Green Smoothie Challenge

{Click HERE to sign-up!}

Tomorrow, we're kicking off 2013 with some delicious nutrition. :) Healthy habits are the way to make it through this upcoming year! 

You don't need to feel alone in your health goals. There are other people out there - just like you. That's why this challenge is so awesome. We get to help each other! Support system at it's best. :)

Really I'd say that's what this challenge is all about: connection. And, making the right "little" choices. Baby steps. One at a time. The kind of habits that you might not notice tomorrow but you'll thank yourself for in 10 yrs.

Keep your eyes open! All participants are encouraged to blog about their experiences through this green smoothie challenge so you'll hear feedback on what real people are feelings. 

In fact, comment on my blog or send your link directly to me at realfoodeats@gmail.com so I can share it with the other readers. Who knows - your story may be the defining factor in motivating the person behind you to start taking responsibility for their health habits. 

I headed now for my last run of 2013!!! And . . . a few other things so tomorrow I can say "I did that last year" and it's in the past . . . lol!

Enjoy your last day of 2012!!! I have to be honest. It's been a fantastic year, for me! I feel blessed beyond measure. What about you?

How are you kicking off 2013? Are friends, family & food apart of the picture? :) 

Thoughts for the New Year

{Party last night with friends} 

Do you make New Year resolutions? I was recently listening to an online success coach and heard the crazy statistic that most people break their "resolutions" by January 15th! {Aaah, that is scaaarry . . .  can you believe it?}

T.R. says to stop focusing on change (it will happen, nothing stays the same!) and instead start focusing on progress (moving forward). I have to say I like this perspective so much better because it's an action step versus a vague goal.

He also pointed out that we act in a manner consistent with how we see ourselves which is one reason why there are way too many broken "resolutions". Our standards aren't high enough!

Instead of pushing ourselves with "willpower" we need to "pull" ourselves by raising our standards - what's the end goal? what are we pursuing? why does it matter?

For example, if you see yourself as a loser, you'll act like one. But, if you see yourself as a winner you'll act like one. (to paraphrase/quote one of my favorite women speakers :) {Thank you, Terri so much for your inspiration!}

So, what's the answer? Change how you think. How do you do that? Get filled up on God's Word. It's the answer. {Proverbs 23:7 - "you are what you think about"}

I feel like I'm at a point in my life where I'm questioning everything. My beliefs. My actions. {Which I guess is something we should always be doing, but something I've been doing more intensely the past 6 months than ever before. What would you say if I told you i've experienced panic attacks in recent months? I could say I don't care what other people think but that sounds so hard shell -  it's where i am, though, and i'm blessed it's getting better}

Why do I do things the way I do them? For what reason & for what purpose? Sometimes I feel like I'm just waking up. There is so much life to be had and so much "outside the box", for lack of a better term.

What would life look like in a year if we could just forget the pressure (perceived or real) and just go for our dreams? What would it be like? :-)

Since this is a healthy lifestyle blog, let's relate it back. Do you have a specific health goal? Then you need to see yourself in the end result and get excited about it. Start saying things like "I love fresh fruits & veggies", "I stop  eating when I'm full", "exercise makes me feel strong & energetic".

Or, if it's a life goal- like mine! Apply the same principles. :)

Need to loose weight? Then STOP saying you're fat {death & life are in the power of the tongue - Proverbs 18:21}. Start speaking life over your future! Watch the people who are skinny and eat like they do.

In a sense, it's really simple - in theory. On the other hand -- it's a whole lot harder to live!

I'm excited for 2013 and believe it will be the best year, yet! Whatever you're going through, embrace the difficulty - it's what makes us the people we are.

It's been a rather lazy day, for me. :) I went for a short workout this morning that I hope will give me that awesome sore feeling tomorrow!

Chicken soup for the soul. {Organic & homemade by mom = perfect lunch for a rainy day}

I'm off to dinner with friends now. Happy new year, dear blog readers! Here's to ya - live life large with gratitude for today. :)

I'll be back on early next week with more details on the green smoothie challenge!

What are some of your goals for 2013?

Fresh Friday (wk 8)

I can't believe it's Friday! I think celebrating Christmas on Monday & Tuesday threw my internal clock off. :P

Here are my top 3 for Fresh Friday:

#1 - the gift of family
#2 - fresh veggies (especially after all the amazing holiday goodies!)
#3 - the blessing of giving & receiving

What are your's?

Easy Green Smoothie Challenge

To join, simply leave a comment telling me you're in!

For more information, click here:
New Year 2013 7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge

Merry Christmas :)

Today was a fantastic day! In fact, I'd go so far as to label this holiday season as the best - ever! 

What makes it so great? 

Honestly- for me, it's not the presents or the food or any "thing" -- it's the people. Taking the focus of myself, inhaling deep breaths full of gratitude and praising God for His goodness results in an awesome feeling!

In my family, we treat Christmas Eve like most people treat Christmas Day. We spend the 24th together as a family, exchange gifts, and then visit the extended (grandparents, cousins, friends . . . ) on the 25th.

A short, energizing workout this morning before a hearty breakfast. :P 

Dad & Mary cooking us up the traditional breakfast we have every year!

There's just somethin' about an orange that makes it feel like Christmas to me.

The spread! Eggs & bacon, grits, orange slices & this to-die-for amazing coffee cake.

Sister love. :)

The little guys' excitement before the gift exchange is contagious! 

For as long as I can remember this has been a Christmas tradition from my parents to each of us kids - an orange, nuts & chocolate. :) 

It's totally awesome to have brothers that are so decisively manly. {Not that hunting makes you manly --if that were the case i'd be one . . .  lol!}

Bobby (right) took me deer hunting on the 26th last year and we had so much fun we're goin' again this year! 

I love kids because they remind me to be thankful for the simple things in life. 

"Do you like my hat?" 

So thankful this amazing woman is my mom! 

Yoga mat for Christmas, anyone?

Tradition, tradition! Homemade Italian sausage soup for lunch. If you want the recipe, shoot me an e-mail - I'm happy to share. :) 

This soup is delicious! But, then you know those things that are good simply because of the incredible memories attached? 

I had a little salad along side lunch, too. 

Makin' fudge this afternoon. :) Let me just recommend - if you don't have evaporated milk don't try subbing . . . lol!!!! 

My plate piled high for Christmas Eve dinner! {Can I hold all of this???}

A sentimental journey - eating off my great-grandmother Nana's silverware. These are her engraved initials. Isn't this so lovely? 

Chit-chatting with the cousins after the meal this evening. And, with that - I'll call it a night! Every blessing to you and yours this holiday season. More pics to come . . . :) 

The Eve of Christmas Eve

Ready for the morning. :) I think our tree looks so beautiful this year, especially at night. 

I'm celebrating Christmas tomorrow with my parents & the sibs. And then, Christmas Day with my grandparents. :) What are your plans? 

O Come All Ye Faithful {Music Video}

Okay, peoples - here it is! I had issues with my internet connection but it finally uploaded. :P 

Hope you enjoy. :) Merriest of Christmases to you and yours!

Healthy Eating During the Holidays - Is It Possible?

What are you doing this holiday season to help keep your body alkaline? To start, what does "eating alkaline foods" even mean?

Great question! Simply put, every food we put into our mouths either has an acidic (possible disease creating environment) or an alkaline effect (disease fighting mode). It's really an interesting thought!

One easy way to incorporate more alkaline foods into our diets is to go for the fruits & veggies over the processed, packaged options. :) 

I know, I know - Christmas cookies, cakes & pies are all apart of this wonderful time of the year and I love it just as much as you do!

But, if you know want a cookie for dessert in the evening - why not try eating a healthy salad for lunch or skipping the sweet tea and drinking water to avoid creating an acid environment in the body? It's definitely easier said than done, but - it all adds up and each little healthy habit we cultivate does make a different in the long run.



Friday night I got together with friends for a Christmas party. The guys totally surprised us all with a hilarious rendition of the Grinch song!



Yummy refreshments. :) With all the cookies I've been eating of late - I just hope I don't turn into one! How are you doing with all the tempting food this season?!

I missed breakfast & lunch today so dinner was a welcome sight! Sometimes (not often) but I'll get focused on something and won't feel like eating. Probably not good, but reality today. :)

This morning my workout included kickboxing, crescent squats & lots of lunges. :P How 'bout you? Did you workout today? 

I'm editing a fun little project. Look for it tomorrow! See ya then. :)

Off to finish up a little Santa work!

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So, I want to know about you :)

Are you eating healthy this holiday season?

What sweet treats are you enjoying? :) 

Fresh Friday (wk 7)

It's Fresh Friday! Link-up & share the fresh & fantastic highlights of your wk! 

Here are mine :) 

#1 - creative collaborations

#2 - festive green pants :)

#3 - holiday foods! 

Holiday Traditions

This is one of my all time favorite things to do during the holiday season --- making Christmas goodies for friends & family!

Yum-ness. :)

Just for fun, here's a little collage of the process. :P

{If you want the recipe, e-mail at realfoodrunner@gmail.com and I'll send it to you!}

Mailing off Christmas cards is so fun!

I made some more cookies this afternoon. Makes the house smell all nice & festive!

Totally off the subject, but speaking of this afternoon - as I was going out to feed my horse I ran across a pile of bones. It was so sad - and a little scary (!) to think that coyotes did this to one of the farm calves. Pack animals can be vicious and some preventative measure has got to happen soon before these dogs get another cow. Anyone have experience or suggestions to help with this?

Ok, so back to the cookies! I think this is the best part . . .  ribbons galore, cute little boxes & old fashioned tins!

Mom & I went Christmas shopping together this morning. :) 

Buying gift is fun but just the shopping "experience" with a good friend or family member + getting in the "spirit" of things is 1/2 of tha' fun for me! What about you? 

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Do you have holiday traditions? If so, what are they? 

Organic Stocking Stuffer Giveaway

Merry Christmas from me to you! I'm hosting a fun organic Christmas giveaway just because. :) Enter below for your chance to win this organic stocking stuffer giveaway!

I'm closing the giveaway sharply @ 12noon tomorrow so sign-up while you can! This way it will give me this to ship these gifts out to the winner and hopefully they'll get there in time for Christmas!

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Reindeer Run 5K

Ryan's 5K Reindeer Run was this morning! 

Over 800 people showed up which was awesome. :) 

This was my fastest time that I've every run a 5K (including training) so I was super happy!!! I'm not used to hills (at all!) so I was surprised when I saw the clock. :) I came in #100. :P 

So yeah - I was beat by 15 seconds by my sixteen yr old brother. So thankful he didn't train. :P 

Pre-workout energy boost. :) Just a tiny bit will do - you don't even need a full serving. 

I'm off to breakfast which is more like lunch now (i can't eat before a run) and to make some Christmas cookies for the symphony reception after the Messiah tonight!!! 

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So, are you a runner?

Do you like 5Ks? 

What's your best time? 

Anyone else a fan of the Hallelujah Chorus? 

It's Fresh Friday! (Wk 6)

1. shooting star show (did anyone else see the meteor shower last night?!) 

2. baklava! (should I scream?! - thank you aunt rhonda!!!)

3. 5K race registration. :-) 

HUGE Christmas Giveaway

Here's the surprise!!! Ashlee from ABpetite has put together an AMAZINGLY huge giveaway and invited me to be apart of it. Join the fun and enter for your chance to win! 

Tues, Dec 18th - 5 winners will be selected to receive these gifts. Have at it! {Be sure to scroll to the end of this post to enter!}

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Special thanks to Ashlee for organizing this giveaway!