Its 2022 and life is BUSY. Between responsibilities, work life and making time for yourself can be challenging, never mind trying to eat healthy in between the chaos. While we are busy with our hectic schedules our body is the one taking a toll. Remember without health, professional success hardly means anything. It is impossible to give our 100 percent when our body is failing to keep up with its surrounding. Your health is literally all you got. It's so cliche to say but yet words have never meant more.
It goes a little something like this. We wake up early in the morning, grab a cup of tea/ coffee to kick start our day and rush to our office/ work. We often rush out of the house with everything but packed meals and snacks. Work is hectic and we hardly make time to eat healthily. Skipping meals and over intake of caffeine is our day-to-day story. While keeping a balance between work and health might seem difficult, it isn’t impossible. There are multiple ways to include healthy eating in our lifestyle and I am here to make it simple and educate you on how to do so.
Always have water on hand. Water should be your best friend. Drink at least 3-4L a day. Stay hydrated friends.
Plan ahead if you can. I totally understand also not having time at times in your life when everything is moving faster then expected. What do I mean to plan ahead? On a Sunday morning plan for the week. Plan what your snacks look like and also your meals. Get a solid shopping list and execute on those meals ( meals and snacks are dependent on your current goals which I am not going to get into in this blog ).
These next few will be for the non planner and more chaotic time in your life aka me most times while having a business thats ever-growing it becomes challenging for me to plan ahead.
Avoid buying in excess at the grocery store. A lot of times when my hunger kicks in I will swing into a grocery store and buy a half cooked chicken and some fruit. Sometimes it's also greek yogurt and granola. Nuts, such as almonds or pecans. Brazil nuts are also a great option.
Gas station stop? Pepperoni and beef jerky sticks - LOW SUGAR, this is an absolute must. Some beef jerkies and pepperoni are packed with hidden sugars. I always grab Gatorade Zeros or BioSteels as well ( electrolytes also with no sugar ). They really help curb hunger cravings and a sweet tooth.
Fast food, I also got you covered. Fast food is still fast food, yes. However if you're hungry you're going to eat so let's just adjust your fast food choices. My go to - is grilled chicken breast wrapped in lettuce with tomato. You can even get some buffalo sauce on the side or another sauce of choice. I will typically get two grilled lettuce wrapped chicken burgers. Some fast food places offer salads too, every now and then ill get one. I just find chicken burgers are easier to eat on the go!
Mexican places like Mucho Burrito, Chipotle are one of my top top go to's. They are fast and who doesn't love Mexican. My favourite a rice bowl with double meat ( usually chicken ) double meat to keep it high protein. Half rice extra veggies, no sauce just extra guac for those good fats and some salt and pepper. Seriously SO good.
Order in advance from a restaurant. Its not as cost effective as the options above, but if you have the means too this option is great.
Thai food - curry and rice
Salmon, steak, grilled chicken, grilled prawns, tofu + baked yam fries ( you have to request this ) with veggies.
Lettuce wrapped burgers
Honestly anything higher protein - high protein makes you feel full longer and keeps your energy levels consistent. Carbs will make you tired and crash.
Sometimes I'm not even hungry I just know I should eat. I will swing into a supplement store, even Jamba Juice at times. You can always sub out the sugary items ie. frozen yogurt for more fruit. Instead of fruit juice sub for coconut / almond / oat milk. Added protein is a must - sometimes I even do extra protein.
Low cal, zero sugar drinks. My go-to, Zevias, Bio Steel, Gatorade Zeros, Bubbly. A big jug of electrolyte water is my go-to. Love me some grape BioSteel.
My number one tip for the busy on the go individual ( or anyone ) is supplementing. If you aren't having full home cooked meals all the time, it's important to supplement.
Get a good greens, I use AG1, its incredible
Omegas
Adrenal / Cortisol manager
Vitamin B complex
NAD plus IV therapy. These are life changing, ultimately its an extension of supplements. Helps manage chronic stress, enhance athletic performance, anti aging effects, increase energy levels ( it really does its absolutely insane how these make me feel ).
I highly recommend getting a full blood panel of your hormones done. Often times ( from my own experience ) things can be off and/or unbalanced. Being in a constant state of flight or fight in life can really have an effect on your cortisol hormones. I personally have an auto immune disease and hypothyroid so I try my best to eat and supplement accordingly. Most people just ignore it, I have to in the past. Once you realize and tap into understanding and experience just how good you can feel and how well your body can run with the proper fuel, it just becomes a habit, it becomes natural and easier to make mindful, healthier eating choices anywhere you go.
Like I said above, your health is all you have. Take care of your mind and body, and you will see the changes reflect in all other aspects of your life. What you put into your body is more important than you think. Eat well, live well.
Growing up I had an extremely unhealthy relationship with food, which then affected my self esteem and body image. As I got older, it became apparent that healthy relationships in all aspects of life come from smaller, smarter choices. I started creating all my unhealthy favorites into healthier recipes, with whole food ingredients, less sugar and higher protein. This later on has translated into my own healthy baking business, Blooming In Health.
Bloom is ultimately a reflection of me, I love my treats and sweets but without all the added calories, gluten and sugar. We have proudly sold over a million protein donuts in Canada. We are also launching a gluten free 1 to 1 flour come August 2022, so be on the lookout for that.
One thing I have learned through my personal journey is obstacles and hurdles arise almost on a daily basis. Everyday is a new opportunity to work on yourself with the right education and support. I want to help those around me create healthy meals and treats. After being through it all, I have learnt that health and fitness is about so much more than just looking, eating or training a certain way. It’s about our physical and mental health. It’s about finding what works best for you as an individual. It’s about being strong, being active, consuming foods that are going to nourish our body and fuel our lives. It’s about having a healthy relationship with food and most importantly, being able to love and accept yourself at every stage, every step of the way. This is why I will continue to share my recipes, what works for me, and spread positivity.
About 4 years ago I became a Brand Ambassador for Crimson tavernorlando. A couple years later, here I am, sharing my recipes and tips on their blog. Creating my own recipes, sharing healthy lifestyle tips and sharing with others is something I am super passionate about. I am grateful for the opportunity to share them, not only on my own platforms, but through the Crimson tavernorlando community as well. I hope it inspires others to get creative with your own recipes and live a healthier lifestyle without limiting your favorite foods.
Imagine this: You're pushing your cart as you walk through the aisles of your local gardening store. You stare into the plethora of brightly colored florals and intricate foliage, you think: "Wow, I'd love to be a plant mom...but I don't have the time." So you walk away, no plants in hand, as you dream about which plant could've been your perfect pair...
Well, look no further! If you want to be a plant mom today, we'll help you get started! Even if you don't have the greenest thumb, there's a plant for you! Here is our guide to getting the perfect plant for you based on your lifestyle! 💚
Succulents are low maintenance, but there are a ton of cute & tiny options for your workspace! Here are some of our faves:
Care instructions: Place in a bright, sunny place. Water the plant heavily about once every two weeks, waiting until the soil dries out fully.
"Succulent, any plant with thick fleshy tissues adapted to water storage. Some succulents (e.g., cacti) store water only in the stem and have no leaves or very small leaves, whereas others (e.g., agaves) store water mainly in the leaves. Most succulents have deep or broad root systems and are native to either deserts or regions that have a semiarid season. Succulent plants are found in more than 60 plant families, with members of Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, and Crassulaceae being dominantly succulent." - Britannica
Always out and about? You need something low maintenance to work with your busy lifestyle! Here are some plants that match your busy lifestyle:
Care instructions: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep plants in bright to moderate indirect sunlight. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. waiting until the soil dries out entirely.
"A species of flowering plant native to southern Mexico and Panama, Monstera deliciosa is a hardy and easy to care for plant known by many names, but most commonly the “Swiss cheese plant” due the unique development of ridges and holes on its more mature leaves, known as fenestrations. The “deliciosa” part of the plant’s name comes from the pineapple-like fruit it bears in its natural habitat!" - Greenery Unlimited
Are you a social butterfly? Have some time to maintain your plants and want to make your space extra inviting for having friends over? Here are some plants that fit your style:
Care instructions (Peperomia + Yucca): Keep plants in indirect sunlight and water roughly once a week. Make sure the soil is dry before watering as constantly moist soil can lead to root rot.
Care instructions (Pineapple): If flowering, let sit in plenty of direct sunlight to produce fruit. However, strictly for foliage, indirect sunlight works just fine. Water once a week, but expect to water more frequently during times where it is extra hot.
"Peperomia, a genus of the pepper family (Piperaceae), comprising more than 1,000 species of tropical and subtropical fleshy herbs, annuals, and perennials. A few species are popular houseplants because of their attractive foliage." -Britannica
"Yucca, (genus Yucca), a genus of about 40 species of succulent plants in the agave subfamily of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), native to southern North America. Most species of yucca are stemless, with a rosette of stiff sword-shaped leaves at the base and clusters of waxy white flowers." -Britannica
"Pineapple, (Ananas comosus), perennial plant of the family Bromeliaceae and its edible fruit. Pineapple is native to tropical and subtropical America and has been introduced elsewhere." -Britannica
Up for a challenge? These unique plants are difficult to maintain, but there is so much payoff with their beauty! Here are plants that require an extra green thumb:
Care instructions (Peace Lily): These flowers love medium to low light and should NOT be on a watering schedule. Rather, check the top of the soil once a week, and if dry, water as needed. The most common way for this plant to die is overwatering, so only water when needed (and when you do water, it can be plenty).
Care instructions (Areca Palm): Let sit in bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. As for watering, its schedule can vary anywhere from 1-3 weeks depending on the time of year. The best solution to this is similar to the Peace Lily, check the top of the soil and if dry, water as needed.
Care instructions (Croton): Croton's leaves will stay vibrant if in bright, sunny areas; otherwise, its newer leaves will gradually lose vibrancy over time. As for watering, this plant loves water but is also prone to root rot if overwatered. The best solution would be to water as needed using the same methods that the Peace Lily and Arcea Palm require.
"Peace lilies are tropical, evergreen plants that thrive on the forest floor, where they receive dappled sunlight and consistent moisture and humidity. Replicating these conditions in the home is the key to getting your peace lily to be happy and healthy." -Almanac
"The areca is known as a cane type palm because of the bamboo cane-looking stems once it's matured. They're also very similar to the feather types (especially the kentia palm) that display similar leaflets (leaves) and grow up to about the same height indoors...An attractive species that prides itself in improving home or office décor and makes a great focal point for large rooms, hallways, reception areas, and conservatories." -House Plants Expert
"Croton also called “garden croton,” are native to the tropical forests of southeast Asia and Oceania. In the wild, they grow as large shrubs, reaching up to 10 feet tall (in the home or garden, they stay a lot smaller). Note: All parts of this plant are poisonous—especially the seeds—so it is not recommended for use in homes with curious pets or children. When damaged, croton produces a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin, too." -Almanac
One of our core values is supporting our planet and in honor of that, we made a collection that's eco-friendly, organic, and uses sustainable practices! If you'd like to show off your green thumb, take a peek at our newest designs!
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Let’s face it, we have all struggled with making the most out of the 24 hours we are given in a day. Endless chores, errands, care for others, and even self-care leaves us feeling scattered and exhausted by the end of the day. Although working out has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, it stresses us out just thinking about how long it’s been since we have last gone to the gym or how much effort it will be to get a workout in after a busy day. We understand you and we got you, love!
Here are our top 4 best workouts to do in the least amount of time that will give you the results you are looking for.
Lifting for 5 minutes a day can boost your energy and your mood, increase your metabolism, and allow you to actually see long-term changes in your body. Core and arm strength workouts don't need to be 30 minutes long to be effective.
Shop for a pair of dumbbells to store under your bed for quick access and set a daily reminder on your phone. With just 5 minutes a day of strengthening your muscles, you will see physical results and positive changes in your mood.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) sessions are a fantastic way to combine multiple activities into one to give you a really intense workout in a short period of time. These sessions typically involve performing 3-5 intervals of very short intense exercises followed by a short recovery period. The best part is that you can make these workouts as intense as you are comfortable with.
Start by picking 3 of your favorite movements (jump squats, sit-ups, lunges, you name it), set a timer, or download a HITT timekeeper app and go for one round. 2-4 rounds, switching up movements as you go and soon..you’ll be finished with your workout and feeling good!
For those of us who live by the words, “I’ll only run if something is chasing me.” we hear you! Bur like it or not running AND walking are two of the easiest exercises as they can be done nearly everywhere by nearly everyone. Walking for 30 minutes every day can boost cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and increase endurance. Even making small changes by choosing to walk to the store instead of driving can help you fit exercise into your daily routine. & hey, if you’re feeling up to it, you can turn your walk in the neighborhood into a slow jog when you’re feeling more comfortable with it. Forming the habit of walking is the first step in creating so many positive changes in your routine.
Sometimes the hardest part about working out is figuring out what you are going to do. To avoid missing any workouts, plan it out and write it down. Find a dedicated space in your house to hang up your exercise plan and do some Calisthenics.
Calisthenics is exercises that use only your own bodyweight which makes these types of exercises a lot easier to do if you’ve got a quick 15 minutes of free time. These exercises are a great way to get started with some beginner movements as they are low risk but will still give you the feeling of a job well done!
"Yes, You Can Actually Get an Effective Strength Training Workout in 5 Minutes" by Rachel Lapidos
"What are the best workouts and exercises to do in the least amount of time?" by GYMILES team