A snow storm is like anxiety

I have lived in Missouri nearly my entire life.  Each year we have at least one major snow of ice storm that moves through.  Yes, the winter weather puts a cramp in my daily life, but it is almost always manageable.  Even when it's a big storm, facing the foot of snow to be shoveled or the few days of cabin fever isn't too bad when looked at with a positive attitude.
On Tuesday, the Kansas City area was hit with a winter storm.  Not a blizzard, but we did get about 11 inches of fluffy, sparkly snow.
The day before, on Monday, I had several errands to run and it was then that it struck me that the way some people handle an impending snow storm is very similar to how those living with anxiety may handle their day-to-day lives.
A few people that I crossed paths with didn't seem troubled by the snow much at all.  "It will either snow or not.  It's just weather."  Was the attitude of some, and my attitude as well. 
 [Thanks to 4 years of cognitive behavioral therapy ;)]
Then there are the other reactions.  People talking incessantly about what time the snow will start.  Should a class or event several days away be cancelled?  How dare an employer expect its employees to be at work.  All of these conversations happening while the sun is still shining and the storm has not even begun to develop over the western plains.
I had to stop by the grocery store to drop off milk bottles, not really thinking about how crowded it may be.  I had hoped to pick up chocolate milk per a request from E, but after waiting nearly 10 minutes just to return bottles and seeing the long lines at the checkout, opted to wait.
As I looked at the people buying frozen pizzas, bags of chips and cases of soda, I couldn't help but wonder if their pantry at home was truly bare.  Yes, it is nice to have all of the comfort foods you crave, but I always think that, if we were in an emergency, we could survive off of the 5 lb bag of lentils, 6 boxes of mac and cheese, and the Costco bag of fish sticks.  The people that frequent grocery stores the day before a storm can't be much worse off than that.
When my anxiety was at it's worse, I felt like Chicken Little.  Always waiting for and anticipating the next disaster.  To allow yourself to do that robs you of the precious joyful moments of life.
To face an incoming snow storm with dread and fear is much the same.  Enjoy the sunny day before hand.  Make sure you have enough to get by if you can't or don't want to drive for a few days, but don't get so caught up in the weather that you are a nervous wreck.  I have been there, cowering in my basement during tornado season while others finish up their grilling and yard work as the rain starts to fall.
It's okay to be prepared.  But don't become obsessed. 

Chocolate Covered Cherry Frosty Malt

With a title like this the recipe most definitely couldn't be healthy, right?
Surprise!  The recipe is totally good for you AND includes the average serving of Energy Bits organic spirulina.  Perfect news for those of you that 1) love chocolate 2) don't like swallowing bits and 3) love frosty treats!

Even better news?
The amazing people at Bits of Health (Energy Bits, Recovery Bits, Vitality Bits) are giving away an amazing gift with the purchase of Recovery Bits from now through February 21, 2014.

RECOVERYbits are 100% organically grown NON GMO chlorella tabs - an algae that has been used for fifty years by homeopaths and Japanese for anti-aging, preventing colds, detox, strengthening the immune system, aiding digestion, helping to prevent hangovers, improving athletic performance and more.   

Your gift comes in an cute black organza bag that contains a full tin of RECOVERYbits, a single sample serving of RECOVERYbits, a fun pair of ENERGYbits sunglasses, an ENERGYbits pen and some stickers to show you love of bits. This $35 retail value is yours absolutely FREE with the purchase of at least one bag of RECOVERYbits. It's a fun and healthy Valentines Day gift we think everyone will love, even more than chocolates.♥ BUT with my smoothie recipe you get the best of both worlds...algae AND chocolate!  Nothing says "I love you" like giving someone the gift of a healthier, more energetic life.

Forward From The Heart readers get 20% off any and every purchase with the code HEART!

More info on chlorella here.

And info on spirulina here. 

I personally have Energy Bits (spirulina), Recovery Bits (chlorella) and Vitality Bits (50/50 blend) currently all in my fridge.  I take Energy Bits pre-workout or at the start of my work day, Vitality Bits when I am teaching/working and only have 60 seconds to re-fuel between clients, and Recovery Bits at the end of a hard day/workout, if I feel a cold coming on, or if I have indulged in too many unhealthy treats over the weekend.  I can't imagine getting through my 9 hour training days, 12 hour work days, or recovering from a run without my bits!  All for just about $1.38/day.  

This recipe would taste great with any of the bits!

1 cup frozen dark cherries, unsweetened
8 ounces chocolate almond milk
30 bits of your choice, I used EnergyBits

Blend until smooth.  I prefer an immersion blender so I really can tell that the bits are fully blended.
It is the perfect mid-day energy booster and also satisfies any sweet craving you may have.

Fun story about how I named this smoothie:
As I was taste-testing I immediately was taken back to childhood.  To me, this tastes exactly like those chocolate malts that come with a wooden spoon.  Those of you that have tasted Energy or Recovery bits know that dehydrated algae has an earthy taste.  In the case of this smoothie, the earthy taste lends the nostalgic "wooden-spoon" flavor of a malt from the ice cream truck.  Quirky?  Yes!  But a little bit of quirkiness is worth it to take in one of the best superfoods!  Enjoy!

Click here to order your bag of bits today, and don't forget to use code HEART to save 20%!

Happy New Year!

Hello and Happy New Year!
I am so excited for what 2014 holds.  Now that I hold my comprehensive Peak Pilates training I will have much more free time to share my knowledge with you.
This year holds many adventures that I can't wait to share with you.  I am planning Pilates e-courses, videos and challenges for this blog.  Personally I will  be training for my first-ever triathlon and hope you will want to share that journey with me!
For now, I would like to share an amazing opportunity that will help you lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
My friend Kate at The Real Food Runner is hosting an e-course that will give you tips and motivation to create your healthiest year yet!
You may remember Kate hosting several 7 Day Green Smoothie Challenges that took part in last year.  She is so motivating and filled with tips and helpful habits to incorporate into your day.

The 28 Day New Year Healthy Habits E-Course!

Here's what's included:

• 4 Weeks of Virtual e-Health Coaching
• Daily Lessons (time released so you stay on track!)
• Actions Steps (to reach results!)
• E-mail access to Kate, your coach! 

 

If you are looking for a way to to start the new year off with healthy lifestyle changes let Kate give you the boost you need!  For $19.99 you will get to work with a trainer daily online for 28 days.  All of the details you need are on her site.   The course just started so hurry, join now!

Let me know if you join, I would love to hear what you think!