Life with my husband is never boring....especially at meal time. We LOVE to eat!
Food is an important part of our routine and we can not live without it. However, meal time is not a time for lecturing, feelings of guilt or negative body image thoughts. Actually, there is never a time for those things in our household.
Karel is a very hard working individual, with a lot of drive, determination and discipline. With his European upbringing, Karel has taught me a lot about embracing challenging situations and never believing you will give up.
When it comes to food and exercise, Karel has played an integral role in my philosophy of creating a healthy balance in my lifestyle.
When it comes to creating new habits or improving current lifestyle practices, I firmly believe that you have to have teamwork. Every person, regardless of personal goals, needs someone to be your #1 cheerleader and supporter. We all need someone to believe in us, when we don't believe in our self. Most of all, we need someone to keep us going for as life changes, so do our beliefs, actions and habits in regards to food and nutrition
Karel is not only my best friend but my teammate in life. When I work with clients on nutrition or work with athletes for coaching, I always ask my clients "Do you have people in your life who support you?"
I find this to be an important part of your journey of life. For you never need to be or feel alone when you are trying to create healthful habits to make you a better YOU.
One of my favorite "team work" tips is to help others in your family when it comes to lunch and dinner. If you are the one who always prepares lunch, how about making doubles for others in your family. I find this much easier than always lecturing to others in your family about how important it is to bring a lunch to work/school.
When it comes to dinner, see if others in your family will shop ahead of time or cut up fresh produce. Better yet, by it pre-chopped and see if others will start the oven or start the prep work for a homemade meal.
If others in your family are not yet ready to "be like you", be accepting for we all have to start somewhere. By adding one new vegetable or one new heart-healthy option to a meal, a little bit can go a long way when it comes to appreciating new foods to improve overall health.
Always tired but know you need to exercise more often (or perhaps "train less"), how about involving the family for a walk or inviting friends for an "active" social date?
There are so many ways to involve others in your own journey, without making others feel as if they have change as well. It's important to note that being healthier is more than just eating more fruits and veggies. The best thing you can do for others is to help others when they ask for help but to leave your own personal biases to the side. I feel that the best way you can help others is by inspiring others by your actions. People have the knowledge to make better lifestyle practices, but often they need to see that it can be done. Remember, the best way you can inspire and motivate others is not making others be like you. Even if you ABSOLUTELY believe that what you are doing is the right way, everyone is different wih our own goals and ways of living the best possible life.
Last night, I had a few late afternoon clients at Spa Me. I left the office incredibly proud of my clients for achieving some fantastic changes in lifestyle practices. Of course, the weight loss and body composition changes are worth smiling over, but most importantly, all of my clients thus far are really enjoying practical lifestyle changes without having to stick to a meal plan or counting calories.
When I got home, Karel made the most delicious meal and I couldn't wait to dive right into it. I picked up brussels sprouts earlier that morning after swim practice. Not yet learning how to "appreciate them" in my diet, Karel made a fabulous meal that made me LOVE burssels sprouts!
Talk about team work!
Spicy Orzo and Brussels Sprouts
Orzo (1 serving per person)
Brussels sprouts
Onions
Garlic
Peas
Red peppers (roasted in glass jar)
Bell green peppers
Tofu
Mushrooms
Olive oil
Chili pepper
1. Cook orzo according to package.
2. In large pot, coat bottom of pan with olive oil and cook garlic and onions on medium heat until golden brown.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients (all ingredients chopped except brussels sprouts) and stir until well combined.
4. Turn down heat to low and cover. Sprinkle with chili powder and pinch of sea salt. Add a bit of water if veggies begin sticking to bottom.
5. When veggies are soft and cooked, turn off heat.
6. You may either add all of orzo to veggie mixture and mix well, or serve portion controlled orzo with large portion of veggie mixture in your bowl.
