Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Balanced Health
Two of my primary passions are cooking and eating. For me, the excitement begins by choosing as many fresh and organic ingredients as possible. Then my imagination runs wild as I create most of my own healthy recipes based on the plethora of foods from my kitchen or my own backyard.
If I have three organic chicken breasts, some fresh bell peppers, cilantro, and cheese, then I opt for sizzling fajitas. If I get down to a bare cupboard with flour, sugar, and salt, then I go for some amazing crepes, filled with eggs and cheese (while I send my hubby to the store for some sweet strawberries and whipped cream).
The key is working with what you've already got at home. If you have to run out for ten more ingredients (some that you've never even heard of), you're less likely to cook from home. And that's when take-out starts to sound like a cheaper and better option. But it's not!
The thing about well-rounded but tasteful cooking, is that you have to indulge frequently. Scrumptious consumption occurs by using high quality ingredients, such as organic and responsibly grown fruits and veggies reflecting every color of the rainbow. These colorful choices reward your taste buds while providing healthful antioxidants and vitamins.
But you've got to try new things! Instead of just carrots and broccoli, saute some eggplant and blueberries as well. Add in your favorite meat with some olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar; then toss the cornucopia of flavors over some rice or noodles.
The payoff of cooking with decadent ingredients is that you're more likely to savor each bite while also eating less. And when it comes time for dessert, opt for a metered helping of a lavish dessert or you could enhance the dining experience with a larger portion of low-fat sorbet or sherbet. Don't deny yourself, just eat smarter!
Balanced eating affects your overall health. If you nourish your body and mind with the stuff God cares about, then you will stop eating when your body says you are full. You'll also feel more motivated to exercise as you care for God's temple, which is your body (Romans 12).
I have frequently found myself in the trap of eating just because it makes me feel better. Or, I'll go for another soda instead of water because I feel tired. But that's when we need to turn our thoughts over to the Lord. Ask Him to give you self control. Trust Him to give you more energy!
God cares about your eating and exercise habits and wants to give you wisdom about your body and your overall physical and mental health. Take a walk and meditate on God's goodness instead of spending two hours on Facebook. Try to walk away from those menacing M&Ms since you've already eaten two hand-fulls today. Remember that God is your strength:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26).
As you cook with healthy and environmentally friendly ingredients, you will take pride in your culinary masterpieces and will feel good about yourself and God's planet. By choosing great eco-friendly foods, you will never compromise on life's daily indulgences.
Also, remember to surround your table with love, no matter what you're serving. Even when budgets are tight, take heart in this verse from Proverbs:
"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred" (15:17).
Finally, as you carefully choose what foods fill your mouth this summer, always TAKE TIME TO PRAISE our KING:
"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long" (Psalm 71:8).
If I have three organic chicken breasts, some fresh bell peppers, cilantro, and cheese, then I opt for sizzling fajitas. If I get down to a bare cupboard with flour, sugar, and salt, then I go for some amazing crepes, filled with eggs and cheese (while I send my hubby to the store for some sweet strawberries and whipped cream).
The key is working with what you've already got at home. If you have to run out for ten more ingredients (some that you've never even heard of), you're less likely to cook from home. And that's when take-out starts to sound like a cheaper and better option. But it's not!
The thing about well-rounded but tasteful cooking, is that you have to indulge frequently. Scrumptious consumption occurs by using high quality ingredients, such as organic and responsibly grown fruits and veggies reflecting every color of the rainbow. These colorful choices reward your taste buds while providing healthful antioxidants and vitamins.
But you've got to try new things! Instead of just carrots and broccoli, saute some eggplant and blueberries as well. Add in your favorite meat with some olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar; then toss the cornucopia of flavors over some rice or noodles.
The payoff of cooking with decadent ingredients is that you're more likely to savor each bite while also eating less. And when it comes time for dessert, opt for a metered helping of a lavish dessert or you could enhance the dining experience with a larger portion of low-fat sorbet or sherbet. Don't deny yourself, just eat smarter!
Balanced eating affects your overall health. If you nourish your body and mind with the stuff God cares about, then you will stop eating when your body says you are full. You'll also feel more motivated to exercise as you care for God's temple, which is your body (Romans 12).
I have frequently found myself in the trap of eating just because it makes me feel better. Or, I'll go for another soda instead of water because I feel tired. But that's when we need to turn our thoughts over to the Lord. Ask Him to give you self control. Trust Him to give you more energy!
God cares about your eating and exercise habits and wants to give you wisdom about your body and your overall physical and mental health. Take a walk and meditate on God's goodness instead of spending two hours on Facebook. Try to walk away from those menacing M&Ms since you've already eaten two hand-fulls today. Remember that God is your strength:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26).
As you cook with healthy and environmentally friendly ingredients, you will take pride in your culinary masterpieces and will feel good about yourself and God's planet. By choosing great eco-friendly foods, you will never compromise on life's daily indulgences.
Also, remember to surround your table with love, no matter what you're serving. Even when budgets are tight, take heart in this verse from Proverbs:
"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred" (15:17).
Finally, as you carefully choose what foods fill your mouth this summer, always TAKE TIME TO PRAISE our KING:
"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long" (Psalm 71:8).
Labels: balance, faith, food, health
Saturday, October 16, 2010
A few steps at a time
It's hard to believe that it's already mid-October and that a new year quickly approaches. Some of the good intentions of this year's New Year's resolutions have gotten lost behind all of our busy schedules and the stresses that weigh us down. Instead of getting discouraged about the ones you haven't yet accomplished, take heart and read on. My tidbit of encouragement is this: just take a few steps at a time.
Whether you have plans to improve your personal health, your budget, your organization, or a specific relationship in your life, just start small. Rather than striving for something so big that it's basically unattainable, go for a few baby steps in the right direction. Just pick two things that will get you on the right track. Then if that goes well, add a few more steps after that.
If your plan for 2010 was to improve your health, maybe you've taken huge strides toward a healthier you. And if you have, keep working it baby!!! But if you haven't gotten the amazing start you'd planned on, don't fret. Just begin today by picking two basic health goals.
Here are a few ideas to get you started. Try to drink more water by filling a 32 oz container first thing; then keep it somewhere visible so you sip it throughout the day. For some of you, a healthier step could simply be to start taking a good multi-vitamin. Another challenge could be to eat an apple instead of chips or candy as an afternoon snack. If you need more exercise, just shoot for a fifteen minute walk four times per week.
If you met most of your health goals this year, try upping your work-outs by ten minutes. Or if you don't currently lift any weights, throw in a light weight-circuit to the mix as well. You could also pick up a few more supplements other than your multi-vitamin. And you might even consider meeting with a dietitian or your personal physician to undergo some basic tests that ensure your body is getting all that it needs.
Maybe your big challenge was for a better budget. You intended to pay down those d--n credit cards, but instead, they've just gotten even bigger. So, here's how you get started on that one. Pick the card with the smallest balance on it and double the monthly payment until it's paid off. If that seems impossible right now, put the frigging thing in the freezer inside of a huge block of ice. Decide that you won't charge any more on it.
If you're trying to beef up your savings, take baby steps there as well; just add $50-$100 to your account today. You might have to dip into it before October is over, but you might not. The truth is that it's definitely already spent if you never even switch it over in the first place. Maybe next month you can put $200 into savings. If your morning latte is a must, try creating your own at home to save some green.
Even though I didn't set any official resolutions for this year, I definitely wanted to get more organized. But instead of becoming discouraged about how disorganized my house still is at times, I'm gonna focus on what I can get done before this year is over.
Two of my organizational goals deal with the garage and the clutter that floods my kitchen counters. So last week, I cleared out five items from my overcrowded garage; I'll shoot for the same goal this week as well. I reduced a large pile of papers from one of my counter-tops and cut it in half by sorting through it as well. One pile per week does wonders.
Relationships can be tricky for some people because they seem so mysterious at times. Even though you share the same oxygen with that person every day in the same house, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's easy to have a great relationship. If a dish breaks, you can glue it back together. But, if you and your spouse or significant other argue about something, that's harder to fix.
Here are two steps to make this relational goal easier as well. First, try to figure out what makes your loved one feel truly loved. Is it quality time or physical touch? Maybe it's gifts or acts of service. It could even be words of affirmation. So after you decide what his love language is, think of two ways to show him that you love him by using that love language (for more info about these, see Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages).
For example, if it's words of affirmation, leave sticky notes on the bathroom mirror saying, "I love you" or "I think you are great." You could also pump up the text messages this week with sweet reminders of how you feel: "U r a q t pie. lv u. ttyl luv-bug :)."
While these four goals are just a few that come to me, I'm sure there are many others that fill your heart and mind. So, try to keep those simple as well. Take a few steps at a time and before you know it, you'll look back and see that you've already completed your first lap around the track.
Share some thoughts about resolutions that you've mastered or haven't quite attained throughout 2010. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Whether you have plans to improve your personal health, your budget, your organization, or a specific relationship in your life, just start small. Rather than striving for something so big that it's basically unattainable, go for a few baby steps in the right direction. Just pick two things that will get you on the right track. Then if that goes well, add a few more steps after that.
If your plan for 2010 was to improve your health, maybe you've taken huge strides toward a healthier you. And if you have, keep working it baby!!! But if you haven't gotten the amazing start you'd planned on, don't fret. Just begin today by picking two basic health goals.
Here are a few ideas to get you started. Try to drink more water by filling a 32 oz container first thing; then keep it somewhere visible so you sip it throughout the day. For some of you, a healthier step could simply be to start taking a good multi-vitamin. Another challenge could be to eat an apple instead of chips or candy as an afternoon snack. If you need more exercise, just shoot for a fifteen minute walk four times per week.
If you met most of your health goals this year, try upping your work-outs by ten minutes. Or if you don't currently lift any weights, throw in a light weight-circuit to the mix as well. You could also pick up a few more supplements other than your multi-vitamin. And you might even consider meeting with a dietitian or your personal physician to undergo some basic tests that ensure your body is getting all that it needs.
Maybe your big challenge was for a better budget. You intended to pay down those d--n credit cards, but instead, they've just gotten even bigger. So, here's how you get started on that one. Pick the card with the smallest balance on it and double the monthly payment until it's paid off. If that seems impossible right now, put the frigging thing in the freezer inside of a huge block of ice. Decide that you won't charge any more on it.
If you're trying to beef up your savings, take baby steps there as well; just add $50-$100 to your account today. You might have to dip into it before October is over, but you might not. The truth is that it's definitely already spent if you never even switch it over in the first place. Maybe next month you can put $200 into savings. If your morning latte is a must, try creating your own at home to save some green.
Even though I didn't set any official resolutions for this year, I definitely wanted to get more organized. But instead of becoming discouraged about how disorganized my house still is at times, I'm gonna focus on what I can get done before this year is over.
Two of my organizational goals deal with the garage and the clutter that floods my kitchen counters. So last week, I cleared out five items from my overcrowded garage; I'll shoot for the same goal this week as well. I reduced a large pile of papers from one of my counter-tops and cut it in half by sorting through it as well. One pile per week does wonders.
Relationships can be tricky for some people because they seem so mysterious at times. Even though you share the same oxygen with that person every day in the same house, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's easy to have a great relationship. If a dish breaks, you can glue it back together. But, if you and your spouse or significant other argue about something, that's harder to fix.
Here are two steps to make this relational goal easier as well. First, try to figure out what makes your loved one feel truly loved. Is it quality time or physical touch? Maybe it's gifts or acts of service. It could even be words of affirmation. So after you decide what his love language is, think of two ways to show him that you love him by using that love language (for more info about these, see Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages).
For example, if it's words of affirmation, leave sticky notes on the bathroom mirror saying, "I love you" or "I think you are great." You could also pump up the text messages this week with sweet reminders of how you feel: "U r a q t pie. lv u. ttyl luv-bug :)."
While these four goals are just a few that come to me, I'm sure there are many others that fill your heart and mind. So, try to keep those simple as well. Take a few steps at a time and before you know it, you'll look back and see that you've already completed your first lap around the track.
Share some thoughts about resolutions that you've mastered or haven't quite attained throughout 2010. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: family, health, moms, money, organization, relationships
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Getting Sick is Restful
In the rat race that we're all in, sometimes getting sick can be a blessing in disguise. I've already had two sick kids this week, which is no fun. But, while caring for my little sickies, I've found the time to be somewhat restful.
It means that my husband has to go in late to work so I can drop off two of our kids while our third is home on the couch. And, it means modified schedules and missed activities. At the same time, it translates into more hugs, more snuggles, and some mommy-daughter time.
Another thing that sickness produces is an altered menu: yummy Popsicles, Gatorade, Saltines, and apple sauce. It also allows us to stay home and think about hearty soups and calming hot teas instead of pizza and chicken nuggets.
In a way, sickness is just a way of reminding us that we all need to slow down a bit and to eat more healthily as well. It also gives us a chance to put on the brakes to spend some quality time together.
Let's read some of their favorite books to them as we rub their foreheads. Don't you just love Winnie the Pooh and The Chronicles of Narnia? If your kids are older, you might pull out that dusty old copy of The Lord of the Rings. Isn't Frodo the bravest Hobbit ever?
Our family is already speeding into the fall, tied up on multiple evenings per week with sports' practices, Boy's and Girl's Scouts, and church activities. So, taking it easy for a week is kind of a treat. I don't wish sickness upon my kids, but I'm trying to have a good attitude while its inevitable grip is upon us.
Soon, everyone will be back to normal, jumping off the walls again. So, I'm gonna enjoy the peace and quiet while it's here and also catch up on my Mt. Olympus sized pile of laundry cluttering my bedroom's tan leather chair.
The couch is looking pretty cozy up in the bonus room, so I might join my daughter in a little bit. And I'll make myself some organic mint tea before I head up that way. My Cooking Light magazine begs to be read as well, so I might just have to postpone the laundry. What's one more day anyways? :)
If you do get a cold or the flu anytime soon, we wish you a quick recovery. Remember to take lots of vitamin C and a good multivitamin as well. And if you don't like swallowing pills, I highly recommend Vitafusion's adult gummy vitamins, which are easy to chew and tasty as well.
I've been chewing two Cs every couple of hours for the past few days; this regimen has really helped because I've fought off a minor head cold in just a few days and am already feeling up to jogging again.
One last "stay healthy" tip: remember to use your hand sanitizers, especially before eating. I keep one in the car, two in my purse, and one on my kitchen counter. Just a dime-sized amount goes a long way and you can even get the moisturizing kind, so that your hands don't get dried out.
Share your thoughts on health and colds. How's your family doing so far? We'd love to hear from you. :)
It means that my husband has to go in late to work so I can drop off two of our kids while our third is home on the couch. And, it means modified schedules and missed activities. At the same time, it translates into more hugs, more snuggles, and some mommy-daughter time.
Another thing that sickness produces is an altered menu: yummy Popsicles, Gatorade, Saltines, and apple sauce. It also allows us to stay home and think about hearty soups and calming hot teas instead of pizza and chicken nuggets.
In a way, sickness is just a way of reminding us that we all need to slow down a bit and to eat more healthily as well. It also gives us a chance to put on the brakes to spend some quality time together.
Let's read some of their favorite books to them as we rub their foreheads. Don't you just love Winnie the Pooh and The Chronicles of Narnia? If your kids are older, you might pull out that dusty old copy of The Lord of the Rings. Isn't Frodo the bravest Hobbit ever?
Our family is already speeding into the fall, tied up on multiple evenings per week with sports' practices, Boy's and Girl's Scouts, and church activities. So, taking it easy for a week is kind of a treat. I don't wish sickness upon my kids, but I'm trying to have a good attitude while its inevitable grip is upon us.
Soon, everyone will be back to normal, jumping off the walls again. So, I'm gonna enjoy the peace and quiet while it's here and also catch up on my Mt. Olympus sized pile of laundry cluttering my bedroom's tan leather chair.
The couch is looking pretty cozy up in the bonus room, so I might join my daughter in a little bit. And I'll make myself some organic mint tea before I head up that way. My Cooking Light magazine begs to be read as well, so I might just have to postpone the laundry. What's one more day anyways? :)
If you do get a cold or the flu anytime soon, we wish you a quick recovery. Remember to take lots of vitamin C and a good multivitamin as well. And if you don't like swallowing pills, I highly recommend Vitafusion's adult gummy vitamins, which are easy to chew and tasty as well.
I've been chewing two Cs every couple of hours for the past few days; this regimen has really helped because I've fought off a minor head cold in just a few days and am already feeling up to jogging again.
One last "stay healthy" tip: remember to use your hand sanitizers, especially before eating. I keep one in the car, two in my purse, and one on my kitchen counter. Just a dime-sized amount goes a long way and you can even get the moisturizing kind, so that your hands don't get dried out.
Share your thoughts on health and colds. How's your family doing so far? We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: colds, family, health, sickness
Friday, March 19, 2010
Three months until summer...
Well, here it is past the middle of March already. Can you believe it? I'm still writing 2009 on some of my checks, so hopefully I'll get my act together here in the not too distant future. The fact that summer is only three months away means it's time to focus on healthy eating and more exercise. Warmer weather means shorts, tank-tops, and swim-suits, especially as parents of little ones. So, here are five suggestions to carve off a little bit of excess fat and to tone up your muscles as well.
First, drink water instead of that second or third cup of coffee or iced tea. It has zero calories and has multiple health benefits. The Diet Channel confirms the health benefits of drinking water by reducing headaches and fatigue along with the reduction of fat loss. They say that water allows your body to flush out the by-products of fat breakdown. They also give a tip for fat loss by suggesting that you drink water before eating your meals. This allows you to feel fuller before eating which means you'll eat less.
Second, eat half of what you put onto your plate. Then, wait ten minutes. If you still feel starved, then go ahead and eat the remaining food left on your plate. If you're anything like me, you sometimes feel like you have to scarf down the entire plate of food, simply because it's there. You've heard the adage, "Well, we can't wrap it up and send it to China." It's true, you can't, so give it to your doggie instead or dump it into your favorite trash-can. Even though you might feel guilty for a few seconds, you're tummy will feel skinnier and eventually you'll feel down-right proud of yourself for eating less.
Third, exercise more. Even if it means five minutes of sit-ups plus three sets of push-ups every day, it's gonna make a difference. You can get those five or ten pound weights out of the garage and put those to use for a ten minute circuit as well. Before your morning shower, why not work those biceps and triceps while watching your local news channel?
Sometimes we aim for the biggest goals, but they're unrealistic. So, even though you might want to run five miles three times a week, it might just be more practical to opt for a twenty minute walk five times a week instead? If it turns into a longer walk or even a half marathon, then you'll feel even better about it afterward, but keep it simple so you'll actually do it. The best laid plans of mice and men, right? Don't let your best intentions become your own worst enemy.
Fourth, eat cereal instead of chips. In the middle of the day, when you're craving a snack and the hunger pangs start to kick in, go for a handful of granola or cheerios instead of chips. Doritos are my personal bane, so I'm better off not even having them in the house. But, of course they are my kids' favorite chips in the entire planet as well, so I have to implement self-control or I end up downing an entire bag with them early in the week. Yesterday, I tried making myself a healthful bowl of cereal for an afternoon snack. It curbed my appetite until dinner; plus, I felt awesome for denying those tasteful chips their chance to add fat to my butt.
Fifth, don't eat so much damn dessert. It's hard to do, especially if you have little ones. But here's the thing: it's usually fattening. I'm not one of those soy-ice-cream eaters, so I mainly want the fattening stuff. But, there are some good low-fat choices; so if you must eat dessert, try to eat the fattening stuff once or twice a week while switching to the low or fat-free options on the other nights. Cherry on Top is a great frozen yogurt chain that offers fat-free and low-fat frozen yogurts with fruit and other healthy toppings as well. This month you can check out their newest flavor: Irish Mint. There are two locations in Riverside and one in Rancho Cucamonga, so check them out if you get the chance.
Just keeping it real and trying to get back into summer shape along with the rest of you. Hang in there Moms and Dads. You can do it! Share some of your health tips. We'd love to hear from you!
First, drink water instead of that second or third cup of coffee or iced tea. It has zero calories and has multiple health benefits. The Diet Channel confirms the health benefits of drinking water by reducing headaches and fatigue along with the reduction of fat loss. They say that water allows your body to flush out the by-products of fat breakdown. They also give a tip for fat loss by suggesting that you drink water before eating your meals. This allows you to feel fuller before eating which means you'll eat less.
Second, eat half of what you put onto your plate. Then, wait ten minutes. If you still feel starved, then go ahead and eat the remaining food left on your plate. If you're anything like me, you sometimes feel like you have to scarf down the entire plate of food, simply because it's there. You've heard the adage, "Well, we can't wrap it up and send it to China." It's true, you can't, so give it to your doggie instead or dump it into your favorite trash-can. Even though you might feel guilty for a few seconds, you're tummy will feel skinnier and eventually you'll feel down-right proud of yourself for eating less.
Third, exercise more. Even if it means five minutes of sit-ups plus three sets of push-ups every day, it's gonna make a difference. You can get those five or ten pound weights out of the garage and put those to use for a ten minute circuit as well. Before your morning shower, why not work those biceps and triceps while watching your local news channel?
Sometimes we aim for the biggest goals, but they're unrealistic. So, even though you might want to run five miles three times a week, it might just be more practical to opt for a twenty minute walk five times a week instead? If it turns into a longer walk or even a half marathon, then you'll feel even better about it afterward, but keep it simple so you'll actually do it. The best laid plans of mice and men, right? Don't let your best intentions become your own worst enemy.
Fourth, eat cereal instead of chips. In the middle of the day, when you're craving a snack and the hunger pangs start to kick in, go for a handful of granola or cheerios instead of chips. Doritos are my personal bane, so I'm better off not even having them in the house. But, of course they are my kids' favorite chips in the entire planet as well, so I have to implement self-control or I end up downing an entire bag with them early in the week. Yesterday, I tried making myself a healthful bowl of cereal for an afternoon snack. It curbed my appetite until dinner; plus, I felt awesome for denying those tasteful chips their chance to add fat to my butt.
Fifth, don't eat so much damn dessert. It's hard to do, especially if you have little ones. But here's the thing: it's usually fattening. I'm not one of those soy-ice-cream eaters, so I mainly want the fattening stuff. But, there are some good low-fat choices; so if you must eat dessert, try to eat the fattening stuff once or twice a week while switching to the low or fat-free options on the other nights. Cherry on Top is a great frozen yogurt chain that offers fat-free and low-fat frozen yogurts with fruit and other healthy toppings as well. This month you can check out their newest flavor: Irish Mint. There are two locations in Riverside and one in Rancho Cucamonga, so check them out if you get the chance.
Just keeping it real and trying to get back into summer shape along with the rest of you. Hang in there Moms and Dads. You can do it! Share some of your health tips. We'd love to hear from you!
Labels: exercise, health, weight-loss
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Finding Balance
Find balance. Here are five simple tasks that will revolutionize your life. As you implement these measures into your daily routine, you will begin to feel more healthy and peaceful. Likewise, you will gain control of your life as you make good choices and reduce your stress.
Slow down. Take ten minutes each morning to pray or to meditate. Don't think about your to-do list. Instead, take some time out to relax and to think positively. This could include a series of short stretches or some reading from a spiritual text. I enjoy reading through a couple of Psalms from the Bible to get my heart focused on thankfulness and on my many blessings. You could even look online for a variety of resources and read this encouraging info from your cell phone.
Eat healthily. By choosing nutritious meals and snacks, your body and mind will feel more energized and balanced as well. Remember to eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and portioned amounts of grains and proteins so that your body gets what it needs throughout the entire day. If you don't love veggies, try going for a fruit of the same color for a similar vitamin content. For example, if you don't really love carrots, then try a cantaloupe instead. If you can't eat broccoli without gagging, then slice a kiwi or two. Especially during these last few hot months, it's important to keep drinking lots of fluids as well.
Get plenty of rest. This of course means 6-8 hours of sleep, but also some down-time during the middle of the day. The Europeans have got us beat when it comes to knowing when to take a break. The Spaniard's mid-day siesta is so smart. By taking a break or the occasional nap in the middle of the day, it allows your mind and body to catch up so that you can finish strong for the rest of the day. For those who love to get up and about, you could take a five to ten minute walk around the block during the late morning or early afternoon. When lunchtime comes around, it's a good time to actually take a lunch break, so your brain gets a little break as well.
Get your heart pumping. Exercise at least three to four times per week. You could go on an hour-long walk after work or ride your stationary bike while watching your favorite TV show after dinner. The kids would love a trip to the park to run around the field with the soccer ball in tow. You could also opt for a step or kick-boxing class at the gym. A fit body is a balanced body. If you find the right weight and muscle tone for your body, you will feel great. It will also help to regulate your digestive tract and will provide good emotional health as well.
Hang out with friends. If you incorporate time to chill out with good friends during the week, your life will feel more metered as well. You have a ton on your plate at work and at home, but somehow it doesn't feel so crazy when you share a glass of wine or a tasty dessert with a caring friend. If you don't have any friends, then make some. Ask a fellow mom if she'd like to go walking with you after the drop-off at school. If you keep on bumping into the same gal at work in the lunch-room, then invite her to check out the new pita joint with you. Friends help you to have a healthier perspective on life. Give it a try!
Slow down. Take ten minutes each morning to pray or to meditate. Don't think about your to-do list. Instead, take some time out to relax and to think positively. This could include a series of short stretches or some reading from a spiritual text. I enjoy reading through a couple of Psalms from the Bible to get my heart focused on thankfulness and on my many blessings. You could even look online for a variety of resources and read this encouraging info from your cell phone.
Eat healthily. By choosing nutritious meals and snacks, your body and mind will feel more energized and balanced as well. Remember to eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and portioned amounts of grains and proteins so that your body gets what it needs throughout the entire day. If you don't love veggies, try going for a fruit of the same color for a similar vitamin content. For example, if you don't really love carrots, then try a cantaloupe instead. If you can't eat broccoli without gagging, then slice a kiwi or two. Especially during these last few hot months, it's important to keep drinking lots of fluids as well.
Get plenty of rest. This of course means 6-8 hours of sleep, but also some down-time during the middle of the day. The Europeans have got us beat when it comes to knowing when to take a break. The Spaniard's mid-day siesta is so smart. By taking a break or the occasional nap in the middle of the day, it allows your mind and body to catch up so that you can finish strong for the rest of the day. For those who love to get up and about, you could take a five to ten minute walk around the block during the late morning or early afternoon. When lunchtime comes around, it's a good time to actually take a lunch break, so your brain gets a little break as well.
Get your heart pumping. Exercise at least three to four times per week. You could go on an hour-long walk after work or ride your stationary bike while watching your favorite TV show after dinner. The kids would love a trip to the park to run around the field with the soccer ball in tow. You could also opt for a step or kick-boxing class at the gym. A fit body is a balanced body. If you find the right weight and muscle tone for your body, you will feel great. It will also help to regulate your digestive tract and will provide good emotional health as well.
Hang out with friends. If you incorporate time to chill out with good friends during the week, your life will feel more metered as well. You have a ton on your plate at work and at home, but somehow it doesn't feel so crazy when you share a glass of wine or a tasty dessert with a caring friend. If you don't have any friends, then make some. Ask a fellow mom if she'd like to go walking with you after the drop-off at school. If you keep on bumping into the same gal at work in the lunch-room, then invite her to check out the new pita joint with you. Friends help you to have a healthier perspective on life. Give it a try!
