It’s normal to exercise less this time of year.

Most will blame this on all of the holiday activities that they have to take care of.

The parties, the shopping, the baking, the wrapping…

While it’s true that there’s a lot to do, that’s not really why you aren’t working out. You’ve been just as busy in the past and you managed to keep your workouts consistent.

So what is it? Why did you skip your workout?

It’s because of stress.

The stress is real this time of year.

There are obligations and expectations coming at you from every angle, and somehow you are supposed to juggle it all with a smile on your face.

It’s a setup for mismanaged stress to wreak havoc on your healthy routine.

Mismanaged stress leads to overeating, overdrinking, headaches, weight gain, anxiety, fatigue and trouble sleeping. All of this overwhelm makes the idea of heading to the gym for a workout pretty unappealing, especially when the other option is to get another hour of sleep.

So the question for you, my friend, is how will you better manage your holiday stress?

Will you continue to allow stress to increase your calories and rob your workouts over the next couple of weeks? Will you be heavier and more exhausted as you ring in the new year?

Or will you combat stress in the most proactive, effective way?

By exercising.

A good workout gets your blood pumping and releases happy hormones.

A good workout makes you more likely to eat healthier.

A good workout makes your sleep deeper and more restful.

A good workout is the best way to feel a burst of natural energy.

I’m here to help you get the BEST workout possible! Call or email today and let’s get you on the schedule!

This is the time of year that you focus on getting something special for all the important people in your life. You put time and thought into finding that perfect gift that will make them feel loved.

But what about you?

With all that you do for others, it’s time to do something just for you.

How about the gift of a totally reshaped body in 2020? You and I both know that you deserve it.

It’s your time…embrace it.

Let me be the one to make it happen. Call or email now and we’ll get started.

In the spirit of the holidays, here is a wholesome cookie recipe that is packed with the flavors of the season.

These cookies are made with grain-free flours and coconut sugar to make it more fitness friendly so that you can stay on track while enjoying a treat.

Keep in mind that the dough really expands while baking, which is why you’ll need to space the cookies at least 3 inches apart on the baking sheet. Don’t flatten out the balls when you put them on the pan, either. Let them expand naturally in the baking process and enjoy the pretty cracks that come as a result.

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

What you need
Servings: 50

2 cups Raw Pecans
¼ cup coconut flour
½ cup blanched almond flour
½ cup arrowroot starch
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup coconut oil
¼ cup coconut cream
1 cup coconut palm sugar
⅓ cup molasses
1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.

3. Pulse the pecans in a food processor until finely ground. Add the coconut flour, almond flour, arrowroot, baking soda, salt, ginger, cardamom, pepper, oil, cream, 3/4 cup of the sugar, molasses, and egg. Pulse until fully combined.

4. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it with plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for 20 minutes.

5. Place the remaining 1/4 cup coconut sugar in a bowl. Form the dough into 1-tablespoon-size balls and roll them in the sugar. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 3 inches apart and do not press the dough down. Bake for 8–12 minutes, until golden.

Nutrition
One cookie equals: 84 calories, 5g fat, 88mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 6g sugar and 1g protein.