This is the almond milk egg nog I referred to in an earlier post. Realized I'd shared it on my FB page, but not here.

I have two 70's references here, so a shout out to anyone old enough to remember them!
Who loves egg nog? I do, and it's one of the first things I remember making in my 7th grade Home Ec class. There's 70's reference #1 -- also took sewing, and that was painful, but anyway.

Over the past year or so, I've replaced cow's milk with almond milk. We use it for cereal and hot cocoa, and I'd stopped drinking egg nog. Partly because of the dairy, but also because most versions are loaded with sugar, fat, and some highly questionable artificial ingredients.

So, how excited was I when I discovered there's an almond milk version!

My review of it -- very tasty! Make sure you shake it well. It's not as thick as regular nog, and has 8g of sugar to a serving. That's still about 1 teaspoon of sugar, but much less than traditional versions, and it's much lower in fat.

Give it a try! It's an easy way to enjoy a holiday favorite without having to go to a lot of work to make it healthier.

While holding the carton, I felt like the hostess gals on Bob Barker's The Price is Right -- there were two who were on the show with him for years and as a kid I was always amused with how they would motion their hands around the items on display. 70's reference #2 : )

What's a memory from Home Ec. or a holiday treat you've transformed into a healthier version?


 

Healthier Holiday Makeover

What do they say about the best-laid plans?

After discovering the almond milk egg nog, I wanted to find another healthier version of a holiday favorite. Over the course of the week, I meant to check out some different ideas. 

Hasn’t happened yet. But something else occurred to me -- being a better version of myself.

We all know the holidays are hectic, often stressful. We’re out of our normal routines with holiday gatherings, family visiting or traveling ourselves.

And at a time of year when every commercial and song says we should be feeling joyful, the reality is sometimes very different.

I’ve been listening to the late Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book, There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, and two quotes he shares have been very helpful to me when I remember to apply them in moments when I find myself less than joyful.

From A Course in Miracles, “I can choose peace instead of this.”

And from Richard Carlson, “Choose to be kind over being right and you’ll be right every time.”

If I consistently applied those two statements whenever I felt like doing or saying something quite the opposite, I’d be the healthy holiday makeover.

Wishing me, and you if you need it, the strength of character to be my own healthier version.

 

Today isn't a good example since I'm not exercising till my gums feel better (had some gum grafts last week), but in the larger picture, the way my clothes fit, the muscle tone I now have in my arms, and am starting to see in my legs, and the strength I've gained, is a result of continued effort.

Sadly, that wasn't a concept I'd embraced much in life. I don't know why because I'm from a family of hard workers. Can-do people who pick themselves up and keep going.

My grandfather is a self-made man. He scrapped and scraped for everything, and didn't quit. Somehow I missed the memo, or missed out on those genes.

I'm looking back on a pattern in my life -- not pushing myself, not always doing my very best, not sticking with something when it got hard. It isn't pretty, and I'm not proud. And, I know I can do things differently.

Doing Focus T25, 21-Day Fix, and PiYo have gradually changed my physical appearance. More importantly, they've changed my mental attitude. I'm seeing the negative patterns I've had for far too long, and working on reprogramming with positive energy and direction.

I feel like I have a lot more work to do internally, but I like the progress I've made.
When I look back over the past year, I'm hopeful about where I'll be this time next year based on the changes I've experienced in the last 12 months.

Thank you Beachbody!
 

VICTORY!!!!

Craig asked me to make him a shake for lunch today!

We have Shakeology for our lunch most days, but to have him REQUEST one, be still my heart!

He needed something quick, and he does know, because I repeat it often, that it's packed with superfoods, so even though his preference might often be something much LESS nutritious, he's coming around!

I'm hearing harps playing, angels singing -- it's a happy day!

And, Shhhhh, don't tell him, but I popped in some wilted greens that I can't use for a salad anymore, and you can't even tell!

A quick, nutritious lunch that's also allowing me to utilize icky produce.

Thank you Beachbody and Shakeology!

Why the heck did I get involved with Beachbody? First because of my sisters. When your younger sisters are in better shape than you are, you take notice, but I was slow to get on board.

In the beginning it was about convenience.

When it came to working out, I didn't want to go to the gym (for many reasons -- time, money, effort) so I was hiking and doing yoga occasionally, but I didn't have a set workout plan, which meant I wasn't getting anywhere.

I wanted exercise programs that kicked by booty, but got the job done in under an hour, preferably less than 45 minutes, and ideally in 30.

Beachbody offers all that, and at 51, I finally feel great about my fitness level, how I look, my strength and endurance. If someone said to me, "Grab your bathing suit, we're going to the hot tub." I'd be psyched instead of worrying how I look.

It didn't happen overnight, but it was something I could do easily once I made it a priority.

Beachbody offers so many great programs. I'm only getting started, and I've done 6 -- but because they make it convenient for me to fit it into my day, I feel great about me!

If you've been wanting to start exercising and improving your nutrition but have no idea where to begin, I get it. I felt the same way.

I can help. Message or email me at tarasfitforlife@gmail.com

You're worth it, and you can do it. But sometimes having some help getting started is the key.

As the holidays approach, I've been thinking quite a bit about traditions. And I thought about how habits are a form of tradition. Some habits may be positive, some not so much.

 

I'm reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, and he shared a few actions he learned from Shawn Anchor, author of The Happiness Advantage, who says that when done consistently over time, these 5 simple things will make you significantly happier.

1. Each morning, write down three things you're grateful for. Three NEW things every day. Teaches our brains to look for the positive.

2. Journal for 2 minutes a day about one positive experience you've had over the past twenty-four hours. Be as detailed about the experience as possible -- it causes our brains to relive it, doubling the positive experience.

3. Meditate daily. It doesn't have to be a big deal. Stop what you're doing (this is the hard part for me), and focus on your breath for two minutes. Trains your brain to focus where you want it to, and not get stuck in a negative loop.

4. Do a random act of kindness over the course of each day. It can be as simple as taking 2 minutes in the morning to send someone an email, thanking or praising them for something they did.

5. Exercise for fifteen minutes daily -- I would add, AT LEAST 15 minutes daily : ). Even a brisk walk can be a strong anti-depressant.

Jeff goes on to say that according to Shawn, doing just one of these consistently for 3 weeks will begin to rewire your brain. And, you don't have to do all five at once. The suggestion is to start with one, keep repeating it till it's a habit, a TRADITION!!, then add another and so on . . .

So, who's with me? Anyone else want to begin spreading happiness? Let's create a new tradition!

I started earlier this week, and will keep going. If you want to join me, and some other friends who are committing to spreading happiness, email me at tarasfitforlife@gmail.com, or text me at 970-471-4711.

Heard Tarah Carr, an incredibly successful Beachbody coach, say on a weekly call, that she built her business under difficult circumstances (living in Okinawa, Japan, husband deployed, raising two small children . . .) because she, and other military wives in her group made the decision to prosper where they were planted.

Prosper where we are planted . . . the weeds, trees and flowers don't complain if the soil is too rocky or of poor quality, they grow anyway.

I've spent too much time in my life making excuses or complaining about why I "couldn't" do something. I don't want to be that person anymore.

Are you prospering where you're planted?

I'm part of a 'positive action, grab life by the horns' group. We're making it up as we go, helping one another to set goals, go for them, and encourage others to do the same.

Come join us! Email me -- tarasfitforlife@gmail.com, or click on the "Contact Me" button

Bloom.

xo 

This is my GULP for the day -- doing something out of my comfort zone.

Today, that's sharing some of my warts. This article really spoke to me. Although I didn't/don't have an eating disorder, I have often felt 'less than' and unsure of myself.

At 51, I'm figuring out my passions and strengths. There are days when I don't feel like I'm good at anything, that I haven't cultivated a talent or honed a specific skill.

Beachbody is helping change that / me with the supportive community, products I love, and the opportunity to combine my interests in food, nutrition exercise and writing to make a difference in the lives of others.

I've spent too much time comparing myself to others -- what's the quote? "Comparison is the thief of joy." So, the action steps in this article were helpful.

I hope you find them so too.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-21142/i-felt-inferior-my-whole-life-heres-how-i-overcame-that.html

Well, hello!  Fancy me posting here, since it's been ages!

Has anyone else been in a funk? With a son who's a high school junior, I'm working on who I want to be when I grow up!!!

Who else is there too? Knowing you're meant for something wonderful, but not exactly sure what that is?

Have you seen The Shift? It's a movie the late Dr. Wayne Dyer was part of in 2008 -- a friend shared it with me over the weekend, and I'm ordering my own copy. I want my family to watch it, and I think it's something I want to watch repeatedly since I seem to need numerous repetitions for something to stick.

So many wonderful takeaways, which is why I want to see it again. Here are a few quotes from Dr. Dyer:

"There's a deep need within us that wants to feel fulfilled, to know my life as made a difference."

"To know I left this place better, that someone's life has been profoundly touched because of my existence. We all want that."

"At any age you're only a thought away from changing your life. Don't go with your soul still inside you."

A thought away . . . now, my challenge, to stick with just one thought!!! "Squirrel!"

I really hope you check out The Shift and that it gives you the nudge you need if you're wanting to make a change in your life.

With love . . .

http://www.hayhouse.com/the-shift-movie

Thinking a lot lately about why I've become a regular exerciser after not having been one. Two years ago I walked, hiked, did yoga occasionally, and that maintained my weight, but didn't improve my aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, or overall muscle tone. I was soft. 

My sisters did Beachbody programs and were in really great shape. I'd try a workout with them, but just felt defeated because I hadn't put in the time, working my way up to a solid fitness level. Plus, as I've mentioned before, coordination is not a trait I possess!

So, I started with easy workouts and made regular exercise a habit, gradually increasing the difficulty of the programs. Now I feel great and am excited about my strength, fitness level and appearance. 

It took time, and I've always been about the quick fix. Sometimes I wasn't as consistent as I liked, and sometimes it was really a test of will to get the workout in. Heck, it still is, this week wasn't one of my better ones in terms of effort. But that's ok -- this is now part of my life for the long haul and I can let go of small missteps.

I like the way I look and feel which has been a boost to my confidence, but it's also seeing what I can accomplish when I stick to something, how I can push myself, and see results, both in my body, but more importantly in my mind. It's affecting all areas of my life -- I'm more productive and energetic (most days) and am developing a more positive attitude which doesn't come naturally to me. 

Having the support of some amazing team members has also been key. We encourage and challenge one another and honestly take joy in one another's accomplishments. I'm so grateful Beachbody came into my life because it has improved all areas of it, not just my jean size!

It IS easy being green!!!

Greenberry/Mango/Orange Shake

My favorite flavor of Shakeology is chocolate, but I alternate what flavor I get each month to keep things interesting.

So, the other day I used the greenberry flavor and added some frozen mango and an orange -- the recipe called for orange juice, but I didn't have any. Figured I'd get a tad more fiber!

SOOOO yummy!

2 scoops Greenberry Shakeology (was making it for myself and hubby for lunch)
handful or two of frozen mango
1 tangerine, peeled
2 cups water

Blend, pour and enjoy!!!!

More on nuts!

A little afternoon tea and dark chocolate, and a Brazil nut -- just one is a great source of selenium. 

Note to self -- move chocolate away from side of mug before adding hot tea!!!

Used to think Brazil nuts tasted like moss and years ago, when I didn't like them very much, my sister had me close my eyes and made it seem like she was giving me a tasty treat. 

Instead, a mouthful of 'moss.' But now I like Brazil nuts so all is forgiven!

-- #brazilnuts, #afternoonchocolate

Need a healthy 'Go-To' snack? NUTS!!! 

Walnuts contain the most antioxidants of all nuts, protecting your body from the cellular damage linked to heart disease, cancer, and premature aging.

Walnuts are highest in omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. Best way to get omega-3's (healthy unsaturated fats) if you’re not a fish fan. 

And, the manganese they contain may reduce PMS symptoms.

Get a snack-sized baggie and portion out some to have handy.

What's your favorite on-the-go snack?

Serving info: About 14 walnut halves = 185 calories, 18 grams fat

“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."  Jamie Paolinetti 

So many quotes on freeing the mind, pushing past obstacles, letting go of our limitations -- I'm not sure why this one spoke to me. 

The reason I was even thinking about the topic was because of my dog -- Shep.

She had TPLO surgery last week. I forget what that stands for, and I could look it up, but it doesn't really matter.  She had surgery because of a torn cruciate ligament. They don't repair the ligament, they shave off part of her femur bone, put in a metal plate and some screws and then after 12 weeks of gradually  increasing activity, she's hopefully good to go. (Thank goodness for pet insurance!!!!)

She knows something is different. Her leg is shaved, she can't put total weight on her leg, I won't let her do much of anything (doctor's orders) and she's confined to the living room for the most part to avoid having to deal with stairs. 

If it weren't for my imposed limitations, she'd be doing whatever she could. She'd try to run, jump, wrestle with her favorite dog-friend, Beckham. In short, she'd try to be as normal as possible, even if it hurt, she'd just press on. She doesn't know that the long-term results from that would be bad. Epic fail on the surgery.

Just another example of how we limit ourselves because we think we can't do something, or shouldn't, or are worried or afraid. Maybe I should only talk in the first person, because I can't presume for the rest of you. I know that I limit myself, wondering what people will think, afraid to take a risk -- so if I would just be more like Shep, I might be achieving more of my goals.

Sounds like that's my first goal right there. Be more like my dog!

Shep, pre-surgery with my nephew

Looking rather punk-rock after surgery -- and like a bobble-head dog! Her head looks HUGE!!!

Let's talk about chocolate. Why? Because I really enjoy it. Always have, but at some point in my adult life I discovered dark chocolate.  

I'm sure you've read about dark chocolate having antioxidants and other good 'stuff'. Not going to go on about the benefits of chocolate, because in the end, I eat it because I love it, and because I want to.  The fact that it might be good for me is a bonus. I would eat chocolate anyway. But maybe I do eat it more regularly because I tell myself it's a 'health food'.  Ha!!

My preference is for high quality chocolate, especially with extras -- nuts, sea salt, dried fruit, coffee beans . . . but I don't turn up my nose at plain dark chocolate either.

I'm curious -- what is your treat of choice?  Salty, sweet? Combo? I have a great recipe for English Toffee, which isn't healthy by any means, but if you need a sweet treat which is great to give as a hostess gift  -- let me know. It's awesome, and so easy!

This post is about something that I've been dealing with. I'm looking at it as my own personal therapy session, like when you write a letter to express your anger or frustration with someone, but don't have any intention of sending it to them.  This is similar. I'm hoping that by putting this out there, it will begin the healing or acceptance process.

So here goes.

My husband and I have a 16 year old son and he's awesome and wonderful and we have so much fun together. When he was little, and it would have been the time to think about having a second, I wasn't feeling any indications that I wanted a second child. And this was earth-shattering to me.  It was never my 'life-plan' to only have one.  I always assumed, figured, expected, that I would have at least two children. So when I wasn't feeling any interest in another baby, I didn't know what to do with that. My husband was fine with having one and so I waited, thinking I'd experience some clarity and get a sign. I read about having one child. I saw a counselor who said he thought I wanted another one, but later he said that sometimes not getting a strong 'yes' is also a sign.

There were a number of things contributing to this mind frame and I was worried that mentally I was not in the right place to have another child, nor was my marriage in a strong enough place. Did I sell myself and my husband short? Probably. Yes. But at the time, I couldn't see the forest for the trees, and it felt like another baby would tip the scales in a negative way. 

For years I felt great about our decision and then, over the past year or so, the doubts crept in, or the regret.  I'd see families with more than one child and feel envious or wistful.  And, I worry for our son, that we deprived him of a sibling.  As my parents age, I see the things children often do for their parents, and how having siblings can be a comfort.

The obvious issue here is that we will not be having another child. So, acceptance and peace are the goal -- and gratefulness for the wonderful son and family life we do have.  I'm not sure why I'm struggling with this so much, or what to do about it, other than to replace any thoughts of regret I have with those of gratitude.

So, here it is, out there. 

If you haven't seen this from WestJet, it's wonderful.  Then look at their video from Christmas 2013.  What a wonderful company, which more would follow their example. If you know of great businesses like this, please sing their praises.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-BKX3G0BpQ&feature=youtu.be

All the best to you this year!!!