New Year Goals -Simple Resolutions

So hopefully after the month of January we are all back on the eating track. I do good... until February - with two birthdays and V day, its NOT EASY! 

I thought I would compile a little list of simple rejuvenating tips.

• DRINK WATER (ONLY WATER) - especially right when you wake up. Adding a squeeze of lemon is even better
• Change up your workout routine! Try different types of cardo and take at least a couple days a week to do resistance (weight) training.
•  Eat on smaller plates!! This makes smaller portion sizes a lot easier. Try to refrain from snacking off the kids plates too! (that's my BIGGEST problem!)
• Stand more often, sit less!
• Use fruit or veggie purees. Replace butter, oil, and sugar with pumpkin, banana, sweet potato, applesauce, or prune puree. 
• Drink more herbal tea Gum (I'm obsessed with extra dessert delights mint chocolate chip!!) and curve snack cravings!
• Sleep is crucial. Good luck on that - I'm always tired.  :)
• Put aside time each week for you! Work on crafts, blog, or pinterest (this can be addicting though!)
• Eat Less meat. If this is hard for you - opt for one day a week you will try it out!
• Substitute Reduced-fat Greek fat yogurt. I replace mayo and Sour Cream all the time with this stuff!
• Eat Breakfast!! Whole grains or even a boiled egg with protein helps regulate your metabolism for the day. 
• Start dinner with fresh fruit or salad FIRST!! And try to drink a full glass of water before dinner. This helps you slow down at dinner time. 
• Eat sitting down and try to have scheduled 'family' dinner time each night.
• Focus on more WHOLE Foods! Fresh Fresh Fresh and LESS processed! (if there are a ton of ingredients in the label - AVOID!)

Make a big batch of soup if you are tempted at snack or lunch time. Its the perfect thing to grab in a hurry. Or consider making salad in a jar (I love this idea-  haven't done it yet, but want to!)

My friend gave me the recipe to this soup. I LOVE LOVE it! Its perfect taste between squash and tomato and the quinoa adds a bunch of healthy benefits and protein!!

                            Tomato Butternut Soup

1 butternut squash

1-2 T olive oil

1 onion, chopped

4 stalk celery, chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

2-4 carrots

2 large cans diced tomatos

2 C. Broth or water

½ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp pepper

½ tsp salt

1 cup cooked quinoa

Bake butternut squash at 400 degrees for 30-40 min, until tender. Cook quinoa.

Chop veggies. Saute vegetables in olive oil until onion is soft. Add tomatoes, water and seasonings. Cover and cook for 20 min. Add squash, then puree soup in blender. Add quinoa. Garnish with 1 tsp of fat free greek yogurt and chopped spinach.