Peace, Love and FITNESS!

9 Ways to Eat Healthily (and Cheaply)

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:08:00 +0000

By Joe Wilkes

By now, most of us know what we should be eating—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish, among other foods. But anyone heading off to the supermarket with a shopping list of the best recommendations for a healthy diet is in for a bit of sticker shock. Over a two-year period, a recent University of Washington study tracked the costs of "nutrient-dense" foods (foods high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories) and "energy-dense" foods (foods high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals—a.k.a. junk).* The nutrient-dense foods rose in cost by almost 20 percent while the cost of junk food declined. The study found that getting your average day's worth of 2,000 calories from the junk side cost $3.52 while getting your 2,000-calories' worth from nutrient-dense cuisine would cost $36.32. Since the average American spends about $7.00 a day on food, you can see where the rise in obesity might come from.

Coins in an Apple

Other studies have shown similar findings. While the income percentage that Americans spend on food has decreased dramatically over the last few years, the obesity rate has risen even more dramatically, as has the incidence of type 2 diabetes, an obesity-related disease. And the obesity rate has grown the most in the most impoverished sectors of society, further emphasizing the connection between the rising costs of nutrient-dense foods, declining junk-food costs, and rising obesity rates. If you've priced out what a nice piece of Chilean sea bass with a side of asparagus costs compared to the latest offering from your local fast food joint's dollar menu, it's easy to be tempted to go to the dark side—especially if your budget is shrinking more than your waistline.

It is possible, however, to eat healthily and still have some money left over. Even on the tightest budget, you can do a little legwork and research to make the most nutritious choices for you and your family. And even if you're fortunate enough to have the cash to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, as my grandfather would say, "There's no point putting your paycheck through your stomach." (And he lived to be almost 100 . . . but that was before the advent of dollar menus.) Here are nine tips for getting the most nutritional bang for your buck.

1. 'Tis the season. Eating seasonally is the best way to get the most delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. When harvest time comes around for your favorite fruit or veggie, the market is usually glutted, and following the time-honored supply-and-demand curve, the prices of those fruits and veggies plummet. And not only is it cheap to eat fruits and veggies that are in season, it's the best time to get the most flavor for your money. Most fresh fruits and veggies sold in the off-season are either shipped from faraway lands or produced in greenhouse factories and don't have nearly the richness of flavors produced by Mother Nature. It's a good time to stock up, eat what you can, and freeze or can the rest for a rainy day. If you're fortunate enough to live in a community with a decent farmers' market, it pays to get to know the men and women who are selling the produce. They can let you know when the best time to buy the best stuff is and give you a preview of what's coming up harvest-wise, so you can plan your menu accordingly.
2. Jarred FoodThe big freeze. Speaking of freezing and canning, these are great ways to save money and still have your nutritional needs met. Not only are frozen and canned foods way cheaper than fresh foods, but in many cases, they're more nutritious. Fruits and vegetables are usually preserved within hours of harvest, when they have their maximum vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits and vegetables can take days, or even weeks, to make the journey from the field to your table. Add that to any time spent lingering on supermarket shelves and then your fridge's crisper drawer, and suddenly, fresh doesn't seem so fresh anymore. And for many recipes, frozen or canned might even be better than fresh. A pint of fresh off-season blueberries can cost more than $5.00 while a one-pound bag of frozen blueberries can cost less than $3.00. And the frozen berries will be a lot better in your morning smoothie. Any chef will tell you about the virtues of canned tomatoes over fresh ones when making your favorite pasta sauce. The only thing to be wary of is the sodium and sugar content in canned goods or frozen veggies that contain high-calorie sauces or other not-so-healthy ingredients in not-so-healthy amounts.
3. Shop around. Smokey Robinson was right. It does pay to shop around. Check out those supermarket circulars that are stuffed into your mailbox every week. Each week, your supermarket advertises "loss leaders," including fruits, veggies, lean meats, and fish. Their hope is to lure you into the store with these bargains that they don't make so much money on and tempt you to buy extra high-profit stuff while you're there. But if you stick to your list, you can fill your cart with the loss leaders and save a ton of money. They'll usually be items that are in season as well, since they're cheaper for the store to buy anyway. Also, signing up for their club or rewards cards can help save you money, too. It's better to monitor sales and promotions rather than clipping coupons, as coupons are generally for processed, less healthy foods—although you can sometimes find good coupons for canned and frozen produce.
4. Get to know your grocer. And your butcher, your produce manager, etc. Find out what day produce is delivered to the store so you get maximum freshness for your dollar. Find out from the butcher when meat goes into the half-off section as its expiration date approaches. The meat isn't spoiled yet, and if you cook or freeze it that day or the next, it's no different from buying full-priced cuts and leaving them in your refrigerator for a couple of days. Only your pocketbook knows the difference. Also, many butchers will custom-grind for you without charge. If a package of factory-ground turkey breast costs $6.00 a pound and a whole turkey breast costs $2.00 a pound, why not buy the whole breast and ask your butcher to grind it for you? You'll save a lot of money, and you'll actually know what went into the turkey burger you're eating.
5. Think outside the big box. Instead of always going to the big-box supermarket chains, investigate if there are farmers' markets or food co-ops in your area. The food will be fresher, cheaper, and hopefully, not as coated with pesticides, waxes, or other unsavory elements. It's a good way to save money and support your local community at the same time. You can get organic produce for the same price or cheaper than traditionally grown produce this way as well. (It's also worth checking out what your state defines as organic.) Organic food is great, but if you're trying to save money, traditionally grown food isn't essentially less nutritious than organic; it just may require a little more scrubbing.
6. Tomato SproutStart your own farm. If you have a yard, start your own vegetable and/or herb garden. With a little online research, you can find out what grows well and easily in your neck of the woods. And if you're an apartment dweller like me, you can get a lot out of a container garden. I have big pots on my balcony that keep me in tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs all summer long. And if you don't have a balcony, you can grow small pots of herbs in your kitchen—decorative, tasty, and economical!
7. Plan ahead. Take some time on Sunday to plan out your menu for the week for all your meals and snacks. Find out what's in season and on sale in your area. If you can only make one shopping trip for the week, front-load your menu with fresh ingredients and stock up on canned and frozen items for the latter half of the week. One of the areas where my budget always falls apart is not having the ingredients that I'll need or a plan for dinner; I end up grabbing takeout or having food delivered—both unhealthy and expensive. Just by planning ahead and not wasting money on unplanned restaurant meals, you'll find that you have a lot more money to spend at the grocery store so you won't have to cut as many corners for the meals you prepare.
8. Tap into tap water. Not your wallet. If you're going to spend money on your beverages, invest in a decent water filter to improve the taste of your tap water. As we've discussed in other articles, tap water is subject to a lot more regulations than bottled water, which is good for you, and it's not shipped in from Fiji or Norway, which is good for the environment. And it's practically free! It's a lot better for your waistline and your wallet than multiple trips to the soda machine.
9. Take your vitamins. Here's the easiest, most economical way to ensure that you always get a base level of proper nutrition. Taking a good multivitamin and a fish oil supplement will help you get the benefits of a diet that would otherwise cost a whole lot more to get you the same nutrients you'd get from food sources—and fish oil supplements are especially good for those who don't care for fish.

*Don't confuse "nutrient-dense" foods with "high-density" foods, which is a common term for "energy-dense" foods. High-density foods aren't always unhealthy but your diet should consist of mainly "low-density" foods that have few calories per volume, generally due to the presence of fiber. Foods in their natural state tend to be low volume. Processed foods tend to be high volume.

Pumpkin Pie Shakeology

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:00:00 +0000

1 serving of Chocolate Shakeology

* ½ cup unsweetened canned pumpkin
* ½ tsp. cinnamon
* ½ tsp. nutmeg
* 1 cup skim (nonfat) milk

Calories: 272
Protein: 26 g
Carbs: 41 g
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: < 1 g
Calories from Fat: 10

Carve some Pumpkin into your diet!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 21:40:00 +0000

Although pumpkins are nutritious, many pumpkin recipes are sky high in cholesterol. The reason for this is the recipe calls for several eggs. Try substituting with a cholesterol free substitute or reduce the number or size of eggs you use.

Also for those on low salt diets look to use reduced salt or use less of this ingredient.

As for pumpkins themselves, they are just plain good for you. They are low in fat, low in calories, loaded with vitamins and just plain good.

Here's some stats on what's in one cup of pumpkin puree:

Calories: 80
Carbohydrates: 19 gram
Cholesterol: 0
Fat: less than 1 gram
Potassium: 588 milligrams
Protein: 2.4 grams
Vitamin A: 310% of RDA
Vitamin C: 20% of RDA

Did you know? Pumpkins are 90% water. While this may seem surprising, many fruits and vegetables are largely water.

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Muffins Recipe

Great-tasting healthy muffins with pumpkin, applesauce, and banana.
Freeze well for a quick breakfast or snack!

40 min | 15 min prep

30 muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup rolled oat
1/2 cup oat bran
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup applesauce
15 ounces canned pumpkin
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease or line muffin tins with paper liners. Combine flours, bran, oats, baking powder, spices, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Using whisk or spoon, stir until well mixed. Combine remaining ingredients (except nuts) in a large mixing bowl; beat until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Beat just until combined. Spoon into prepared pans or tins (fill cups until just about full). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the middle of the muffin comes out clean. Remove muffins from pan and cool on wire rack as soon as they come out of the oven.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 muffins 78g

Recipe makes 30 muffins)

Calories 173
Calories from Fat 34 (19%)
Amount Per Serving %DV

Total Fat 3.8g 5%
Saturated Fat 0.6g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.7g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 28mg 9%
Sodium 222mg 9%
Potassium 187mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 33.3g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2.9g 11% Sugars 15.9g
Protein 4.1g 8%
Vitamin A 2331mcg 46%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg 6%
Vitamin B12 0.1mcg 1%
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Vitamin E 0mcg 1%
Calcium 73mg 7%
Iron 1mg 7%

HELP! HELP? Help.

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:21:00 +0000

Why, oh why, is it SO hard for me to accept help?

I have an AMAZING partner. We make an excellent team.

Due to recent unavoidable schedule changes, our life had become even more hectic, with even less time. We are adjusting. Figuring it out. Its what we do, bot as individuals and as a couple. It is a strength.

As certain schedules, roles, and expectations have changed...in an effort to be supportive my boyfriend has offered to make dinner. EVERY night. Did I say he is amazing? Yeah. Sounds wonderful doesn't it? It makes me feel guilty. It makes me feel like I am not doing my part or pulling my weight or I dunno...something.

Do you know what the REAL problem is? CONTROL.

This wise man I am in love with said "You are not being a good team mate if you don't allow me to participate and help."

He is right.

Should I list all the things I DO in the house, so you will know that I am not...I dunno...lazy or something?

I will refrain. I will let go. I will accept help graciously. I will be supported. I will be part of a team.

I am a Super Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:13:00 +0000

It started when I was a little girl. I had Wonder Woman Underoos, they made me powerful. I KNEW when I wore them, I could conquer ANYTHING!

Fast foward about elevenity billion years...or 30 and not much has changed...

When I found this bracelet in an antique store in Oklahoma, it spoke to that little girl in me...with a cuff...secretly...I would have powers. I would feel stronger. I could conquer ANYTHING!

As a girl, and later as a woman, I often feel like...well, I am not enough. I need something MORE, to be more, to do more, to handle more...

This tends to be a pattern I notice in women in general. Comparing ourselves to super heroes, tv wives and moms, cartoon characters (I once cried because I was not as nice as Little Bears mom...true story). We beat ourselves up while rarely giving ourselves credit.

Wanna know what's worse? We expect, almost demand, to do it all ALONE...like accepting help would lessen what we are. We are WRONG! We are STRONGER for knowing when we need help, and smarter for knowing where and how to get it. Even Wonder Woman was part of a TEAM!

Its ok to want to be more and to do more but stand back and take stock and realize who and what you ARE!! AMAZING!

Wonder Woman has nothing on me!

Super Hipppie!

Caramel Pudding Pumpkin Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:43:00 +0000

Caramel Pudding Pumpkin Cupcakes

(Makes 12 servings)
Per serving (1 cupcake): 108 calories, 2g fat, 188mg sodium, 21g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 12g sugars, 2g protein

Ingredients for cupcakes

* 2 cups moist-style
* yellow cake mix (1/2 of an 18.25-ounce box)
* 1 cup canned pure pumpkin
* 1/3 cup fat-free
* liquid egg substitute
* 2 tablespoons sugar-free
* maple syrup
* 2 teaspoons cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
* 1/8 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for topping

* 3 cubes (about 1 ounce) chewy caramel
* 2 teaspoons light vanilla soymilk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all cupcake ingredients in a mixing bowl with 1/3 cup of water. Whip with a whisk or fork for 2 minutes until well blended.

Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with baking cups. Evenly spoon batter into muffin cups.

Place pan in the oven and cook for about 12 minutes (until cupcakes have puffed up but still appear a little gooey on top).

Once cupcakes are cool enough to handle, arrange them closely on a plate so that the edges are touching. Place caramel and soymilk in a tall microwave-safe glass or dish (mixture will bubble and rise when heated).

Microwave at medium power for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir mixture vigorously until smooth and thoroughly blended. (Return to microwave for 30 seconds at medium heat if caramel has not fully melted.) Immediately drizzle caramel sauce over cupcakes.

Do YOU know your brain?

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:47:00 +0000

I attended an all day training class yesterday and it was one of those classes where you hang on the speakers every word. The presenter was entertaining and informative and personally, I always get so much more from that...from someone who really keeps my attention.

She taught us a lot about our brains and the how and why of them and I wanted to share with you this site she recommended...

www.VARK-Learn.com

There is a brief questionnaire about your preferences in different situations and then it will tell you how YOU learn.

This may be a no-brainer (har de har har) for some but it was very cool to me...I probably could have told you which I was without taking it but I am excited about using it with my children!

We are never too old, or smart to learn new things, especially about ourselves!

Ordinary Adults

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:23:00 +0000

There was a line in a movie I happened to see a few minutes of yesterday, I don't even know what the movie was but this line stuck in my head.

The actress said to the actor about his kid "I am sure he is so special, just like everyone else's kid. What I would like to know is...if everyone's kids are so special, where do all of these ordinary adults come from?" I am paraphrasing but you get the idea.

At first I thought, clever and funny, that's so true. Then I thought, its true and its sad. Then, I wondered...and here is my answer.

They come from us. They come from us switching gears from the parent who tells them they can do and BE anything to telling them they CAN'T.

In prepping them for "real life" somehow, I think, lots of parents undo the special in the process. I often worry at how I can raise my children to respect but QUESTION authority. I want free thinkers. I want DREAMERS. I want individuals. INDIVIDUALS!! more than anything else, but I want them to be responsible and respectful. I want them to have heart and PASSION and even more...compassion.

I know how important it is to send them out into the world knowing how to cook and clean and do laundry and contribute to society. To earn a living, pay their bills, keep their hands inside the ride at all times...MORE important to me, than those things? I want them to also learn how to LIVE, not how to exist day to day. Don't get me wrong, its great to have that to fall back on....but to me, existing is a fall back plan. I want my children to throw theirs hands UP on the ride, embracing the thrill.

I want them to fit in when needed but NEVER CARE about fitting in. More than that, I want them to be willing to stand OUT when necessary and stand UP when important and not think twice about doing so.

I think every child starts out special, but most adults are ordinary...most are quite content that way. status quo. I am not saying that is wrong.

For my children? I strive for MORE! I want different.

Shakeology give away!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:13:00 +0000

I get more and more emails about Shakeology all the time!! SO exciting to see people getting results! I know, and everyone who know me, knows...how VERY passionate about it I am. I have it EVERY morning but it always means so much more to me, when I see someone else getting great results too!

I sent an email out to my customers today, making a special back to school, offer and have decided to share it with all of you in blog land!

The first 5 customers to place a new Home Direct order for Shakeology will get a bonus Tony Horton One on One workout!

Sign up as a COACH on Shakeology Home Direct and you get your Shakelogy at 25% off!

Do it today!! Offer only good until midnight 8/31/10

Maryland welcomes Beachbody!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:17:00 +0000

Beachbody is in MY hometown!! Maryland, my Maryland!

While the reason is likely our close proximity to THE Nation's Capitol...I think its no mistake they are HERE! IN Maryland!!

Nicknamed "Little America" due to a variety of topography, I find that our multi-culturaled citizens represents the face of our country.

Beachbody is out to change our America, I love that a stop in Miniature America is along the route!

If you’re not a coach, but would like to find out more about the opportunity (No pressure, ever!), attend tonight’s event at 7pm. It’s FREE FOR YOU. There will be a Shakeology tasting followed by a BeachBody workout.

If you’re already a coach, be sure to get yourself to this training event! I will be there with at least 30 of the coaches on our team, TEAM FREEDOM! How wonderful that we have so many of our Team, showing up and showing support in the "Free State". If you are part of our team, please join us! We plan to MOBILIZE as a team!

If you are my customer or a coach on my team, I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU!!! There will be over 288 people present, so please do come up to me if you spot me first!

I really hope to see you there!

Peace
~Hippie

Registration Web site:

http://www.regonline.com/gpwashington

Location: Bethesda Marriott Hotel (Grand Ballroom)

5151 Pooks Hill Road

Bethesda, MD

Agenda: Game Plan Training

Friday- 27th:

07:00 pm ~ Evening Business Opportunity meeting begins

07:45 pm ~ Followed by a Shakeology sampling

08:30 pm ~ (approximately) Group workout led local coaches

Saturday- 28th:

09:00 am ~ Game Plan training beginning

12:30 pm ~ Lunch Break

04:00 pm ~ Conclusion

Our team will be going out to dinner at 6pm. Email me if you did not receive the email!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The hotel is 1.5 miles away from the nearest Metro stop (Medical Center, on the Red Line). They offer complimentary shuttle service to the hotel, every 30 minutes (06:00am – 11:00 pm).

Reclaiming MY Happily Ever After

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Once upon a time, not so long ago, in the depths of my being...

there lived a girl who grew up dreaming. Her happily ever after ALWAYS started with

...and they lived...

and then, they didn't. Her parents didn't. She and her husband didn't. Obviously she needed a new knight to be a part of this "they" or how, HOW would she ever live it. Her dreams could only take so much.

That did not work either.

She stopped dreaming. Dreaming she found equaled hurt and let down. Much easier to expect nothing. A wall around her heart. She found this wall, rather than protecting, made her resentful and unappreciative. It did not accept love, it mocked it, and sneered at it, and rather than offering the safety she sought, it shut out any light.

This began to change who she was, even though she did not know or why. She began to blame this on the person she loved. She blamed him for not fixing, saving, or riding in on a white horse. She lashed out, a lot. Thank goodness for his calm, quiet strength and for his knowledge, for knowing she was not a girl who needed saving, even if she thought so.

Frustrated with herself and with her life, she rolled up her sleeves and tore down the wall. She nurtured her own heart. She finally understood that the love it craved, she could provide at a depth like no one else. She began to think it might be okay to have wants and needs again, and to speak them aloud and recognize them as reasonable. Her heart felt happy and light and even...yes, SAFE!

At the Women's Leadership Retreat this past weekend we walked into a room where the tables were already decorated with cut outs of words and pictures in preparation for our Dream Binders. They had randomly put them out. I found my name and sat down literally to my VERY OWN Happily Ever After. and in THAT moment I decided it was okay to RECLAIM it for myself. No one else is responsible or entitled to be THE ONE to make it happen but me! I found what I desired looking in, rather than out.

THANK GOD for happy endings!

Sisters

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:16:00 +0000

It has always disappointed me how as a sister, sisterhood in the broader sense has escaped me. Outside of my own family dynamics, women have never seemed approachable, genuine or safe.

Throughout my life, I always had one really close friend but kept the majority of other women at arms length. I've never understood why. I have always desired to have a large group of female friends. I am outgoing, and personable and warm. I would do anything for anyone. WHY!? Why do I, have I, so often felt like an outsider amongst my own gender?

This past weekend I was honored to be a guest at a Leadership Retreat for Women, all of us successful Beachbody coaches. Hosted by Monica Ward and Melissa Hudgens, it was a celebration of who we are, Women Leaders.

There are so many things I could say about the weekend, from the beautiful location to how very much we were appreciated and spoiled...but what I took away from it was so much more than my swag bag.

Twenty-four women got together, some best friends, some complete strangers. Not one left feeling the same she did on the day she arrived. For the FIRST time in my life, I felt a part...rather than standing apart like I so often do. I felt completely accepted. As women we often judge each other. Sometimes without even knowing, we make decisions about each other...

Within the group...

There was a woman I had decided was too intense and not very personable...she has been through horrible tough times, as a wife and as a mother that I did not know about. She is warm and caring and the kind of person you would want by your side if push comes to shove. She is FIERCE and LOYAL and these are qualities I respect.

There was a woman who seemed aloof and better. Better because she said so? No, because I assumed. She seemed distant, I found out she is a bit shy. Because someone is very successful does not mean they are just naturally comfortable being looked up to. She has been through some of the same things I have been through. hmmm, who knew.

There was a woman, who I like and respect and look up to, who I hurt once upon a time. I had been less than I am now, juvenile and mean. We opened our hearts up with honesty and apology and forgiveness and we GREW and even more we RECEIVED.

This retreat, this reward was a place of becoming. I opened myself up, let myself be, trusted strangers, team mates, friends and competitors alike but MORE, trusted WOMEN. For this and in this, I was enveloped in more love and acceptance than I could have ever dreamed.

I will judge less.

I will assume less.

I will trust and love MORE.

Time after...girls just wanna have...

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:24:00 +0000

Is it just me or are these last few weeks of summer just FLYING by?

Today, I would like to talk to you all a little bit about schedules.

I used to think schedule was a dirty word. A word and a habit for other people...people who did not LOVE fun, freedom or spontinaity. I have since come to realize, the only way I am going to have any TIME for those things is by having, or more importantly keeping a schedule.

As most of us are coming back into that time of year where we will need to get the MOST out of our time, I would like to remind you that like anything else you are working toward, keeping a schedule can become a habit (if its not for you already).

For me personally, I have found it frees up my mind so that I CAN have fun. I make sure the MUST do's get done so that I do not have to worry. I DO schdule time for things like working out AND spending downtime with my family. Those are equally as important to me as household chores.

Changing ONE pattern in our behavior tends to spill over...positive or negative.

The choice is yours!

Keep BRINGING IT!

Some Day I'll Find It...

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Who woulda thunk it?

A dreamer like me, finding her biggest obstacle is DREAMING?!

Somewhere along the way, I have grown afraid of dreaming.

I feel intimidated by want.

I have negotiated with life, that if she would give me contentment, I would ask no more. I have been making that bargain for so very long. One too many times, that has left me looking down, or worse, closing my eyes...making the best, not wanting more.

It did not work.

It is not working.

It will not work.

To be content, I must grow. I must push past limitations that have grown old and are no longer meant to bind me. To get to the place I seek, first I must loook in and then I have to look ahead and maybe even dream. baby steps feel like HUGE GIANT LEAPS!! The more I leap, the more comfortable and care free it gets but I still feel overwhelmed!

Eat Pray Love

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Sometimes a girl needs a little mental vacation. If you have been reading along this week...you might even say, THIS girl needs a vacation!

Since I am not going anywhere (well, until San Diego in less than a week, more on that later) I decided on a little escape into someone else's life.

I am not even half way through yet but I am IN LOVE!

I am in LOVE with everything about it.

There were parts in the beginning that were a little hard for me to read. Having been through a divorce, I empathized with and recognized some of the emotion. I am in such a different place but does one ever heal entirely?

I am currently fantasizing about pasta as Elizabeth is living in Rome. Pasta! Pasta! PASTA! Big bowls of pasta!

I don't know if its that I am roughly the same age as when she wrote the book or that we seem to have some very similar views...but I am really relating and enjoying and dreaming and seeing what opportunities life makes available to us.

I may not be able to take a year and go live in amazing places (right now) but I learn, no, I open myself up to my possibilities more and more all the time.

There is SO much MORE!!

I imagine by the end of the book, I will be craving more than just pasta.

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:30:00 +0000

Good Wednesday my friends!

Is anyone else struggling a little?

Yesterday left me whining to MY mommy!

"I hate EVERYONE! I want to squish people, and bunnies, and kittens...HMPH!"

Instead of squishing anyone, or breaking anything...mostly because you KNOW who would have to clean it up...I went to work out instead! Funny how a really good sweat can set the world back down gently and straight.

I know not everyone of you is a parent and I know not all parents feel the same
BUT I have spoken with a handful this week, who are in the same head space that I am.

EVERY year about this time I start struggling a little. It used to be I did not know why. Now that I do, at least I know WHAT my problem is, but it still takes an awful lot of self talk to keep my head above water…

What am I talking about?

TRANSITION!

I SUCK at it!!

EVERY year, it’s the same thing…I am a mess for the last few weeks leading up til school. I HATE my children going back. I love the long, slower days and evenings of summer. I like being the less naggy mom.

The truth? The kids and I all do so much better with the structure and schedules of the school year. I know this, but like a child dreading back to school herself, stomping her feet, I begin to mope and resent and feel as if every single day is THE LAST DAY, LAST OPPORTUNITY to XYZ.

I feel summer dying a slow death. I feel my school year mom hat beginning to put pressure on my head.

Transition comes in more flavors than kids going back to school. It’s something we all have to deal with in our lives one way or another. How do you cope? Do you have strategies in place?

I AM happy to say, that while my brain is scattered and my household is dealing with a slightly off kilter Mama, I do know that keeping to my diet and exercise (especially cardio) routine helps me. My mood is greatly improved by my workouts and everyone benefits. It helps me stay balanced as I try to keep one foot stubbornly planted in Summer...even as that other part of me looks forward to the comfort of Fall.

I hope all of you are faring well. I would love to hear from you EITHER way!
KEEP at it!!

~Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:51:00 +0000

Old habits die hard. Cliched but true.

As I continue in this journey I am on, this one I am finding the need to share more and more, I acknowledge that its easy to slip back into old habits or thought patterns. They may not even be ones we like.

I found this definition of habit -

an acquired pattern of behavior that often occurs automatically

Some of the behaviors or patterns that I am making a conscience effort to change in myself are ones that I feel I did not choose. I do not like them, therefore, it is easier to say I did not pick them. The truth is, I did, they developed as a result of me not picking other ones.

Behavior is not meant to be an automatic thing. When we live in auto pilot we develop automatic behaviors, or habits, and the majority of time they are not good ones.

Behavior is a choice. Once the choice is made often enough to do the right things, yes, then some of those may become habits too. The right things WILL get easier with time but they do require us to be an active participant in our lives.

Just like exercise, we start slow, we build up, we develop endurance and strength. Its a slow but measurable process with great reward.

I invite you to watch as I do this, with no net...live my life, uncomfortable but OUT LOUD...I would rather you jump in and journey along!

Giving my sis a hand!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Join in on a new EATING CLEAN CHALLENGE starting tomorrow! This one has a special purpose and meaning!

I would like to invite YOU in helping ME help and support my little sis, Regina, as she gets back on track with her eating and BEGINS her journey toward wellness.

Regina was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a few months ago and medicines are not working as well as she had hoped so, she is going to effort a change through diet and exercise.

Getting started is never easy, add into that having a bossy b...ig sister, who is DETERMINED to see her little sister get well and feel herself. and well...

She is going to need all the help and support we can give her!

If she does not kill me (haha she lives too far away) we can all join in and support each other!!

CHALLENGE rules on fan page!

The MAGIC of CHEAT meals!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:44:00 +0000

I hear so often from the people I coach, or just from the people I know that they are doing the workouts, that exercise is not the problem. The problem is just that pesky little thing called food + that other little thing known as LIFE!

"I woulda, coulda, shoulda followed my diet BUT I had dinner with the President and it would have been just RUDE to not eat the food served to me."

"I KNOW what I am supposed to eat but, you know, I want to enjoy *insert season or event or WHATEVER excuse you like here*. I can't DO that all the time."

BLAH.

BLAH.

BLAH.

Oh, I get it. I do. I have LIFE happening too. Teenagers in the house means, hot pockets, and dorritos, and swiss cakes rolls.

The people I know, they have baby showers, and birthdays, and and AND...

ALL of those things and more derailed me too, once upon a time.

So, what changed? Me mostly. That's the rub. It's you with the issue and so its up to YOU to figure it out. I DO have something to share that might just help and you clicked on this looking for the MAGIC, right, not a lecture ;)

Here is the easy peasy secret.

CHEAT meals. If you know me and love me, or just stalk me from afar, you have heard about the cheat meal!

Once a week, for ONE meal, you get to eat WHATEVER you WANT! That's right I said WHATEVER! No hidden rule, no trick and NO (this is the really important part) GUILT!!

This past Tuesday was my boyfriends brothers birthday (yay alliteration) and we had pizza and this AWESOME dragon cupcake cake!

I ate FOUR pieces of pizza! FOUR!!! and TWO cupcakes with as much icing as I could find...and it was SO fabulous. I sigh just thinking of it! <3

I normally have my cheat meals on Saturday. That's just my day normally and I am a stickler for schedule or habit but I knew I wanted to have those things for the Bday celebration. It was EITHER use my cheat meal on a Tuesday or cook something separate. I CHOSE to move it.

Its Saturday as I type this and because I have cheated already this week I do not have that to look forward to today. How to fix that? I am taking a smidge more time and effort to eat things that I love but are allowed today and I have gotta tell you...I do not feel deprived as I am sitting here eating my whole grain pasta with fresh eggplant and olive oil and parm! QUITE the opposite! My mouth is happy. I am on track. I am in control. It feels and tastes WONDERFUL!

Try it out! You have nothing to lose, except weight..oh and guilt and excuses!

Growing pains!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:50:00 +0000

Several fellow coaches and I are on our own personal journey of self growth.

That sounds SO great, doesn't it? Who doesn't desire to improve themselves?

If I want to lose weight, I follow a program and a meal plan. The journey is not always easy but I know what to expect. There will be times along the way that I tire of it, that I want to give up or give in but if I just keep at it I WILL reach the goals I set for myself. There WILL be a payoff.

Begin improving ONE area of your life and all of a sudden, you begin to notice other areas, that maybe you had not before. You desire to follow a plan and see results in those areas as well.

That is how I ended up beginning what has been one of THE most life changing things I have EVER taken part in.

My coach, Rochelle and I bought Design Your Best Year Ever by Darren Hardy at the Beachbody Coach Summit this past spring. We decided that our year would run Summit to Summit. We began the book on the plane home. We are accountability partners and talk weekly about our small steps. We review our Big Goals monthly.

Its been a few months, and change, she is not easy!

Grown women on my team have had anxiety attacks, felt nauseated, and quite literally given themselves hives. STRONG women who have conquered their fitness journey, are running their own business and are smart and capable.

What GIVES?!?!

Its HARD!

It takes work.

It takes discipline and commitment.

The SCARY part in defining your Big Hairy Audacious Goals and dreaming BIGGER and BIGGER is...once you let go and believe...there really is no going back or giving up. Unlike in your exercise program giving up won't just mean you move your goal jeans to the far reaches of your closet. Cheating yourself in taking the steps to achieve your DESIRES is a lot harder.

I am getting stronger every day. I still get overwhelmed but more than that, MUCH more...I AMAZE myself and that feels so much better than any of the growing pains.

YO! Sarah!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:56:00 +0000

Its day 2. *I* believe in YOU!

I have never done this before. Called out, even for the purpose of motivating, a person I coach on my blog...so, I won't name names! Oh wait. Ok, I won't name LAST names!

As a Beachbody coach, I have more customers than I can personally connect with sometimes and that is HARD! Its hard for me to wrap my brain around wanting to help EVERYONE and the reality that there is one of me, and so many of you...nevermind that so many of you never seek out the help anyway.

Every once in a grand while, I DO get to connect, and THAT is the reason I do this. Those are the moments where I am reminded and fulfilled. Those are the moments where we are both just people, connecting and sharing and leaning on each other, and THAT is what this is all about. That is the place where good things like change, and progress and commitment come from!

I want to connect with THE WORLD!! That's just who I am. So, bring it, find me. I am here and I love you peoples!

Sarah, I love YOU special! Thanks for the chat, thanks for the thanks, and thanks for encouraging ME right back! *muah* Day 2 - you have SO got this!

I DID IT!! 5 Day Inferno and LIFE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Yesterday I blogged about my 5 Day Inferno and how excited I was that it was coming to an end. While I was sitting and blogging at lunch, there was no doubt in my mind that I would in fact go home and work out. I mean, I had made that commitment to MYSELF and while those are the commitments I had always given in on first in the past...I am a new girl!

I got home and did a few chores, had an unexpected call with a customer about coaching. I had promised myself that I was going to take it easy over the weekend in respect to my BB biz and take some much needed time for myself and my family but no one was home yet and I was multitasking as usual...

The next thing I knew, I had lost sight of the time and everything that needed my attention was closing in on me all at once. I had too many important things to focus on and little time. All of a sudden, I was stressed out and this quickly spiraled into poor communication and over sensitivity with those around me. My bad.

To try and fix it, I immediately became my old self. The FIRST thing I did was give up that promise I had made to myself, even though NO ONE was asking it of me. Funny how old habits sneak right back.

The truth is I did not WANT to do my workout. The Inferno was harder than I expected. I had a LONG week and was in super hyper over drive with my business, kicking it with extra workouts and doing it all on LOW calories. I was tired and grumpy and about to give up.

After breathing for a few, I realized, giving up on that work out was giving up on ME! The new me was not okay with that. I could not let myself be that girl. The one who just gave in to life and circumstance and surrounding. That is NOT who I want to be.

So, I changed into my workout clothes, tied up my tennis shoes and had a crappy workout. It did NOT end on a BANG! I did not feel like I brought it but I did BRING what I promised myself and about THAT I feel PROUD!

YAY ME! Oh, and the final weight loss? 6.2 lb's in 5 days. I feel pretty good about that too!

Turbo Fire 5 Day Inferno

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:22:00 +0000

I am currently on day 5 of the 5 day Inferno. Lots to say about this....but I am feeling a little fuzzy...perhaps from lack of calories?

I am happy that I have done it. I am sticking it out. I mean, stopping on the last day would be stupid, right?

but WOW!!

I am ready for this to be done. I see why they say don't do it for more than 5 days.

The calories are low and the workouts are INTENSE!

I was doing really well until yesterday when I realized HOW very run down I am getting. I know my body and I know when I need to listen to it! So, yesterday, I had 1 scoop of P90X Results and Recovery Formula added into my water during my workout. I was going to be about 120 calories over what the plan called for. I knew if I didn't...I may not make it thru. I bonked anyway and had to modify to finish.

Today, because of that little bit extra of added calories, because I am finally in a place when I know when to really listen and back off or add more, I have more energy. I feel like I can finish, even if I don't want to. This is not about want though, this is about finishing what I started. This is about commitment to myself.

Tomorrow morning I will weigh in officially, and tally my loss. Yesterday, day 4, already showed me down 5.6 pounds. Thats the lowest # I have seen on my scale in FIVE years! I am happy with that. I am even MORE happy I get to eat within my normal calorie range tomorrow!! I am FUFILLED in persevering.

The Proverbial Plate

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:22:00 +0000

I seem to keep hearing the phrase "I would XYZ...but my plate is TOO full." this week. It's like a theme...whether its about exercising, eating right, coaching.

and I get it.

I do.

I have a full time job.

There are FOUR kids in the house.

2 German Shepherds x endless hair!

...and a partridge in a pear tree....

I am not any different. I am just disciplined. Was I always? Of course NOT! Am I always? OF COURSE NOT.

Each day is a decision starting with what *I* want to bring to IT. Not what IT will bring to me!

I walk up to the buffet that is life and see not A plate, stressing about the choices in front of me, but a STACK of plates, there for the taking.

Which tier is Cheesecake?!

noreply@blogger.com (Hope) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:31:00 +0000

I am going to BE cheesecake, not eat it! ;)

Whew! You were worried, weren't you?!

While I am not currently participating in our Clean Eating Challenge, I am not eating cheesecake either!!

I AM headed back to the 1940's tomorrow morning and will not be back til Sunday.

One of the (many) reasons that I watch my figure is...lots of other people do too!

I am involved in what has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences as a pin up model for Classic-Pinup.

Our yearly calendar helps raise money for Fisher House , an awesome organization who helps military families.

This weekend I will be attending The Mid-Atlantic Air Museums 20th Annual WWII Weekend in Reading, PA. If you happen to be in the area, stop on by and I will sign a calendar or a pic for your footlocker!

-------- Me last year on the hood of a WWII Jeep -------

Classic-Pinup also does private shoots for anyone who wants to channel their inner pin up!! What better way to celebrate the body you have worked SO hard for.