recipes

Nope. Nope. Nope. I refuse to hear it. I’m done listening to people not using their brains with regards to their eating or working out. Stop it. Just stop. You are going to work yourself to death trying all these new diet plans and quick fixes to get fitter. It’s time we take a look at what we’re doing and realize we have the tools for success engrained in us, we’re just constantly ignoring them.

Area 1: Food.

Spoiler alert coming at you right now: You know what foods are good for you and you know what foods aren’t. I put an apple and a plate of fried chicken in front of you and tell you to pick the one that is better for you. I’ll be damned if you say the plate of fried chicken. And if you’re going to give me some excuse about the protein, look at your life and look at your choices. A plate of fried chicken is still a plate of fried chicken.

Sure, those foods that are better for us aren’t necessarily more delicious, but you know the right decision to make. When people talk about “balance” in regards to eating, they are talking about keeping the apple on your plate the majority of the time with an occasional piece of chicken or two thrown in for variety. Not equal amounts apples and fried chicken. Do you see the difference? It’s amazing how just thinking these things through and using the knowledge that we already have at our disposal can save us.

Area 2: Working Out

If you miss a workout you will not turn into a ball of flubber. You will not. It will not happen. You will be okay. If you miss two workouts, you will not suddenly become Violet Beauregarde and balloon. Use your brain. If you can’t hit the gym one day, maybe try and aim to walk a little more or stay on your feet. I was astonished the other day when someone posted on a Facebook group that I’m a part of about hemorrhaging while being pregnant and wondering if she could still workout even if it was just 10 minutes on the elliptical or lifting 5 pound weights.

Hold up. Wait. What.

You’re willing to put your life and your child’s life in danger for a workout?! A workout. Sometimes we can’t go to the gym or, you know what, some times we don’t feel like working out. It’s okay. The world won’t stop, we’ll wake up the next day and we’ll be back at it. Even if we have to take a couple months off, there’s still time to get back at it when you fully recover and are ready. Unless you are a professional athlete and your livelihood depends on your fitness, you are working out for fun. THIS IS FOR FUN. I can’t stress that enough. Working out and eating right are only as important as you CHOOSE to make them. You can let these things consume your every thought in a negative way or you can CHOOSE to make these areas a positive part of your life that bring you joy.

Main take away: Live your life and learn how to make choices. You inherently know what is right and wrong. You can tell the good decisions from the bad. You know which meal is better for you and you know when to sit back and say, “eh, maybe a workout isn’t the best idea for me right now”.

Use your brain to your advantage. I’m not teaching you anything new here. I’m just asking you to open your eyes and pay attention to what has always been right in front of you. It’s that easy if you let it be.

also, obligatory picture of Boo doing her new favorite activity which is have me place this turtle on her head.
-sj

The holiday struggle is real y’all. I want to eat all the holiday treats while sitting on my butt watching Elf on infinite loop. Is that so much to ask? The holidays can be a trying time for people. It’s very stressful and very busy and sometimes things just feel all over the place. And what’s the first thing to go out the window when everything gets busy? Healthy eating and working out. I’m just as guilty as the rest of you when it comes to letting these things slide, but you know what, that’s okay.

It’s okay not to workout every single day. It’s okay to make a batch of cookies and eat half in one sitting. It’s okay to have a good time and treat yourself, just don’t do it every day and make sure that your healthy choices outweigh your non-healthy ones. Take it a day at a time and be kind to yourself. You’ll bounce back after a week or so of straying from your routine, so don’t make these next couple of weeks so hard on yourself.

I have gone home many times and missed spending valuable time with my family and friends because I needed to workout or didn’t want to go to a restaurant because I couldn’t control what I was eating. These are all huge mistakes that I wish I had not made and I’m really going to try not to emulate this holiday season. My best advice: just live your life and have fun for this short period of time, do whatever you can so that you won’t regret it.

Bad news though: I’m feeling pretty under the weather right now. (This is the second time this year which is two more times than I ever usually get sick, ugh). So, what’s the perfect fix for a girl on the mend? Quick & easy Chicken Noodle Soup! Literally took me not even a half an hour and it hit all kinds of spots.

Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

1 TBSP olive oil
one onion, diced
2 cups of carrots, diced
3 stalks of celery, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cans of chicken broth
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
prepared egg noodles as many as you would like
spices: salt, pepper, and any others you have around. I used thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne because I was feeling daring

In a pot, heat olive oil, garlic, onions, carrots, and celery over medium heat/until onions are translucent. Add chicken broth and spices and bring to a boil. Let boil for 5-7 minutes or until veggies are tender. Meanwhile, prepare egg noodles in a separate pot. Turn off the heat on both and you’re good to go. Prepare a bowl with shredded chicken on the bottom, then noodles, and then broth and veggies. Serve with crusty bread.

-sj

Love & Lunge

guys, we need to talk.

the holiday struggle is real & quick and easy chicken noodle soup.