Change, is it awesome or the devil?

At one time in my life I thrived on routine and habitual acts that I could count on doing.  I think pretty much all young children thrive with some kind of routine.  Some grow out of that……some dont.  It definitely took me a long time to grow out of it in some areas.  It was a forced growth in others.  I married a military man.  The way his military career was, we were moving less than ever 2 years.  That can force some serious change growth!  As it turned out, every move we made was clear across to the other coast so, it was night and day just in the weather difference.  Add in new living spaces needing new or different furniture.  Of course we needed to set up our home differently in every place to accomodate the new space.  The list goes on and on….new doctors, new markets, new recreational stuff…..  The moves challenged me in many ways.  In the end, it was all a good thing but, it didn’t always feel like that at the time.  Now, I LOVE change!  I get bored without it.  When we separated from the military and settled down….it was about 3 years in and I was begging for some change in our home especially.  I still loved our house but, I was so sick and seeing the same set up every day.  I started rearranging furniture…..buying new stuff…..painting….all that only goes so far.  Now, the only routine I seem to have is in direct relation to my children’s schedules.  When they need to go to school or lessons here or there.  I used to be very dedicated to certain TV shows….now I only have a couple I’ve been watching regularly.  I’ll find a good one and then forget about it before it’s on again.  My very latest venture is hair color!  I’m totally addicted to changing my hair color all the time.  It’s not blonde, then brown and maybe some red.  We’re talking crazy colors.  At the moment my hair color is pink and violet.  Only they are starting to fade now so, the violet is more light blue/green.  I’m also more apt to accept new style trends and own it.  That is something that would’ve been very outside my comfort zone a few years back.

Here’s my daughter and I with some foils in and showing off her color.

Ok, I know….enough with my silly changes……what’s my point???  All this change that I was so reluctant to and struggled to be at peace with, has brought me amazing PEACE!  Whatever it is…..I’m generally cool with it.  Ok, not in ALL aspects of my life but, hey I’m a work in progress and someday…..it may just be that ALL aspects of my life are “cool with whatever” and it’s all about chillaxin’ in the end.  Won’t that be nice?!?!!  **Picturing myself poolside, mountain and lake view, with a lovely beverage in my hand and my favorite snack within reach while I pour into my favorite reads**

It’s interesting to watch the people in your life react to change or lack thereof.  You can learn a lot about someone really quickly if you just clue in to their response to change.  Chances are, if you are anti change…..the people you are around most probably are cool with it.  This isn’t the case all the time of course but, how often can a couple major control freaks who hate change, really ever agree on anything or be at peace.  It’s likely they always go to the same place for lunch because, not only do they not want to change but, could they even agree on another place??

Learning to deal with change will help you excel in your life.  Not only will you broaden your horizons and allow yourself to experience new things but, it will teach you to be flexible.  I ask you, look at your life and the people you deal with in your life……wouldn’t being flexible make things a lot easier on everyone?  Being flexible can be a serious challenge to control freaks **Here I am in all my control freak glory needing to take my own advice** Having to be flexible means you are not always going to be in control of the situation.  It means possibly allowing others around you to run the show.  DON’T PANIC!!!  It’s OK if someone else takes the reins for a minute.  This will give you time to relax and breath!  Know that although change can be extra hard for a control freak, that most of the time, you can be in CONTROL of the changes yourself……eventually, you’ll have learned how to be flexible without even thinking about it.  Trust me……learning flexibility is the key to chillaxin’!

Lets start pushing your change limits.

~Have you had the same haircut for you can’t tell me how many years?  If so, I challenge you to get a new one.  Not just a little extra trim off the bottom but, one that will actually CHANGE the way you need to do your hair in the morning.  Poor Donald Trump just can’t get out of his hair rut…. 

~Are you in a make-up rut?  When’s the last time you tried a new color on your eyes?  How about…..dare I say….a new brand of make-up?  Make 1 change to your make-up routine…..either a new brand of something or even just a new color on your lips.

~What’s your closet look like?  5 of the same shirt but, different colors?  When you find that awesome top, I say….grab a few colors!!  Then, go find another style and add that to your wardrobe too.  Don’t wear the exact same style 2 days in a row only a different color.  Trust me, the people around you will notice that and it’s not just the judgmental chicks who will notice

~Do you have the same workout routine that you do at the same time of day every time you workout?  If so, this has got to change!  Your body has undoubtedly stalled and isn’t showing you results anymore.  Your body gets used to the same workout and will stop responding to it.  To read more on this, read this post .  Working out at the same time of day isn’t that big of a deal.  Most people have no choice but to consistently do their workout either before or after work.  That said, it’s kind of fun to see what working out at different times of the day does for us.  You may be surprised how that endorphin response changes your day or your evening.

~How many times have you gone to the same restaurant and ordered the same order.  If you go in and the wait staff already know your order before you open your mouth…..time to try one of the other awesome selections.  After all…..if you love the one dish, you’ll likely like another.  The restaurant can’t stay in business with only one good dish.  Just think if you had more than one choice??

I challenge you to pick something and change it in the next week.  You may just surprise yourself with how much you like the new point of view.  Since I want to help you in this process, please chime in and let me know what your change plans are.  Together, we can hold each other accountable on our change journey’s.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read my blog.  I hope you found it interesting and informative.  Feel free to share my blog with others.  They might be able to benefit from some change too  

Grain, Dairy & Sugar FREE Chocolate Pancakes……WHAT???

I confess that I am a sugar addict!!  The terrible substance has a grip on me physically and emotionally like no other substance.  After years of denial and acceptance, I’m now fighting back!!  4 weeks ago I started a sugar detox program.  My health coach Sandra Brougher has been guiding me through the program.  I’ve surprised myself with how much determination and willpower I’ve had.  It’s not really the norm for me.  Today I took my kids out for ice cream and I didn’t have even a tiny lick.  3 weeks ago there would’ve been no way I would’ve restrained.

One thing I found out really quickly is when you’re used to having sweet treats like a nibble of chocolate here and a cookie there…..it’s very hard to have raw almonds as the go to.  It’s of course NOT the only go to item but, I’m not great at thinking outside the box.  As I mentioned earlier, I have an emotional attachment to the sweet drug as well so, often times I’m grabbing for that fix in times of trial **Imagine 3 year old crapping his pants for the 4th time that day**  Reaching for an almond just doesn’t deliver the same ***Aaaaahhhhhh….nirvana….moment***

This is why I created these.  I know there must be a bazillion recipes out there for similar lovelies so, if this one doesn’t strike your fancy then, explore for some others.

I ditched the box of bisquick for making pancakes years ago.  I wanted to control the type of flour, baking soda, baking powder etc….  Then I started to get the healthy bug so, my flour changed to whole grain, my eggs became free range, my milk became raw milk etc….etc….Pancakes have always been a lovely munchie for me regardless of topping (although nutella, bananas and/or pure maple syrup make me smile).  When I started this sugar detox, I knew I needed something to turn to so….I took my usual recipe and tweaked it for my needs.

Here’s my recipe, I use the term loosely because, I rarely measure and generally just throw things together ;o)

2 Cups Almond meal

1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (either original or vanilla)

2 Eggs (preferably pasture eggs but, what-ev)

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1 Tsp Baking Powder (I like the gluten-free brand)

**That’s the base recipe that doesn’t really change….below is how I kick it up a notch**

1 Tsp either Pure Vanilla Extract or Almond Extract (just depends on my mood)

1.5 Tbsp of Raw Cacao Powder (I use the Navitas brand.  It’s organic and doesn’t have any additives)

3-4 Tbsp unsweetened Coconut flakes (add more if you love it….it’s a great stabilizer, texture and good fat to add to your day)

**Now I really kick it up a nutritional notch**

1-2 Tbsp Flax Meal

2 Tsp Chia seeds (I grind mine up to a powder **Hello floss if you don’t!!**

1 scoop of Green Super Foods (I prefer the chocolate flavor myself)

I blend all of the above in my Blendtec (which I’m totally in love with).  Using a blender will definitely help mix all that awesomeness up in a hurry.  If the consistency doesn’t look like your typical batter then add more of the Unsweetened almond milk until it’s what you want.  ***NOTE: these don’t hold together like regular pancakes they are a bit more delicate so, if you go too thin, you’ll have some trouble with flippage etc….***

I prefer a cast iron pan and only use Coconut Oil for this…..butter would certainly be acceptable as well but, I’m really not into the sprays.

I spread this awesomeness on these beauties

I’ve been making about a batch or 2 a week.  I keep them in the fridge and zap 2 or 3 in the microwave for 10 sec for a treat when I feel the need.  With all that extra goodness packed in there I feel good eating them and staying on target for my goals.

I hope you love them as much as I do!!!

NO PARKING….”well surely they don’t mean me??”

We live in a world where there are rules.  These are in place for a good reason most of the time.  Forgive this post as I rant on about a huge pet peeve of mine.

Why is it that when rules are laid out and clearly known, do some people choose to totally ignore them as if they don’t apply to them and just the entire rest of the population??

Yes, there is “NO PARKING” there because, if you park there NO ONE can drive through thanks to your car taking up the entire lane…..oh but please, do go ahead and park there anyway because, it’s somehow made your life easier.

I see that you have a “Handicap placard” hanging on your rearview mirror.  Funny that I see you bounding out of your vehicle only to grab a baby to throw on your hip and a toddler by the hand as you walk easily into the market.  I’ll let poor Joe know that although he’s in a wheelchair that he pulls out of his backseat and miraculously gets in all on his own, to fight his way inside, all the while his recycle bags are threatening to leap off his lap in the gusty wind…..that your need for the spot was greater than his.

Such a huge bummer that we’re in this major drought and all our lawns look brown and yucky. That only 2 days a week watering restriction doesn’t make many of us happy but, most of us are glad we still have water coming out of our faucets.  It’s interesting that Jack across the street has an amazingly plush green lawn with gorgeous seasonal blooms all over to adorn all his lovely yard statues.  It’s also interesting that when he throws on his head lamp every night to steal water in the stealthiest way possible, that he chooses to raise his head and shine his bright ass light into our window!

Honestly folks!!  Are people really that crass and full of themselves that they feel it’s totally ok to break the rules for their convenience or whenever the spirit moves them?  OR  Do they know it’s not okay, feel really guilty but, do it anyway hoping to do a bigger better good deed later to adjust their karma?  OR  Are they all insecure people that do these things to try and feel like a bad ass and look cool?  Please tell me because, for the life of me, I can’t stop myself from imagining myself walking up to them, looking them square in the eye and then **Flick** right in the middle of their forehead!

That said…..I realize there are times when rules are LAME!!  They can be archaic and so outdated the fact they’ve stayed that way this long is ridiculous.  I know that sometimes, there are emergencies and breaking a rule is necessary for the greater good in that moment.  I’m talking about the rules that are there for a very good damn reason!  ”Yes, you idiot…..you should only put 1 quit smoking patch on your body at a time….by sticking 17 of them on and in your body, you have caused your body to go into total shock and it’s time to go to the hospital now.  Good news though….your room is non-smoking so your temptation won’t be in your face for the next 48hrs.” **True story from back in my medical days**

Do rule breakers make you MAD??  Are you a rule breaker and can share with me a perspective I clearly just don’t get?

I’m off to sleep now because, I’m supposed to get 8hrs of sleep ;o) Haha!

1 mile will burn more calories than 100 miles

Are you thinking I’m nuts?  Although you are certainly right about that most of the time, in this instance, I’m totally not!  This is the deal about basically, every fitness program out there; whatever, you are doing, your body will acclimate and then “plateau” or stop changing.  If you want to continue your exact same exercise routine then eventually, the only way you’ll see change is if you change your nutrition.

Ok, let’s break this down….

If you go running and run a mile everyday for a week.  You’ll initially see change.  Likely you’ll start to feel more energy and depending on your nutrition, you may even lose a bit of weight.  However, if you do exactly that for 3 weeks and change nothing…most likely, you won’t lose a pound or feel any difference or change after week 1.  It’s possible, you may even revert back to your old energy level.

 

Take that same distance and run a different route on different terrain, you’ll find much better success.  

At least for a while.  Your body will become accustom to even that.  It’ll know, “oh, it’s the Monday route”

What you want to do is do something different all the time.  Sometimes, run a shorter distance, other times run a long way.  Also, don’t just run.  Switch your workouts as well as the duration of them.  Constantly varying your exercise routine will successfully confuse your body.  By doing that, your body will keep itself in a “I’m ready for whatever you’re gonna throw at me” state.  This is where you want your body to be.  It’s conducive to getting the best from your body and your active life.

Another aspect….

Here’s the next BIG piece of the puzzle

What are you eating?  You can exercise in a constantly varied manor and you’ll still not reach your full potential unless you pay close attention to your nutrition.

I don’t need to tell you there are A LOT of diets out there.  Everyone’s goal should be to follow a clean, whole foods, nutritious way of eating.  One of the most popular diets that follows that is “Paleo” eating or “The Caveman Diet”.

                    

This said, every body is different and needs different things to keep itself in tip top health. Finding out what YOUR body needs will take some trial and error.  You’re options are shooting in the dark to find out where your nutritionally deficient and fixing it or you can find a “Health Coach”.  Health Coaches have gone through extensive training and know how to find out where people need to make changes not only nutritionally but, in every aspect of their lives to help them live their best life.  Here’s a link to one I know and love Sandra Brougher  You don’t have to be local to your Health Coach.

**BOTTOM LINE**

You being healthy is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing in your life.  Without your health you can’t, be the awesome parent, friend, family member, coach, employee, student…etc…etc…There is no aspect of your life that won’t be better if you’re healthy.

***YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!***

There are people all around you; professionals, friends, family members, acquaintances that have this knowledge and want to help you find your best health.  JUST GO ASK!!!! I’m/we’re waiting for your call/text/email!

***Thank you to Google Images and their partners for the images in this post***

Come on…..gimme a smile at least!!

It’s election year.  Politics is out in full force and making everyone pretty grouchy.  Everyone’s religion or folks that are not religious are being attacked for their choices.  Everyone has to/wants to be right so, as everyone gets more and more opinionated in election year, they find it a very hard pill to swallow as others don’t agree with them. It’s time to LIGHTEN UP peeps!!  We all just need to smile and laugh at least a little bit every day.  ”Laughter is the best medicine.” and “Smile, it increases your facial value.” Quotes from the movie “Steel Magnolias” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/ This movie is a personal favorite of mine.  Although you certainly have a high probability of shedding some tears, there are SO many hysterical scenes and lines in this movie!

If everyone could just follow a daily recipe of smiling and laughter, their lives would lift a little just for those short moments at least.  Will it fix all your problems?  Probably not, but, it’s proven to relieve stress so, at a minimum those stress knots at your shoulders and neck might loosen just a tad. In my efforts to help you along the way to a daily laughter agenda, I’m including some videos and pictures that are fail proof ways to bring a smile to your face at least.  If none of them don’t, you’re a robot…..get help immediately!!  No seriously….one of them should make you smile??!!?!

Image provided by Google Images

I can’t think of a single person that can keep a straight face when a baby belts out that full on belly laugh.  Just like the baby in this You Tube video below.

This photo is among some funny ones off this blog post; http://iamdarky.wordpress.com/2011/05/15/funny-stuff-on-the-net-2-bathrooms/

Another movie I adore is “When Harry Met Sally”  Here’s a spoof video I found on “Funny or Die” ***BE WARNED this video has gore in it so, don’t watch if you are easily grossed out***  Also, if you’ve never seen “When Harry Met Sally”, this video won’t make much sense to you and therefore might not be funny to you.

http://www.funnyordie.com/embed/0247468f28

I could post more and more photos and videos but, let’s just reserve some for posts down the road shall we??  

My hope is that you will strive to smile and laugh everyday.  It will make your days and life better, I assure you!

Tell me what makes you laugh?  Is there a joke, type of photos or movie that makes you just roll on the floor with laughter so much that you pee a little and get an amazing ab workout?

 

SOPA/PIPA Protest!

I have a few new blog posts in mind but they will have to wait.  My blog will be inactive tomorrow in protest of the SOPA/PIPA bills currently going through the house and senate for approval.  I’m not okay with censorship and more than that, I’m not okay with someone taking away my freedom of speech.  Please join me and the plethora of other people and companies and don’t use the internet tomorrow.  It’s only 1 day.  Together we can show them that we are not okay with their plans.

Here is a link to SOPA Strike for more information and to see who are confirmed to have inactive sites tomorrow;

http://sopastrike.com/

Here are links to blog posts with more information on the bills themselves with resources to learn even more;

http://gingercalem.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/stop-censorship-stop-the-sopapipa-bills/

http://www.emmaburcart.com/2012/01/no-soup-for-you-its-a-protest/

Although I will be inactive on the internet tomorrow, fear not my friends, I will be back on Thursday with a new blog post and lots of action on my FB and Twitter pages.  Do, take a breath again as I know you stopped breathing at the thought of me not being on the internet tomorrow.  ***Huge Sigh Of Relief*** Haha!  ;o)

 

Does Sarah Conner motivate you?

There’s nothing like seeing something or someone who truly motivates you.  There are a number of things that motivate me but, one of those things are girl power movies.  

For instance, when Linda Hamilton plays Sarah Conner in “The Terminator” (thanks for the photo google images) and kicks major ass.  There are loads of girl power movies that make me feel that way.  When I leave the theater I almost hope for some hooligan to try and come mess with me….I’m so empowered just by seeing the movie that I’m actually convinced for an hour or so that even I could take down a 6’8″ linebacker of a man with ill intentions.  For the record, just writing this post has me thinking I’m a freaking powerhouse (even though my quads are so sore at present that I’m making every effort to be very efficient every time I have to get up)  Haha!!

On an academic level, people like;

Albert Einstein

 Helen Keller

can motivate me to believe I can conquer learning disabilities to learn more and be better on an academic level.

As a fitness trainer I have to (and enjoy) motivating people to be healthy.  Everyone is so different as to what motivates them.  As I’m helping clients through a workout, some of them need me to tell them how good they are doing and that they can get through it.  Other’s wish I would vanish on the spot and just let them get their work done.  In this aspect, I need to learn to read my clients and what they need or don’t need to motivate them through their workout.

When it comes to nutrition, are you someone that has to be around people that are making all good choices to stay on track or are you disciplined enough to be able to say “NO” to the piece of cake even though you may be the only one in the room not eating it.  What or who motivates you to stay on your nutrition band wagon?

In the end

MOTIVATION

Is what drives us to do whatever it is we are doing.  It could be something effecting us negatively in our life or positively.  You have to be the one to decide which it will be.  So, what motivates you and what are you doing with that motivation?  Is it negative or positive?  Would you change it?