Tag Archives: Health Coach Tips

5 Small Steps That Lead to a Healthier You

5 Small Steps That Lead to a Healthier You

We all want to feel good, have the energy we desire, to do the things we need to do, with enough steam after meeting life’s busy demands to do what we enjoy.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but here are some tips to incorporate into your routine that can help you on your way to a healthier you. Whether you need a reminder, or are looking for a complete overhaul in your health habits, these tips will help you refocus or get you on your way.

Deprivation and depriving yourself of everything you enjoy eating is not proven to be a good tactic to becoming healthier. Crowding out the foods that don’t serve your body well is key. When you eat the rainbow and add a variety of colorful foods into your diet, you can actually reduce cravings, because your body is getting loads of nutrients and diversity instead of processed or sugar laden foods that just increase cravings, sluggishness, belly fat and low energy. Think of food like berries, red, yellow and green peppers, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, red cabbage, quinoa, nuts, seeds, black beans, cannellini beans, leafy greens, mango, pineapple, apples, grapefruit, onions, garlic and oranges. There are so many. Make a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice, add a rainbow of vegetables (cooked and raw), top it with a sunny side up egg, and sliced avocado or hummus, drizzle it with an easy homemade honey mustard, ranch or hot sauce, and a side of fresh fruit. That is a powerhouse of nutrition without the refined carbohydrates or processed sugar that will have you in a slump after a few hours with a blood sugar dip.

There are so many benefits to movement throughout the day. Setting a goal to exercise and move more doesn’t really work if you dread what you are going to do. Do you like to work out solo, or do you stay more motivated with a buddy who keeps you accountable? Having a walking partner can help you both get your walks in. If you have a sedentary job, find a quick ten minutes to do an arm workout or a bun workout. Lifting some weights helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you strong. If you feel you don’t thrive on lots of cardio or weight lifting, Pilates can keep you very toned, fit and strong. Yoga is a very misunderstood practice. You can get very strong and toned with a regular yoga routine, increase focus, and reduce stress all at the same time. If you like to play like a kid, shoot hoops, jump rope, jump on a trampoline, find some workouts that use a big inflatable ball, do a total body tubing workout. The bottom line is, if you like the workout, you will do it often. If you dread it, it is harder to be consistent. After working out consistently for at least 21 days, and seeing and feeling the results, most likely you will be hooked.

Now that we have covered eating well and movement, let talk about happiness hormones and mood. Dopamine and Serotonin are chemicals in your body that you can increase with things like listening to music, getting sunlight, learning something new, feeling wonder, and getting quality sleep, completing a task (which activates your brains reward signals). Adults tend to lose their sense of wonder. Remember what it was like as a child to be delighted by the simplest things? It is good to experience wonder as often as you can. View art, look at the night sky, learn something new about animals or nature. Watch someone make something mind blowing like blown glass sculptures. 

Your final small step is to make it a priority to unwind. This is an important step that helps reduce stress and anxiety by taking time to just be still. Whether it is a hot bath, a good book, coffee with a friend, meditation, reading, cuddling, savoring a cup of hot tea, or napping, activities that help you relax have a downloading effect on the brain that helps you digest better, sleep sounder and reduce stress and anxiety.

Adding or refocusing on these small steps can help you be healthier, happier, focused, fit and get more out of each day.

Sandra Shields, Health Coach

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy, Low Carb & Delicious) Benefits of Houseplants in your Home, and Non Toxic Living

We are well into January, and I have to say I like the thought that the days are getting longer now! In fact, I find I have been using some of my Summer mugs, because they feel so bright and cheerful.

I am a lover of enchiladas and eating healthy. I think it is great to focus on foods that feed your body, mind and soul that are good for you and taste incredible, keeping in mind that if you have been eating a lot of processed and fast foods, taste buds need time to adjust to less salt and sugar. This is also a low carb recipe, so if you have been fighting belly fat, this is a wonderful casserole that tastes even better the next day.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy and Delicious)
Delicious Grain Free Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy and Low Carb)

Ingredients:

3 lbs. of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Two Large Bunches of Swiss Chard, stems stripped, washed and roughly chopped and dried

5 oz. of Spinach

2 1/2 Cups of Carrots (peeled, chopped and steamed. You can also use baby carrots and skip the peeling)

1 Cup of Good Salsa (I used Green Mountain Gringo. You choose the heat based on your preference)

1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Cup of Aged Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 4 ounces)

1/4 Cup of Chicken or Bone Broth

1 Tablespoon of Garlic Olive Oil (I like and use this brand)

1 Teaspoon of Salt, Divided plus some for sprinkling

1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper, Divided plus some for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Lay the chicken thighs onto a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for 35 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, steam your carrots either on the stovetop or following the directions of your instant pot. Once the carrots are steamed, set them aside to cool slightly before pureeing. Once the carrots have cooled so they are not steaming hot, place them in a food processor along with 1/2 cup of salsa, 1 Tablespoon of garlic olive oil, 1/4 cup of broth, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Sautee the spinach with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Chop the spinach.

Chop your chicken into small bite sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of salsa to the bowl with the chicken along with 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped, cooked spinach, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Grease a large 15 by 10 inch casserole with olive oil. Now the easy and magical assembly. I was impressed with how well Swiss chard bakes in a casserole. Layer half the chopped Swiss chard evenly in the bottom of the casserole. Add your prepared chicken filling. Top with the remaining chopped Swiss chard. Now spread your carrot mixture evenly onto the top of the Swiss chard, covering it as evenly as possible. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle on a little extra black pepper.

Bake uncovered in your 400 degree F. oven for 35 minutes until the cheese is browned and the casserole is bubbly!

Yummy!!!

Today is National Houseplant Appreciate Day! Houseplants are a wonderful way to bring nature and it’s health benefits indoors. We spend so much time indoors, me too, even thought I love to exercise outdoors, garden and be outdoors, we still as humans spend the majority of time indoors. With all the inanimate objects in our homes like furniture, electronics, etc. it can feel good and benefit us to incorporate living plants in our rooms. They create a restorative atmosphere, are always changing and growing and can decrease stress and increase happiness. There are some beautiful plants out there, and some that are low maintenance and good if you have a black thumb.

The Benefits of Houseplants

Houseplants can improve air quality in your space, increase a sense of wellbeing, and give your eyes a much needed break from screens and help you relax and improve mental fatigue. They also can be a great addition to add beauty. It is important if you have small children or pets that you do your research and choose plants that are safe for them and also it is important to know if you have allergies or asthma, choose allergen friendly plants like cactus and succulents. Overwatering can cause mold growth, so read and make sure you know the water needs of your plants. I like to choose ones that need water once a week maximum. I also like to wipe my leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean.

Houseplants in your home can add serenity and beauty

I am always striving for having the cleanest non-toxic living habits as possible. I want my home to be toxin free, my lawn and my skincare. That’s why I love Beautycounter so much. They are leading us to cleaner, safer beauty for all, and it doesn’t hurt that their skincare and makeup is high performing and really works. Here’s a few facts about them. I used them for a good five years before becoming a consultant, because I loved their mission and the changes they were making with beauty laws, not to mention being in love with their skin care products. They have an in house team of scientists and toxicologists, and they test for trace contaminants throughout the manufacturing process! Did you know lipsticks commonly contain lead? Yikes! The skincare regimens are fantastic, and I am obsessed with their Vitamin C Serum!

Beautycounter Clean Fact. They have in house scientists and toxicologists and are changing beauty products for the better.
Beautycounter Clean Fact. The products are obsessively tested for trace contaminants you don’t want on your body or in your bloodstream.

Drop me a line. I love to hear from you! I hope you have a great day!

Fresh Seasonal Salad Days Are Here!

Seasonal Fresh Salad with Peas

It’s Friday and the kickoff of Memorial Day weekend, and unofficially the start of Summer! Warm weather makes me want to eat lots of fresh salads and seasonal veggies. Peas are in season and are a sweet addition to a salad

. I like to lightly steam them and then rinse them under cold water. Drain them, pat them dry, then sprinkle them on your salads along with pea shoots if you can find them or another type of sprout. The shoots are so pretty and elevate your salad to gourmet.

Peas contain an impressive amount of vitamins and minerals and are heart healthy, and also are a source of antioxidants and protein. Add a soft, buttery lettuce, some healthy fats from avocado, and sliced cooked beets! Bonus! Sprinkle on a little fermented vegetables for gut health benefits. (They are full of probiotics. If you like pickles, you will like them too.) Salt, pepper and your favorite vinaigrette, and you have a gorgeous, delicious salad with lots of healthy nutrition!

I’ve signed up for a local organic farms CSA box this Summer and also have planted a small vegetable garden with peas, bok choy, swiss chard, lettuce, tomatoes and peppers. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a vegetable garden, so I am keeping it small and manageable.

What seasonal vegetable do you most look forward to in the Summer? Eating seasonal and local vegetables is a wonderful way to eat very nutrient dense food!

Healthy Frozen Smoothie Packs – Prep Tips That Save Time, Money, and Help You Stay On Track!

Prepping your smoothies in advance is a real time saver! Have you tried it? I have found it is very convenient, and now when I run out of my pre-made packets, I get bummed. So, I try not to let that happen, because life is busy even when you are prioritizing healthy eating.

Making your own batch of single serve smoothie packets and then popping them in the freezer is cheaper than ordering them pre-made for you, faster than making a smoothie from scratch every day, and you are in control of what is in them so there are no concerns about dietary restrictions or preferences.

Here’s how to make healthy smoothie packs!

Customize the smoothie to your preference. You can really make it your own. This is directions for a base packet with many option ideas for you. The day of just dump the frozen base into your blender, add your liquid of choice and at the end add in collagen and protein powder if you desire. I highly recommend it. I don’t include the protein powder and collagen in the smoothie packs, because it tends to foam if blended too long, so adding it at the end just for a few seconds prevents that and keeps the smoothie nice and creamy.

Healthy Frozen Smoothie Packs

3/4 Cup of Frozen Berries

Greens Powder (Optional)

1 Teaspoon of Cocoa Powder (antioxidant rich)

1 Crystalized Ginger Cube or 1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Ginger (great for digestion)

Dried Figs (calcium and fiber)

___________________________________________

Other Add In Options:

Chia Seeds

Flax Seeds

Banana Chunks

Avocado

Pineapple

Mango

Spinach

Kale

Coco Nibs

Cinnamon

Grapes

Cherries

Turmeric

Having packets made in advance makes it so much easier and convenient. Whenever you want a healthy smoothie it’s prepped, so it makes it easier to stick with your healthy eating plan. You can also prep these in wide mouth mason jars if you prefer.

If you like your smoothies very cold, add ice to the blender along with your liquid. I like to do this.

Fresh fruit on top is always an option if you have some in your refrigerator and want to pamper yourself with a fancy one!

I hope these tips are helpful to you. Drop me a comment with any questions!

Happy Healthy Eating!

Boost Your Immune System Naturally With Food!

healthy food

Food is medicine, or it can be depending on what you eat.

Food can boost your immune system when you choose to eat a whole foods, healthy diet, and there are certain ones you can make sure you are incorporating into your meals daily to boost and keep your immune system strong!

I also have a few supplements I use year round that are immune boosting, however, a healthy diet is the single most important thing you can do for yourself to be your healthiest for a lifetime!

Here are some of the things you can eat every day for a strong immune system:

Citrus – choose oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes. Not only are they full of vitamin C, but also flavanoids, especially the peel. So, zest the oranges, lemons and limes and use them in cooking. Eat the whole fruit of oranges and grapefruit, and squeeze lemons and limes into your glass of water.

Don’t forget to eat berries and other fruits too in addition to citrus! There are many benefits to a variety of fruits and vegetables. Your body will get what it needs, to use when it needs it, by regularly eating healthy, whole foods.

Vegetables – Shoot for at least seven servings a day of veggies. Make sure you are eating a variety of them too, including cruciferous ones like broccoli, cabbage, bok choy and Brussels sprouts. They are rich in Vitamin C, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Green Tea – The polyphenols in green tea are potent antioxidants! The catechins in green tea may kill influenza viruses. Try my matcha green tea latte here every morning to start your day.

Garlic – We have known for centuries that garlic has medicinal uses. The allicin in garlic converts to sulfur containing compounds that boost our disease fighting response.

Raw Honey – Raw, unpasturized honey has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that can help to boost your immune system and fight sickness. My favorite is Manuka, but any raw honey is helpful.

Probiotic Rich Foods – They keep your gut flora population healthy. Choose foods that don’t have added sugar. Plain Greek yogurt with a little honey or maple syrup stirred in by yourself. One of my favorite probiotic rich vegetables is Kimchi.

Supplements are another way you can keep your immune system strong and boost it. It is best to add these to an already healthy diet and not use them as a bandaid for poor eating.

This is what I use for myself year round:

Elderberry Syrup – It is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. A teaspoon a day, and it tastes delicious. I put it in my smoothies.

Vitamin C – One of the biggest immune boosters. Vitamin C fights free radicals in the body.

A High Quality, Organic Greens Powder: I LOVE Organifii Green Juice Powder. It contains Ashwagandha wich is an adaptogenic herb that improves immunity. It also contains matcha green tea and lots of greens!

Remember, real food will give your body what it needs to keep you healthy, vibrant and living your best life!

Blessings!

Sam

 

What’s In Season for August

What's In Season in August

August is a time of year when the fresh fruits and vegetables are at their peak! This is a great time to eat your fill of all the freshness the season has to offer and enjoy all the nutrient rich benefits of a large variety of colorful, fresh food.
I have put together a list for you to pin, share and inspire you!
How would you use some of these? Share with me in the comments and share this post with friends who love good food!

The Health Benefits of Sweet Cherries

Health Benefits of Sweet Cherries

The cherries are in season, so now is a good time to enjoy them, freeze them at their peak to enjoy all winter and to reap the health benefits of this delicious stone fruit!

 

Let’s talk about the benefits of sweet cherries!

 

Some of my favorite benefits of cherries are the compounds that help improve sleep naturally (they contain natural melatonin). If you want the benefit of better sleep, have a serving an hour before bedtime. 

 

Cherries also contain anti-inflammatory properties, and they inhibit oxidative stress. It is always a good idea to eat foods that decrease inflammation in our bodies that can lead to a variety of diseases and health problems, and oxidative stress leads to premature aging and puts you at a higher risk for cancer, neurodegenerative disease and diabetes.

 

The red color of the cherries is from Anthocyanins which are a class of antioxidants that research shows can benefit our bodies in several ways. Anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and neuroprotective. Anthocyanins can rev up fat burning and decrease fat storage. The polyphenols in cherries are a boost to heart health and aid in exercise recovery.

 

As with any fruit, stick to reasonable serving sizes.

 

1 Cup of Sweet Cherries has 90 calories, 22 g of carbs and 17 grams of sugars.

 

Sweet Cherries are highly palatable and tasty just as they are. This stone fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, especially Vitamin C and Potassium. They are wonderful atop a salad, as a snack, chopped up and made into a salsa to go with a meal as a topping, in a breakfast bowl, in a homemade cherry bbq sauce, use them to make homemade popsicles or in broccoli salad. There are so many creative ways to use them as part of a healthy, well balanced diet and the benefits are worth your attention.

Photo by twinsfisch on Unsplash

Self Care Saturdays!

self care saturday

It’s Self Care Saturday!
This morning I woke up and did an energizing yoga flow while masking! Yup multi-tasking again! I also start every day with a large glass of water. I love getting on my mat, because it loosens me up, makes me feel good in my body, and boosts my energy!
Some of you know I’ve had a very painful shoulder injury for the last year and a half that is finally improving, but I’m still very careful with what I do with my right shoulder so I don’t re-injure it, which I’ve done twice! 


I love my breakfast of a highly nourishing smoothie and a matcha green tea latte I make myself. Smoothies for breakfast are my thing, because I can pack so much nutrition into them.! (See my recipe index under smoothies for some recipes) I’m a big eater, so I make a big smoothie. 🥑🍒🥝🥕🍓 

smoothie.jpg

Join me over on Facebook in my private VIP Group to learn more about natural skin care and healthy living with a nice group of lovely  people.

Sandra’s Safer Skincare VIP Group

Show me some snapshots and comment on what you are doing this morning, and how you plan to get a little self care in! I hope your Saturday is awesome!!! 😘

You can find the natural face masks I use at Lemongrass Spa. All their products are also gluten free and many are nut free as well and organic.

I appreciate you!

Immune Boosting Smoothie!

cold busting smoothie

You’ve washed your hands like crazy and practiced prevention to avoid a cold. but here it is! You got one anyway!

What now? I know you want it to go away, like yesterday!!!

Here’s an immune boosting smoothie you can make every day while you have a virus, or for prevention, to boost your immune system and assist in making your cold as short as possible! Each ingredient serves a purpose.

Immune Boosting Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Large Orange (Vitamin C)

1 Cup of Frozen Mango (Vitamin C)

1 Cup of Brewed and Cooled Chamomile Tea (Soothes Sore Throats)

1 Tablespoon of Fresh Lemon Juice (Vitamin C)

2 Tablespoon of Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (Fiber)

1 Teaspoon of Chia Seeds (Fiber and Omega 3)

1/8 Teaspoon of Cinnamon (anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory)

1 Teaspoon of Black Elderberry Syrup (I use this) (immune boosting, antioxidants)

1 Teaspoon of Raw Honey (antibacterial, helps relieve sore throats and coughs)

Directions:

Blend all the ingredients together, except the elderberry syrup, in a blender on high. Pour into a glass. Drizzle the elderberry syrup on top. You can add some additional mango on top if you want to.

In addition, while you have a cold, make sure you get enough rest, stay hydrated, sip warm liquids (chamomile tea helps soothe a sore throat), add moisture to the air, and use an over the counter saline nasal spray.

light and yummy, every ingredient in this smoothie serves a purpose! dairy free and gluten free.

*This post has affiliate links in it. I receive a very small commission if you purchase through my links. The small commission helps cover the cost of maintaining this blog. Thanks! 🙂

Healthy Holiday Tips to Avoid Weight Gain and if you have Food Sensitivities

How to Have a Healthier Holiday with Packing on the Pounds

Most of us have to be mindful during the holidays of what we eat to avoid weight gain and also digestive upset. Ugghh, who wants that?

Above are some tips for avoiding the fallout of the holiday celebrations on your health and still enjoy the festivities. Of course if you are having dessert and are allergic or sensitive to something in the dessert, don’t eat it. That is where it is a good idea to bring your own to share.  If you are lucky enough to get a thoughtful hostess who asks about food sensitivities, that is always a bonus!

Also, you can completely change your focus! Yes, there is a lot of emphasis on food, but it really does make a difference if you set an intention. For instance, “I intend to really enjoy the time I get to spend with my friends or family talking and catching up.” Put your focus more on the activities other than food that are happening at your party or get together.

Taking or preparing a dish or two of your own, or a healthier treat, will also keep you on track and keep you from feeling deprived or left out.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated. This is important in colder months. It keeps your mucus membranes hydrated, your skin, organs, and sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. Not drinking enough water can also contribute to constipation.

Going for a brisk walk with your pet, friend or family member helps digestion, is energizing, burns calories, is great for circulation and your metabolism, and you benefit from fresh air!

If you have food sensitivities, you will be very happy that you resisted and came prepared, because the next day, you will feel good. When the holidays are over and you still have energy, can fit into your clothes, and don’t have to try to lose the holiday gain, you will be very thankful.

Sandra

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