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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Crowding out

      So, there's this concept called crowding out. It refers to crowding out things that are not healthy. These things include food, physical activity, and people that do not build you up, rather they tear you down. I learned about this in school and the importance of crowding out those that don't build us up. The concept spoke to my heart, my soul even. So much so that I wanted to share it to the world! So then I thought, why not write a blog post about it? I am going to go through each one of the categories that crowding out can be applied to one by one. Thus I can help you understand how to apply this to your own life. 

      Lets start with food. I'm sure you can think of a few foods that do not build you up either emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually. Crowding them out will be so helpful! How do I crowd out foods that do not support me and my health goals? I replace them with foods that have strong nutrient density. For example, if you are trying to overcome sugar cravings try replacing, or crowding out the sugary foods with sweet vegetables. These include sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, red peppers. Or have a piece of sweet fruit! These choices offer more nutrients then a chocolate bar or package of cookies. 

Crowding out means replacing the things that do not support you with things that do! 

      Next let's visit activity. Have you ever made yourself do something that you didn't want to do? I think we all have. Crowding out an activity that doesn't support you means listening to your body and heart, meaning learning to listen to what you want not what everyone else tells you to do. So if you are too tired to go for a long walk or run, try something more relaxing like yoga. Maybe try an exercise class instead of working out on your own. 
     Crowding out activity that doesn't support you doesn't mean eliminating physical activity all together. Doing that would not support you at all! Crowd out the activity that doesn't support your health goals, add in activity that does. 
     For example, I used to be an avid runner! I still love running. But about 2 years ago I pushed myself too hard and had to take a 2 year break from the activity that I loved. How did I survive?? I replaced my love of running with other activity such as yoga, strength training, and walking. Exploring other exercise options has helped me find balance and forms of activity I can turn to. I turn to yoga when I just can't find the inner motivation to get on the treadmill or pick up the weights. I walk when the desire to jog doesn't exist. I lift weights because it helps build my confidence. 
      There are so many options for physical activity that the only excuse we have is the one inside out head. 

      And lastly lets talk about crowding out people that don't support you. I'm sure we've all had that person in our life that drags us down instead of building us up, or maybe we have been that person. We must be our own advocate. Each of us has strengths, and weaknesses. To be successful and achieve our true potential we need people who will build us up. What I mean by that is our core network of friends must be those that build us not tear us down. 
      The analogy I like to use is a building. Each building has a foundation. With a strong foundation the building will be firm. Next comes that framework. Without a good frame the building will not withstand the storms. After the frame comes the walls and finish work (electrical, plumbing, furniture, etc). The more elegant the finish work the more attractive the building, right?  
       Ok, starting with the foundation. Each of us has a set of parents, whether they are adopted, fostered, or biological. With loving, supportive parents we have a strong foundation. What if your parents didn't support you, are you a lost cause? NO! You can rebuild and repair your foundation. How? Crowd out those that don't support you. Fill in the empty space with those who will. 
       Continue the same pattern until you have built yourself a network of strong, supportive people. As you learn to protect yourself with secure friends you can pay it forward and teach others to do the same. And thus creating a ripple effect. 

Now, will you always be that strong influence all the time? The honest answer is, no. We all have bad days. And that is where your network comes in.

As you are learning to crowd out foods, physical activity, and people that don't support you, lean on your support network. A few strong friends, a firm spiritual practice, and steady forward progress will lead you to long term success! Remember, this is a process. You are a work in progress. God didn't create the Earth in 1 day, He did it in 7. Creation and transformation takes time. Be kind, loving, and patient with yourself. Before you know it you will be a shining star that will be a light to those around you!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

2015 intentions

I used to set goals, or resolutions, every year. This year I set 1 intention: transformation. This past year I attended the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) to become a certified health coach. What I learned during this program is to transition, be flexible and be true to myself. I have learned the value of primary foods vs secondary food (more to come on these valuable tools).

Why transformation? Well...I believe we as humans are in a constant state of change. If we resist change and keep trying the same things over and over again we will go crazy and our progress is halted.

For example: if you make the same goal every year to lose weight and you don't accomplish that goal then you feel like a failure or that you have done something wrong. Or you start a new diet intending that it will fix al your problems and make you a super star. Well, 2 weeks into the diet you "fall off" and binge. This can also cause you to feel like a failure. I have felt all these feelings and had these destructive thoughts: "What am I doing wrong?" "I can't do anything right!" "I am such a failure!"

Well friends, in 2015 I want true success and progress, so I deemed it
"The Year of Transformation"!
I have set and intention to transform my relationships, spirituality, career, and physical health. Through prayer, self reflection, meditation I created a plan. My plan follows the same template from Ann Webb and her Ideal Life Vision course http://ideallifevision.com/. I wrote out each section as if it already happened. The next step is to record it in my own voice and listen to it every day. What is intended to happen is that the subconcious is changed and my life will transform.

I did make some adjustments though. Ann has a lot more sections then I did. The categories I used are the primary foods from IIN. I am a simple person and don't like a lot of details. Just get in, get it done, and get out is my philosophy. If something takes too long then I don't wanna do it! Shortening the categories simplified the process.

I'm sure you're wondering what I am intending to transform for each section :-)
1. Physical health: Every year I would set a goal to lose weight but never did. As I was setting my intention for this section I just couldn't set the goal of weightloss because by losing weight what do I gain. I changed my mindset. This year I am working towards increasing my physical strength, flexibility and stamina; and moving away from the scale. Cuz let's face it folks, some days that scale is a big fat liar! By focusing on gains in strength, flexibility, and stamina I won't focus on what I'm losing but the amazing gains!

2. Spirituality: As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I am studying the New Testiment in Sunday School. I want to understand Jesus Christ and His purpose better. I want to get to know the ancient prophets, their purpose and experiences better. I want a deeper understanding of my purpose on this Earth. Through studying the New Testiment and attending the temple monthly my relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father will become deeper and more valuable.

3. Career: I have a strong desire to share the message of holistic health! And make money in the process. As a registered nurse and personal trainer I have a great opportunity to affect the lives of so many people, starting with my own family. In order to build a business I will need to face my fears. That's my intention of this section: transform my career by facing my fears!

4. Relationships: I want to transform my marriage into something filled with passion, trust, and love. I have a great husband who supports me and I support him. Together we will create something bigger and deeper!
I also want to understand my wonderful daughter better and build a deep lasting relationship with her.
The next relationship I want to transform is my relationship with myself.
Starting with these 3 foundational relationships and working outward.

So now you can see how these 4 categories are so important for transformation. Each one plays an important role and feeds our basic needs.

Here's to a great 2015 and I hope you also set the intention for transforming your life into something greater and more fulfilling!

The perfect meatless chili

It's chili and soup season! I love smothering a potato with a hearty chili with warm flavors. I used the essential oils oregano and cassia to add depth and flavor to this wonderful recipe.

Oregano has powerful health benefits including antifungal and antibiotic properties. Cassia is helpful with arthritic pain. It also helps with diarrhea, constipation, cold and flu. Who wouldn't want extra assistance with a stronger immune system at this time of year?

As you can see this chili gives a powerful punch to the immune system. It can also help ease the discomfort of constipation and diarrhea. Pretty cool I think.

I also love the healthy amount of fiber, veggies and nutrients. This is given by using legumes, carrots, green pepper, garlic, onion, and coconut oil.

Vegetarian Chili
Makes 4 hearty servings

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilis, undrained
1 can diced tomatoes with lime and cilantro, undrained
1 tbsp coconut oil
2-3 carrots, washed and diced
1 green pepper diced
2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp sea salt, split in half
1 tsp pepper
1 drop oregano essential oil
1 drop cassia essential oil

Rinse and drain beans. Heat oil in a pot on medium high heat. When the oil is hot add diced carrots. Saute until soft, about 8-10 minutes. When carrots are softened add green peppers and cook until soft. When carrots and peppers are soft add cumin and chili powder. Cook until toasted and the fragrance is released. Add tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and add 1/2 of salt and pepper. Simmer covered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining salt and pepper plus essential oils. Simmer for 15 more minutes, or longer if you have time. Only add 1 drop of cassia then taste after the second simmer. If it needs more then add more, if not then don't. The longer chili simmers the more the flavors will marry.

This chili gets better the next day, and the next, and the next. The flavors are warm and comforting.

I smothered a potato over spring mix with chili. Topped with coconut oil and green onions. So yummy and filling!

Berry Yogurt Oatmeal

I love oatmeal and I love yogurt! One day I had a thought....what would yogurt and oatmeal taste like together....? There was only one way to find out. I was so pleased! This concoction is filling, tasty and satisfying. It helps keep me full for hours...seriously. It's my favorite thing to eat at work (I work graveyard shifts at a local hospital) because of the fact I am full for seriously 4-5 hours, that's a lot of mileage out of 1 meal.

When I was thinking about this recipe idea I wanted something low in sugar, high in protein and fiber, and with some fat. With just the right combination I knew it would be a winner. This recipe is low in sugar by using berries. It's high in protein using greek yogurt (23 grams per 1 cup serving). The fat comes from nuts: either peanut butter or walnuts, either one is great- just depends on what flavor and texture you want. The fiber is delivered from the oats and chia seeds. The maca powder adds a yummy chocolate flavor with mood boosting attributes.

This recipe is for 1 serving. When I'm preparing for my nightshifts (I usually work 4 in a row) I make multiple servings of this in multiple containers. To me there's nothing worse when I come home from a long night of work and have to make more food. I prepare all my food in 1 afternoon. Lots of work but so worth it!

Berry yogurt oatmeal1/2 cup fage 0% greek yogurt
2/3 cup frozen mixed berries
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp Nativa chocolate maca powder for protein shakes (optional)
1 oz walnuts chopped or 1.5 tbsp nut butter
1 packet instant plain oatmeal

Instructions:
Combine yogurt, berries, chia seeds, and chocolate powder. Mix well.
Cook oatmeal according to package directions.
Combine yogurt mixture and oatmeal. Mix well and enjoy!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Naturally sweet and healthy treat

I hosted a fun Lia Sophia jewelry party the other night. I love hosting parties! They give me a reason to get together with my girlfriends, learn new things, and SHOP.

One of the things I really like to do is come up with great recipe ideas to share. This one was a HIT and the recipe was requested. It's super simple, cuz that's how I roll. If a recipe has more then 10 ingredients then I won't use it. Frankly that's too much work. I love to research recipes that are similar then create my own.

This recipe for No-bake nut butter oat bars is healthy and rich so you really only need a small piece. They are sweetened with honey and spiced up using doTERRA On guard essential oil blend, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. I used peanut butter, but any nut butter would serve well here. I appreciate the fact they are rich so I'm not tempted to eat the entire pan :-) It came about because my oven is broken and I wanted to make something for my guests to snack on as a refreshment. I didn't want to spend a lot of time, had to be able to use items on hand, couldn't use my oven, and I wanted to incorporate essential oils. Well my friends! This accomplishes all that!

OnGuard essential oil blend has antibacterial, antifungal, antidepressant, and antiseptic properties. It will disinfect any surface and wipeout germs on contact. These germs include the flu, MRSA and many other critters we don't want around. With cold and flu season starting I wanted to provide a decadent treat that would help protect my guests . What better way to do that then with essential oils!

Food provides an opportunity for expression and creativity. With that in mind, please feel free to add to, take away, or change this up to fit your style and taste buds. But don't keep the changes to yourself, share in the comments below what you did so the rest of us can benefit :-)

Are you ready for the recipe? Drum roll please.....


No-bake Nut Butter Oat Bars
Makes about 24 bars

3 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup nut butter, no additives or sweeteners
3/4 cup honey
3-5 drops On guard essential oil blend
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp clove and nutmeg
1/4-1/3 coconut milk, if needed (to help combine everything)

In a small saucepan combine honey and nut butter. Stir to combine. When nut butter and honey are warm and melty (but not too hot) add essential oil. Stir to blend.

In a medium size bowl combine oats and spices. Stir in honey/nut butter mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats are incorporated and covered.

If needed, use coconut or almond milk to thin it out a bit. The honey nut butter mix thickens as it cools. The milk helps so you can incorporate everything easier.

When everything is mixed well, pour into a 8 1/2 x 11 pan. Refrigerate for atleast 2 hours before serving.

Again these are rich. Cut them into 24 squares and enjoy!

Add ins: try adding dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut flakes for some yummy texture!


To contact me for a free health history consultation to discover how I can help you improve your health email me at holisticallyhealthy14@gmail.com!






Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Seasonal transitions

Fall is a time of transition for me. It's a time of renewal. I think this is because school is back in, the crispness in the air, the change in the brightness of the sun, football starts, and I'm sure many more things.

As fall is upon us I have been reflecting on what my purpose in life is and what I want to gain from it. How does God want me to use all this knowledge that He has given me?

Then came the questions yesterday: Who am I? Where am I going? How am I going to get there?

Paths are laid out differently for each of us. My life has turned out much differently then I expected it to. I always pictured my family with 6 kids, a big house....instead I have 1 awesome daughter and a not so big home. Still I have chosen to accept my life as it is now. My career is different then I had planned too. I always wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to teach junior high...I know I must be crazy! Instead I'm a registered nurse, personal trainer, holistic health coach and essential oil expert. Not quite the same, but I still get to teach.

During my medication yesterday I pondered on what God wanted me to do with all my knowledge. What does He want me to build with this?
Again the questions came up: Who am I? Where am I going? How am I going to get there?

I didn't receive a concrete answer, just peace that what I'm doing right now is perfect and just right. My business is growing at a steady rate, just right for me. I am receiving guidance on who to reach and how.

I share this because I want you to see and understand that life isn't perfect. Life doesn't always turn out how we expect it too. At the same time there is constancy in all things. We all have something we can hold on to: our FAITH. That is how I stay afloat during times of uncertainty.
I depend on the knowledge I have of holistic health and sustainable exercise to help me feel grounded, along with my faith.

I feel blessed to share this with others. To schedule your own health history consultation and to see how I can help you achieve balance, check out my website rhendrickson.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com

Thanks for reading! Health, love and light!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

My thinking has been reset

So my birthday is next Saturday!! Woot! bring on the celebrations!! Normally I am looking forward to an awesome cake or sweet treat. This year though I am looking forward to spending time playing and having fun with my friends. One of the best things that has happened after my 21 days no sugar sweets challenge is I no longer crave them!

There is plenty of research that shows SUGAR is addictive and just as hard of a habit to break as any other substance. The first few days weren't too bad. But after about 7 days the headaches and withdrawals started. I didn't quit though, I pushed through. After about day 10 I saw light at the end of my headache tunnel! My head cleared up, my moods stabilized and POOF the cravings subsided.

Here's a few things I'm noticing. When I start to have sweet treat cravings (especially chocolate) I realize I am either dehydrated, low on the fat intake, or craving a rich experience with another person (like a fun night out or just some fun period). I realized this the other day when I was craving a piece of chocolate, when in reality I was needing to vent some frustrations with my hubby. After about 10-15 minutes of venting (maybe less) my craving was completely gone!

As a health coach I teach about primary foods and relationships are one of them. If we are lacking in relationship connection our body will communicate with cravings. Mine is sweet treat cravings. So, instead of giving in to the craving I will connect with someone, either an adult or a kid. The craving is then gone and I can move on. If the craving continues I will drink some water, have a piece of fruit, or a spoonful of either peanut butter or coconut oil.

Long story short, for the birthday celebration I have specifically said to the hubby no birthday cake or treats! I am looking forward to the focus being on fun, friends, and family! A lot has gone into this transition and it hasn't happened all at once. I share this to hopefully empower someone else to make a positive change in their life!

What positive changes are you making in your life? How are you accomplishing those? What changes are you noticing? What challenges?

To learn more about how I can help you in your positive changes please contact me at 801-518-2964 or holisticallyhealthy14@gmail.com....or comment on this post :) I look forward to hearing your comments!