It’s cold season, life the next 2 weeks is unpredictable and we will be eating our way through the holiday parties. So what can we do to keep our spirits bright and our body healthy?
I’m asking because I have noticed in our house we’ve gotten lazy with meal planning & have been ordering out or grabbing things on the go. Both Ryan & I have been distracted by holiday shopping, the kids activities and the extras that come about with the season. Like us, setting yourself up for the next 2-3 weeks is key.
To help you along I am sharing 3 things I am doing to stay healthy, keep things simple and stay energized.
1. Drinking Lemon Water Every Morning.
Our household got hit hard with a sickness this past week and we have all been down for the count at some point. Happy it wasn’t on Christmas Day but crappy none the less. So I started to think back about simple ways to fight off the cold season and drinking lemon water popped in my mind.
“Lemons contain Vitamin C. They also contain potassium. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning gives the body a chance to absorb these vitamins effectively and can provide a little immune boost.Vitamin C is also good for the adrenals and can potentially help reduce the affects of stress.” says WellnessMama.com.
Yes, that’s right! So I am getting back on the lemon water kick today!
It’s simple:
- Warm 24 oz. of Water
- Squeeze 1/2 a Lemon into the Water
- Swirl & Drink
Drinking lemon water also helps digestion, helps produce healthier skin and boosts your mood.
2. Pre-preparing Meals.
To avoid ordering out and eating junk, I made my favorite recipe this weekend. It has veggies & protein packed into a cute little cup that even the kids love to eat. And bonus, they are great leftovers, perfect potions for the kiddos lunchboxes and freeze well too!
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
1 large or 2 small Zucchinis
1 large white onion
1 red pepper or
1/2 bag of baby carrots
1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 cup uncooked couscous
1 egg
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 18 muffin cups with cooking spray or use silicone liners. (My kids get excited to choose which color they want.)
- Place zucchini, onions and red pepper into food processor and pulse several times until finely chopped. Be sure to pulse and not liquify. Pour veggies into cheesecloth or paper towels and squeeze out excess liquid. Place the vegetables into a very large bowl and mix in ground turkey, couscous, egg, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, until thoroughly combined. (I use my hands, it's soooo cold but gets the job done.)
- Fill each prepared muffin cup almost to the top. Tip: I use an ice cream scooper to make it easier. Then spread about 1 teaspoon of barbecue sauce on each muffin.
- Bake in the oven until juices run clear, about 25 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
The cupcake size makes them great for serving different portions for all the different age groups in your family. And it’s everything you need in one small package... but I also really like to serve this with a Caesar salad :)
If you have a go-to recipe for when time is tight and the whole family enjoys, I’d LOVE to hear about it. Email me at janine@jbirdfitness.com or share with the community on the blog HERE.
3. Working Out.
You knew I was going to say that, you had to. But I am going to admit, especially with our house just getting over a sickness, I have not been full force at the gym. It’s just not possible. But when I am feeling off and start getting grumpy I know it’s time to put everything down and just move. Even if it is only for 15 minutes. And you know what? It works every time. Afterward I feel like I have more energy, it’s clear the things that absolutely need to get done and the others that can wait and simply stated, I’m happier.
So join us this week in the new JBird Fitness Video Release -
emBODY: Arms & Core
We are saying cheers to our arms & core in this workout and finishing off 2017 strong.
Members: click HERE to go to the workout.
Non-Members: click HERE for a trial & go to the video library for the workout.
Here’s to staying healthy, keeping things simply and living it up during the holidays.
With Love,
Janine