Find your WHY

Whether you need to exercise more or you want to up your game in life, you may benefit from these tips. 

1.  Ask yourself WHY? And then write it down.

Be honest with yourself about why you want to improve. In my experience, once you put it down on paper it becomes real.

-  Do you need to get fit? Why?

-  Do you need an energy boost? Why?

-  Do you have extra pounds to lose? Why?

-  Or, do you want to compete at a higher level? Why?

The reason you give will help you understand HOW you can best meet your goal.  For example, if you put down that you need to get fit because you want to have more energy to play with your kids, then it makes sense to build up your activity levels by involving your children.  You could race with them or work out on the sidelines while they’re absorbed in an activity they love.  That way you’re meeting your goal of becoming fit and doing something that will make you happier.

2.   Set a GOAL and make a plan.

Many people find that once they have a specific goal to strive toward, it motivates them to get started.  Begin with something achievable and make sure your goal is tangible.  Deciding to ‘get fit’ is pretty abstract, so try to quantify what you want to do.  Maybe you want to walk outside for at least 10 minutes every day or you want to be fit enough to take part in a 5k jog in three months time… Think about what you can and what you will do to become more active.

3.  SHARE your goal.

Tell people about your goal and they can help you stay on track. If you share your plans with a loved one, friend or co-worker, they can help you by holding you accountable. Making a verbal commitment can also help boost your motivation.  Once you have verbally made a commitment to improve yourself, the added pressure of someone asking you about it, may push you to succeed. This will help motivate you on the days you are tired or trying to find an excuse to quit.

4. PLAN for success instead of failure.

Don’t self-sabotage.  If you hate running, then putting running into your plan will sabotage your efforts before you even start. Yes, running is good for you but if it brings back terrible memories of childhood gym class or cross-country races then chances are you’ll suddenly find an old closet to clean out instead! Make a smart plan by picking an activity you enjoy.  With so many physical activities to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find something that you can look forward to each week.

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Find your WHY, write your GOAL, SHARE your goal, make a PLAN, and head toward success in all that you do.

Here’s another guilt-free pasta recipe for you! You won’t need a spiral slicer for this one, simply use a regular veggie peeler – like the kind you would use to peel the skin from a potato – to create long, flat zucchini noodles. This recipe has a scrumptious, nutty flavor that will make you forget all about traditional noodles. Feel free to serve with some sliced chicken breast, sliced hard-boiled eggs or steak for added protein. Enjoy!

Cheesy Flat Zucchini Noodles

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

Servings: 4

Here’s what you need

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Pinch of salt
• 1 Tablespoon almond flour
• 4 large zucchinis, peeled with a veggie peeler
• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 1 Tablespoon minced parsley
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, about two minutes. Add the coconut oil, and once it’s melted, add the almond flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir often with a wooden spoon, until it’s toasty brown, about two minutes. Remove crumbs from the pan and save for garnish.
3. In the same skillet, add the peeled zucchini noodles. Sauté them until just tender, about one to two minutes. Turn heat to low.
4. In a new pan on low heat, combine olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, stirring with a spoon until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
5. Transfer the zucchini noodles to garlic and oil mixture. Toss and stir until they’re coated.
6. Turn off the heat and add parsley, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle with almond flour crumbs before serving. Enjoy!

Nutritional Analysis

One serving equals: 165 calories, 12g fat, 72mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, and 6g protein

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