Being Present in the Moment

Being present in the moment. What does the really mean? Even at this moment I am sitting at Starbucks, drinking a Christmas Blend coffee with cinnamon and writing this blog post. How present am I in this moment? Why is this so important that I have to write about it?

Beimg present in the moment is The Key to being healthy and happy.

I read the other day that, "being present simply means being mindful".  Giving the current situation 100% of my attention. This made me wonder. How many unhealthy choices would I make if I gave every decision my undivided attention? Would I still choose a bagel? A cheese burger? Probably not!

During my journey I am learning that it's important to live and act intentionally. Yes, that's right. DO IT ON PURPOSE! Intentionally choose healthier foods. Intentionally exercise instead of watching tv. Intentionally turn off the electronics and have a healthy meal with your family. Imagine the freedom I would feel if I could turn every decision from a diet requirement ;-( into an intentional choice :-). Something I want to do as opposed to something I have to do. I feel free'er just thinking about it. When I was heavier I never worried about food. Causing every meal to be stress-free. Now that I am conscious of the food I take in, I am self conscious, anxious and sometimg down right unhappy during meal times. Is this because the food I eat doesn't taste good? No! It's because of my mindset. I feel that I am restricted to certain foods and if I don't eat them, I feel guilt  and self resentment.  I can't be the only one who feels this way. Right??

The key to changing this mindset is being present in the moment and choosing intentionally. Enjoying every bite, savoring every flavor and remind myself of all the benefits I could gain by making healthier choices.

Today's intentional choice:

10 minute H.I.I.T routine

• 1 minute high knees, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute walkout, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute plank toe touch, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute squat with a calf raise, 1 minute rest
• 1 minute Irish jig, 1 minute rest

No music, no tv. Just me and my intention choice.

What intentional choice will you make today?

150 Days of Freedom- Week 1

Today not only marks the end of our weekend but marks the end of the first 7 days of the150 days of freedom challenge. We celebrated this milestone by taking a seven mile walk through our town. The weather was cool and crisp, perfect for a family walk.

I can't belive how I feel after just 7 days! Below are a few things I have noticed:

• My sugar craving is nearly gone
• I stopped craving soda on day 5
• All digestive issues are gone
• I am sleeping better
• I feel less bloated, I actually feel lighter
• More energy

Amazing, right! I am also learning to read labels very, very closely. Wheat is in everything I enjoy eating. I  have decided to make everything we eat so that I can make sure there is no wheat in our food. Speaking of wheat, I am still struggling with not eating bread. I miss sandwiches! Lol. So, this morning, we had paleo breakfast sandwiches.

Ingredients:

1. 1/4 cup cashew flour, can also use almond flour
   
2. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1 tablespoon coconut flour
4. 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
5. 1 egg
6. 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
7. 2 tablespoon water 

Directions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl
2. Add wet ingredients and mix till blended
3. Grease a small round bowl
4. Add mixture to the bowl
5. Microwave for 2 min
6. Remove and slice in half
7. Toast until brown lightly brown

For the omelet, add any veggies you wish and cook. I chose mushrooms, spinach and green bell peppers.  This recipes serves one person. Just to give you heads up, these english muffins do not taste like store bought muffins. They are delicious and a great homemade alternative to bread.

Overall, I consider week 1 a success and I am looking forward to the next 7 days. I hope you guys had a successful beginning as well!

The food plan for next week is Muesli (I Love, love this stuff!), salads and chicken soup. Jalapeño poppers and celery with peanut butter for snacks.

My exercise plan: 10 minutes of Cross Fit, 1 mile walk/jog 3 days

My journey to truth continues with freedom from cravings.

The Challenge- Days 1-3

Breakfast has been good, and filling. I had cereal which was 3/4 cup homemade muesli, roasted butternut squash, apples and cranberries and almond milk. YUM!! 

At 11:15 am on day 2, I realized that I forgot my snacks. Oh no!! By noon, my tummy was growling and our office snacks were looking awfully inviting. 

At 12:30 pm on day 3, I experienced my first sugar withdrawal. Normally, I would grab a soda but not today. It's only 7 days to a habit, right? I am halfway through day 3 and I am standing strong, so far.

Lunch today was delicious. It was surprisingly filling and healthy. I chose salad for lunch today because it's pack full of veggies, nuts and protein.

Veggie Salad 

• Spinach
• Romain Lettuce
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Micro greens
• Sunflower seeds
• Black Beans
• Red Beans
• Celery
• Corn (today only)
• Cottage Cheese
• Avocado Salsa Verde

Daily Exercise was a 10 min HIIT routine:

1 min squat jump outs, 1 min rest

1 min plank alternative leg raises, 1 min rest

1 min squats, 1 min rest 

1 min tricep dips, 1 min rest

1 min calf raises, 1 min rest

Dinner was celery with peanut butter and 2 soft boiled eggs. Dinner was lite because my salad was filling. My evening treat was a cup of salted Carmel tea. All the taste of desert without any nasty side effects. 

To summarize, days 1-3 went well. I made good choices and I am ending today feeling accomplished. I also learned that preparation is important. My mid-morning and mid-afternoon On day 2 would have been a whole lot easier had I been prepared and brought my snacks. 

I hope everyone had a successful day. Please feel free to leave a comment on how your day went.

The Challenge

At times, my life feels monotonous and boring. I eat the same things for breakfast, lunch and dinner day in and day out. Sometimes I need a break. An opportunity to change things, mix them up and more importantly; challenge myself. 

The Challenge is 150 days of freedom. Freedom from most processed foods, wheat, sodas and sugar. 

I know what your thinking:

1. "Wow!" Thats a lot of stuff to give up"
2. "Sarah, don't you already eat clean?"

Yes...I do, mostly. But like everyone I have weaknesses. Like soda, for example. 

So, how is this Challenge going to break the monotony or break my soda habit? 

Hmmm...

I read on the Internet that it takes 7 days to create a habit. Good or bad. So, I am thinking, if I follow the Challenge for 7 days, the rest of the 143 days will feel less like a challenge and more like a life habit. Right? Right. So, I plan to start with the 7 days and build from there. 

My 7 day plan:

Day 1- Monday

Breakfast- Muesli, almond milk and half a banana 

Lunch- Salad. Made with beans, veggies, spinach and avocado salsa

Dinner- Fish, brown rice and veggies

Snacks- celery and peanut butter, carrots and hummus

Since no challenge is complete without competition, I would like to challenge you to join The Challenge with me. Join me in the freedom to choose healthier habits. And if we lose a few pounds on the way, even better :-) 

What do you say? Are you with me?