Heavenly Healthy's Anniversary

When I started this blog in 5/2010 and FB page in 4/2011, I had no idea that it would become the portal to finding my ultimate passion. I had no idea that my own self-improvement would turn into a burning desire to help others get healthy.. No idea that I would grow a page to thousands of fans, or that I'd become "good enough" to write for websites like Tosca Reno or Skinny Ms. I had no clue that through these pages I would FINALLY figure out which degree I want to pursue in college and actually be able to confidently start working toward it. No idea that I'd be running 5K's and mud runs with my kids, or a half marathon with my daughter! I didn't imagine that I would feel and BE so healthy from the inside that it would show on the outside in every area of my life and that I would be as HAPPY as I always dreamed of being as a child.

To be honest, I still have NO idea where this is all going and I am loving every minute of it! I have learned that one of the life's biggest joys is to just enjoy the ride. I also know that GREAT things are happening. I have helped a few people in my personal life to get on the path to leading healthier lives, and hopefully there are a few of you reading this that I've helped in some way or another. May these pages be a portal to you finding YOUR ultimate health and happiness!

To welcome and introduce myself to so many new followers, I thought I would share some of the things that I do to stay healthy and fit, and feel vibrant and full of energy. These choices ultimately fuel my fire for being the best mommy and wife that I can be for my family and keep me strong and steady on my path toward my dreams and goals. They give me strength and vigor to go after the things I want in life. Sometimes things change and that's always acceptable, as long as it is for the better. I think it's so important to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones, but also be gentle to ourselves. Allow mistakes and downtime. Allow changes when something isn't working the way we want it to. It's all okay! We all have our own unique and individual paths.

As of today, these are some of *my* keys to happiness and health:

• I eat clean about 90% of the time.
• I allow myself clean treats once in a while. This might mean a piece of pizza, some dark chocolate or some ice cream, but that's it. I'm never thrown off of my wagon anymore by one little treat.
• I avoid white flour, white pastas and other processed foods. That doesn't mean it never happens, but I avoid them as much as possible.
• I don't eat meat. I have a few reasons for this, but the main one is that I just don't like it and I never really have.
• I choose my beverages carefully. I avoid soda, juice, energy drinks and alcohol.
• I work out 4-6 times per week.
• I try to get 7 hours of sleep every night.
• When the weather and my schedule permits, I sunbathe for about 30-40 minutes a day. Vitamin D is a HAPPY vitamin (the tan is just a nice bonus)! 
• I take a whole foods multi-vitamin every morning. 
• I drink coffee. Some may say this isn't a healthy habit, but I say it could be (and has been) a lot worse. 
• I make time for the things that soothe my soul.

I hope that you all enjoy reading these pages/recipes and know that I'm here if you have any questions, feedback, requests or just need support. 

Thank you all for reading!

Heavenly healthy living to all~

Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication.
Roger Staubach

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.
Vince Lombardi

Hiking is one of my favorite soul foods.
Here we stopped for a yoga break at the top of a mountain...

 And then a jumping jack break...

Remember to have FUN with your health and fitness!! :)