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Make This Year Your Healthiest Yet

January 18, 2020 by Monica Nelson Leave a Comment

When it comes to our diets and the things that we consume, we can often not place too much emphasis on it. Sure we may be aware that too many sweet treats and junk food will add weight, but do we know that there may be intolerances that we might have, food that causes things like acne, and even the things we consume having an effect on our mental health. If you want to take some action, here are some of the things to try.     

Becoming a vegetarian

Perhaps you are considering a diet change; then a great choice would be to become a vegetarian or at least start by just reducing your meat intake. Like Meatless Monday for an example. This is where you cut out meat products from your diet. The only thing to be aware of is getting protein in your diet in other ways. Fruit and vegetables have amazing qualities, and eating this way can transform your life. People also turn to vegetarianism due to their beliefs. You may not be happy with how animals are treated and their welfare. Which is why not only is this lifestyle change good for your body but also the mind. Doing something you feel passionate about, gives you drive and motivation. 

Considering becoming a vegan

If it is down to changing your diet once more than you may want to go one step further than vegetarianism and become a vegan. This is where your diet is solely plant based. Being a vegan is a lifestyle choice. This is because not only do you not eat meat, but you choose not to eat any ingredient that comes from an animal, or wear anything for that matter. It could be difficult to convert at first but taking small steps will get you there. Again, in my opinion there is no wrong or right, but just what is right for you.

Eliminating alcohol from your life

Drinking socially can be a great thing to do amongst friends and family. But what happens if that social drink turns into something more? For many of us, alcohol can become something we drink more often than we should. Turning into something that feels like it is needed rather than something that could be turned down. While being an alcoholic is an extreme case, many of us may find we have mild cases of alcohol dependence. This is when you may want to seek out some help and advice from an alcohol rehab center. However, if things are controlled, it isn’t necessarily a damaging thing. But consuming too much alcohol can have a negative affect. This is why deciding to remain sober could be the lifestyle change you need. 

Drinking more water

Many people choose to drink more water alongside a diet change or being active. However, hydrating your body will always get you an amazing result in it’s own right. Water is nature’s natural detox, which allows you to flush the bad toxins from your body. It’s a great way to improve your skin tone and condition. Alongside with having other benefits like helping you sleep, give you more energy and lifting your mood. 

Let’s hope these tips help you to make some changes!

This is a collaborative post.


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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy ye Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

Popular Posts

Salad with kale, chickpeas, and butternut squash.
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