{Life} The one where I gained a few kg's

It seems that my decadent #MonthofSam and our three months of living out of home, which was full of unhealthy eating and no exercise have left behind some unwanted kilograms - DAMN IT!

I started last year with the mindset to be a fitter, healthier version of myself and got off to a cracking start. I was meditating regularly (which I still do), exercising, eating healthily, seeing a naturopath - I am sure you get the idea.

But come mid year, what with winter in full swing and my SAD kicking in and the renovation ramping up, the fitter, heatlhier Sam seemed to be wavering.

Roll on September and our move out the of house to make way for demolition and builders and we were all of sudden eating a lot of takeaway food.

Then came November and the #MonthOfSam with all the food and drink - oh the joy!

All of that, mixed in with work stress, renovation stress, kid stress which resulted in chocolate and biscuit quick fixes.....and fitter, healthier me was nowhere to be seen - she had gone.

Now it is December and the realisation of these extra kilos has really started to sink in. Queue depression, body issues and extreme low self esteem - the triple threat! It seriously messes with your head. Mirrors are the enemy, exaggerating (and then some) your flaws and flab. Clothes you used to love, don't love you back anymore. You feel everywhere you go there are judgey eyes and side way glances teamed with whispers.

But enough of that - it is time to also queue a reset of the mindset - back to the fitter, healthier Sam.

So, what does that mean...well it means healthy eating, no more takeaways or fast food (for anyone in the family) and it means exercising, I have signed up for a round of 12wbt to get me right back on track and am striving to hit 10,000 steps per day.

Deep breath (and lots of them).

Have unwanted kg's snuck up on you? 

Have you had a reset of the mindset?

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{Healthy Living} Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

If you have read my recent post on running for fun then you will have some idea that I am attempting to be healthy and therefore make Team Stone healthier. 

As part of this attempt I have been searching high and low for healthy snacks that actually taste great. My first attempt were peanut butter based energy balls which turned to paste in my mouth - yuck! They all ended up ditched in the bin...total fail.

My search continued until I found some energy balls that didn't have any kind of nut butter in them - quite a difficult task it turned out. However, I finally came across, gimme some oven and found Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites! 

They are amazing and healthy!! The whole family likes them....total win.

I have copied the recipe from gimme some oven here but please pop over there as it is a great site and Ali shares a lot of amazing recipes. 

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Makes: About 30 1-inch balls

Ingredients

• 8 oz. (about 1 packed cup) chopped dates
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. ground flax seeds or wheat germ
• pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)
• 1 cup shelled pistachio nuts
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Method

Combine the dates, honey, chia seeds, flax seeds and salt in a food processor, and pulse until smooth and combined. You should be able to stir the mixture -- if it is too thick, add in another tablespoon or two of honey.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, and stir in the oats, pistachios, dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Once the mixture is cool (and easier to work with), use a spoon or cookie scoop to shape it into your desired size of energy balls. (Mine were about 1-inch in diameter.) Alternately, you can line a small baking pan with parchment paper, and press the mixture evenly into the pan, let it cool, and then cut into bars.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (Storing them in the refrigerator especially helps the energy bites hold their shape.)

Do you have any great recipes to share for energy bites?

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