Motivational Monday

Today's Living Social special is half off of a pole dancing class at DivaFit. Ironically, that is where I had my bachelorette party, per request :) I highly recommend the group setting (especially when you know everyone in your little class) and high energy instructors who provided a routine and dance-like choreography with some quality jams in the background. They even had props for some of the songs. Anyone who knows me knows that it is a requirement to sweat before going out to dinner, so this was a perfect fit for this diva, haha.

New turkey burger recipe served with steamed green beans (and unpictured sweet potato with peanut butter, yum!):

This was super simple, as I used 1# 99% lean ground turkey breast and mixed in 1cup leftover sauteed veggies (zucchini, orange and yellow peppers), 2Tbsp mustard and 1Tbsp ketchup. That is it :)

I rewarded myself for getting all of my "chores" done with a new workout top:

I really like TJ Maxx and am able to "splurge" on quality brands without the crazy prices. The nice thing about these types of workout tanks, is that they are fabulous layering pieces in cold weather (which is coming even though it was 80 degrees today).

I am ALWAYS more motivated to eat healthy and workout when it is FUN! Use these tips-- the next time you have to plan a group activity (friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family alike), try to make it active and not just food-focused. Reward yourself with non-food incentives; they don't have to break the bank either-- paint your nails at home, take a bath (bonus: use bath salts to soothe sore muscles), or create a scrapbook or photo collage for your own use or as a gift.

Attitude of Gratitude

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”

Brian Tracy

For those of you who don't know, I LOVE quotes and am quite the collector. I find them inspiring and thought-provoking which is what I look for in many entertainment venues but am often let down (what, nothing is profound about The Jersey Shore or Keeping Up With Kardashians??). The statement above reflects a mantra that I whole-heartedly support. Every day I try to reflect on how lucky and truly blessed I am to have a fulfilling career, supportive family, and the opportunity to touch a diverse population in a unique way. I encourage everyone to keep this thought in the forefront of their minds on a daily basis and never stop learning, growing, and giving . . .

Whole Foods salad bar "lunch box:"

beet salad, artichokes, quinoa and cabbage slaw, couscous with sweet potato and cranberries (I must recreate this!), grilled chicken, and the best tuna salad atop spinach

The beauty of buying this box is that it serves as two meals that can be divvied-up and served with more veggies and a whole grain. I always tell clients that buffets do not need to be intimidating as long as you choose items that you truly want to use for your daily caloric budget. You can fill-in with other high-volume [fiber-rich] foods to make the most of this economical and fun way of eating! Try it.

Hiatus

I am back! The much-needed hiatus was a result of balance, or lack thereof, between working, playing, and everything in between. So what are some of the things that occurred during my "break?" I turned 30; ironically, on the same day that an East Coast earthquake decided to shake things up. I managed to miss its effects as Director Doc, who thoughtfully took of to celebrate with me, and I were hiking and did not feel any movement. Shortly after, Hurricane Irene decided to wash through the area leaving muddy trails and a lot of over-hyped chaos when shopping and trying to watch favorite tv shows ("we interrupt this program to bring you the latest developments on the Hurricane . . . blah blah blah). It seemed like just a few days later, more severe and relentless rains wreaked havoc on the area. Not as televised, but definitely news-worthy flooding (luckily we live on a giant hill and avoided the indoor pool project :) After all of the dark clouds, the silver lining came in the form of a much needed R&R vacay/working conference in Miami. Hooray for warm, sunny beaches and gorgeous pools! I hope to be back on my blogging bandwagon with more nutrition-related news, but for now, I will leave you with this quote:

"We owe much to the fruitful meditation of our sages, but a sane view of life is, after all, elaborated mainly in the kitchen."
-Joseph Conrad