We all need a little simplicity in our lives or for some of us, a lot of simplicity is necessary. So do yourself a favor and make it happen, this is easier done than most of us may think. Life, nowadays, seems to be, the busier we are the more productive we are, busy looks good, crazy is where busy can get, hectic is second nature. Then we want it to stop, get off the merry go round, exhausted, low energy, low motivation, everything is effort, life is effort. Simple doesn't mean non productive, simple doesn't mean boring. Simple means creating a life that allows you the clarity to be creative, productive, to eat right, and most important of all, LIVE RIGHT!!
How do you create a world that is simple??? To start with, recognize the craziness in your life, decide where the easiest place is to start, and start simplifying. Take things out of your life or lifestyle that don't work, clean things out that you don't need, stop doing things that don't make your world a better place, say no when you need to. Give yourself more time to connect with what is important, to breathe, to meditate and think. Make these changes a lifestyle change, a simpler life that you know can work for you. A lifestyle that will not allow the craziness back in, a lifestyle that feels smooth and seamless.
My reason for choosing this word for my blog this week is because this is what I work on with my clients. If it is food and nutrition we are working on, the goal is to shop and cook simply.
Sharing and creating recipes that are simple to make, using fresh ingredients and full of flavor, again simple doesn't mean boring!! Not everyone likes to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so simple is key. If I am coaching a client on how to become more active, again we make it simple, finding things that will work for their lifestyle. Sometimes it is just as simple as knowing the things they enjoy doing, and making sure they can include them into their week. If you enjoy what you are doing then it is easier to make it stick. Workloads can be made simple with less pressure and stress. Delegate some work to others, plan differently and simply, do what is reasonable in a day, organize yourself and your life.
The one thing I need to remind myself and my clients is that you are ultimately in control of your choices and actions. Here is one example I have; I get up at 4:30 every morning, this way I can fit in my morning routine and not feel rushed. There are nights that I don't get to bed as early as I would like, which means 4:30 will be coming sooner than I would like. This is a choice I make and it is a choice I can unmake if I want, No one is making me get up at that time, I do it to make my day run smoother. But if I am having a difficult time getting up then I can make the choice to sleep a little longer, my life choices are up to me. Some of you may be thinking that with your job you don't have control, here is where you are wrong, you do have control. If anything in your life isn't working for you then stop the madness, take control and make the changes necessary to make your life better, happier and most important, SIMPLER! I am all about simple and you should be too, having a clear head and open heart will allow so much more to come into your life. Make it simple, I would love to help youth that!!!!
Arugula Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette (talk about simple!!!)
Ingredients:
Salad
Fresh arugula (amount depends on how many you are serving)
Sliced red onion ( again amount depends on the size of the salad)
Croutons (mine were homemade)
Dressing
8 oz fresh strawberries
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp agave nectar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Directions:
Dressing
Blend all dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth, you may add additional seasoning if you choose after tasting.
Salad
Assemble salad in a large bowl except the croutons, drizzle on the dressing and toss until well coated. Not too much or the salad will be soggy. Add the croutons to the top or on each individual serving. You can always add more vegetables if you would like. Just keeping it simple and the flavor of the arugula and vinaigrette doesn't need much more!
*Croutons
Preheat ove to 375 degrees
Cut about 1/2 a loaf of baguette into small squares
If you want flavored croutons, toss the bread squares with some olive oil and seasoning of choice (rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning...)
Lay the bread squares onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
Place them in the oven and toast for about 15-20 minutes
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