-
Oct 03 2015 
How to Better Yourself? Learn From Friends!
How To Better Yourself
I ask myself all the time, how to better yourself. My gorgeous friend Jessica has taught me so much about eating clean! We celebrated her baby girl due next month today and it got me thinking………??
This woman makes most things from scratch and it’s always beyond delicious. She also makes very healthy food this way. It is amazing how she makes something taste so good, that I have conceived as being “not very good.” Does she have the “time”? No, she is a full-time midwife, that busts her butt all the time helping other mothers, but she does it anyways because she appreciates quality food. She is someone I can look up to and strive to become!
When you really look at how long it takes to make things from scratch, I’ve realized it’s not as complicated as I used to think. It just takes a little extra planning. I also have to be creative and I have to stop making excuses. Over the last few years I have really gotten some staple recipes that my family loves.
Food doesn’t have to be fried, dipped, battered, and overly sweet to taste amazing. It doesn’t have to have a bunch of sugar or tons of salt. It doesn’t need “cream of….” anything! It for sure doesn’t have to have a bunch of dairy either, (though I won’t lie, I will never go without butter totally;)
It can be simple and fresh.
Sometimes it just helps to have someone make it look easy and you gain confidence in knowing that you too can create amazing things in a short amount of time. Thanks so much Jess for all that you do and all that you are! Baby Hazel is about to receive the best gift a child could have, her loving mother. Thank you for being such an amazing friend and for pouring so much love into my life. You are such a blessing! Remember, never stop learning how to better yourself.
-
Oct 01 2015 
Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas! Veggie Soup on the Go!!
Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas
Being gluten-free, I am always looking for gluten-free lunch ideas. I am going to be consistently looking for more an more simple ideas, that you can buy while on the go. I find that almost anyone can make gluten-free lunch ideas at home….but what about at work or while out with the kids. Here is one I love!
Veggies are so hard to get in when life is crazy busy. We live by eating whatever is in front of us in this fast paced life. Fall ?and Winter❄ are so great for soup and you can hide tons of veggies in a yummy way. The other reason I love it? My kids will eat it! You can’t beat that! Finding food that my kids will eat that is healthy for them, on the go, is a win-win in my book.
This is a hearty veggie soup with kale, carrots, potatoes. Yum!!!!! It is at Metropolitan Market. This is one of my all time favorite grocery stores. They have all kinds of unique items. The market actually labels which soups are gluten-free. It is so nice to quickly jump in the store, pick up what I need and then pay and get back in the car, within five minutes.
Do be careful. A lot of the canned soups are not that healthy and can have hidden junk in them. Make sure to always read the labels. A lot of gluten-free items are made with quality ingredients, but I am seeing a trend of more and more that are not good. It seems like we can never get away from the junk! So, I will continually search for gluten-free lunch ideas.
Do you have a favorite “go to” soup? I would love to hear it!! This time a year, I start making them weekly. They are great to have for leftovers. Comment with a recipe of the one you can’t live without!
-
Sep 28 2015 
Weekend Weight Loss Tips!
Weekend weight loss tips:
Use these weight loss tips. Don’t turn your back on your goals this weekend. I promise you’ll regret it. I’ve done this way too many times and I always feel super bummed on Monday. You work so hard during the week and the weekend should be fun but still in alignment with your goals. Here’s some weight loss tips for you:
1. Do an extended cardio session. ?Take a long walk or run and get your mind ready for the week ahead.
2. Give yourself one treat meal and enjoy it -guilt free. ??Make sure your other meals are fueling you and you’re also getting your water in. I get just on the weekends and let my meals/water take a back seat. Keep track and focus on it.
3. Spend time prepping and shopping for the week ahead. This will save you more time and energy on those busy weekdays. Cook some meats, cut veggies and pre-cook rice or quinoa.
4. Catch up on sleep, don’t deplete it. Proper sleep helps your body fight sickness and repairs it for better workouts.
❤Have so much fun but keep those goals in the back of your mind!! It is not an easy road at all but an ever so necessary one.. It is also not at all something you want to skip. I have skipped it many times and have suffered the consequences. I love having accountability! Having a group of women, pushing you on is so important. I know you can do anything, I’m your biggest fan! ❤
Remember that moderation is a huge key as well. I seem to always forget to mention this one. Just keep things palm sized. You don’t need your entire arm!! Keep up the hard work and dedication. Thanks for checking out my weight loss tips.
-
Sep 24 2015 
Transformation Tuesday from Quebec!
TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY!
Genevieve blows me away with this transformation Tuesday! She is a full time working mom and takes pride in her health every day. Here is a peek into her story and life ——->>>>>
“I did not lose much, less than 10 pounds. But the daily balance is my best tool to measure my progress. I prefer to look at how my clothes fit, take my measurements and some pictures. I’ve worked out for about 20 years, many years of running and gyms. I will be 40 soon. Honestly, I have never felt so well and healthy since I discovered Shakeology. The nutrients keep me going on the days I don’t have time to eat breakfast or lunch. The battle is a daily one. It’s not easy but I have to say I look and feel better than I ever have.”
Her French text says “I am too tired, I have a busy week but I can do it!! ”
Excuses don’t lead us to our final destination. Avoiding them is what takes you places. If you mess up, know there will be another opportunity to make a better choice. Get back on the right path and don’t worry about being perfect. Even if it takes longer than you thought, keep running to your destination.
I feel the exact same way as her! The daily habits are the ones we master, not getting on the scale. I love to brag on my fellow team mates because they work so hard not only on themselves but with all of their clients.
Well done my friend and thank you for letting me share part of your journey. I wish we lived closer!!! Maybe a trip to Quebec is in order someday soon XO Another successful transformation Tuesday thanks Genevieve…you inspire me!
-
Sep 22 2015 
Read the Nutrition Label! It is Important!
Nutrition Label and Dried Fruit 101:
I was in Costco (again) ?today and wanted to make a post to explain the importance of reading a nutrition label. On the left is your average dried fruit. Refined sugar and yucky preservatives. I almost bought it before I flipped it over and read what was in it.
I can’t tell you how many times in my life I have not flipped my product over and read the nutrition label. It is a failure I look to change. I think it is putting it in my phone when I go to the grocery store, so I remember, and after a while it should become a habit. But it is so important, because look at what you fine!
The one on the right is organic and only ONE ingredient. Just the way it should be. If you are going to pay the money you may as well get the best product. Your body will thank you! I promise it will! ????
-
Sep 21 2015 
Paleo and Gluten-Free Meal Plan!
Gluten-free meal plan? Paleo? I don’t need any of that stuff…. little did I know. It feels like yesterday that I was pregnant with my baby boy and this sweet girl and I would roam around town doing whatever we wanted. We mainly ended up at a Starbucks because we’d split a Chonga bagel as our snack. Almost every day. I am a licensed esthetician and I worked right up the road from a wonderful little restaurant! It was called Taco Time! Yep, one of my favorite fast food stops. I would get done with a client, go grab a couple crispy burritos, a Coke and head back to work.
My second pregnancy was much harder and I couldn’t figure out why. Bloated, tired, swollen are words I used often. I would talk to my midwife and chiropractor and a few times they both said to me, “sounds like a gluten allergy.”
I obviously didn’t want to hear that because the thought of going “gluten-free” sounded so overwhelming. So intense. Plus, breaking up with the Chonga bagel and fast food was overwhelming to consider while pregnant. So I did what any other busy mom would do. I waited until conditions worsened. ☺Baby girl had a diaper rash that would not leave and my hand eczema was getting more intense. I remember having that full, swollen feeling during my #HIIT workouts, too. Jumping would hurt.
Immediately my doctor took us both off gluten as soon as she saw our conditions. She saw the writing on the wall instantly. If I snuck some bread or pizza after I had cut gluten out, I would look 5 months pregnant again almost instantly. ?? It was time for a gluten-free meal plan!
I share this to tell you that living this lifestyle has helped my fitness results a TON!! I’ve learned to pre-plan before parties and events because I can’t eat most of the food there. I am forced to eat more whole foods because processed and packaged foods usually make me feel yuck. It also keeps me away from maple bars ?!!
GLUTEN-FREE MEAL PLAN AND FREE GROUP!
I run groups on Facebook all the time. This free, 5 day #Paleo and gluten-free meal plan group is one I run on a continual basis. You’ll have a sneak peek into the foods we eat, new recipes for you to try and hopefully pick up a new habit or meal idea.
It’s a free private group you’ll have access to so go to this LINK and fill out your info! Remember to invite a friend. The gluten-free meal plan can always use new ideas! The more the merrier!
#mealplan #newideas #health #byebyebloat
It’s gonna be fun!!!?????? -
Sep 19 2015 
Stop Procrastinating and Feel Free!
Stop Procrastinating …Get it Done!
Life can be hard. Life can be busy, hectic, crazy. You name it we will have an excuse for it. Keeping my daily schedule is the key to stop procrastinating! Setting an alarm, actually getting up when it goes off, and having a strategic plan is the most important part. I think the book “Eat That Frog!” is one of the best resources for breaking down how to get things done, to stop procrastinating.
I used to be the queen of procrastination!! I’ve been learning to change. When the opportunity is there, I take it. It actually feels good to move on and get done. To FEEL FREE from my old habits. Making lists,
I’ve been struggling with my daily dedication to my schedule lately. I stay up too late or don’t get my essential reading in! Anyone with me? I could get so mad at myself and have bigger set backs or just GET TO IT!!
Today is a new day, God’s mercies are new each morning and we are free to make the right choices and freedoms in our lives!
#change #priorities #schedule #workhard #playhard
-
Sep 15 2015 
Healthy Gluten-Free Lunch for the Kiddos!
A Kid Friendly Gluten-Free Lunch
Oh school….how I miss my baby girl! She is in all day kindergarten and I have to come up a gluten-free lunch everyday. It has killed me to not hear her beautiful melodic voice throughout the house during the day. To watch her color a drawing, running over to me to have me give her approval, then squealing with joy when I say I love it. I will miss watching her mumble to herself as she plays with her toys, in her own little creative world. I will miss those feet stomping through the house as she is focused on finding this or that. Okay…enough of my mommy depression!! 😉
After about two weeks of gluten-free lunch packing, I have gotten a bit better. Here is a look into what Sam eats:
Applegate roasted turkey
Van’s gluten-free cheese crackers
Strawberries and CucumbersBut the best part is……..frilly toothpicks! They make it more fun. Finding those little things that make it special are Sam and my special little bond. She loves those little things as much as me! My husband just roles his eyes, but it is so amazing to see that little sparkle in her eyes. She has even mentioned it when she gets home after the long day. It makes it so worth it!
Oh, and she’s a true girl which means a little dark chocolate to get her thru the day ???
-
Sep 12 2015 
Be a Rolemodel, Kids are Always Watching!
Being a Rolemodel
Is it possible to be a rolemodel? I feel we mess up so very much, so much of the time. When I think about the cycle of craziness we’ve been through with our health and fitness goals it makes me a little loco. After all these years together we have definitely had some good and bad moments. Our two children have now seen a lot of it!
My husband, Matt, really made a change and really stepped up as a rolemodel for our family in 2012. He started with P90X. He was super focused….unfortunately while I was pregnant! ? (He lost 65 pounds to be exact). I’d be focused and he’d be too busy with work..the list goes on. It is for sure easier to do it together but if for some reason your guy isn’t on the same page, it’s your job to be the rolemodel.
I promise if you stick to it and stay true to your goals, your kids will follow you. They will see your better moods. Your energy levels increase. You sleeping like a baby. They will see you being consistent. They will see the discipline, the hardwork, the blood, sweat and tears. They are always watching, so you are by default, their rolemodel…whether you like it or not.
Our kids love to run, try to do push ups, do yoga moves better than me half the time! They are my inspiration, yet we have to take that mantle and be their inspiration! It is all about loving them and leading them in being what we want them to become! We need to expect the best for them. Allow them to dream whatever they want and help them achieve those dreams, no matter how crazy they seem. Giving them confidence in everything, allowing them the freedom to take flight. But they must see the practice, the truth it takes day to day to make those dreams come true. We must be their rolemodel, making an effort to be the best for them.
Be that rolemodel for what you want to see in them. Plus, if we do the grocery shopping, then we get to choose the menu! They will appreciate as they grow older and start understanding the importance of fitness and nutrition!?
-
Sep 10 2015 
Makeup Concealer Tips from a Makeup Artist!
Makeup Concealer Tips!
Here is the down low on my makeup concealer tips. I take it on the inside corner by the bridge of the nose (we always need brightness there) and then make sure to touch the outside corner. We don’t really have darkness all the way under the eye so I only use it where there is discoloration. That way extra product is not sitting in my smile lines. On the lookout for a new under eye concealer though. Was using Laura Mercier. Thinking Nars is next! Oh and Sephora is the place to go to pick these up!
Now time to check in my challenge groups and see what these fit mamas are up to! Thanks for checking out my makeup concealer tips, that will teach you how to be beautiful in covering up those puffy eyes!
#makeuptips #makeup #darkeyecircles
Stacy Rody has created 275 entries
Stacy Rody
