changing your health for the better?? Write those reasons down.
Once you have your current goals (or your reasons for getting healthy), write down the answers to the following questions:
* How far are you from your ideal weight?
* How far are you from your body fat goals?
* How much exercise do you do each week?
* Are you doing more exercise than you did in January 2009?
* Are your eating habits better than they were in January 2009?
* What foods are you eating daily?
* What does your typical day look like from morning to night?
* How much sleep do you get each weeknight?
* What will you improve in your exercise plan by the end of 2009?
* What will you improve in your nutrition by the end of 2009?
* How will you improve your stress level by the end of 2009?
* How will you improve your sleep habits by the end of 2009?
These questions are based on what has happened the past 9 months and what you desire for the next three months, so do not feel bad about any answer you put down. These are your answers - no one will see them unless you share them!
So, once you know what improvements you want to make, what are you going to do about them? Set up new action steps and then start taking actual steps toward achieving them. Do not put those goals away - you CAN make them happen THIS YEAR! I am here cheering you on to the end!!
Let's use TODAY as the starting point for the BEST of your 2009!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Delicious and Healthy Recipes for National Seafood Month
To celebrate National Seafood Month in October, here are four delicious and healthy seafood recipes for you to enjoy - and share with family and friends.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2216765/delicious_and_healthy_recipes_for_national.html
Delicious and Healthy Recipes for National Seafood MonthTo celebrate National Seafood Month in October, here are four delicious and healthy seafood recipes for you to enjoy - and share with family and friends.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2216765/delicious_and_healthy_recipes_for_national.html
Friday, August 21, 2009
Healthy Labor Day Menu Ideas
Labor Day is almost here! You can have a healthy, nutritious Labor Day menu that coincides with your much healthier lifestyle. Recipes that are full of flavor and health are showcased in this article.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2054779/healthy_labor_day_menu_ideas.html
Healthy Labor Day Menu IdeasLabor Day is almost here! You can have a healthy, nutritious Labor Day menu that coincides with your much healthier lifestyle. Recipes that are full of flavor and health are showcased in this article.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2054779/healthy_labor_day_menu_ideas.html
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Happy National Lasagna Day!!
HAPPY NATIONAL LASAGNA DAY!!!!
Oh my goodness! An entire day dedicated to LASAGNA?
You know what? If I had known long time ago that there was such a thing as National Lasagna Day, I would have done SO MUCH MORE to celebrate!!! The house would be decorated in Italian flags, I would whip up a few lasagnas to take to family and friends, I would probably found a cable station with nothing but Italian opera or a soccer match with Italy playing and enjoyed lasagna to my heart's content. (Yeah, it would have been that deep.)
Honestly, I believe that there is no more perfect food than lasagna. It has all of the requirements for a complete meal right in one sheet pan. You have your grains, your vegetables, your dairy, your meat, and your fat, layered together in beautiful harmony. The fragrance from the oven is so overwhelming that you cannot wait for it to cool a bit before tearing in. And the first bite....pure heaven. Plus, you have tons of leftovers that you can take to work for lunch or freeze for a later date - more joy - whoo-hoo!!
Now that I have adopted a healthier lifestyle, I love a good vegetable lasagna and a heart-healthy lasagna along with the version I grew up eating (the italian sausage and full fat cheeses). Speaking of which, it is so funny - I always grew up thinking my mama had been to Italy because her recipe was just the absolute BEST! I found out later in life that her recipe was the one from the back of the lasagna noodle box with added bulk Italian sausage. Oh well.... :)
To commemorate National Lasagna Day, I want to share a couple of recipes for lasagna with you. I pray that you enjoy this wonderful meal with me.
Vegetable Lasagna
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups zucchini, chopped in 1/2 inch dice
2 cups yellow squash, chopped in 1/2 inch dice
1 cup portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) container part skim ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
1 package (5 ounces) shredded parmesan cheese
10 whole wheat noodles, cooked according to package directions
3 cups part skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add all other vegetables and cook over medium heat until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and tomatoes and heat through. In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg whites, and parmesan cheese. Line a 13"x 9" x 2" pan with foil. Spread 2 ladlefuls of sauce at bottom, then layer 3 noodles over sauce. Add 1/3 cheese mixture, 1/3 sauce mixture, and 1/3 mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and reserving 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Cover pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, add remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly. Let cool before serving (if you can!). 16
servings.
Heart-Healthy Lasagna
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground turkey
2 jars marinara sauce
1 (8 ounce) container part skim ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
1 package (5 ounces) shredded parmesan cheese
1 package baby spinach leaves, washed, stems removed
10 whole wheat noodles, cooked according to package directions
3 cups part skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute onion and garlic until tender. Add ground turkey and cook for about 10 - 12 minutes. Add marinara and stir to combine. In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg whites, and parmesan cheese. Line a 13"x 9" x 2" pan with foil. Spread 2 ladlefuls of meat sauce across bottom of pan, then layer 3 noodles over sauce. Add 1/3 cheese mixture, layer of baby spinach leaves, 1/3 sauce mixture, and 1/3 mozzarella cheese, then cover with noodles. Repeat, ending with sauce and reserving 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Cover pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, add remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly. Let cool before serving (seriously, if you can!). 16 servings.
(p.s. If you REALLY want to do the regular version, go and pick up the Barilla Oven Ready [no boiling required] Lasagna Noodles and follow the directions on the box, adding 1/2 package of cooked Jimmy Dean Italian sausage to the meat sauce mixture. I know, sometimes you just need the full fat version of this amazing meal!)
Oh my goodness! An entire day dedicated to LASAGNA?
You know what? If I had known long time ago that there was such a thing as National Lasagna Day, I would have done SO MUCH MORE to celebrate!!! The house would be decorated in Italian flags, I would whip up a few lasagnas to take to family and friends, I would probably found a cable station with nothing but Italian opera or a soccer match with Italy playing and enjoyed lasagna to my heart's content. (Yeah, it would have been that deep.)
Honestly, I believe that there is no more perfect food than lasagna. It has all of the requirements for a complete meal right in one sheet pan. You have your grains, your vegetables, your dairy, your meat, and your fat, layered together in beautiful harmony. The fragrance from the oven is so overwhelming that you cannot wait for it to cool a bit before tearing in. And the first bite....pure heaven. Plus, you have tons of leftovers that you can take to work for lunch or freeze for a later date - more joy - whoo-hoo!!
Now that I have adopted a healthier lifestyle, I love a good vegetable lasagna and a heart-healthy lasagna along with the version I grew up eating (the italian sausage and full fat cheeses). Speaking of which, it is so funny - I always grew up thinking my mama had been to Italy because her recipe was just the absolute BEST! I found out later in life that her recipe was the one from the back of the lasagna noodle box with added bulk Italian sausage. Oh well.... :)
To commemorate National Lasagna Day, I want to share a couple of recipes for lasagna with you. I pray that you enjoy this wonderful meal with me.
Vegetable Lasagna
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups zucchini, chopped in 1/2 inch dice
2 cups yellow squash, chopped in 1/2 inch dice
1 cup portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) container part skim ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
1 package (5 ounces) shredded parmesan cheese
10 whole wheat noodles, cooked according to package directions
3 cups part skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add all other vegetables and cook over medium heat until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and tomatoes and heat through. In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg whites, and parmesan cheese. Line a 13"x 9" x 2" pan with foil. Spread 2 ladlefuls of sauce at bottom, then layer 3 noodles over sauce. Add 1/3 cheese mixture, 1/3 sauce mixture, and 1/3 mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and reserving 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Cover pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, add remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly. Let cool before serving (if you can!). 16
servings.
Heart-Healthy Lasagna
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground turkey
2 jars marinara sauce
1 (8 ounce) container part skim ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
1 package (5 ounces) shredded parmesan cheese
1 package baby spinach leaves, washed, stems removed
10 whole wheat noodles, cooked according to package directions
3 cups part skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute onion and garlic until tender. Add ground turkey and cook for about 10 - 12 minutes. Add marinara and stir to combine. In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg whites, and parmesan cheese. Line a 13"x 9" x 2" pan with foil. Spread 2 ladlefuls of meat sauce across bottom of pan, then layer 3 noodles over sauce. Add 1/3 cheese mixture, layer of baby spinach leaves, 1/3 sauce mixture, and 1/3 mozzarella cheese, then cover with noodles. Repeat, ending with sauce and reserving 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Cover pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, add remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly. Let cool before serving (seriously, if you can!). 16 servings.
(p.s. If you REALLY want to do the regular version, go and pick up the Barilla Oven Ready [no boiling required] Lasagna Noodles and follow the directions on the box, adding 1/2 package of cooked Jimmy Dean Italian sausage to the meat sauce mixture. I know, sometimes you just need the full fat version of this amazing meal!)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Celebrate Your Independence!
First of all, I need to apologize to you, my loyal customers. The month of June has been a trying time for me, and I did not make the opportunity to keep up with the emails to you. Well, I received some very "hot" emails from a few of you, basically telling me that the mid week motivations from me are seriously missed. I'm sorry for not being there when you needed me, and I pray that this will not happen again. You all are important to me, and I really do want to see you change your health and your lives for the better. If I can do anything else to encourage you or get you excited about what your future holds, please let me know.
Now, on with the motivation!
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, please do NOT allow that to be an excuse to "be free" from the healthy habits that you are making. You have come too far to take a whole weekend off! I am not saying that you cannot have your favorites - not at all! Personally, I am going to enjoy my slice of pound cake with strawberries and Reddi Whip. However, I know that with enjoying the foods that are not so healthy, I am going to have to work that much more to maintain my weight loss.
Instead, find new ways to eat old meals. How about taking a pork tenderloin, putting it in the crockpot and slow cooking until fork tender, then shredding it and adding your favorite barbecue sauce? Or enjoying a beautiful light slaw recipe instead of the heavy mayonnaise version we are used to having? Even dessert can be a treat - puree some mangoes or watermelons, add water, and put in ice cube containers to freeze? YUM!
With your exercise routine, how about you and the kids go swimming for a hour or two? Can you get in an extra walk in the morning, before the heat of the day hits like a ton of bricks (or is that just here in Birmingham, Alabama??)? If you are going out of town, take a Beachbody DVD with you and work out wherever you go.
Celebrate the freedom to get healthy and the freedom to change your life for the better! You are amazing and so worth it!
Remember, have a Happy Fourth, and keep doing it BIG!
Enjoy this cool treat I mentioned in the motivation today:
Fruity Ice Cubes
1 cup mangoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cane sugar
Place mangoes, water, and sugar in saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium low and simmer for about 8 minutes. Pour mixture into blender and puree. Add to empty ice cube containers, then freeze until solid. If you like, after about 1 hour, put popsicle sticks into each cube. So good!!
Now, on with the motivation!
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, please do NOT allow that to be an excuse to "be free" from the healthy habits that you are making. You have come too far to take a whole weekend off! I am not saying that you cannot have your favorites - not at all! Personally, I am going to enjoy my slice of pound cake with strawberries and Reddi Whip. However, I know that with enjoying the foods that are not so healthy, I am going to have to work that much more to maintain my weight loss.
Instead, find new ways to eat old meals. How about taking a pork tenderloin, putting it in the crockpot and slow cooking until fork tender, then shredding it and adding your favorite barbecue sauce? Or enjoying a beautiful light slaw recipe instead of the heavy mayonnaise version we are used to having? Even dessert can be a treat - puree some mangoes or watermelons, add water, and put in ice cube containers to freeze? YUM!
With your exercise routine, how about you and the kids go swimming for a hour or two? Can you get in an extra walk in the morning, before the heat of the day hits like a ton of bricks (or is that just here in Birmingham, Alabama??)? If you are going out of town, take a Beachbody DVD with you and work out wherever you go.
Celebrate the freedom to get healthy and the freedom to change your life for the better! You are amazing and so worth it!
Remember, have a Happy Fourth, and keep doing it BIG!
Enjoy this cool treat I mentioned in the motivation today:
Fruity Ice Cubes
1 cup mangoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cane sugar
Place mangoes, water, and sugar in saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium low and simmer for about 8 minutes. Pour mixture into blender and puree. Add to empty ice cube containers, then freeze until solid. If you like, after about 1 hour, put popsicle sticks into each cube. So good!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Live Today for a Healthy Tomorrow
I have been contemplating last night and today about the passings of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson - all happening this week. Michael was preparing to go on his comeback tour in late July. Makes me thankful about the days that we have been given. What precious little time we have on this earth, and we really don't know when our time will come.
Since we do not know when we are going to take our last breath, it behooves us to make sure that every breath we are given is full of life, health, and wellness. I look back over my life, and right now, I have never been healthier. I eat foods that energize me, I get exercise as much as possible, and I love helping others to see their healthier future.
I pray that you will stop and take a moment to get back to the basics. Renew your commitment to yourself and your fitness goals. Make them a priority. Take charge of what you eat every day. Enjoy the time that you exercise - make it fun. Find something new to try, like a new recipe or a new activity, and take action. You may find something you really enjoy. Eliminate as much stress as you can from your life - no use being anxious or worried. (That's something I personally need to take time to do; get rid of the stress!!) Spend time helping your family get fit as well. Ensure a legacy of good health for years to come.
Live today so fully, so completely that at the end of the day, you fall into bed exhausted with the joys of your accomplishments, and the determination to start again tomorrow! Your healthier tomorrow starts right now, because tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
Be blessed, and keep doing it BIG!! :-)
Since we do not know when we are going to take our last breath, it behooves us to make sure that every breath we are given is full of life, health, and wellness. I look back over my life, and right now, I have never been healthier. I eat foods that energize me, I get exercise as much as possible, and I love helping others to see their healthier future.
I pray that you will stop and take a moment to get back to the basics. Renew your commitment to yourself and your fitness goals. Make them a priority. Take charge of what you eat every day. Enjoy the time that you exercise - make it fun. Find something new to try, like a new recipe or a new activity, and take action. You may find something you really enjoy. Eliminate as much stress as you can from your life - no use being anxious or worried. (That's something I personally need to take time to do; get rid of the stress!!) Spend time helping your family get fit as well. Ensure a legacy of good health for years to come.
Live today so fully, so completely that at the end of the day, you fall into bed exhausted with the joys of your accomplishments, and the determination to start again tomorrow! Your healthier tomorrow starts right now, because tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
Be blessed, and keep doing it BIG!! :-)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
You are Capable of Greatness!!
Hi all!!
If you do not know already, I am getting married THIS SATURDAY, April 25!! I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off the past few weeks, but I wanted to make sure I got this motivational message out before I leave. I am hoping to be back to normal in the next two weeks or so, after the honeymoon, and moving to his house.
Now, on to the motivation!
You are Capable of Greatness!!
I was reading an article the other day (link is here - http://magichundred.blogspot.com/2009/04/think-your-goals-are-too-big-watch-this.html), and I was thinking about my goals and what I want to accomplish as far as my continued health is concerned. I had fallen off the fitness track during this month because of upcoming wedding and stresses at the job. My WOWY calendar for April is seriously sad. My eating has not been the best, either. I had gained a few pounds back, and was feeling bad about things. But reading this article and watching the video made me see that even though I had gotten off track, I was still capable of being GREAT!
My message to you today - you are also capable of greatness! Do not get frustrated and give up completely because life has you in a stranglehold. Do not give in because you missed your workouts or have not been eating clean meals. You are not a failure if you mess up; you become one if you let that messup stop you from succeeding. If you have been given one more day of life, that means that you have another chance to do better. Take advantage of the opportunities to be great each day! The things you do to be great do not have to be spectacular - little things mean a great deal! Get a quick walk around the block. Fix a healthy green salad with the dressing on the side. Sign in to WOWY and invite your friends and family to join you. Find a new recipe to try with your family. Look at yourself in the mirror and say positive and affirming things to yourself. What one thing can you do to create the greatness you know is supposed to be yours?
I want you to see a future full of health, vitality, and ENDLESS possibilities! Choose GREATNESS!! It is already inside of each of you, so let it SHINE! You are so worth that!
If you do not know already, I am getting married THIS SATURDAY, April 25!! I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off the past few weeks, but I wanted to make sure I got this motivational message out before I leave. I am hoping to be back to normal in the next two weeks or so, after the honeymoon, and moving to his house.
Now, on to the motivation!
You are Capable of Greatness!!
I was reading an article the other day (link is here - http://magichundred.blogspot.com/2009/04/think-your-goals-are-too-big-watch-this.html), and I was thinking about my goals and what I want to accomplish as far as my continued health is concerned. I had fallen off the fitness track during this month because of upcoming wedding and stresses at the job. My WOWY calendar for April is seriously sad. My eating has not been the best, either. I had gained a few pounds back, and was feeling bad about things. But reading this article and watching the video made me see that even though I had gotten off track, I was still capable of being GREAT!
My message to you today - you are also capable of greatness! Do not get frustrated and give up completely because life has you in a stranglehold. Do not give in because you missed your workouts or have not been eating clean meals. You are not a failure if you mess up; you become one if you let that messup stop you from succeeding. If you have been given one more day of life, that means that you have another chance to do better. Take advantage of the opportunities to be great each day! The things you do to be great do not have to be spectacular - little things mean a great deal! Get a quick walk around the block. Fix a healthy green salad with the dressing on the side. Sign in to WOWY and invite your friends and family to join you. Find a new recipe to try with your family. Look at yourself in the mirror and say positive and affirming things to yourself. What one thing can you do to create the greatness you know is supposed to be yours?
I want you to see a future full of health, vitality, and ENDLESS possibilities! Choose GREATNESS!! It is already inside of each of you, so let it SHINE! You are so worth that!
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