Best Dinner Ever!

4:35 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

I've been trying to keep things simple these days. Ok, kinda cheap. But I still want dinner to be healthy and delicious. It's possible, I swear. Last nights concoction came out so well I have to share! I was looking for organic chicken breasts but found some Italian spiced turkey sausages on super sale instead. So this became the focus of the dish. I steamed a bunch of organic broccoli and asparagus with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of seasoning in the water. I chopped up crunchy fresh chard into strips and tossed it in a hot skillet with a spritz of olive oil and a generous scoop of minced garlic. (I usually cook veggies and meat separately to skim the fat) This meat was lean and so fragrant I couldn't resist the urge to throw the greens in the pot. Hello, down home cooking! The sausage and chard steamed together on medium heat until the meat was cooked - about 15 minutes. Served with a side of herbed long grain rice and fresh veggies the fragrant sausage was sliced and tossed with the chard making a lovely and well balanced plate. And those plates were clean when they got back to the kitchen! Amazing! And all low-fat, high in vitamins, quick, easy and cheap! Try it:)

Overcoming Obstacles

7:40 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." "Two steps forward, one step back." Both of these quotes remind us that the road to our accomplishing goals is rarely an easy one. But they also remind us to keep on trying. Keep on' keepin' on. Life is full of roadblocks no matter what we do. And we all make mistakes along the way. I'd like to congratulate the members of my Fat Loss Program who've persevered these ten weeks and have overcome many of their own obstacles. Way to go. None of the weeks guaranteed a drop on the scale, none of the weeks promised not to be filled with temptation and doubt. And they never will. But when you set your sights on something you really want - whether it's fitness related or not - you need a tough mentality to get there. Those roadblocks don't have to stop you. Look for a way around or hurdle yourself up and over! Accomplishment feels all the sweeter when we’ve worked for it. If we didn’t have to struggle a little to win we may not even notice that we did. Of course, when we’ve set of sights on something and formulated a plan to get there it is darn right maddening to be tossed off course. I think these quotes suggest what I believe to be true – tackle each setback one at a time. We can’t allow the little hills of discouragement build up to an impassable mountain. We have to pick ourselves up after a stumble and walk on. Even if we backtrack occasionally if we keep moving forward then we’re closer to where we want to be.

Recipe Swap!

6:36 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Here are two great recipes from members I can't wait to try. There's a Mexican theme going on - and healthy too! Try one of these next time you're expecting company!

What do I do once I've reached my weight loss goal?

1:41 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Maintenance: The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is a national database containing data on a large group of people who have on average lost more than 60 pounds and maintained their weight loss for 2 years. Here are some of the weight control strategies adopted by these 'weight-losers.'

*Set Realistic Weight Goals

A five to 10 percent weight loss can have significant health improvements. Establish achievable goals and add to them as they are reached. Reassess goals every six months.

*They eat a regular breakfast. And don’t skip meals.

Consume four to five smaller meals and snacks per day. Staying nourished can help prevent overeating at different points of the day.

*They monitor their weight regularly (sometimes daily).

*They Self-Monitor Food Intake and Activity Level

Consistently monitor food intake and activity level.
Become familiar with what, how much and when they eat and are active. Regular assessments can coincide with weight loss changes and help to identify what may be triggering weight regain. Use journals, food records and activity records regularly. Share them with a weight loss coach like me!

*They take up to 60 minutes of daily exercise daily, burning an average of 400 calories.

Spend 60 minutes per day doing moderate intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. Physical activity is identified to be one of the most important components of maintaining weight loss successfully. Lifestyle activity (doing daily household chores like gardening, mowing, vacuuming and chasing the kids) can be counted. Walking stairs for 10-minute intervals three times per day has the same calorie burning power as walking stairs continuously for 30 minutes. Picking enjoyable activities is most important.

**The most popular weight control exercise is walking.

*They follow a fat-reduced diet, (24 percent calories from fat) while eating healthy carbs.

A low-fat, high carbohydrate diet/eating plan is the desired approach to maintaining weight loss. Select carbohydrates that are high in fiber and unrefined, for example, fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain cereal and breads, brown rice, beans and legumes, and whole-wheat pasta.

*They control their calories, averaging 1400 calories, per day.

Weight loss can be maintained at 1,400 to 1,500 calories per day after the weight goal is achieved. Become familiar with portion sizes and the average calorie levels of food to help achieve a calorie-eating plan that will maintain body weight.

*They Consume Enough Calcium

High-calcium diets (food versus calcium supplements) may reduce the amount of calcium in fat cells, which in turn increases fat breakdown and reduces fat storage. Consuming 1,000 mg/day (3 ½ cups of dairy in the form of low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt) has demonstrated these benefits.

Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Vinaigrette

7:11 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Here's what's on tonight's menu....

Spring Cleaning!

6:47 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

I'm sorry it's been a few days since I've written. It's been like a whirlwind around here! Saturday was so beautiful we just had to find some fun outside. I've always loved mountain biking. Intense effort followed by heart pounding descent really gets me going! Since my bike was stolen last season I just haven't hit the trails. Until yesterday! I bought an amazing new-to-me bike from a friend and rode like a wild lady through Powell Butte state park. It was perfect. I happen to love exercise for exercise sake but there's nothing like the rush of great physical activity (at high speeds) in the out-of-doors!

Today was spent deeply involved in another Springtime activity. Major household cleaning and reorganizing. It's rather dramatic what a bit of furniture rearranging an a few new shelves can do. I feel quite reinvented:) Just now putting the finishing touches on my new bedroom office. Previously I've been dragging all my books and notes and spilling out all over the kitchen table. Now I have my very own desk! I've heard it suggested to keep work out of the bedroom but this is my sanctuary, my creative den, my "spot".

I enjoy a good scrub down and our tiny apartment needs constant upkeep. Sometimes I think we have dozens of cats instead of two. If I leave the place un-dusted for a weekend the fur balls multiply! Today we moved all the furniture, swept, mopped and removed any moldy grim we found along the way. It took all afternoon (including the trip to IKEA) and the results are worth the effort. I feel much happier at home. Setting your space right can make your whole life seem easier and more organized. As the weather warms up and we are inspired to make new and fresh here are some tips to keep your Spring clean green.....

These simple suggestions are so basic you most likely have all the "ingredients" in your cabinets already.

Here are a few basic “recipes” and techniques to get you started:

Glass: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray on glass and wipe clean with old newspaper or a lint-free cloth.

Countertops and bathroom tile: Mix 2 parts vinegar and 1 part baking soda with 4 parts water. Apply with a sponge, scour, and wipe away.

Floors: Mix 4 cups of white distilled vinegar with about a gallon of hot water. If desired, add a few drops of pure peppermint or lemon oil for a pleasant scent. After damp mopping the floors, the smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, leaving behind only the scent of the oil.

Wood furniture: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive and oil. Apply a small amount to a cloth, and rub onto the furniture in long, even strokes.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle a toilet brush with baking soda and scrub away! Occasionally disinfect your toilet by scrubbing with borax instead. Wipe the outside of the toilet clean with straight vinegar.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar, 3 cups hot water, and 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use a spray bottle. Wipe clean.

Mold and mildew: Wipe with straight vinegar.

Air freshener: Sprinkle essential oil on a cotton ball, and stash it in a corner of the room. If you have kids, make sure it is out of their reach as essential oils are very strong and could irritate their skin. Lavender is a relaxing scent that is great for bedrooms, and cinnamon, clove, and citrus oils are great for the rest of the house. You can stash a few in the car too—try peppermint, which may help you to stay alert.

Happy Cleaning!

So much to do this year!!

7:34 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

What are you going to train for? Just deciding to put one of these fun events can do a world of good for your mind, body and motivation. Don't worry of you've never done anything like this before -- everyone is a beginner once! I finished my first Triathlon and a Half Marathon last year and still feel amazing about it:) My husband is going to join me for the Girlfriends and Dudes Triathlon this year too-- his first. I can hardly wait! Pick something that sound wild to you and GO for it!

Triathlon Training Seminar

Event Date(s): 03/16/2010

If you have ever dreamed of finishing a triathlon, now is your chance!

March Muddy Madness

Event Date(s): 03/21/2010

Enjoy a series of physical challenges and mental orienteering.

Learn to Run

Event Date(s): 04/01/2010 - 06/17/2010

12 Week Learn to Run program - Safe, Effective and Results-Oriented!

10 Week Fat Loss Program

Event Date(s): 04/13/2010 - 06/19/2010

If your goal is Fat Loss, this program will get you there!

Ultimate Spring Makeover Challenge

Event Date(s): 04/14/2010 - 06/14/2010

This Weight Loss challenge will get you looking your best just in time for Summer!

Learn to Run Barefoot

Event Date(s): 04/17/2010 - 06/19/2010

Train the muscles in the foot to do their job!

Mt. St Helen's Summit Climb

Event Date(s): 06/19/2010

Haven’t you always wanted to summit Mt. St. Helens? Now’s your chance!

Summer Solstice 3 and 6 Mile Fun Run, Live Band & Costume Contest

Event Date(s): 06/26/2010

A 3 & 6 mile evening walk or run & Costume Contest to celebrate the start of summer.

Sea-kayaking, Hiking & Biking the San Juan Islands:

Event Date(s): 07/14/2010 - 07/18/2010

Join us for hiking, biking, kayaking and more in the magnificent San Juan Islands.

Girlfriends & Dudes Triathlon

Event Date(s): 07/25/2010

Short distance triathlon along the beautiful Columbia River including a Kids Tri too!

Learn to Row

Event Date(s): 08/21/2010 - 08/22/2010

Experience one of the most amazing full body workouts and a sport that is so meditative.

Summer's End Amazing Race

Event Date(s): 09/12/2010

A knock-off from the TV show, this event will challenge you and your partner!

Girlfriends Half Marathon

Event Date(s): 10/17/2010

Recruit your best girlfriend and benefit Breast Cancer Research.

Workout for your Soul

Event Date(s): 11/14/2010

An exercise-a-thon to raise food and clothing for those families in our community who need help!