don't think about it...

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

NO MORE EXCUSES...

When it comes to healthy living don't think about it, just make it happen!

Of course we all think about the busy schedules and lives that we lead, so we say to ourselves "How can I possibly think about eating healthy and exercise for myself or my entire family?" Such an honest question that we ask ourselves on days where there aren't enough hours to get it all accomplished.  

The more we make excuses for ourselves, 

the more we learn to BELIEVE it.    

We can set ourselves up to fail because it's easier to make the excuses than it is to let ourselves down, isn't it?  Of course.  

If we set out to do something incredible like run a marathon, lose 50lbs, or workout 5-6 times a week and fall short of those goals, we believe that we've failed ourselves.  

This is a part of my life that I DO NOT miss.  The constant let down.  

It felt like I was always starting the race but never quite finishing.  So I decided in my old ways that I'd make excuses.  

Because excuses sound better than failure, right?  Absolutely.  

So the easy option would be to make some great excuses and NEVER fail?

Uh on...sounds like a cycle that will get you no results...

SO DON'T THINK ABOUT IT, MAKE IT HAPPEN :)

How will you "make it happen" and bring positive, healthy changes into your life this week?

How about some recipes that will keep those excuses of "I don't have time" far, far away this week?
Here ya go!

  Move It Momma Baked Apples and Banana Cookies:

These are delicious!

I sliced 2 apples, one gala and one granny smith, sprinkled with rolled oats and cinnamon.  Baked at 375 for 30 minutes or until tender.  I thought these were great served warm but it turns out that eating them the next day right out of the cold fridge tasted EVEN BETTER!  The apple is tender with a little crunch while the flavor of the oats and cinnamon give it that little extra pop!  I served these to my boys with a little PB for dipping and they loved it!  A twist on the traditional apple and PB that's for sure!

My cookies I've shared the recipe on here but keep changing it up a bit, adding cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg with a splash of vanilla extract!  Yum!  Tasted like Fall.  I combine my bananas and oats first for a moist texture to the cookie and to get out any lumps from the banana before adding other ingredients.  

Move It Momma Baked Tuna Cakes:

You'll Need:
2 cans tuna in water, drained
1/4 onion, chopped finely
1 egg, beaten
1 tbs garlic powder or you can use fresh chopped garlic
1 tbs dill 
1 sweet potato-peeled, chopped and boiled
flaxseed meal 

Combine the tuna, drained well to the egg and onion and mix.  
Add seasonings.  Stir.
Then add warm, boiled sweet potato and stir.
Form patties loosely and sprinkle a little flaxseed on both sides of patties.
Place on greased baking sheet-I used TJ's coconut oil spray
BROIL on LO on top oven rack for 5-8 minutes each side.  I left stove door slightly open to avoid burning because these cook/brown quickly!  Watch closely!
Make sure pan is sprayed well to avoid sticking and once patty begins to brown, pull out and flip patties.  Cook for an additional 5-8 minutes on other side and then remove from oven once both sides slightly browned.  

I let these go a little longer and the edges crisped perfectly!  I served with fresh string beans sauteed in onion! My husband and I both agreed that these Tuna Cakes may have tasted better than the Salmon patties that I made last week but both pretty tasty!  ENJOY!

If you plan meals ahead of time, you'll have many possibilities throughout your day!  Easy options to pack in lunches, for quick dinner ideas and more!  

We grilled 5lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts that were then sauteed with bell pepper and onion, lots of flavor without the fat!  I chopped the chicken and put it into containers for go-to meals for the ENTIRE week.  

It is possible if you plan and prepare!  I know I'd be failing with my foods if it wasn't for planning ahead.  If you open your fridge and pantry to many healthy options READY, then you'll be way less likely to grab for junk or run to the nearest fast food joint!  TRUST ME I'm living proof that it's true.  And if it helps this former fast food/junk food junkie then it's possible for ANY of us! 

This is the grilled chicken, served on top of steamed broccoli with 1 tbs plain Greek yogurt!  YUM! 

Quick snack for on the go or in your car?  Try this!  a high fiber cereal, I used Barbara's High Fiber Original, 14g fiber and low sodium mixed with natural almonds, about a handful of almonds with a cup of cereal.  Very satisfying and I make these baggies ahead of time for quick snacks!

*kid-friendly tip:  I've added air-popped popcorn and pretzels to this for the kids and they love it!  Lots of flavors all mixed into one and SO simple!