Joie

joie is sentiment exaltant ressenti par toute la conscience...meaning, involves one's whole being. Eating well and exercising are the same. They are commitments that involve all of you. Eating nutritiously is a lifestyle choice and a specific intention, but doesn't have to feel like a chore. Its important to make it fun and interesting. Granted, this can take some extra time. For instance, set your alarm 10 minutes earlier one morning and instead of skipping breakfast or grabbing a breakfast bar on the way out the door, make some Squash n' Eggs! You can get a healthy, hearty breakfast to start your day out with some veggies and some protein. And you only got up 10 minutes earlier!

Squash n' Eggs:
1/3 thinly sliced zucchini
1/4 thinly sliced yellow squash
1/4 c yellow bell pepper
1/4 c red bell pepper
cayenne pepper
salt
pepper
basil
shredded smoked gouda cheese
3-4 egg whites

Sautee' the zucchini, squash and bell peppers in a little olive oil, add seasonings (just a dash or two of each -- depending on how spicy you like it). Once the squash begins to get soft, add the egg whites and stir immediately. Let sit for a minute on low-med heat. Stir again and add a sprinkle of smoked gouda cheese. Stir and turn eye off, but leave pan on to let the cheese meat. Serve!

You've heard it once, you've heard it a million times and yet you still choose to ignore it: Breakfast is the MOST important meal of the day! Its true! After going 10-12 hours without food, your body has used up all of its glucose and your body, brain and muscles won't have anything to help them function properly. How well does your car drive without gas? Breakfast eaters have more energy, concentration and problem solving abilities. Plus, even if you don't think you are hungry, your body will begin to think its STARVING by lunch and you are more likely to overeat. Furthermore, by eating breakfast, you can jump start your metabolism and get things moving and burning in your body. Who doesn't want a great metabolism?

Here are some more great breakfast options...that take less than 10 minutes out of your day. 10 minutes!

Oatmeal with fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts or peanut butter
Whole-grain cereal topped with banana, strawberries or blueberries
Toast with peanut butter and a banana
Yogurt and granola or other whole-grain cereal
Egg sandwich with tomato, spinach and swiss cheese on a whole-grain English muffin
Fresh fruit smoothie and wheat toast with peanut butter

If you know you aren't good at extra time in the morning, make it the night before and have it in a bag ready to take with you. You can dump cereal and yogurt in a bowl quickly or take a banana and trail mix on the go!

Set your intention. Start your day with a bowl full of energy!