Choose Healthy This Fall

Welcome to week five of Rise Up Monday Friends!
This week is dedicated to healthy living. Last spring I decided it was finally time to get back to healthy eating and I began a new healthy lifestyle journey and by mid summer I was completely out of routine (hello summer break) and struggled with maintaining my healthy habits - anyone else experience this?

I really felt that this was a topic I wanted to tackle for a few reasons. First, I know I am not alone in feeling like I got off track this summer and want myself and my family to eat healthier meals more consistently. Secondly, I know that when I eat well, I feel well. Not just physically but mentally and emotionally too! Heading into holiday seasons I know there will be sweet treats galore, so this is the perfect time to (re)create those healthy habits! Today I’m going to share my really simple tips that goes me back on track with healthy eating this Fall!

First, meal plan. Create a weekly menu for your healthy meals. I find when I meal plan and grocery shop for specific meals ahead of time I will make those meals.

Second, reduce processed food and make you meals from scratch. This takes a little bit more time and few more ingredients but I promise you it’s worth it. I can’t be the only one who notices a significant difference between processed and homemade food. I love knowing every ingredient that goes into my food and into my body. (See below for one of my favourite homemade meals)

Third, there will be times when you will be eating out, make sure you plan ahead. If I know I’ll be heading out to a restaurant I go online and look at their menu and plan my healthy meal ahead of time.

Fourth, move! Sometimes I set a timer on my phone to get up and go for a walk, especially on days when I’m sitting more. I also cherish post dinner walks as a family.

Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself. My ultimate goal when embarking on a healthier living was to create a lifestyle I can maintain and isn’t too restrictive. There are days when I eat really well, and days when I indulge - and that’s okay!

Happy Rise Up Monday, Everyone!

Recipe: Chicken Sauté with Bell Peppers

Ingredients:
1 1/2 Tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 uncooked boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 bell peppers
1 sweet onion chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/4 water
8 oz canned tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 fresh basil

Instructions:
1. On a plate combine flour and black pepper, add chicken and toss
2. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in large skillet. Add chicken until cooked and remove from skillet.
3. Heat remaining olive oil in skillet. Add bell peppers and onion, stirring occasionally until they are tender.
4. Add garlic; sauté until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste and water; bring to a simmer stirring frequently.
5. Return chicken to sauce and heat through. Add basil and stir.
6. Serve on it's own or over zucchini noodles. For extra flavour, top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of goats cheese.
Enjoy!