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Real-life healthy changes, made simple and delicious.

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meal prep

How to Make Vegan Tempeh Crumbles or Cubes

By Jen

Tempeh is a super versatile, plant-based protein, with a firm texture that provides a satisfying “chew” to your meal. It has a mild, slightly earthy, nutty flavor, but takes on the flavor of whatever spices, sauces, and condiments you add to it.

What is tempeh, anyway?

Tempeh is essetially cooked and slighlty fermented soybeans which have been pressed into a cake-like block form. You can often find this high-protein plant food in many supermarkets, typically stocked near the produce, alongside tofu.

If you are new to adding plant-proteins to your weekly menu, tempeh is a great place to start. It’s easy to prepare, and its almost firm, meat-like chew will satisfy even the most hesitant of meat eaters.

Got chronic inflammation? Tempeh can help!

A 2021 clinical study has demonstrated that diets rich in fermented foods like tempeh increase the diversity of your gut microbes (yay for gut health!) and also decrease signs of molecular inflammation. In this “stunning finding”:

. . . four types of immune cells showed less activation in the fermented-food group. The levels of 19 inflammatory proteins measured in blood samples also decreased. One of these proteins, interleukin 6, has been linked to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and chronic stress.

STUDY SUMMARY: Stanford researchers discover that a 10-week diet high in fermented foods boosts microbiome diversity and improves immune responses.

prep tip

The first step in preparing the tempeh is a brief simmer (as described in recipe instructions below). Do not skip this step, as it helps remove any potential bitter taste, and it also helps the tempeh take on the flavors of your addtional ingredients more easily.

Here are just a few ideas for adding tempeh to your meals:

  • Tucked into a burrito or breakfast burrito
  • Added to a salad (for a heartier, more filling and protein-rich salad)
  • In a bowl meal with roasted veggies and a starch (like potato, sweet potato, quinoa, rice, etc.)
  • in a skillet breakfast-hash-inspired meal (with sauteed diced sweet potato, greens, red onion, and top with with a fried egg)
  • Over shredded veggies and noodles, drizzled with peanut sauce
  • In a stir fry
  • In chili
Use whatever shape you prefer – cubes, crumbles, etc.

Print Recipe
Vegan Tempeh Crumbles or Cubes
Course Main Dishes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
  • 1 8-ounce block of tempeh, cut into 4 large, equal pieces (FYI, soybean-based tempeh is typically higher in protein than purely grain-based ones)
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 cloves garlic gently pressed
Course Main Dishes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
  • 1 8-ounce block of tempeh, cut into 4 large, equal pieces (FYI, soybean-based tempeh is typically higher in protein than purely grain-based ones)
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 cloves garlic gently pressed
Instructions
  1. Combine the spice ingredients (thyme, sage, oregano, smoked paprika, paprika, freshly ground black pepper) and set aside.
  2. Add water to a medium pot to about โ…“ full, and add ยผ cup of soy sauce and the pressed garlic. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Add the tempeh chunks. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Drain the tempeh, and discard the garlic cloves (or save to use in something else if youโ€™d like!). Gently pat tempeh dry.
  5. After tempeh has cooled, cut into smaller, bite-sized chunks OR crumble into smaller pieces. Toss with spice mixture.
  6. In a large skillet (I like to use nonstick for this recipe), heat the oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned tempeh, and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring often until itโ€™s lightly browned. Add extra oil as needed.
  7. Add the teaspoon of soy sauce, stir gently, and remove skillet from heat.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: batch cooking, meal prep, plant-based, protein, vegan, vegetarian

Rosemary Roasted Butternut Squash

By Jen

The perfect balance of savory and sweet, Rosemary Roasted Butternut squash is a cinch to make and is a perfect, versatile batch-cooking item to have on hand to add to meals all week long. Butternut squash is a colorful, starchy vegetable, which means it is not only super-fueling, but also loaded with plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

all batch-prepped and ready for the week!

Ways to enjoy this easy recipe:

  • As a colorful, veggie addition to any basic meal, especially delicious with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork
  • Add to a comforting, nourishing bowl meal, along with other veggies, protein of your choice (for example, egg, tofu, tempeh, poultry, pork, beef, or lamb, etc.). Drizzle bowl with a delicious sauce or dressing, and add some beans, too if you like.
  • Add to a breakfast bowl, with eggs and sauteed greens.
  • Roll it over into a soup: puree with broth, and add a splash of something creamy like cream or coconut milk
  • Add to a salad
  • Mash it, and use as a “bed” at the bottom of your plate, and top with grilled meats and other veggies.
  • Use it in place of tomato sauce on a flatbread or pizza. Mash the cooked squash, spread on your pita/dough/crust, and add cheese and mushrooms for an amazing combination!

what you’ll need

  • butternut squash (Buy pre-cut for a helpful shortcut!)
  • garlic
  • rosemary (preferrably fresh, but dried works, too)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt & pepper
  • sheet pan (These are the best ones, and a great value!*) *I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Print Recipe
Rosemary Roasted Butternut Squash
Sweet, savory, and garlicky, this easy recipe is a great addition to your batch-cooking favorites!
roasted squash on sheet pan
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 pounds butternut squash, cubed (Buy pre-cut to save time.)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stems fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1-2 teaspoons, dried)
  • salt & pepper
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 pounds butternut squash, cubed (Buy pre-cut to save time.)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stems fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1-2 teaspoons, dried)
  • salt & pepper
roasted squash on sheet pan
Instructions
  1. Place oven rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. (You can do this directly on your sheet pan, or in a bowl.)
  3. Spread squash out evenly on sheet pan. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until squash begins to brown slightly.
Recipe Notes

Note: If you double this recipe, use two sheet pans, or roast just one batch at a time if you've only got one sheet pan. Avoid "crowding" the squash on the sheet pan, because that will result in steamed rather than roasted squash.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: batch cooking, meal prep, plants, vegetables, veggies

Meal Planning in 6 Bite-Sized Steps

By Jen

I feel your pain! Meal planning and prep can sound like a daunting process, and I used to believe that it was an overwhelming, all-or-nothing monster of a task. Not true, I assure you! And you don’t have to have it all figured out to start a weekly routine that works for you. Do you typically make a weekly meal plan?
Here I’m breaking down the process into six, manageable, bite-sized steps. This can help you map out your week more easily, in a way that works for you.

But first, some meal plan & prep mythbusting!

  • Nope, you don’t have to plan and prep every meal for the week. Focus on your weekly rough spots first – is it breakfast, lunch, or dinners? Or maybe tackle three days at a time. You do you.
  • Nope, just because you meal plan doesn’t mean you need to cook and prepare everything from scratch. Grab shortcut foods at the store as needed (rotisserie chicken, pre-chopped veggies, etc.). It’s okay to include dining out in your plan if that works for you. Planning when and where you dine out can often help you get more strategic about choosing places that help you better meet your health goals and your budget.

What do you think? Is it helpful to tackle this process one bite at a time? What works for you? Which steps in the planning and prep process are working for you, and which ones need tweaking?
Let’s do this!

Filed Under: Meal Prep/Meal Planning Tips, Real Food, Real Health Tagged With: healthy habits, meal plan, meal prep, real food

Simple Roasted Chicken Breasts

By Jen

Crispy, flavorful skin + juicy, tender inside = roasted chicken perfection

Basic, easy, yet simply amazing

Sometimes going the basic route can yield the most stunning results. Like the classic “little black dress”. Or like this simply seasoned roasted chicken.

This straighforward, easy-peasy recipe will help you churn out reliably tender, juicy, delicious chicken breasts every time.

  • This roasted chicken is the perfect anchor for a classic “Sunday dinner” kind of meal, with the usual pairings of roasted potatoes and savory vegetables.
  • It’s also a perfect way to batch prep a big pile of chicken to set yourself up for some easy meals during the week. Shred it, chop it, leave it whole – whatever way works for you.
  • Grab your spice blend.
  • Rub it on, and under
    the skin.
  • Roast at 375 degrees.

What you’ll need

  • Chicken. (Obvs, I know.) For this recipe, select bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Yes, even if you have no intention of eating the crispy, delicious skin (you probably won’t be able to resist that part, just saying). Bone-in, skin on chicken breasts deliver far superior results – tender, juicy, flavorful. So, please just put down those boneless, skinless chicken breasts, okay? You can just remove the skin very easily after cooking if you want to avoid it. This type of chicken is typically labeled “split chicken breasts”.
  • Roast Rub/Spices Okay, you can do your thang here, and choose whatever spices and herbs you like to use on chicken. Feel free to try out my classic, roasted chicken spice blend recipe if you’re looking for a blend to try. Or keep it super basic with simply salt and pepper. Whatever blend you decide to use, please make sure it includes salt. Salt not only significantly enhances the flavor of your chicken, it also helps tenderize it, yielding juicy, succulent chicken. If you are able to salt (and/or add your spice blend) your chicken ahead of time, go for it. The longer you allow the salt to work its magic, the better the results.
  • A roasting pan or sheet pan I usually use a large, heavy gauge rimmed baking sheet for this. I typically include intentional extra on the pan, to ensure I have plenty extra to stash away as “batch prep gold” to use for several days. Whatever amount of chicken you decide to roast, make sure you do not crowd the pan. Give the breasts a lil’ bit of breathing room. This will insure that lovely, crispy roasted texture you’re going for (instead of soft, squishy steamed chicken which is the result of cramming too much chicken in the pan).
  • A meat thermometer, preferrably instant read Okay, I’ll be honest. This is OPTIONAL. And you may be fine without it if you have Julia-Childs-level kitchen skills and can tell the exact moment when your chicken has been cooked to perfection. I know my own current culinary limits and I’m not at that level just yet. That’s why I love using a meat thermometer to take the guess work out of it. I’ve had a good experience so far with this meat thermometer, the Javelin from Lavatools.

But wait, there’s more

Don’t throw away those chicken bones. Once you are done picking the cooked chicken off the bones, store those bones in the fridge or freezer. They are the perfect starter for homemade chicken broth! If that sounds like a colossal task, I am happy to tell that making broth is quite the opposite. It’s actually pretty straightforward and easy. If you have an Instant Pot, try out my super easy Instant Pot Chicken Broth recipe.

I’d love to know if you give this a try, and how you incorporated it into your meals throughout the week!

Print Recipe
Simple Roasted Chicken Breasts
Course Main Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
  • "split" chicken breasts (bone-in, skin on) Use whatever amount you like. I find that a 3lb or so package fits nicely on my 12"x18" baking sheet.
  • spice blend, including salt
  • oil (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.) optional, for drizzling
Course Main Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
  • "split" chicken breasts (bone-in, skin on) Use whatever amount you like. I find that a 3lb or so package fits nicely on my 12"x18" baking sheet.
  • spice blend, including salt
  • oil (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.) optional, for drizzling
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Arrange the breasts on the baking sheet evenly. Do not overcrowd.
  3. Sprinkle and rub with whatever seasoning you are using. Try to rub some of the spices and salt under the skin, and also rub it on the outside, all over. Optional: drizzle with oil.
  4. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or so, until it internal temperature hits 165F in the thickest part of the breast (approximately when the juices run clear).
  5. Remove from oven, and let chicken "rest" for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will help the chicken retain its juices (instead of running out into the pan).

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: batch cooking, chicken, meal prep

Sheet Pan Frittata

By Jen

Repeat after me:

A fueling, tasty breakfast ready and waiting in my fridge definitely makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning! 

Okay, okay. No, you donโ€™t have to repeat that. But, yes, I am trying to sell you on just how good it feels to wake up knowing that you already have breakfast figured out and done. Itโ€™s a beautiful thing.

When this is ready and waiting in your fridge, you know it’s going to be a good breakfast.

I donโ€™t know about you, but having a ready-to-eat breakfast is my favorite way to start the day. On a busy weekday morning, I donโ€™t even want to think about any kind of meal preparation. Getting out of bed is hard enough on its own! Prepping a big batch of breakfast foods like this sheet pan frittata really helps me solve that challenge. And when breakfast feels this easy (and delicious), it somehow makes me feel a lot more prepared to plow through the rest of the dayโ€™s challenges and tasks. 

If you want to auto-pilot your breakfast, and youโ€™re also looking for easy ways to add more veggies to your plate, this sheet pan frittata is your solution.

You can make this at the beginning of the week, and dip into it for days, in lots of different ways:

  • Pair it with some fruit on the side.
  • Slap it on a piece of whole-grain bread (like this Mestemacher rye I love), or tuck into a wrap.
  • Use it to build a brunch-worthy meal by enjoying it with some Greek yogurt, berries, (and maybe oats, too?) on the side.
  • Heck, you can even enjoy it as a snack!

To make this recipe even easier, feel free to rely on pre-chopped/shredded veggies, or your leftover cooked veggies for your add-ins. This can save you one step on the prep.

So, the basic steps look like this (see recipe text below for full instructions):

Add-in ideas:

  • Mushroom, arugula, and feta: 10-12oz sliced mushrooms, several big handfuls of arugula, ยผ cup feta
  • Western omelet-style: 1 large onion chopped, 1 ยฝ green bell peppers chopped, 1 6 oz. package Canadian bacon, chopped
  • Broccoli, sliced tomato, and oregano
  • Whatever veggies you have on hand that you need to use up! 
  • Really, whatever combination sounds delicious to you.

Iโ€™d love to know how it goes if you add this to your meal prep this week! What did you use for your add-ins? What did you pair it with to make a meal? 

Print Recipe
Sheet Pan Frittata
Easy, sheet pan frittata that helps you hit your veggie goals, and sets you up with a delicious breakfast option for several days. No judgment if you eat it for lunch and dinner, too.
Course Breakfast
Servings
servings
Ingredients
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • 16 ounces carton pure egg whites 16 ounces is a typical size you'll find for carton of egg whites.
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil for cooking veggie add-ins or oil of your choice
  • 2 teaspoons butter for greasing the sheet pan; substitute with a different fat if you need to keep things dairy free. Please note that oil doesnโ€™t seem to work as well as a more solid fat like butter in preventing the eggs from sticking.
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon ยฝ - 1kosher salt choose amount depending on how salty your add-in ingredients are
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Just eyeball it!
  • spices and herbs optional
  • Veggie add-ins (and whatever else you like to add - turkey bacon? sausage? cheese?
Course Breakfast
Servings
servings
Ingredients
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • 16 ounces carton pure egg whites 16 ounces is a typical size you'll find for carton of egg whites.
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil for cooking veggie add-ins or oil of your choice
  • 2 teaspoons butter for greasing the sheet pan; substitute with a different fat if you need to keep things dairy free. Please note that oil doesnโ€™t seem to work as well as a more solid fat like butter in preventing the eggs from sticking.
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon ยฝ - 1kosher salt choose amount depending on how salty your add-in ingredients are
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Just eyeball it!
  • spices and herbs optional
  • Veggie add-ins (and whatever else you like to add - turkey bacon? sausage? cheese?
Instructions
  1. If necessary, cook any veggies youโ€™re adding to frittata. You can cook in a heated skillet (using the two teaspoons of oil) until softened, or gently steam, or microwave briefly. Leftover roasted veggies are also a great option for your veggie add-in.
  2. Set aside cooked veggies to cool.
  3. Preheat oven to 400F.
  4. Grease sheet pan *thoroughly*, including every speck of every corner, and up the sides, too.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs. Add egg whites and whisk to combine. Whisk salt and pepper into egg mixture. If you are adding any spices or herbs, whisk them into the egg mixture.
  6. Pour egg mixture into pan.
  7. Gently add cooked veggie (and whatever else youโ€™ve got in there) mixture into egg mixture on sheet pan. The easiest way to do this is just to add a little bit at a time, by hand or with a spoon. Distribute the veggie mixture evenly across pan surface. (If you prefer, you can instead, add veggie mixture to the sheet pan first, and then pour egg mixture over that. Your call.)
  8. If adding cheese, sprinkle across top.
  9. Very, very carefully transfer pan to oven. I will be honest - you need a steady hand for this so you donโ€™t end up spilling liquid eggs all over the place. I recommend sliding the oven rack out slightly before you place the sheet pan on it. And, once youโ€™ve placed the sheet pan on the rack, slide the rack back in very slowly. (Trust me. Learn from my mistakes!)
  10. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until eggs are set. Let cool before slicing.

Filed Under: Blog, Recipes Tagged With: batch cooking, eggs, meal prep, sheet pan

Frittata 101: How to Make the Perfect Frittata

By Jen

Okay, so maybe perfect is a stretch, but that’s the beauty of this whole frittata thing. It doesn’t need to be perfect! Whew, right? Who needs perfection on a busy weeknight, anyway? There are some basic techniques and steps to follow, but beyond that, you can just get in there and do your thing. Add your favorite veggies, or, even better – use up the odds and ends of veggies that are hiding in your fridge. Want to add some more protein in the form of ham or sausage? Slice that up, and go for it. Does a little bit of feta, goat cheese, or cheddar work for you? If you need to keep things dairy-free, garnish with avocado slices. Feel free to add in fresh or dried herbs if you like. You do you!

Frittata know-how is one of those must-have kitchen skills that can help you throw together a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with very little effort and time. It’s also a great staple for batch-cooking meal prep, because you can double, triple, quadruple, etc. the amount to fit your household’s needs.

Eggs are a rich source of protein and healthy fats, so a frittata is a wonderfully satiating choice for breakfast. And, really, who has time to cook eggs from scratch every morning? The frittata is a shining example of how, with a little bit of meal prep, real food can be the easy, convenient, “fast food” choice.

Frittata made with tomatoes and zucchini

Nope, not pizza! It’s frittata made with zucchini, garlic, italian herbs, parmesan, and sliced tomato. Pizzata?

My recipe below is based on using eight eggs. Depending on your serving-size needs (1 egg? 2 eggs?),ย  it it makes 4-8 servings. This recipe is totally customizeable, so if you need to serve more than that, a 12-inch skillet can easily accomodate up to a dozen eggs. Also, if using a 12-inch skillet, I recommend using at least six eggs. If you plan to use less than six eggs, I recommend using a smaller, 9 or 10-inch skillet.

Use a heavy, sturdy skillet, as it conducts heat so much better. Cast iron is nice, but not necessary. You’ll need to use an ovenproof skillet, as the final cooking step involves the oven.

And one last bit of advice . . . be sure to coat the pan thoroughly with the oil. Baked-on/cooked-on egg is no joke, and will leave you scrubbing your pan for an hour. Ugh. Properly oiling the surface will make all the difference in the world!

If you want to go even bigger, try out my recipe here for Sheet Pan Frittata!

A slice of frittata from your meal prep stash is an easy way to build your plate for a quick lunch or dinner.

So good at breakfast with my favorite side – steel-cut oats, berries, Greek yogurt, and cinnamon, nutmeg, & cardamom!

ย 

Print Recipe
Basic Frittata
Course Breakfast, Main Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
  • 8 eggs
  • 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2- 2 cups veggies, chopped (raw or cooked; see instructions below)
  • 4 tablespoons cheese (optional)
  • fresh chopped herbs, or dried herbs and spices (optional)
Course Breakfast, Main Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
  • 8 eggs
  • 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2- 2 cups veggies, chopped (raw or cooked; see instructions below)
  • 4 tablespoons cheese (optional)
  • fresh chopped herbs, or dried herbs and spices (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F.
  2. Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Whisk in salt and pepper to taste. If you are using herbs or spices, add them in at this point, and combine thoroughly.
  3. Heat a 10-12 inch heavy skillet over low to medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil. Try to rub a little bit of the oil up the sides a tiny bit (I usually use a scrap of paper towel or a pastry brush to do so). This will prevent egg from sticking on the sides of the pan.
  4. Once oil is heated, add in raw veggies, and saute until softened. Cook time will vary depending on your choice of vegetables. If you are using pre-cooked veggies, do not add them at this point.
  5. Pour egg mixture into skillet, right over the sauteed veggies (be sure to spread them evenly around the pan before you add the egg mixture to the pan). If you are using pre-cooked veggies, add right on top of the egg mixture, being sure to distribute evenly (to make sure everyone gets their veggies!). If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it on top.
  6. Reduce heat to low and cook for two minutes.
  7. Turn off stovetop heat, and place skillet in preheated 400F oven. Cook for approximately five minutes, until eggs are set. Cook time will vary slightly depending amount of ingredients you used.
  8. Garnish with avocado (optional) and fresh herbs (optional).
  9. Slice leftovers into portions of your choice, and store in fridge for quick meals during the week.

Filed Under: Blog, Meal Prep/Meal Planning Tips, Recipes Tagged With: batch cooking, easy, eggs, meal prep, quick

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About Me:

Hi, I’m Jen, and welcome to Nourished Not Famished. Here you’ll find recipes, meal ideas, and wellness tips to thrive without deprivation or restriction. I like to keep healthy changes simple, and grounded in a real-life approach (the secret to making it stick!).ย  Find out about more about me here, and how you can work with me!

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So, you're feeling motivated to make some healthy So, you're feeling motivated to make some healthy changes. Yay, You! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ The secret to making it all happen is . . . there is no secret. The unsexy truth is real change happens (and sticks!) through long-term consistency with the basics.

Nope, the Six-Week Shred plan isn't the magic bullet some huckster is trying to tell you it is. 

It's all about practicing the basics, with a focus on *making them happen in a way that works for you today, this week, this month*. 

And knowing that "what works right now" will change over time.

That's where the Practice Mindset helps! ๐Ÿ‘‡
1๏ธโƒฃ Practice a small change for a set period of time.
2๏ธโƒฃ Next, pause and reflect: How did it go? What worked, what didn't, and why?
3๏ธโƒฃ Proceed if it's working, or Pivot if needed (tweak the change to better fit your life).

Those unsexy basics to practice?
๐Ÿ‘‰Eat more whole (or minimally refined) foods,.and less of the highly refined stuff. (Notice that I didn't say "none"?)
๐Ÿ‘‰Balance your plate at meals with protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Keep it colorful, with plenty of plants in the mix.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Sleep, rest, recover.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Do what you can to manage stress.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Move your body daily (walking is great!). Build your strength. #makesomemuscle
๐Ÿ‘‰ Spend some time doing fun things that help you connect with yourself. #selfcare
๐Ÿ‘‰ Get outdoors. Natural light, Vitamin D, fresh air, and nature are key. (You are a living thing, remember? ๐Ÿ˜‰)
๐Ÿ‘‰ Connect with people and experiences that nourish you.

Hit up my blog (link in bio @nourished.not.famished ) for ideas, tips, and resources to help you get cracking on practicing those unsexy basics. ๐Ÿ˜˜

Which of these basics is your practice priority right now? How's it going?
.
.
#makeitstick #tinyhabits #healthyhabits #practicenotperfection #nourishednotfamished #skillpower NOT #willpower
#changeskills #eatingskills #kitchenskills #balancedplate #simplenutrition #movement #sleep #stressrelief #ditchthediet  #resistancetraining #strength #metabolichealth #fitover40 #fitover50
.
.
.
.
Reminder๐Ÿ“ฃ. . . these un-sexy, SIMPLE basics ge Reminder๐Ÿ“ฃ. . .  these un-sexy, SIMPLE basics get the job done! Not just during the holidays, but *all year long*. And simple is just what you need right now, isn't it?

Why do they work? 
๐Ÿ‘‰ Because all of these habits focus on *giving yourself what you need to thrive*. ๐ŸŒฑ 

I invite you to try this:
๐Ÿ‘‰Spend a few months TRULY practicing these simple habits most of the time. Start with just one, or a few (โœจStart small, and add as you feel ready.โœจ)
๐Ÿ‘‰TIP: Sleep is a great one to start with, because it's the foundation that holds up everything else. 

As you practice these habits, pause and observe:
๐Ÿค”How do I feel? 
๐Ÿค”How am I performing, physically and mentally? 
๐Ÿค”How is my energy?
๐Ÿค”How do my clothes fit?
๐Ÿค”How have my longer-term health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels changed?

If you truly desire healthy changes that
โœ”๏ธfeel sustainable
โœ”๏ธ yield results
โœ”๏ธ and STICK,
stop relying on willpower!

๐ŸŒŸFocus your efforts on *meeting your needs*, rather than restricting and depriving.๐ŸŒŸ
.
Stay in a groove with these habits this month, and you might just discover come January 1st that you feel ready to tackle the new year, no over-the-top diet and intense workout plans necessary! 

๐Ÿ‘‰By then, you'll have already established the habits you need that let your biology work for you for optimal wellness, instead of relying so heavily on willpower.๐Ÿ‘ˆ

Who's with me?! Will you be KISS-ing your way through the holiday season?? 

#mistletoe #healthyhabits #nourishednotfamished #tinyhabits #atomichabits #wellness #healthy #balancedplate #sleep #stressrelief #circadianrhythm #movement #everythingisconnected #holidays #december #protein #veggies #christmas #nourished #honoryourhunger #ditchthediet #fitover40 #fitover50
The most delicious form of self care: meal prep. ๐Ÿ’• (See stories for deets on this Turmeric Pepper Chicken & Asparagus!) 

During this busy holiday season, your needs often end up on the back burner. 
Which can leave you feeling hangry, exhausted, and ravenous by the end of the day. 
(You know, that feeling when you walk in the door and dive head-first into the bag of chips? #beentheredonethat ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ)

Packing up a few nourishing lunches is a surefire way to boost your midday energy during the week, and leaves you feeling *satisfied* at lunchtime. 

๐Ÿ‘‰ You don't have to make fancy, fussy recipes.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Instead, keep it simple & balanced by packing a lunch container of some protein, fat, carbs, and veggies and/or fruit. Leftover dinner is a great shortcut! 
๐Ÿ‘‰ If takeout is part of your lunch plan, be strategic about ordering meals that will actually nourish you (yup, that means protein, fat, carbs, and veggies and/or fruit).

Is lunch a pain point for you, too?

Would you love the convenience of having it all ready ahead of time?

โœจFor lunch ideas 
and my top picks for leakproof lunch containers, 
check out my website at link in my bio @nourished.not.famished โœจ

Head to "My Favorite Things" section of my site for my top container picks! 

#lunch #whatsforlunch #realfoodfastfood #mealprep #balancedplate #simplenutrition #ditchthediet #tinyhabits
#healthyhabits #poweryourlife #eatingskills #kitchenskills #plantforward #omnivore #fitover40 #fitover50 
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'Tis the season for "Now just isn't a good time to 'Tis the season for "Now just isn't a good time to start". ๐Ÿ˜‚ You, me, and everybody else are very susceptible to believing that it's just too dang hard to stick with *any* healthy choices right now (and that you'll revisit your health come January 1). ๐Ÿค”

Well, I am here to help you bust that myth! ๐Ÿ’ฅ

๐Ÿ‘‰Ditch that all-or-nothing thinking that's getting in your way! 

๐Ÿ‘‰ Instead of saying "screw it", shift your mindset to Just Start. Focus on simple, tiny actions that feel like, "Yeah, I can get myself to do that." 

๐Ÿ‘‰ Small, sustainable actions build the consistency that creates powerful, lasting results. Forget "go big or go home". (You've got enough life experience to know that approach doesn't work.)

๐Ÿ‘‰ Remember that something is better than nothing.๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ’ช 

What's one small thing you can do *today* to nurture your health? Drop a comment!

TWO STEPS TO GET YOU GOING: 

1๏ธโƒฃ
Name one action that:
โœ… is a baby step toward a bigger (or more robust) habit or outcome you *really* want in your life, and aligns with what you value with regard to your health and/or your life.
โœ… you actually have the ability to do
โœ… feels actionable enough that you can get yourself to do it

2๏ธโƒฃ
Figure out:
โœ… When & Where you will do this tiny action
โœ… how long you will practice this tiny action

โœจ*TIP: stacking this new, tiny action onto an action or event that's already in your day can seriously boost your follow through.โœจ

For example:
๐Ÿ‘‰When I'm waiting in the coffee shop line/school pick-up line/etc., I will spend one minute focusing on my breath. (Mindful moments matter! ๐Ÿ˜Š) .

๐Ÿ‘‰While I brush my teeth in the morning, I will hold a squat position to strengthen my body.

๐Ÿ‘‰Before I return to my desk after lunch, I will move my body for five minutes (a lap around the building? Up and down the stairs? A lap or two around the office parking lot? Do whatever works for you.).

๐Ÿ‘‰In the middle of dinner, I will put my fork down for at least two minutes and check in with whatever signals my body and brain are sending me.

What are your tiny actions today that are bridging you to the life you want to be living? ๐ŸŒž

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#Juststart #tinyhabits #changeskills 
#holidays

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