Do your snacks measure up...?

 

Who doesn't enjoy a good snack? I will do my best to keep this simple because I am sucker for a good snack and like many people, sweet and salty is where it's at for me! But instead of always reaching for a snack packed with too much fat and sodium, like potato chips...I grab popcorn! Popcorn is a whole grain and full of fiber. And as I've mentioned before, fiber is your friend, keeping your tummy full and your waistline slim! Luckily, when it comes to popcorn you can opt for many different brands and flavor options. Also, take a look at the nutrition labels each and every time you reach for a snack. -Become more familiar with serving sizes and "amount per serving" so you can make better choices moving forward. When it comes to a snack that is sweet and creamy, I think of ice cream. Who doesn't love ice cream?! -rhetorical question! ;) I love ice cream just as much as the next person but it's not a snack I can afford to indulge in too often due to the potential risks of weight gain and chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. As a healthy AND tasty alternative, I eat frozen yogurt, also known as "froyo". I've never been too fond of trendy fads and food crazes, however, froyo is definitely a snack worth adding to the rotation. It has great texture, the flavors are endless and you can mix things up by adding crushed mixed nuts and/or fresh fruit for toppings. And at only 1g of fat per serving, it's a no brainer in my book! As always, I am not here to twist your arm or suck the fun out of your snacking but I hope I can make it better and guilt free! I strongly encourage you to take a closer look at your current snack choices and labels... then ask yourself, do my snacks measure up...?

I've added some photos of a few of my favorite snacks and I've also added the nutrition labels so you can compare calories and fat content. Have a double take at the ice cream labels and compare to the frozen yogurt. Happy Snacking ;)

Tis the season to set new goals...

Even though I've never really been into new year's resolutions, I really enjoyed seeing the list featured in the article by James Colquhoun; only because I really try my best to keep a balance most of the time, this really spoke to my practical way of living. I like to think of myself of a multi-tasker. I always tell folks there is a method to my madness and I'm not dead yet, So! But honestly, wellness is a way of life for me and I try to be mindful and incorporate these "so called resolutions" or what I like to simply call a way of life or lifestyle changes into my daily routine.

 Setting goals and having a plan is literally what keeps me going. I would be a nervous wreck if I didn't use a planner, my calendar in my cell, hard-copy calendar hanging in my bathroom, my vision board also keeps me focused and excited about my future. Self help books feed me ideas and give me new information. Obtaining new information for life is fundamental to our future. I urge you all to read and practice putting what your read into action. -baby steps, baby. ;)

Sharing dreams and goals with close personal friends helps to keep me accountable.
I can see how goal setting could be a little overwhelming, so try to keep in mind the SMART goal method. All goals/plans should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timed. -This way, you increase your chances of success by having such a structured outline. - if you think I'm pulling your leg, then give it shot. Set a new goal using this format and compare results to the outcomes you've had before.

Here are just a few life altering tips that you should implement daily for a more well planned and purposeful life. After all, they say we should all wake up with a purpose, right? Well this screams purpose to me. Don't overwhelm yourself but I do encourage you to take a few bullet points from this list, commit and take action.  -it's not necessary to hit every bullet on this list all at once but pick a top 5 and rotate them around frequently and consistently. -Follow up in a couple months and see what new changes have blossomed for you in life. Organization and planning is one of the keys to a good life and healthy living. -some folks may question to what degree you or I are organized, LET THEM QUESTION! Your goals should be nothing less than personal, practical and designed to meet your needs and to fit your lifestyle! Lets just commit to being a work in progress and that's what it's all about. -making solid progress!

I've added a few photos to show how I use some tips from the list below to keep my life structed and help me to achieve my purpose. Enjoy! :)

Copy the link below to take a full look at the article by James Colquhoun for: 22 ways to stick to your new year's resolution.

http://www.foodmatters.com/article/22-ways-to-stick-to-your-new-years-resolutions?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fmnlweek-5222-ways-stick-to-resolution&utm_content=fmnlweek-5222-ways-stick-to-resolution+cid_433907d9c9941685c6678bf7f98b123f&utm_source=email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=22%20ways%20to%20stick%20to%20your%20new%20years%20resolutions%20in%202019

• Set Meaningful Goals
• Keep It Simple
• Deeply Understand The Why
• Break Your Big Goals Down Into Smaller Goals
• Create a Vision Board
• Pay Attention to Your Inner Voice
• Meditate
• Write Yourself Words of Encouragement
• Address Your Limiting Beliefs
• Have An Accountability Buddy
• Celebrate The Wins
• Schedule Reflection Times
• Set Aside Relaxation Time
• Find a Community
• Learn New Things
• Seek Out Role Models
• Support Others Chasing Their Dreams
• Be Grateful
• Share Your Results
• Weekly Check-In
• Laugh And Let Your Ego Go
• Be Easy on Yourself

Chili Talk...

  Just a girl having a conversation with her sister about chili and her love for beans! I love to eat hearty meals that I can prepare with the quickness, so this is definitely a winner for me. Also, when I think of meal prep., I ask myself a few questions: where is my protein, fiber/whole grains and veggies? With a meal like chili, soup or even stew; you can go crazy and really load up on the vegetables. Veggies and beans pack fiber. Fiber keeps you feeling full!! Besides staying fuller longer...fiber also fights cholesterol! #PowPow

 So, fill up, eat well and lower cholesterol all at the same time. Enjoy!