Halloween Happiness

 

Halloween is just around the bend. Can you believe it? Everyone is already out picking pumpkins, decorating the houses, deciding what they will dress up as, and what candy to give out. Halloween is a time for the kids to have fun (maybe adults too) dress up and be whoever they want for just one night. Laughing, making memories, and of course getting the candy?!! Who doesn't like to splurge every once in awhile? The season is always a reminder that fall is here for the next couple of months. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and cool. It is time to lounge around in big sweatshirts/sweatpants, cuddle under blankets, and sip on some green tea just for warmth. 

I remember being a little kid and there were so many Halloween costume ideas running through my head. Someone would tell you what they were going to be and you would think in your head, "man why didn't I think of that." Or you were so excited for the night to come that you didn't care if trick-or-treating started at six pm, you got dressed super early and then became antsy and you started to bug your parents on when you could go out. And they would say, "we told you not to get ready so early." Or you make a pact with your siblings combine all your candy together in a big bowl....then you get home and end up fighting over it when someone steals a piece of candy. And you look up at your parents and say, "were hitting every house tonight" and you know they think your crazy because you'll get tired from walking up the hills.

Just sitting here writing this today is putting a smile on my face and I'm just chuckling, because I can honestly remember doing things like this every time Halloween rolled around. It all seemed like such a party. A chance to see how many houses you could reach, who had the best candy, and see how long you could last. One night to have fun and pretend to be whoever you wanted. What is it about Halloween that gets the kids so excited? What is it that gets you excited about Halloween? Do you like decorating. Passing out the candy and seeing all the new costumes. Carving pumpkins & making pumkin seeds. Dressing up. Going trick or treating.

 

So, what are you getting excited about? Will you be dressing up? Going trick or treating yourself or taking your kids out? Halloween parties to stop by at? What is one story that you will always remember about growing up and Halloween!?

 

 

Tips To Stay For Staying On During The Weekend

So the weekend is here and sometimes we get caught up in the hussle & bussle of the weekend plans. Maybe we find that weekend is the only time we have to catch up on errands or household chores. Or we have family visitors & birthday parties to attend. But how do we stay on track and not let our healthy lifestyles get off track??

Here are some tips I always tend to follow during the weekend no matter what.

1. Get your workout first thing in the am: As soon as you wake up head downstairs or wherever you workout first thing. Sleep in your workout clothes, have your tennis shoes right at the end of your bed, & put your workout DVD in the player the night before. This way if you get up and get it done first thing in the am you are giving yourself no chance of making excuses as the day goes on.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast: I usually have Shakeology for breakfast everyday during the week because it is simple and fast while at work, but during the weekend I like make egg whites with veggies & whole wheat toast. Fuel your body with the proper foods to have energy throughout the day.

3. Stay hydrated: Make sure you always carrying a water bottle around with you and drinking half your body weight in ounces.

4. Pack a cooler: If you are going somewhere and will be on the road, make sure have healthy foods stocked up just in case. You never know what can come up. Make sure in there for a snack you have a complex carb and lean protein.

5. Shakeology: Drink your Shakeology. You know it is a lifesaver and will keep you full. Take a shaker cup, a flavor packet or Shakeology, and a water bottle. Put everything in your shaker cup and blend.

6. Stay away from the food: If you are at a birthday party or any type of social gathering stay away from the food. I know it can be tempting but it will hinder your results. Keep busy, go socialize with friends, ask the host if they need any help. Just stay away from the food table.

7. Alcohol: If you are going to meet friends for drinks. Try to stick with light beers or clear liquids. Enjoy yourself, but for every drink you have drink a glass of water with it to stay hydrated.

8. Enjoy yourself: Have fun and enjoy your weekend! Relax and kick back. This is a lifestyle that is suppose to fit into your life. And work for you. You can do this. Stay strong and be happy with yourself!


Want more tips and motivation for staying on track during the weekend? I would be happy to help in any way I can. Just send me an email at alyssayourish@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Have a HAPPY weekend my friends!!!!!

Skinny Taco Dip

Cause everyone loves a little Mexican in their life. Tomorrow we are having a little celebration for the Pittsburgh Pirates being in the wild card playoff game tomorrow. They haven't been in the playoffs in years. I wanted to make something simple and not complicated.

Taco Dip


Ingredients:
*8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia cream cheese
*8 oz reduced fat sour cream (swap sour cream and use Greek yogurt for less calories).
*16 oz jar mild salsa
*1/2 packet taco seasoning
*2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded fine
*2 large tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
*1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
*2.25 oz sliced black olives

Directions:
*In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning and mix well with an electric mixer. Spread on the bottom of a glass pan (or throw away container). Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and black olives. Served with baked tortilla chips

Nutritional Content:
*Servings: 24 *Serving Size: 1/24th of dip *Calories: 59.2 *Fat: 3.6g *Protein: 2.2g *Carb: 4.7g *Fiber: 0.6g