Motivational Monday #1

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I don't know about you, but I've noticed that I often criticize myself and spend a silly amount of time focusing on my "flaws". Sometimes it's little things, sometimes it's big things, but nevertheless, it's wrong. So I slipped up on my healthy eating plan (only four times--haha), so I didn't fold my clothes as soon as I took them out of the dryer and now they're super wrinkly, so I didn't do as well as I would have hoped on a test. At the end of the day that doesn't really matter all that much. What I have done is talked to my Savior and learned a lot from his Word in the past week, I have loved my family, I have laughed with B until I can't breathe, and I have also made delicious guacamole! 

At times we spend a lot of time fixated on what we need to change about ourselves or what we have done wrong, when all along we've been made in God's image and our flaws are made perfect in Him. Often we think that what others say or think about us is what affects us, but how we view ourselves affect us greatly. We are our greatest critics, but while  we spend time focusing on those things we miss out on the things that we do excel at, the things we do right, the smiles we create, and the lives we invest in. I spent this week loving myself more, thinking kinder things about myself, and not comparing myself to others. And I plan on many, many more weeks of that. 

No matter what chore you didn't finish today, or what you didn't do so well on, remember to love yourself! 

♡ Iz

Eat Better, Feel Better!

I really enjoy learning new health tips and sharing them as well. So I thought I'd share 3 tips that I learned a long time ago but that I use every day...

Here they are!

1-Drink More Water
So, I'm one of those people that actually enjoys drinking water (many people don't). But I have this bad habit of convincing myself that drinking a lot of juice or sugar packed coffee drinks is totally okay because I'm not actually eating anything unhealthy. WRONG! I haven't had any soda in years, but I make up for that by drinking a lot of sugary juices. Those kind of drinks are packed with calories and sugar, and are not doing our bodies any favors.

Water on the other hand is the best drink out there. Not only does it help you maintain a healthy weight but it also helps keep your skin looking young (Woot! Woot!), it helps prevents colds, and it helps with digestion as well. Drink water throughout the day, and your body will thank you.


2-Make Fruits and Veggies Your Best Friend
You've always known fruits and veggies are good for you, and for that we have your mother to thank. At dinner time, vegetables should take up about half of your plate. Lately I've been incorporating more fruits and vegetables in my meals, and it feels amazing and I also really like having a colorful plate. Adding more of this to your diet boosts energy, reduces heart disease, helps decrease bone loss, and of course helps maintain a healthy weight.


3-Fiber It Up
At the gym I work at, sometimes people ask; "How can I have more energy? I've tried everything!", or "How can I reduce more belly fat?" Well folks, say hello to fiber. Boosting your fiber intake has a long list of benefits, including having A LOT more energy, and slimming that belly down. A few ways to sneak more fiber into your diet are:

1) Try replacing refined breads with whole grain breads
2) Eat more almonds, cashews, and pistachios
3) On your list of snacks include; apples, popcorn, and a 1/2 cup of berries
4) Eat more beans
5) Add flaxseed to your yogurt, oatmeal, and/or salad

Keep in mind to add fiber to your diet slowly, you need to give your body time to adjust to your new fiber intake.

Hope these small tips help you all as much as they've helped me! Happy eating!