How are you feeling?

Hopefully, you are getting a better night’s sleep, a rosy glow, and maybe a flatter stomach. Even if none of those things has happened yet, has your mood improved? Are you more optimistic and feeling in control?

It does take time to undo all of the things we’ve done to our bodies and minds over the years. But, every time you are faced with a choice and you chose health and happiness, you are a winner!

One of my favorite comments about getting active is from a marathon runner who started by getting herself to walk to her mailbox:

Who can argue with that logic?

Give yourself time and, please, give yourself a break! No one is even close to perfect.

What’s in Your Fridge?

There are things you can do to help yourself make better food choices:

• Get rid of sugary snacks and junk food, If you want something sweet, make it from scratch.
• Buy the best food that you can afford, and savor it when you eat it.
• Prepare for times when you get the munchies by having things like nut butters, multigrain rice crackers, fresh, dried, and frozen fruits, nuts and seeds, organic cereals, and homemade soups and salads on hand.

The most useful tip from above that I’ve found works for me, is having homemade soups and salads on hand. I made lentil soup last Sunday, and it’s gotten me through some of those afternoons when I felt like I was going to binge on junk because I was tired and hungry.  Corn chowder is another soup that I like, because a cupful is very filling.

Today, we finished up a simple pasta salad made with olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, fresh veggies, beans, and whole wheat pasta. We’ve been snacking on it this week, and it keeps really well, because the pasta continues to soak up the vinaigrette.  I think it tasted even better today than the day I made it!

Our market has what they call a “barley spinach superfood salad” that I tried ,and I love it. It’s a mix of barley, beans, corn, fresh veggies, nuts, and seeds in a tangy lime vinaigrette. I will work on a recipe for this. Stay posted!

When you choose a snack because you’re hungry, don’t worry about the calories, worry about the nutrition you are getting.  So often, I would pick a low-calorie snack only to find that I was hungry ten minutes later and back to looking for something to eat.

Remember, our 30 days is about health and contentment. Once you begin to feel healthy and happy, your other goals will become achievable and you’ll have the energy you need to pursue them.

Above all, take time for yourself today. Get in your exercise according to our plan. It gets easier and easier every time!

?

This post is not intended to offer medical advice. Check with your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise plan.

© 2018 auntjoannblog.com. All rights reserved. See Legalese tab for permissions.