So I finally got around to putting my awesome matching labels on some of the different containers in my kitchen. 

I have a nice aqua/teal theme going on, right?

Organizing your kitchen can be very important to your health and reaching your goals.  Not only does it looks nice, it makes it easier on your eyes to find things when you're trying to cook more often, instead of eating out.  You can more clearly see the ingredients you have on hand, and your brain doesn't have to think as hard about " what is there to eat".

 If you want to read more about why you should re-label and organize as much as you can, check out my previous Spring Cleaning blog post here.

If you love these labels too, you can get them on Etsy, with matching recipe cards.
​They're an instant download, so you can print as many as you want. 

Welcome 2016!!
It's Resolution Time!!

Everyone has their opinions on New Year's resolutions, and whether or not you should make them.  I say most definitely YES!  But, not without a plan. 

Some people are very spontaneous, and fly by the seat of their pants;  I am not one of those people.  Not to say I can't have any fun, but I am a Planner!  In fact, I have sticky notes all over my wall right now, and a calendar that's been written all over.

In my book, I talk about the best ways you can stick to your juicing plan, and the same goes for anything really.  So here's how to do it!

First, write down your goal in some kind of measurable form. Not just "I wan't to be healthier, or lose weight" , but write down specifics like I want to lose 10 lbs by March, or I want to go to the gym no less than twice a week.

There, that was the easy party.  Now you need to articulate the specific changes and actions that you need to take to make that happen.  For instance, I will sign up for a gym class at a specific time, or I will no longer purchase chips, cookies, and drive through food. Even better, I will juice twice a week, or juice fast for 15 days.  That's the idea.

Are you writing this down?
You need to write it down, and live by it.  Keep it handy so you can make notes or changes, and track your progress.  But we aren't done yet. Next, think of your day to day life, and what or who might detract you from these plans, and also, who will support you.  Name those detractors, like TV, Netflix, Traffic, or lazy Joe, and write a plan for what you will do in those situations to fend off the detractors.

As far as supporters go, you should tell as many people as you can or feel comfortable with.  Not only will you be more accountable, but you may inspire them, or find that they want to join you! Let all those people, the supporters and detractors know what they can do to help you.  Tell your boss that you cannot stay late Tuesday or Thursday.  Tell lazy Joe NOT to call you when he orders a pizza. Ask your spouse or S.O. to help with the kids or chores around the house, or to jog around the block with you.   

Next, think of any special situations or events that might hinder your progress, and write a specific plan of action for each.  If the gang is going to Olive Garden for lunch, know that you are going to order something healthy no matter where you go.  If So and So's birthday is coming up, and you'll be asked to potentially make or eat cupcakes, have a plan.  I'm not saying you can't eat cupcakes, or make them, but be sure what you're doing doesn't derail your progress and it's a conscious decision. 

This part can be hard to look at on paper, but what are your own weaknesses? Write down the things you may do yourself that could sabotage your new healthy lifestyle.  Do you always break out the Ben and Jerry's when you watch sappy movies? Write down what you will eat instead, and stick to it! Give yourself options and alternatives so you have a way out of sticky situations without even thinking about it.  

Now maybe the reason I plan, is because I lack a sense or date or time, and I would be lost without one.  If my phone didn't tell me what day it was, I would be a goner.  So I buy a calendar that I really like, so I will want to look at it, or carry a small one around with me, and write down those specific steps that you agreed to. Write down those classes you will attend on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm.  Mark off a time on Saturday or Sunday to chop up fruits and veggies and pack them away to eat all week long. 

And the last and most important part, Don't Give Up!  Even if you screw up,  keep on going.  

What's that saying?... Shoot for the sky. Even if you miss, you'll land on the trees, or something brilliant like that.  

So now you've got your plan of action, or calendar, your sticky notes, whatever you need to make the necessary steps to reach your goals.  Now you know I wouldn't leave you without something a little extra.

Just in time for January, our friends at DailyBurn.com are offering a FREE MONTH of their amazing selection of programs.  Best of all, you can stay home!  Or do them in the park,  wherever!

Stream high-quality workouts to your favorite devices including TV's, phones, and tablets. There is tons of variety with LIVE daily workouts, and a library of On-Demand workouts including yoga, pilates, cardio, and strength training. 

They range from 15 minutes to an hour, to fit your schedule, so no excuses!  

Try it free for all of January right now.
​Good luck juicers!
Happy New Year!