Trainer Tip Tuesday: I am a Cookie Monster

Stop me if I have shared this with you already ... I am a Cookie Monster!  I have the biggest sweet tooth of literally everyone I know and I have to work (HARD!) to keep it in check.  I definitely indulge every once in a while, throwing caution to the wind and digging into whatever sweet treat tempts me.  The key phrase there is "every once in a while" ... as in NOT all the time.

If I indulged everyday or even every week, I would be getting nowhere; I would be sabotaging my own goals for a little instant satisfaction.  That sweet tooth though, it is STRONG, so what's a girl to do?!  Fortunately I have come up with or found some delicious sweet treat options that are not going to ruin my progress.  Some of my favorites include:

• Fruit (by itself or with a little honey or nut butter)  
• Greek yogurt with raw honey or pure maple syrup
• Halo Top Ice Cream (cookie dough, peanut butter and strawberry!)
• Various concoctions of energy bars/balls/bites (basically "healthy" cookies!)

I used to bake cookies every single week when I was in law school.  Yep, you read that right, EVERY SINGLE WEEK.  Eventually, I got known for it and people sought me out on "cookie day" and even submitted their requests!  When I made the shift to a healthier lifestyle, my baking came to a screeching halt.  Even now I don't bake much, however, I have still found a way to get my cookie fix every so often!!  Below is one of my favorite "cookie" recipes.



Cookie Dough Energy Balls
*recipe adapted from Team Beachbody Blog

Total Time (No Bake): 15 min.
Yield: 13 servings, 1 ball each

Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-natural nut or seed butter
• ¼ cup raw honey (preferably local)
• ½ cup finely chopped raw almonds
• 2½ scoops Vegan Vanilla Shakeology (or vanilla protein of choice)
• 2 Tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or cacao nibs 

Directions:
1. Combine nut/seed butter, honey, almonds, Shakeology, and chocolate chips in a medium bowl; mix well.
2. Roll into thirteen balls, about 1-inch in diameter each.
3. For a firmer texture chill briefly or enjoy immediately.

Blends and no-bake protein cookies like these have been a lifesaver for me as I reduce my sugar intake and then do my best to maintain it long term. Do you have any sweet tooth satisfying health(ier) favorites to share?

Trainer Tip Tuesday: Invest in Yourself

Yesterday, I read an article by John Coleman entitled "Lifelong Learning Is Good for Your Health, Your Wallet, and Your Social Life.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the article did not simply promote "earning degrees or attending storied institutions" and instead focused on alternative learning options including "books, online courses, MOOCs, professional development programs, podcasts, and other resources."  

The article went on to describe the economic research behind life-long learning, how it impacts salary, how it can delay the onset of cognitive diseases, and how it can contribute to increased happiness in general.  If you would like to read the full article, please let me know and I would be happy to send you a copy; for not though, I will share with you some of my own work in the area of personal development.

My experience with personal development work started about 3 years ago with some books and escalated quickly! ;)  In January 2015 I took my first hands-on course and I have been pretty much addicted to personal development work since then because of the results derived from the investment in MYSELF.

After my first class, aptly called Discovery, I quit my job as an attorney and moved from Orange County back to the Bay Area to pursue a career in health and fitness.  Now, to be frank, I had already made the decision to do this, my work in the class simply validated my decision.

I took my second and third classes in October of 2015 - Integrity and UPW - after these classes, I finally decided to get my butt in gear with personal training and within 2 months I had studied for and passed my personal training exam and been hired as a personaltrainer at Equinox.

Last year, I took my fourth course, entitledPassion, a personal growth retreat in Southern California, and broke through a ton of limiting beliefs, faced fears I didn't even know I had, and met some of the most amazing people in my life today.  After Passion I got into the best physical shape of my life and my professional life took off.




After Passion, I staffed and audited the courses I had already taken as a reminder and refresher of the work I had done and the work I need to continue to do to keep growing and improving.  Each staffing experience lead to more and more growth.

Last week I had the opportunity to staff Passion.  I spent 6 days disconnected from cell service and wi-fi and focused 100% in being in the moment with the people who were present and working on myself and how I show up and impact the world.   I have returned rejuvenated with a new sense of clarity and excitement for health and fitness and impacting the people around me.

I know how personal development has improved my body, mind, and spirit and I want to share that with all of you so you too can invest in yourself.  That is the reason that I incorporate the Book of the Month segment into my Trainer Tip Tuesdays and why I have decided to share part of my own personal growth story with you.  

If you are interested in attending any of the personal development courses I have attended, you can click on the links in this email or ask me directly.  I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have about personal development coursework and/or give you personal development book and podcast recommendations!

Disclaimer: I do not work for, nor am I compensated by Benchmark Courses or Tony Robbins; I simply have participated in their programs and find them extremely valuable.

Book of the Month, May 2017: The Universe has Your Back

Author Gabrielle Bernstein teaches readers how to transform their fear into faith in order to live a divinely guided life. Each story and lesson in the book guides readers to release the blocks to what they most long for: happiness, security, and clear direction. The lessons help readers relinquish the need to control so they can relax into a sense of certainty and freedom. Readers will learn to stop chasing life and truly live.

CLICK HERE to order your copy!