At one time or another we have all found ourselves on the drive thru line, starving, and craving some food that will provide a solution to that crazy grumbling sound in our bellies. So, we go for something quick and fast. It also doesn’t help that each town has at least one to two, or even more fast food joints, to offer some quick yet unhealthy options for us. How do we avoid this? How can we avoid being that hungry, craving, cranky, and in a need of a fast fix person who has lost all control for healthy determination? Well, it is much simpler than you’d think.

The real fast food, before corporations built these multi-million dollar unhealthy options for us, was good old-fashioned fruits and veggies. Imagine that! Fruits and veggies should always be the number one option, and they are sold everywhere we turn as well, although they don’t usually have a drive thru. So, if it is about convenience then we need to prepare ahead of time. If we pack snacks and quick foods to go in our purse or brief case then we will always have a fast food option that aligns with having a healthy determination.

I suggest packing apples, bananas, oranges, nuts, gluten-free crackers, a healthy bar like a Kind Bar,  and even some healthy homemade trail mix! Trail mix is one of my favorite go-to snacks when I’m on the go. I put some nuts, raisins, and dried fruit like cranberries in a little Ziploc back. It is always there and it doesn’t fail me. It also quick to prepare and if I make a bunch of it I can take little servings for a couple days so it lasts.

The best way to avoid fast food joints while on the go is to always make sure you have a fast food option in your purse.   

Massaged kale? Yes! It is really tasty and simple!

Plus, it is Loaded with vitamins! Vitamin A, C, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate, Manganese, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, Fiber and more!

And the simple task of massaging kale basically breaks down the kale to make it more easy to digest…essentially wilting it.

2-3 cups of organic raw kale leaves (I like the “dino” variety – it looks curly like my hair)
1 tsp. of olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp. of coarse sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS
De-stem the leaves from the stem by sliding your index finger and middle finger (see photo) down the center of the leaf while pulling the leaf away from you with your other hand.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl

Using a massaging action (kinda like kneading dough), tear leaves apart and massage everything for about 3-5 minutes or until the leaves are softened.

Use this as a salad base or add toppings. I added sprouts. You can add leftover protein, like chicken or shrimp. I also like to use roasted veggies like tomatoes, onions or peppers. And remember the Good fat – maybe some avocado slices.//

Get creative!

What would you add to your salad, to make it perfect for you and your family?

There are so many diet books out there telling you what to eat and magazines telling you to “Do this and you’ll look 10 years younger” or “Do that and you’ll experience rocket fuel energy.” With so much information, it can be overwhelming and confusing to separate fact from fad.

During my studies and through my own life experience I’ve discovered that our health isn’t just about what we eat. It’s about so much more than that. It’s about how our body works as a whole. It’s about how our lifestyle impacts our health. It’s about our quality of living. How happy are you? How well-rounded is your life? What’s falling off the metaphorical plate?

I want to take a minute today to break down for you really simply what it takes to look good, feel great, and get to a place of optimal health.

Here are the top 5 things you need to know and do to kickstart your health and feel amazing

1. Commit to your success. So often, we have surface reasons for why we want to get healthy. We say, “I want to lose those last 10 lbs. so I can look good at my reunion,” when, in reality, it goes much deeper than that. You have to figure out what’s motivating you and what will keep you motivated as you create new healthy habits.
2. Discover which foods fuel you. There is no one diet that works for everyone. You have to take the time to figure out which foods work for your unique body. This means looking for food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities, then adjusting your diet to accommodate for these things.

 3. Practice self-care. I don’t know anyone who couldn’t use a little more time for themselves. In this busy world we live in, it’s hard to get a moment to relax. It seems like the more time passes, the more we have on our plates, the more things accumulate on our to do lists. Taking time for yourself – to just rest and BE – is super important in becoming a healthier, happier person.

4. Exercise regularly. This is something that’s talked about a lot but is often put on the back burner. You need to take time to move your body – but that doesn’t mean that you have to go to the gym. Figure out what works best for YOU. Do you enjoy dancing? Outdoor activities? Sports? Fitness classes? Find an activity that works for you, and stick with it. Your body will love you for it.

5. Get your body back in balance. With the amount of toxicity in our environments and processed foods in our diets, it’s easy for our bodies to get out of whack. If you find yourself tired often or easily gaining weight, this is usually due to blood sugar imbalances. Learning how to bring your blood sugar back into balance so your body can optimize the sugars you’re consuming is something you’ve really gotta know in order to be the healthiest version of yourself.

 These are just a few of the components of living a healthy life, but they’re up there on the list of the best things you can do for yourself and your health.

In a couple of days, I’ll be announcing a new course called “Smart Eating for Busy Professionals”. Over the course of 21 days, we’ll cover all of these topics, as well as other key factors of living a healthy life and thriving in today’s world.

Be on the lookout for more details coming the next couple of days. You won’t want to miss this!

Here’s to a healthier week and YOU!