Since I have said that 2013 is the year of Joy, that means finding it, keeping it and spreading it, I want to share Charlotte Anderson’s 10 tips for Optimism. She has a great site called The Great Fitness Experiment where she writes everything from a latest fitness experiment, to bodily fluids, to emotional eating to any old topic that comes her way I think. She’s incredibly witty and extremely honest. In this post I loved that she said one of my very own “truisms”. You have to Choose to be Happy. Basically, sometimes, that’s all you’ve got. Find her writing here:
http://www.thegreatfitnessexperiment.com/2013/01/choosing-happiness-10-tips-for-learning-optimism-from-a-girl-whod-knock-the-glass-over-before-shed-admit-its-half-full.html
Switching gears to the BIG GAME on Sunday. Yes, the Superbowl. I confess I’m not the hugest fan. I know, I live in an all male household oozing sports and football, but this is just not my favorite pastime. I do like the commercials, though. For your eating pleasure, I have some healthy apps here for your feasting. http://www.marla-deen-fit.net/3/post/2013/01/game-day-goods.html
Next, look at that photo. Doesn’t that look so good? I meant to prepare this all week and just didn’t get around to it. It is a stuffed SWEET POTATO. Why didn’t I think of that? My boys weren’t as impressed by the sweet potato part, but it would make a wonderful, heathy, filling lunch.
The article sets out 5 Tips on How to Eat for a Healthy Immune System. In case you don’t go to the article here they are:
1. Load up on fruits and vegetables (especially those rich in Vitamins A and C).
2. Eat antioxidant rich foods. Look for foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium and Beta-carotene.
3. Increase omega 3 fatty acids in the diet (in the form of chia seeds, hemp seeds, salmon or supplements).
4. Eat “good bacteria”. Fermented foods such as miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi and cultured veggie contain healthy bacterias, which help to ease digestion, enhance immunity and decrease inflammation in the body. In addition, fermented foods provide enzymes that help to better absorb minerals, vitamins and nutrients.
5. Drink plenty of water. Add fresh lemon juice to flavor your water. Lemons are high in Vitamin C!
Immune Booster Salad
Serves 3-4
Ingredients
3 cups finely chopped kale (stems removed and discarded)
1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
2-3 pitted dates, chopped
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Organic Coconut Palm Sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger root
Sea salt, to taste
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the kale, broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, scallions, parsley, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and dates. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, coconut palm sugar, and ginger to combine. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Very Crunchy and Tasty!
Getting to my GIVEAWAY. . . It begins with a confession. I chew my lips. Badly. A lot. I’ve done it forever. I’ll never have those soft smooth lips you see on models, because I just bite them to death. It’s a terrible habit and I’ve had it since I was a little girl. In fact, I remember one time my Daddy told me I’d get cancer if I didn’t stop. Well, it’s a LOT later and I’m still doing it. I really go to town when I’m worried, stressed or just worried even more. In fact, my dentist even mentioned it recently while I was at a checkup. However, I have recently found a product that helps! It’s a wonderful little tube of Lip Micro-Dermabrasion by Rodan + Fields Dermatologists.
I rub it on my lips, rub it off, and my lips are so soft! It help get rid of the dry skin, cracked skin that constantly bothers me so that I start chewing. So, no more biting! Now, I’m sure it wasn’t made for my OCD habit and was made mainly for exfoliating and conditioning the lips, to keep them soft and youthful, especially when they are dry from the winter weather or sun, but that’s just an added bonus for me! It’s a small miracle in a small tube!
AND all for you to try, too! I love it so much I want to share the love with you!
Comment on this post (about anything!),
LIKE my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MarlaDeenFit,
or Follow me on Twitter @MarlaDeenBrooks
GIVEAWAY ENDS THURSDAY, FEB. 7 AT MIDNIGHT!
I’m not sure, but would biting my nails be any better? I could just wear gloves? Any weird habits out there you care to share? What’s your favorite: actual Superbowl game or commercials?
Have a Fabulous Weekend!
Disclaimer: This is not a paid sponsor post. All opinions and experiences are purely my own. I do work as a Consultant with Rodan + Fields Dermatologists, but receive no income from this post or Giveaway.
Awesome workout today! I will be thinking about you when I can’t get out of bed tomorrow. 🙂 And I have never noticed you biting your lips… You always look amazing!
I soooo bite my lips too, so “pick me, pick me, pick me!!!!” Love the salad and will try it next week.
I recently read an article on “cleansing diets” and that there is NO clinical proof they are GOOD for you. My thought has ALWAYS been, eat right, eat healthy,like your immune booster salad and your insides will be as happy as your waistline. I don’t eat sauerkraut among other things, so I need creative veggie help!
Super Bowl commercials for me!
I loved the workout yesterday – my legs are really sore today.
I too bite my lips/inside of my mouth and I grind my teeth as well. I drive Eric crazy!