A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Madison Podgor. She is a fellow teammate and Beachbody Coach and couldn't be more of an inspiration. I mean, seriously, her energy and enthusiasm crossed time zones and cyber space...I was in awe. I had been drawn to her unique, genuine and positive posts on Facebook, but it was her blog post that me realize I needed to interview her pronto. We chatted about what got her started with Beachbody, her journey as a coach and her "why." Which is always my favorite thing to learn about someone: What is their story? What is their why?
Our interview lasted over 30 minutes, but I have put together a video that highlights all those points above. She also has some great advice to anyone wanting to get fit and healthy, but is finding a lot of excuses (legit or not) to avoid that positive change.
(**sidenote** Our WiFi/Internet connection was a little shaky, so there are times when the picture and voice do not match up. But...we're all adults here, we can handle it ;)
I was encouraged by some friends and mentors to share my story into health and fitness coaching. I am very excited, proud (and scared) to share my story with you. I wish everyone their healthiest and happiest year yet. I am always here to support, help or inspire you in any way.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy (almost) December!
As a self-proclaimed Christmas whore, I get such joy out of Christmas trees, lights and decorations, the crisp "winter" air, listening to Christmas music (can I please sing the "White Christmas" duet with Michael Bublé?!?)...ahhh. Love it.
Anyhoo, this past Thanksgiving weekend was awesome. I had the apartment to myself for 4 days and between seeing friends and running the occasional errands, I basically made it into a mini-vacation. Lots of Christmas music and wine, I watched the entire Twilight series, gave Pearl wayyy too much attention and didn't leave the apartment (or change out of my pajamas) until late afternoon some days...
But beyond my seemingly lazy weekend, I was productive AS HELL. Kicked it into high gear when it came to creating and starting some groups and programs that I'm really passionate about. Until now, they were just little ideas in my brain. But this weekend, I had the brain space, inspiration and general ballsiness to actually START them. And I. am. so. excited. Being proactive = one of the recipes for happiness.
I wanted to give you a little more information about my groups!
I have a Free 5-Day Clean Eating Group(more info under the "Clean Eats" tab) that I host the first week of every month. You receive a grocery list, meal plans and recipes for every day and support through a private Facebook group. I always add some bonus videos and nutrition information as well ;) Click here to learn more and sign up for my next one!
I also started a "21 Days of Gratitude" Group (more info and a FREE Gratitude Guide under the "21 Days of Gratitude" tab). I was inspired by Marie Forleo's TV episode about re-vamping your gratitude list...it got me thinking. I want to create a structured group where people I could put the spark back into their gratitude practice (or start one) and be uplifted by a positive community. Even if you journal all the time, you'll want to try out this new twist to your gratitude list. Any and all are welcome to join and there are more details on the group page. I'll also post some positive tasks or "happy hacks" every so often. You can do the challenge for the 21 days or, if you enjoy the group, you can stay as long as you want.
I'm super excited about both these groups. The women in my 5-day clean eating group haven't even technically started and I can already tell it's going to be an awesome, supportive group. So much fun! If you have any questions about these groups or how they could be a positive addition to your life, you are welcome to email me at: theglowstickdiaries@gmail.com
Alright, it's time to head home, make dinner, food prep for the week and give my spoiled bird more attention. Ciao for now <3
I can't stress enough the importance of breakfast. It starts your day off right. You are fueled up and energized, not jittery from a cup of coffee on an empty stomach and it keeps you from grabbing sugary, junky snacks later on as a pick-me-up.
Have breakfast in the morning and thank me later ;) It also makes your coffee taste better >> (scientific fact.)
That all being said, I KNOW what it's like to not have enough time in the morning. I'm not a morning person and no matter how hard I try, I never seem to take a quick shower or get ready in time to make a big, sit-down breakfast.
So here are some of my favorite quick breakfasts ideas:
1. Green smoothie (recipe below!)
2. Oatmeal mixed with 1tbs peanut/almond butter and a piece of fruit
3. Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt with granola (look for whole grain granola with less than 10g of sugar per serving), mix with some berries as well
4. Sprouted whole grain toast with avocado, peanut, almond or sunflower seed butter and a piece of fruit.
Skip the bagel and cream cheese, pre-made yogurt parfaits and sugar laden cereals. It's not healthy....it's sugary, refined crap. No fuel, no energy, no nutrients. Just grossness.
Without further ado, enter my favorite smoothie recipe on the planet. Here it is. I am about ready to rock your world. Change your life. Knock your socks off.
5-Minute Kick-Ass Breakfast
Recipe: Green Chocolate Smoothie
In a blender, the night before:
1. 1 handful of spinach (Yes, spinach. You won't taste it though!)
2. 1 tsp chia or flax seeds (optional)
3. 1 tsp Maca powder (Superfood fuel, yeeehaw! Also optional)
4. 1-2 tbsp peanut/almond/sunflower seed butter
5. 1/2 a banana
6. 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
Place the blender in the fridge until morning...
In the morning:
1. Pour 1-1.5 cups almond milk (unsweetened) in the blender
2. Add a splash of water, depending on how thick you like your smoothies
3. 2 ice cubes
4. A few shakes of cinnamon
Blend.
Pour in a cute mason jar (optional/somewhat necessary)
Enjoy.
BAM.
Not only are fueling up on 15 grams of protein, 40+ super foods, fruits and veggies in chocolate form, but you did it all in, oh say, 5 minutes.
How our idea and definition of "perfect" or "perfection," can be really limiting.
For me personally, I tend to not post videos or blogs because I don't think they're "perfect" enough. Or I don't look "good enough" to post a video. I'm too embarrassed. Or I'm afraid that my idea isn't be "perfect" enough to be shared. Hell, it keeps me from wearing certain clothes sometimes because I don't think my body looks "perfect" or "good enough" to wear it.
But I don't think I'm the only one being held back by that unattainable ideal of "perfect." It's ok for us to want things to be polished, professional, well-thought out, etc...but when it comes to us limiting or holding ourselves back because we're waiting for ourselves or something external to be "perfect"....Eff no. Let it go. Release it.
So this video (far from my idea of "perfect") is me standing up to my standard of perfect when it comes to my writing and sharing of ideas. Shit, the video doesn't even fill up the entire YouTube screen ;)
Enjoy! I'd love to hear any thoughts/ideas on this topic!
P.S. Since making this video I have found out my "temporary" living situation will now be my "permanent" living situation. Huzzah!
I will never forget the moment I said those words to myself. The profound effect those six simple words had on my mindset and the places it has given me the courage to go.
I had just finished talking with my family about my plans (well, at that point they were more of a vague idea) of moving up to Napa Valley to work in hospitality. It was an uplifting and encouraging talk, but I still was overwhelmed at the prospect of doing something that involved such a radical change in my life. And the overwhelming emotions kicked my ego/mind into high-gear...and I began to tell myself I wasn't good enough to find a job in a new area, that I was making a mistake, etc.
I went to the bathroom to pee and zen out (normal?) for a second. At that point, the thoughts swirling around my mind went something like this: You want to find out more about wine and hospitality Lindsey? Yeah, you and everyone else in that region. What makes you think you even have a chance of being successful at that? You're not any different from all those people. AND you have zero hospitality experience. LOL, REALLY? My mind continued this string of thoughts until I looked at myself in the mirror and a small, but strong voice came out of nowhere and said:
"Well, it's a good thing I'm me."
It almost felt like I had been slapped in the face or another person had said those words. But no...it was me. My inner voice and wisdom finally standing up to my mind and its bullying tendencies.
I blinked and stared into the mirror. Rapidly feeling a sense of expansion and self-criticism being lifted from my shoulders.
Of course I could do the move and get a job. I was me. I had the power to make it happen. As does everyone else. And if it didn't happen, then something better would come as a result of simply trying for it in the first place. What did I have to lose?
And looking back, I have to laugh. Saying such self-empowering words to myself while looking in the mirror, when years before the mirror had been a source of such self-loathing and negativity. Using it to hate and pick apart my body, trying to fit some delusional expectation I had about the way I should look. It was my worst enemy for years, but now I looked at myself and felt empowerment, not inability and hatred.
Since then, those 6 simple words began a profound shift in life. My mind, my ego, usually the home of self-doubt and criticism has slowly started joining the same team as my heart and inner wisdom. It's no longer a booming voice that drowns out my heart-induced feelings and inspirations.
Now whenever I'm faced with a challenging situation or an important opportunity, I am being greeted by self-doubt less and less. Sure, it's still there and doesn't go away overnight. But by nurturing and loving that inner voice of mine, and allowing it the freedom and space to speak, it's become stronger. And that little, encouraging voice in my mind has given me the comfort and confidence to "go for it." To try for something I really want. In so many different aspects of my life. Thoughts become things and that is certainly true when it comes to the conversations you have with yourself. Allow your inner wisdom and voice the space to speak and guide you. Greet that self-doubting ego with a big, respectful "hello!" but then gently remind it that you're going to focus on your intuitive voice instead. Because the more you fight the ego, the stronger it gets. Here's how I think of it: let your heart lead you and let your mind say, "Ok. Game Plan!" Because you do need both; your logical, analytical mind and your intuitive, dream-following heart...but when the two are at odds or if you are constantly led by one and not the other, life gets thrown out of balance. It's hard to move forward in a positive, inspiring way. When that happens to me, I just feel like I'm stuck. My heart is pushing on the gas pedal, but my mind still has the car in park because it's afraid and doubtful. Don't let you mind bully your body and inner wisdom. Begin to view your mind and intuition as being on the same team. So, the next time you're filled with self-doubt, go to the bathroom to pee and zen out, look at yourself in the mirror and say "It's a good thing I'm me." And then go conquer the world.
