IF THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE, CHANGE YOUR GLASSES

Why do we get so caught up in what is happening on the other side of the fence?  The grass is not greener and to believe it is requires a change in how we are viewing the scenery.  In addition to changing our glasses to take in this new view, our attention requires a full turnabout and eyeful of what is going on in our own yard and life.  He or she is not any better than me or you physically or materially and it is important to realize that to green up our own grass, we need to start taking care of it. 

I am zeroing in on comparison being the thief of joy because that is the darn truth.  We will always be at different levels of health, looks, and financial status and that is just how the world works.  The important thing is to make the best out of what we have, celebrate who we are at this moment, and work on becoming a better self than we were yesterday. I refuse to waste my time worrying about someone else’s grass and let the weeds infest mine.

I do not have the fanciest house, the most expensive car or clothes, the straightest teeth or legs for that matter, but that is all a part of where I am in life and I am happy with that.  I will never have the butt of a twenty something, a few wrinkles have appeared on my 50+ face, and I have hardware in my neck and again, I accept who I am and can only work on taking care of the body that walks this earth.  I am not saying that it is not OK to dream about wanting something because that can be a goal and is fun to think about.  What robs the very life out of a person is becoming jealous and bitter because “Sally Sue or Jimmy Joe” seems to have the best body, clothes, home, car, spouse, and the list can continue forever. 

When the “grass is greener” analogy gets in the way of seeing our life in a healthy way is when disenchantment and unhappiness develops.  Our constant gaze into someone else’s yard is keeping us from taking care of ourselves and becoming who we are meant to be physically and emotionally.  Also, the view is always skewed when looking at the outward appearance of another and what you see is not always what is truly lived. That is the irony of this whole thing because the physical view does not show unhappiness, debt, stress, depression, and all that flare may only be a mask to hide unhealthiness that is not seen.  Now, when a change in our glasses takes place and our focus is turned to taking care of our self physically and emotionally, many times it opens our eyes to the truth and we can finally see the weeds growing in the grass of that other yard.  The best part is our attention will be on tending to our own grass and greening up the areas in our life that will create healthier happier people.  

I dedicate this Blog to my dog Oscar Boy who went to heaven on Monday night. He was a precious part of our family for seventeen years.  I will miss you dearly my Lil Old Man, RIP and I can only imagine you are running free playing with your brother Mayer now. Forever loved ~

My final moments with Oscar, I miss you today

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Me and Oscar a few months ago

Stay Healthy!
Darla

WANTING A HOT BODY IS NOT ALL ABOUT VANITY

I want a hot body and there is nothing wrong with that.  In fact, I believe that health and fitness play a large role in finding the fountain of youth and I am implementing that into maintaining my “hot body” philosophy.  I feel honored to have joined the 50+ club and that does not mean I am supposed to change in some way and enter into a doom and gloom frump sorority for women.  I believe that age is just a number and what I think in my mind is what I feel in my body and soul.  Health will always be my priority, but I am not going to lie and tell you that I do not want my body to look good in and out of my clothes.  There should be one of those “snarky e-cards” that states “I do not want a hot body…said no woman ever”. In fact, let me create that for you.

Being healthy and fit feels sexy, and when it is just me and the mirror, I like what I see and enjoy the confidence that goes along with that.  We are all our own worst critics and will always find something that can be improved and as long as that is kept under control, meaning it is not an obsessive thing, there is nothing wrong with wanting to work on achieving goals.  The point will always be for me to focus on being a better me than yesterday given my genetics and medical issues, and also acceptance of what I can do with this 50+ body.  I am getting older and feeling pretty frisky about being fifty.  The fact that I can still fit into the same size that I wore in high school is pretty exciting, and I am all about trendy and refuse to wear the “mom” jeans.  Wanting a hot body is not all about vanity, but about what feels good for myself, and quality of my life physically and emotionally.

Maintaining a hot body has so many health, self, and relationship benefits that I would be crazy not to stay plugged into this lifestyle.  I want to look good naked, feel good in clothes, and enjoy great sex with my hubby, which are all easier with a fit physique.  It really is the confidence gained that enables such a feeling of contentment and accomplishment.  The hot body is only the result of living the healthy lifestyle and what a great side effect to reflect outwardly.  There is a sense of pride that goes along with the fruits of my labor, and it really keeps me wanting for more.  Each sweaty workout session may be hard but even going through those motions, I feel awesome and sexy. Wanting a hot body is a motivation and keeps me plugged into having fun with what I can do next to keep improving. 

Stay Healthy Fitness Happenings: Want to promote your business through low cost Ad Space or a fun Giveaway with Stay Healthy Fitness? Check out my pages for Ad Space or Host a Giveaway and I look forward to assisting you!

 

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Darla and Don, Fit at 50+

Stay Healthy!

Darla

Ethiopian Ground Nut Wat (Stew) #RecipeRedux

While I'm a big fan of Mexican food and the spices and flavors that go with it I also love trying new flavors and foods from all parts of the World. You definitely will get out of your 'comfort zone' of cooking with this very flavorful stew from Ethiopia. Roasted veggies are slowly simmered in a thick and creamy sauce of almond butter and 'exotic' yet not hard to find spices. In fact, you probably already have most of them somewhere in the back of your spice cabinet!

That's what this month's Recipe Redux challenge is all about, spooky spices. Have you ever bought a certain spice and used it once or not at all wondering what to do with it? I sure have. There's a 12 step program called "How to resist the urge to buy every single spice you see just because it looks or smells interesting." that I could probably benefit from. 

So, while the peanut butter was an important addition for the cultural flair of this dish, I felt it smothered the other wonderful spices going on. I've made this several times and I like to use Almond Butter instead of peanut butter in this dish because it is much milder and very creamy and complimenting to the other flavors. Make sure to whisk in a small amount of the hot liquid into the almond butter so it will incorporate into the dish better. You don't want to have big chunks of peanut butter in some bites........ or do you? 

I also have used canned, stewed tomatoes in lou of fresh when not in season which taste just as good. Who knew tomatoes and almond butter would go good together in a dish? Craziness!

What spices are hiding out in your spice cabinet that you rarely or have never used?

SERVES  6        TIME  60 MINUTES

Ingredients:
1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
1 t olive oil
salt
1 t olive oil
1 onion, minced
2 carrots, peeled, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cubed
1/2 c red lentils
1/4 t chili pepper
2 cardamom pods, or 1/2 t ground
1 stick cinnamon
1/2 t fresh ground pepper
3 whole cloves
1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 c chicken broth or water
1/4 c almond butter
salt to taste
1/4 c chopped peanuts
2 scallions, chopped

2 c arugula
lemon juice
salt



Putting it all together:

Toss the cauliflower in the olive oil, add salt and roast in a 350 oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is lightly browned turning once half way through.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil, add the onion, garlic, carrot, sweet potato, lentils, chili flakes, and the rest of the spices. Saute the vegetables until the onions are golden brown and translucent, stirring often.

Add the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are broken up.

Add the broth, cover and cook on medium-low  until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the whole cinnamon stick and whole cloves from the pot and discard.

When the cauliflower is ready add it and the almond butter (combined with a few tablespoons of hot broth to break it up) and stir well to combine. Add salt to taste.

Toss the arugula with the lemon juice and season with salt.
Serve garnished with scallions, peanuts and the arugula.

You may also put everything (except the almond butter) in a crock pot and cook for 6 hours on low. Add the peanut butter in the last half hour. Roasting the cauliflower will give it better flavor as well. 

An InLinkz Link-up

WORRY LESS AND SWEAT MORE

Sometimes we can get caught up in worrying about so much in this life, and even things that may never happen.  Worry is definitely a thief of our happiness and will dictate our attitude for the day.  It can become a chronic way of thinking and existing, and not only zaps our energy, but can be exhausting for those around us.  Whenever I feel a worry, I stop and think about the cause and ask myself if it is warranted.  Sometimes worry just does not make sense, and the root cause many times is fear or insecurity about something.  The “What If” this or that kind of worry when nothing definite has even revealed itself.  I found one of the best ways to beat up that kind of mentality is to sweat more.  I get my butt going and use that energy on a high energy workout like HIIT (high intensity interval training) or weight training.

Studies have shown that consistent exercise reduces stress and guess what, that includes the stress that comes from worry.  I use my workout sessions as “cheap man’s” therapy and also as my time to talk with God about what the heck is going on that is making me feel worrisome or anxious.  The more I work and sweat it through, the better I feel.  Most of the time I feel relief, calm, and energized all at the same time after a therapy sweat session.  I do not want to waste my time and energy dragging down my mental game and overall attitude on unnecessary worry.  Not only am I moving my body in a challenging way, but also relieving my mind of the clutter that is taking up precious space. 

The”worry less and sweat more” philosophy provides a healthier lifestyle and the ability to cope with the day to day obligations and responsibilities in life. I feel like I am missing out on something very important for me if I do not sweat it out. My day just feels off, not as accomplished and even tension filled because I did not get that bottled energy out. I like to face head on in the gym any feelings that are questionable as worry and I am not one to just ignore me and think everything is going to fix itself.  I am a doer and a sweater to help maintain a positive outlook, reduce stress and eliminate unnecessary worry.  I am all about not sweating the small stuff but using sweating more to worry less.  

Stay Healthy Fitness Happenings: Want to promote your business through low cost Ad Space or a fun Giveaway with Stay Healthy Fitness? Check out my pages for Ad Space or Host a Giveaway and I look forward to assisting you!

 

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FIT AT 50! 

Stay Healthy!

A Sweat More Worry Less Workout feels FABULOUS!

Darla

Pumpkin and Apple Spiced Granola

Would you believe that I've never made my own home made granola before this? I'm not sure why, I never really thought it would be difficult or time consuming and it's definitely not. It was just a matter of gathering the ingredients and throwing them in a bowl, mixing, baking on low heat and then voila, warm, cinnamon apple and pumpkin granola for breakfast served with some Greek plain yogurt. 

Simple. Delicious. Fall flavors, Check.

I've made several batches of this and can't seem to keep it in the house for more than a day or two which is a very good thing.  The kids are enthralled with this granola and who can blame them? Home made granola is everything I imagined it would be and more. Seriously. Pumpkin and apples and cinnamon and o.k. everything fall flavored is my happy place. 

{I just had an image of Will Ferrel dressed as a school boy in Zoolander  spinning in circles saying "Happy, Happy, Happpppy, Happy....."

Unlike store bought granola, home made turned out much, much well, moister (is that a word? Can granola be moist?) Never mind. It's damn good. Obviously, you can substitute whatever nuts and dried fruits you like in this granola. I also like to add Hemp Hearts, ground flax and/or chia seeds.

A handful of ingredients to gather, change it up to your liking and in 10 minutes your house will smell like a potpourri of Autumn goodies.

Throw the mixed granola onto a stone baking pan for optimal toasting and non sticking.

YIELDS    4-5 CUPS        TIME    40 MINUTES

Ingredients

2 cups Coach's Oats (or other whole, unrefined oats)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup *real maple syrup
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped, dried apple
1/4 cup pepitas/roasted pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons coconut oil
stone baking pan or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper


Preheat oven to 300F.

In a large mixing bowl, or bowl of your stand mixer with cookie paddle attachment, combine pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut oil and spices. Mix for 1 minute till combined.  Add remaining ingredients, mix till combined. Spread onto cookie sheet, place in oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until fragrant and toasted, tossing with a spatula once.

Remove from oven and let cool. Enjoy with plain, fat free yogurt. 

Hunters Stew #SundaySupper

This stew has all the flavors you need to keep cozy and warm on the coldest of nights. You can easily substitute your favorite fall or winter veggies in this stew and be enjoying every spoonful of the rich, savory broth in about 30 minutes. 

This months Sunday Supper is all about budget friendly meals. With four kiddos in sports, preschool, college {!!!} , dance, art, chess club, cub scouts and baseball I'm all for budget friendly meals! Christmas budget anyone??? 

Thanks for hosting this month T.R. from Gluten-Free Crumbley and David from Cooking Chat!

Ground bison is a very low fat, low cholesterol substitution for ground beef and is actually more like ground turkey than ground beef nutritionally speaking. Bison is lower in fat than beef and lower in cholesterol than chicken, making it a healthy alternative to these more commonly consumed meats. Just remember that the low-fat content makes it easy to overcook bison. Compared to farm raised cows, bison are mainly free range meaning they are not injected with hormones and antibiotics and consume a natural diet while roaming freely. 

Butternut squash, brussel sprouts and beans are all fairly frugal pantry staples making this simple yet hearty stew a budget friendly supper. Bison is a bit more expensive than ground beef but well worth it when it comes to nutrition and taste. Tomato paste really adds an earthy and complex element when combined with the other ingredients in this stew requiring no additional herbs  or spices. Just a bit of salt and pepper.

On a side note, I'm trying my hand at  dark mood photography....... bear with me. Actually, it won't be a regular thing here on Simply Healthy Family as it's not my style but there is occasion where I'd like to create a "dark" mood as in this Hunters Stew. I obviously didn't do a stellar job on my first try but I'm a practice makes perfect kind of gal.

SERVES      8          TIME     30 MINUTES

You Will Need
A large cast iron enameled Dutch Oven
8 cups (2 quarts) Organic, free range chicken broth
1 pound ground bison1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or navy)
2 cups cubed butternut squash (1 small squash, I cheat and buy pre-chopped on this)
2 cups, smallish brussel sprouts, trimmed
1 heaping spoonful Organic tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oilsalt and pepper to taste


Prepare all veggies ahead of time. Preheat Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Add onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes. Add ground bison and cook till browned, 6-8 minutes lowering heat a bit if necessary. Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Pour in broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden or plastic spoon to remove browned bits.

Add squash, brussel sprouts, beans and salt, stir. Lower heat and cover. Simmer 15 minutes to warmed through. Add freshly cracked pepper to taste.

What are your families favorite Budget Friendly Meals?  Share!

Have you ever cooked with bison, elk or other wild game? 

Would you?

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement

Scrumptious Mains (Breakfast and Dinner)

• Curry Baked Chicken Wings from Chocolate Moosey
• Shrimp Fried Rice from The Redhead Baker
• Spicy Marinated Steak Tacos from Nik Snacks
• Vegan Black Bean Soup from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Slow Cooker Swiss Steak from Nosh My Way
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili from Peaceful Cooking
• Curry Veg Soup from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef from Noshing With The Nolands
• Tortelini and Cannelini Minestrone with Spinach from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Addictive Korean Beef Bowl from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Grilled Lemon Chicken with Corn Salad from Brunch with Joy
• Five Bean Chili from The Foodie Army Wife
• Vaca Frita from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers from The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Spaghetti Squash Nests with Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
• Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Cauliflower Chowder from Flavor Mosaic
• Individual Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cups from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole from Yours And Mine Are Ours
• Mac, Veggie and Cheese Casserole from Cooking Chat
• Loaded Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes from Having Fun Saving
• Vegetable Fried Rice from Basic N Delicious
• Comforting White Bean-Pancetta Soup from The Weekend Gourmet
• Mujadara with Lebanase Salata from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Hunters Stew from Simply Healthy Family
• Brats and Kraut from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Beef Taco Soup from Fit Foodie Runs
• Slow Cooker "Hash Brown" Breakfast Casserole {#lowcarb #glutenfree} from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• French Toast Pigs in a Blanket from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Orecchiette Pasta with Brie, Broccoli and Tomatoes from Family Foodie
• Gluten Free Spinach and Feta Frittata from Gluten Free Crumbley

Satisfying Sides

• Tender Whole Wheat Bread from What Smells So Good?
• Austin-Style Black Beans from The Texan New Yorker
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls w/Creamy Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce from Daily Dish Recipes

Sweet Treats

• Apple Blackberry Crisp from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Brown Sugar Shortbread from Shockingly Delicious
• Rock Cakes from Happy Baking Days
• Incredible White Chocolate Brownies from The Perfect Brownie
• Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl
• Autumn Spice Truffles from Desserts Required
• Profiteroles with Caramel Drizzle from Food Lust People Love
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake Donuts from NinjaBaking.com
• Carrot Cake Sheet Cake from Pies and Plots
• Risalamande (Danish Christmas Eve Rice Pudding) from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Sips, Spreads, and Snacks

• Pumpkin Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Tex Mex Chicken Salad Spread from Momma's Meals
• Budget Friendly Wines for Budget Friendly #SundaySupper from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

WHEN IT COMES TO SEX AND MENOPAUSE, USE IT OR LOSE IT

Let me clarify before I continue writing this article that my stance with sex is that it belongs and is a big part of a healthy marriage. The issue with sex and menopause, or even going through the premenopausal period brings lots of changes to the female body that can negatively impact our sex lives. I do cover all things health related and never to offend, but hopefully to motivate, inspire, educate, or get us thinking about our lives in a healthier way.  I have joined the ranks of the 50+ woman and feel that it is important to speak out about subjects that we all want to talk about, but seem to hide behind closed doors feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or in denial.  Whatever the case may be, please know that no woman will escape going through menopause, we all have this in common, and it is pretty awesome to think that there is a support system to lean on for answers.

I am just going to blurt it out, when it comes to sex and menopause, use it or lose it ladies.  As our hormones plummet to nothing, ugly things start to happen to the vaginal and surrounding tissue of the urethra.  Our once plumped up beautiful flower has started to wither away making pollination something of a challenge to say the least. What is happening is called vaginal atrophy and just as a muscle begins to decrease in size and shape when not exercised, the same thing happens to our vagina. Studies have shown that consistent sexual activity helps to promote lubrication of the vaginal walls and to maintain the shape and strength of the vaginal canal.  So it is not only important to have regular sexual activity, but also climaxing to exercise those muscles and bring blood flow to the area.  

Sex is a big part of a healthy marriage, and I applaud the husbands out there who are our biggest cheerleaders, and approach with patience and understanding their menopausal wives.  The bedroom romp takes on a whole different meaning when it comes to our aging bodies.  We will be the biggest investors of lubricants, gels, and creative play to maintain a healthy sex life.  The important thing to remember is not to get frustrated, relax, go with the flow, and just have sex.  Schedule a sex date with your spouse and focus on the feelings, sensations, and enjoyment of just being together.  That is what it is all about anyway, giving of ourselves to each other, without inhibition, embarrassment or shame for what we are going through, but a greater sharing experience and acceptance of who we are as women.  Place no expectations on the sexual experience and bask in the moment of play time with your spouse. 

Sex and menopause are just another part of our journey in this life and we do have a choice of how we will handle the changes.  It is important to be pro-active in taking care of our sexual bodies and applying whatever healthy measures that will enable us to feel good, sexy and confident in this area.  Avoiding the subject will not only create a dysfunctional vagina, but also an unhealthy marriage, since sexual closeness is an important part of expressing our need and want for our spouse.  Apply the “use it lose it” philosophy to your changing body and you will be on the right track to a healthier vagina through menopause.   

Stay Healthy Fitness Happenings: Want to promote your business through low cost Ad Space or a fun Giveaway with Stay Healthy Fitness? Check out my pages for Ad Space or Host a Giveaway and I look forward to assisting you!

 

DON'T MISS MY FREE UPDATES

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button at the right to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares.

FIT AT 50!

Stay Healthy!

Darla