Are You Living Your Fullest Life?

We wake up, get the kids off to school, go to work, come home, fix dinner, watch tv, and go to bed.  On the weekends, sleep half the day, we go out, party, get drunk, and start the week over.

What kind of life is that?  I guess if you want to live the same, boring, and probably fairly short life, it’s ok.

I want more!  Eating healthy for energy, working out for a strong, healthy body, and living life to the fullest through activities with family and friends.

OK, let’s go there – friends.  Who are your friends?  Do the people that you hang around bring out the best in you?  Do they have the same goals and morals?  I’ve lived almost half a lifetime, ok, maybe 1/3, and I’ve had a lot of friends.  Some were absolutely awesome, kept me motivated, shared my ups and downs with me, and we shared active lives.  Then there were some that, well, let’s just say they were not really the friends I should have been spending my time with. I wish I would have realized it then, and maybe I could help them see that we should be living better lives and I could have helped us both. But we can’t go back; we must move forward.

With 2/3 of my life to go, time will still fly by, and I want to make the most of it.  I don’t want to waste time regretting, complaining, waiting, and doing nothing.  I want every day to be a positive experience, full of laughter, challenges, adventure and fun!

Stop right now, and take a look at your life. What do you want to do?  Who do you want to be?  How do you want to spend your time and who do you want to spend it with?  Make a list, and keep it in front of you.  Consider all aspects: where you live, what your job is, who your friends are, how you spend your day, what foods you eat, how your body feels, the moods and attitudes that shape your days.  Are you living a simple life that’s easy to focus on, or is it crammed with junk?  Also, are you being the positive, motivating friend to others that brings out the best in them?

I must add a disclaimer here!  DO NOT try to live a “good” life by deceit to get ahead, lies to force friendships, or abusing people, money or yourself.  Do it the right way.  And don’t fall prey to those who live that way.

Be true to yourself, love others, and enjoy life.

American Diabetes Association Expo San Antonio

If you or someone you know is affected by, or is at risk for, diabetes, then expos such as the one tomorrow are a great place to go for education and resources!  If you’re in San Antonio, you should visit The American Diabetes Association Expo May 21, 2011, 9am-2pm.  There will be free health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations, exhibitors with useful information, and even a youth and active living zone.  This is a FREE event.  San Antonio Fit Club will be there with a booth displaying our Beachbody Products, including the Diabetic Nutrition and Exercise Program: Kathy Smith’s Project: You! Type2, which has been approved by the ADA.  We will also be doing a couple of fitness demonstrations.  Stop by and see us!  If you’re not in San Antonio, or you miss this event, go to the American Diabetes Association website, and go to their Events page to see what’s coming up in your area.

From Texas Diabetes Institute, University Health System:

“According to the most recent estimates diabetes remains the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, extremity amputations and other chronic conditions.”

Men’s Health published a report of America’s Fattest Cities.  In 2010, out of 100 cities ranked from #1 being the fattest, Texas has 5 cities within the top 10; San Antonio is #7, only 6 places away from the fattest city in the US.  It’s time to make a change!

One program, offered by Beachbody, and approved by the American Diabetes Association, is Kathy Smith’s Project: You! Type2.  It is a 12-week nutrition and exercise program, designed to help those with, or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes.  Take a look and see if you think this program is for you.

We’re here to help people live healthier, happier lives.  How can we help you today?

Healthy Recipe – Veggie Pasta With Italian Chicken Sausage

Our family has been working on healthier eating for the past year.  We’ve done things such as going from whole milk to 1%.  We’ve cut way back on the sweets, and almost eliminated sodas in the house.  More veggies and fruits are offered at mealtime and for snacks.  I’m constantly on the lookout for new recipes to try (I am a VERY picky eater!)   I found this recipe on Jillian Michael’s website ( www.JillianMichaels.com ) and can’t wait to try it.  If you try it, leave a comment on how you liked it, and any modifications you made.  I am constantly making modifications to recipes!

Veggie Pasta With Italian Chicken Sausage

Ingredients:

• 2 small zucchini
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 garlic clove, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 pound cooked Italian chicken sausage, sliced into small pieces
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Instructions:

1. Using a vegetable peeler and turning the zucchini as you go, slice the zucchini into ribbons. In a skillet, over medium heat, sauté zucchini in 1 tablespoon of oil until it’s soft and the edges are clear. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. In a separate pan over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and add garlic. Sauté for a minute, and then add the tomatoes and oregano. Simmer for a few minutes, and then stir in the sausage.

3. Spoon sauce over zucchini. Sprinkle with Parmesan to taste.

Makes 2 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Number of Servings: 2

Amount Per Serving Calories: 409

Total Fat: 29 g

Saturated Fat: 11 g

Cholesterol: 89 mg

Sodium: 324 mg

Total Carbohydrate: 9 g

Dietary Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 28 g

How to Navigate the Grocery Store

I saw this video, posted by Jillian Michaels, created by Michael Pollen of NourishLife.org. It is a quick little guide to help you understand the layout of most grocery stores, and how to shop in a less-expensive, more healthful way! Check it out:

30-Day Goal Challenge

Who is ready to get organized with me? I really need this!  When Chalene Johnson gives something away for free, TAKE IT, use it, and live a better life! (and you’ll see the value in the things she sells even more!)

Here’s what she’s giving away now:  30-Day Challenge to Master Organization and Achieve Your Goals.  Get on now and change your life!