Shape Up By Making Small Changes

 

It’s that time of the year! About now we begin realizing we have gained some pounds because of all the eating we do between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether you need to lose 10 pounds, 25, 50 or more – it is time to start eating healthy and lose those pounds. Why do you want to lose weight? Is it for your appearance—so your clothes will fit comfortably again—or is it for your health?

Here are a few tips—and we will include more motivational tips in next week’s email:Incorporate strength and cardio training into your daily routine. You need both to tone muscles and rev up your metabolism. Do exercises to work your largest muscle (butt muscles—glutes) and your abs (for that flat belly). One thing that can derail your efforts is an injury so be sure to warm up before every exercise session. Use a tracker and you will tend to challenge yourself and increase your normal activity. I even have a tracker on my phone that measures steps taken in a day. Aim for 10,000 steps. Is that way more than you are now walking? Start where you are now and add 1000 steps. Challenge yourself and try to increase your goal each week.

Drink your water—some experts say to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces. If you weight 140—that will be 70 ounces of water a day. Did you know that many of us walk round in a state of dehydration most of the time? If you are increasing your physical activity, it is important to stay hydrated. And drink a glass of water before eating a meal—it really works!!

Choose JOY–EveryDay!

My bosses sent an email on Christmas Day with things to do for that day….BUT I think we would all be better off if we did these things EVERYDAY!! This is our challenge to you.

So for today, put down the stress of too much to do and too little time, forget about that growing stack of bills or the shrinking bank account and just BE PRESENT in the moment.

Find the JOY in THIS moment, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing…

Wrap yourself up in all the GOOD STUFF.

Family Recipes: Cranberry Relish

You will never buy a can of Cranberry Sauce after your make this Cranberry Relish. It is perfect during the holidays with ham and turkey….actually if is good with any meals.

It contains wonderful, fresh ingredients—cranberries, oranges, apples, pineapple and nuts. Make it today and enjoy for Thanksgiving and Christmas and…..!

Cranberry Relish

1 package whole cranberries, raw

2 apples, unpeeled

2 oranges, unpeeled

1 small can crushed pineapple

1 cup chopped nuts

2 – 2 3/4 cups sugar (start with just 2 cups)

1 teaspoon red food coloring

Family Recipes: Awie’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Most of our family started calling my mom ‘Awie’ when my child was young and that was just what came out instead of grandma. She was always mom to me. She was one of the wisest and most compassionate people I have ever known—and she was a terrific cook.

I remember mom making this Pineapple Upside Down Cake so many times. She would sometimes make it in 3 round pans and it was beautiful all stacked up, but I love the ease of putting it in a 13×9 pan. It starts with a yellow cake mix (any kind) so getting it ready for the oven is easy and quick. Mom used crushed pineapple, chopped nuts and coconut in the topping. You can certainly make yours without the coconut or nuts if you prefer.

Do You Want Silky, Shiny Hair?

Remember how your hair was as a child? Do you want that same terrific, shiny, healthy hair? Of course, we all do—men and women alike! If I am having a bad hair day, it tends to affect my mood all day!! When I meet people, their hair is one of the first things I notice.

Now that winter is almost here and the weather is changing, your hair needs more loving care. So here is my recommendation. Use a good quality Shampoo and Conditioner—then follow up with our Beaux Noggins Leave In Conditioner. It is for those looking for a hair care conditioner that has natural ingredients and is saturated with essential vitamins and minerals that help heal scalp, add sheen, luster and shine while fighting frizz and restoring hair back to proper health. BEAUX NOGGINS LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER SPRAY is NOT GREASY. Works AMAZING to eliminate STATIC with NO build-up, gunky or sticky feel. It’s the BEST THERE IS. Once you try it you will NEVER want to be without it.

Family Recipe: The Best Crock Pot Roast

My husband and I have a dear friend in California, who from time to time shares one of his favorite recipes with me. He recently told me about his crock pot roast and I couldn’t want to try it.

Brought the ingredients to work yesterday and started it. There is almost no prep required. It took me 5 – 10 minutes to put together and then it cooked on low in the crock pot for 8 hours.The roast was tender and flavorful. The gravy was amazing!!!

I had planned to cook fresh green beans and squash to go with the roast for dinner, but when I smelled it and tasted the gravy, I had to make mashed potatoes too.

Hope you will love this recipe as much as we did…and I thank my friend, Pete, for sharing it with me.

Family Recipe: Homemade Brownies

Here is a brownie recipe you will love and be making it often. It is so simple—takes no more time than a brownie mix and is soooooo much better. This recipe was shared with me about 30 years ago by my minister’s wife, Betty.

When my grandson was living with us, he had a couple of friends who would remind me if I had not made the brownies for a long time.My grandson prefers his with no nuts or other toppings–but most people enjoy the nuts or other additions. Customize to what you and your family love.

The recipe I am giving you is for a 13×9 pan. Recipe can be halved and baked in an 8 or 9 inch square pan—which is perfect for giving as a gift. I have given mine at Christmas, for birthdays and even taken them to new neighbors.