Avoiding the Valentine's Day Sugarfest

Coming up is one of the sweetest holidays of the year - literally: Valentine's Day is fourth in candy consumption (behind Halloween, Easter, and Christmas).

Fortunately, you and the family can indulge in some festive foods that are not loaded with sugar. Check out these much healthier, but just as heartfelt, ideas for your Valentine.

Chicken soup with carrot-hearts
Source: sophistimom

Watermelon & orange slices
Source: Spoonful

Pomegranate
Source: Riches for Rags

And how about some non-candy treats to send with the kids to school?

Let's "stick" together
Source: Do It Yourself Pins

You are "pear"fect
Source: unknown

You make my heart glow
Source: Craftiness is not Optional

"Nuts" about you... not a Valentine,
but it works
Source: LizzieJane Baby

You're "tea"riffic
Source: A Subtle Revelry

Have fun and happy Valentine's Day!

Quin - what?

If you haven't yet discovered quinoa (pronounced KEEN - wah or KEEN - o - wah), you're missing out.

Quinoa is often used as a grain, but it's actually a seed. It has numerous nutritional benefits:

Organic quinoa available
at Costco

• an excellent source of a complete protein (it has all nine amino acids)
• packed with fiber 
• a good "grain" substitute for people who are gluten- and wheat-intolerant  
• easily digestible 
• low glycemic index (won't spike blood sugars)
• high in magnesium, calcium, riboflavin, folate, iron
• low in calories, but filling
• rich in carbohydrates (for energy)

You can find quinoa in the same aisles as rice and dried beans, or in the organic/healthy food departments at the grocery store. I buy mine from Costco (which has a surprising selection of good quality organic foods!)

Add it to soups and stews for a nutritional boost, use in place of rice in  side-dish recipes, put it in your bread dough, or cook it and serve with organic berries, raw honey, and cream for a delicious, filling breakfast.

Quinoa with organic raspberries,
local raw organic honey, and whole organic milk

Welcome.

I am a certified personal trainer and have been for over ten years. I have held certs with Apex and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Currently, I am a Performance Enhancement Specialist with NASM.

My passions are God, family, friends, and fitness.

Fitness is not something that happens; it is something you do.

I have studied many topics and have a great deal of understanding in most areas, but since I am a perfectionist, I am always reading and studying new and better ways to do things.

My goal with this blog is to share everything and anything I can to help my fellow man be healthier and happier:

spirit, mind, and body.