Do You Need a Plan B?
This past week I had the pleasure to hear Motivational Speaker, Angela Cassel with TLC Moments, talk about setting goals. There are all kinds of goals that we set for ourselves. During the early part of the year, these goals could be attached to getting healthy. This could be in change of diet, loss of weight, or increase of exercise. Yearly business goals are often set to reach a particular sales figure for the year. A personal goal could mean a career change, such as a different job or going back to school. Many times when we look back at these wanted changes, we often wonder did we reach our goals. Did we attain the end result that we set out to accomplish? I have learned that there are times that when we do not reach our first goal or "Plan A", that very often we will ditch our original plan and go for "Plan B". Should Plan B be so different from Plan A? Or maybe do we just need to analysis Plan A to see what is working and what is not working with it. Make some needed changes and keep working toward that goal.
Angela spoke of instead of a totally different Plan A, you should go for a "Better" Plan B. A plan that reworks Plan A into a "Smarter" plan.
S - Be Specific about your goal
M - Is your goal Measurable
A - Is your goal Attainable
R - Is it a Realistic goal
T - Have you set a Time to reach goal
So, instead of ditching Plan A when the going gets tough, get smarter about setting those goals.
Angela Cassel can be found at www.tlcmomentsllc.com
Monday, February 16, 2015
Monday, February 27, 2012
Everyday Kindness
"Kindness is a language we all understand. Even the blind can see it and the deaf can hear it"
~ Mother Teresa
So you may be thinking, What does kindness have to do with staying healthy? Have you every had a complete stranger open the door for you? Someone who saw that you were entering the building in which they were leaving. They simply took the moment to let you enter before they left the building. What kind of feelings did your experience? Did you resent your fellow man for their simple act of kindness or did it leave you with a lighter step in your walk? For me, a smile comes to my face and a warm thank you is given for their thoughtful deed. Anytime something happens which make you happy, your body feels more alive and your whole outlook for the day becomes positive and having positive thoughts are way better for your health than carrying around the excess baggage of negativity. So the next time you have the chance, smile at that person coming in the building, hold the door open for them, and see if you get a return smile from them.
Stay healthy out there and do a simple kind deed for someone.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Breast Cancer Awarenss Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I am sure that everyone has been touched by some form of cancer in their life. You may not have had cancer yourself but very possibly know someone who has had some form of cancer. For women, breast cancer is second to skin cancer in being one of the most common cancers for women. According to breast cancer statistics, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop a form of breast cancer in their life. When you think about how many women you know, this is a large number of friends or acquaintances whom could be diagnosed. The good news is that new breast cancer occurrences decreased about 2% per year from 1999 to 2006.
New research is consistently coming out to help with the cure of cancer, but we still do not know the exact cause of it. Researchers are looking at many different factors to see what could be contributing to breast cancer. Factors such as food, weight, hereditary, stress, environmental exposure, and hormone replacement are always being looked at as contributing to woman developing breast cancer. Many of these factors you can control. You can make positive choices in you eating habits, getting enough exercise, finding ways to reduce the stress in your life. avoiding harsh chemicals in the home and workplace, talking with your doctor to decide if hormone replacement could put you at risk for breast cancer.
Your diet can go a long way in helping to prevent breast cancer. A body that is given the best fuel available is more likely to fight off radical cells and prevent them from developing into breast cancer. The best diet is one that is well balanced with grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and small amount of oils and sweets. When you eat a well balanced diet, you will find that you are less likely to gain weight. If you find that you are eating balanced and still seem to put on extra pounds, then you will want to look at you activity level. Increasing you exercise time can help with weight gain. It can also lower any stress you may be having. Getting into a regular exercise routine is the best way to go. Exposure to some chemicals over and over during our life can lead to health issues. One example is the use of chlorine products. When cleaning with these types of typical household products, the fumes enter your body through breathing and your skin. A one time use does not seem that bad, but when you think about how often women use these types of cleaning products in their homes. This is a lot of harsh chemicals for a single body to absorb. When there are children in the home, they are also being exposed to these products.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to consider what you can do to help prevent cancer from striking you or someone you know.
For additional information: Breast Cancer
New research is consistently coming out to help with the cure of cancer, but we still do not know the exact cause of it. Researchers are looking at many different factors to see what could be contributing to breast cancer. Factors such as food, weight, hereditary, stress, environmental exposure, and hormone replacement are always being looked at as contributing to woman developing breast cancer. Many of these factors you can control. You can make positive choices in you eating habits, getting enough exercise, finding ways to reduce the stress in your life. avoiding harsh chemicals in the home and workplace, talking with your doctor to decide if hormone replacement could put you at risk for breast cancer.
Your diet can go a long way in helping to prevent breast cancer. A body that is given the best fuel available is more likely to fight off radical cells and prevent them from developing into breast cancer. The best diet is one that is well balanced with grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and small amount of oils and sweets. When you eat a well balanced diet, you will find that you are less likely to gain weight. If you find that you are eating balanced and still seem to put on extra pounds, then you will want to look at you activity level. Increasing you exercise time can help with weight gain. It can also lower any stress you may be having. Getting into a regular exercise routine is the best way to go. Exposure to some chemicals over and over during our life can lead to health issues. One example is the use of chlorine products. When cleaning with these types of typical household products, the fumes enter your body through breathing and your skin. A one time use does not seem that bad, but when you think about how often women use these types of cleaning products in their homes. This is a lot of harsh chemicals for a single body to absorb. When there are children in the home, they are also being exposed to these products.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to consider what you can do to help prevent cancer from striking you or someone you know.
For additional information: Breast Cancer
Friday, May 7, 2010
Fresh Herbs in the Kitchen
I have always like the ideal of using fresh herbs in the kitchen and found out this week that using them is much easier than you think. I had the opportunity to attend a local Herb Farm to learn more about these often forgotten home vegetable-garden plants. With a few basic herbs growing in your yard, you can replace butter, salt, and oils to help reduce calories in your favorite recipes. Some of the easier herbs to grow include basil, chives, mints, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage. When growing herbs, make sure that you start with a sunny location with good garden soil with good drainage. Herbs do not like to have soggy feet. If you do not have a sunny location, you can always plant in pots on your patio or deck. Whenever using pots, it is best to keep the containers elevated off concrete or brick surfaces. This will help to keep the plant's root system cool.
When harvesting herbs, it is best to cut in the morning. This will help to insure the most oil is in leaves of the plant. It is this oil which gives you the most flavor when cooking. If you have extra herbs and would like to dry some for later use, you can simply cut herbs and bunch together. Place a rubber band around the stem and hang upside down to dry. Be sure to dry in a warm non direct sun location. Making use of a closet or pantry is a perfect location. After your herbs have dried, remove the leaves from the stems and store in air tight containers. If you are harvesting basil, you can make pesto and freeze in ice trays. the pesto cubes can then be store in freezer bags until ready to use.
Some basic uses for fresh herbs:
Basil - Add 1-3 teaspoons of finely chopped basil to one stick of butter. This can be served on crackers or small bread squares.
Chives- Chop and add chives to scrambled eggs and omelets at 1 teaspoon per egg. Minced chives can be added to any vinaigrette salad dressing.
Rosemary - Chopped leaves can be added to cubed potatoes for roasting in the oven. Drizzle with olive oil and minced garlic and place in a roasting pan. Cook until soft.
Breads - You can add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs per one pound loaf of fresh baked bread.
Soups - fresh herbs can be added to soups & stews about 15 to 30 minutes before completing the cooking.
Hope that these tips have inspired you to purchase a few herbs to try in your garden this year. Once you start cooking with your own grown herbs, you will not want to use the store bought dried herbs.
Enjoy!
When harvesting herbs, it is best to cut in the morning. This will help to insure the most oil is in leaves of the plant. It is this oil which gives you the most flavor when cooking. If you have extra herbs and would like to dry some for later use, you can simply cut herbs and bunch together. Place a rubber band around the stem and hang upside down to dry. Be sure to dry in a warm non direct sun location. Making use of a closet or pantry is a perfect location. After your herbs have dried, remove the leaves from the stems and store in air tight containers. If you are harvesting basil, you can make pesto and freeze in ice trays. the pesto cubes can then be store in freezer bags until ready to use.
Some basic uses for fresh herbs:
Basil - Add 1-3 teaspoons of finely chopped basil to one stick of butter. This can be served on crackers or small bread squares.
Chives- Chop and add chives to scrambled eggs and omelets at 1 teaspoon per egg. Minced chives can be added to any vinaigrette salad dressing.
Rosemary - Chopped leaves can be added to cubed potatoes for roasting in the oven. Drizzle with olive oil and minced garlic and place in a roasting pan. Cook until soft.
Breads - You can add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs per one pound loaf of fresh baked bread.
Soups - fresh herbs can be added to soups & stews about 15 to 30 minutes before completing the cooking.
Hope that these tips have inspired you to purchase a few herbs to try in your garden this year. Once you start cooking with your own grown herbs, you will not want to use the store bought dried herbs.
Enjoy!
Monday, February 22, 2010
WinterTime Blues
This is the time of the year when it is very easy to become depressed or to get the "wintertime blues". If you find yourself lacking in energy or just do not feel like doing things that you normally enjoy, you may have a mild case of the blues. If you are finding that the cold temperatures and the gray skies are affecting your outlook on the day, you will be glad to hear that there are some very simple things you can do to help you.
1. Diet - It is very easy for us to grab sweets and high carbohydrates when feeling down. These foods only add to the symptoms. Instead, we need to have a well rounded diet of proteins, vegetables, and fruit.
2. Supplements - Make sure that you are getting enough Vitamin D. With the cloudy skies and shorter days during the winter months, we are not getting exposure to the sun. A good supplement can help give you the needed Vitamin D.
3. Light - Make your surroundings as bright as possible. Leave you blinds and drapes open to allow any winter sunlight in to your home. Turn on more table lights if you need to.
4. Exercise - Be sure to get plenty of exercise during the winter months. It will lower stress and anxiety and at the same time lift your mood. If possible, exercise outside in the fresh air.
5. Rest - Make sure to get your recommended 8 hours of sleep each night. When you are tired from lack of sleep, your mood is going to be effected.
6. Social Activity - Be sure to have contact with others. If you live alone, make plans with others to get out of your home environment. Spending time with friends and family outside the home settings will lift your moods.
7. Aromatherapy - Having pleasing scents can boost your mood. Think about burning candles, filling your home with fresh baked smells, or just purchase a new lotion to use.
Don't let the colder days of winter bring you down. Remember, spring will be here before you know it. If you cannot wait for spring, purchase some fresh flowers to brighten your home.
1. Diet - It is very easy for us to grab sweets and high carbohydrates when feeling down. These foods only add to the symptoms. Instead, we need to have a well rounded diet of proteins, vegetables, and fruit.
2. Supplements - Make sure that you are getting enough Vitamin D. With the cloudy skies and shorter days during the winter months, we are not getting exposure to the sun. A good supplement can help give you the needed Vitamin D.
3. Light - Make your surroundings as bright as possible. Leave you blinds and drapes open to allow any winter sunlight in to your home. Turn on more table lights if you need to.
4. Exercise - Be sure to get plenty of exercise during the winter months. It will lower stress and anxiety and at the same time lift your mood. If possible, exercise outside in the fresh air.
5. Rest - Make sure to get your recommended 8 hours of sleep each night. When you are tired from lack of sleep, your mood is going to be effected.
6. Social Activity - Be sure to have contact with others. If you live alone, make plans with others to get out of your home environment. Spending time with friends and family outside the home settings will lift your moods.
7. Aromatherapy - Having pleasing scents can boost your mood. Think about burning candles, filling your home with fresh baked smells, or just purchase a new lotion to use.
Don't let the colder days of winter bring you down. Remember, spring will be here before you know it. If you cannot wait for spring, purchase some fresh flowers to brighten your home.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Which Foods to Buy Organic?
We are now hearing daily about organic foods and why we should purchasing and eating them. For years, our food has been sprayed and fertilized with syntheic chemicals. According to the USDA, Organic farming has become one of the fastest growing areas over the past decade. Betwenn 1990 and 2002, certified organic farms doubled in acreage and doubled again between 2002 and 2005.
Even with this many acres in organic farm production, organic foods are sometimes hard to find at your local grocers. There a few ways to find what you want by shopping at local farmer's markets. This is a great way to find out first hand how your food is being grown and what pesticide practices are being used. According to the Environmental Working Group, the following list are the fruits and vegetable with the least amount of pesticide. These are relatively safe to eat when not grown organically.
1.Avocado
2.Sweet Corn
3,Pineapple
4.Mango
5.Asparagus
6.Sweet Peas
7.Kiwi
8.Cabbage
9.Eggplant
10.Papaya
11.Watermelon
12.Broccoli
13.Tomato
14. Sweet Potato
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these 12 fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy or grow organic:
Even with this many acres in organic farm production, organic foods are sometimes hard to find at your local grocers. There a few ways to find what you want by shopping at local farmer's markets. This is a great way to find out first hand how your food is being grown and what pesticide practices are being used. According to the Environmental Working Group, the following list are the fruits and vegetable with the least amount of pesticide. These are relatively safe to eat when not grown organically.
1.Avocado
2.Sweet Corn
3,Pineapple
4.Mango
5.Asparagus
6.Sweet Peas
7.Kiwi
8.Cabbage
9.Eggplant
10.Papaya
11.Watermelon
12.Broccoli
13.Tomato
14. Sweet Potato
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these 12 fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy or grow organic:
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet bell peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Lettuce
- Grapes (imported)
- Pears
- Spinach
- Potatoes
Monday, October 19, 2009
October Breast Cancer Awarness Month
This month is the perfect time to think about scheduling a breast mammogram. If you or someone you know is at risk for breast cancer, do not put this very simple test off. It very well could be the one thing that could save a life. Throughout October, there are numerous way you can show your support. You can either walk or support another in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure. There are events being held globally. You can find additional information at Susan G. Komen for The Cure You can click daily at The Breast Cancer Site to help make mammograms available for those who cannot afford them. If you know of someone fighting breast cancer, you can help by sending a card, making meal, or offering to run errands for them. The smallest gesture can go a long way in letting them know that you care.
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