Tag: Goals

Are you a resolution maker, or a goal setter? Do you aspire to something, or respond to inspiration? There are as many motivators for us personally, as there are individuals. Because, well, we’re all individuals! If making resolutions has never worked for you, don’t sweat it. If setting goals feels overwhelming, or like a chore (that’s my take on them 😉), then don’t. I personally like daily or weekly “to-do” lists. Simple, do what’s in front of you, move on to the next, kinds of lists. Like a recipe, when I get the constituent parts done, it results in a something whole.

We have a brand new year ahead of us, full of possibility. However you choose to move into it, may it serve you. Feed yourself well. Move your body in ways that feel just right. But, most of all do what makes your heart sing.

As for me, I am easing into 2023 as I recover from catching a fun (not) little cold virus between Christmas and New Years. First time I’ve been sick in over three years! I’ll be back to teaching virtual classes beginning next week (1/9/24).

Looking ahead I have more quick exercise videos in store for you; and I am in the planning stages of a seven day course on “How to Meditate.”

In closing, please scroll down for a Quick Health & Fitness Goal Tip, and a delicious “Orange-Glazed Butternut Squash With Herbed Pecans” (nuts are heart healthy!) recipe.

In Health & Wellness,
Claudia

QUICK HEALTH & FITNESS GOAL TIP

Squeezing 30 minutes (or more) of formal exercise into a day can often feel daunting. You’ve put in a full day already, and now there is that pesky exercise/fitness/health goal sitting there taunting you.  Here is an easy way to get more movement into your day:

• Break down those 30 minutes into smaller ones, and sprinkle them into your day. Try taking a 10 minute walk in the morning, another one at mid-day, and finally one at the end of the day. Set reminders on your smart watch/phone, and push away from what you’re doing. Take a walk around the block, to the mailbox, to get your mid-day coffee/chai/smoothie, or complete a circuit of your house. There are as many ways to add steps into your day, as there are minutes. And, very few of them require going to the gym, or getting on a treadmill. It’s like that “To Do” list. Check one thing off at a time, and before you know it it’s done.

Orange-Glazed Butternut Squash With Herbed Pecans

2/3 C pecan halves
1 t extra-virgin olive oil
2 t fresh thyme
2 t chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 t paprika
1/4 t + 1/8 t salt
4 C butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 T unsalted butter
1 T honey
1 t orange zest
2 T orange juice
1/2 C dried plums (prunes), sliced in half
2 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together pecans and olive oil. Add thyme, rosemary, paprika and 1/4 t salt; stir to coat nuts with mixture. Place nuts on a baking sheet and cook for 10 minutes or until browned, being careful not to burn them. Meanwhile, place butternut squash in a steamer basket and steam until fork-tender, about 6–8 minutes. In a skillet, melt together butter, honey, orange zest and orange juice over medium-low heat. Add squash, dried plums and remaining salt; cook, stirring gently, for 2 minutes, making sure squash is well-coated with the orange glaze. Serve topped with pecans and goat cheese. Makes 4 servings.
[Source: IDEA Health & Fitness Association]