Create Meaning And Symbolism Around You

I love this corner in my yard. The pose of this Buddha reminds me to be aware of what I can offer someone? How can I be of service to someone today? What can I give today?

And the gorgeous blue glass ball instantly makes me aware of my throat chakra. It reminds me to speak my truth. Not what I believe someone wants to hear but MY truth. Always spoken with love and kindness. It also reminds me of the power of words and to always be impeccable with my word. 

Oh how I love this little corner in my yard. 

XO Joy

5 Reason You May Be Hanging On To That Belly Weight

5 Reasons You May Be Hanging On To That Belly Weight

1. Stress; stress releases Cortisol which is associated with extra weight in mid-section (among other health effects 
2. Lack of sleep; lack of sleep alters hormones in the body like Ghrelin and Leptin which are hunger and satiety hormones.  Lack of sleep also makes you crave simple carbs because your brain and body are jonesen for quick energy.
3. Your diet is centered on things that come from a box, can, bag, or take-out; all which are usually high caloric, high sugar, high sodium, hydrogenated, and lacking in nutrients. Empty calories!
4. Your sweat sessions…shall we say…aren’t sweaty enough; most people aren’t working out as hard as they think they are.  And although movement is better than being sedentary if you have weight to lose, especially in the mid-section, you have to get uncomfortable.  That’s why taking a class or working with a personal trainer is ideal.  They will hold you accountable and push you harder than you would normally push yourself.
5. You’re eating a low-fat diet; sounds contradictory but you have to eat fat to lose fat.  BUT the right kind of fat! Studies have shown that eating a diet sufficient in MUFA’S (monounsaturated fats) led to greater loss in fat loss specifically in the belly.

If you’re struggling with that belly bulge try these tips for 6 weeks and see if you notice a difference.  I’m confident you will! 

XO  Joy

Pre-Workout Meal

YOUR PRE-WORKOUT MEAL

Not sure what to eat before a good sweat session? You're not alone. Unless you're doing Bikram or a long-distance run or ride the recommendation is pretty standard.

• Consume light meal/snack 60-90 minutes before workout
• Consisting of healthy carbs and protein (2:1 ratio)
• Great options are; dried fruit and nut bars, banana or apple with peanut butter, half whole grain toast with 1 T peanut butter, etc
• 150-200 calories 
• At least 4-6 grams of protein and fiber.
• And water, water, water of course!

Although the guidelines for your post-workout meal vary a little, it's just as important.

And if you're a coffee drinker...try a half cup or so an hour before your workout. Countless studies have shown that when coffee is consumed (due to the caffeine) participants not only work at a higher intensity but for a longer duration as well.

So nosh your favorite pre-workout snack while sipping your favorite cup of Joe and you're bound to burn through some cellulite wink emoticon

XO  Joy

We are NOT Human DOINGS!!

So many people live in their head. In their ego. They define themselves and their worth by how much they have; how many friends, how many toys, how many jobs, how many 'things' they have to do. They feel as though, the busier they are...the more important they are. So they keep themselves busy! Over scheduling, over committing, over exaggerating. These are the ones that tend to be the most unhappy and the most disconnected from their heart, soul, and source. Yes we should be go-getters and take care of business but...we're also supposed to just BE. Stop, breathe, listen, and BE.

When you do, you are able to be more efficient in a shorter period of time.

There is a reason why we're called Human BEINGS not Human DOINGS. Just food for thought wink emoticon

XO Joy

My Creation....Granookie!

Introducing.....the Granookie!

So I think I just may be on to something!  Today I created this recipe and I call it...Granookie! :)

It's a gluten-free granola bar/cookie.  It SO satisfies a sweet tooth but is super healthy and actually good for you!  I need to play around a little more with it to perfect it but...my first creation tastes pretty bomb diggity if I do say so myself ;)  

Here are the ingredients and stats:

• Organic gluten free flour
• Organic oats
• Organic maple syrup
• Sunflower seeds
• Pecans
• Dried blueberries, cherries
• Golden raisins
• Coconut flakes
• and the best part.....Dark chocolate chips

*They're pretty big so one is plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth!

• 125 calories
• 3 grams protein
• 3 grams fiber

You Are Light...Now Let You Shine!!

You are light.  The very essence of your being is light (not to mention your molecular structure contains star dust---light)! Many people either don't believe this fact or simply don't understand it. But it is true.  We are all light!  And what you do, every day, either allows your light to illuminate or blocks it.  When you set up your internal and external environment to illuminate your light you know it.  Life isn't a struggle but an adventure.  You don't feel chronic stress but instead feel happiness and joy.  You are grateful!  When your environment blocks your light you feel heavy, depressed, overwhelmed, and defeated.  Now...people allow their light to be blocked for many many reasons. Sometimes they are just so completely in their mind and ego that they don't even realize they're living this way.  They are utterly disconnected from their light and source.  The 'why's' are too many and too in-depth to list here but what is important is for you to identify in which way you are living from. From a source of illumination or a source of blockage.  Once you identify then you rectify (or continue on as you have if you're on the right path).

Everyone is different as is their journey to illumination and happiness.  That is one of the areas I work on with clients.  Identifying what works for them.  What allows them to experience quantum leaps into peace, love, and expressing their light.  Finding your path is essential to fully enjoying your life.

One Universal rule to allowing your light to shine is...never never never dim your light in an attempt to make someone else feel better.  Never dim your light for anyone else.  Be you and be ALL of you.
There is more than enough light in this Universe for every one of us to allow our badass light to shine to the max!!!

Love and Light :)
XO  Joy

Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers

These are so yummy even my teenagers like them! They're one of those dishes that is different every time I make it but what IS constant with them is that they're low in calories, packed with protein, vitamin C, phytochemicals, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. You can change ingredients and amounts to your liking but here's what I do:

• 4 Bell peppers (I prefer red, orange, and yellow)
• 1lb ground turkey
• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa and wild rice
• Chopped onion
• Chopped mushrooms
• Chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup grated cheese 
• And season to taste (I use garlic salt, lemon pepper, and thyme)

Cook and season quinoa and wild rice like you normally would. Sauté onion and garlic. Add mushrooms and any other veggies you choose. Add ground turkey. Season. Once thoroughly cooked add in quinoa/rice mixture. Cut tops off bell peppers and core. Add pinch of sea salt inside. Then small amount of cheese. Add meat mixture and top with cheese. Put in dish filled about 1/4 with water. Place baking dish in 400 degree oven for 30-40minutes. Voila!

Serve with side salad or even garlic bread. Enjoy!!

XO Joy