Do you ever wake up and think “I sure hope today is an easy day”. A well known saying of the NAVY SEALS is “the only easy day was yesterday”. When constantly pushing yourself to excel, there will be challenges that make every day a battle. If you wake up knowing that every day will pose new challenges and that you are ready to face them head-on, you will be well equipped to achieve any goal you set and hopefully it will be an easy day!
I have put together a short list of a few tips to make your day run smoother so you can face the challenges ahead:
Take time for yourself- Maybe you are someone who likes to meditate to start your day. Or maybe you like to sit quietly before everyone wakes up and read the paper or the book that you enjoy. My day starts with some type of movement, usually cardio (cycle, jog or fast walk) followed by weights.
Plan meals- This can help eliminate the frantic call of “what’s for dinner mom”. Set aside just 30 minutes to plan a week of meals. Make a list of what you will need and look in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards for items you already have. Don’t forget to include the nights that you have take-out or going out to dinner.
Listen to music. Whatever your listening preference is, listening can have a profound effect on your mood and level of energy.
And if you are wondering what to cook for dinner (and have some leftovers for lunch), here are a few meals that I love.
Sheet pan salmon and brussel sprouts. Click here for the recipe. Did you know that salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Eating salmon (whether as sushi, smoked or baked or grilled) is great for your cardiovascular health as it’s a lean protein. Eating salmon can reduce your risk of cancer, improve your cognition, and aid in bone and joint protection. Eating salmon helps keep your skin healthy, allows you to have better vision, and is efficient in keeping your metabolism active. Did you also know that salmon is known to be a brain food for children and a calming food for those with ADHD.
Sheet pan balsamic herbed chicken and veggies. Click here for the recipe. This is too easy to make! Even a beginner can cook this meal in easy steps. The balsamic vinegar is sweet and when paired with the chicken and veggies it is savory too! The recipe also uses zucchini which is still in full abundance as the season started late. Zucchini also contains significant amounts of fiber, electrolytes, and other nutrients that are necessary for a healthy digestive system.
Easy parmesan “fried” chicken with sweet potato and broccoli. Click here for the recipe. This is a great dish that is always a winner! I love the sweet potato and broccoli combo! Some may regard sweet potatoes as too starchy, but their high fiber content makes them a slow burning starch—meaning they won’t spike blood sugar and insulin levels.
Cheers to simplifying your days and nites by making healthy habits to calm your days and making easy healthy meals too! For more information, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com