We all start somewhere

We all start somewhere

Have you ever had that feeling of "I don't think I can do that" or "that is probably not for me" or "that's going to be way too effing hard"? Even though it is something you really want to do or know it is going to get you closer to that goal but you find every reason to talk yourself out of taking that step. Am I right or am I right? I've been there and done that.

"You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great."
- Les Brown.

It is important to remember that we are all starting somewhere. Everyone was a beginner at some point. Whether you want to take up running, join a new fitness center, become a photographer, plant a garden or start a blog. Take that step if you want it badly and don't look back. It may take you a while or you may get it right away. Some days may feel like you took some steps backward but you will have more days of taking steps forward. But, you won't ever get it or take any steps if you don't try! You may decide it isn't for you but at least you won't be wondering what if.

What's in your freezer?

What's in your freezer?

Hey friends! Back at you today with the next installment of what's in your (insert food storage unit)? It's all about the freezer staples today. Who doesn't love to keep easy foods in their freezer for a last-minute meal? I am not one that keeps the freezer ridiculously full because I really don't have tons of frozen foods I love to buy. Pizza rolls? Nope. Taquitos? Nope. Toaster strudels? Nope. Ice cream? Maybe.

I love to keep frozen fruit handy for snacks and to use in shakes or smoothies. When my bananas get too ripe, I peel them, cut them in half and keep them frozen in a ziplock to use in smoothies or as banana ice cream (bananas pureed in a food processor). Frozen mango (Best Choice) and pineapple (TJs) are one of my favorite snacks at night if I'm craving something sweet. I really love mango but am terrible at picking out a fresh one so this is a good way to get it.

A few quick, easy dinner options are also usually in my freezer. I keep frozen turkey meatballs (TJs), which are great with spaghetti squash or pasta or with some brown rice and a veggie. I also really like frozen burgers of different types to throw under the broiler or on a grill pan for a super easy and fast lunch or dinner. Right now I have salmon (Costco), black bean (Costco) and chicken burgers (TJs).

Cha, Cha, Cha, Chia!

Cha, Cha, Cha, Chia!

Who remembers the old chia pets that sprouted a plant from their seeds? We received one yearly for Christmas for a while from a Grandpa and they never grew. Worst gift ever! Well chia seeds are back and are so much more than growing a plant on an animal. Ok, so they've been back for a while but I'm going to give you the low-down on these little guys if you have no idea what they are or how and why to eat them.

Chia is a species of flowering plant in the mint family and is native to Mexico and Guatemala. Chia means "strength" in the Mayan language. The Aztecs used to eat chia seeds for energy and endurance.

Chia seeds have many health benefits whether eaten whole, ground or soaked. They provide fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, copper, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. They are also a rich source of anti-oxidants.

Fit and Fabulous Moms

Fit and Fabulous Moms

With Mother’s Day right around the corner I thought I would give a shout out to all the amazing Moms out there that get it done day after day. No matter where you are on your Mom journey, you should be celebrated!

Momming is hard work, right? I recently did a speaking engagement at a breakfast for Women’s health and one of the other speakers read from a Mother’s Day card he found. The front was a list of things kids constantly say to their moms like “where is my_”, “I’m hungry”, “I need _”, “why?” etc. Then came the question kids ask Dad. “Where is Mom?”. Can anyone else relate?

One thing that is so important to do as a Mom is take time for yourself. "Take this time to feel more and think less" as said by my yoga instructor the other day. I always feel like when I'm a better me I can be a better Mom. More specifically, taking time to care for your body is really important! Just because we are Moms and put our kids and families way up on the list of most important things in our lives does not mean that we put ourselves and our bodies way down on that list. These little people need us for a really, really long time and we need our bodies to go the distance.

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Homemade Larabars

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Homemade Larabars

Happy Tuesday morning! Did you know that Tuesday is the most productive day of the week. You have to get over your Monday is so rough attitude and then you are ready to totally kill it on Tuesday! I’m bringing you recipes for homemade bars that are great for a post-workout snack or to satisfy your sweet tooth…or to eat anytime, really. Get productive today and make these!

Tuesday is my favorite workout class, my mid-morning Barre Express class. Express means 45 minutes instead of 60 minutes and who doesn’t love to get their workout done in express fashion? I do! It is a fun, muscle focused class without any jumping! That’s what I’m talking about!

I don’t love eating my usual breakfast right before I workout so I usually stick to some fruit and peanut butter or a small bowl of oatmeal about 1-2 hours prior. The one small problem is that on my way home I am pretty hungry. My tummy wants all the quick, easy snacks while my brain says “don’t ruin those 45 minutes”. Post workout I like to incorporate protein and carbs in a small snack or mini meal for energy and tissue repair.