I don't know about you, but not too many years ago when this time of season would roll around I would be filled with dread. It would take everything I had to maintain the quality of service for my clients (vacation workouts, updated workouts, nutrition modifications, special reminders regarding stretching and rolling to keep lose, etc.), begin my own Christmas shopping, make sure I was able to get my own workouts in, as well as get the all important necessary down time -- 'cause I'm a bear if I don't get my sleep.
Over the years this pattern became a pain. I mean I would literally start to despise the coming holiday season right around Halloween. I could almost hear the clock winding up to begin the countdown. And believe me that is no way to enjoy the holiday season. I like you had worked hard all year. This should be a time you kind of slow down and appreciate all that you have accomplished. A time to enjoy family and friends after a busy and productive year. But what was I missing in order to create that experience?
What I finally came to understand is it's all about the plan. If I plan in advance, the gift purchasing is easy. I just do a little each week, starting early in November. Then it all goes smoothly. My "to do" list doesn't seem so overwhelming and everyone feels appreciated -- including me (because I made time for myself).
The other interesting bit of knowledge I've picked up over the years is that this process of advanced planning pretty much works for anything. If you just take a few moments each week to get clear on where you're headed, it all tends to go rather smoothly. Just doing a little each week. Don't leave it to the last minute and try to cram it all in.
Keeping that thought in mind, I figured why not share some recipes with you so that you can stock up on all the options, and start the new year off ready to kick some butt. No more wondering what should I eat that is healthy for me. No more waiting till the last minute because you can't think of any healthy choices.
Instead just be sure to create a folder in your filing system labeled "Recipes" and just place the ones I share with you in that file.
Now of course you may want to take the time to organize them in certain categories like breakfast, lunch and dinner, but other than that you should be pretty much set. Just copy them and paste them in your file. Then as you begin planning for your success in the coming year, you'll be all set with lots of options. People will think you're some kind of super-human because you have so many delicious and easy to make meal options. They'll watch your body transform and wonder how you had time over the holidays to become so prepared. Just cut and paste.
Your success is that easy. Just take a moment to do a little planning.
Below are two breakfast options to get you up and running right each morning. While everyone else is slowly waking up after getting to the office, you'll be fired up and ready to take on the day -- and transforming your body at the same time. A Win-Win. I like that.
Recipe #1 Maple Walnut Apple Oatmeal (Maple_Walnut_Apple_Oatmeal.doc)
Recipe #2 Raspberry Mocha Shake (Raspberry_Mocha_Shake.doc)
These easy to prepare and very tasty options are courtesy of Gourmet Nutrition by Dr. John Berardi, Michael Williams and Kristina Andrew