You’re the only one who can make your dreams come true. It’s easy – and sometimes even fun – to put that responsibility on someone (or something) else, but you know in your heart that it’s up to you.
So whatever your dreams, take action to make them happen.
Do something today to make your dream a reality. If your dream is a hot bod, then get up from your computer and commit to some exercise. If your dream is a long life, then make choices to improve your health, no matter your age. If your dream is a smaller dress size, then check your portion sizes and take the stairs. We know it’s not always that simple, but you have to start somewhere.
While you think about your plan for today, get up and dance. It might help you make your dreams come true.
Sometimes we just want a really nice side dish – something that has great flavor, texture, and color. This recipe fits the bill, plus it can become part of the main dish – just serve leftovers over a bed of greens with a dash of your favorite vinaigrette on top.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Sauteed Broccolini with White Beans Blue * Serves 6-8
2 large bunches broccolini
2-15 ounce cans white beans
2 Tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
Heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic and cook until just softened (do not brown). Add beans with their juices and allow to simmer 3 to 5 minutes to absorb the flavor of the garlic. Add broccolini and stir frequently until they begin to wilt. Season with salt and pepper.
As you start to make different choices for the way you eat and the way you live, you may run into objections from people who love you (or just work with you… lol).
It’s okay to make your own choices based on your own research and experimentation – don’t give in to the pressure if you know you’ll feel better (and look better, and work better) sticking to your own choices.
Marilu says that each day is like a lab experiment – when you eat this, how does it make you feel? What’s your energy level like? Does it make you break out, or snore more, or sneeze a lot, or gain weight? As you gather this information about yourself, you’ll find what works for you. Then you can stick with it.
Make your own choices, and choose the consequences that help you feel your best.
Marilu’s rainbow theory is one way to keep yourself eating properly. Recipes categorized as purple, blue, and green can help you maintain or even lose weight. This is how we eat during BOOTY Camp – without feeling deprived or like we’re on some restrictive diet.
Of course, the Total Health Makeover® isn’t only about food. So click on the green arrow below, and get moving! Get your blood pumping and your muscles moving.
We’re always looking for dairy substitutes – products that will keep us dairy-free, and loving it. Manufacturers change their ingredients regularly (based on price and availability), so always read labels before buying. Here are some of our favorite dairy subs.
Ice Cream * so many brands of soy ice cream to choose from. Try Purely Decadent (“gourmet” flavors), Soy Delicious (lighter, kind of like ice milk), Soy Dream. Or try Rice Dream or Coconut Bliss if you want to limit soyfoods. They all come in a lot of flavors. Also look for fruit sorbets (check the label for sugars).
Ice Cream Sandwiches * Tofutti Cuties and Soy Dream Lil Dreamers. These cute little ice cream sandwiches are sure to please your kids. Give ‘em a try! (But don’t eat too many.)
Coffee Creamer * Silk creamer. If you’re still drinking coffee or decaf, or you are used to milk in your tea, try this replacement! Rich and creamy! (It also makes awesome gravy…and ganache.) We skip the flavored versions because of the sugars.
Pudding * Zen Soy or TofuMates. ZenSoy comes in snack cups (chocolate, vanilla, and more); MoriNu Mates is a pouch mix you blend with tofu (chocolate, lemon, and more). Of course, pudding from scratch is always the tastiest.
Milk Shake * Make your own by blending chocolate Almond Breeze, a frozen banana, and a couple of pitted dates – Yummy! Or blend your favorite ice cream sub with a little soy/rice/silk for a delicious treat!
Yogurt * Whole Soy or Silk yogurt, or So Delicious made from coconut milk. They all come in a variety of flavors. For a more traditional “sour” yogurt, try Nancy’s or Wildwood brand soy yogurts.
It’s summertime party season, with graduations and weddings and neighborhood gatherings and picnics.
Alcohol and parties go together like chips and salsa. While alcohol is not exactly healthy (except maybe that one glass of red wine once in awhile, for the resveratrol – an antioxidant), it’s going to be at most adult parties.
When we’re doing the hosting, we offer water as well as some alcohol. Pitchers of water with citrus fruits, pomegranate seeds, cucumber slices, pineapple spears, or other fruits are attractive and festive. And by offer, we mean we say it out loud. “Have a glass of pineapple water! It’s so refreshing!”
We also offer plenty of healthy food options, starring lean proteins, vegetable proteins, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables. Real food.
And we’re on the lookout for guests who should take a cab or spend the night. We plan for both options with the number of the local cab company by the phone, and clean sheets in the guest bedroom.
Indoors or out, bicycling is a great way to burn calories while having fun. Here are some tips for a healthy bike ride:
Wear a helmet when biking outdoors.
Adjust your bike for a proper fit. When seats or handlebars are too low, you can strain your knees, back, neck, arms, and wrists. If you’re unsure about what a proper fit is, visit a bike store and ask the experts.
Check the pedal resistance. Too much resistance strains your quads and knees, while too little can hurt the back and pelvis.
Wear padded shorts and make sure the seat is a good fit to avoid saddle soreness.
Minimize blisters with shoes and socks that fit properly and absorb moisture.
Stay hydrated! Carry and drink water on your ride. And start your ride hydrated, too – drink water before you go.
Know local traffic regulations – use special bike paths if they’re available. Some cities require bicyclists to ride in the street; others require riding on the sidewalk. Call out to pedestrians and slower cyclists (“on your left”) as you come up behind them and pass on the left.
Use motivational music if you’re spinning inside – create an MP3 or iPod folder with music that changes speed to create a climb.
Invite your kids or teens to come along for the ride.
Spring means peas – all kinds of fresh, bright green peas. Enjoy this easy side dish.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Parisian Snow Peas Purple * Serves 4
1 pound snow peas
5 large shallots
1 Tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Earth Balance margarine
Wash snow peas and pat dry. Remove tips, tails and fibrous strings (very important step).
Place peas in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover tightly and steam for 2 minutes. Place in a colander and refresh with cold running water. Pat dry.
Peel shallots and chop finely. In a large skillet, melt butter spread and add shallots. Cook, stirring, over medium heat for several minutes until shallots soften and become translucent. You do not want them to brown. Add snow peas and cook for 3 minutes, until tender and hot. Do not overcook. You want the snow peas to remain bright green. Season with a bit of fresh ground pepper and a pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately.
Whatever you drive, it’s a more exciting car if it’s well-maintained. So if you can’t afford your dream car, keep the car you have clean inside and out.
Wash your car yourself for exercise and fun (it really is fun). Or take it to a car wash (always bring a book to the car wash if it’s a nice day… there could be a line).
Remove the trash from your car at least once a week. Do it at the gas station while you fill up, or at home as you move from the car to the house.
Dust the dashboard and along the windows using a damp cloth.
Vacuum the floor wells and trunk each time you wash the car. If you have car seats, vacuum those, too, and remove them to vacuum the seat under them. A car wash that has people vacuuming will do this if you ask.
Finally, pick up the clutter. If you conduct business from your car, get an organizer to keep the papers or samples contained. If you have a lot of music or maps or other car-related stuff, find a place for it, and keep it in that place. Did you know that a cluttered car is much more likely to be broken into than a clean car?
