Wednesday What Not #71

One of the driving forces behind the creation of this blog was my diploma from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition.  While in an ideal world, my weekly posts would have yielded client connections, Wellness Wheels instead led me to approach my life more holistically and interact with likeminded individuals.

Although we have never communicated directly, I follow a fellow IIN student, Jamie Mendell, via her amazing website, Jamiemendell.com.  Along with being a Certified Health Coach, Jamie is a Certified Transformational Coach whose written works have been published in The Huffington Post, Women's Health and MindBodyGreen.  

Yesterday I read her most recent blog, which really struck me as powerful since I had been feeling a little melancholy about the upcoming holiday.  In her post, Jamie suggested a moment of reflection as a way to track growth and change over the past 365 days.  Through a series of questions, individuals can feel confident going into "2016 with a better understanding of (themselves) and what (they) want to create!"

((Photo Source:  http://jamiemendell.com/how-to-reflect-on-2015-and-my-own-takeaways/))

Tasty Tuesday Treat #71

One of the newest traditions that my family has instituted is Christmas:  Part #2 at my house.  This year we hope to add a few new guests, but if not, my parents will join my husband and I for a nice Christmas meal and some festive games!

Since meal prep will be minimal considering my Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning travel itinerary, I need to be very strategic in my menu making.  One amazing hack - which can also be time saving with pre-made dough - that I came across in my research was crock pot dinner rolls.  These beautiful buns will save space in my oven and be a huge hit for my carb loving family!

((Photo Source:  http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/2012/08/02/herb-crock-pot-dinner-rolls-summer-baking))

Mindful Monday Inspiration #71

Keep humor in the holidays!

((Photo Source:  http://stylecaster.com/holiday-quotes-that-sum-up-the-season/))

Fitness Friday Fact #71

While at yoga yesterday, my instructor prompted my class to "row our boats."  After some chuckle from my classmates, we all met in navasana (boat pose) and began to swing our arms from left to right.  While maintaining a straight spine and focusing on our ujayii breathing, our cores began to strengthen with each side movement.

Although a yoga position, navasana (boat pose) and its compliment "row your boat" are two incredible core strengthening moves.  By adding either to your fitness routine, your abdominals will not be "up the creek without a paddle." 

((Photo Source:  http://yourbuddhi.com/yoga-for-core-strength-exercises#.VmqcgBNViko))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #70

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I have had my fair share of opportunities to find the perfect Christmas gifts for my loved ones.  Had I missed out on these two "holidays," however, I would still be able to snatch up some super stuff since many retailers have extended their "sale season" this year.

If you still need a gift to give, check out these Fitness Focused finds from Oprah's Favorite Things!

((Photo Source:  http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Fitness-Gifts-From-Oprah-Favorite-Things-2015-38996282?stream_view=1#photo-38999443))

Wednesday What Not #70

Sure a lean turkey might not be a popular choice for your Thanksgiving spread, but these holiday swaps will leave you feeling satisfied - and skinny!

Appetizer:  Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus 

Side Dish:  Creamy Cauliflower Puree 

Dessert:  Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie

((Photo Source:  http://broadside.navytimes.com/category/broadside-cartoons/page/6/))

Tasty Tuesday Treat #70

"Hello my name is Kate and I am a CREATURE OF HABIT." 

This short coming of mine dictates many aspects of my life, especially my culinary creations.  Each week I follow a schedule that includes a veggie dish on Mondays, a meat dish on Tuesday, a fish dish on Wednesday and a poultry dish on Thursday (Side note:  Friday nights have always been and will continue to be Pizza Night in my household).  

In addition to that pattern of proteins, I also plan on every Sunday being "Slow Cooker Sunday." This past Sunday, knowing that I would spend a majority of the afternoon routing on the JETS, I decided to utilize the crock pot for pre-dinner prep.  I placed my spaghetti squash into the slow cooker, as per the instructions of Hungry Girl, and waited for the strands to be "shred" ready.

Once the squash was cool enough to handle, I wrapped the shredded "spaghetti strands" in a towel to remove the excess water.  Since spaghetti squashes are very water dense, I placed the wrapped strands in a clean towel in my refrigerator to allow for maximum moisture removal while I went to the stadium.

Having cheered my butt off at the game, I was thrilled to be able to quickly cook this delicious Spaghetti Squash Lasagna for my husband and I upon returning.  Not only did it appease my "creature of habit" nature, but it also acted as the comfort that I needed due to the Jets' loss.

((Photo Source:  http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/09/spaghetti-squash-lasagna.html))