Tasty Tuesday Treat #72

Even though I consider myself a relatively healthy person, I like to fine tune my routine at the start of each new year.  Whether that means adding a new fitness class to my schedule or tweaking "a soon to be stodgy" recipe, I welcome the newness of the new year.

This year I decided to kick off 2016 with a "breakfast bang" because of a recent article that I had read.  In that article, I became aware that the average American sabotages his breakfast by ingesting too much sugar and not enough "good" fats and proteins.  Since one of my "wake up - go to's" (a prepackaged granola bar) fit the "too much sugar not enough fat/protein" bill, I began preparing Avocado Chocolate Chia Puddings each night before bed.  The pudding packs "good" fats from the avocado, protein from the chia seeds and ABSOLUTELY NO SUGAR* since I use Cacao powder instead of Cocoa powder.

Now on to a mid-day meal makeover....

*I limit the Maple Sugar that I use in order to keep the sugar level low.

((Photo Source;  http://fitnessista.com/2014/09/avocado-chocolate-chia-pudding-healthy-late-night-desserts-for-one/))

Mindful Monday Inspiration #72

((Photo Source:  http://www.happynewyear2015x.net/2016/01/martin-luther-king-day-2016.html))

Fitness Friday Fact #72

Winter weather can easily put a damper on any workout regimen.  For me, snow has sidelined my gym plans countless times, leaving me with serious cardio cravings.  This year I'm prepared to "feed my craving" with Jessica Smith's Fitness Videos.  These free online videos vary in length, intensity as well as focus area.  Best of all, weather is not a sweat session spoiler!

((Photo Source:  http://health.heraldtribune.com/2014/09/23/top-trainer-jessica-smith-records-workouts-parents-sarasota-living-room/))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #71

Currently, one of my favorite shows to DVR is The Kitchen.  This talk show / cooking demo series features five Food Network stars who discuss everything from food trends to entertaining ideas - with a splash of crazy cocktails!  

In last week's episode, with the New Year / New You trend in mind, the hosts focused on revamping classic meals.  Host Katie Lee was the first to showcase her recipe for Turkey Bolognese with Zoodles.  Her innovative take on carb heavy pasta inspired me to change one of my go-to recipes; granola.

To avoid the artificial sugar that most granola recipes pack, I pureed pears to use as my sweet source.  Mixed with almond butter and coconut oil, my quinoa / flax / oat granola will be SOOOO 2016 ;)

((Photo Source:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-kitchen/behind-the-scenes-of-the-kitchen.html))

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/))