I started writing this blog in 2007 and continue today, hoping it will make its way to anyone who feels stuck while trying to make lifestyle changes to live at a healthy weight. Changing behaviors can be tricky if we don’t evaluate our perspective and adjust our expectations and mindset. I believe the foundation of lasting behavior change starts with four key elements:
1.) Self-compassion 2.) A growth mindset 3.) Joy in the journey 4.) Gratitude
Self-compassion is recognizing our humanity. It’s realizing and accepting that no human can be perfect 100% of the time. Therefore, when we make choices that aren’t in line with our goals, it’s an opportunity to learn, modify and move forward. This is called a Growth Mindset, and it leads to lasting success and facilitates joy in the journey! The fourth foundation of lasting behavior change is the practice of gratitude for today and using the good feeling energy of appreciation to propel us forward into the actions we want to take.
Stick-to-it-ness
When we are working to make a change in our life or to accomplish a goal, often times it is just when we think we can't take it anymore that the most growth occurs if we just stick with it. Persistence is one of the most important qualities in making any change. We...
Nashville Country Music Half Marathon
Nashville bound! It's our big race weekend and we are very excited to be in Nashville! Besides Darin, I'm down here with my sister, my two cousins and their husbands along with my oldest son Cole and his girlfriend. The race is tomorrow...wish us luck!!...
Fresh Tomato and Onion Salad
Hi Terra..... I am going to Kenya this summer, so we are working on learning about Kenyan food. We made Moroccan Carrots, Kenyan Vegetable Curry, a Tomato and Onion Salad (VERY SIMPLE!) and my mother's asparagus provencal. And the dishes made me happy! Kachumbari is a...
Oh Happy Day…It’s Your Choice
Zucchini Carpaccio
It might still feel a bit like winter after yesterday's crazy and hopefully last snow fall, but this dish screams SPRING!!! Light and fresh but also full of flavor. Love it. Thanks for emailing it to me, Gretchen, so that I can share it with everyone!! Enjoy:-) Terra...
Say NO to Fear
No matter what situation we are dealing with......losing weight, keeping weight off, running a marathon, raising our children, whatever your challenge might be today....when we stop fearing all the reasons we can't do it and start focusing on our power within, we...
Spicy Chicken & Mushrooms
Hello my dear friends... I've missed you guys!! Darin and I took the boys to Puerto Rico for spring break to celebrate Cole's 18th birthday. Wow, what a trip! I had forgotten what 80 degree, sunny weather felt like after our LONG winter!!! I loved every minute of the...
Less IS More
How do you feel when you OVER indulge? How does it make you feel physically? How about your energy level? Does more food/drink make you feel better about yourself or worse? Does the more food you eat make it taste better? Rather than approaching portion control from...
Spaghetti Squash & Fresh Buschetta
Good Morning Friends!!! This recipe sounds quick and super easy. The perfect Tasty Tuesday combo!! If you have ideas to share, please email them to me!!! I'm running low and could use some fresh recipes to post!! All is well!!! Terra:-) Hi Terra, I wanted to share a...
You’re Stronger Than You Think
It's important to remember that everyone has challenges. There are people out there with challenges far greater than ours and others who's challenges don't seem as big, but regardless...we all have them. Today, as you go through your day, give some thought to how your...
Lentils & Raisins
Happy Tuesday, Everyone!!! The below recipe was shared by Linda in my meeting last week. It is not only simple and meatless, it is also complete protein, so it's going to fill you up. I'm going to use the lentils from Trader Joe's that are already steamed (pictured...
Keep It In Perspective
Mango Salsa & Pineapple Salsa
Good morning everyone!!! Wow...great temps yesterday, huh???? Yesterday it was almost 50* and it looks like the same for today!!! Add in longer day light hours thanks to the time change and you'd almost think SPRING is here!!! Of course you'll have to close your eyes...
Fruit Tree
Hi Terra Thought I would share pictures of Bob making fruit tree. He peeled a pineapple and used a pear on top to give it the shape of a tree. He used strawberries, cherries, blackberries, green grapes using round toothpicks and a slice of star fruit for the top....
Roasted Tomato Soup
Hi Terra, I found this recipe online last night and it looks good. Joanne Roasted Tomato Soup Roasting the vegetables for this simple soup enhances their sweetness. To use fresh corn, stand an uncooked ear of corn on its stem in a shallow bowl and slice the kernels...