Uh oh!! IT'S COMING!!
We love the holidays right?! BUT those extra pounds that are added during the season, not to much!
We want to PRETEND to be Santa, not put on pounds like him!!! Can I get an AMEN?! haha
Well I wanted to help you out and share what I've learned and what helps me get through the holiday season & out on the other side feeling GOOD!! Turkey eatin, pie having & all!!
Here are some tips that can help you get through the season without putting on that extra weight:
1) Know what types of foods will be there and what you will choose to eat.
Okay, so we know the typical foods that are going to be part of the holiday spread. We also know we've already started thinking about our favorites and how amazing it is going to taste to indulge! Go ahead and decide before the big day which foods you REALLY want to have and which ones you can do without. Save on the extras and enjoy the good stuff!
2) Downsize your holiday plate
For some reason when we think of Thanksgiving we think of oversized portions and eating way to much food to want to stand up! Ahhhh Why?!? I used to do that EVERY year! Graze all day, FILL UP on everything by eating way more in one sitting than I have all year lol, go into food coma and watch football, then whatever space opened up gets filled with too much dessert!
When did that become "a thing"?! Nothing about it is comfortable and really I never enjoy feeling that way sooooo why do we take the holidays and make it a glutton fest?!
Let's try something different this year! Let's try downsizing our holiday plate. You could start by taking a smaller plate than normal and then taking SMALLER portions of everything you love!
That's right, I'm definitely NOT saying don't enjoy the foods you love!! I wouldn't do such a thing because I love food myself!! haha I am just saying to take less so you can ENJOY MORE! Way better, right? I'd say yes!
Here is a blog post to kind of put what a normal holiday plate looks like, translates into nutrition wise, and what you can do to make this holiday different >>>> DOS & DON'TS OF FILLING YOUR PLATE
And to think that the holiday plate they show in their "before" still wasn't as big as mine used to be! Why didn't anybody question me?!
3) Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits and lighter options
Start your eating with these foods and than eat your favorites. This way you won't be so hungry for the calorie-dense foods. Besides, your relatives and the people around you are only going to draw attention to your food choices if you have an empty plate or are picking at food. This way, you are eating, your plate is full and you're enjoying the foods you've chosen. No one should feel sorry for you, including you.
4) It's OK to "just say no"
I know that the stores like to bring out those amazing treats (like those toffees at Trader Joe's!! mmm lol) just for the season, but that doesn't mean we have to go CRAZY and eat it all in two months!!
Enjoy what you love but in moderation!
5) Cut back on the GRAZING!
If you're cooking, try not to nibble throughout the day. If you're at a party with snack trays EVERYWHERE, load up on some water! You will feel full and not want to keep picking at all the yummy treats! We want more room for the real deal meal anyway!!!
6) Try some new lighter recipes.
Use some incredibly FRESH ingredients! You'll be surprised at how much BETTER your food will taste & you can let your guests in on your little secret when it's all said, eaten, and done!
7) Offer to bring a dish & keep it healthy.
That way you know there will be at least ONE dish you can feel guilt free about eating!
8) Tis NOT the season to have one too many
Don't be the new holiday party story this year! Alcohol not only slows down your metabolism, it blocks common sense too!! Not to mention, the lack of good judgement on how much food is enough! Binge eating sessions do not help when trying to stay healthy! Try a wine spritzer instead of champagne. Or just try to limit yourself so you can enjoy your holiday with your friends and family!
9) Have a healthy snack before you go to a holiday meal.
Don't go to a party on an empty stomach. When you get to the party and you're already satisfied, you're less likely to eat as a reaction to hunger.
10) Workout before you dip out
Get active before the holiday meals to get your metabolism going. When you make sure to get regular exercise, you lose the desire for unhealthy foods. Who wants to get their butt kicked and then throw it all away with a twinkie?!
We love the holidays right?! BUT those extra pounds that are added during the season, not to much!
We want to PRETEND to be Santa, not put on pounds like him!!! Can I get an AMEN?! haha
Well I wanted to help you out and share what I've learned and what helps me get through the holiday season & out on the other side feeling GOOD!! Turkey eatin, pie having & all!!
Here are some tips that can help you get through the season without putting on that extra weight:
1) Know what types of foods will be there and what you will choose to eat.
Okay, so we know the typical foods that are going to be part of the holiday spread. We also know we've already started thinking about our favorites and how amazing it is going to taste to indulge! Go ahead and decide before the big day which foods you REALLY want to have and which ones you can do without. Save on the extras and enjoy the good stuff!
2) Downsize your holiday plate
For some reason when we think of Thanksgiving we think of oversized portions and eating way to much food to want to stand up! Ahhhh Why?!? I used to do that EVERY year! Graze all day, FILL UP on everything by eating way more in one sitting than I have all year lol, go into food coma and watch football, then whatever space opened up gets filled with too much dessert!
When did that become "a thing"?! Nothing about it is comfortable and really I never enjoy feeling that way sooooo why do we take the holidays and make it a glutton fest?!
Let's try something different this year! Let's try downsizing our holiday plate. You could start by taking a smaller plate than normal and then taking SMALLER portions of everything you love!
That's right, I'm definitely NOT saying don't enjoy the foods you love!! I wouldn't do such a thing because I love food myself!! haha I am just saying to take less so you can ENJOY MORE! Way better, right? I'd say yes!
Here is a blog post to kind of put what a normal holiday plate looks like, translates into nutrition wise, and what you can do to make this holiday different >>>> DOS & DON'TS OF FILLING YOUR PLATE
And to think that the holiday plate they show in their "before" still wasn't as big as mine used to be! Why didn't anybody question me?!
3) Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits and lighter options
Start your eating with these foods and than eat your favorites. This way you won't be so hungry for the calorie-dense foods. Besides, your relatives and the people around you are only going to draw attention to your food choices if you have an empty plate or are picking at food. This way, you are eating, your plate is full and you're enjoying the foods you've chosen. No one should feel sorry for you, including you.
4) It's OK to "just say no"
I know that the stores like to bring out those amazing treats (like those toffees at Trader Joe's!! mmm lol) just for the season, but that doesn't mean we have to go CRAZY and eat it all in two months!!
Enjoy what you love but in moderation!
5) Cut back on the GRAZING!
If you're cooking, try not to nibble throughout the day. If you're at a party with snack trays EVERYWHERE, load up on some water! You will feel full and not want to keep picking at all the yummy treats! We want more room for the real deal meal anyway!!!
6) Try some new lighter recipes.
Use some incredibly FRESH ingredients! You'll be surprised at how much BETTER your food will taste & you can let your guests in on your little secret when it's all said, eaten, and done!
7) Offer to bring a dish & keep it healthy.
That way you know there will be at least ONE dish you can feel guilt free about eating!
8) Tis NOT the season to have one too many
Don't be the new holiday party story this year! Alcohol not only slows down your metabolism, it blocks common sense too!! Not to mention, the lack of good judgement on how much food is enough! Binge eating sessions do not help when trying to stay healthy! Try a wine spritzer instead of champagne. Or just try to limit yourself so you can enjoy your holiday with your friends and family!
9) Have a healthy snack before you go to a holiday meal.
Don't go to a party on an empty stomach. When you get to the party and you're already satisfied, you're less likely to eat as a reaction to hunger.
10) Workout before you dip out
Get active before the holiday meals to get your metabolism going. When you make sure to get regular exercise, you lose the desire for unhealthy foods. Who wants to get their butt kicked and then throw it all away with a twinkie?!
JUST REMEMBER:
The holidays are meant to enjoy our time with friends and family! I know for some the holidays are hard, but don't let the emotional eating get the best of you because in the end it will only make you feel worse! Focus on the good, get plenty of good food, don't be too hard on yourself if you have a slip up, and focus more on giving instead of what you can take in!
The holidays are meant to enjoy our time with friends and family! I know for some the holidays are hard, but don't let the emotional eating get the best of you because in the end it will only make you feel worse! Focus on the good, get plenty of good food, don't be too hard on yourself if you have a slip up, and focus more on giving instead of what you can take in!
Lunch Made With Love
Trying to get creative with little man's lunches!! Doing the best with what we've got down here!!
Today, is lunchables made with love!
Add a little fruit and he's golden!
These will be getting more gourmet as we go, but he wanted lunchables and Lord knows I'm not buying the ones in the store!
He likes momma's better anyway! :)
Contents:
- Mott's 100% Apple Juice
- Organic Pepperoni
- Organic White Cheddar cheese
- Yoplait Mixed Berry Yogurt
Check Back for MORE ways to create healthier LUNCHES COMING SOON!
Today, is lunchables made with love!
Add a little fruit and he's golden!
These will be getting more gourmet as we go, but he wanted lunchables and Lord knows I'm not buying the ones in the store!
He likes momma's better anyway! :)
Contents:
- Mott's 100% Apple Juice
- Organic Pepperoni
- Organic White Cheddar cheese
- Yoplait Mixed Berry Yogurt
Check Back for MORE ways to create healthier LUNCHES COMING SOON!
When You Eat Well, You Feel Well
When I started this journey, it was mostly because I just knew I needed a change because what I was doing was not working! I knew in my heart a challenge group and a home workout could be that change, and getting a discount on products I was falling in love with was a pretty sweet deal!
But soon something changed and not just on the outside. Yes, my body was transforming in pictures and my clothes were fitting better. Beyond that, I could FEEL my body functioning better. I had more energy, reduced cravings, and better digestion, my hair was growing fast and my nails strengthening.
I was fueling my body with so many super foods, some I hadn't even heard of before, and my body was thanking me for it!! I was still such a baby in the clean eating world and I continue to learn as I go. When I do, I always find a reason to have more passion for what I'm doing.
The world around us is forever changing. Foods continue to be modified to come out with faster and cheaper ways to feed the masses. Made to look shiny and big with no flavor or means to satisfy our bodies.
Names of chemicals that should be nowhere near our body are changed so we don't know what or how much is in the foods we eat. Logos get nicer and bigger. Saying things like "sugar free", "fat free", and "low sodium" but fail to tell you what they have to add to make a claim like that on their bright and alluring packaging.
Check out a couple of my favorite documentaries on Netflix, FOOD MATTERS & HUNGRY FOR CHANGE to learn more!
What started as a way for me as a way to improve my health and set an example for my family has turned into a REVOLUTION!!!! I refuse to let big manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, genetically modified foods, preventable diseases new and old, win!!
We have a chance every single day to make CHOICES. Choices that can either lead us to feeling our best and living a healthy life or choices that may not harm you immediately but slowly affect your health and ultimately your LIFE because your body can't function the way it was intended to!
But soon something changed and not just on the outside. Yes, my body was transforming in pictures and my clothes were fitting better. Beyond that, I could FEEL my body functioning better. I had more energy, reduced cravings, and better digestion, my hair was growing fast and my nails strengthening.
I was fueling my body with so many super foods, some I hadn't even heard of before, and my body was thanking me for it!! I was still such a baby in the clean eating world and I continue to learn as I go. When I do, I always find a reason to have more passion for what I'm doing.
The world around us is forever changing. Foods continue to be modified to come out with faster and cheaper ways to feed the masses. Made to look shiny and big with no flavor or means to satisfy our bodies.
Names of chemicals that should be nowhere near our body are changed so we don't know what or how much is in the foods we eat. Logos get nicer and bigger. Saying things like "sugar free", "fat free", and "low sodium" but fail to tell you what they have to add to make a claim like that on their bright and alluring packaging.
Check out a couple of my favorite documentaries on Netflix, FOOD MATTERS & HUNGRY FOR CHANGE to learn more!
What started as a way for me as a way to improve my health and set an example for my family has turned into a REVOLUTION!!!! I refuse to let big manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, genetically modified foods, preventable diseases new and old, win!!
We have a chance every single day to make CHOICES. Choices that can either lead us to feeling our best and living a healthy life or choices that may not harm you immediately but slowly affect your health and ultimately your LIFE because your body can't function the way it was intended to!
What will you do with each new day you have? What choices will you make?
Ready to start the change that will affect your life positively once and for all?
Get ON TRACK, stay on track, find your health & happiness. Have questions or interested in joining one of my next challenge groups?
You can rest assured knowing that if you decide to take your health into your own hands, I will be with you every step of the way. Living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be complicated and you won't have to do it alone!
Contact me here
and we'll take the next step together!
Ready to start the change that will affect your life positively once and for all?
Get ON TRACK, stay on track, find your health & happiness. Have questions or interested in joining one of my next challenge groups?
You can rest assured knowing that if you decide to take your health into your own hands, I will be with you every step of the way. Living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be complicated and you won't have to do it alone!
Contact me here
and we'll take the next step together!
What Will You do To Change Your Family's Future?
My TOP 5 Uses for Coconut Oil
Have you had your coconut oil today?
Seriously! If you haven't tried coconut oil before, today might need to be the day! This stuff is INCREDIBLE and has so many uses! It has been a staple item in our household for the longest and I use it for just about anything I can! It has replaced a lot of items in our house >> YAY for saving money and keeping it all natural!!
I found a great list of 101 ways you can use coconut oil on the Wellness Mama blog, but I wanted to give the top 5 ways I use it daily! So here you go! >>>
Top 5 daily uses for coconut oil:
These are just 5 of the many ways I use it throughout the day! The benefits alone could take an entire blog post to go over, so for now I'll just leave you with an opportunity to try it for yourself!
Ready to start your coconut oil journey? You can get a great deal on it at Amazon! <<< Click the link to grab one from 15 oz to 60 oz if you're ready to indulge in awesome food, skin, hair and coffee! Don't forget to let me know what you think and what your favorite use for coconut oil is! I love getting new ideas!
Seriously! If you haven't tried coconut oil before, today might need to be the day! This stuff is INCREDIBLE and has so many uses! It has been a staple item in our household for the longest and I use it for just about anything I can! It has replaced a lot of items in our house >> YAY for saving money and keeping it all natural!!
I found a great list of 101 ways you can use coconut oil on the Wellness Mama blog, but I wanted to give the top 5 ways I use it daily! So here you go! >>>
Top 5 daily uses for coconut oil:
- Cooking and baking - great replacement for butter and other oils
- Moisturizing and cleaning skin - I use it by itself or blend it with shea butter for an amazing lotion
- In Hair - I use it as a conditioner for me and as hair "gel" for my son
- Eye makeup remover - yes!!! It works crazy well with no chemicals and leaves my skin feeling so soft!
- Blended in shakes and mixed in coffee
These are just 5 of the many ways I use it throughout the day! The benefits alone could take an entire blog post to go over, so for now I'll just leave you with an opportunity to try it for yourself!
Ready to start your coconut oil journey? You can get a great deal on it at Amazon! <<< Click the link to grab one from 15 oz to 60 oz if you're ready to indulge in awesome food, skin, hair and coffee! Don't forget to let me know what you think and what your favorite use for coconut oil is! I love getting new ideas!
BulletProof Coffee Will Start Your Day Off Right!
Oh my goodness this stuff is FANTASTIC!!!
I don't remember where but I remember when I saw the recipe for bulletproof coffee and I remember thinking, "YEAH RIGHT!" haha I mean it's BUTTER in coffee!! <<< It's still funny to say it out loud but it is so good and does exactly as advertised!
I had to do more research before actually diving in and I found this BULLETPROOF site to be the most helpful! It is where I got my recipe from and modified it to use what I had in house. I got amazing coffee from Trader Joe's and knew I could substitute coconut oil in it as well. The results are delicious!
So back to the butter in coffee thing because I definitely said that haha but don't worry! It is not the butter you are thinking of! You are using grass-fed butter which is 100 times better for you! I am grateful that I even had to get some to make this coffee because now I use it for other recipes as well! It is much tastier, looks better, and is better for you as I learned from the site I mentioned above!
So what do I think about it all besides that it is yummy?
My review:
- It does NOT have a buttery or oily consistency that you might think it would have because of the ingredients
- I also don't taste a buttery or coconut flavor
- I haven't played around with different flavors yet, but it is great with honey
- It comes out incredibly creamy and frothy like you just made a cappuccino but in a quarter of the time
- You will want to make it every day after trying it and if you don't well, hey, at least you can say you've had butter in your coffee!
Now that I have told you my experience it's definitely your turn to try!!! So I'm spilling the beans on my recipe!
Bulletproof Coffee
- 1 cup of coffee (however many ounces you fancy) the purer the better!
- 1 Tbl GRASS-FED butter << super important (I used Kerrygold unsalted)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Blend and enjoy your new found energy and focus!!!
I don't remember where but I remember when I saw the recipe for bulletproof coffee and I remember thinking, "YEAH RIGHT!" haha I mean it's BUTTER in coffee!! <<< It's still funny to say it out loud but it is so good and does exactly as advertised!
I had to do more research before actually diving in and I found this BULLETPROOF site to be the most helpful! It is where I got my recipe from and modified it to use what I had in house. I got amazing coffee from Trader Joe's and knew I could substitute coconut oil in it as well. The results are delicious!
So back to the butter in coffee thing because I definitely said that haha but don't worry! It is not the butter you are thinking of! You are using grass-fed butter which is 100 times better for you! I am grateful that I even had to get some to make this coffee because now I use it for other recipes as well! It is much tastier, looks better, and is better for you as I learned from the site I mentioned above!
So what do I think about it all besides that it is yummy?
My review:
- It does NOT have a buttery or oily consistency that you might think it would have because of the ingredients
- I also don't taste a buttery or coconut flavor
- I haven't played around with different flavors yet, but it is great with honey
- It comes out incredibly creamy and frothy like you just made a cappuccino but in a quarter of the time
- You will want to make it every day after trying it and if you don't well, hey, at least you can say you've had butter in your coffee!
Now that I have told you my experience it's definitely your turn to try!!! So I'm spilling the beans on my recipe!
Bulletproof Coffee
- 1 cup of coffee (however many ounces you fancy) the purer the better!
- 1 Tbl GRASS-FED butter << super important (I used Kerrygold unsalted)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Blend and enjoy your new found energy and focus!!!
Tips to Help You Keep Your Prepped Salad Fresh All Week
For those of us that prep our food for the week or those that want to try it, salad isn't usually on the list to prep ahead of time.
I mean, who wants soggy lettuce?!?! [Insert grossed out face]
I know I love my salads during the week so I found myself having to prep them the night before or hope that I would have enough time before I get to "hangry" mode to get it made for lunch! I need my food every few hours or I'm not myself people. Prep is important!! That being said, my method for salads needed some work.
I found the amazing pin for salad in a jar on Pinterest. Hooray for progress!!
I mean, who wants soggy lettuce?!?! [Insert grossed out face]
I know I love my salads during the week so I found myself having to prep them the night before or hope that I would have enough time before I get to "hangry" mode to get it made for lunch! I need my food every few hours or I'm not myself people. Prep is important!! That being said, my method for salads needed some work.
I found the amazing pin for salad in a jar on Pinterest. Hooray for progress!!
Recently I found something even more helpful from FitSugar and I just had to share. Their post is very helpful in not only showing you how to pack your salad when you prep to make it last for the week, but there is also a list of foods to buy for your delicious 5 day salads!
My favorite part of salads besides the pretty colors?! The dressing!! Homemade all the way. They taste the best, are easy to make, AND I know what is going in them! I'm not a fan of secret ingredients/chemicals. I have a lot of good recipes to share that I'll in another post! For now, enjoy some delicious salads made with love by YOU!
>>> Prepping Salads for Your Workweek <<<
My favorite part of salads besides the pretty colors?! The dressing!! Homemade all the way. They taste the best, are easy to make, AND I know what is going in them! I'm not a fan of secret ingredients/chemicals. I have a lot of good recipes to share that I'll in another post! For now, enjoy some delicious salads made with love by YOU!
>>> Prepping Salads for Your Workweek <<<