Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For

Hope you all had a Happy New Year.  As much as I love the holidays, it feels really good to get back to my normal routine!   Time to clean up the diet, purge the kitchen of all the bad food, revise the exercise plan, organize the house and pantry closet, and catch up on sleep (ha!  A girl can dream).

So...time to motivate!  Don't be discouraged...it took time to get out of shape, it's going to take time to get back in to shape.  There is no overnight fix.  Embrace the challenge, and prove to yourself how strong you are.  There is NO DIETING, it's adapting a healthy way of eating FOR LIFE.

I like to set short-term goals:
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• 10,000 daily steps
• 30 minutes per day of ANY physical activity (walking, running, hiking, dancing, or try one of these online exercise programs:

         No equipment strength training-intermediate
         At home strength training-beginner-intermediate
         10 Minute Barre Workout

• Incorporate vegetarian meals into your week:  Meat Free Mondays and/or vegan breakfasts and lunches.
• Sleep 8 hours per night
• 5 minutes of daily meditation

AND long-term goals:
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• Sign up to walk or run a 5 or 10k.  On my 'To Do' list so far:

           Sandy Hook 5k-April 2
           Run Like a Mother
      Check out these links for training tips: Couch to 5k Running Plan, Ridgefield Company Crawling Program

• Sign up for a charity walk (I did the 60 mile Susan B Komen-one of the BEST experiences of my life!).
• Fitting into that pair of jeans you've had forever.
• Doing 5 pull-ups by the end of spring.
• Doing 10 push-ups on your toes (no knees!).

Some new favorite recipes to add to your collection:
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1. Blueberry Oat Bars-Careful, these just might replace your kind bars! So good, and easy to make. NO refined sugar. No added fat.
2. Crunchy Fresh Broccoli Quinoa Salad-Perfect for a quick healthy lunch!
3. Crowd Pleasing Tex-Mex Casserole-Delicious. Use baked chips, and enjoy!
4. Veggie Burger-Make a bunch and freeze for quick meals.
5. Warm + Roasted Winter Salad Bowl-Salads don't need to be COLD, switch things up with this warm salad. Quick and easy lunch or dinner.
6. Split Pea Soup-SO delicious. Requires some stirring, but well worth it.  Good on its own, or over quinoa or rice.

And two of my favorite websites to keep on the ever-changing seafood world:
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• Monterey Bay Aquarium Super Green Seafood List
• EWG's Consumer Guide to Seafood

​When you are feeling WEAK, and cannot find the energy to exercise, or you are about to cave in and eat something unhealthy, just say to yourself: WWRD

WHAT WOULD ROCKY DO?

YES, that's right. I actually say that to myself.  Something my brother told me years ago, and YES, it works. I know, it's silly-but try it. Trust Me, Rocky wouldn't quit.

If you're not hungry enough to eat an apple...you're not really hungry.

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year. Stay strong, and be good to yourself!
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Jennifer