Most of us love baked goods. There are few things more inviting than walking into a home and smelling freshly baked goods right out of the oven. In the age of slice-and-bake, isn’t it a refreshing change to prepare your own baked goods from scratch once in a while? Not only are homemade baked goods delicious but they are also free of the chemicals and unrecognizable ingredients found in most commercially prepared baked goods. An added bonus is that baking can provide a great bonding experience with children and pets. Plus, you get to eat the finished product (no chocolate for pets please)! What could be better?! Today I am going to share a recipe for Banana Bread which I have been making for years out of an old Cuisinart manual from the 1970’s. It is DELICIOUS! Enjoy!
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Category Archives: Balance
How To Recover From A Holiday Binge!
Feeling a bit yucky after the weekend’s festivities? I know that I am. Although the sangria was delicious, the margaritas were fabulous and the ice cream and chips tasted great…my body is now paying the price. The fact is that if you normally eat well then your body rejects crappy food when you eat it en masse…and, really, that is a good thing. So how do you get yourself back to eating mindfully? You just have to do it. Yes, it is hard but the longer that you stave it off, the harder it becomes. Here are a few strategies:
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Breakfast of Champions!
Breakfast is important. We all know that. In fact, starting your day off by eating a nutritious breakfast can be one of your most powerful weight-management tools. Personally, I have experimented with a wide variety of breakfast options in order to find what works best for me. When evaluating my breakfast selection, I look for food options which will keep me satisfied through lunchtime. Everyone is different. For myself, I find that eating cereal leaves me feeling hungry very quickly. I have found that my most satiating and energizing breakfasts contain a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. In fact, I eat almost the same breakfast nearly every morning…whole wheat toast with peanut butter, fresh fruit and a glass of water (pictured above). This breakfast works well for me. Here are some other healthy options to jump-start your day:
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Weekend Project? Plant a Spring Garden!
Looking for a fun weekend project? Planting a spring garden will not only beautify your home, but it will brighten your mood and help the environment too! Although nights are still chilly here in New York, the days are definitely warming up. Having a successful spring garden is all about selecting the appropriate plants for your current climate. With the temperature fluctuations in the northeast at this time of year it is best to look for a hardy species. Pansies (pictured above) are a great choice because they appear bright and pretty yet they are able to withstand cool evenings. Another great choice is the pansies’ miniature cousin…the viola. Your garden can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. As you can see above, I have planted a simple container garden. This morning I was lucky enough to find an AMAZING deal…my local nursery was selling mini-flats (4 plants each) for $1.99. I bought 10 flats, which yielded me 40 plants for $20.00! I was able to plant several small gardens this afternoon for my extremely minimal investment. Now my home looks bright and cheerful.
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Go Take a Hike…(It Does A Body Good)!
With the weekend weather set to be mild, what better time to head outdoors and take a hike? An amazing form of exercise, hiking is great for the whole family. Hiking offers you a fabulous full body workout, providing cardio and resistance training all in one; it will literally tone every muscle in your body! Plus, you get the added benefits of Vitamin D, fresh air and gorgeous scenery. Multiple studies have shown that connecting with nature produces a calming effect. Additionally we all know that exercise releases endorphins (your brain’s “feel good” chemicals). With all of these amazing benefits plus a break from the gym…why wouldn’t you try it? Here are a few pointers:
The (Many) Benefits of Yoga
If you have read About Me, then you already know that I am a registered yoga teacher. I originally began practicing yoga about 15 years ago. Several years ago I decided to pursue my yoga teaching certification. The benefits of practicing yoga are remarkable…both physically and mentally. The word Yoga comes from ancient Sanskrit and literally means “union” or “to yoke”. It is the joining together of the masculine and the feminine, of strength and flexibility. Yoga is balance. Today we are going to explore some of yoga’s most well-known benefits: Continue reading
Life Skill: How to Navigate the Menu at Starbucks
Okay, so I must admit that I suffer from a disorder which I have named S.O.A.. No, you will not find this in the DSM-V…I made it up. What is it you ask? S.O.A. is an acronym for Starbucks Ordering Anxiety.
Keep Happy Hour Happy: A Survival Guide
It has been a long week and the thought of heading out to Happy Hour and letting your hair down sounds like the perfect remedy. Unfortunately, the pitfalls of Happy Hour can be many for your waistline…if you have not done your due diligence and armed yourself with the knowledge to make your smartest decisions. Luckily, I have done your due diligence for you! By the time that you are finished reading this, you should be ready to party like a pro sans the guilt that can follow a night out. Continue reading
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