It's All About Me...(Not Really)

Being fit isn't just about the physical, but rather it involves being healthy emotionally and mentally too. Now I am no doctor or therapist but I do know that when I am run down, unmotivated and mentally exhausted I am no good to anyone else. So as an average woman with no fancy education or medical/therapeutic insights how do I stay sane in an insane world?

Simple. I make time for me.

That's it. I know it's not a fit all answer to solve every problem. I realize life has it's ups and downs and there will be times we are exhausted and emotionally drained – but we can find joy in the simple things in the midst of our roller coaster lives. If we find ourselves in the midst of problems or situations that need expert advise then yes we take the opportunities before us. I am not advocating giving this up at all. I am simply saying that we need to make a little time for ourselves in our hectic schedules to enjoy life.

Finding ways to enjoy life can be as simple as finding a hobby, investing in our relationships, exercising, taking a vacation, learning something new or finding some quiet time.

I am no Martha Stewart, I am not crafty, artsy or athletic but I do find ways to take time to unwind, relax and enjoy the moments. Some of my favourite things include: reading, baking, exercising, going on hikes, watching a movie, taking a vacation and trying or learning new things. Of course I can't be doing all of these things at the same time, some of them are based on the season we are in. However some I take time to enjoy on a daily or weekly basis like reading, baking and exercising.

What do you do to remain sane? What are your hobbies? Do you enjoy taking the dog for a walk, going for a run, taking a long hot bubble bath?

Make the time for you. Make the time to find peace and relaxation. Make the time to unwind after a busy day or week - you need it. You can't be any good to anyone else around if you aren't taking care of yourself as well. Women in particular are very giving and nurturing in nature so we are always doing for others, wanting the best for them so let's not look at ourselves in any less of a way as we look at others and desire the best. Let's take that time for ourselves as well and take care of ourselves just as we take care of our children, our partners and loved ones, our homes and jobs.

We are worth it.

Sweets & Treats

It's no secret that I have a sweet tooth.  I LOVE almost everything that falls into the dessert category.  It's one of my hang ups that I have to watch myself for.  I have gotten a lot better over the last year and I avoid bringing that kind of stuff into my home but every now and again a girl's got to give herself a break.  I am very happy with the progress that I have made and I've even noticed that some of the treats I used to really enjoy I don't care for anymore.

So how does one meet a craving without blowing all the effort?  For me it's simple - I keep things in the home that meet the craving but also have nutritional value to them.  I try my best to eat lot's of fruit (and veggies).  Sometimes the natural sugar in fruit is all I need.

However in those weaker moments I like to have on hand some great snacks that taste great, meet the craving and actually have some health and nutritional value.  Now I did say some, I'm not perfect here and I'm not about to deprive myself and lose control down the road. Here are the items you will find in my pantry:

For my sweet tooth I like to have dark chocolate on hand.  I have read many articles on the benefits of having dark chocolate and it tastes great.  I also enjoy the GOGO Quinoa cookies from Costco.  These are yummy and actually contain some good for you nutrients.  Some other favourites  are the Pepperidge Farms Baked Sweet Crisps (which by the way you can get for $2 a bag when on sale) and Kashi granola bars that come in a variety of good for you flavours. You can eat 20 Pepperidge Farms crisps for only 90 calories, 3 grams of fat and 5 grams of sugar. And the good for you part is that they are made with a blend of whole grains.  Not too bad, but remember portion control is very important.  It's easy to get carried away and not pay attention but the key is to pay attention as I wrote about in my last post.

I also enjoy freezing grapes in the summer and making my own homemade ice cream with frozen bananas.  (Just freeze a sliced banana then toss in a blender with other fruit, peanut butter or a little chocolate).  I also enjoy doing my own baking so I know what is going into my goodies.  I use of coconut oil, coconut sugar, apple sauce, agave nectar and whole wheat flour in my baked goods and yes - the treats taste great!





For those of you who may crave salt over sugar, some of my favourites are the Pepperidge Farms Baked chips - these taste great with guacamole, Popchips (again you can get for $2 a bag on sale and come in a variety of flavours) and Wild Roots Wild Chips in the kale and chia flavour from Costco.  When craving a little crunch and salt these do the tick.  Again paying attention to the serving size is important.  Even when snacking on healthier alternatives going overboard will still add on the calories.

If you haven't already discovered some of these treats and goodies I hope you give them a try and let me know what you snack on to meet your sweet and salty cravings?  I would love to know!

Until then, stay fab!