Monthly Archives: February 2015

Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again?

February 18 in Health News by Mindful Wellness | Comments Off on Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again?

Do you ever find yourself doing the same thing over and over again, despite your many attempts to change?

I've been on a "cleaning out" kick...closets, cabinets, drawers, etc. I finally got to my kitchen cabinets and exchanged the cabinets that contained my teas with one that has all of my supplements and spices. I can't tell you how many times I've opened the now "tea" cabinet to grab the sea salt. Every time I do it I think...really...again? Now if I were actually paying attention when I went to grab the salt I would know where it was. But I'm often on autopilot and just go to the cabinet it used to be in out of habit.

You know, kind of like when you pop a cookie in your mouth mindlessly when you're trying to stop eating sweets. Have you ever caught yourself with the cookie in your mouth partially chewed up and actually spit it out when you realized what you were doing? C'mon now, fess up! 🙂  Or do you just quickly swallow it and because you screwed up anyway and have another?

Habits are hard to change--especially when you make a lot of changes at once. But it doesn't have to be so difficult. The last thing any of us need is to try to do too much at once so we end up feeling stressed and overwhelmed and ultimately just give up.

Doesn't it make more sense to make healthy changes slowly so you can get used to one or two changes that actually become new habits before trying to take on more? If you are gentle and kind with yourself rather than cracking the whip and trying to change everything at once you have a much better chance of reaching and maintaining your health and weight loss goals.

Remember...eating should be enjoyable! If you love eating something that you know is unhealthy for you--then it's important to find a new, healthier food that you can fall in love with so you don't feel deprived!

Want some help doing all of this?  It doesn't matter how many times you've tried and failed...this time can be different. Maybe you just need someone to walk beside you, encourage you, and keep you accountable. I would be honored to be that person.

 

It is time to be decadent!

February 15 in Health News by Mindful Wellness | Comments Off on It is time to be decadent!

When we think of loving we usually think of loving others. But we often forget about loving ourselves.   My invitation to you this Valentine's Day is to spend some time showering yourself with a little self-indulgence and love. I'm not talking about a trip to Nordstrom--although that could be fun too. I'm talking about taking some time to step back from the busyness of life, unwind, and nurture you.

I know what you're thinking...sounds great but I have little kids who need all of my attention, or I have a business to run. Yes, it's true, and if we wanted to knock out everything on our list of things to do we could stay busy all of our waking hours--and many of us do. Sometimes even that isn't enough time so we wake up in the middle of the night and worry about how we're going to get it all done.  It can feel overwhelming, can't it? And is that really the behavior we want to model for our kids?

I'm just asking you to think about unplugging and scheduling in some quiet time just for you--even if it's only an hour.

So if you had an hour and you couldn't use it on your phone, computer, in front of the television or doing any sort of work or cleaning what would you like to do?   Would it be getting a massage? Curling up and reading a good book, going for a solitary hike in nature? I'll tell you one of mine.

I absolutely love to be curled up in a warm bed when there's a thunder storm and the rain is loudly pelting the roof--the louder the better! We don't get many thunderstorms in Colorado but I've learned to improvise. I have a Thunderstorm CD that I often listen to while I'm curled up with a blanket in a cozy chair. I also love bubble baths with candles and essential oils.

So a couple of nights ago I decided to get crazy and do it all! I brought my CD player in the bathroom and relaxed in lavender infused, candlelit bubble bath complete with the sound of rain pouring down. It was awesome! Yeah, I had some work I could have been doing that I'll have to catch up on today but it was worth it.

On this Valentine's Day, this day of love, I invite you to think about what you could do for yourself that would make you feel nurtured and even a little bit decadent. The more you re-fuel and take care of yourself the more you'll have to give to your loved ones, your projects, your passions, and the world.

Sending love to you this Valentine's Day!

Do you like to eat cereal for breakfast but know it isn't good for you?

February 2 in Health News by Mindful Wellness | Comments Off on Do you like to eat cereal for breakfast but know it isn't good for you?

I grew up eating cereal! Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Grape-nuts, Cocoa Puffs, Sugar Smacks...the list goes on. Sometimes I'd even eat cereal for dinner.  All of those processed carbs that turn to sugar along with all of the added sugar ...trouble!

But it was kind of a ritual and it tasted so good! Well, one of my passions is to find healthy substitutes for all of those tempting (and not so healthy) foods I use to love. I haven't eaten cereal forever but recently came across this recipe for Cinnamon Toasted Coconut Cereal when I was looking for recipes for one of my clients.

I've already made it twice (okay three times if you count the time I used slivered almonds in place of some of the coconut). It's yummy as a snack by itself or in a bowl with unsweetened almond or coconut milk. It's just like the old days (almost)! The difference is that this crunchy, cinnamony, cereal is made with coconut so it's full of good fat and fiber and it has plenty of cinnamon that actually helps to lower blood sugar levels. It only has four ingredients and is simple and quick to make.  It's cereal that's actually good for you!

If you're ready to make lasting changes in how you look and feel but just aren't sure how to do it--or you feel like you basically know what to do but just can't seem to stick with it--I'd be honored to guide you in making changes that will restore your confidence as you make healthier choices and watch those pounds melt off!  Contact me if you'd like to schedule a  complimentary 30-minute wellness strategy session!