As you start living a healthier lifestyle, you will notice that most meal plans ask that you choose Lean Protein as a staple in your diet.  It’s an essential because it not only curbs hunger, but it also allows you to maintain muscle mass while losing weight.  Lean protein helps keep blood-sugar levels steady and helps keep cravings under control.

Should you choose to cut back on protein while trying to lose weight, it may result in a loss of muscle mass and potentially a slower metabolism...and, no one wants that if they are trying to lose weight, right?

Some examples of lean protein choices are lean cuts of beef (such as eye of round), ground beef (sirloin, lean, and extra-lean), tenderloin, top loin, and top round, as well as skinless turkey, chicken, and duck breast, pork loin and pork tenderloin, fish and shellfish, and soy-based meat alternatives.

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Children do as we do. 

Every day we set an example for them in how they should behave, what they should eat, whether they should exercise, etc. 

We ARE Role Models; even if the children aren’t our own….nephews, nieces, even the neighbor’s kids.

I’ve been working really hard on being a good role model for my child.  I want him to see that trying new things and being patient and kind, for example, do have their own rewards.

If you don’t know my son, he has a strong personality.  As a strong personality myself, it’s important to show him how to interact with others and to be aware of others and their feelings.  There are days though, that he will push to the very brink to see what he can get away with.   Pretty sure God is getting me back for my childhood.

And yep, my son is aware that he is "different" from some other kids his age due to his ADHD and is ok with it. He is the most amazing person and is destined to do great things in life. 

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Do YOU love what YOU do?

Seriously. Do you? Be honest.
 
A few years ago, I decided to start coaching folks simply to “pay it forward.”  I have to tell you that it was one of the BEST decisions that I could ever make. 
 
Originally I chose to coach because it was fun. I was able to help others (my passion...after all, I AM a nurse) and also keep myself in check with my own weight loss goals.
 
I didn’t realize, at the time, that there would be so much more.  Not only was it a benefit for me...for my health, as well as the health of others, it would literally change my life.
 
In 3 years, I have gone from just doing something for fun to making a full time Income just for helping others.  Both my husband and I are now working from home...spending as much family time together as we want. Honestly, I don’t coach for the money...I do it because I care. (Yes, the money is nice but it’s totally a by-product.)
 
The purpose of this post though, is that YOU find what YOU love to do and make it work.  Lots of folks go to a job each and every day without any satisfaction.  I can’t say that with my job.  Why?  It’s not really a job...it’s my P-A-S-S-I-O-N. 
 
If you are struggling and need help in finding your passion, let me know.  I’m here to help.


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Veggies….you can love them or hate them...or so some folks think.  Personally, I’m not a fan! Oops (hey...don’t look at me like that...at least I’m honest)...BUT I’m pretty fortunate that the rest of my family does love them.
 
I know it’s hard sometimes to break the habit of not getting in your recommended servings because you don’t like something.  Change can be hard.  And if you don’t want to do it to begin with, it can make it even harder.
 
I’m here to tell you though that it doesn’t have to be hard.  There are LOTS of options available for you to introduce veggies into your diet. 
 
Shakeology is one (and it’s “MY” personal insurance that I get what I need.)  Another way is to use olive oil and garlic to season as well as using dipping sauces.  Remember when your kids were little and they liked to dunk things?  You can do the same.  Go with low calories versions of ranch, honey mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, salsa and hummus to name a few.  Before long, you’ll be eating your veggies and on a regular basis. 
 
I challenge you this week to add a new kind of vegetable to your grocery list and try it.  No heavy butters, cheeses or sauces though.  Let me know how you did.


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Fear.

Do you live your life in it? Do you even KNOW if you do?

I found out during my vacation that I HAD been living my life that way. I mean...of course I knew...I lived in my comfortable, safe, little box...but I didn’t realize what I had been missing out on because of it.

This vacation I lived with NO fear...well, ok, yes there WAS fear, but I didn’t let it dictate my choices or rule me...THAT piece was different. VERY different.

As a result, I had some of the most exhilarating experiences in my life! Seriously!

I went white-water rafting down Class 3 & 4 rapids. I went ziplining and hung upside-down without hands. I went 650 ft underground in “forbidden caverns.” I went on a challenging ropes course.

Several times my hubby looked at me, shook his head, and said who are you and what have you done with my wife?

All of these things have an element of trust in them...something that I’ve always struggled with. Turns out that when you face your fears, you might actually have a BLAST!!! WHO KNEW?!!?!?!??!?!

My hubby now wants to parasail. I do believe that I will be joining him.

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