How To Spread The Love

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Olivia

We have all had that moment walking down the street when a stranger randomly shoots you an authentic smile and you feel great afterwards. It’s proven that when someone acknowledges you in a positive way, you instantly feel better than if you were to be ignored. Next time you are out walking about, you might want to think of giving a stranger a smile.

As humans, and by nature, we are social creatures who thrive on feeling connected to others. However, you may have noticed how awkward it can be at times to simply smile at someone you don’t know. With so many unknowns, it can feel uncomfortable to get yourself to do this in the first place. For instance, what if the person doesn’t smile back, what if they do but they think you’re hitting on them, what if they blatantly ignore you, or what if you just feel crappy and don’t want to?

And that’s where it’s important to remind ourselves that the simple act of giving without any attachment to receiving is key.Truly, the best ways to instantly feel good about yourself and is to make someone else feel good about themselves, regardless of the outcome. In the end, as they always say, “what comes around, goes around.”

Check out this video as we put this theory to the test:

Let’s start spreading the love by making the effort towards someone else FIRST, regardless of the outcome. A smile, a hug, a high five, or a genuine compliment will work just fine:).

Because let’s be honest here, at then end of the end of the day we all want the same thing in life: to be HAPPY!

With Love,

Olivia:)

ps – let me know your thoughts, ideas and experience with this topic. I would love to hear about it.

Tuna Lettuce Wraps

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Olivia

Most days, it can be a struggle to get enough raw veggies into our diet. Not to mention, finding a vegetable based meal that is both tasty and fulfilling.

That is where these yummy, “bread less” wraps come in handy! They are jam packed with flavor, protein, healthy fats, and greens that are sure to hit the spot and keep you feeling satisfied. Make these delicious, healthy wraps for a quick and easy lunch, snack or light dinner.

In this recipe, I used Collard greens instead of a traditional wrap. However, any type of lettuce will do. Collards are great because they are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and fiber.

Also, your best bet to buying healthy mayo in a store is this brand found at some health food stores (or online): http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com/product/dressings-condiments-mayo/Mayo16.php. In the end, making your own homemade mayonnaise is always going to be the healthiest option. Follow a recipe to a T at first to get the right consistency and later you can play around with it to get the taste you like:)

Ingredients:
3 collard green leaves
1/2 avocado cubed
1/2 tomato cubed
¼ c diced red onion
1 can of tuna
¼ c shredded L’Ancêtre cheese (optional)
3 Tbsp of Wildness Family organic mayonnaise
1 Tbsp curry powder
Cayenne to taste

Directions:
1- Mix tuna with mayo and red onion. Add curry powder and cayenne.
2- Take 1/3 of the tuna mixture and place on collard green.
3- Top with tomato and avocado.
4- Wrap and enjoy!

Love,

Olivia:)

Top Five Fitness Myths

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Olivia

1. As long as you’re moving your body, you’re burning fat
First off, if you’re moving as fast as a slug, you are guaranteed to be burning zero body fat. Push yourself with interval training where you vary in between high and low intensities and be prepared to sweat.

2. Morning is the best time to get results
Are you a professional athlete training two to three times a day? If not, the timing of your workout hardly matters. What does matter is finding a time in your schedule when you can be consistent with your training. Listening to your body and knowing when you perform the best will help you decide if, in fact, mornings, afternoons or evening workouts are when you have the most energy. Energy and mindset are so important when it comes to having great workouts. Listen to your body’s internal clock and train when you feel the strongest.

3. Women should only lift light weights
This is some of the most ridiculous information you will hear! Weight training is essential in preventing osteoporosis, developing lean muscle mass, building strength and kicking up your metabolism. Besides, how are you going to sculpt those glutes and chisel your abs with only 3 pound weights? Restricting your heavy strength training is just holding your body back from the wonderful benefits of strength training. And it’s not just limited to women — men: get moving with those heavy weights too!

4. You can target specific areas of the body
Don’t buy into the myth that exercising specific body parts will work to reduce fat in that area. While it’s true that strength training exercises will target specific muscles — for example, bicep curls will strengthen the biceps — exercise targets the body as a whole. For the greatest results, work on exercises that engage large muscle groups like squats and lunges to get the best bang for your buck!

5. You need to exercise for at least an hour to get results
No way! It all depends on the type of workout you’re doing and your goals. If you’re doing a high intensity interval training workout also known as “HIIT”, you can achieve your goals in 20 minutes. Tabata training: eight sets of 20 seconds of hard work followed by 10 seconds of rest, is only four minutes long but an awesome high impact workout. You can even download a free App for Tabata onto your phone for simplicity and motivation. Overall, to truly get results, it’s more important to focus on what you’re doing, the intensity you train at and the overall structure of your training plan.

Get moving! Much love!

Olivia:)

Heavenly Hummus with Hayley

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Olivia

When I think of the word “Nourish,” good food and good company come to mind. Nourish Bistro, located amoungst the most breathtaking scenery of Glendale Gardens in Victoria, BC is exactly that; a blissful atmosphere that nourishes the body and soul.

Hayley Rosenburg, owner and founder of Nourish has been busy at work getting ready for their opening April 7, 2012. Upon meeting Hayley, it was evident that she has an overflowing passion and talent for helping others live and eat well through whole, real foods that heal the body and soul. She is truly an amazing women on a mission to help us all live more fulfilling lives.

Watch below to see how to make Hayley’s hearty, healthy, delicious hummus. The perfect snack to keep that blood sugar stable and your energy levels high.

Thanks Hayley!