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.