Wednesday, September 12, 2012

When IS it a good time to micromanage??

How many times have you said, if I want something done right, I have to do it myself.  Too many to count huh?  Well, I'm learning that it is best to teach others and delegate, delegate, delegate.  Sooooo, when is it a good time to micro-manage you might ask?  Well, anytime you're doing anything that has an effect on your health.

I am learning so much more about nutrition and loving the www.integrativenutrition.com journey.  Instead of saying what you can't do, think about what you can.  In the past few weeks I have explored some wonderful things about myself and I'm loving the way I feel.  Not only am I adding more cooked leafy greens (turnips, collards, kale, swiss chard) but also mixed greens salads with fresh herbs such as basil, mint, tarragon or even stevia, instead of raisins or craisins slice grapes in half and toss them in, tomatoes, onions, anything fresh.  And PLEASE don't drown it in ranch but find or better yet, make your own italian dressing such as one with white balsamic vinegar.  With just a few changes, I'm sleeping better and feeling better with more energy.

The biggest way you can make a change in your lifestyle is to get rid of every processed piece of junk or non-junk so called diet food in your house.  No matter what it is, it's bad for you and you don't know what is in it.

If you don't like a big breakfast, don't have time to make one, or just want something sweet and something to drink in the morning, try this on for size.  It will give you loads of energy, it will satisfy your sweet tooth and its all natural.  What is it you say??? It's power/protein bars.  Make your own power/protein bars.  There are all kinds of varieties but here is what I had this morning.

Here's the recipe and I'll get a picture up soon.

Oatmeal Raisin Bars
4TB       rolled oats
1-1/2 c   raisins (I used 1/2 c each:  golden raisins, regular raisins, & c craisins)
1/2 c      of your favorite nuts (I used roasted almonds, but any raw nut is ok)
1/8 tsp   sea salt
1/4 tsp   vanilla, pure
1 tsp      coconut oil (optional; but its good for you & makes bars soft & chewy)

Put the rollled oats in the food processor and pulse until the consistency of coarse grits or meal.  Add all other ingredients and blend well until it forms into a slight ball.  Place in a wax paper lined pan and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.  Take them out, slice and wrap individually or place in individual ziploc snack bags so you can just grab them and go.

Yield:  4 large bars.

I grab a large glass of water to quench my thirst and a bar, and I'm good to go until lunch.  So, spend some time at the beginning of the week managing your meals and you will be well on the road to managing your health!

Enjoy!  Be well.....