Feeding your little tribe

We like to think of our family as a health conscious one.  We make our food choices based off of what we know is healthy and also what is unhealthy.  

When we grocery shop, we try to steer clear of the middle aisles of the store.  Filling our shopping cart with fresh produce,  meat,  grains and dairy products.

We will make the occasional dive in the middle aisles for pickles, baking items and of course, coffee!

Even as "health aware" as our family is, I am still a mother to 4 kids. Kids that are surrounded by sugary temptations outside of our home.

My husband and I educate our children on healthy food choices but also remember that they are just kids. We never tell them to be that kid that refuses the sliver of birthday cake, the milkshake at a sleepover or the **gasp** soda at a backyard barbecue!

Packing school lunches used to mean stuffing a juice box in next to a PB&J, a bag of oreos and a pack of fruit snacks before our "food awakening". Now, it's turkey slices, celery & peanut butter, a boiled egg and a bottle of water...and sometimes I'll slip in a homemade goodie!

I do love to treat my children with the occasional cookie or brownie, but I insist on making them myself! I try to use sugar or butter substitutes, such as bananas, applesauce or avocado but sometimes that's not always available. What makes me feel good is knowing that I'm in control of the ingredients!

And better yet, how awesome do fresh baked cookies make your house smell?!

Knowing that we give them our very best in our own home is the foundation we hope they will cling to when faced with unhealthy temptations outside of our humble abode.

So, try not to panic when you hear the word "cupcake" at your child's holiday party and in the same token, don't beat yourself up when treat your little tribe to a root beer float after dinner.

Teaching your children between having sweets as a treat and not as a staple in their diet will be a huge parenting victory!

Eat well, be well!

Becky

I'm an imperfect parent to 4 beautiful children, a creative enthusiast, and a healthy & happy living motivator to all that will hear me! I'm a native of beautiful Augusta, Ga and a partner in an amazing creative enhancement party, Arty Party of Augusta.

#mylifeisthislife #livewell

Snacking is a healthy thing!

Are you a snacker? If so there is nothing wrong with that! Well to be clear as long as the snacks are healthy ones, I say go for it!

Your body needs the fuel. I am a professional snacker. I would rather snack every couple of hours then sit down and eat a huge meal three times a day.

Here is why being a snacker is good for you!

1. Helps burn fat!! Say what? When eating the right types of snacks like almonds for instance, you are actually fueling that internal furnace.

2.  Snacking can help keep your blood sugar stable. If your blood sugar tends to run on the low side like mine. It is probably best for you to keep healthy snacks around.

3. Giving yourself a boost in the old metabolism! Making mindful snack choices is one way to boost your metabolism. My go too booster is edamame or pita bread with hummus!

4. Keep your stomach small. When you are eating three large meals a day you are more likely to over eat. I find that when I snack healthy I keep the bloating at bay. My waistline looks better too! 

I have included a Chocolate Avocado Smoothie recipe below. Try it out and let me know if you found it tasty. I know I did! 

4 tbsp of Almond milk (you can use soy, or coconut milk etc.)

1/2 fresh avocado

4 oz. of vanilla yogurt 

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder (or fresh coco)

1 small banana

1 tsp of honey

  ENJOY!

                                             

I don't sweat I sparkle

 Okay so the title may be deceiving. I actually do sweat and I love to sweat! 

Today I want to make you sweat with me. These four moves put together will do just that.

1. Low Plank to High Plank ~ Start in a low plank on elbows with your core engaged. Lift to straighten one arm at a time bringing you to High Plank position. Lift and lower for one full minute. I used a stability ball but this can be  performed without it as well. I just wanted a little extra challenge. 

2. Lunge with Pull backs ~ Stand with arms straight out in front of you and step back with one leg. While you step back pull your arms back and squeeze your upper back muscles. Immediately alternate sides and continue  for one minute straight. (You can speed it up or add light weights for more intensity.)

3. Balance half star crunch ~ Balancing on one leg lift opposite leg  with heel turn inward. Lower your leg to the ground keeping toes pointed. Then sweep opposite arm down pointed leg to crunch the obliques. (Repeat this move x15 each side) YES, I did make this move up and it's name! lol

4. Sinking Boat ~ Start in Boat pose legs straight out in front. Pull in both knees together while keeping the belly button pulled in towards the spine. Your going to pull legs in in out while moving arms from straight in front to a "T" position. (x15 Reps)

Perform this work-out four times back to back!

 I want to know if you  worked out with me today, so please Pin this work-out or comment below.

WARNING! Doing this may make you SPARKLE!