How to Get Your Family and Friends to Support Your Healthy Lifestyle

Have you ever decided it was time to make a positive change in your life and been met with resistance from the people closest to you?  The people that you expected to support this new you?  I think we've all been there at one time or another.  Usually by the time we're ready to make a change we have a long list of poor behaviors that need to be addressed.

Things like over eating, having too many cocktails, being a couch potato or engaging in negative self talk.  As we work to improve our situation, we sometimes forget the people closest to us are right there with us engaging in those same behaviors.  They may not be as excited about making a change as we are.

Here are a few tips to get your family and friends on board with your new lifestyle:

✒ Include them in the process and ask them to join you.  Exercise and meal planning can be fun! 

✒ If they aren't ready to join you, ask them for their support and encouragement.  Let's face it; they are not always going to be on board with committing to the same lifestyle changes.  That's okay.  Ask them to support you on your journey because it's important to you.

✒ Be the example.  So often these types of changes are short lived.  You know what I'm talking about.  How many times have you committed to an exercise program and eating health just to quit a few days later?  Show them that you are committed to this new lifestyle.  They will be more supportive when they realize you are serious about this change.

✒ Don't let anyone sway you from your goals.  This is your journey and your commitment to yourself.  Set your boundaries.

✒ Get comfortable with social situations.  Your family and friends want to know that just because your being healthy it doesn't mean you will miss social gatherings.  Celebrations are centered round food.  Bring a healthy dish to share if you're concerned about what you'll eat.  Remember...people want to feed you.  It's okay to say no if the food doesn't fit into your plan.  Just be polite.  Based on my experience you may have to say "No" a few times, but they will eventually get it.

I've been very lucky with my support system.  My husband and kids were on board every step of the way.  The hardest thing for me was realizing I could enjoy our standing Friday night date at our favorite restaurant without blowing my commitment.  I've adjusted what I order on the menu and will have club soda instead of wine if I'm making the choice to be alcohol free.  If I'm having a cocktail, I'll order wine and water it down with club soda.  I'm making it work my way!

I hope these tips help.  If you still don't feel like your getting the support and encouragement you need, try one of my accountability groups.  They are full of like minded women all on their own journey to their happiest healthiest self.  There will be no lack of support here!

If you found value in this, I'd love to hear it!  Send me an e-mail to sueharkerfitness@gmail.com.

Here's to your healthy lifestyle,

Sue

Unicorn Bark

As we've raised our kids, dessert was not a standard everyday occurrence in our house.  It was always viewed as a celebration or reserved for a special occasion.  We've experienced; the more kids you have, the standard for the youngest looks much different than the standard for the older siblings.  Especially when there is a spread in age.  Our girls are 22, 17 and 9!  Our youngest, Josie has quite a sweet tooth.  The decision to finish her dinner usually depends on dessert being offered afterwards.

When we noticed the ice cream habit getting out of control we decided to look for ways to offer a treat that wasn't full of sugar and something that we could feel good about her eating; even if it is every night for dessert.

I came across this recipe and decided we needed to give it a try.

INGREDIENTS

♦  Parchment paper
♦  2 1/2 cups reduced-fat (2%) plain yogurt, divided use.  I made the mistake of using Greek Yogurt instead of reduced fat plain yogurt.  The taste is a little bitter because of the Greek Yogurt.  I'll use plain yogurt next time.
♦  3 scoops Vanilla Shakeology, divided use
♦  4 1/2 tsp. honey, divided use
♦  1/2 cup cut strawberries
♦  1/2 cup fresh blueberries
♦  1/2 cup cut pineapple
♦  1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Line 13 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper.  Set aside.

2.  Place 3/4 cup yogurt, 1 scoop Shakeology, 1 1/2 tsp. honey, and strawberries in blender; cover; blend until smooth. Place in a medium bowl.  Set aside.

3.  Place 3/4 cup yogurt, 1 scoop Shakeology, 1 1/2 tsp. honey, and blueberries in blender; cover; blend until smooth. Place in a medium bowl.  Set aside.

4.  Place 3/4 cup yogurt, 1 scoop Shakeology, 1 1/2 tsp. honey, and pineapple in blender; cover; blend until smooth. Place in a medium bowl.  Set aside.

5.  Place large dollops of strawberry mixture randomly around prepared baking sheet.  Repeat with blueberry and pineapple mixtures, making sure dollops are touching.

6.  Gently cut through yogurt mixtures with a knife in a circular motion to create marbling.

7.  Sprinkle top with coconut.  Cover with plastic wrap.

8.  Freeze for 2 hours, or until firm.

9.  Cut (or break) into bite-sized pieces; serve immediately, or freeze until ready to enjoy.

Josie had a great time making the Unicorn Bark and is enjoying this healthy treat after dinner instead of ice cream!  Thats a win!

Give it a try and see if your kids love it!  Let me know what you think by sending a message to sueharkerfitness@gmail.com.

Happy Saturday!

Sue

Simple Frittata

I know some families have a hard time embracing leftovers.  In the Harker house, we plan our meals for the week and Thursday is typically leftover night.  That doesn't mean we have the same meal as earlier in the week.  It means the components of the meal are repurposed into something a little different.  Like roasted chicken from Tuesday night may become a cobb salad with chicken on Thursday night.

In this case, we needed a meatless meal for Friday during Lent.  The asparagus and tomato side dish from earlier in the week became a Simple Frittata.

INGREDIENTS

12 whole eggs
1 1/2 cup leftover veggies or your choice of filling
Cooking Spray

DIRECTIONS

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees.  Whisk eggs in a large bowl.  Add veggies and mix together.  Spray skillet with cooking spray (make sure your skillet has a metal handle that can be placed in the oven).  Pour mixture into the skillet.  Cook for 30 - 35 minutes or until egg mixture is firm to the touch.

Transfer the frittata to a plate or cutting board.  Cut into 6 servings.

I place the leftover frittata in sandwich bags and warm them in the microwave for a quick breakfast or lunch during the week.

This is one of my favorite ways to clean out the leftovers on the weekend.  The variations are endless.  A few of my favorite frittata creations:

➤  Philly Cheese Steak Frittata (mozzarella cheese, peppers, mushrooms, onions and roast beef)
➤  Taco Frittata (cheedar cheese, tomato, onion and taco meat topped with guacamole)
➤  Caprese Frittata (mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil)
➤  Spinach Frittata (spinach, mushrooms, onions and bacon)

If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

Enjoy!

Sue
sueharkerfitness@gmail.com

A day in the life of a Beachbody Coach

When I think back to the woman that was stuck in her reality just seven short months ago it seems like a different lifetime.  I was giving everything I had to the people I love and my job, with very little left over for me.  I was uncomfortable in my clothes and refused to purchase a larger size because that was admitting defeat.

I was asked to join a challenge group revolving around a new workout program called Country Heat.  I'd already purchased the program, because I was a fan of Beachbody.  I wasn't good at remaining consistent and seeing the programs through.  I decided to go all in with the workout, improved nutrition through Shakeology and the accountability group.

From day one...something clicked.  I found the consistency I'd been missing for so many years.  The Shakeology gave me energy and curbed my cravings as I worked to get my nutrition in check.  Country Heat was the perfect program to get my 30 pound overweight body moving without hurting myself.  The number on the scale started to move and I began feeling so much better!

I quickly decided I wanted to pay this forward and become a Beachbody Coach.  I now help other women begin their journey to their healthiest, happiest selves while continuing my own journey.  I've lost 20+ pounds and found a new purpose for my life.   So...what does a day in the life of a Beachbody Coach look like?  Here's a typical day for me...

4:30am  Alarm goes off.  I snooze twice...not once, not three times, but twice.

5:00am  Dressed and ready to workout in my living room using Beachbody on Demand.

5:30am  I spend 30 - 45 minutes inviting to my Challenge Groups, checking in with my current groups and preparing posts to share about my journey.

6:15am  Get ready for work.  Pack a healthy lunch and snacks for the day.

7:30am  Prepare my Shakeology and head out the door to work.  Listen to personal development on the way because you can't fill others from an empty cup!

8:30am - 5:30pm  Handle whatever the day throws at me.  As the Vice President of Property Management for a busy commercial real estate company, I've always referred to my job as a "professional problem solver."  You never know what the fire drill will be for the day, but you always have to be ready to tackle it!

Noon  Check in with the ladies in my Challenge Group and respond to messages while eating lunch.

6:00pm - 9:00pm  Dinner and family time.

9:00pm  Last Challenge Group check in of the day, reading and lights out by 10:00!

Do I make sacrifices to be a Beachbody Coach?  Sure...I sacrifice 30 minutes of sleep in the morning to make sure I have enough time for a workout and business activities.  I can't tell you the last time I watched TV.  I used to love Grey's Anatomy.  That time is now spent focusing on my Beachbody business.

Do the rewards out weigh the sacrifices?  Absolutely...My time is spent intentionally now.  I'm more productive in all areas of my life.  The messages I receive from women changing their lives because I've introduced them to the Beachbody system (workout, nutrition and accountability) truly fills my heart.

How about the residual income?  Yes, I have a great job that pays me well.  However, as a single income family with three daughters at different stages in their lives (wedding, planning for college, dance tuition), and a house that was built in the 70's, there never seems to be enough for the extras.  Beachbody has afforded me the opportunity to pay for my daughters nine day trip to Canada over the summer without figuring out how to squeeze those funds out of our regular budget.

As a Beachbody Coach I'm building a business in the pockets of time available in my day.  I'm more fulfilled and happier as a result.  What a blessing it's been to turn my passion into a paycheck!  I'm building a team of coaches looking for something more.  More purpose...more income...more freedom...

If this sounds like you, reach out to me and let's do this together.  The rewards are there for the taking!

Living my purpose,

Sue
sueharkerfitness@gmail.com

Stronger Together

I have always been a planner and goal setter.  January 1st could not come and go without my detailed list of goals for the new year.  I would write my goals very quietly and tuck them away in my notebook.  As I began working towards these goals, I would inevitably hit a few stumbling blocks and the goal would fall by the wayside.  You see; it was very easy for me to give up on the goal because I was the only one who knew what was written on the pages of that notebook.  The only person I was quitting on was me.

I've changed my approach a little the last six months.  I made the decision to take control of my health and I shared those goals with everyone.  I appointed my sister Malisa as my accountability and success partner.  I gave her full authority to call me out if I lost my focus.  I began experiencing the success that was so elusive in the past.  I also joined a support and accountability group on Facebook that was full of women declaring their goals and striving to be their healthiest selves.  These ladies  drew strength from each other to continue pushing ahead.  It made me realize, there is truly power in connectivity.

I wasn't going to reach my full potential by myself.  I needed the strength of others to keep me going. As I said, I would quit on myself, but I wouldn't quit on anyone else!  This has truly been a game changer for me.  I'm no longer hiding behind the veil of secrecy related to my goals.  I'm sharing them for everyone to hear.

So how about you?  Are you flying solo?  Would a community of encouraging and inspiring people help you find your success story?  My Spring Shape Up Challenge Group starts March 13th.  This is the perfect place to get started!  Reach out to me at sueharkerfitness@gmail.com or complete the application below if you're interested.

Join My Support and Accountability Group

Together we are Stronger!

Sue