Happy Motivation Monday guys!  

I know Monday is a bad day of the week for most of us, but for me, I like to think of it as a fresh start each week.  We don't need to wait for a new month or a new year for a fresh start.  I can't speak for everyone, but I always waited for a new year, month, or big event to make a new start.  If I messed up two days in, I waited until the next month, year, or big event.  What kind of sense does that make?!  Not knowing or thinking back then that I was setting myself back even further waiting for the "perfect time" to start over.  

Every day is a good day to turn your life around if you choose to.  I'm not a big fan of big changes all at once, especially when it comes to myself.  I'm a creature of habit so to change everything at once, I would set myself up for failure.  Not that there is a such thing as failure, if you keep trying, you're not failing right??  I didn't have a stellar weekend, which stemmed from not having a stellar few days before the weekend so today is a new start!  It may not be diet related for you as it is for me, but whatever it may be, turn it around today.  It may be your work life, it may be your home life, maybe you seek more organization (don't we all?!) maybe you want more quality time with your husband, kids, or other family...let's make this week a great one!  

Have a great week guys and as always, thanks for reading!  

~ Chris :)

So....in my efforts to feed my family healthier (real) food, I'm trying new recipes from healthy cookbooks that I've had for months (collecting dust) and trying to make as much homemade as I can.  I decided I would try making my own bread instead of buying it from the store.  Did you ever notice that bread doesn't mold anymore?  It just becomes hard as a rock...it never did that before?!  

Anyway, I digress...I found a recipe for homemade french bread online (French Bread Recipe) and it is really tasty and easy!  I've always been afraid of making "homemade" baked goods.  I'm not sure why, my mom always made homemade breads and such as we were growing up...maybe I thought it would be harder than it is.  Of course I'm only one recipe in so it may get more difficult as I experiment more!  Next up will be wheat bread I believe, since I am eating healthier and have a bunch of wheat flour to use up ;) 

I wanted to share my pictures with you...

Just out of the stand mixer and ready to rise!
 

Who knew it would actually double in size?!

I did have to do some kneading (I was hoping the mixer would have done all the work), but it wasn't too bad.  Split into two and rolled up (seam side down) and placed on a sheet pan sprinkled with corn meal.

Doubled in size again and ready for the oven!

Sorry my photo is off center, I will get better I promise!  Anyway, all done and even a little fancy looking with those cuts on top!  It is delicious!  

~Chris

 

So...the sun is shining today and it's actually warm outside, finally!  Which I love!  Plus that always makes it a little easier to be productive...or is it just me?!  As I'm getting some long overdue projects completed this morning, I almost forgot to eat breakfast, then my snack too....almost!  

I find that I have to plan out my meals and snacks each day otherwise I'm literally out of control with my eating because I have no direction.  I mean, we are told over and over again that we can exercise for an hour each day, but if we don't get it together in the kitchen, the weight won't come off.  So, I thought I would share with you some of my everyday tips that I use to stay full and stay out of the kitchen cabinets. 

Healthy snacks are a must!  I won't lie, I do keep some cookies and little snacks like that in the house for my kiddo as a treat from time to time.  Most days though, she wants what I'm eating so it works out for both of us!  There are far too many to name, but some of what we keep on hand include: 
~low fat/low sugar/natural ingredients/high protein bars (my kiddo is below with her snack from yesterday)
~cheese (I know I know...but it's good for calcium and protein...in moderation)
~raw almonds
~fruit
~rice cakes
~popcorn (hey it's a whole grain!)
~chocolate chips (for when you just HAVE to have a bit of chocolate)

Always eat breakfast!  I know there are a lot of you out there that say you're just not a breakfast person, but it doesn't have to be a big breakfast or even one that you cook.  It can be yogurt and some fruit, or cottage cheese and toast.  Just get something in within an hour or so of waking up so your body runs more efficiently throughout the day.  A go to favorite of mine is two eggs (cooked any way you like) and fruit.  It's simple and fast and starts my day off healthy.  This is my breakfast at least 4 days a week :)

Plan ahead for lunches and dinner, especially if your evenings are busy.  If you've planned well enough for dinner, lunch could be leftovers the next day!  If I'm making chicken for dinner that night, I'll grill more than I need so I have it for salads for the rest of the week at lunch.  When I make brown rice, I steam a bunch of it to add to recipes for the remainder of the week, plus it's a whole grain so I feel good about adding it to meals.   Planning ahead doesn't have to be intimidating or even time consuming.  Just find what works for you and stick to it!  So tell me, what are some of your tricks that help you stay on track?