Remembering What Is Important #fitfluential #sweatpink #yxe #saskatoon

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

~Thornton Wilder

 LOL! I picked the wrong mitts before setting off for my run.  I think my daughter would enjoy this!

This past Monday was one of those typical Manic Mondays!.  The regular morning chaos ensues when getting three kids out of bed, making breakfasts, packing lunches, drop-offs...there is barely any time to think!!  No matter how much I adore my family, there are times when I remember how simple life was before children.  Then, of course, I hear of the tragedy at the Boston Marathon and it brings back perspective and the things that you treasure the most.  Especially when the tragedy includes children, it makes me want to grab all of my little ones, hold them tight, and tell them several times how much I love them.
I know on this day, I found it so hard to get motivated to go out for a run.  In my city, the cold and snow is staying strong and it is hard to want to get my butt outside to exercise.  As I was slowly dragging my butt out the door from my office to head out for my workout, I noticed that I had accidentally grabbed my daughter's mitts.  I know how frustrated I get at times and wish life could slow just down.  These mittens brought a huge smile to my face and warmth in my heart.  When I am hanging on in my life by thread, I remember that I wouldn't have it any other way.  Even though time get tough, I know how lucky I am to have a great family!
Another lift to my spirits was making my favourite, super easy meal fave  - Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce.  If some of you are nervous about eating spaghetti squash - DON'T!  This is one of the healthiest meals you will ever eat and it is simple to make!



Ingredients:

• 1 Spaghetti Squash
• 1 lb. Organic Ground Beef
• 2 Jars of Organic Primavera Tomato Sauce (I bought one that has little sugar and sodium)

Directions:

1. Cook Spaghetti Squash at 400 degress for 1 hour.  Be sure to poke several times with a fork and move around half way through to cook evenly.
2. Brown ground beef. Add tomato sauce and cook on low heat until desired temperature.
3. When Spaghetti Squash is finished, let it cool for 10 minutes.
4. Cut off the top of the squash, then cut it half.  Scrape out the pulp and seeds in the middle.
5. With a fork, pick away at the strands and put into a pasta dish
6. Add meat sauce and enjoy!



GET READY TO SWEAT IN 17 DAYS!!

 

Empowering Moms Through Fitness! #saskatoon #yxe #sweatpink #fitfluential

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.  ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

It is April 13 and I am running in the snow!!

When I became a mother, I never realized it would affect my life in so many ways.  It redefined who I am and how I perceive life.  Before I only had to think of myself and husband.  Now with three children,, I can hardly find time to think or take care of myself.  Everyday is chaos and I find myself hanging on by a small thread.  

However, I realize now how important it is to take care of yourself in order to be an attentive and loving mother and wife.  Fitness, eating healthy, and good sleep, keeps me in a good mental state.  There are times when I can't always find this balance since every day can be unpredictable, and trying at times.  But when I am healthy I feel that I can handle all those challenges that come with motherhood.

 5K Training Team

 

That is why I am such a great supporter of the Moms In Motion philosophy.  The mission to help mothers take time for themselves through fitness.  As mothers, we need to share our joys and struggles of motherhood to realize that we are not alone in our thoughts and feelings.  And pursuing this while exercising makes a lot of sense.  There is nothing I miss more in off season then getting up early on Saturday morning and meeting my mom's group near a local coffee shop close to the river.  We walk/run, laugh, share, cry...you name it!  I feel fulfilled in helping provide this service for moms in my community.  It has helped me feel acceptable in the ways I mother my children and am a wife to my husband!

Paleo Meal Of The Day

Ingredients:

• 1 head of Cauliflower, chopped
• 1 Red Pepper, diced
• 1 Yellow Pepper, diced
• 1 Large Zuchinni, cut into quarters
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 Avocado, diced
• Juice of 1-2 Limes
• Minced Garlic, 2 cloves
• Mango Curry spice, 3 tsps.
• Bag of Shrimp, almost thawed

1. Steam cauliflower.  Once they are soft, mash.
2. Place all ingredients except for shrimp and avocado in a wok pan.  Bake until vegetables are almost tender - 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes.
4.  Place the shrimp stir-fry and avocado over the cauliflower. 
5. Enjoy!

Walk/Run Teams and Boot Camps Teams Starting In May

 

Finding Balance With A New Pace Of Life! #sweatpink #fitfluential #runchat

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.  ~Anatole France

With the change of a new job these past weeks, I have definitely felt a sense of redefining who I am.  After almost 7 years of defining myself as a stay-at-home, to now be a working mom, brings a whole new meaning to my life (I know it's cheesy, but it is true).  I feel like I have left a chapter of my life behind which as brought sense of loss. A new life of working full-time while finding balance with my family and taking care of myself has been very challenging.  There have been many moments of fears and doubts.  I know everything will take some time to figure out.  I guess I feel like I have to prove to everyone that I can indeed do it all.  But I am becoming aware that is impossible, no matter how hard I try to make it happen.

Relaxing with my chai latte in my favourite room.

Through all this busy transition, I realize how I have neglected myself emotionally and spiritually.  I used to take a lot of pride in myself for this, but have been very disconnected in mind and body.  Without knowing where to turn for help, I recently sought the assistance of a therapist from Sephira Healing.  She focuses on women's health through massage, lymphatic drainage and energy balancing.  She had provided a "breath of fresh air" into my life again!  My most recent appointment was very enlightening and inspiring.  She revealed to me that the reason I have felt so disconnected with my body is because I don't trust my body.  I absolutely agreed with her!  Since my health had become so poor 18 months ago, that I am so anxious about how I eat.  I never fully realized how traumatic the experience was for me and how I am dealing with it all.  I am so motivated again to start healing my spirit.

 Good Friday Morning Run

This new transition has also inspired me to get back to fitness!  I am so excited to start teaching fitness classes again, as well as enter a half-marathon coming up this spring.  This new journey has opened so many possibilities for me.  I want to strive to better myself as women, wife, and mother.  Nothing seems more empowering then doing all the things in your life that you were meant to do!

SASKATOON MOMS IN MOTION TRAINING TEAM

Walk/Run and Boot Camp Teams

The Work-Family-Training Balance Roller Coaster #sweatpink #girlgonesporty #momsrunning

I have fallen victim to the overwhelming busyness of life with family, work and training these past few weeks!!  It feels like you never stop moving in a world of utter chaos, not to mention clutter chaos (my house is an absolute mess)!!  I sometimes get wrapped up in the fact I am never, ever doing enough or giving enough time that all goes on in my life.  With three kids, I feel that I can never give them all the attention they deserve.  In regards to my fitness training, I always want to find more time and energy get to the gym more often but it never seems to be the reality.  My business has been getting increasingly busy which has been great, but I also can never finish what needs to be done in time (working from home with kids is not an easy take sometimes).
My solution this weekend was to just take a break from things.  On Saturday, I slept in then had a nice warm bath.  I then when to Starbucks and bought a Chai Latte, came back home to read a book.  And then, I went back to nap until supper.  Of course, I'll have to thank my husband for this for letting have some time for myself.  I also decided to take the weekend off of working out and as well as business. 
I never expected as a mother that finding time to take care of myself was so difficult.  And, it is not just having time to yourself, but having time for all responsibilities that comes with a family.  I think that has been the biggest challenge as a mother is to accept that this is the way my life is.  A life where I am struggling to find balance in all areas. 
Although, it has all taught me a very important lesson in becoming flexible and prioritize what things are important.  It also means setting out times during the day to give attention to everything.  Then what doesn't get done that day can get done tomorrow and making realistic goals.  Here are a few things I do to keep my life manageable:

1. Pre-plan my fitness routine for the week.
2. Meal plan every week (take into account busy evenings and prepare meals to freeze for the week).
3. Prioritize business to-do lists and tackle those that are the most important for the day.
4. Set aside time for family.  This includes turning off all electronics and cell phones.
5. Take time for me during the week.  As a mother, all I need is time during the day to have hot soak in the bath or reading my favourite book.  A chance for me to relax!

 There is no question that life will not slow down for a long time in our family!  I need to enjoy this time and not feel stressed that my week doesn't go ahead as planned.  I am doing the very best I can, but most importantly, striving to be the best person for my family!

Cheers to your week!

Eat Clean Giveaway - The Chicken Broth Difference! #sweatpink #fitfluential #fitfluential #epicure #paleo

 

Do you think all chicken broths, bouillon, stocks are created equal? Until I ordered my first Epicure Selections Chicken Bouillon, I thought there wouldn't be a significant difference in nutrient content or taste.  Until I compared it to the conventional broths at the grocery store, I was shocked at the difference in sodium content!!

Did you know that most broths from the carton at the grocery store has, on average, over 800mg of sodium per cup??  Epicure's Chicken Bouillon has only 100mg per cup!!  That is a huge difference!  All of Epicure's bouillons, including Beef and Vegetable, are wheat and gluten free.  This is great news for Celiacs!
A great health benefit of using Epicure products is that they are pure spice blends, no added MSGs, trans fat or preservatives.  In the Chicken Broth, there are 9 spices that will add a flavourful herbs to your soups, rice, etc.  It so much better than the brand above which contains other items such as canola oil and syrups that you may not necessarily want if you are eating a clean diet.

So have I convinced you to the make the switch?  Would you like to get Epicure's Chicken Bouillon for FREE?? Enter our giveaway below to enter our random draw!
Contest only available in Canada

1. Enter your email and state what is your favourite recipe that includes chicken broth.
2. Join my FACEBOOK page to complete your entry.
3. I will be choosing the winner tomorrow, Jan 9th via random.org in the the order that entries were received. 

Today's Eat Clean Tip: Get Healthy Carbs From Fruits and Veggies #sweatpink #girlgonesporty #mompowerteam

It seems that the' low-carb' or 'no-carb' diet trend is still on the rage!  It really frustrates me to hear these diet companies promote that carbohydrates are causing weight issues and health problems.  They claim that if you decrease or eliminate carbs all together, you will see positive results with weight loss.  The truth is that this is a bit misleading.
For instance, we all need carbohydrates to survive!  Carbohydrates are composed of glucose molecules which is needed for many of our bodily systems from the liver to the brain.  If we consume no carbohydrates our body, will probably not function probably and ill health will result.
In addition, people associate the word "carb" as mainly breads, cookies, pastas, etc.  Another point to remember is that fruits and vegetables are composed of carbohydrates as well.

• 1/2 cup Carrots - 7.3g carbs (5.7 cooked)
• Medium Onion - 11.6g carbs
• Baked Potatoe - 14.7g carbs
• Apple - 10.5g carbs
• Mango - 9.5g carbs
• Orange - 8.5g carbs

Reference For Carbohydrate Values:

• http://www.weightlossforall.com/carbohydrates-fruit.htm
• http://www.realfoodnutrients.com/Diabetes/Carbs/Vegetables.htm

So looking at these values, fruits and vegetables do have carbs as well.  However, they are relatively lower in the value compared to many grains, and they have a great deal more fibre.  Fibre is crucial when consuming sugars. It slows the digestion time and absorption and prevents quick spikes of glucose levels in the body.  Another benefit is that many fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as compared to grains.
So my point is that the you can go relatively low-carb with eating many fruits and vegetables, but these are also great choices in terms of their nutrient content and fibre.  It is vital to eat fruits as a whole along with the fibre as compared to having fruit juice which can have up to 30 g of sugar per cup (with no fibre).
Everything is good in moderation.  It is important to enxure that you are getting the right variety of food in your diet.  The one thing these 'low-carb' diets have going for them is that they promote eating a lot more fruits and vegetables and replacing a lot of our snack foods with these.  But you can't call it a 'no-carb' diet because there can be no such thing.  So go ahead and eat a carrot!
On the same note, today I decided to try a new protein bar recipe!  And, there are no grains!  It is called Almond Butter Pumpkin Brownies (doesn't that sound delectable).  I got the recipe from This Primal Life blog, and made a few of my own adjustments.  I added some walnuts and chocolate chips for a crunchier texture as well as Vega protein powder!  I also needed to add Epicure Selection's pumpkin spice to the mix!

Ingredients:
1 cup almond butter
¾ cup mashed pumpkin or other squash, canned or steamed
1 egg
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chocolate chips (vegan)
2 scoops Vega Natural Flavour protein powder.
1/2 tsp. Epicure Selections Pumpkin Spice

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Mix well.  Pour into a greased 8 x 8 in pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Serves 8.

 Would like to join my Eat Clean In 2013 Group and receive more of the recipes like above?

Next group starts January 15th

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/420407208023800/

Only Available In Canada!

TGIF Fit Tip: Mommy Early Bird Catches The Exercise #sweatpink #fitfluential

Before I became a mother, I would never dream of getting up at 5:00am to exercise.  Now that I am, I couldn't imagine fitting it in at any other time of the day.  With all of my children's school activities along with my work schedule that consumes most of my evenings, there just wouldn't be the time or motivation to fit it in! 
This is one of my top fit tips to my mommy clients.  However, I know the reality with children and their sleep schedules and sometimes we just don't get enough sleep already in our day.  That is why I suggest that mothers set aside at least two weekday mornings and two weekend mornings per week as their time for fitness.  This may be more realistic for most mamas!  It will take some planning and commitment as well as the support of your partner to take on the children for those mornings.  Here are some early morning fit tips that I have worked for me and our family:

1. Go to bed early: It will be easier to get up at 5am if you go to bed early the night before to get the required 6-8 hours of sleep.
2. Set alarm away from you:  I find that when my alarm is a distant away that I need to get out of bed to turn it off, it wakes me up a bit more to get goin'.
3. Get everything ready the night before:  On the night before, I get all of my fit gear, shoes, water, protein bar, car keys, etc. organized and ready to go.  If they are easily accessible, then it makes it easier to just grab them and go.
4. Make a deal with your partner: If your child gets up in the evening, have your partner take care of them while you get the sleep you need to get up in the morning.
5. Reward yourself: The rewards we get from getting exercise in our day are priceless, however, we need some other motivators to get us up that early.  You can reward yourself with a tasty coffee after your workout, or a shopping treat for yourself at the end of the week.

These tips may help you find ways to fit in fitness into your day a little more realistic.  It is difficult to find time for ourselves, especially with a busy family.  It can be a reality!!  It just takes a lot of perseverance and discipline!

Want to get Lean and Mean in 2013!

Join my 2013 Eat Clean Pantry Group and start your year to off right!

Next group will be starting January 15th!

Available in Canada Only!

What's In Your Cupboard? Crisper Pan For Healthy Meal Prep

This is a feature of foods and cookware that I have in my cupboard that help me eat a clean and Paleo diet.  One of my newest and favourite cookwares in my kitchen is the Crisper from Epicure Selections.  I have only been using it for one month but I have used to cooked and roasted many kinds of foods. 
It one of the best ways to roast and crisp a variety of foods.  It has a perforated bottom which allows heat through, so no turning during cook time is necessary.  In addition it is non-stick, so you don't have use much oil or fat. 

This has been my most used item this past month.  I have roasted vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus, kale, and brussel sprouts.  I used very little oil and sprinkle with a variety of seasonings such as Rosemary Garlic, Cajun, Herb & Garlic and Garlic Herb Sea Salt.  Everything came out crispy and flavourful.  One of my good friends recently made Roasted Chickpeas with Garlic Herb Sea Salt and Curry spice.  Another awesome and healthy recipe idea.

 I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for new and creative ways to cook healthy, clean foods.  The best part is is that it is very affordable - only $20 CDN! 

Would like this in your kitchen??  

Order today and you will get 10% off!  Offer is only valid today.

Want to Eat Clean in 2013!

Join my Eat Clean Pantry Group and start your year to off right!

Next group will be starting January 15th!

Available in Canada Only!