I know. Another holiday, another day spent virtually sending hugs the ones you love and not getting to enjoy it to the fullest.

Mother's Day is Sunday and it is likely that you will not be celebrating it the way you wanted. 

Traditionally, moms might go out for brunch or spend the day doing an activity they enjoy like shopping or getting a spa treatment.  But, this year, things will have to change...somewhat.

Regardless of whether or not your traditional Mother's Day plans have changed, you still deserve to be treated like the queen that you are--or treat that special Mom in your life like the queen that she is. 

And here's Ways to Treat Yourself (and others) Like a Rockstar Mom:

1.  Do something special for yourself.
Bummed that you cannot see your Mom, kids, grandkids, godchildren, etc. this weekend? Do something that makes you happy that is special.  Make your favorite recipe or do some online shopping from a store you wouldn't normally shop.  Or, just spend a few hours watching your favorite movie uninterrupted.  The sky is the limit, my friends, and you do not have to leave your house to do it.

2.  Think outside the box.
If you normally see your mom on Mother's Day, show her you care through a thoughtful gift that is literally outside the box.  Send her a "fruit of the month club" subscription, or an e-gift card to a spa that you can enjoy together at a later date (this will also help local businesses at this time!).  Do your best to create an experience, even if it means in the future.

3.  Rely on technology.
Using Zoom or FaceTime is the norm these days, so why not use it for a group "hang out" with your special women on Sunday?  Do a group FaceTime with your family rather than just one person at a time, and rather than just talking, play a game or have everyone dress up in a theme (80's prom, anyone??).  You can also suggest everyone bring their favorite family photos to the hang out or if you are using Zoom, you can share them from your computer.  Do whatever it takes to make these unusual circumstances memorable for a good reason!

4.  Don't dwell on it too much.
It's one day. And, while the calendar says "Mother's Day", it doesn't mean that you cannot celebrate it another day, or every day, at another time.  If you are used to all getting together to celebrate all of the moms in your family, wait until later in the Summer and make it a fun bbq.  Or, use it as an excuse to celebrate a few times throughout the year. 
​Just because we "should" celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday doesn't mean you cannot create a special day again in the future.  Besides, moms deserve every day to be Mother's Day :)

Life hasn't been easy lately.  We're stuck inside, cannot socialize, have a looming fear of contracting a virus for which there is no cure, and we have no idea when this madness will end.  

Most days, I am totally fine with staying indoors with my husband and 7-month old daughter since that means we are healthy and safe.  We have food, water, plenty of TP, laughter, health, and most importantly, each other.  However, there are days where I feel trapped and unable to see the light at the end of this tunnel, so I have to refocus on what can make my days "count", especially when they all seem to blur together.

Luckily(?) I have had some experience with being stuck indoors for extended periods of time during my Crohn's flares, so I have compiled a list of ways to feel normal and thrive during an otherwise abnormal and unstructured time.

1.  Keep your days as similar to your normal schedule as much as possible.

Get up at the same time that you would for work Monday-Friday.  Take a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast. Do everything you would normally do during the work day.  If you normally eat breakfast at 7am and then have a snack at 10am and lunch at 12:30pm, do that.  Don't use the excuse of WFH to lounge around and eat whenever you feel like it, or see food.  Keep your normal schedule (as much as possible) and you will feel more like your normal self.  This will also be beneficial when you transition back to work so that you do not have to start a new schedule and habit. 

2.  Take advantage of this time to start something new.

This is a new time for all of us, so why not try something new that can enhance your life?  Use this time to create  healthy habits such as doing a quick in-home workout before your morning shower or taking the time to meditate for 5 minutes before starting your day.  Or, register for free online courses to try a new skill or brush up on a subject you've been too busy to practice--like speaking a foreign language or playing an instrument.  Why not make this time like your cocoon from which you can emerge a new, better version of yourself because you do not have temptations to distract you from achieving something great?

3.  Set small daily goals.

The days have been blurring together.  Somedays, it is 8pm and I think "where did the time go, and what the heck did I do all day?"  This can leave you feeling empty and somewhat useless, so set small daily goals that will allow you to go to bed at night feeling accomplished.  Perhaps you can set a goal of checking in on three friends, or practicing the yoga pose you want to master for a half hour.  Maybe your goal is to workout for 60 minutes in between Zoom meetings.  And, don't forget about setting business goals if that is available to you.  Just because you are not physically in the office does not mean that you are less productive.

4.  Celebrate little wins.

This one can go a long way in a time where everything seems to be negative.  Notice small wins around you--the fact that you were able to get a same-day Amazon Fresh delivery, your kids didn't fight all day, you tried a new recipe and it turned out great, the sun came out!  Find things that are worth being grateful for and what has gone right in the day, as opposed to what is going wrong.

5.  Practice self-care.

I know this has become a buzz word lately, but stay with me on this one.  After my shower last night, I decided to do a mini facial with one of my store-bought face masks.  It was a small gesture, but something that made me feel pretty and pampered.  In a time where getting our hair and nails done is not possible, we can begin to feel drab and unkempt.  I, personally, don't feel like my typical self, and know we have a ways to go until we can have access to our beauty team, so why not bring the beauty into your own home and create a spa-like experience for yourself?  Go on YouTube and try new ways of styling your hair, or follow a makeup tutorial to try a new look. Find ways to be your own glam squad and even if it is just to go to the living room, make yourself feel pretty from the inside out.  And, put on real clothes once in a while. It will make you feel like a real human (although yoga pants are acceptable 80% of the time!).

6.  Eat well.

The same is true for your diet.  Putting good food into your body will not only boost your immune system which is critical at this time, but it will make you feel better mentally, too.  I know that eating comfort food is all too tempting right now (I helped myself to a bowl of pasta last night out of anxiety after watching the news.  Note to self: don't watch the news.)  but eating fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will help keep you feeling energized rather than sluggish.  And, in addition to not feeling lousy physically, you will not feel lousy emotionally since the guilt of indulging in cookies and chips will not be there.  Since grocery shopping has become limited, prioritize high-quality foods over junk food when filling your virtual cart, and use this time to fill your diet with healthy foods that will create healthy habits for when all of this is over and we all return to normal--because Summer is coming.

The holiday season is upon us and with that comes a magic duo--cookies and hot chocolate.  Annual traditions include making and decorating your favorite holiday cookie with your loved ones and kids, and what better way to cozy up after a day in the snow than with rich hot chocolate?

Enjoying your favorite holiday classics can be great, when in moderation.  However, if you find yourself using any excuse to eat a cookie or make some hot cocoa, then the extra sugar and calories will sneak up on you leaving you feeling bloated, exhausted (hello, sugar crash!), and with a little extra weight before the New Year.

So, I am taking this classic holiday duo and making it a lot lighter, yet just as tasty!  See below for my No-Bake Energy Bites and Christmas Coffee that will be your new Winter season favorite!!
(As seen on PHL17 Morning Show 12/17)

No-Bake Energy Bites


INGREDIENTS:
1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used gluten free old-fashioned oats)
2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup almond butter (or all-natural peanut butter)
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate chips)
1/3 cup honey  (or agave nectar)
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS:

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for at least a half an hour.
Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine are about 1″ in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Makes about 20-25 balls.


Christmas Coffee

Ingredients:

1 cup light-medium roast coffee
Milk of your choice
1/2 tsp. cocoa powder
3 shakes of cinnamon

Directions:

Pour all ingredients in a coffee mug and stir until well blended.

Enjoy immediately.

I am a huge advocate of only doing workouts that you like.  Some people may argue that you should do the workout that gives you the results you are looking for.  Others may say you should vary up the workouts to prevent muscle fatigue.

While I can get behind both of those (for various reasons), the main reason you should do any workout is because you like it.  Period.

Why should you only do workouts you like?

1.  You will actually do the workout.
2.  It will be beneficial to your body and mind
3.  You will see results
4.  It will be more of a hobby than a “chore”…and everyone likes doing hobbies
5.  Nothing will stop you from completing the workout
6.  Your life will be exponentially better


You will actually do the workout.

If you are going through a workout that is making you hate every single second, you may begin skimping on the number of reps or just quitting before the end of your session. It is better to enjoy the workout, complete it to your maximum potential, and get excited for the next time you get to work out.


It will be beneficial to your body and mind.

Health is more than just physical—it is important for your mind to be healthy, too.  By choosing a workout that you enjoy, you are both physically and mentally taking a break from your day, allowing yourself to step into a blissful sweat sesh.  This brief time away from your daily stressors is like a mini vacation for your mind.  Endorphins are pumping happy juice into your brain, making you feel happy, and since you are enjoying what you are doing, your mood naturally lifts right from the start.

When you choose a workout that you dislike, you are still producing endorphins which will give you the post-workout high, but your attitude during the workout will be negative, thus defeating the purpose of exercising.  Why not choose a workout that makes you happy while doing it, and for hours afterwards??


You will see results.

If you enjoy working out, you will continue to work out, eventually seeing results.  And, as I mentioned above, since working out is beneficial to the body and mind, you will see results in your mental health, too.

You don’t need the hardest workout to get results.  Whether it be weight loss, muscle definition, stamina, flexibility, or a combination of the above, there are endless workouts you can choose from that will allow you to reach your goals and make you happy while doing it.


It will be more of a hobby than a “chore”…and everyone likes doing hobbies

Sometimes, working out is a turnoff because we think of it as a “chore”.  We feel that we have to work out rather than thinking we get to work out.  When we frame it in our mind as something that we dread doing, it makes it a lot harder to actually do it.

The best way to think about a workout is to think of it as a hobby, and the best way to think of it as a hobby is to make it exactly that….because you love it.  Whether you like it because you see friends you made at the gym, listen to your favorite tunes, or just get a high from hitting your PR (personal record) every session—figure out what makes you like working out most and start practicing your favorite hobby 3-4 times per week.


Nothing will stop you from completing the workout

Per above, if you love little things about the workout like the atmosphere, people, music, etc. it will be very hard to get distracted and find an excuse not to go.  Choosing to workout in a beautiful yoga studio with a few of your newly made pals on your gorgeous yoga mat finally mastering your downward dog will always beat doing something else!


Your life will be exponentially better

Could you imagine if your love of going to bottomless brunch on Sundays led to a healthy heart and a great physique? Or if shopping made your skin glow and the pounds just fall off?  Switch out those two activities with doing a workout you love and those statements become true!

And, you will reap the emotional benefits of working out such as being happy and more confident.  Who doesn’t want that in their life?!


To end on a personal note, I will tell you my experience with doing a workout that I didn’t love vs. one I thoroughly enjoy.

You know that little spinning studio, SoulCycle?  The one all of stars do and that has taken over cities across the country?  Well, I tried it…twice.  It is only a block away from where I live so not only is it super convenient to get to, I thought “well if everyone else is doing it, I must be missing something great.”  Wrong.  I hated it.  Like really, really did not like it at all.  Throughout the entire 45 minute class I was angry, frustrated, and thinking of all the ways I could be spending my time than in that studio.  Sure, I got a great cardio workout in but who cares? I was miserable, (which is defeating the point of the workout! )

So, I tried it twice (to give it a fair shot) and then made  a promise to never do a workout I don’t enjoy again.  I stick to the local studio that I love where I have a great relationship with the instructors, see friends I made from attending classes there over the past 2 years, and honestly look forward to the classes I am about to take.  And that is what a true workout is—enjoyable, beneficial, results-producing, and down right awesome (for me).

xo,
Julie

Host a happy, healthy & fun holiday party!

{As seen on PHL17 on December 20th}

The holidays are a time known for entertaining.  (It is no wonder the average person gains 5-8 lbs. between Thanksgiving and New Year's!)

But, you can make fun and healthy foods that your guests will love quite easily by following my tips below...

Caprese Salad Tree

Why not make an appetizer that can double as a cute centerpiece?

I made my Caprese Salad Trees by taking a green styrofoam cone and covering it in flat kale leaves (securing with toothpicks).  I then added grape tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls to look like ornaments, and add a pack of vitamins and low-fat protein.

If you have several tables, feel free to make trees that contain a different variety of vegetables for some extra flare and choices.  Pair with your favorite dips, hummus, or a mixture of oil &balsamic vinegar, and  you are all set!

Cucumber Rollups

Make these super cute (and easy to eat!) antipasto rollups quickly using cucumbers, mild provolone, and Genoa Salami.  You can also use roasted turkey with American cheese or prosciutto and sharp provolone for added variety.  

Note: I used a Mandolin to slice the cucumber 1/8" thick, but if you don't have one, you can always use a hand-held veggie slicer.

Simply layer the meat and cheese on the cucumber slice, roll tightly, and secure with a long toothpick.


Chocolate Peanut Butter "Snow Balls"

This healthy spin on traditional "Buckeyes" is a festive dessert that is full of healthy fats and protein with no refined sugar or flour.

​
Ingredients:

4 Tbsp vanilla protein powder (I like MRM Veggie Elite Vanilla that is vegan and gluten free with no added sugar)
4 Tbsp chia seeds
6 Tbsp almond butter or peanut butter (I prefer Mara Natha Creamy Almond Butter or Smart Balance Peanut Butter)
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp Cacao Bliss
2 Tbsp organic honey
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

​Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well blended.
Roll into ½ inch balls and coat in shredded coconut.
Makes 16 bites

And, what is a party without a cocktail?  Below is the recipe for my go-to winter drink that is big on flavor and low on calories and added sugar!

Blood Orange Moscow Mule

1 part Tito's vodka
1 part ginger beer
1 part blood orange sparkling water
Ice cubes

Directions:
Fill a Moscow Mule with ice, vodka, ginger beer, and sparkling water.
Garnish with a wedge of a blood orange.

I hope you enjoy this holiday season and have a happy and HEALTHY New Year!

xo,
Julie

​

These stuffed baked apples are sure to make your guests come back for more!  And, they're super easy to make so you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen!

Stuffed Baked Apples

*Gluten Free *Dairy Free *Vegan
Makes 6

​
Ingredients:

6 large apples
​1/3 cup dry oats
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 Tbsp. butter (or margarine for vegan option)
dash of coarse sea salt
1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider

Directions:

1.  In a small bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almonds, butter, and sea salt.  Set aside.
2.  Cut off the top of apples and scoop out the insides, making sure to remove all seeds.
3.  Peel away some of the skin at the top to prevent splitting.
4.  Fill each apple with 1-2 Tbsp. of mixture.
5.  Pour apple juice in the bottom of a slow cooker and place the apples evenly across.
6.  Cook in the slow cooker on High for 2- 2 1/2 hours.
7.  Serve immediately, keep refrigerated.

**Note:  You can make these ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to eat.  Just heat them in the microwave for 30-40 seconds to heat up.

Enjoy!

There are two words that I ban from my vocabulary.  More specifically, there are two adjectives that I ban from my vocabulary.  When I say "ban" I honestly mean that I do not say them at all.  And it's about time we all start reconsidering saying them, too.

So, what are the two adjectives I ban from my vocab??

"Fat" & "Skinny"

Why Fat?

Hearing someone be described as fat honestly makes my stomach turn.  What constitutes someone or something being fat?  Is there a number on the scale or pants size that determines it?  What does it mean when one person calls another person fat?

It is way to definitive of a word for being so inaccurate.

I have always had trouble hearing this f-word.  And it saddens me to hear people describing themselves in that way.  Perhaps you are a little "overweight" or "could lose a few pounds" but you are never fat.  Ever.  Just stop thinking about it. Stop using it.  Forget that word even exists.

In addition to it not being accurate, it is word that just breathes negativity.  Do you know how many different ways you can describe a person without using hurtful and negative language?  Appearances aside, people are kind, interesting, well-traveled, graceful, thought-provoking...and so on.  

I challenge you to think of words when you meet someone to describe them that doesn't involve their appearance.  That is who a person is.

Next up...Skinny.

You might be thinking, well if I say someone is skinny, that is a compliment, right?  Well, maybe think again.

Similar to "fat", skinny is a definitive term that really has no scale (no pun intended) of measurement.  What constitutes "skinny"?  Is it a certain weight or waist circumference? 

Kim Kardashian recently released a video of her sisters saying she is "so skinny" and she LOVED it.  She's actually hysterically excited about it. 

Seeing this video made me very angry & sad.  First, "skinny" does not mean "healthy" and there are plenty of people out there who are skinny due to being ill.  I know this first hand, as I was at my lowest weight and clothing size when I was sickest with my Crohn's.  In fat, my weight had an inverse relationship with my health.  So when people called me "skinny" it was not a good thing.  Size does not equate health.

Secondly, why are we as a society so obsessed with being skinny??  It is bad enough that people suffer from eating disorders but now you have idols like Kim K. who further drive the thought home that "you cannot be skinny enough".  It is sickening.  

As I mentioned above, why not focus on other qualities people possess that are internal?  I don't know about you, but I would rather be described as pleasant, plump, and kind than skinny, bitchy, and rude.  [Actually, healthy and happy is my ideal state and I plan on staying that way :) ]

If you truly are focused on a certain body size and look, aim for "healthy", "toned", or "athletic".  


Now that you know my stance on the words "fat" and "skinny", I hope you are encouraged to eliminate (or at least reduce) them from your vocabulary.  We are so much more than just two categories to describe how we look, and who we are as individuals.  It is time to retire these old-fashioned terms and begin to see people for who they really are--both inside and out.

And, as my motto goes--"It is not about being skinny, it's about being your BEST WHOLE SELF."

xo,
Julie