Setting Intentions

"If you deliberately plan on being less than you are capabale of being, then I warn you that you'll be unhappy for the rest of your life." - Abraham Maslow

I read the above quote in a magazine article last month and I could not help but reflect on it as I type this post. If you do not know me personally, let me tell you that I spend a great deal of time thinking, reading, journaling, and just living in my head! My life is one of purpose and I am always striving.

Anywho, with that being said, I am consistently challenging those around me to be greater than they were yesterday, but that is almost impossible without setting goals and most importantly, setting intentions.

Today is the 2nd to the last day of 2013. Wouldn't it be perfect if you grabbed a journal and began writing down all of the goals that you wish to accomplish for the upcoming year? I started a month ago, not wanting to wait for the start of a new year. I separated out my goals to include some of the following: personal growth, career, and relationships. Under each header, I wrote down a few things that I would like to improve on in 2014. This process is also one of personal insight. If you are not reflecting on your life, how do you know what areas to evolve in?

A healthy practice would also be to include goals that include deadlines. So for personal growth, I may write down: to read 4 books in the first 3 months. After the 3rd month, I will follow-up with my goals and make sure that I accomplished what I said I would do. It is also good to revisit your journaling at the end of the year, to see what you were able to bring to life...or not!

Wishing all of you a very Happy 2014! I hope that it is filled with love, purpose and good health! 

Thank you for being apart of the Food-Mood journey this year!!

Go be great,
Jennifer

Holiday Healthy

The holiday season is among us and the first of the year is that time where most people are on their "get healthy plan". What if you attempted to be healthy through the holidays? I am all for being proactive, instead of reactive, so let's see how we can maintain without breaking down.

Here are a couple of tips to not pack on the pounds during the holiday festivities: 
  • Try to maintain current weight - Do not overeat
  • Make time to continue exercise regimen 
  • Limit amount of alcoholic beverages
  • Prepare your own healthy holiday dish - mine has always been a whipped sweet potato souffle, where I use light brown sugar and vanilla extract
  • Eat three well thought out, balanced meals a day
  • Enjoy and be merry! Don't over think! 

Benefits of Cat's Claw

  • supports immunity
  • cancer fighter
  • fights infections
  • helps with colitis & Crohn's disease
  • anti-parasitic
  • kidney cleanser
  • strengthens respiratory system
  • relieves arthritis discomfort
Please take the time to get familiar with this Peruvian plant!

Warm Lemon Water

Something you may enjoy drinking during the winter months is warm lemon water first thing in the morning. This is an Ayurvedic ritual and it has many health benefits. Warm lemon water is often used to stimulate the digestion system. Drinking this every morning will help clean out any unwanted toxins, via the digestive tract, that have settled overnight.
  • Mood enhancer
  • Supports immunity
  • Alkalizes the body/balances pH levels
  • Aids in digestion
  • Clearer skin
  • Weight loss

Try replacing your morning coffee or tea with a mug of hot water and a lemon wedge!

Reader Recipe #4: Roasted Garlic Brussels

Brussels Sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables, so I was extremely happy when a friend decided to cook dinner for me, using this recipe!


Directions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat; add 2 chopped garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon each cumin seeds and kosher salt and cook 2 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon brown sugar, the juice of 1/2 lemon and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss with 1 1/4 pounds halved Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Roast at 450 degrees F until tender, 18-24 minutes. Toss with freshly torn cilantro.