Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Just for Fun!

I love looking at Instagram!  It's a great way to fill time when waiting in lines at the grocery store haha.
Saw this and just had to laugh.  For all my single ladies out there :)


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Ways to Manage the Stress of Work

Work is tough!  It's important for people in all professions to reflect and decompress when they are home so that they can change for the better.

In his book, The Well-Balanced Teacher, Mike Anderson describes these things to do to keep sane and destress...



1. Read your favorite book or magazine:  Consider pulling out your favorite book or magazine from time to time.  It will soothe your spirit, help you reflect, or simply bring you enjoyment!

2. Practice mediation, yoga, or prayer: Whether it's just 5 minutes or 50 minutes, think about taking some time to be a quiet setting by yourself and just think or meditate.

3. Journal.  Buy a journal or notebook and record a few great things from the day and a few things that need to change.  Writing can help answer some questions, raise questions, and help you reflect.

4. Talk with a counselor or confidant.  It's no longer taboo to have a counselor to talk with.  Don't be embarrassed by your need to get feelings out.  Talk to someone about your thoughts because keeping them inwards in not healthy!

5. Practice in organized religion or clubs.  Join a group of people who share the same values or interests as you.  It's fun to network, engage in your interests, and take your mind off work.

Other ways: exercising, cooking, listening to an audiobook, etc.


Find what you like and do it!  Take your mind off the demands of work for a little bit!  


What are your interests and hobbies that you engage in to destress? Write in the comment section below. 

Finding Time to Exercise During the School Year

During the summer a lot of us teachers have the time to exercise because we are not working full-time in a classroom.  Ohhhh how that changes once September comes around!

In the midst of the school year and stress of balancing life, it's easy to say "I'm just too tired to run " or "I need to stay late and clean up this classroom."  I know I've used these excuses far too often and it just makes me more stressed and unhappy when I give into my excuses and don't work out.

Research clearly shows how exercise reduces stress and brightens your mood....so we need to do it!  For our own sanity and for our students' sake!

Here are 4 tips for getting your workout in even when you're crunched for time...




1. Twenty Minutes or so is enough-- go for a walk, run, or pop in a quick workout DVD at your house.  Some movement is better than nothing!

2. Make the Time Consistent and Non-Negotiable-- use pen to mark it in your schedule.  Make the appointment a priority and don't cancel.  Too tired after work?  Workout in the morning by just getting your alarm a little earlier!  Having a consistent time/schedule will help the workout feel routine...kind of like brushing your teeth!

3.  Have someone to hold you accountable.  Get a free Team Beachbody coach like me to coach your through an at-home workout program!  Finish the program with the help of a coach and feel the sense of accomplishment from completing an entire program like Insanity or Brazil Butt Lift!

4. Find an activity you find pleasurable. Do you like working out outside?  Then, go for hikes, walks, or runs.  Do you like working out inside your own home?  Then, find a program for home that best suits your interests -- Insanity, Brazil Butt Lift, TurboFire, T25, 21-Day Fix.  Or, do you like the gym?  Visit the local gyms in your area to tour and see their equipment and group exercise classes!

Contact me at nrf026@beachbodycoach.com for more info on finding time to exercise with the demands of teaching or working in general!

How are you going to find a way to exercise this school year? 

Write in the comments below!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Healthy Snacks for the School Year

My sixth year as an elementary school teacher starts next week!!  Ahh how time flies!

Now it's time that I get thinking about how to maintain my healthy eating habits on a quick lunch break and with few breaks throughout the day.  We teachers are busy!!

Here's what I'm thinking in terms of  hydration and snacks once the school year begins...

1. Align water intake around breaks.  It's important to stay hydrated throughout the day, but I need to do so around my breaks since I don't have the luxury of going to the bathroom whenever I need to go.


2. Snack Ideas 

Fresh Fruit -- berries are the lowest in sugar

Cut-up Veggies with Non-Fat Greek Yogurt Dip.  Check out some recipes here 


Cheese and Gluten-Free Crackers (great combo of protein and carbs)




Shakeology shake (healthiest drink with all the superfoods you need to stay energized naturally!)



What are your healthy go to snacks?  Add them to the comments! 


Learning to Say No ... How to Maintain Balance & Wellness in Teaching

In preparation for another school year I was reading Mark Anderson's text The Well-Balanced Teacher since balance is definitely something that I struggle with even in my sixth year of teaching.



I've heard time and time again..."How can you be thatttt busy?  It's just teaching kids.  It can't be that hard."  You teachers know these comments definitely do not come from teachers.  We teachers are in the trenches trying to do it all....
*getting the struggler reader up to his/her peers,
*getting the advanced student to complete an extension project that is specially designed with his/her interest in mind,
*getting the student teacher to perfect her craft,
*meeting with colleagues to analyze data and plan lessons,
*getting that student who can't sit still to control his/her body with some manipulatives that you bought with your own money.
**I could go on and on with everything we do in a short period of time through the day (but I don't have time!)!!

While doing all of the above (and more), it's difficult for me (and many of my teacher friends) to also maintain a personal life, hobbies, health/wellness/exercise regime, etc..  However, it's not impossible!

In the possibility of doing it all Anderson suggests that the most balanced teachers know how to say no.

What does "saying no" really mean?  Let me explain... as a teacher you have so requirements to meet at the minimum...
*you have to plan rigorous lessons that meet the diverse needs of your learners,
*you need to be on specific committees,
*you need to communicate with parents via e-mail, text, phone call, or meeting

...all while being an actual person (wife, friend, daughter, etc)!

If you are already overwhelmed with the general responsibilities of teaching, acknowledge that and be okay with it.  Teaching is time-consuming and hard work in itself without all of the added extras of professional development, afternoon meetings, more work that the principal may put on you, etc.

Learn to say no to these additional activities.  I'm not saying to be a low-achiever by any means.

Saying no will allow for you to be more balanced, happier, and satisfied with your work!  It will improve the longevity of you in the profession and research shows that happier, more balanced teachers yield higher data results.  

Try to say no to some extra tasks this school year and let me know how it goes!!




Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Spicy Egg White and Mushroom Scramble

Spicy Egg White and Mushroom Scramble

In a non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray, scramble 3 egg whites (men: 1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites) with ½c sliced white mushrooms.  Sprinkle with hot sauce and 1/4 c low-fat shredded cheddar cheese.  Serve w 1 slice of whole wheat toast.

*From Brazil Butt Lift Nutrition Guide 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Breakfast Pizza

Barry and I are always looking for new healthy recipes that we can try at home.  We try not to go out to eat since we are saving for our wedding, plus trying creative new meals together is a fun date night for us :)  

Check out this new recipe... 

Great for Sunday brunch!

 Breakfast Pizza 
Inline image 1

1. Pre-heat oven to 425. 

2. Take a half of Boboli original Italian pizza crust and cut it into two pieces.

3. Each piece of crust gets a bit of roasted garlic tomato sauce, Monterrey cheese, fresh arugula, and a boarder of artichoke hearts.

4. Plop an egg inside of the artichoke boarder, season it with salt & pepper, added more cheese, and the pizza is ready to be baked for about 15 minutes (or until egg is baked to your liking).

Monday, August 11, 2014

FOOD VALUE FOR THOUGHT



< FOOD VALUE FOR THOUGHT>

When budgeting your healthy meals for the month, Shakeology has way more nutritional value for the cost.

Each Shakeology serving is nutritionally equivalent to FIVE salads, includes your daily VITAMINS and has over 70 superfoods like spirulina, wheat grass, flax seed and chia seed, to name just a few. PLUS- this lunch is now CLINICALLY PROVEN to help lower your cholesterol and blood sugars.



$4.30 for a truly nutritious lunch for the same price you probably just spent at Starbucks this morning. 

Curious about trying it? If you don't ask you'll never know      

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Team Beachbody Coaching Opportunity

In January of 2013, I signed on as a Team Beachbody coach simply for the 25% discount that I could get on Shakeology.  After a few months of receiving the discount and connecting with other coaches, I saw the real business opportunity that was literally in front of me.  I could work from home, help others achieve their fitness goals, push toward my own fitness goals, and make extra money that could pay off the astronomical debt that I graduated from graduated school with!  How amazing!  

I slowly transitioned from a discount coach to a coach moving her business, health, and financial freedom forward.  I'm looking for other like-minded individuals who want the same!  I mean how could you not want to better your own physical and financial health, while also helping others do the same?! 

But, I do want to warn you....this opportunity definitely isn't for everyone.  It takes hard work, dedication, and a commitment to helping yourself get better and helping others get better.  It's not that "get rich scheme" that some people think it is.   

Check out the details in this video to get a better sense of coaching.  If the opportunity appeals to you and you'd like to learn more, e-mail me @ nrf026@beachbodycoach.com to set up an informational phone call :)  





Monday, August 4, 2014

Sweets for the Sweet

Sweets for the Sweet

It’s OK to treat yourself to a little something sweet as long as you keep the portions — and calories — under control. In fact, a small periodic indulgence may help prevent binge-eating that often results from restrictive eating habits. Tricks and tips:

·       Fill up on fiber while curbing your cravings with fruit and berries.
·       Keep only single-serving portions of chocolate and other high-calorie treats at your work station.
·       Steer clear of the vending machine, with its super-size candy bars and multiple-serving bags of candy.


Create a Plan for Eating Healthy

 Create a Plan for Eating Healthy 

So most of the time people's #1 excuse for not being healthy is the cost of healthy foods.  Yes, healthy foods are often more expensive than processed junk, but here are so ideas to help you eat healthy on a budget!

1. Make a habit of meal-planning once a week — simply map out your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas for each day. Then, make a shopping list and stock your fridge and cupboards with only the foods you need--don't go overboard at the grocery store and buy what looks good.

2. Freeze dinner leftovers for grab-and-go meals — and prepare snacks and lunches the night before. 

**Planning ahead gives you more choices — and saves money.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Pre & Post Workout Snacks

I'm always looking out for the best interest of the ladies and gents in my Insanity classes and never want someone to feel faint at class...which can happen if you are hungry or dehydrated.    

It's super important to eat about 2-2.5 hours before working out so you have the energy to work hard during your workout.  Here are some ideas for a pre-workout snack and post-workout snacks.   Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day! 

Please comment with your favorites! 

Before you workout

Whole Wheat Toast with Sliced Banana and Cinnamon
Greek Yogurt and Trail Mix
Smoothies
Shakeology
Oatmeal with Fresh Fruit
Apple Wedges with Almond Butter




 After you workout

Grilled Chicken and Mixed Vegetables
Veggie Omelet with Avocado
Salmon with Sweet Potato
Whole Wheat Tuna Fish, Hummus and Spinach Sandwich (no mayo)
Chocolate Milk