Everything in Life is a Choice

Just came home from a kickboxing class and the instructor is fantastic. She not only gives us a butt-kicking workout but is very motivational. The biggest take-away from today's class is that everything in life is a choice. If you don't like it, work on changing it even though it takes time. However, you have a choice. Here's to a new day and I chose to end the bad cycle I've been in lately and will put it behind me.

Chakra Yoga

I tried yoga for the first time this week and it made me realize that I should probably continue to attend the class to improve my flexibility. It was thankfully a yoga-101 class so I felt less intimidated.

The topic of the day was Chakras and their corresponding yoga poses. Interesting, but maybe a bit 'out there' for me. Who knows, I may get in to it eventually or merely enjoy the poses and relaxation!?

The relaxation actually felt really nice. When was the last time you just laid on the floor for 7 minutes focusing on how your body felt? I don't think I've ever done that.

Although I may have to agree with Terri Guillements who said "I tried yoga once but took off for the mall halfway through class, as I had a sudden craving for a soft pretzel and world peace", I may learn to appreciate it for what it's meant to be. So, yoga-101, watch out! I may be back next week and may even become your friend one day.

Just this one time...

Lately I've gotten myself into saying "just this one time" when it comes to food. In terms of, "You can eat that, just this one time. It won't be that bad. Tomorrow is a new day." Whether that's about the Mexican restaurant up the street, or that ice cream shop down the road. Comparing to other addictive behaviors, recovering alcoholics tend not to go to the bar believing they can have a drink "just this one time" and be OK afterwards.

I have come to realize that food is an addiction and the majority of my struggles are mental. Last week I was uber stressed and guess what, I crept back to junk food. Can you bring on the margaritas and chips 'till I see four of ya? Even though I'm stressed, frustrated or whatever the emotion may be, the points still count!

At the end of the day, I am the one on this journey and need to make the smart decisions on my own. Truth be told, there are healthy options available at most restaurants and during social events. Food really doesn't make you happier or less stressed, it tends to add to it.

Fencepiration

Driving along Cedar Road, I noticed 'trees' along a fence by a recently demolished strip mall. As I came closer, I noticed the trees and flowers were actually art made by recycled materials such as plastic bags and aluminum cans. Talk about turning a sad looking fence and empty lot into something beautiful and inspirational!

This streetscape and the gorgeous sunshine that reflected off the aluminum flower petals truly put a smile on my face as I got ready to fight traffic on my way home.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

A great dish to bring along to picnics or to a potluck. Can't go wrong with the extra protein in quinoa!

Ingredients

1 grilled chicken breast fillet

3/4 cups quinoa

1/4 cups reduced-fat feta cheese

1/4 cups sweet red peppers

1 Tbsp sliced almonds

1/4 cups red onions

1/4 cups parsley

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic cloves

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Cook the quinoa per package directions. Let cool. Finely dice the vegetables and mix all the ingredients together. Let sit for a few hours for best taste!

Servings: 2 | Points: 5 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 15 min

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=189968180

Spicy Black Bean Soup

This is a delicious and simple recipe for a filling soup. I added fresh jalapeños for some extra zing!

Ingredients
1 spray(s) cooking spray
1 medium onion(s), finely chopped
4 medium garlic clove(s), minced
45 oz canned black beans, undrained, divided (three 15 oz cans)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tsp ground cumin
14 1/2 oz fat-free chicken broth or vegetable broth
10 oz canned tomatoes with green chilies
11 oz canned yellow corn, drained
Instructions
Coat bottom of a large stockpot with cooking spray. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft but not brown, about 5 minutes.

Place one can of beans in blender; add sautéed onion mixture, red pepper flakes and cumin. Cover and blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour mixture back into stockpot.

Place second can of beans and broth in blender and puree until smooth; add to stockpot.

Stir third can of beans (do not puree first), tomatoes and green chilies, and corn into stockpot. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Yields about 1 1/2 cups of soup per serving.

Servings: 8 | Points: 3 | Prep Time: 20 min | Cooking Time: 30 min
http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=99601#

Back on Track

Ok, so I will really try to keep up with this blog. I think it can be a motivational tool for myself and others can help keep me on track. I'm still figuring out all the ins and outs to the blogging program, so give me some time. Me and technology do not always go well together...