Self Care Isn't Selfish

Mental Health

Personally mental health isn’t something I am very open about or am really in tune with compared to other people but that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. Everyone struggles. Whether we talk about or bottle it up, we are human and can only handle so much especially as we get older and navigate all of life’s obstacles. Every hardship that we face makes us stronger and helps prepare us for the next obstacle because let's face it, we’re going to have them every step of the way for the rest of our lives. What I am getting at is that it’s okay to face things head on, feel all of the feelings, ask for help, or take some time to yourself to figure it out but always remember that you are not alone. 

My first thought about those that have lost their job or have experienced the waves of this pandemic, is that it has to have an affect on their mental health. I thought about all of the families that don’t have a steady income anymore, those that have underlying health issues which leaves them at risk, those that are adapting to having their kids at home 24/7, it has to be such an extreme adjustment. If you do not have a solid mental foundation these curveballs can hit you hard which is why it is so important to be selfish when it comes to your own personal health. I’m sure most of us aren’t used to acknowledging what we’re really feeling but if you’re reading this, this is your sign to start. 

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What sets Fit Bar apart from other businesses is that we practice and preach three simple words, “Mindset, Nutrition, and Movement”. Notice that the first word of our motto is “mindset” because it truly is the most important. Our mission is to bring awareness to the fact that before you can fix anything else you must have the right mindset. Think of dieting, for example if your mindset is to lose weight as fast as possible, once you get to your “goal weight” then what, you stop and eventually end up back at square one. If you have a mindset of wanting to improve your overall health, your lifestyle should be the thing to change which replaces that temporary feeling with something long term. The same thing goes for your job, school, or anything that you may have a negative perspective on because it’s not exactly what you are passionate about. If you change your thoughts to how your current situation will set you up for success in the future, that may change the way you feel. You might feel more motivated and positive about the next steps and how hard you want to work to get there. No matter what it is, it’s good to set realistic goals, steps to get there, and focus on how you feel. Mindset over EVERYTHING. 

Although Fit Bar advertises our nutrition focus and coaching, we start with where your mindset is at and how we can create the most positive experience to set you up for success in all the other aspects of your life. It’s terrifying being vulnerable with how you feel, trust me I am the worst at expressing feelings and emotions but sometimes it gets to the point where I do feel like I need guidance and answers. Spread positivity always and don’t forget to be selfish sometimes because you at your best can help others whether you know it or not. 

I challenge you this week to focus on how to become a better version of yourself whether that’s going for a walk, making yourself a meal, getting together with a friend, journaling, the possibilities are endless just do something that makes you feel good! 

Coach Liv

Pn1

Why I'm obsessed with

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I woke up one day with an unhealthy obsession for the strangest veggie:

Brussels Sprouts

(which I just learned is actually Brussels and not Brussel).

An unhealthy obsession for a super healthy superfood? I’m all for it! These cruciferous vegetables resemble mini cabbages and are FULL of health benefits!

Brussels Sprouts are ridiculously high in nutrients. Lets break it down:

Brussels sprouts are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Here are some of the major nutrients in a half cup (78 grams) of cooked Brussels sprouts (1):

  • Calories: 28

  • Protein: 2 grams

  • Carbs: 6 grams

  • Fiber: 2 grams

  • Vitamin K: 137% of the RDI

  • Vitamin C: 81% of the RDI

  • Vitamin A: 12% of the RDI

  • Folate: 12% of the RDI

  • Manganese: 9% of the RDI

Brussels sprouts are not only full of fiber but are especially rich in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. They also are full of the antioxidant rich vitamin C and contain small amounts of vitamin B6, potassium, iron, thiamine, magnesium and phosphorus!

We can spend all day breaking down all the nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that is contained in Brussels sprouts and why we need them but I want to focus on the fact that they are so easy to add to any meal and adhere to any dietary preference!

People often enjoy these magical veggies roasted, boiled, sautéed or baked.

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My go to simple side dish to wow dinner guests (or even just make my tummy happy) is to first cut off the ends of the Brussels sprouts, mix the sprouts with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and then roast them on a baking sheet until they’re crispy. Then you can go anywhere from there! Add some parm, miso, honey and lime, GARLIC, balsamic, you name it!

I will never say no to adding Brussels sprouts to pasta, frittatas or stir-fried dishes for a flavorful and nutritious dinner.

My favorite brussels sprouts addition is to start with heating on the stove top some cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joes, roast the Brussels sprouts as listed above. When the sprouts are finished, I throw them in with the gnocchi, and add sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a red or white sauce and call it a meal! It tastes like you should be guilty but really your body will be saying “thank you!”

Another favorite way to add Brussels Sprouts pizzazz to my meals is to slice Brussels sprouts in half, and cut butternut squash in bite size pieces, drizzle in olive oil with your favorite seasonings (21 seasoning salute from Trader Joes is literally heavenly), and some unsalted mixed nuts and roast them all together then throw some dried cranberries up in there to create perfect flavor and texture to compliment any meal! (try throwing some fresh Parmesan or a vegan cheese for a little extra umph)!

Not into veggies? Ease your way in to Brussels sprouts by cooking up some bacon (or that amazing Trader Joes vegan chorizo), and crushing the bacon into tiny pieces and set aside. Now you’re left with bacon grease and and funny looking round balls of leaves. Put two and two together and cook up the sprouts in the grease to absorb all the flavor and serve with crushed bacon on top! Little keto love there!

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No matter how you take your Brussels, know they give you a solid boost of nutrients and fancy up any meal in a super simple way! Any questions of simple additions to give your meals a nutritious boost? The Fit Bar Crew has your back!



Summer Recipes

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Looks like the sun finally decided to show up halfway through summer, which can only mean one thing…

My favorite summer recipes in full effect!

Don’t get me wrong, I can cook and bake through rain or shine but when the sun is shining I am more motivated to try fun and new refreshing recipes. During the summer my favorite fruits like blackberries, raspberries, and cherries are in season along with a few of my favorite vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and cucumbers so I tend to make more meals that include these seasonal items. If you’re not much of a cook and like recipes that don’t take as much prep I’ll include a couple easy snacks that you can have on the go or whenever you feel like it! 

SNACKS

Raspberry Chia Jam - light and naturally sweet! Perfect for sandwiches, yogurt topping, or an extra boost in your smoothie.

Sliced bell peppers with hummus - the easiest snack that takes NO time to whip up. If you’re feeling brave you can even make your own hummus.

Cucumber salad - the freshest summer salad with minimal ingredients and makes the perfect side! 

MEALS

Grilled street corn - sweet corn combined with a vegan creamy citrus sauce.

Stuffed peppers - this recipe is easily interchangeable for whatever grains and seasonings you have on hand!

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FitBar’s nutrition coaches have even more delicious and nutritious ideas so if these recipes leave you wanting more, feel free to contact us for more details!

Food equals fuel so next time you step into the kitchen, remember to be kind to your bodies and fuel it with ingredients that will love you right back ♡

Coach Liv

Pn1