Meditation and Mindfulness – Aug 16
Meditation and Mindfulness
It seems like everyone is talking about meditation and mindfulness these days. No doubt, you’ve probably heard why we should all be meditating to help with daily stress and overwhelm. A quick google search shows physical benefits like lowering blood pressure and reducing headaches, to psychological benefits like increased concentration and improved emotional stabitiliy — and who doesn’t need that!
I’ve found that the practice of meditation takes time to get the hang of it. Release all the unrealistic versions that we see. Your experience may look like the picture shown above, or it may look totally different! And sometimes it’s easier to just think about having “quiet time” and taking deep breaths – it very well may be meditation, but the change in words lowers my expectations for myself!
So what’s the best way to meditate? You have to find what works for you. Try sitting in silence, adding soft music, listening to a guided meditation on YouTube or using an app like HeadSpace or Calm.
But how do you stop your thoughts? I’ve found out that it’s not really the goal to stop our thoughts. One of the best analogies I’ve heard is comparing the process of meditating to that of going underwater. When you submerge yourself underwater, you still hear muted noises in the distance and you detach from the thoughts a bit.
My challenge to you today is to sit or lay in a quiet place for 10 minutes, focus on your breathing, and when thoughts float through your head, just gently let them go. Try different variations of when, where and how you get into your quiet time. Over time you may just find that spending a few minutes a day can lead to changes in how you respond to the world.
Be Inspired!
Chicken Crust Margherita Pizza
Ingredients:
- ½ lb ground chicken breast
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- cooking spring
- ½ cup no-sugar-added tomato sauce
- ½ cup reduced-fat shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped basil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine first four ingredients in medium-sized bowl. Form chicken mixture into a thin, circular crust shape onto a parchment-lined, lightly greased baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Top with sauce, cheese, and tomato slices, and bake until cheese is melted, about 7 to 10 minutes. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Makes 2 servings.
Per serving:
1 Lean, 2 Green, 2 Condiments
A Healthy Mind Transformation
I love getting to celebrate people and stories like Heidi’s!
“My story is more about health than weight loss. However, in the process, I did lose 20 lbs that I have kept off for 5 ½ yrs. Before I found this program I knew how to gain weight and lose weight but neither of which was healthy. On one end I was tired and bloated and on the other end, I was tired and light headed.
The “me” on the left thought taking the kids to the park to watch them play was a good day being outside. I was going through the motions of life but not really living. Now that I have found true health, the “me” on the right has lots of energy and a new love for nature. My kids and I have discovered so many beautiful hikes. It has opened a whole new world for my entire family. I had no idea what we had been missing. Thankfully through this program, along with the support and connections of the health community, I have found there is a bigger and better life out there!”
Please share this newsletter with someone who you know that is looking for a healthier mind and body!
Health and Happiness,
Tina
Tina Kucera
tinak.gethealthy@gmail.com
402-980-5362
Tina Kucera | http://www.tinak.optavia.com | tinak.gethealthy@gmail.com
Our mailing address is:
Optimal Health
Omaha, Nebraska 68118
United States
Staying Focused on Your Journey – June 20
Staying Focused on Your Journey
Being consistent on your journey to lifelong transformation can be challenging at times. There are ebbs and flow in all of our lives. At times, we’re more focused and goals are easier to attain, and there are other times when staying committed requires more effort. Here are some tips to help you stay on task and energized about your journey to Optimal Wellbeing:
- Stay focused. If you want to stay focused on achieving your dreams, make a list of everything in your life – like poor relationships, unhealthy food, or even television – that is a distraction from achieving your goals. It may be difficult to rid yourself of these things in the beginning, but you’ll thank yourself in the end.
- Keep a written log. This can be a great way to help you stay focused on what you want to create and what is most important to you. It’s also a great place to focus on your progress. Whether it takes the form of a food log, journaling your thoughts, or keeping a gratitude journal, writing helps us process our thoughts.
- Keep your healthy community close. There’s no better way to achieve your goals then by working with people that are on a similar path and looking to achieve Optimal Health. Join a support group or visit with your Coach or friends on a regular basis so you can discuss the things that are important to you on your journey.
- Take time to recharge and refresh. Taking time off is important. There are different ways to enjoy time away like getting an hour massage, taking a bath, or reading a book. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed to come back with renewed resolve and focus.
Be Inspired!
Pizza Bites
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups riced cauliflower
- 2 eggs
- 1¼ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella, divided
- 3 Tbsp. grated parmesan
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Cooking spray
- 6 turkey pepperoni slices, chopped
- ¼ cup no sugar added tomato sauce
- ¼ small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 Tbsp. diced red onion
- 1 Tbsp. sliced black olives
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Add cauliflower rice to medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let cook, then add eggs, ¼ mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Divide mixture evening amongst 12 slots of a lightly greased standard-sized muffin pan. Press down lightly to form mini crusts. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Top each mini cauliflower crust with tomato sauce, remaining cheese, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, and olives. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Makes 2 servings.
Per serving:
1 lean, 3 green, 3 condiments
A Life Transformed
Angela and her story are such an inspiration!! She truly transformed her LIFE!
I turned 40 and hated life. I hated my job, hated my daily routine, and was just flat out depressed even though I really had so much to be thankful for. All I wanted was to wear a t-shirt and shorts and not have a muffin top! I read every health book and tried almost every program that I could afford! I felt discouraged. Then I found this program which not only brought hope but FREEDOM! I lost 35 lbs in 3 months and have never felt better, mentally and physically! I am so thankful for how great I feel mentally, physically, and now financially, too! So BLESSED!
I’m so happy to walking your journey with you! Let’s connect soon.
Health and Happiness,
Tina
Tina Kucera
tinak.gethealthy@gmail.com
402-980-5362
Tina Kucera | http://www.tinak.optavia.com | tinak.gethealthy@gmail.com
Our mailing address is:
Optimal Health
Omaha, Nebraska 68118
United States
Meditation – February 21
Meditation
You’ve probably heard that meditation is key to a healthy mind and body. But the idea of meditating might feel out of reach. I struggled for many years, thinking I had to be at some perfect state of zen, and I never seemed to be able to quiet my mind. But if you think of meditation as just a relaxation response, then it may take the pressure off.
There are lots of apps and youtube videos that can walk you through a meditation. I highly recommned the app Headspace to help you get started if you are struggling. Here are a few other tips:
- Find a quiet and safe space with no distractions.
Pick a comfortable position like sitting upright or lying down. Close your eyes and find a happy, peaceful place to focus your mind. If you feel your mind wander, simply re-focus your attention. Try a mental body check and focus your attention starting from your head, working down to your toes. - Remember to breathe!
Breathing is one of the most important components of meditating. Deep breathing is a simple way to calm your body and mind. As a bonus, light your favorite candle or relaxing scent to incorporate smells into your meditation relaxation. - Practice meditating every night for about two minutes before bed, or every morning when you first wake up. This will allow you to start small and build on your success..
Meditation can be very powerful and can help decrease depression, reduce stress, and make it easier for you to stay calm and focused throughout your day.
Be Inspired!
Healthy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cup Raw Eggplant
- ¾ cup Raw Cherry Tomatoes
- 4 tsp Olive Oil
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Salt Free Italian Seasoning
- 10 sprays Non-stick Cooking Spray
Directions:
Thickly slice the eggplant. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Lay the eggplant slices in the baking pan and cover with the tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt free seasoning and drizzle with olive oil. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with one tablespoon of water. Bake for 10 additional minutes.
Makes 2 servings. Each serving provides: 3 Greens, 2 Condiments and 2 Healthy Fats.
Best Health
Lisa made the decision to take control of her life and she lost 52 lbs!! She is enjoying the benefits of more energy, less fatigue, less pain, better sleep, and is on her way to her best health. She is so excited to have her life back!!
I hope you find time for some meditation and relaxing this week!
Health and Happiness,
Tina
Tina Kucera
tinak.gethealthy@gmail.com
402-980-5362
Tina Kucera | http://www.tinak.optavia.com | tinak.gethealthy@gmail.com
Our mailing address is:
Optimal Health
Omaha, Nebraska 68118
United States
