Tag Archives: Health Coaching

Perfect Shouldn’t Be The Enemy of Good

Just Picked Organic Strawberries

Perfect Shouldn’t Be The Enemy of Good.
Let’s take these strawberries as an example. They are small, local, and full of flavor berries picked fresh and ripe from the vine. They haven’t traveled miles to get to you before you eat them. Some might consider them perfection and some might not. Maybe they are too small or not pretty enough. They have some blemishes. They also are full of flavor and vitamins and taste really, really strawberry-ish. I actually prefer them, but I still eat organic berries that have traveled when these are not available. Which kind do you prefer? Whichever kind you prefer, would you refuse to eat a strawberry unless you could get strawberries during strawberry season? How about vegetables? Would you never eat vegetables unless they were perfect from your own garden? That would deprive you of all the necessary, glorious benefits of vegetables for months. You may like to eat local and seasonal, and that’s ok. It’s great!
What’s my point? Do we choose perfection in our lives, and if something can’t be perfect, do we toss the idea, action, or life choice to the side and forget it? If so, are you missing out and holding yourself to such a high standard that you aren’t progressing in your life as you would like?
Maybe it is beginning something you have wanted to do, and you put it off, and put if off, because the time isn’t perfect, or something needs to happen before it is the perfect time.
If you decide to step out and do it anyway, whether it is starting to eat better, an exercise program, a job change or new career, cutting out the processed food, losing weight, working on a health concern, learning to cook healthier, asking for help, healing a relationship, taking time for spirituality, slowing down, speeding up, whatever is something in your life that you would like to address….Do it now! Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. One baby step at a time is sometimes all it takes to start propelling you forward in the direction you want to go. Step out in faith without fear and begin! Good is well, good! It is excellent, fantastic, positive, superb and marvelous! So go ahead. Get started! It doesn’t have to be perfect.
To work with me, contact me at sandrashieldshealthcoach.com
Or email me at: sandrashieldshealthcoach@gmail.com for more information

Are You Getting In Your Workout? Try This!

Get Fit, Feel Fabulous!

It’s Monday again! How was your weekend? Are you getting in daily exercise? It can be hard to fit it into our hectic schedules, but I promise you if you do you will have more energy and get more accomplished throughout your day, because you will be stronger, healthier and more fit. Yes! The best way to make sure you have time for regular fitness is to make it part of your daily routine. Make it a practice!
I have found that getting in my fitness workout in the morning works best for me. It makes me energized and ready to conquer whatever comes my way, and it never gets shoved to the side because other things come up during the day. You know what I mean!
This ten minute fat burning circuit is a great way to begin your day.

Ten Minute Fat Blasting Circuit

It is just ten minutes. So get out of bed ten minutes earlier and try it this week first thing in the morning. Drink a glass of water first. Another great way to start the day is hydrating with water. Add a squeeze of lemon in it for a digestive boost and some vitamin C.
Enjoy your day!
Sandra Shields, Certified Health Coach

It Is Never Too Late To Start Over!

Happy Monday Beautiful People! Are you feeling stuck in an area of your life? It is never too late to start over. If you aren’t happy with yesterday, try something different this week starting today. Don’t Stay Stuck! Make a commitment to yourself to do better.
Is there an area you are feeling stuck? Please share it with me in the comments below.
sandrashieldshealthcoach.com

Good Morning Gorgeous Smoothie Bowl!

Good Morning Gorgeous!!! Yes, you are a gorgeous person! Today I have a fantastic new Smoothie Bowl Recipe to share with you that will help make your insides gorgeous too, and when we are gorgeous on the inside, it naturally makes us glow outward! Wouldn’t you agree? This smoothie is a nourishing breakfast bowl full of only real food, fiber, protein, and you are getting in a serving of greens all in an easily assimilated, highly digestible way! I am a big fan of smoothies in the morning, because our digestive system has been resting as we sleep. It is an optimal time to put a blended meal in our bodies to quickly absorb the nutrients and keep us energized throughout the morning, with just the right amount of calories. This smoothie has low sugar berries, banana and a few slices of mango. The flax helps keep you regular, the seed butter adds healthy fat and protein, and the sliced almonds add crunch!
Here is the recipe. I highly recommend you give this a try! It is such a beautiful way to start your day. The colors nourish your soul (we eat with our eyes too!) and the food nourishes your body. Make a commitment today to do this for yourself!

Have a nourishing week!

Good Morning Gorgeous Smoothie Bowl!

Good Morning Gorgeous Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Fresh Raspberries
1/2 Cup Fresh Strawberries
1/2 Cup Fresh Blueberries
1 Ripe Banana
1 Cup Packed Baby Spinach
1 Tablespoon Sunflower Seed Butter or Tahini
2 Teaspoons Ground Flax Seed
1/2 Cup Crushed Ice
1/4 Cup Cold Water
2 Teaspoons of Sliced Almonds
Sliced Mango for the top

Directions: Place all the ingredients into a blender except the Sliced Almonds and Mango and reserving some each of the Raspberries, Strawberries and Blueberries to scatter on the top. Blend on high until smooth. Pour into a bowl (or bowl mug). I am a fan of Affirmation Bowl Mugs like this one. Scatter with reserved berries, a few slices of mango, and sliced almonds.
Sit down and savor this highly nourishing breakfast. It is a wonderful way to care for your body that will be your home while on this planet!

You can find out more about my Health Coaching on my Website: sandrashieldshealthcoach.com and sign up for my free monthly Health Coaching newsletter (different from my blog newsletter) for tips on creating healthy habits that will last a lifetime!

Have a Gorgeous Week!

Good Morning Gorgeous Smoothie Bowl! Get your day Kickstarted and your Skin Glowing with this Delicious Gluten and Dairy Free bowl of goodness! #smoothiebowl

Eat Your Nutrients!

Do You Believe You Can?

Happy Wednesday to You! Have you been putting off something that you really want to do or accomplish because of excuses like “I don’t have time”, “It is too hard”, “I can’t afford it”, “I’ve never been able to before, so I am done trying”? “I am too tired, too old, too _______?
What if I said you can? This quote by Theodore Roosevelt is spot on! Believing you can and being positive propels us forward instead of being “stuck”. Believe you can! Then take action and set out a first step to make it happen. Make an outline of each step to get to where you want to go to fulfill your goal. (I recommend you take the first and second steps, then do your outline. The first step is Believing). Cross off each small step as you accomplish it. For instance if it is “I want more energy”, make your first step, “I am going to have more Energy”, the second step would be a commitment to drink more water each day. So many of us are chronically dehydrated and don’t even realize it. Eight glasses is a good goal.
Maybe it is to travel to a place you have always wanted to go, but there are always too many bills to pay and the kids need braces. What small step would start you on your way? How about a loose change box? Decorate it with photos of your dream destination. One small step at a time gets you closer and closer to your dreams, goals and a life you are passionate about and love! Share your goals with me below. What is one thing you have been wanting to accomplish or dream of doing? Is it weight loss, healthier food choices, more time for your hobbies, less stress? What is one small step you can take this week to begin to reach it?

Health Benefits of Being Thankful and Positive

Happy Monday Beautiful People!

Complaining and Negativity can affect our Spirit. In contrast being Thankful makes us happier. It boosts serotonin in our brains (a neurotransmitter that affects mood regulation).

My challenge to you this week to improve your health and happiness is:

Step 1
1. Before you step a foot out of bed this week, write down on a notebook, on your nightstand, at least three things you are thankful for. It can be just the fact you can get out of bed, or toilet paper, fingernails to scratch an itch, salt, trash collectors, you get the idea. This morning I was thankful for the birds singing outside, the blueberries I was going to put in my smoothie, batteries, and that is was a yoga morning!

Step 2
2. Catch yourself every time you are going to complain about something and stop before it leaves your lips. This can be hard if we are in a rut of complaining, but I promise you, as you complain less, it will get easier and easier. So keep at it! Your positivity will increase over time, and this will increase your joy.

Take these steps one day at a time. This means if you catch yourself complaining, don’t “throw in the towel”. Try again. It is okay to not do it perfectly. We all mess up. The important thing is you are moving toward positive change!

Now, next Monday morning look at your list. What are all the things you were thankful for during last week? How do you feel? Do you feel more positive, happier, content? How has your being positive and not complaining affected your interactions with others? Have you noticed anything different?

Share below some of the things you are thankful for to get you started on the road to a more positive self! Enjoy your day!

Honey Drizzled Wild Salmon on a Bed of Butternut, Topped with Spinach

At the end of a hard day, I am ready for a hearty meal that includes vegetables, Omega 3’s, healthy carbohydrates and fats. I want it to leave me feeling replenished, well fed and my belly full. If this is you, then this salmon recipe is what you are looking for! Join me in creating a beautiful, nutrient rich salmon entree!

Honey Drizzled Salmon on a bed of Butternut Topped w/ Spinach

The drizzle of honey around each plate pairs beautifully with the salmon and butternut. Just a touch of honey creates a Umami flavor and takes the dish to extraordinary. Although this entree looks restaurant fancy, I promise it is not too difficult. The hardest part is peeling the butternut squash.

Honey Drizzled Salmon on a bed of Butternut Topped w/ Spinach

Honey Drizzled Salmon on a bed of Butternut Topped w/ Spinach

Directions:

Prepare Simple Oven Roasted Butternut Squash ←recipe here

Tent with Foil to keep warm and then turn your oven to broil (high) and place the baking rack on the second level from the top of the broiler.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

1 1/2 Pound Sockeye Salmon Filet (approximate weight)

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon Lemon Zest

1 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

1/4 Cup Honey for Drizzling (clear if SCD/Low FodMap)

Lay Salmon on a parchment or foiled lined, rimmed baking sheet. Mix Olive Oil, Lemon Zest, and Salt in a small bowl and brush on the Salmon. Broil the salmon under the broiler for approximately ten minutes or until the thickest part of the salmon reaches 145º degrees.

While the Salmon is broiling prep your Sauteed Spinach:

Sauteed Spinach

Ingredients:

4 Cups of Fresh Baby Spinach

1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic

1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil (use Garlic Olive Oil if Low FodMap & Omit Garlic)

1 1/2 Tablespoons of Pine Nuts

1/2 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

In a large sautee pan, place Olive Oil, Garlic (if using) and pine nuts. Turn the burner to high, and toast the pine nuts in the oil until lightly brown. This happens quickly (just a minute or two). Add the spinach and salt. Toss until spinach is wilted.

To plate your dish, start with roasted squash on each plate. Top with a generous portion of broiled salmon. Finally, add the sauteed spinach, and drizzle with honey…..so Delicious!

Serves 4

Eat Your Nutrients!

Are You Authentic?…plus a Honeyed Latte Recipe

Are you your most authentic self? If not what is a step you could take to change that? Has there been a time when you recognized you weren’t being your authentic self and wished to be someone else? What did you do? How did it make you feel? What about times when you were completely authentic?

Honeyed Latte with Cinnamon

This is a really important subject for your health and happiness! If you feel like you can’t be yourself except when you are alone, you are not being true to yourself. Everyone on the planet has special gifts and a cellular makeup that makes you like no other person! When you are comfortable, confident and happy with yourself, it shines through you, and draws others to you. You are able to fulfill your purpose so much better! You are a gift to the world, so live your life being you!

Here is a special latte recipe just for you to enjoy!

Honeyed Latte with Cinnamon

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Espresso (or strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine)

1/2 Cup Full Fat Coconut Milk (or try Toasted Hazelnut Vanilla Nut Milk here)

1 Tablespoon of Honey (clear if eating SCD/Low FodMap)

1/4 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

1/8 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions:

Pour your Milk, Honey, Vanilla and Cinnamon in a frothing pitcher. Steam until hot and frothy. Then, prepare your espresso (or strong coffee). If you are using coffee you can heat your milk to desired temperature and whisk vigorously to create a creamy froth.

Honeyed Latte with Cinnamon

Pour the coffee and sweetened, flavored milk together into your very favorite mug. Sit and enjoy and savor the moment and your uniqueness!

Eat Your Nutrients!

Want more tips or need a Health Coach? Check out my new Health Coaching Website here!

Avocado Fries with Dairy Free Ranch Dip

Am I the only one who could eat a whole avocado at once? They are so creamy and delicious! Did you know that the fat in Avocados helps you absorb nutrients in carotenoid containing raw vegetables like carrots and leafy greens (and other red, green & orange vegetables) and converts it into Vitamin A? This is true of other fats as well and is just one of the reasons a low fat salad dressing is such a bad idea. Fat helps you access the nutrients in vegetables!

Avocado also contains fiber and other vitamins and minerals, and the fat keeps you full. I like the glow factor of eating avocados. They are good for your skin! You don’t have to eat a whole avocado at once to get the benefits. These avocado fries are a delicious side at a cookout, and also a very fun appetizer!

Serve them with carrots and my Won’t Miss a Think Dairy Free Ranch Recipe!

Avocado Fries with Dairy Free Ranch Dip

Preheat your oven broiler and place the rack on the second level from the top. Lay out a parchment lined baking sheet.

Ingredients:

2 Avocados that are ripe but not mushy

1/2 Cup Superfine Almond Flour

1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

Directions:

Wash your avocados and cut them in half removing the pit and then slicing them into six slices each, so three slices per half. You will have a total of 12 wedges.

In a shallow bowl, add your Apple Cider Vinegar and coat your Avocado Fries with the vinegar.

In a separate bowl whisk together the almond flour and salt. Dip each avocado slice in the crumb mixture, coating all sides, and place on the baking sheet.

Broil the avocado fries approximately 3 minutes on one side, then remove from the oven and turn, return to the broiler for an additional 3 minutes until golden. Sprinkle with a little additional salt if desired. I like a coarse finishing salt.

Serve with my SCD Low FodMap Ranch here.

Check out more free Health & Wellness Tips on my Facebook page here!

Eat Your Nutrients!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

It’s Asparagus season, and one of the best times to eat it is early Spring when it is local and the stalks are thick and juicy!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial. It takes three years after planting asparagus to strengthen the roots and start harvesting it. After that it just gives and gives every Spring. I find that as the weather warms the stalks get thinner, so I like to make this side when they are fat and abundant.

Asparagus is packed with nutrients like folate, vitamins E, C, A and K, as well as a trace mineral, chromium, that heightens the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Asparagus also contains soluble and insoluble fiber. It is also is a good source of the antioxidant glutathione which is said to slow the aging process and benefit your skin.

Did you know Asparagus can grow as much as ten inches in 24 hours? Amazing! It is also a natural diuretic and can help the body get rid of excess salt and fluid. One caveat – If you have had calcium kidney stones or gout, asparagus is one of the foods to avoid (see here).

The recipe is simple and delicious!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients:

16 Fat Stalks of Asparagus or more if stalks are thinner

8 Pieces of Good Quality Bacon

1Tablespoon Coconut Oil or Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon Coarse Salt (I used Fleur De Sel)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 450º degrees.

Lay out a parchment lined, rimmed baking sheet. Wrap a piece of bacon around two fat stalks of asparagus (or three to four thinner stalks) and secure with a toothpick. Set the eight bundles on your prepared baking sheet and brush with Coconut Oil or Olive Oil. Sprinkle the asparagus with the coarse salt. Place in your oven 10 to 12 minutes until the bacon has crisped and the asparagus is nicely roasted.

Serve!