I am healthy, vibrant and well

Brian and I went for a walk after dinner and this beautiful scene greeted me.  I had to run back in and get a photo!  So pretty!

I truly believe that what you think about most is what will happen in your life.  Do you think the same?  Our thoughts create our actions.  So, I try to be positive most of the time.  Negative thoughts are gone, positive thoughts are in!  I'm generally a very happy person, so this usually isn't a problem for me, but I have my moments of negative thinking just like everyone else.  It's not fun and it really brings me down quickly.  So, I have started repeating a mantra to myself several times throughout the day:  I am happy, healthy, healed, wealthy and organized.  Sometimes I change it up, but for the most part, I keep it the same.  It keeps me on track, knowing that I am staying positive and good things are abundant in my life!

A mantra is a sound, syllable, word or group of words that are considered capable of creating transformation.

Here are a few of my other favorites:

I am healthy, vibrant and well

I am happy, healthful and peaceful right here and right now

It is easy for me to lose weight

I approach life with strength and joy!

You get the idea I am sure.  Yoga Booty Ballet Guided Meditations is a great way to get these positive thoughts in our brains daily!

Yesterday's food choices:

Breakfast was the usual Shaekology - today mixed with vegan protein powder and almond milk.

Went to lunch with friends.  Had 1/2 of veggie sandwich and 1/2 of plain baked potato.  Put mustard on both.  Just can't get enough mustard these days!

My sweet Madelyn smiling at me in the car!

We played outside when we got home.  Madelyn didn't want to sit still for a photo at all!

Snack was whole wheat bread with almond butter and some coconut butter.  YUM.  Madelyn and I shared!

Dinner was a side salad with red onion, cucumber and Garlic Gold (review to next week!)

and a bowl of tomato soup sprinkled with nutritional yeast and a drizzle of sesame oil

Honeycrisp apples are in the house!  Yay!  I love these, found them at Sam's Club!

Discussion:  Do you have a mantra?  Do you think it is something you would do daily?

Talk to the hand!

I always seem to have the best titles for blog posts in my head at inopportune moments.  I think I'll just have to start writing them down.  I can be creative, it just isn't at the most convenient times.  I always tell people that I have CRS (Can't Remember Sh**).  If I don't write it down, I won't remember!

So, for now you will be stuck with boring blog post titles :)

My bum-bum is sufficiently worked out, I know that it will be sore later today.  It seems that soreness sets in about 24 hours later and usually lasts 2 days for me.  Do you have that same reaction?

Are you reading your nutrition labels?  This is such an important step in being healthy.  Food manufacturer's are sneaky.  You may think you have a single serving, check the label for the calorie content and not see that it is actually 2 servings.  Take that calorie content times 2, as well as the fat, sodium, and all other facts. 

Check out this webpage for a great article about understanding and reading food labels.


Here's my food from yesterday:

Shakeology - Choco-Cherry-Licious - YUMMINESS!!!

Lunch was salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's.  Love their salad bar, so fresh and yummy!

Dinner was a chili burrito.  whole wheat tortilla filled with homemade refried beans, brown rice and soyrizo with a little sprinkle of Daiya cheddar.  Topped with a scoop of veggie chili and vegannaise.  I really wanted a side salad with it, but am completely out of all types of lettuce.  Guess I'll have to fit a trip to the grocery store in today! Oh yeah, some blue corn tortilla chips and I threw on some salsa after the photo!

I needed some fruit in there today, but it didn't happen.  I really want some honeycrisp apples.  I'll be looking for those today too!  They are my favorite!!

Brian gets so tired of me taking photos of my food.  He really doesn't care, but gives me grief about it.  So, I snapped his photo at Ruby's.  This is what I got!

Discussion:  Do you read food labels?

Fit Club Tuesday- Bum Bum!!

Yay!!  It's Fit Club Day! 

Tonight's workout is Brazil Butt Lift - Bum Bum.  This is one of my favorites and targets one of my trouble areas - the booty!  Every one wants a nice toned bum bum, so let's get started on it!

For those of you locally - Fit club is at CJ Community Center - 303 N. Main in Carl Junction MO.   Hope you can make it!  We'll be working out and tasting Shakeology!  I'm thinking Snickers Shakeology for tonight!  YUM!

FIT CLUB WORKOUT:

Brazil Butt Lift®
Trainer to world-famous supermodels, Leandro Carvalho combines Brazilian dance, cardio, and his own signature lower-body sculpting moves to lift, firm, and shape your behind for a rear view you've only dreamed about.

Reduce, lift, and shape your booty


Leandro's proven TriAngle Training method works all three major muscles of the buttocks from multiple angles to reduce your hips and saddlebag area, slim your thighs, and lift your butt without bulking up your thighs. You can even customize the workout plan to turn your current shape into the one you've always wanted.

Enjoy all this . . .

5 Booty-blasting workouts
BUM BUM: Leandro's signature workout (named after the Brazilian slang for "butt" and pronounced "boom-boom") combines fat-blasting cardio with the best lower-body sculpting moves you've ever tried. (35 min.)

HIGH & TIGHT: Focus on all those stubborn trouble zones: the hips, glutes, and saddlebags. Leandro uses his secret weapons—the Booty Resistance Band and ankle weights—to lift your butt to new heights. (35 min.)

SCULPT: In this video, Leandro takes you through a total-body workout with a sexy Brazilian twist, to sculpt your entire body while focusing on your glutes. Look like a sexy supermodel—lean and toned, without the bulk. (50 min.)

CARDIO AXE: Feel like you're dancing in the streets of Brazil with Leandro's signature axe (pronounced "ah-shay"), a fat-burning, cardio-blasting, dance-based workout that delivers all-over slimming results fast. (30 min.)

TUMMY TUCK: Leandro's surefire way to get flat, sexy abs in just 15 minutes. (15 min.)

Tools to help you shape your booty

BOOTY MAKEOVER GUIDE
This booklet includes the Booty Blueprint to help you determine your current shape and the Booty Makeover Calendars customized to your particular shape so you know which workout program to follow to achieve your desired shape.

FAT-BURNING FOOD GUIDE
This easy-to-follow meal plan was created by a nutritionist and is filled with mouth-watering, Brazilian-inspired recipes that will help you slim down without sacrificing flavor.

BOOTY BASICS
In this introductory video, Leandro shares his TriAngle Training secret, signature moves, and tips on proper form to help you get the most out of the program.

TRIANGLE TRAINING WORKOUT CARDS
These cards contain step-by-step instructions on Leandro's signature moves. Take them with you to create your own workout-on-the-go.

MEASUREMENT TRACKER CARD AND TAPE MEASURE
Watch the inches melt away as your entire body transforms.

PENCIL
See if you pass the pencil test before you start the program. Test again every 30 days, and watch your butt lift.

Plus, added bonuses

6-DAY SUPERMODEL SLIMDOWN
Jumpstart your booty transformation with the same 6-day SlimDown plan used by Leandro's supermodel clients before a photo shoot.

BOOTY RESISTANCE BAND
This latex band, Leandro's secret weapon, gives an extra boost of lower-body resistance to sculpt those hard-to-reach areas. It will bring you even faster results.

BUM BUM RAPIDO
This extra bonus workout is the express version of Leandro's signature workout, "Bum Bum," for when you're short on time.

FREE ONLINE SUPPORT

Get free 24-hour access to the Team Beachbody® online community. Chat with fitness experts, access the Message Boards, and meet other Brazil Butt Lift workout buddies. You can even schedule your workouts in advance, and track your progress in the WOWY SuperGym®.

Leandro is so sure you'll love Brazil Butt Lift and your new and improved behind that he's giving you his 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not 100% satisfied for any reason, just return it within 30 days for a FULL refund of the purchase price, less shipping and handling.

Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.


Sculpting Bands contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions.

Fit Club Recipe:

Tomato Soup

I know that everyone knows HOW to make tomato soup, but this one is my version and it is really tasty and very healthy!

I take my tomatoes (fresh from the garden for the best flavor)  You can use several different varieties if you like

Put them in a pan and almost cover with water to cook tomatoes.

Then after the tomatoes are cooked, put in blender - yes, I use the whole tomato.  I have a vita-mix and it does the job!  You may want to cut the stem off.

Blend until VERY smooth.

Put back in pan and it should look something like this:

Add in your milk ( I use cashew milk and mimic cream)  I forgot to take photos of making the cashew milk.  I'll have it next week for you!

Add in fresh basil and nutritional yeast and salt to taste

Cook until it just starts to boil.

Ready to eat!  I like to sprinkle with a little more nutritional yeast and chili powder.  Serve with french bread or grilled "cheese"YUM!

Here are my food choices for yesterday.  I probably didn't have enough calories, but I was so busy and didn't get any snacks in.

Breakfast was Shakeology (big surprise there :) )

Lunch was the tomato soup with a grilled hummus and cheese sandwich

Dinner was roasted veggies and brown rice with a drizzle of mustard and soy sauce

Just some fun:  My mom called yesterday evening to ask if I liked my package.  I had no idea what she was talking about, told me that a package had been delivered to check the front porch.  I went running to the door, I LOVE packages!!!  She and my dad sent me a KINDLE for my birthday.  They have been backordered forever and it took this long to get it!  I was so excited!!!

I immediately started playing with it and I am going to LOVE this!  Brian thought it was funny that I was hula-hooping and reading at the same time, so he took a photo!!

Discussion:  Any cool gadgets that you are loving these days? 

Monday, Monday!

Good Monday Morning!!!  It's a new start to a fresh week!  Is there something that you need to work on this week that you weren't happy with last week?

I am focusing on my workouts, my clean eating and WATER!  I need more water!!!

Workout is done for today!  I've had my shakeology and 10 oz of water already!

Getting ready to read my 10 pages of personal development and I plan to listen to my audio this afternoon.  I'm also planning on a little dance party this afternoon too!

Last night I was a little bored with Brian's choice of TV programming, so I got up and got out my old friend, the hula hoop.  I hooped for 19 mins.  I stopped because I just knew that I would be feeling it this morning. So far, I'm good.  So, I think a hooping is in order today as well and thinking a walk this afternoon might be a good idea. The weather is cool and it is sunny out. I  was to get that sunshine and vitamin D in today!

I am going to challenge you today to get out of your comfort zone and do something you don't usually do!  Hula hoop, dance around the house.  Something that makes you move and feel good!

Food for yesterday:

Breakfast:  Shakeology made with unsweetened almond milk and added protein powder (Sun Warrior)

Lunch was at Chatter's to watch the CHIEFS!  side salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and spicy black bean burger!  Ate 1/2 of the burger and all of the salad!

Afternoon snack was pumpkin chai latte and 1/2 an apple

Dinner:  side salad with veggies and hummus dressing and veggie pizza (topped with red onion, mushrooms and black olives and fresh basil out of the garden.  Topped with daiya cheese and parma! YUM!

Workout - walked 1 mile and hula hooped for 19 mins.  So glad that I am finally feeling better and mostly back to my regular workout routine.

Water - not enough - probably 50 oz???? 

Reader question:  I get the Diaya cheese at Whole Foods in Tulsa.  I am working on getting it available locally for us.  However, so far no luck.  You can google it and see if your local health food store has it.  Most Whole Foods stores carry it.  It is with the regular cheese.  Let me know if you try it.  I really like it!  It comes in mozzarella and cheddar flavors.

Discussion:  Do you treat Monday's differently than other days of the week?  Is it a fresh start for you or do you keep to the status quo?

If you have something to ask me, please do so.  I LOVE reader requests and questions!!!


One last thing:  How about them Chiefs!!!!  whoo-hoo!!!!!  3-0!

Spirit Sunday!

Source

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
 I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
 I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
 I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
 I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."


— Maya Angelou
 
Enjoy your day!
 
My food from yesterday:
 
I think when I don't feel good I must want to eat carbs - a lot of them!
 

Breakfast was the usual - Shakeology, made with unsweetened almond milk, hemp protein, and shakeology fiber

Lunch was Chili Plus - handful of fritos on bottom, brown rice, spinach leaves, veggie chili and Daiya cheddar on top
 

I also had about 4 glasses of limeade!  Recipe below!

Afternoon snack - Soy Dream ice cream, with Ahlaska chocolate sauce and 1/3 of pecan pie Larabar

Dinner was 2 eggs over medium and 1 pc of french toast with a drizzle of maple syrup  I was really craving pancakes or french toast, I had planned on making them and was just too tired to cook.  So, Brian suggested breakfast for dinner - OUT!

We watched Couples Retreat and had some popcorn sprinkled with Parma!  (love that stuff on everything!!)  
 
Workout - 1 mile walk.  I have this cool app on my phone that tracks how far I walk, what speed I go and calories burned. Pretty fun to play with!  I didn't blaze a trail, but I did go out and walk!
 
 

photo is blurry, but you get the idea!!

 
Limeade Recipe:
 
juice of 2 limes
32 oz water
vanilla stevia to taste ( I used 2 droppers)
stir and enjoy!
 
Discussion:  do you have favorite foods that you eat when you are feeling under the weather, or are you like me and just wing it? 

sick? What?

Ok, I told myself a thousand times yesterday that I was NOT getting sick.  I think I have to just give up that battle.  I lost.

This was my office yesterday

The bear blanket makes a person feel better ;)

My three best friends

A little "reading" material

Watched a movie,  it was okay, not the greatest movie I've seen!

and slept!  I'm thankful that no one took a photo of me sleeping!!!
I feel a little better this morning, I think I needed the rest.

Yesterday eats:

Breakfast was shakeology (might maple again!)

Lunch was a cup of miso broth

the rest of the chili stuffed potato from last night

dinner was left-over stir fry with cheezy sauce ( prob ate about 1/2)

Nothing tasted right. I drank about 90 oz of water

Workout- none

Since I am feeling better this morning, I think I'll work on the house a little, maybe some laundry and then hopefully get in the office for a while.  That is the plan, but if I start to feel icky again, I'll just take a nap!

Friday Challenge - something old, something new

I have been so tired lately and now I know why.  I'm coming down with a cold or it could be allergies.  I think I've just been fighting it off and now it is here.  Too bad!  We were going to go out of town this weekend, but Brian is getting a sore throat too, so we decided to just hang around the house. 

I like to play it by ear when I am not feeling 100%.  I will usually do some yoga or stretching, but try not to push it, especially if it is respiratory.  If it is something else, some light cardio is usually the best thing for me. 

FRIDAY CHALLENGE!!

Today's challenge is a little different from in the past, but not much, don't worry!!  I am going to challenge you to do a workout you haven't tried before.  Yoga, kickboxing, swimming, use a new machine at the gym.  Whatever you have been wanting to try.  If you do yoga, but haven't done Bikram (hot yoga) then try it!  Change things up.  Our bodies get used to doing the same thing.  If you don't workout, then do one today.  If you only walk, kick it up a notch and try alternating walking and jogging.  You will use your muscles differently and you will be glad you did.  Please leave me a comment on what you do, I love to see what you are doing!

Yesterday's food:

If you see something that I am posting and would like the recipe, please let me know.  I'm happy to share!!

We all get stuck in a food rut occasionally and I love to try new things too!  Let me know and I'll get it posted!

Breakfast was my usual- Shakeology - Mighty Maple - YUM!

lunch was at the japanese steakhouse.  salad and miso soup

edamame - shared!!

veggie and tuna roll

snack was banana with coconut milk yogurt and topped with some granola

dinner was salad with sesame oil and veggie chili stuffed potato with a dollop of vegannaise and sprinkld with daiya cheddar

wanted something sweet so I had a small bowl of Soy Dream with chocolate sauce and cinnamon

Water was all I had to drink - 64 oz.
Workout was nothing formal - danced and stretched.  Also cleaned like a mad woman at a rental house.  Had sweat dripping everywhere!!

The sweet little waitress at the japanese steakhouse was so funny.  She told me - you eat like a bird.  I thought I had a lot of food, didn't finish the salad - way too much dressing, so picked around at it and I left 2 pcs of the rolls.  It was pretty funny!

Discussion:  do you get stuck in a food and workout rut?  Do you workout when you aren't feeling your best?  Push through or take it easy?