So, I'm following up on my blog yesterday with some tips for destressing yourself during the holidays. I don't know about you, but they stress me out! Many of us become sleep deprived because of party's and family functions, we indulge in calorie-dense holiday meals and we drink way more than we should all in the name of the holidays!
Here are some ideas for making your holiday less stressful and remaining healthy through it all:
Hold Up Do not try to lose weight during the holidays. You are setting yourself up for failure. Instead, set a goal to maintain your weight. If you know you are going to a party with lots of goodies, eat a light meal before you go so that you don't graze. Make sure you drink a good 8oz glass of water prior to the party.
Alcohol Limit your alcohol drinks made with juice or soda or fancy syrups. These are full of calories. Alcohol causes inflammation, so moderation is key if you have any type of autoimmune disease. Try a calorie free non alcoholic drink to satisfy that thirst!
Physical Activity This is the time of year when families get together. If the weather permits find something that everybody can do like walking, hiking, biking or dancing.
Lower Calorie Party Foods Go easy on the fried appetizers and the cheeses. Try the raw veggies and just enough dip to taste. Instead of tasting everything, which we all do, choose several items that you just can't live without. Ask yourself....are these worth it? Mingle with the guest away from the food table.
Journal Many people eat because of stress. If you find yourself eating to cope, stop and figure out why. Keeping a journal can be an effective way to track how much you eat and how you are feeling at that moment. Make those list of all the things you need to do the following day so that you are not laying awake at night with more than sugarplums dancing in your head.
Make a Plan Last but not least, make a plan. Know what your schedule is like and what is on the menu for the day. Do something simple like add one piece of fruit to your diet each day. Drink plenty of water to not only hydrate you, but to keep you full. Don't go all day and not eat because of the big party! You will only overeat and feel bad.
Plan this holiday to be healthy and stress free! You can stay healthy and avoid gaining those few extra pounds over the holidays while still enjoying the festivities of the year!
Let's Get Healthy!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tis the Season to be Stressed Out!
What is it about this time of the year that stresses us the hell out?? Is it the fact that the malls look like Santa threw up, children are crying for every toy they see, grandma wants us to come to her house, the kids want us to go to their house, the company party is on the same day as your sister's traditional family get together, you can't remember where you put that darn gift you bought your husband last year after Christmas, someone used the last piece of wrapping paper and didn't bother to tell anybody? Oh my gosh, I forgot all about the gift for the Dirty Santa game! Does this sound familiar?
Some things are unavoidable, but try to remember that you, the rock of the family, must take care of yourself. Find it within you to say NO! Do not volunteer for everything that comes your way. And just because it is the holiday season, does not mean that you have to eat Aunt Sandy's Special Chocolate Chip Cookies just because she only makes them once a year. And you don't have to buy 20 boxes of chocolate covered cherries to put in the freezer just because the drug store has them on sale $1 a box! You will spend months trying to remove those things from your hips!
When you get overwhelmed, stop, take a deep breath, open that bottle of wine and know that it will be over soon!
Some things are unavoidable, but try to remember that you, the rock of the family, must take care of yourself. Find it within you to say NO! Do not volunteer for everything that comes your way. And just because it is the holiday season, does not mean that you have to eat Aunt Sandy's Special Chocolate Chip Cookies just because she only makes them once a year. And you don't have to buy 20 boxes of chocolate covered cherries to put in the freezer just because the drug store has them on sale $1 a box! You will spend months trying to remove those things from your hips!
When you get overwhelmed, stop, take a deep breath, open that bottle of wine and know that it will be over soon!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Liquid Ginger!
As promised I am including a picture of my liquid Ginger!
Ginger is an herb used for many remedies. Ginger is native to southeastern Asia, India and China, where it has been a very liberal part of their diet. It has been valued for it's aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties.
Ginger has a long tradition of being very effective for alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. It reduces intestinal gas and intestinal spasmolytic. Ginger prevents the symptoms of motion sickness, especially sea sickness. Ginger has been used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Don't we wish we had known this bit of information twenty something years ago?
Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds that seems to have a profound effect on people who suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming ginger on a regular basis will improve mobility and pain levels. Anyone undergoing chemo should have ginger tea regularly. Ginger is great if you feel a cold coming on too.
I use ginger in my smoothies, recipes and I make tea with lemon and stevia or agava. Liquid ginger is very strong and it does not take much per cup of tea. Make sure your ginger root is fresh. Put slices in a mason jar, add boiling water and seal. Let it cool for 24 hours and then refrigerate! Walla! You have liquid ginger. Enjoy!
Ginger is an herb used for many remedies. Ginger is native to southeastern Asia, India and China, where it has been a very liberal part of their diet. It has been valued for it's aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties.
Ginger has a long tradition of being very effective for alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. It reduces intestinal gas and intestinal spasmolytic. Ginger prevents the symptoms of motion sickness, especially sea sickness. Ginger has been used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Don't we wish we had known this bit of information twenty something years ago?
Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds that seems to have a profound effect on people who suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming ginger on a regular basis will improve mobility and pain levels. Anyone undergoing chemo should have ginger tea regularly. Ginger is great if you feel a cold coming on too.
I use ginger in my smoothies, recipes and I make tea with lemon and stevia or agava. Liquid ginger is very strong and it does not take much per cup of tea. Make sure your ginger root is fresh. Put slices in a mason jar, add boiling water and seal. Let it cool for 24 hours and then refrigerate! Walla! You have liquid ginger. Enjoy!
Healthy Low Inflammation Dinner!
Thought I would share my dinner tonight!
Baked Salmon
Olive Oil
Salmon
Basil
Oregano
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Steamed String Beans with Sea Salt
Brown Rice with olive oil, purple onion, shallotts and garlic
YUMMY!
Baked Salmon
Olive Oil
Salmon
Basil
Oregano
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Steamed String Beans with Sea Salt
Brown Rice with olive oil, purple onion, shallotts and garlic
YUMMY!
Eat Right With Color!
Different foods supply different nutrients; therefore, to maximize the nutritional value of your meal, include a variety of colors and healthful choices. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) offers ways to brighten up your plate in every season with this quick color guide.
- Green fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapes, asparagus, and broccoli contain antioxidants which may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.
- Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe and carrots contain antioxidants and nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.
- Purple and blue fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, plums, and eggplant may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.
- Red fruits and vegetables like cherries, watermelon, beets, and tomatoes contain lycopene which may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.
- White, tan, brown fruits and vegetables such as bananas, cauliflower, garlic, and onions foods contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.
Make sure you have a rainbow of color on your plate this Fall to help ward off the bad guys!
I Have Clarity!
Just returned from 3 fun filled intense days in Philly! I attended a Holistic MBA Conference and boy was I blown away! I connected with some of the most vivasious and loving woman in the world! My head was almost hurting by day 3 with all the information I received.
The one thing of many that I took away from this was the clarity in the direction that my business is headed. It became very clear to me that I cannot save the world, nor am I expected to. I am refocusing my energy and my resources to a new level. My target market will be working with women and men who have the overwhelming responsiblity of wearing the "caregiver" hat and those who suffer from weight issues! These are two things that I know a little something about. Actually I know a whole hell about both of these.
Funny story.....I came home from Philly and sat down with my grandmother to share my new found focus. I told her that since moving in with her, I had gained weight, lost sleep, had no social life, etc. She looked at me very seriously and said, "well I haven't changed, don't know why you got so fat". I wanted to choke her! Old age and Dementia, got to love it!
Anyway, stay tuned. More to come on a few programs I will be putting out there.
The one thing of many that I took away from this was the clarity in the direction that my business is headed. It became very clear to me that I cannot save the world, nor am I expected to. I am refocusing my energy and my resources to a new level. My target market will be working with women and men who have the overwhelming responsiblity of wearing the "caregiver" hat and those who suffer from weight issues! These are two things that I know a little something about. Actually I know a whole hell about both of these.
Funny story.....I came home from Philly and sat down with my grandmother to share my new found focus. I told her that since moving in with her, I had gained weight, lost sleep, had no social life, etc. She looked at me very seriously and said, "well I haven't changed, don't know why you got so fat". I wanted to choke her! Old age and Dementia, got to love it!
Anyway, stay tuned. More to come on a few programs I will be putting out there.
Friday, October 28, 2011
What? Cardiovascular Inflammation
Ok, so I'm a Health and Wellness Coach and I've been diagnosed with Cardiovascular Inflammation. That is not supposed to happen to me. But it did, so it's another experience I can chalk up to life lessons, right?
What exactly is CI? CRP (C-reactive protein) is a protein that builds up in your body only when there is inflammation somewhere. Some of the conditions of CRP:
Made a batch of ginger water. Yes, ginger is a great anti-inflammatory! Made a hot tea with it this morning adding some agave and cinnamon. I will add pictures and a recipe for the ginger water this evening!
Until then, I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Friday!
What exactly is CI? CRP (C-reactive protein) is a protein that builds up in your body only when there is inflammation somewhere. Some of the conditions of CRP:
- Heart Attack
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (that doesn't even sound good)
- Arthritis
- Lupus
- Obesity (well hello belly fat)
- Alzheimer's (I think I have this)
- Cancer (No thanks, I've seen how this bad boy works)
- Aging (And I thought is was b/c I'm going to be 49 next month!)
- Blood Sugar disorders
- Strokes
Made a batch of ginger water. Yes, ginger is a great anti-inflammatory! Made a hot tea with it this morning adding some agave and cinnamon. I will add pictures and a recipe for the ginger water this evening!
Until then, I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Friday!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Welcome to Blooming Nutritions Debut Blog!
I have jumped into the world of blogging with both feet. Bloggers for Dummies is a great resource. Oh, I'm no big dummy, I'm just one of those that wants it to work and I want it to work yesterday. Not really sure where this is going, but I'd like to share my experiences with this whole new world of Health and Wellness Coaching and hopefully make a difference in the life of someone out there.
I love to cook, so you will be seeing a lot of that on here. My daughter has Celiac, so my kitchen has been an experimental test lab over the last few weeks. Some good, some not so good! I'll share those too!
I will share nutritional information, recipes, cooking blunders and updates on things happening in the news that have an impact on our lives regarding nutrition.
I welcome the comments and feedback!
I love to cook, so you will be seeing a lot of that on here. My daughter has Celiac, so my kitchen has been an experimental test lab over the last few weeks. Some good, some not so good! I'll share those too!
I will share nutritional information, recipes, cooking blunders and updates on things happening in the news that have an impact on our lives regarding nutrition.
I welcome the comments and feedback!
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