Small Swaps

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

I'm pretty sure everyone has some kind of goal to get healthier, especially with summer right around the corner.  I'm also pretty sure everyone wishes that it was easier, that sweets were healthy and that working out wasn't so hard.  I'm trying to find easier ways to eat healthier and make better choices. 
Here are a few easier ways that I am trying to get ready for summer with changes in my diet and lifestyle:

1. Exercising.  I am beyond thankful for this warmer weather so Addilyn and I can get out of the house. The last two days we've gone on a hour walk and not only it is a great time killer for a longer day, but it makes me feel better about myself and definitely counts as a workout.  If I can only get over not be embarrassed by people and houses that I pass, I want to start doing some lunges, pushups and situps along the way so it feels like more of a workout.  
And on the days that it isn't possible to get outside, I'm thankful for free online workouts like bikini body mommy and fitness blender that have awesome, hard and thankfully short workouts.    

(source)

2. Meals.  Thankfully with summer coming up it's easier for me to eat healthier.  There is more produce that is fresh and on sale, we do more grilling, and I don't spend as much time instead snacking all day.  I've been trying to find meals to make that are healthier, but still taste really good.  Like these skinny enchiladas.  I made them a few weeks ago and they were delicious, easy and a healthier option than my other enchilada recipe.  Thankfully with pinterest and food blogs, it's much more manageable to find healthy, easy recipes. 

3. Small swaps.  This one is easier for me but it's a little harder to convince Chris.  I have no problem putting skim milk in my coffee or eating the light versions of cream cheese.  He takes a little more convincing. I mean tricking, as I'm convinced he wouldn't even notice that things are the lighter version.  Drinks are a huge calorie consumer, which is why I'm thankful for products like Ten Sodas or Beverages.  These drinks only have 10 calories, but are still full of flavor.  Sweets is my biggest downfall and drinking the 7-up TEN tasted sweet, without sacrificing tons of calories.  

Chris is a big ginger ale fan so the Canada Dry TEN would be his first choice, but there are also A&W TEN and Sunkist TEN, all with only 10 calories each.  
Checkout Walmart.com for a coupon which will save you a $1.50 off your purchase of the Four Ten Sodas or Beverages, available until April 17th while supplies last.  Follow DPSG on facebook and twitter to be notified of savings. 
4. Snacks. Turns out that despite the peanuts and raisins, I'm aware that my trail mix snack isn't very healthy.  Especially when I eat countless handfuls all afternoon.  I am determined to make some better snacking choices like fruit, veggies and hummus or cheese.  
With the few nicer days of weather we've had recently, I couldn't be more excited for summer and am determined to make some changes to be overall healthier.
  

Why I'm a bad wife

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Kleenex but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #KleenexTarget  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO”
There are a few things that I could say that I do well as a wife, like put away laundry, and take care of our bills.  But there are definitely areas where I know I could do better.  One of the biggest things I fail at is being sympathetic when Chris is sick.  I rarely get sick myself and when I do, I would still go to work and somewhat function pretty well.  Chris on the other hand, gets sick and is in bed for days straight.  He immediately needs gatorade, Kleenex and a million hours of sleep. 
The thing is that I know I don't get as sick as Chris (which sometimes I attribute to be just being stronger) and I know I should be a little more compassionate.  Unfortunately Chris has been sick twice in the last three weeks and I failed at being a caring wife.  BUT I am prepared for the next time and know how to make him feel a little better:
1.  I am one of the cheapest people you will meet and buy just about everything generic, and for the most part Chris has adapted.  I have learned however, there are a few things that you should buy name brands, because they are way better.  One being toilet paper.  And the other being Kleenex.  Buying the real stuff makes a huge difference and I know Chris appreciates it.  I do know that having a soft, absorbent tissue is much better on a sick nose.  

And turns out when you have a good coupon for $1 a four pack or more of Kleenex at Target, you don't end up paying much more for a much better product. 
2.  Cook him a good meal.  When you have a really bad cold, a good comfort meal is a great way to feel better and I am definitely capable of doing that.   One of Chris' favorite meals is chicken pot pie.  I've used this recipe before and it is pretty simple (especially when you buy a rotisserie chicken and using a bag of frozen veggies instead of cutting fresh ones) and SO delicious.   Ingredients:  1 rotisserie chicken (shredded) 1 bag frozen veggies (peas and carrots) 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/3 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/3 teaspoon celery seed 1 3/4 chicken broth 2/3 cup milk 2 pie crusts  Shred your chicken, cut up your onion and celery.

In a saucepan, combine frozen veggies and celery.  Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside. Add chicken.  

In another saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft.  Stir in flour, salt, pepper and celery seed.  Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk.  Simmer over medium-low heat until thick.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Form one pie crust onto the bottom of a casserole dish or pie pan.  Place the chicken mixture in the bottom of the crust.  Top with sauce mixture.  Put pie crust on the top and fold down the sides and cut slits across. 

Bake is 425 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.  Let cool about ten minutes.

3. Make a fire.  Okay I actually have only done this twice because I'm scared of starting a fire.  But I know I could do it.  And I know if Chris ever came out of bed when he was sick and found a fire and a delicious meal, I'd earn some major wife points.  

So let's just hope that Chris doesn't get sick again for a very long time.  But if he does, let's hope I can be a little more sympathetic and be prepared with Kleenex, a good comfort meal and a warm fire.

Project 7

I was so excited to be part of bringing awareness to the company Project 7 because I love what they do and what they believe in.  Their mission is to make sure that everyone around the globe as access to the fundamental human needs for a healthy life.  They make everyday products like water, gum and coffee and then use the proceeds to work with nonprofit charities that help meet Project 7's seven needs: feed the hungry, heal the sick, hope for peach, house the homeless, quench the thirsty, save the earth and teach them well.  Read more about one of the neatest companies I've heard of here.