An easy and versatile dish that is perfect for the holiday weekend or any time!

Couldn't decide where to start today - so I'm just going to start. -

Hey all. To be honest I have been putting off this post...because I wasn't sure what to write about. Gut Check. Plead me guilty for worrying about waiting for a "perfect idea" before sitting down to blog. You and I both know that perfection doesn't exist - but that doesn't mean that I don't still struggle with it. I'm still a recovering perfectionist. I feel like I've had a LOT of thoughts lately...so maybe what I'll do is break it down by topic so you don't end up with one big ramble. 

Birthday week, a recap of the week and some favorites from around the web too!

blog recap of our Punta Cana trip! It's nice to be home, but also I miss it at the same time! If that even makes sense? I feel so blessed to be able to have gone - it is through the company beachbody that I earned this trip for free just for helping people and also while working on my own goals too! B came with me on the trip and I couldn't be MORE GRATEFUL that he was my adventure and traveling partner - 

I was recently asked where I get ideas for healthier recipes, meals and even what a day in the life of mine actually looks like eats wise for a full time nurse, fitness coach and also full time dork ;) Let me preface by saying although I am an RN I am not specialized in nutrition (besides researching the crap out out it and learning through my own experiences) but am here to just simply share! I truly think that every person is different: with different needs, preferences and it just takes finding what works for you. I don't believe in diets - but for me its about eating and movement to be healthier in mindset and feeling GOOD so that I can live my days with energy for many years to come! 

Now that we have that out of the way I'll show you a "typical day" or meals, eats, drinks and snacks (oh and treats too!)

When I was 21 I was applying for a certain type of insurance...which required some lab tests - one of those including a lipid panel...ALSO known as testing your cholesterol. Heart disease and high cholesterol run in my family. My grandpa passed away due to heart disease complications, my dad has had open heart surgery, my sister and niece have both had procedures to correct a heart arrhythmia and I myself was born with a heart defect called a Ventricular Septal Defect. Both of my parents have been on cholesterol medication as long as I can recall. I shouldn't have been surprised that when I got my blood test results that I had high cholesterol too.

But I was TWENTY ONE. I was training for a marathon, my diet consisted of plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and everything else that qualifies as a "heart healthy diet" as promoted by the American Heart Association. I wasn't by any means overweight either. It just goes to show that family history has a LOT to do with it! 

So what did my primary care doctor say when she saw the results? "We will keep our eye on it and recheck yearly. Please ensure you are eating a heart healthy diet and exercise also." Hmm....well I THINK marathon training counts as exercise...and like I said my eating was in check too...

When you think of a health coach what comes to mind? Someone with six pack abs and the perfect body according to society? Someone shoving protein shakes at you? Someone with a super dramatic before and after weightloss transformation picture? Let's just say I probably don't fit any of those descriptions. A health coach can be all of the above or none of the above - you just have to be you. 

No one likes to talk about poop. But everyone does it. (or at least I hope so!) Some more than others and some more regular than others. It's definitely something you take for granted UNTIL you run into issues...WIthout getting TOO personal today I just wanted to share a few things I have been incorporating into into healing my gut!

Raise your hand if you like easy meals that are done in less than 30 minutes - taste delish and are actually good for you? OH and you can use up what you have in the fridge? - STIR FRY!