I may be working out, and being healthy, but I’m all about balance. In this post, I tell you about my journey so far. Lots of details in case you want to do any of it. I’ve been cooking of course, so let’s start there. You’ll find I wrote this post, as if I’m having an excited conversation with you. Simply because I am feeling very positive about this stage in my life, and see a long life ahead. Here we go…

Shrimp is a great way to add a low calorie protein to a meal. I should make shrimp tacos this weekend w/ some shredded cabbage slaw. Hmm…Just a thought.

I also am really into protein shakes. Some of my favorite are Chai, Carrot, Pumpkin, Matcha, Peanut Butter, Raspberry, Banana, Kale, Baby Spinach, Pineapple, Walnuts, Pistachio, Cranberries, Extra Dark Cocao Powder, Almond and Mint. I’ve included some pictures of some of the ingredients I use for my protein shakes, teas, lattes, and cooking ingredients. I’m into bold, strong flavors, so I custom blend a lot of my ingredients. I’m all about blending and fusion.

I am going to mention some things I didn’t take pictures of, but I use such often. Malabar Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Jalapeno Powder, Garlic, Curry Powder, Five Spice Powder, Torani Hazelnut Syrup, Mccormick Almond Extract, Pure Vanilla Extract, Torani Sea Salt Caramel Syrup, Coffee plain, and flavored, Oatmilk, Almond Milk, Cashew Milk.

These days I’m really feeling great with my super fortified powdered milk. It tastes great. Works great for shakes and anywhere you use milk, and I don’t have to worry about it going bad, or taking up fridge space. I highly recommend. The same with the powdered heavy cream, honey, and cheddar cheese. This particular company has an extensive line, and so far, everything has tasted outstanding.

We all know I’m a food snob. So you know it tastes good. Gotta keep the good stuff in the body if you want a strong body.

I’ve included pictures of some of my mental and spritual apps images. We have so much at our finger tips these days. We really should utilize these tools to elevate ourselves. Mind, Body, and Soul.

I also included pictures of my primary blender. I have different ones for different purposes. Also, my juicer. I consider this stuff as investing in my health. The same as taking vitamins, or drinking ample fluids. Avoiding any table salt whenever possible (I only use sea salt or kosher). Eating whole foods, hardly any processed foods (except bacon, sometimes hard salami, sausage, and the rare hot dog). I believe in knowing what I put in my body. Not into mystery food, or Franken food. No GMO either.

Don’t get me wrong, I sway and give into the random craving occasionally. But honestly, I don’t crave fried foods, or lots of salt, or sugary sweets (I prefer savory sweets when I eat them). So, I lucked out. Maybe because that was how I was raised. But, every now and then, McDonald’s or Taco Bell will find me. Fortunately, it is super easy where we live as you have to drive 20+ minutes before any fast food other than McD’s over the bridge into the next town. Lol.

Also, now I make my own Slurpees. All good.

I was going to mention there are fabulous apps with pre-programmed coaches and workout programs for free too. I’ve included pictures of my workout equipment. Might as well as take advantage of the Pandemic and take care of yourself, invest in your health. That is exactly what you are doing. Investing in YOUR health.

I had a broken ankle 2 times in the past 2 years. So, buying equipment was, and is, about what I can use, and my lifestyle. My husband opted for a Peleton style bike for his usage. I opted for http://www.mirror.co and http://www.waterrower.com (WaterRower Series IV w/ bluetooth and arm to hold phone and tablet). At 51, and working from home we realized we want an active lifestyle. A healthy active lifestyle, so this past holiday season and our 18th wedding anniversary, we decided to make our home, our compound. It works for us.

But, however you do it, whether equipment, running, walks, surfing, meditation, classes, whatever, the key is to do something.

On a side note, I’ve taken up some of my other hobbies besides writing, cooking and reading as well. Such as art, and photography. It is important to continuously expand the mind, just as you must rest the mind, and let the mind play. Not just the mind, but, body and soul too. You need to strive for balance.

I’m really looking forward to getting back in shape the way I want to be. What are some of your 2021 goals? What are you doing to try and accomplish the baby steps and the big steps?

You may not ever completely accomplish them, and have setbacks galore. The key is starting and trying. Every little bit helps. I’m even tracking my steps.

I play music when I cook, so I’m shaking my ass, and getting a little workout there. The point being, to just start moving. Eventually your progress really catches up. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so baby steps. Baby steps to progress, adds up to monster steps towards achieving goals.

Feel Free to ask me questions or comment below in the comments box. It is always good to share info. Here’s to knocking it out the park, one base at a time. 😁

– Leila