Lately, as I continue my study of wellness, fitness, and weight management, I feel like I am inhaling books as fast as I can digest them. I have been reading books by MD's, PhD's, ScD’s, biochemists, nutritionists, personal trainers, and others on topics of the metabolism, the food industry, the human body, food politics, and pharmaceuticals. As more information presents itself, two common themes pop up again and again. By sharing these themes with you, I hope you will be able make better informed decisions regarding your health and wellness.
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Spelling Fear with 6 Letters that Start with ‘B’
There is a 6 letter B-word that strikes fear into the heart of many adults. Bagels–no. Bounce–no. Bakery–no. Booger–well maybe, but no. Budget–that’s it. If you are starting to perspire already, wait! Don’t close your internet browser just yet, there is hope! I’m excited to share with you a resource I’ve started to use that has completely transformed budgeting for me.
Before I get into what tool I use for budgeting, you may be wondering why you’re reading this on the Living Wellness Blog. Great question! Our hope in writing these blog posts is to bring you relevant and encouraging information that will nourish your body, mind, soul as well as your family and home. In Living Wellness for Growth Groups, Ashley gives a great list of resources that have helped to mentor her on her journey of Living Wellness, including a resource for finances (check out page 243).
Budgeting can be a huge source of stress (I know it was for me!). Stress negatively effects how your body is functioning, predisposes you to illness, puts tension in relationships, and can encourage unhealthy coping strategies such as binge eating/drinking…none of these sound like fruits of the abundant life that Jesus wants us to be living in. Ashley talks about stress is one of the leading causes of chronic inflammation (Living Wellness for Growth Groups, p. 92).
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Nature's Secret Weapon: Roasted Garlic Recipe
I don't know about you but lately every time I hear a sneeze or cough, I'm tempted to run and hide until cold and flu season is over! It seems like everyone is getting sick this time of year.
(Cue Mission Impossible theme song)
Today I want to share with you what I believe to be Nature's Secret Weapon...My tried and true Roasted Garlic Recipe (initially created by my dear mother). Anyone that has been to my kitchen knows you will likely smell garlic when you walk in. I love garlic, but I especially love garlic to keep me from getting sick and to shorten the duration of an illness.
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Why I Wrote Living Wellness for Growth Groups
We’re counting down the hours of our Kickstarter campaign to launch the new Living Wellness for Growth Groups! Right now it’s t minus 58 hours and we’re less than $500 from our goal!
In light of the campaign coming to a close, I wanted to share my heart with you—why I wrote Living Wellness for Growth Groups. I wrote this book not for the fame or money, but to share the knowledge I have gained in my own journey of living wellness.
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Looking Back and Looking Ahead: Your Wellness Field Guide for 2017
Friends! Happy New Year!
New Years is such a great time for renewal. This is the time we look back at the previous year's trials and triumphs. We reflect on what's happened and how we've changed as a result. It's also the time to thoughtfully consider what we'd like to change in the new year.
It has been quite a year - perhaps one of the most difficult years of my life. But this last year has also been one of the most wonderfully-growing years of my life. I’m so grateful for my family and friends who have supported and loved me, even when I’ve stuck myself in a cave.
Dear friends, as you reflect on 2016 and look ahead to 2017, I want to empower you with seven health and wellness tips. Use these like a field guide as you navigate through 2017.
These tips come from my life experiences and from writing and refining my new book, Living Wellness for Growth Groups. Let's jump into 2017. Let's get shoulder to shoulder and share and support each other's goals and resolutions for 2017.
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Need A Little Spice In Your Life?
As promised in our Mouthwatering Buttermilk Ranch Recipe post, I'm finally releasing my world-famous Harissa & Cilantro Chicken recipe for you to enjoy. In the words of my toddler "Okay, okay, slooow down". This recipe is world-famous in the very small world of my home and a handful of others that have dined in my kitchen :)
We like to make this chicken to pair with a freshly tossed salad and topped with my Mouthwatering Buttermilk Ranch Recipe of course; paired with Danielle Walker's amazing Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes; or for a protein packed breakfast--paired with buckwheat, fresh mozzarella, cubed sweet potato, and avocado.
Did you catch that??? I actually eat this every day for breakfast! I know, super weird and definitely not the typical American breakfast, BUT this breakfast has done wonders for keeping my blood sugar stable throughout the day. Plus it's AMAZING!!
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Chores, Cleaning, and Chaos!
Is chaos how you would describe cleaning and chores in your household? Do you dread cleaning and put it off for "another day"? Read on for some HELP: hope, encouragement, laughter, and a plan.
As I laid down to go to sleep last night, I took a long deep, cleansing breath and felt a sense of contentment about the cleanliness of my home. Now, I know what you are thinking....so let me dispel a couple things:
- I do not have a maid or anyone who is at home full time to clean.
- I am not delusional...well mostly not
- The magical cleaning fairy has not returned by calls, texts, or emails. Ever.
No, the secret here is a concept I dreamed up one night as I was falling asleep or possibly in the shower where all great ideas come to life. This is it: a cleaning schedule. I'm all about organization and schedules, so this was no surprise to my husband. I was ecstatic! We've used this strategy on and off throughout the past few years. The location of our home and members of our family have changed, so by necessity our cleaning schedule has adapted.
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3 Nutrition Tips for Your Back-to-School Routine
Fall is a great time to think about our families’ health. Kids go back to school (or for those of us homeschool parents, we “host” the kids at “school”, some of us settle into a new routine, the weather gets cooler and the leaves change into beautiful shades of red, gold, and purple. We want to protect our children when they are out and about -- so we get out the snacks, water bottles, and helmets J. While those items are vital for the health of our children and us, the rest of the items in our snack and sports bags may be poisoning our children. Below are the 3 food products that should be avoided:
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Mouthwatering Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
Looking for a healthy dip or dressing to top your veggies from your CSA or farmer’s market trip? Here’s a creamy and delicious buttermilk ranch recipe that will have you reaching for more veggies.
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