Monday, April 11, 2011

Monday Meditation ~ Change

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.

    -Andy Warhol

This morning, I was pondering what today's meditation should be when I stumbled on this quote by Andy Warhol.  I never imagined I would find what I was looking for in a quote from a pop culture icon.  You see, I was starting to get a bit complacent with my wellness routine, and though I was still doing good, I wasn't doing as good as I could.  I needed a little shot in the arm to remind me that I have to keep working at what I want to achieve. 

Getting in shape... mind, body, and spirit...  IS going to take time, but it isn't going to happen by itself.  It's going to take focus, desire and effort on my part. 

So I'll leave you with another quote worth pondering...

Inspiration can come from anywhere, even where you least expect it. 
-Gina
Where does your inspiration come from?  
Live Healthy.  Live Happy.

Live Healthy, Live Happy Weight Loss Challenge FAQ

Where does my registration fee go?
Almost all of your registration fee goes directly into the prize fund for your challenge!  That means, the more people who participate in the challenge, the more prize money is awarded.  Only a minimal amount of your fee is set aside to cover administration fees for the challenge. 

Are you even qualified to teach this class?
Yes.  I’ve received training to become a Weight Loss Challenge coach and I will be using proven materials developed by the doctors and nutritional scientists at Herbalife to teach the class each week.

Are you going to be doing the challenge with us?
I am, and so is my husband Kirby!  We have a weight loss goal just like you!  But because I am also leading the challenge, my husband and I will be "opting-out" of any prizes awarded during the challenge.

Do I have to follow a certain weight loss program?
Nope!  You can follow any weight loss program you want.  I will be providing free meal plans and making recommendations based on Herbalife’s medically approved weight loss program, but you are free to use whatever method you choose.

Do I have to attend meetings in Austin?
No.  We will be using the World Wide Web to meet each week.  Lessons will be presented on the Weight Loss Challenge class website and we will hold our discussions via web forums and phone/web conferencing.  I am also available as often as you need for 1-on-1 consultations via the phone, IM, or email.  

But I don’t want everyone to know how much I weigh!?!
Not to worry!  The only person you have to “weigh-in” with is me, and your weekly weigh-in results will be kept in confidence between you and I.  There will be a private, members-only section of the forums where participants can publicly weigh-in if they want to share their progress, but it is optional. 

Every three weeks, I will post who the three weight loss leaders are and how much they have lost, but your actual weight will be kept private unless you decide to share it!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Gratitude

This is a work in progress, but so far, these are just some of the things I am grateful for:

My amazing husband.  I have never known such a kind and loving soul.  Thank you for sharing your life with me, for loving me when I'm not very lovable, and for believing in me.


My "kids"...  Cozmo, Baby, Leah, and Willow.  They make me smile even when I'm sad, make my life richer even when I'm broke, and have taught me over and over again what unconditional love means.  

Incredible friends who have enriched my life in so many ways.  Yes you, right there reading this.  :)  You know who you are!

My careers, both past and present.  My time spent as a teacher allowed me to enrich the lives of my students in a way few people can.  Writing for the the video game industry and as a free-lance writer... one word.  Awesome.  And being self employed, though scary at first, allows me a level of personal freedom and creativity that make each "work" day one I look forward to!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Healthy Recipe of the Week ~ Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a tasty and refreshingly easy way to eat your veggies.  It is a wonderful antipasta' (appetizer), and works equally well for lunch, especially when served with some toasted Italian bread!  I've even included a tex-mex variation for you to try... it's amazing served as a side with  homade fish tacos!

Gazpacho

Ingredients

  • 4 cups tomato or V8 juice
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, minced
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano*
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil*
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingrediants. Blend until well-combined but still slightly chunky. 
  2. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. 
* If fresh herbs are in season, definately use them in place of the dried herbs. Generally, one tablespoon of fresh herbs can be substituted for one teaspoon of dried herbs (and vice-versa), but let taste be your guide.
For Gazpacho with a south of the border kick, you can substitite a chili pepper (like a fresh jalapeno) for the green pepper, swap out the lemmon juice with lime juice, and replace the oregano and basil with cilantro and cumin. 

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 45 | Total Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0mg

Monday, April 4, 2011

Monday Meditation ~ Abundance

Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are.When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
                                                              -Lao-Tzu
Do you want more out of life?  Sure, everyone does!  But did you know the best way to get more out of life is to recognize all of the wonderful things you already have.  The Universe is a vast and abundant place, capable of giving us everything we need.  And the way to tap into all that abundance is to be grateful for what we have, right here, right now.

A gratitude list helps helps us stay focused on what we can be happy and thankful for in the present moment. It can change our mood from one of anxiety and scarcity to one of hopefulness, excitement, and contentment.  And it's easy to do.  Simply grab some paper, a post it note, or open your favorite word processing program and start listing all of the things you are thankful for.

But what if your life is a complete wreck?  Then start small.  Sometimes it is the smallest things that inspire us the most and give us the most hope.  Maybe it's a warm smile from a loved one.  Or a nuzzle and a purr from your kitty.  Even if you are only able to recognize one small thing to be grateful for, you will have fed your spirit and opened yourself to all of the abundance life has to offer!

Live Healthy.  Live Happy.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Shake Up Your Weekend! ~ Café Mocha Shake

Café Mocha Shake 
A caffeine and chocolate boost with the power of protein.

Ingredients:
2 scoops Dutch Chocolate Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix
2 tablespoons Personalized Protein Powder
1 cup plain soy milk or nonfat milk
1/2 medium banana
2 teaspoons instant-coffee crystals
1 dash cinnamon
4 ice cubes (or frozen yogurt cubes)

Directions:
Place all ingredients in the blender and mix thoroughly until the ice cubes are completely crushed.

* To make frozen yogurt cubes, scoop 1 pint of plain or vanilla nonfat yogurt into an ice cube tray.  Freeze overnight, then transfer the the cubes to a freezer bag to store.  You can keep the yogurt cubes in the freezer for up to 3 months, though you'll probably use them faster then that. :)  They're great for making smoothies!

Nutritional Analysis (with nonfat milk):
Calories: 275
Protein: 30 grams
Fat: 0.5 gram
Carbohydrates: 38 grams

Friday, April 1, 2011

Announcing the Live Healthy, Live Happy Weight Loss Challenge

Join the "Live Healthy, Live Happy" Weight Loss Challenge to help you reach your weight-loss goals!

DURING THE 12-WEEK COURSE 
YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• Group support to cheer you on 
• Your own personal coach 
• A free meal plan 
• Helpful tips on health & good nutrition
The Spring 2011 Live Healthy, Live Happy Weight Loss Challenge starts April 2011, just in time to get in shape for the summer! This is a nationally sponsored weight loss challenge open to anyone over 18.  And the best part, it WORKS!  Weekly lessons will be hosted online and we will meet via Webinar and the Live Healthy WLC Forums.

You could even win a cash prize
if you are one of the top Achievers in your Challenge!


Class size is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Join the Challenge for only $30

What do you have to lose?
To pre-register, or for more information, call:
Gina at 866-579-3552
http://livehealthy.livehappy.mywlc.com/



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