Today is about fun outside again. A wonderful past time for young and old is to go tobogganing or in more recent years tubing.
So what are the benefits of this winter activity?
Developing friendships
Family bonding
Cardiovascular workout (climbing those hills)
Learning simple navigation (try to avoid the trees and cars at the end of the hill)
Laughter
Stress reliever
Coordination
Balance
Tobogganing has developed and changed over the years to Olympic sports such as bobsledding, luge, and skeleton racing. Think of all the fun you had as a kid or with your kids, who knows they could take a fun past time and turn it into an Olympic dream.
References
http://blog.participaction.com/en/taking-a-stand-on-tobogganing/
http://www.fitness-facts.com/cardio/56/?sport=Sledding,+Tobogganing
Monday, 30 November 2015
Thursday, 26 November 2015
Thursday Pampered Treats
Pampered treats that anyone could love......
Chocolate Fondue (serves 4)
8oz milk (1% or skim)
1-2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology (try one scoop first - can be rich with 2 scoops)
2 low fat chocolate pudding cups
3/4tsp orange extract or mint extract
Heat milk in a saucepan. Do not boil. Whisk in Shakeology. Stir in chocolate pudding and extract. Serve in fondue pot over a very low flame with fresh fruit.
Because Christmas is coming I thought I would start giving you some healthy Christmas treats....
Paleo White Christmas
2 cups shredded coconut
Flesh of young Coconut (or 1/4 cup coconut cream)
½ cup Pistachios
½ cup Macadamias
½ cup dried Cranberries
½ cup dried Goji berries (you will find these at a health food store or natural food store)
2 tsp Vanilla extract
2 tbsp. Coconut sugar <-- (Optional if you want 'sugar-free' but I love the extra bit of sweetness as I remember White Christmas FOR its sweetness)
- Take the coconut flesh and the shredded coconut and mix in a food processor until a buttery consistency. This may take a few minutes.
- Remove and place aside.
- Now, take the pistachios and macadamias and lightly crush or pulse in the food processor.
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
- Smooth the mixture into a tray so you can later cut into squares or in cupcake liners. I’ve use a silicon star mold in the photos.
- Refrigerate for an hour or until they have hardened.
Serve and enjoy!
Store in the fridge as they will melt a bit if left out for too long.
References
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Wednesday Encouragement
Each day you try is day you succeed. Each time you reach a goal is a day to celebrate. You can get there it just takes time.
Free Beach Body sign up link.
https://teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=784724
Beach Body shopping link.
http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping?referringRepId=784724
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Tuesday Recipes
Tuesday Recipes
Morning Chocolate Mint Shake
8oz Almond Milk
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology or Protein Powder of Choice
2-4 drops of organic Peppermint extract.
blend well and enjoy....Love this one tastes like After eight chocolates.
Crab Pasta Salad (Serves 4)
2oz fat free plain yogurt
4tbsp fat free mayonnaise
1tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp dill
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups cooked medium sized pasta shells
16oz canned crab meat
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 cup diced celery
Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dry mustard, dill and black pepper in a small bowl.
Place pasta shells in a large bowl. Add crab eat, peppers, green onion, and celery. Stir in dressing. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Sweet Potato Onion Soup (serves 4)
2 onions, chopped;
4 garlic cloves, peeled and halved;
4 cups chicken stock
½ tsp. ground cinnamon;
8 slices pancetta, cooked until crispy; (optional)
¼ cup pecans, roasted and coarsely chopped; (optional)
Fresh parsley;
2 tbsp. coconut oil;
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper;
Add onion and garlic and cook until soft.
Add the sweet potatoes and cook for about 4 minutes.
Pour in the broth. Bring to a boil; then lower heat, simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
In a blender or using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth.
Sprinkle the soup with cinnamon, and season to taste.
Serve immediately in bowls topped with pancetta, roasted pecans, and fresh parsley.
On a quick note
As you know I make all my shakes with Shakeology, I use it because it is extremely healthy and the best tasting shake out there. Believe me I've tried tones of them. Shakeology is from Beach Body. The best way to know which flavor you like is to try the six pack of flavors. If you would like a free membership here is the link. Also Beach Body has there Christmas Sale going on right now and they have some great deals on a lot of there products. Check it out, you might find something you like.
https://teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=784724
References
Herbal Magic
http://paleoleap.com/sweet-potato-onion-soup/
Monday, 23 November 2015
Monday Workout
Skiing.... Winter fun for everyone.
A great Canadian and American past time for the whole family is getting together and going skiing, whether it's cross country, alpine, or down hill. Each form of skiing is great exercise and it gets you outside to enjoy the winter wonderland that is just beyond your door.
Some benefits you can get from skiing are: flexibility, muscular fitness, cardiovascular fitness, tones your stomach muscles, improves balance and coordination. It also helps with confidence, concentration and stamina.
Get out there this winter and enjoy the snow. Just have fun and laugh with family and friends.
Resources
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/sports-training/the-health-benefits-of-downhill-skiing.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-152897/Why-skiing-good-you.html
A great Canadian and American past time for the whole family is getting together and going skiing, whether it's cross country, alpine, or down hill. Each form of skiing is great exercise and it gets you outside to enjoy the winter wonderland that is just beyond your door.
Some benefits you can get from skiing are: flexibility, muscular fitness, cardiovascular fitness, tones your stomach muscles, improves balance and coordination. It also helps with confidence, concentration and stamina.
Resources
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/sports-training/the-health-benefits-of-downhill-skiing.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-152897/Why-skiing-good-you.html
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Thursday Pampered Treats
Your Pampered treat for the day
Apple Crisp (serves 4)
4 small apples, peeled and cubed
12 slices Melba toast crushed
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 pkgs sugar substitute
24 oz yogurt (fat free, plain, or stirred)
Combine apples and crushed Melba toast in a bowl. Toss with sugar substitute and cinnamon. Serve with plain yogurt.
I like to microwave mixture for 2 -3 min to soften apples and eat warm.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Wednesday Encouragement
Each day is a struggle, each day you get stronger, each day you choose what you will become. What will you choose to do? Only you can answer that!
You are stronger than you were yesterday and tomorrow you will be stronger than today. Keep working towards your goal. You can achieve it. Listen with your heart, not the nagging negative voice at the back of your head. Think positive and you will achieve that goal.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Tuesday Recipes
Hello everyone.... As promised a Paleo day
Breakfast
Coconut Paleo Pancakes (makes 8 pancakes)
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/8 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1/3 - 1/4 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp. organic, cold pressed coconut oil
3 eggs
1-2tbsp honey
1/2tsp vanilla extract
Maple syrup to taste
Grass-fed butter for cooking
- thoroughly mix the eggs, coconut oil and honey together
-add coconut milk and vanilla extract
-throw in the coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix, but remember, not too much
-Melt a da of butter in your skillet and then using a measuring cup add a little batter to the pan. (use a 1/4 cup)
- remember that you aren't likely to see many bubbles forming on the top, so carefully check the underside of your pancake before flipping.
- for best results, serve pancakes right away
- serve with maple syrup
Lunch
Acorn Squash and Apple Soup (serves 6)
2 medium acorn squashes, peeled and cut into cubes
2 cups apple, diced
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup carrot, diced
3 cups homemade chicken stock
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
curry powder to taste
2 tbsp. cooking fat
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350F
- place the squash cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes or until they easily break apart with a fork
-place the cooked squash in a big bowl and mash them, set aside.
- in a large saucepan, melt the cooking fat over a medium heat. Add the apple, onion, celery, and carrot, and cook until tender ( bout 6-8 minutes)
- add the chicken stock. Cover and let simmer for another 6-8 minutes
- add the mashed squash, coconut milk, and curry powder, and season to taste.
- with a blender or food processor, puree the soup. Be extra careful, hot liquid into a blender can create pressure. Hold the lid tight onto the blender with the help of a towel
-Place the soup back in the sauce pan and on the heat until its warm again, and serve hot.
Dinner
Paleo Chili (serves 6-8)
1½ pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil
1½ cups onion, diced, about 1 large onion
½ cup chopped celery, about 1 stalk
1½ cups carrots, peeled and diced, about 4 medium carrots
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups zucchinis, diced, about 2-3 medium zucchinis
1 15-ounce can tomato puree or tomato sauce
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- In your seasoned skillet or 5-6 quart large cast iron pot, brown beef and garlic. Cook over medium heat until beef is thoroughly cooked and browned. Drain off excess fat, set aside.
- Add oil, onions, celery, carrots, and seasonings to the skillet and cook until translucent over medium high heat, about 5-7 minutes. Once onions are golden and veggies are midway cooked, add zucchini and cook for 2 minutes, making sure you stir everything well.
- Add cooked beef, tomato puree/sauce, and tomatoes into the pot and stir well. Bring everything to a boil, stirring frequently, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Check on the amazing mixture every so often and stir. Serve immediately.
This is a very thick chili recipe. Add up to 1 cup of additional liquid (tomato sauce or water) to thin out the sauce if you prefer.
Dessert
Paleo Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream
1 can coconut milk, full fat
2 eggs or 4 egg yolks (yolks alone will give even more richness)
seeds from 2 fresh vanilla beans or 4 tbsp. real vanilla extract
Possible flavoring options ( any combination)
1/2 cup berries
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1/4 cup finely chopped mint
1/4 cup chopped nuts
lemon, lime or orange zest
3 tbsp. raw honey
1/4 up dark chocolate chips or flakes
- Boil some water in a pot and reduce to a simmer
- Place a heat proof bowl over it to create a double boiler and pour the coconut milk in it. Put vanilla seeds or vanilla extract with the coconut milk and heat until hot, but make sure it doesn't come to a boil. If using flavorings such as mint or dark chocolate, you can add them now. You can also add chocolate at the end of the process to keep the pieces whole.
- whisk the eggs or yolks in a separate bowl. Temper the eggs by adding one ladleful of now hot coconut milk while whisking quite vigorously to slowly bring the temperature up without cooking the eggs. Add two or three more ladlefuls of the coconut milk mixture and incorporate them into the eggs while whisking continuously.
- pour the tempered eggs into the double boiler and continue whisking
- whisk for a couple of minutes non-stop to form a thick custard. Make sure it doesn't get too hot and the simmering water doesn't touch the mixture.
- once the custard is ready, remove from the heat source and let it cool on the counter or in the refrigerator.
- you can add any other flavouring you want to use once the custard is cold enough to comfortably put a finger in
- let it cool even more in the refrigerator before freezing it
- put in your ice cream maker and follow its instructions or put in a baking dish in the freezer and stir vigorously every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours until it's set
-take it out of the freezer for about 10 minutes before enjoying so it softens a bit. Serve with added coconut milk, berries, mint, coconut flakes or any other flavoring you might like.
References
http://www.laurafuentes.com/paleo-chili-recipe-all-meat-veggie/
http://paleoleap.com/acorn-squash-apple-soup/
http://blog.paleohacks.com/coconut-flour-pancakes/
Monday, 16 November 2015
Monday Workout
I've been talking about different sports over the past few weeks and I plan to continue with that next week. Today I wanted to talk about motivation. Working out is an important part of getting healthy just like eating properly is. But what motivates you to keep going. When you loose your motivation how do you get it back?
I know for myself that I've been in a rut since I knew that I would have to put down my dog Serenity down. I started emotional eating the week before I put her down in October and I haven't been able to stop. I'm slowly weaning myself off the junk food but I can say that I didn't totally stop exercising. I would at least go for 5km walks with my friend. I know it's the middle of November and it's time to get myself back together. I can't use a loss as a means of undoing everything that I have accomplished so far. I have put on weight and I am not happy about that. I need to find something to motivate myself.
I have decided to take my husband on a trip in March and go south to were its warm. This is my motivation to get going again. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin and I want my husband to be proud of the effort that I am putting in to be healthy. I find joy in my husband and our trips away together, as well as just curling up on the couch together. I want to get healthy for myself but I also want to be healthy for my family and loved ones. I want to be around when they need me. Being healthy may even motivate them to get healthy too.
Thursday, 12 November 2015
Thursday Pampered Treats
Pampered Treats day...
Today I'm going to give you a few Shakeology recipes and a cheese cake recipe.
Key Lime Shakeology Pie (serves 8)
1 1/2 cups reduced fat 2% plain thick greek yogurt
2 scoops Shakeology Greenberry
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1tsp raw honey
2 tbsp. finely chopped lime peel (lime zest)
1 whole wheat graham pie crust
combine yogurt, Shakeology, almond milk, honey, and lime peel in a large bowl; mix well. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust; refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Cut into eight servings.
Chocolate Spice Shake
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 cup nonfat milk
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology (or protein powder of choice)
mix in blender and enjoy
No Bake Cheesecake (serves 4)
8 graham crackers
1pkg Jell-O Light (any flavor)
2 cups 1% cottage cheese
Crush graham crackers and layer in a casserole dish or square pan
Make Jell-O as per directions on package. Allow Jell-O to set. Blend Jell-O and cottage cheese and smooth over graham cracker. Chill
Today I'm going to give you a few Shakeology recipes and a cheese cake recipe.
Key Lime Shakeology Pie (serves 8)
1 1/2 cups reduced fat 2% plain thick greek yogurt
2 scoops Shakeology Greenberry
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1tsp raw honey
2 tbsp. finely chopped lime peel (lime zest)
1 whole wheat graham pie crust
combine yogurt, Shakeology, almond milk, honey, and lime peel in a large bowl; mix well. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust; refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Cut into eight servings.
Chocolate Spice Shake
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 cup nonfat milk
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology (or protein powder of choice)
mix in blender and enjoy
No Bake Cheesecake (serves 4)
8 graham crackers
1pkg Jell-O Light (any flavor)
2 cups 1% cottage cheese
Crush graham crackers and layer in a casserole dish or square pan
Make Jell-O as per directions on package. Allow Jell-O to set. Blend Jell-O and cottage cheese and smooth over graham cracker. Chill
Wednesday, 11 November 2015
Wednesday Encouragement
Encouragement........
Today I thought I would address a common situation that many of us face. No space to workout. There are all kinds of ways to make space so that you have your own personal area to workout. Think about your home, is there an area in your home that you do not use regularly? Think about rearranging that space as your personal gym. Or perhaps an area down in the rec-room, family room, or basement. You don't need a large amount of space but you do need enough space in order to move.
If there is absolutely no place to workout at home, think about a gym membership. It's ok to go to a gym or build your own gym in your own home. The point is having a dedicated area so that you can workout a minimum of three times a week.
If you think about the layout of your home you will find a solution, perhaps you need to ask your partner or friend what they think a good space would be or if you should try a gym. Take time to think about what you want to do. It's your home, it's your body, it's your choice to workout.
I believe that you can do anything you choose to do.
Today I thought I would address a common situation that many of us face. No space to workout. There are all kinds of ways to make space so that you have your own personal area to workout. Think about your home, is there an area in your home that you do not use regularly? Think about rearranging that space as your personal gym. Or perhaps an area down in the rec-room, family room, or basement. You don't need a large amount of space but you do need enough space in order to move.
If there is absolutely no place to workout at home, think about a gym membership. It's ok to go to a gym or build your own gym in your own home. The point is having a dedicated area so that you can workout a minimum of three times a week.
I believe that you can do anything you choose to do.
Tuesday, 10 November 2015
Tuesday Recipes
Ok everyone.... Today I'm going to give you an entire one day menu. I love one week or one month menu's so I don't have to think to hard about what to eat. This is not a Paleo menu I will try to do one of those next week.
Breakfast
2 eggs
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup/4oz almond milk
(if you beat the eggs and slice the strawberries you can make a strawberry omelet)
Snack
1/2 cup carrots
Lunch
2 slices of bread (weight watchers)
3 slices of deli meat or chicken breast
1/2 oz firm cheese (low fat)
1 tsp mayonnaise (regular)
Snack
1cup grapes
Dinner
1/2 cup cooked pasta (whole wheat or organic)
1/2 cup presidents choice pasta sauce
2 1/2 oz ground turkey (cooked)
small salad
2 cups lettuce
1/2 tomato
1/2 cup cucumber
1tsp olive oil
vinegar and seasonings to taste
Snack
4oz wine or light beer
Monday, 9 November 2015
Monday Workout
Today I'd like to talk about another wonderful winter sport that is loved by most Canadians. Skating.
Skating can be fun for the whole family, from skating in the back yard on a home made rink to ponds, to indoor rinks and outdoor rinks. Skating is predominately a winter sport but you can skate year round. Some of the benefits of skating are:
balance
coordination
agility
strengthens stabilizing muscles in legs
cardiovascular exercise
dancing (yes dancing on skates)
burning calories
more alert and energetic
endurance
flexibility
challenges your mind to learn something new
self confidence
Types of Ice Skating
Ice hockey — this Canadian pass time, sees two teams battle it out to score the most goals. Featuring bladed sticks, a hockey puck and plenty of body padding, this contact sport is certainly not for those who don't like a ruff and tumble action. Hockey is known for it's fighting.
Figure skating — This graceful sport sees individual skaters — or groups — perform a series of dance routines in time with accompanying music. Incorporating spins, jumps and fast turns, figure skating certainly offers a more artistic form of ice skating. This sport can be done for fun or for competition.
Speed skating — This competitive individual sport sees participants race each other across a specified distance of ice. Speed skating competitions may take place over long distances, or can just be restricted to sprints.
So get out there this year and try skating. Get together with friends or family and make a day of it. Share a hot chocolate and enjoy an afternoon of fun.
Resources
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/fitness/the-fitness-benefits-of-ice-skating
http://www.healthline.com/health/its-never-too-late-learn-how-ice-skate#2
http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/ice-skating-for-beginners/
Friday, 6 November 2015
Friday Reflections
Reflections.......
Friends are so important in our life. There are many kinds of friends that will come and go throughout your life. I value each and every friend that I have had the privilege of knowing. Friends held guide us through our lives, they teach us new things about the environment around us, our jobs, even about ourselves. Each person who comes into our lives has a role to play. And each person we let into our lives gives us meaning, they show us that we are not alone in the world, that we are appreciated and cared for. The best part about being a friend is that we give back to them that which they have given to us.
The best friend The selfish friend
The confidant The understanding friend
The cool friend The trusted friend
The geek friend The friend of the heart
The platonic friend The lonely friend
The shy friend The genius friend
The adventurous friend The rude friend
The comedian friend The friend without a filter
The travel friend The loud friend
The work friend The quiet friend
The friend of convenience The judgemental friend
The mentor or guide The no it all friend
The party friend The friend that can't be alone
The dangerous friend The you aspire to be like
The unreliable friend The friend you can't do without
The joker friend The who doesn't know your other friends
The manipulative friend The friend who needs to be better than you
The friend who always lets you down The friend you have know longer than yourself
The list can go on and on. There are so many types of friends and people who come and go throughout your life. Each person you meet teaches you something. It could be anything. Try to learn something from each friend you have and in return hopefully you can teach them something too. We all need to learn and grow and our friends help us do that it so many ways. Reach out and be a friend to someone or call a friend you haven't seen in awhile. It's always nice to stay in touch with people we value as friends. Our friends know we are not perfect, that we are trying to do better, that we stumble and fall. Our friends are there to give us a hand, help us rise up and help us to do better.
Resources
http://waitbutwhy.com/2014/12/10-types-odd-friendships-youre-probably-part.html
http://blog.dansplan.com/friendship-a-term-representing-many-different-types-of-relationships/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17707/the-6-types-of-friends-you-need-and-the-3-you-can-do-without.html
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