Warm Spinach and Dried Fig salad

Who doesn't love a yummy salad ?

Well, this one looks delicious and I wanted to share it with you!

Ingredients 

-2 Tablespoons  red onion finely chopped
- 1- 1/2 T olive oil
- 1/2 cup of Figs
-2 Tablespoons - of either honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar
-2 tablespoons of cider vinegar / or sherry
-6 oz spinach
-1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts toasted and chopped or another nut :)
- pepper to taste


Directions - 
In a skillet over medium heat sauce onion in oil until softened about 2 minutes. Stir in figs, sweeter and vinegar. Simmer for 30 seconds , stirring until figs are coated.
Combine spinach and warm onion mixture in a LARGE bowl toss to coat.
Sprinkle with cheese, nuts and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and ENJOY !
This makes 4 servings

** Recipe is from Gooseberry Patch Fall Favorites Recipe book

Fruit Smoothies

When finding a fruit juice to make, I always look at what the ingredients are and where they are coming from.

You don't want to use orange juice or apple juice as your base because of the sugar that is added into it.

Creating a smoothie with a ratio of fruits and veggies is a good goal to have .

Here are a few yummy recipes

Banana, Kale, and grape juice
2-3 cubes of ice
1/2 banana
10 green seedless grapes
a handful of either kale or spinach
1/2 a cup of water

Place all into a blender and pulse until it's smooth. You will want to use a good high quality blender for the kale so that its not left gritty.

You can FIGHT back those negative feelings

I was doing errands this afternoon and my heart felt so full.

My mind felt alive and I had feelings of positivity.

We all have thoughts and they can be either positive or negative... and in the past I would allow 1 negative comment or thought turn into something bigger. 

Over analyze it and dwell on it.

But, I started to learn that if I replaced negative thoughts with positive affirmations that I would feel peace in my mind and soul.

And I've learned that the more I feed the positive thoughts the more of them I will have ! 👊

New Changes

With the weather finally getting colder, and other changes that have recently happened to my schedule. 

My life feels really good right now.

 I feel weird saying it because you know life always changes, but I want to document how good it feels to be happy with your current situation.

In our house we strive to be better people. 

I see my children wanting to do better in school, read more, improve at a music talent, make wiser choices when presented in a sticky situation and because of this it motivates me !! 

I know that they watch us. Just like I watched my parents and emulated them, some good stuff and others not. 

If I hear my kids yelling more, than perhaps I need to lower my voice when asking them to do something for the 5th time... just saying :) 

I am grateful for the opportunity to push myself
- mentally
- physically
- spiritually 

Love life ~~~~>find joy 

and PUSH yourself into uncomfortable situations!!

When you do this life becomes more satisfying!

What to eat !!

I think one of the toughest problems people have is they don't know what to eat !!



And I just want you to know that you are NOT alone!!

I was the same way, and Im still learning a lot about properly fueling my body. But, what I have learned is that protein is KEY !!  But, really eating carbs, fruits and veggies is what will help you stay full !

I know this because when I am actually doing this I feel more energized and have clarity!

Here is a sample menu-

Before my workout I like to have something light
so either fruit or a carb example would be 1/2 banana or a piece of toast

After my workout I like to eat protein - so it would either be eggs or my shake
and depending if I ate my fruit or carb I would then consume it.

For a snack I like to have another protein - so it would either be my shake or tuna.
Make sure to drink LOTS of water !!

Lunch I would have my veggies in a nice LARGE salad with protein of course !

My snack would be fruit with veggies and a healthy fat such as hummus or avocado.

Lets get some more water in !!

Dinner I would finish it off with protein, veggies and a grain.

Having this variety thru the day ensures that I am staying full and not getting those sluggish feelings.

MY BEST TIP WOULD BE TO WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU EAT FOR 3 DAYS.

Sorry about the caps, but I feel that strongly about it  !

Know that you can make healthy choices, but it will take practice and a DESIRE !

You know when you really want something and you tell yourself you will do it??

That was me last night.

I wanted to wake up at 6 am and get my workout on.

And in order for me to do that I had to hit the hay sooner ! 😕

So, Lights were out @10:15 pm

I slept GREAT and none of my kids came looking for me, so that helped get a good night sleep

😊

When I can get up early my day just starts off better.

No its not easy, I almost stayed in bed longer, but once I was up... and sweating there is no going back.

Make it a good Monday 

3 Day Refresh