This post was created as part of a relationship in which I was sponsored by Weight Watchers to share my experiences. Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own. Their new program Beyond the Scale, a holistic approach with more ways than ever for you to personalize your program, define your success and guide you on your road to healthier living. #WWsponsored
Before the holiday I wrote about making some changes in my life and getting back to a better me. I talked about my goals, how I plan to reach those goals, and how the Weight Watchers Beyond the Scale program supports those goals. Now that I’ve had some time to figure it out, I want to talk about what I’m doing to start the year off right and reach them. One of the things I talked about was taking more time for myself, and also really slowing down and savoring the moment. I have been making a conscious effort to do that, and I feel like I’ve been missing a lot by loading myself down with work. Obviously I need to work, but I also need to make time to play with my kids too, which is crucial for us as a family.
These moments are so fleeting, and I need to savor them as much as I can. Being a photographer, I am always trying to capture moments, but this week I made it a point to capture our life as it is – not as the perfect, clean, staged images that I sometimes present. Those are gorgeous, but these are our every day. And I love them.
I’ve also started pampering myself a little bit. I got a simple “spa” kit to take in the shower with me, and I have even taken a few baths which feel amazing with some aromatherapy. I am starting to feel the tension melt away, and that works wonders for my overall well-being!
I am thinking of adding a “morning glow” routine to my days, which is basically just taking a few minutes to stretch, rub some scented lotion into my legs and shoulders, and maybe even read a few pages of a book *in bed* before I get up. Doesn’t that sound amazing? I normally roll out of bed, make some coffee, walk into my office and get to work. But I feel like I could be more productive and begin with a better mindset if I took that time for myself. I could even do some exercise with my FitBreak app before I hit the keyboard. Who knows, it might just change how I go about my day!
I have been rediscovering my love of raw fruits and veggies. I have maintained a plant based diet for the past 10 years now, but lately I have found myself in a rut. I stopped experimenting and being creative in my own meal plans. So, a few days ago I loaded up on fresh ingredients at the store and decided to see what I could come up with. I also got a new ingredient: zucchini. I have never been a real fan of zucchini, but I also grew up in a household that didn’t know how to cook very well, so my previous experience with it was limited. But I said “why not” and went for it! I came up with an amazing “dump” salad that is just gorgeous.
The recipe is incredibly easy, and my favorite part is that I feel great eating it. It works well with Weight Watcher’s SmartPoints system too! Here is what you need:
- Black beans, drained
- whole kernel corn, drained
- green bell pepper
- red bell pepper
- tomato
- carrots
- red onion
- zucchini
- cilantro
- lime juice
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
To make, just dice up all ingredients and throw them together in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and spices of your choice, squeeze in lime juice to taste, then chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. I love eating this by the spoonful, but you can also use it as a salad topping, for tacos, chips, and all kinds of things!
Lastly, I have started journaling more. I’m sure that is a bit odd considering it’s my job to write about my life, but in all that I haven’t been writing down my private thoughts – hopes, dreams, fears, little things about my day, moments I want to remember, etc. I’m hoping that I can keep it up so that I can eventually read back and see how my life grows and changes over time – kinda like an evolution of me. I think it’s pretty cool! I am loving this holistic approach to my health, and I love that I am focusing on both the inside and outside, instead of just tracking a scale. There is an amazing connection between the mind and the body, so it’s natural that you can’t improve one without the other!
