Categories
Breakfast Dessert Gluten Free Mealtime Monday Recipes

Lemon Coconut Protein Chia Pudding

Meal Time Monday [Autosaved]

LemonCoconut.ChiaPudding

It sounds good, right? Well it is absolutely amazing! I have been dabbling in Chia Seed flavors lately. One because it is so good; second it is really easy and third it will kill a sugar craving and leave you full and satisfied.  It’s the perfect snack, breakfast!  I’ve made some questionable flavor combinations but this one by far is the yummiest! I had to share.

Chia Seed is also very beneficial it is rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals.  Some benefits of Chia seeds are:

  • Great for your Skin and Aging- it contains antioxidants that help accelerate skin repair and also inhibit skin from future damage.
  •  Great for digestion- Chia seed is very-high in fiber it is said to contain about 11 grams per ounce. Meaning one serving of Chia Seed can be your recommended fiber intake for the day! Fiber is critical for your body to help it balance your insulin levels and known as a blood sugar balancer.
  • Great for your Heart Health– Chia Seed has been know to:

    – reverse inflammation,

    – regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure make it extremely beneficial to consume for heart health.

    – reversing oxidative stress

    *according to an article published in the journal Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials:

  • Great for treatment of Diabetes– A study done came to the conclusion that eating chia seeds entirely inhibited the start of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. There has been claims that it can halt or reverse diabetes. (I’m not making them but some researchers have been bold enough to come to that conclusion after laboratory testing.
  • Great for an extra Boost Your Energy & Metabolism- The addition of chia seeds will help boost your metabolism and burn belly fat.  It reduces visceral adipose tissue also known as belly fat tissue which has an effect on your ability to burn calories.
  • Great for Stronger Bones- One ounce of Chia Seeds is 18% of the daily recommended calcium intake.
  • Great to help you Build Muscle & Lose Weight- Chia seed is an excellent plant based protein. It has been recommened for people wanting to burn fat, get lean muscle and balance blood sugar levels.

    Lemon Coconut Protein Chia Pudding

I lift really heavy and have a high protein allocation in my diet so I am always trying new protein based treats.  I also love it for my daughter because it’s a wholesome meal in the morning and they can just grab their jar and go!  I don’t let them take it to school because of the glass but they each have one and just unscrew the lid and eat.  It’s nice for those busy school day mornings.  I don’t know about you but I am prepping for Back To School so testing out new flavors to keep them interested has been fun!  They can even make this on their own which my oldest one loves to do.

I have been going Lemon crazy lately. I am not sure if it’s because its summer time and its refreshing. Citrus is also great for helping absorb iron and it just makes everything taste yummy. From your bowl of fruit to your piece of chicken fresh squeezed lemon juice is always a great addition to a meal.  It’s versatility also allows for a lot of different flavor combinations.  The great thing about this pudding too is the Coconut is not overpowering.  If you don’t like coconut omit it and you have a Lemon “Meringue”ish Chia Pudding.

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:33]

Share
Pin4
Share
4 Shares
Categories
Battle of Motherhood christian mom faithfueled friday Uncategorized

Roller Coaster of Peace

FaithFueled Friday

When things look bad

Have you ever had one of those “Rotten, terrible, no good, very bad days?” Weeks? Months?  I have to say that most days I am highly blessed and favored.Then there are those few moments in life where I feel like God was working on something or someone else that day? week? and sometimes even months? I know better but sometimes I let my feelings rule. On those days my annoyances get in the way it’s very hard to see anything else. The way I handled those days before Jesus is much different than how I would handle it today.

Girl in Time Out

James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

What to do on the bad days

Say you had one of those days when by the time you eat lunch you are begging for a do over. Scared to proceed because you are asking yourself, “How could this day get any worse?”  Just as you completed your thought the unthinkable happens;  it gets worse.  Sometimes, on days like this the old me, the before Jesus me, comes out. I react with anger, anxiety, frustration, and get myself all worked up over things I have no control over. When I react like that I make bad decisions which go against who I am now with God.  I never achieve God’s purpose.  This is when I need to take steps to walk in God’s peace before I fly off the handle. God can handle anything, even the up’s and down’s of my emotions and He is there to give me peace when I can’t find it within myself.

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always,.  I will say it gain: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do no be anxious about anything but in every situations, by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, present your request to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends  all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in the Christ Jesus.

Peace.

 Steps to Walk in God’s Peace

1. Rejoice be happy in any and all circumstances. Sometimes it seems as if it can’t get any worse but trust me and it can. God is allowing you to be right where you are just for a moment; it may seem longer but if you look at the grand scheme of eternity we are only here for a moment. These blips are just a micro second in time even if the blips go on for months and months. Praise Him for His way is always better than your own and He will get you through whether you deserve it or not.

2. Be Gentle to those around you, you can sometimes blame them or take things out on them but that is not showing God’s love nor making the situation any better. Be gentle to show those around you God’s way. 

3.  Recognize His Presence I find this probably the hardest part when you are in the thick of the muck. Psalms 73:23 says: “Yet I am always with you;you hold me by my right hand.”  God is always with you and is your right hand even if you don’t feel His presence recognize that its that there.

4.  Pray If I forget the previous three steps I always know to pray; no matter where I am emotionally God’s peace always takes over me in prayer. His grace and His goodness will get me through anything even if my prayers are not answered immediately, just the peace I receive from prayer allows me to make better decisions.

Psalms 139:23-24 Search me God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way me; and lead me in the way everlasting.

 Peace

Up’s and Down’s of Faith

My faith is like a seesaw at the playground; as I get to know the Lord more, my faith goes up.  Then the old me can react badly and can jump on the other end but I will continue to look to Him for my balance and peace.  Every situation and circumstances is giving me more maturity in the Lord to learn how to persevere.  He knows what we need to bring us peace in every situations. How do you handle a stressful day? How did you used to handle it or is it the same?

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Categories
Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey Workout Wednesday

Getting My Functional Exercise

affiliate-disclosure

Functional Exercise

Functional exercises are performed every day in our workouts but have you considered doing a Functional Exercise workout to your weekly routine. As of recently this primary type of activity has not only caught my attention but is now I include it daily in my exercise.  It only takes me less than 20 minutes, and I am feeling the difference a month later.

What is Functional Exercise?

The point of the Functional exercise is to train your muscles to perform the everyday task safely and productively. Huh? Isn’t that the whole point of the exercise. Well yes, but functional training is more specific than that.  Functional exercises teach your muscles to work together and get them ready for your day to day tasks. The functional exercise simulates typical movements you may do at home, work or in sports. One of thing things I like about functional exercise is its emphasis on balance.  Usually, the exercises are performed while using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time this helps stabilize your core.

FunctionalExercise.

What are the benefits of Functional Exercise?

I have been on this weight loss journey for a year now. Recently, it has turned from a want to lose weight to new fitness goals. I decided that I want to be the fittest 70-year-old. Since yesterday was my birthday that means I have 36 years to obtain my long term goal, God willing. One of the benefits of Functional exercise and the advantage of all exercise is a lean, in shape physique. Another advantage of functional exercise is it helps make everyday life task easier. When functionally exercising you are using multiple joints and muscles at the same time. Training is liking this also reduces your risk of injury and helps improve your quality of life.

Functional exercises tend to be multi-joint, multi-muscle exercises. Instead of only moving the elbows, for example, a functional exercise might involve the elbows, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles. This type of training, properly applied, can make everyday activities easier, reduce your risk of injury and improve your quality of life.

SomaSole PlankHold

 

What does Functional Exercise look like?
There are a lot of exercises that are included that serve a functional purpose. Especially those moves that are various physical movements like in Tai Chi and Pilates.  The mix of resistance and flexibility is a great way to functionally exercise.  Some other common moves that you may recognize are; Multi-directional lunges, standing bicep curls, step-ups with weights these exercises help you with an everyday task such as vacuuming, mopping, yard work for example.  Proper form when performing these exercises is imperative.
How do I get started?
Most people would recommend functional exercise workouts for those over 40 (not there yet), but I feel that it is important for everyone.  It improves your balance, agility, muscle strengths and reduces the risk of falling.  If you have a trainer, I would ask them to include some functional exercises (they most likely already do).  There is always the University of YouTube and Pinterest.  Just be cautious that you are using proper form,  are cleared by a physician.  I gave you a little preview of the Functional Core Workout I have been doing the last month.  I feel stronger, can hold a plank longer and will be including this in my workout regime from here on out.
My Birthday Month Workout
Disclaimer This month I included a Functional Workout in my daily core routine.  I felt so much stronger and lost over an inch and a half on my waist which is a great benefit of exercise.  I also used my SomaSole Workout Bands.  They were a great easy way to add some resistance to my workout and one of my new favorite at home workout tools!!   They were a great easy way to add some resistance to my workout and one of my new favorite at home workout tools!!  Use Coupon Code DeBolton10 for 10% off of your own bands.
Do you do Functional exercise? How does it make you feel?

FunctionalCoreWorkout

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Categories
Faith Journey Fitness Fitness and Health Honor My Temple Prayer Challenge

Happy 1 Year Anniversary

1 Year Anniversary.

“A year from now you will wish you had started today.”-Anonymous

It has officially been 365 days! Today, one year ago I woke up, and I had enough! Enough excuses, enough regret, enough neglect, enough believing the lies of the enemy.  I woke up, and I said I must change now! The week before I had dabbled in a fitness routine.  It felt great but today last year I wanted to do more than just dabble. I wanted to commit. I wanted to commit to a healthy lifestyle.  Now, if you have been following me along the last year, you know that this is not my first weight loss journey. So, what was so different this time around? I did it before so what’s the big deal.  All the times before I was seeking weight loss for vanity reasons. I wanted to be a Size X, I wanted to look like so and so, I want people to see me as blah, blah, blah and honestly WHO CARES!

Who I was

I look back on the empty person I was, and I am so grateful for God’s redemption. This journey has been so much more; this has been the results of an ongoing relationship with God. That is the celebration today. I didn’t do this by myself I did this with God. There were so many days I prayed to him for His help through this journey, His self-control, His provision and His unconditional love. This was a daily intentional relationship with God to Honor My Temple. It has grown my faith in Him so much. It has defeated my anxiety, bouts of depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors. I have never felt so fulfilled in my life.

Finding Purpose

The other thing that has changed this past year is my purpose.  For the last thirteen years, I have been searching, lost in this world, grasping at anything but the only thing that could fulfill me.  I have tried to overcome with bad habits, smoking, drinking, partying, over training, under eating, overeating, negative self-talk, negative to other people, selfish ambition.  Not one of those fruits has been of the Spirit.  It wasn’t until Jesus found me in a broken place, a rock bottom, despair and anguish were my friend that He picked me up, brushed me off and kissed me and then began this year of healing.  This journey has been my inside matching my outside as I yearn to know, grow and glorify Him.

1 Year Anniversary

The Last Year’s Reflection

In this last year, I have learned how to do fitness better. This journey has done so much for me and my life more than weight loss. It has improved my dependence on God, strengthened my marriage, help me find my calling and ignited a passion for teaching others how to honor their temple. It has been an incredible journey. I have had an amazing network of women and men who have cheered me on, cheered me up, prayed for me, and inspired me. I have met other peoples who like me want to teach others how to Honor their temple and glorify God!

I have been called to go to school AGAIN and get my degree in Fitness Exercise Science and an NASM certification so that I can be in the trenches walking with others and teaching them how to honor their temple with God. I created this blog “FaithFueled™” before I even knew what it means the name came to me in a dream. Here I am a year later with a precise definition.

This is the beginning of a new journey now. Can you imagine where I will be in a year, and my husband has joined me in my next Fitness Goal it’s going to be a BIG ONE? I plan on showing others the FaithFueled™ Lifestyle, which is God First! Witness through fitness; glorifying God through living a healthy lifestyle fueled by faith.

1 Year Anniversary

So, I say “Start now, a year ago you would be glad you did!” What got you started on your journey? Whether it be career, projects, weight loss whatever what got you started?

Do you want to join the FaithFueled™ Lifestyle? It’s Free!  Join us! www.FaithFueledLife.com 

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Categories
Dessert Gluten Free Mealtime Monday Recipes

Chocolate Chick Cookies

Meal Time Monday [Autosaved]

Chocolate Chip (shhh Chickpea) Cookies

(This was adapted from Texanerin Baking) Although I am one smart cookie (ba duh dump) 😉 I would have never thought of this myself, BUT I just changed a few things, and I totally fooled the Lil Divas. I haven’t baked for awhile it’s been hot, busy with school, kids, and life and ever since my Plant Based Reboot, I haven’t had a sweet tooth. That is saying something because I had a serious sweet tooth before we needed to have a sweet, indulgent dessert every night but ever since my “cleanse” which I hate even to call it that I have been pretty good on the cravings. So, when I pulled out these delicious cookies the “oo’s” and “ah’s” from the oil divas!! They smell delicious, they look delicious but do they taste delicious?

Yes! I made two batches! Peanut Butter because I love peanut butter and plain because my girls hate peanut butter. Both were a hit! Now the only thing I would say if you’re a crunchy cookie kind of person like I am the texture may be a little off but other than that I think these would do well. They’re even baked sale worthy. It’s been a journey the last two years clean eating, eliminating everything that we knew to be “real food” and replacing it with “better food” but it has been so worth it.

Our health, energy, skin, weight, mental ability has all improved dramatically. People ask me how did you switch your family to clean eating. Slowly but surely, the process of elimination; introduction to new things; trial and error. Here we are two years later, and I have not gone to the grocery store in over a month. We have gotten all of our food from a farm so far this summer. I still buy bulk whole grains like oatmeal, rice, and quinoa but for the most part, my shopping is done on the peripheral or the grocery store or the local farm, and it feels so good. We can still indulge on cookies, treats and all the things that they thought they would miss and we are living a healthier lifestyle!

ChocolateChickCookieDough

 

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:31]

 

 

Share
Pin3
Share
3 Shares