Final Week!
The Sizzlin’ Summer Challenge has one more task for you: add a healthy food to your back-to-school days.
Now is the time to create a routine that bolsters you all year.
Add a smoothie, a healthy muffin, some veggies, nuts, yogurt, organic eggs or whole grain cereal (see links below and a recipe idea). How about some green tea with fresh lemon to help take out the acidity or other foods in your diet? Though lemon has a reputation for being “acidic” in flavor, it is reduces acid in your system. Grains and meats, coffee and alcohol can raise the acid in your system as you digest it. An acid environment in your system can lead to inflammation. Veggies, fruit, yogurt and other fermented products known to be “probiotics” help reduce acid and inflammation. Warm lemon water is a great and easy start to the day. Add some green tea and you’ve got a one-two punch with powerful antioxidants.
The point is, work on creating a new habit with respect to food during your work-day this year and you’ll be better fueled to face any tough issues thrown your way.
Habit is crazy mixed up skill.
A recent Fresh Air interview with Neuroscientist Frances Jensen reminds us that we are all subject to what she lovingly (and informally) refers to as “The Dementia of the Preoccupied.” Meaning, “we don’t dwell on any one task long enough to make it solid in our mind.” In other words, you’re not losing it, you’re just not soaking things up or giving them a chance. When asked, in the final moments of the interview, what’s the best way we can protect our brains, she told us to allow time to reflect on what we’ve done in a given day and what’s gone well.
Research is clear that the brain loves reinforcement and reassurance. If that reflection entails beating yourself up, you may want to rethink the patterns on which you dwell. If you spend the week taking that extra step of gratitude and positive health efforts, when you reflect at the end of the day, chances are you’ll be satisfied and your inner conscience can begin to really lift you up.
“The present is the ever-moving shadow that divides yesterday from tomorrow. In that lies hope.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
Good luck in the final week of the Sizzlin’ Summer Challenge 2016! And please celebrate what you’ve done to this point for your health. You’ve earned it.
Eat well, move well, be well, think well.
See you on the PATH Ahead.
Gillian, Shevonne, Amy and the VEHI PATH TEAM.
Cool Mid-day snack idea:
Calories: 151 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 5g
1/2 cup plain non-fat greek yogurt
1 Scoop vanilla protein powder
½ tsp vanilla
Berries of your choice
Whisk the yogurt, protein powder, and vanilla. Divide mixture into a mini muffin silicone mold/pan (or you could use a parchment lined loaf pan). Top each yogurt cup with berry of choice. Freeze until hardened. Pop out the individual bites and enjoy! Makes about one dozen mini muffin-size bites.
Fitnss Magazine’s Paloe breakfast ideas – click here. http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/plans/paleo/paleo-breakfast-ideas/
Lunch Ideas: http://greatist.com/eat/paleo-lunch-recipes
Cheap Healthy Lunch Ideas from EatingWell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/22371/mealtimes/lunch/budget/for-work/slideshow/cheap-healthy-lunch-ideas-for-work/?quicktabs_1=1&quicktabs_1=1