Happy Monday!
Hope you had a fantastic weekend! Mine was alright, no complaints here. I certainly got tons of chores done.
This morning, I awoke from a nightmare about my house being dirty, so the urge to clean everything in sight was strong. Completely finishing all my laundry, vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing, basically everything until things were left spick and span. Hello, productivity bug.
I’m on Day Five of waking up before 5 AM. Neat? At least this gives me lots of time in the morning to be productive. Nnothing a good breakfast with a side of caffeine can’t fix. I hate to say I rely on caffeine to stay awake these days, but sometimes it just does.
There are many truths I’ve come across in life. So many so that I can’t share them all in one post. With the new year in full swing comes time for change; to grow wiser, stronger, more intelligent, and get more done.
I’ve compiled a fun list of 15 things I know for sure to be true. Things I’ve recently discovered and things I’ve learnt in the past.
1. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast is always a great start to the day.
2. Good food = good mood.
3. “Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
4. Breakfast cookies are highly underrated. It makes no sense how it has a cookie dough like texture, but it works.
5. A big mug of black coffee (provided by Starbucks) makes the day go much smoother.
6. Choose quality, not quantity (friends, food, wine)
7. Baking has become a great way to alleviate stress and is now one of my favorite pastimes.
8. Treat yourself how you’d treat your best friend.
9. A smile is the most flattering accessory you’ll ever wear.
10. Spinning makes my heart happy.
11. Always be kind, even when you’re having a bad day. Just because you’re having a bad day, doesn’t mean you should spread that negativity to others.
{ Tip: Buy coffee for the person behind you in line. It’s a small act, but makes a huge difference in how you perceive the day. Most of the time it’s not our day that is the problem, but our attitude. }
12. Coconut is good in any form. Flour, butter, milk, oil, ice cream, lotion…
13. Sometimes not working out is just what the body needs.
14. Carbs don’t make you fat.
15. Everybody has a unique story. Have compassion for each person you meet, no judgement necessary.
What are some things you know for sure?
What’s your favorite carb?
Hope you all enjoy this fabulous day!
Good Morning! Happy Monday and hope you all had a great weekend.
Do you get annoyed when people are cheerful on Monday’s? I used to find those people so obnoxious, but now I’ve become one of those people. Ha.
Things change when you have a different outlook on life. It’s all about perspective.
I never mind Monday’s, but Tuesday’s seem to be the day that completely drags on.
It makes Monday easier to enjoy when our weekend had weather like this.
Clear skys and sunny. That always helps to improve the mood.
Even though it was sunny, it’s still painfully cold out, but that fact doesn’t make me want to switch up my Breakfasts at all…
I settled in with the same old bowl of buckwheat, coffee, and caught up on the Lance Armstrong interview.
What did you all think of it?
This breakfast totally takes the cake for my new favorite thing.
I jazzed it up a little by adding a tablespoons of raw cacao powder. Yum.
This weekend, I had plans to do some fun things, but I kind of have the feeling I’m catching the beginnings of a cold. I’m trying my best to avoid that from happening.
{ ahem, my new favorite tea + Gabrielle’s amazing book }
This meant the weekend was kept low key. It also made it the perfect opportunity to cuddle up under the blanket and read with a warm cup of tea by my side.
I decided I should probably be a bit more productive with life and made myself some nourishment before I had to head out and meet a friend for coffee.
Perfect fuel for those days where you want to hide and curl up in bed. It’s okay if you’re totally jealous with the above dish.
It was my new favorite creamy nutritional yeast sauce, spaghetti squash, and zucchini.
I don’t know how people could not like this delicious squash. It’s the perfect blank canvas for anything. You can make it sweet, spicy, savory, whatever you’re in the mood for really!
After, I managed to get myself out of my lazy clothes into something more appropriate for public.
Surprisingly, I ordered a tea. Coffee, a sore throat, and upset stomach didn’t sound like the best combo at all.
Later on, I decided I should probably move a little since I had basically sat around all day. I went on a nice walk before coming home to spend the evening relaxing.
In favor of spending the night out with my friends, I opted to hang out with my Sister for some bonding time.
{ this picture took about 21 years to actually convince my Sister to take a photo with me…she’s too cool apparently }
We decided on a scary movie. Nothing says sisterly bonding more than watching a terrifying movie together.
It was called the House Next Door or something, we kept on forgetting the name of it which clearly tells you a lot about it.
To top off the night, I snacked on a bowl of ice cream before bed.
{ My favorite coconut ice cream }
Clearly the best choice to soothe a sore throat.
Well, I’m calling it a night over here.
Did you watch the Lance Armstrong interview? What did you think?
Favorite ice cream flavor?
What’s your best tip to curing a sore throat?
Have a marvelous Monday all!
Our body may not be able to learn all the information possible about nutrition, I mean that’s what our brains are for; that doesn’t mean that our minds know what’s best for us though.
Our mind contains thoughts, beliefs, memories, and more. Did you ever think your body is actually the thing we should consult, since it really is the vehicle that knows what we need most in the moment.
Instead of having trust in our bodies, we often fear the very thing they are trying to tell us. Our bodies are able to tell us when we’re hungry, tired, hurt, thirsty, etc.
{ For Dinner, last night I had a homemade zucchini turkey burger with roasted cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, an avocado sauce, and nutritional yeast }
In the past, I’ve been the victim of trusting beliefs my mind had, instead of what my body wanted. If I was tired or hurt, I couldn’t rest because I had false beliefs imprinted on my mind; rest was for lazy people and being hurt wasn’t an option if I want to be skinny.
Even worse was being hungry. My mind would try to tell my body it’s not hungry, I don’t need food or calories because I have all the self control in the world and don’t need food to be satisfied.
It was always a constant struggle of mind versus body.
Even though I constantly tried to outsmart my body, it was able to put up a strong fight.
Sometimes, we may be tempted to listen to other peoples beliefs and try and accept them as our own.
{ I picked up some strawberries at the store and had them with coconut milk. So good }
People say carbs are bad? Well then, my body has [insert make believe issue] so I can’t digest carbs because others are saying they’re bad to eat. Silly and untrue statements.
With all these new studies, we likely try and go against our bodies by telling them what we think is best for it.
Often, I look in the past where I knew nothing about nutrition, calories, carbs, fats, protein, and wonder if I was actually smarter as a child.
When I was tired, I took a nap. Hungry? I ate. I didn’t restrict, eat too much, over exercise to compensate. I just lived and acted as my body asked for what it wanted.
Never questioning my hunger because I trusted my body to tell me what it needed.
Many beliefs I once had as a child are long gone since I’ve adopted other peoples beliefs as my own, as well as trying to adapt to a type of lifestyle other people preach.
{ My two favorite teas right now. }
Instead of living life freely, it has changed so that I constantly question, control, and manipulate my body. Somewhere in my life I stopped listening to my bodies needs, instead telling it what it needs.
Which obviously didn’t end well, since it developed into a horrible eating disorder. Even though my body tried to tell me otherwise, my mind wouldn’t let it.
Denying our bodies is a very strong belief stemmed from others, so that we can have an “ideal body”. It’s hard to not listen to those beliefs when they are all around us.
It’s sad how hard it is for many of us to truly listen to our bodies. My mind really believed that by controlling my body, I would be content in life.
People would finally like me, I’d be prettier, have more confidence, and could do whatever I put my mind to.
{ still obsessed with Christmas oranges. I’ll be sad when they go out of stock }
In reality, I ended up losing control and gave that control to the disorder instead.
Eventually my mind couldn’t keep up, I was on the verge of death and I had to finally listen to what my body was asking for. Now I’m living with the constant nagging of two voices.
My healthy voice and the eating disorder voice. Sometimes, I don’t know which one is which. It is a constant fight, but I know I just need to keep pushing through to reach a point of living a life that is best for me.
Remember that your body is smart, it may be tempting to listen to others beliefs, but your body knows what’s best for your health.
Do you have a hard time listening to your own body?
Have you ever fallen victim to fad diets?
What’s the last positive thing you did for your body?
Sending lots of love your way today! Have a great one!
Good morning! Happy Friday!
This week is about getting my act together. After talking lots about increasing my calories, I’m finally taking control over my health (not the other way around), I am very dedicated to changing my behaviours and intake.
I want to finally move past this eating disorder, grow as a person, and start setting some more serious goals for my future. I am content with my outlook on life, but right now I need to make changes regarding my calorie intake.
*******
Backing up to dinner last night; I enjoyed a plateful of roasted broccoli slaw, zucchini, cauliflower, and chickpeas cooked in a little coconut oil. I ate this with a creamy “cheese” dressing, and enjoyed alongside a slice of burnt (oops) ezekiel bread topped with coconut oil, cinnamon, and stevia.
Creamy “Cheesy” Dressing
I just mixed everything together, until a thick sauce (lovely wording) was reached.
In regard to increasing my calories, I decided it was in my best interest to contact a nutritionist. I think the biggest problem I have with increasing calories on my own, is the fact that I feel that I need some sort of validation in order to make this increase.
This morning, I was up bright and early for a spin class which went well, as always. I just love that class. Such positive energy to start the day.
My first appointment with the nutritionist was this morning. It went by relatively well. I heard everything I knew I’d hear. It was also a wakeup call. She was quite surprised I thought my intake was a “normal amount” for a person of my age and fitness level.
I stopped on the way home from my appointment for a coffee meetup, and got my J’adore La Vie on.
The problem I face, is taking healthy eating to the extreme level. Even though you can eat a healthy diet, you can always push that to an extreme level where you’re not able to function “normally” and your quality of life ultimately suffers. The thing I am missing from my lifestyle, is moderation.
I also thought that consuming so many vegetables was healthy, when in fact, I am missing out on lots of other nutrients and food groups.
In the afternoon, I’ve been craving something cooling even though summer has almost ended. Enter, coconut milk “ice cream”
I adapted this from Stuft Mama’s Low Calorie Ice Cream
Banana Coconut “Ice Cream”
Just combine all the above ingredients (except extra milk) in a blender. Blend for a minute or two, until everything is well combined. Pour liquid into an ice cube tray or into a few small shallow dishes. In a few hours, or the next day grab your blender again. Combine the “ice cream” and add 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk to allow the mixture to blend together. Once combined and the ice cream reaches a creamy texture, fill into a bowl and enjoy.
I’ve been eating it mostly topped with some protein frosting and a little nuttzo nut butter.
Meeting with the nutritionist was great for me. To speak to a professional who reiterated the thoughts I’ve been having, and who told me the changes I need to make. Even though at certain times I still don’t feel like I have behaviours to change.
Just thought I’d update you all on some changes that will be made around here. Its time to put more focus on my health and where it needs to be, instead of focusing on “perfectionism”. I have goals I want to complete in the future, and I need to get uncomfortable and change. Not everyday will be a success, and it will be a struggle.
Off to enjoy the rest of my day!
What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?
Any plans this weekend?
Happy Friday!
This morning I had to be out the door early again, so made sure to have breakfast made and ready for this morning.
I made my favourite overnight oat bran, with a few changes. While eating this morning, I definitely noticed the slight crispness to the air. Its time to get out the blanket in the morning if I want to continue having cold items for breakfast!
* Overnight pumpkin oat bran with egg whites, almond milk, chia seeds, cinnamon, stevia, blueberries, and peanut frosting. *
“Should and Shouldn’t” are such small, but powerful words. We can get consumed with putting too much focus into what we “should and shouldn’t” be doing, rather than what we choose to do. This way can become consuming, especially when it comes to “health”.
We can allow ourselves to get stuck in the mindset of “don’t eat this, don’t eat that”. This way of thinking can become rigid and easier to follow than listening to our bodies cues and knowing what our bodies are craving in the moment. Instead of listening to our bodies wisdom, we begin to follow a rigid set of rules, the “should and shouldn’t rules.”
We can hold onto behaviours and beliefs that we have adopted from magazines, fitness trainers, the media, our parents, or friends. We may hold onto these beliefs out of fear, anxiety, personal or social pressures, and as a way to cope with emotions, problems, and self-image, etc.
The problem is when we try and overcome these “should and shouldn’t rules” and make a mistake or backtrack (which we inevitably will), we can then use it as an excuse to hold onto these old patterns and ways of thinking.
* Homemade coconut ice cream, super delicious! Recipe to come soon… *
Instead, we could (and I intend to) use these mistakes as motivation to keep trying. Unfortunately, it’s easier for to play it safe, which gives our minds a sense of relief and peace (in the moment).
It’s a lot harder to be proactive and overcome these thoughts and behaviours when we don’t know what the outcome will be. It is scary to give up the “control” we feel we have and instead pursue our goals.
Too many people view health as a rigid set of rules, what we “should and shouldn’t” eat. And this places negative connotations on certain lifestyle choices.
* Topped with the last of my fresh strawberries, sadness. *
“You should/shouldn’t eat x because…”
“You should/shouldn’t do this exercise because…”
These “should and shouldn’t rules” are often contradictory and can be used as a way to judge others. Instead of getting caught up on what type of exercise we should or shouldn’t be doing or , we can learn to recognize what we need to be happy and healthy and avoid getting consumed in what everyone else is doing.
We are all unique individuals, we all have different qualities that make us special and beautiful. Instead of allowing these “should and shouldn’t” beliefs to take over your life and thoughts. You can choose to take a blind leap of faith toward the anxiety and fear that will ultimately allow us to have a better quality of life.
[Source]
By believing that we “should or shouldn’t” do something, we keep our minds in a negative energy. Why not learn to believe in yourself and trust your body, to have a positive attitude, and to act on the changes you wish to happen in life, no matter how scary it feels.
Next time, be aware of the use of “should and shouldn’t” rules, and how it can effect yourself and others. It can feel easier to live by a set of other peoples rules, instead of trusting your inner voice. Learn to listen to yourself, and your body will choose the best option for you.
Do you ever fall victim to other’s beliefs on what you “shouldn’t” be eating or doing?
Where do you think these beliefs come from?
Hope everyone has a fantastic Thursday!
As you are reading this, I will be on the plane on my way to Boston….well no that’s a lie. I head to Toronto first then have to transfer planes to head on over to the final destination Boston.
I am currently bouncing up in down half with anxiety the other in excitement. As I’ve said before, I am a very nervous flyer. So having to take two planes is making me a little crazy! Hopefully when I get to the hotel, Ill finally be able to get in some rest since I’ve been neglecting it the past few days because of the nerves flying creates for me.
Since I’m off travelling, I figured a survey post would be appropriate for today.
Ever since I saw Chelsey do this, I decided I wanted to be as cool as her and put together this post. A list of all those simple things that make me joyful in everyday life.
A – Americanos.
I mean, I think we all know I am a coffee addict by now. Most specifically, americanos. Did you know a shot of espresso actually has less caffeine than a cup of regular coffee? Which is a win for me, because it allows me to not be a shaky, crazy, caffeine crazed mess.
B – Burpees.
Yes, I enjoy this awesome exercise. Its fun while hard, and I kind of want to kill yet hug them at the same time I am doing them. I believe them to be the perfect full body exercise!
C – Coconut Butter.
This is my favourite nut butter of all time. Well, I guess its not a nut butter….I’m confused about this one. There are different things said about this delightful item, saying it’s considered a fruit, a nut, I don’t know which to believe and frankly don’t care. It’s simply magic in a jar and that’s all there is to it.
D – My Dad(s).
I consider myself lucky to not only have one dad, but two. Who are both great support systems in my life!
E – Eggs.
I’ve been loving on the eggs lately. They used to be something I never ever ate. Now I eat them daily. In the form of egg whites and the whole egg. I make sure my eggs are free run and organic, since that’s an important for eggs in my honest opinion. Except, I got a major sad face when I read this article the other day. I’m choosing to just not believe it;)
F – FitFluential.
I am so grateful to be an ambassador in this wonderful community! A group of people who help inspire others to live a truly healthy life. Spreading a positive message about health is such an important thing and I truly believe in their message. Being healthy means living a balanced life in all aspects of food, fitness, sleep, and happiness.
G – Greek Yogurt.
I have recently discovered the deliciousness that is 2% or full fat greek yogurt and can’t believe what I’ve been missing out on all this deliciousness the past few years.
H – Home.
Home is where the heart is!
I – Inspiration.
Being inspired by blog readers, bloggers, friends, people, and family is one way that allows me to stay grounded and make changes to improve my life. I love seeing others succeed and share their passions in life! It is truly an amazing thing.
J – Jam.
I guess this wouldn’t be considered jam…at all But, my goat cheese spread is jammin’. I could eat it on anything and it would be amazing:) Its the best of both worlds. Sweet and savoury!
K – Kabocha.
I just adore this squash. I may look like an oompa loompa, but despite this little flaw, I’m not giving up my orange food.
L – Lululemon.
I wish I could afford just about everything in this store, since it is just too adorable to be considered workout clothing.
M – My Mom.
Could that be a more obvious answer? She’s my best friend and the most amazing person I’ve ever met.
Well, this is already super duper long. So I’ll continue with the rest for tomorrows post, as well as checking in with all the happenings of Boston thus far! Wish me luck in my travels today, and let’s hope I don’t die of an anxiety attack.
Pick a letter and tell me what brings you happiness!
Have a great Thursday!
Morning!
Good gosh, welcome to August.
Hey, remember how everyone last year was freaking out about 2012 being that last year in the world? Is that still happening? Haven’t heard about that in a while. Not that I care. It was just weird to hear people yammer on about that for centuries.
I’m excited about this coming month, its still summer and hopefully exciting things will be happening over here.
Since yesterday was WIAW, I missed out on telling you all about my July favourites.
Avocado
Self explanatory. This pudding is my life. Sub cottage cheese with greek yogurt though.
Coconut Butter
(Instagram is too fun – follow me!)
What is not to love about this butter? It is simple a whole lot of nice stuff. Creamy, delicious, and all the lovely benefits that come from coconut. I’m talking about improved hair, nails, skin, stress relief, digestion, and helps to prevent osteoporosis. Just to name a few positives.
Reuniting with Creamy Buckwheat Breakfast Bowls
Specifically, grinding up my buckwheat in my coffee grinder before hand (is it weird I have a coffee bean grinder, but no coffee maker?) and creating an oat bran consistency. Then cooking it up the same way I normally do with oat bran. Lovely.
Cut Out Dresses
These may not be fan favourite dress for everyone, but I personally am just loving the cut out style. Definitely not a work dress, but a going out dress. Subtle, yet fierce statement in clothing.
Bright Nails
I just love funky nails. Keeps things sassy. I also like the word sassy now. My love affair with bright polish was re-sparked when an older lady commented saying my nails made her smile.
(Source)
Bachelor Pad
(Source)
Since the Bachelorette has sadly ended. Well, I guess happily for Emily, not so much for my Monday night TV love, I’ve had to rely on Bachelor Pad to keep me entertained. Its a hot mess of a show. I can’t believe some of the things people do on this show. How on earth can they land a job after some of the stuff aired on TV? And did anyone else recognize the twins from Jersey Shore? Oh man.
Honouring My Body
(Source)
This one is probably the most important favourite. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I really want to do is get my workout on. I love having the option to get my exercise over first thing and having the rest of the day to do as I please.
That being said, with some health issues I’m working on improving, fitness has had to take a back seat. And while I don’t exactly like that I’m moving less, I know its the best for my body right now.
Pilates, yoga, and a weight training has become more of my fitness routine right now. Fitness will always be there for me when I am better and I know that while I’m not doing such high intensity right now, as soon as I’m healthy I can get back on board with those crossfit and high intensity workouts that I crave!
*******
Most Popular Posts
Positive Posts….
Acting on what we say – the importance of practicing what we preach
Get out of your comfort zone - why comfort isn’t always a great thing
Turning our negative thoughts into positive ones
Food Posts…
Protein Coconut Cream – Coconut and protein, two of my favourite things!
Green Dough + Burgers – Coconut crusted turkey burgers and green “cookie dough”
Fitness Posts…
Crossfit Inspired workout - kick your booty at home
Another at home workout
Off for some rest and rejuvenation!
What were your favourite things about July?
Hope you all have a fantastic day!
Hey there Friday, won’t you stay here for a while?! How’s all your day’s going? Good, I am hoping.
It’s that time again it is June 1st! What the…this year is just passing by WAY too quickly, it seems like just yesterday I was ringing in the new year.
Why is it when you get older the years go by faster? And can you believe we are now half way through 2012!! It’s mind boggling to me!
So here we are at the end of May, I thought I’d throw together a post of my favourite May things.
Food
Workouts
Workout Song
Fashion
(Source)
Makeup
(Source)
TV Show
(Source)
That’s it for my May favourites. Hope everyone is enjoying their day and you all have fun plans for this weekend!!
What are you favourites for May?
P.S. Isn’t it weird how in the UK and Canada we have a u in favourite, colour, etc. and in the US you don’t do that?
Okay, random tangent, and no one probably cares…
xox,
Lisa
Hello party people! Another round of What I Ate Wednesday is upon us! I have been a veggie monster lately, so the extra vegetable addition this April has been no problemo
Breakfast was a new little creation I tried out using my coconut flour. Coconut Oatmeal.
I combined the first 3 ingredients with the water and microwaved for 3 minutes. Then I added the mashed banana and pumpkin and egg whites and microwaved that for about 5 minutes. I then mixed it up and added the stevia and vanilla, put it in a bowl and topped with protein frosting. It was so good. Seriously, coconut flour in oats tastes like cake batter.
Lunch was a new little adventure: roasted broccoli, cauliflower and tempeh roasted in the oven with coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and fresh dill. Tempeh is a new to me protein and I actually really liked it! It tastes sort of nutty or something. Nothing like tofu, which is good because I hate tofu. And I now love fresh dill. I had never used it before for some odd reason, and I am now convinced it is the best herb ever. Delicious.
After lunch I had a hair appointment, so I literally rushed out the door and didn’t get back until later and forgot to bring a snack. I got home and whipped up a quick smoothie and drank that up fast, so didn’t picture it. It was just made with almond milk, vanilla vega protein, kale, strawberries, and ice.
For Dinner I had a [recycled picture] meal of roasted kabocha squash with a side of coconut butter. Kabocha is the best. If you haven’t tried it go to your super market and search for it. I swear it will be the best decision ever.
Now I’m off to eat another greeeeen muffin. This time it had brown rice flour, pumpkin, spinach, and egg whites. Scrumptious! I served it with a side of peanut flour paste!
Today’s meals were certainly veggielicous. Vegetables at every meal! Coolness.
Now to spend the remainder of the night catching up with my book and heading to bed.
What’s the best thing you ate today?
Stay lovely,
xo Lisa
