Being A Better Snacker!

Since we're all about balance, I wanted to share something that has helped me lose more 7 pounds over the past month.

When I crave junk food, I've switched to eating raw vegetables and fruit. And for a little added "extra", sometimes I dip the vegetables in hummus or cottage cheese OR spread a little peanut butter on fruit.

My pants seem to feel a little looser from this practice and I do feel better!

I'm willing to try anything to avoid the constant grab of a handful of chips, pretzels, Cheez-its or whatever. What I will try to do in February is pick one day a week where I allow myself a portion of these types of items (so I don't go crazy!).

I hope this strategy is helpful to you as well!

Submitted by Joe Hrdlicka

GEARING UP!

As you have already read, this blog is all about Balance! I'm Jen Veak, wife, business owner, triathlete, group fitness instructor and freind. I love life and all it has to offer...but I struggle with balance. Most of the time I'm on the go...and most of the million things I'm doing or want to do gets laid aside. Because of this, I'm on a mission to BALANCE out my life :)

Through this year long process, we will be exploring ways to find balance. I'm excited for this process and hope you will enjoy reading about our journey to find the smiles and conquer the struggles of everyday life!

Happy Monday!!!

You Need "Lazy Days"

My 11-year-old announced to me the other day that "Prairie Life has taken over my life". Prairie Life is my health club.

Okay, so I get it. Yes, I do devote a lot of time to keeping myself in shape. But it's a good signal to listen to. Maybe I don't need to run to work out every time I feel the need.

So, this Sunday, I have declared to be a "lazy day"! We all need some of these days once in a while to help us "recharge".

Today, there will be no workouts or important tasks completed. Only football and rerun movies will be watched. Matthew and I just enjoyed "Year One" with Jack Black and Michael Cera. Now, this is a great movie for a "lazy day".

We will, of course, be tuned in later to the season premier of "24". THAT cannot be missed.

Welcome!

Well, who knows where this will go, but we're giving it a shot!

One of my best workout friends in the world, Jen Veak, and I were chatting after our workout this morning. We love to create monthly challenges among a group of five workout friends to help us eat better, train better and just be better overall (and I will admit - Jen is most of the brains behind these monthly challenges we create!).

So, what if we could create challenges that focused more on "finding the balance" overall in our lifestyles? We're all busy working, parenting, training, eating and hustling off to the next slot on our calendars. The trick to being the "best you can be" is balancing all of your life activities to a point where you do them all well. Right?

This is the goal anyway. And toward our goal, the five of us will each share advice about how we're "finding our balances" in life and making ourselves better. More on this illustrious "Fab Five" later.

Sound too overzealous? Maybe. We'll give it a shot and continue to share what works for us.

Thanks for sharing in our journey with us!