Snow Days

Floridian here! We're expecting our first snow/ice storm and they're anticipating power outages, icey roads, and cooooold winds! I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. Share some of your advice with me! What do I know?? It's National Hug Day and I'm hugging maca root, goji berries, oat grass, grape seed extract, and over 70 other superfoods. Just add water and I've got everything I need in my arms to stay energized and healthy! I'm golden if the stove won't work and the fridge spoils! 

My new purchase!

I have a secret....

Walt was right....dreams come true if we have enough courage to pursue them (even if they look like a bike). Look at my new baby! When deciding to become a coach, I didn't dive in with the anticipation of having extra fun income. I took less hours at my job - I did it to pay the bills (and because it fulfills me in ways I never thought possible).....but NOW I get to make a spur of the moment purchase of buying something that's been on my list since we've been married! I got to pay for this little dream of mine with my coach income. Why aren't we doing this together!?

Paleo Italian "Pasta"

What you need:

spaghetti squash 

red, yellow, or green peppers

diced tomatoes

basil

garlic (fresh or powder)

1 tsp coconut oil

Instructions:

Cut squash in half horizontally. 

Chop peppers and tomatoes. 

In another pan, 

I just added coconut oil, tomatoes, peppers, and spices and let simmer. 

(This is just one of many ways to cook a spaghetti squash - the easiest in my opinion.)

You can choose to remove seeds before cooking, but it's entirely up to you. 

Sprinkle on coconut oil and water. 

Microwave for 10-12 minutes. 

The squash should be soft. Scrape "noodles" off shell. 

Add tomato mixture to the top with basil. 

VIOLA!

My Word of the Year: 2016

This year, I'm declaring that I have a choice....

I have a choice in my attitude. 

I have a choice to pray. 

I have a choice to be eat well. 

I have a choice in where I invest my money. 

I have a choice to serve others well. 

I have a choice to workout and feel my best. 

I have a choice to work my hardest. 

I have a choice to choose self-care. 

I have a choice to love better. 

I have a choice to make 2016 the best year yet.

Everyday, we're faced with choices: 

All of them lead to consequences. I desire for my choices in 2016, 

to be more thought out; more intentional. 

The choice is yours. 

I am very much looking forward to 2016. 

2015 was a year of transition, as my husband and I moved states and even spent a few months in separate states (because of logistical reasons). While I'd like to think that I did accomplish some pretty big dreams, I felt pretty power-less at times because of situations that were (and are still) out of my control. 

I don't think that 2016 will lead me to feel more in control, however I do feel as though, when I make wiser, more intentional choices, I will feel more powerful and that makes me excited. 

Last year, my word was 'power'. 

I was just looking at my 2015 Dreamboard. 

(Have you ever made one? If not, I highly suggest it! Click here to find out why they're so helpful and how to create one.) Visualization is a huge motivator for me. It helps to see everything in front of me and it enables me to understand how to tackle these goals!

My dreams were big, detailed, and quite scary. 

Did I accomplish them all? No. 

AND that's okay. To name a few things that we accomplished on my dreamboard...(in no particular order) we bought our second home (in a new state), I reached some pretty incredible coaching goals, I traveled, I grew closer to my Savior, read 9.5 books (goal was 10), chose to listen to some pretty awesome podcasts, built some pretty incredible friendships locally and all over the US (many with women who are now some of my dearest friends - arrow girls are the best but I might be bias), I started a blog, and our marriage grew stronger. 

I think it's safe to say the success outweighed the failures  goals that will remain on my list until I accomplish them. 

Do you take some time in December to reflect on the previous year? Do you set goals for yourself? Do you find a word of the year? If so, I'd love to hear about them!

I LOVE new beginnings!

Hey there, 2016, ready or not, here we come!

Paleo Christmas Treats

I looked up recipes for Christmas dinner and desserts on Pinterest (because there ain't no time to create my own)!

I may have overdone it this year in the treats department. 

I made...

paleo chocolate peppermint blender brownies: from here

 paleo gingerbread cookies: from here

paleo coconut peppermint chocolate macaroons:  from here

These recipes were super easy AND a hit. 

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

These were super easy to make! That's what I love about some recipes 

- easy and healthy, YES!

What you need: 

1 cup (melted) refined coconut oil

1/2 cup honey

1 cup dark cocoa powder

1/2 tsp peppermint extract (I get mine at Whole Foods)

Crushed peppermint candies (optional)

Instructions: 

1. Line a 9x5 pan with parchment paper

2. Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high

3. Pour mixture in loaf pan and place in freezer for 15 minutes (until cool, yet still soft)

4. (Optional) Add peppermint candies on top

5. Enjoy and share at your next Christmas party!

'Quick' Doesn't Last

Yes, you're being lied to and so have I.....if you've ever thought you'd get to your ideal weight or feel your best with diet pills, wrapping, tiny microwave meals, diet anything, Splenda, counting calories (and not chemicals), then you've fallen into the trap of lies. Don't we all wish there was a quick fix to wearing our skinniest jeans after the fun, busy holiday season?!! 

➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 

But guess what quick doesn't = lasting. 

Want to know my steps to making healthy eating, working out, and self care a lifestyle? 

1. know that consistency is key and hard work is going to be worth it. learn to enjoy fitness (yes, it's possible). 

2. set realistic goals & show yourself grace

3. find accountability

4.  find a meal guide that is not restrictive. 

Yes, I'm a coach but like everyone, I need accountability too. Join me in January so we can start off the year right and make 2016 our best yet. 

💌

rootedtreefitness@gmail.com