"Why do we fall? To Pick Ourselves Back Up" - A Thankful Reminder

Hello, friends.

It's Thanksgiving week (already?!) and I'm reflecting on the changes I've made, the relationships I'm blessed to have and all the good things going for me, my family and friends.  It's easy to get bogged down in the "I can't do this...", the "I don't have that..." and the "poor me" - I'm as guilty as the next person. I mean, seriously, what we're exposed to every day - the materialism and bitterness driven by a "keep up with the Jones'" mentality is enough to make anyone a basket case.

Just last week I had one of those weeks. You know the ones. You feel like a huge failure, despite your best efforts and the encouragement around you. You're logical mind is hushed by your emotional mind and you forget all the things you KNOW to be true in favor of a self deprecating, media tainted, self loathing,  - all designed to get you to feel so bad about yourself that you will pay exorbitant amounts of money on products that simply don't work. Ya. THAT kind of week. 

But here's what happened. I talked about it and my support system lifted me up and reminded me of the things that I know. I killed a really tough workout in record time, and I enjoyed my birthday with family and friends and a great concert. I got out of my own head (with some great advice and lots of hugs) and felt 1,000% better the next day.

Everyone has low days - but you remember what Thomas Wayne said to Bruce, don't you? "Why do we fall? To pick ourselves back up." 

(C'mon - who doesn't love a quality Batman reference?!)

I'm focusing on eating as clean as possible, but am going to be okay with small splurges. I'm going to work out to make me feel better physically and emotionally. I'm working on positive self talk - audible reminders of what I know logically but struggle with subconsciously.  

So, in this busy season, remember that you are human, unique and special. We all set goals and sometimes fumble around before we get to the finish line. We need our support system to keep us healthy and happy. So, embrace this time with those you care about - and remember to care about YOURSELF too.  It may be a winding road, but keep at it, be true to yourself and you will realize success. At least, that's my story - and I'm sticking too it!

I just put some Overnight Oatmeal in the crock for a warm, hearty and healthy breakfast before getting a run in with TNT alumni and friends, and then the Turkey Circuit with Ben and the gang at Compete. Family movie, plenty of cooking and time with those I love. It's going to be a great holiday season. 

Sincerely thankful ~
Until next time,
<3Jen

A Healthy (and DELICIOUS) Way to Start the Day!

Hello again, friends! Back so soon? Yes, yes I am. I just had to tell you all about a new instant classic...

I'm still focusing on eating clean, but I wanted something fast, easy, WARM and tasty for breakfast. The answer? Overnight oatmeal...

I had a long day yesterday, worked the day job, school in the evening, home to clean up after my messy boys and walk the furry ones. I was tired and hungry and trying to think of what I could put together for breakfast and lunch the next day.

So, I sat down and did what any red blooded American would do. I Googled. "Clean Breakfast Options"... and viola! An idea was born.  Now, this is not the first time I thought of crock pot oatmeal. I mean, I've seen it on Pinterest boards - haven't you?  So, I decided to peruse the recipes until I found one that I could easily modify to meet my clean standards. Oh, and my taste buds.

Here's the one I pulled up (Originally posted here...)

And how I modified it...

Overnight Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped (I used Pink Lady apples - they are my FAV!)
• 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk (I like unsweetened almond milk)
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats (I used slightly more - about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or substitute maple syrup or other desired sweetener - I used a combination of natural molasses and local honey)
• 1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces (optional) <--- skipped it!
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (more like 1 Tablespoon!)
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed (more like 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, additional milk or butter (I added natural craisins and nutmeg, and had slivered almonds... that I sadly forgot to add)

Directions

Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray (I used olive oil spray). Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for approx. 7 hours (slow cooker times can vary). Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.

To reheat single servings: Put 1-cup cooked oatmeal in microwave proof bowl. Add 1/3 cup fat-free milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Continue cooking for another minute, or until hot.

Recipe can be doubled in 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Increase cooking time 1 hour.

I brought my breakfast concoction to the Studio where I workout for our 5am TRX class. We finished our workout (which was awesome - ever tried the TRX Rip Trainer?!) and then I served up some breakfast for the gang. It was a hit! I even left the crock there so other clients could enjoy a hearty, healthy, and CLEAN breakfast. Pretty awesome of me. Except now I have no yummy breakfast for tomorrow. Good thing I'm a resourceful woman - and I have my Isa-Lean shakes to get me through!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this recipe. I surely did! What are some other recipes you love for breakfast? What optional ingredients should I try for my next batch of Overnight Oatmeal? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Share the yummy love with your family, friends and coworkers! We're all happier with yummy and good food in our tummies!

Until next time, friends!

<3 Jen

Looks Who's Back!!

Long time, no see, Friends.

Balance. It's a tough word. For me it often means sacrifice, coping with challenges, and admitting that I'm not Super Woman (at least not all the time) and that there are only 24 hours in every day.

You'll notice that I've taken a break since my last post. It's not because I've given up on my Whole Life or because I've abandoned my Five Pillars philosophy. No, it's because sometimes, you have to prioritize what's important and what you have time for.

This fall, I started back at the University of Nebraska (Omaha) to continue my education, with a new focus. This is something about 18

years in the making and my employer has made excuses obsolete. It's something I've wanted for some time, but felt that time and money were holding me back. Well, tuition reimbursement has made the money part manageable, and let's face it, if it's important we don't FIND time we MAKE time.

This is important. So, I make time. You know what else is important? Family time. Dog time. Workout time. Work (well, it's not AS important, but it is required!) time. Chore time.  Side job time. What gets placed at the bottom of the pile? Blog time.

I wanted to share with you how I've refocused my efforts on nutrition after a slippery summer of eating out - see, it's OK to start over. Heck, start over EVERY DAY if you have to! I've kicked the soda habit again...(ugh!) and have renewed my joy of clean eating!

I continue to enjoy my workouts with Ben at Compete Personal Fitness. With my demanding schedule, I try and get in Monday mornings for Spin at 5am, Wednesday mornings at 5am for TRX, Thursday night marathon sessions made up of circuits, TRX and Spin, and then Saturday morning workouts. I enjoy the workout and the mood boost I get, plus I feel stronger! I'm not a paper thin super model, or a crazy-ripped athlete, but I'm a 30-something, working mom who feels strong and able to take on just about anything!

Since my IT Band issues, I've not been running, but I'm working my way back with the help of my chiropractor, therapeutic masseuse and trainer. I feel like the Lincoln Half Marathon may see me again, to settle an old score.  I've also recently registered for the Trek the Tower event here in Omaha. Climb up the city's tallest building (40+ floors) - sure! That sounds fun! My employer has a team registered and I'm excited to take on this challenge and get to know more of my coworkers.

So - in a nutshell, I've been wicked busy. But in all the best ways - a full juggling act with lots of balancing! What are my key take aways:

• It's OK to admit defeat and START OVER.
• It's important to set your PRIORITIES. 
• It's vital to set GOALS.

and, most importantly....

• LOVE THE LIFE YOU'RE LIVING. 

Until next time, 

<3 Jen