Take Your Passion and Make it Happen!

I love staring my days with “morning mantras.”  My morning mental stiffness is quickly limbered by a positive affirmation that focuses my day. Often times we fall into a lull of monotony, playing by the “rules” along with everyone else.  When we break out and let our uniqueness shine through, we find real self-actualization, we become unstoppable. I have many passions, both professionally and personally.  I believe, wholeheartedly, in the power of sport.  I am pursuing a career that allows me to make that passion happen. 

I love to write, create new concoctions in the kitchen that are both delicious and whole health promoting, and exercise. So I found a way to cultivate those activities in a fulfilling way (if you’re wondering how…maybe I should rethink J ). I am in the process of refreshing my website and blog to be of better service so in the meantime I will do my best to drop a helpful spoonful whenever I can.

 Enter Smoothie in a bowl with homemade Kitchen Sink Muesli, Berries and TJ’s Almond Butter on top!  Breakfast is easily my favorite time of day. I love fueling up to tackle the day!  This breakfast is super fast, easy, delicious and filling. Even better, it is vegan, gluten free! 

Morning  Monster Smoothie in  a Bowl Recipe:

• 1 TBL Chai Seed
• 1TBL Ground Flax Seed
• 1/3 C raw oats
• 1 Scoop Vanilla Bean Plant Fusion Protein Powder
• ½ Cup Water
• ½ banana and several dashes of cinnamon (because I am obsessed)
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl or blend if you prefer then transfer ( I hate extra dirty dishes so I am a hand mixer)
• Top with berries, granola or muesli of choice and any nut butter you love! You can really go all out with whatever gets you excited to get out of bed!
• Finish it off with Almond Milk/Cashew Milk/Soy Milk...whatever tickles your fancy.
• Devour!

What passion are you going to make happen today?!

Happy Friday!  

Looks Aren't Everything, Or Anything…

Ever notice that your world seems to have themes?  A common thread that runs  through all the different spheres of your life?  I’m not a believer in coincidence.   I rest in the notion that the “patterns” of our days are nudges that push us in the “right” direction.  Over the past few days, the notion of breaking down the archaic definition of beauty and empowering a generation of women to love themselves and celebrate their uniqueness has been unavoidable. Not that I am complaining.  As someone who, at times, has struggled to enjoy the beat of my own drum, questions whether I should just in line with everyone else, this flood of inspiration was just what I needed to get back on the…wagon?  

Kitchen Sink Muesli with Berries Almond Butta 

When I woke up this morning, I ditched my original plan of a 5:30 am gym run and decided to power my day with some morning fuel in the form of Kitchen Sink Muesli (recipe to come) and some writing.  It may not be pretty, but it is pretty darn good!

Physical activity and good nutrition are two foundations for good health.  Mental and emotional wellness, however, are equally as important pillars that are often overlooked. One of incredibly bright roommates recently asked me, “But do you do anything just for you, for fun?” When I responded, “I really like to work out…” she said, “No, but something that is for you, not trying to achieve something?”  She had me there, simply because I could not come up with a quick answer. While I do LOVE working out, I love feeling fit and strong, there is a feeling of pressure to maintain my fitness for superficial reasons. I don’t think I am alone here right?

Me and my brother - good times 

So I took time this past weekend to do some thinking. Cooking, writing, yoga, and my family. The only thing I gain by spending time on any of these things is pure joy. Emotional and mental bliss that inspires my creativity and allows me to reach my health and fitness goals.   A state unattainable with exercise and nutrition alone.

So this morning I made myself a hearty and delicious breakfast– packed my bag for a gym session after work and sat down to write!  I have been asked so many questions lately about “how I do it?” From eating, to exercise, to cooking for one, to not eating a whole box of cereal in one sitting.  It may seem like a strange answer, but it all comes down to loving yourself. It’s that simple, in theory. But stay tuned as I dive into these topics and hopefully pass on a little inspiration to in-power you!

In the meantime…

Always #LikeAGirl

Get Puck Naked! 

What inspires you to love yourself!?