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I started out on my hike this morning and instead of the usual banter that goes on in my head during the first few minutes - something really cool happened. I realized that I was being consistent. Whoa! It has been 5 months since I started hiking every morning, and with just a few exceptions, SOMEHOW .. I keep doing it!
So I started thinking about what finally changed for me. Why was I finally able to be consistent with exercise? I always struggled with this - going to the gym religiously for 2-3 weeks and then not going for months , or taking a yoga class for a month or two and then forgetting all about it. I was always pretty fit but I was never consistent about moving my body every day.
I know a lot of people with the same struggle.. so I figured .. if I can share what made this CLICK for me .. maybe it will work for others too. It may not be exercise that is the issue for you .. perhaps it is eating veggies or being consistent with meals, or getting to bed at a decent hour. Whatever it is .. I hope my secrets will help you! And if they do .. please make my day and let me know! I love getting emails from readers who have good news to share!
Kelly
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Kelly Approved Apple Crisp
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I used to love making apple crisp. I have all kinds of kitchen tools and stoneware .. just for making this soothing, warm fall dessert. But, as you must know, apple crisp is usually made with a good bit of brown sugar, flour and often a dollop of ice cream on top.
Three big No Nos for the sugar, gluten and dairy sensitive in my home.
So here is a recipe for a wonderful, warming and naturally sweet version of apple crisp (with pears too) - that I hope you will try! :-)
APPLE PEAR CRISP
4 granny smith apples, peeled and sliced
4 bosc pears, peeled and sliced
1 orange juiced
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
2TBS maple syrup (if you must)
2 TBS arrowroot or cornstarch
1 cup gluten free oatmeal
1 stick butter or coconut oil (cold)
1/2 cup oat flour or other GF flour
1/8 cup brown sugar (if you must)
Lightly oil 9x12 baking dish (or use a stone). Combine apples, pears, orange juice and zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and arrowroot in a large bowl. Put into baking dish. In a food processor combine oats, flour and sugar (if using) and pulse until blended. Add cold butter or coconut oil and pulse until crumbly. Sprinkle topping over fruit and bake 40-50 minutes until fruit is just tender and topping is golden.
--adapted from "Special Eats by Sueson Louise Vess"
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Secrets to Consistency
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#1 You MUST like it!
Treadmills and stationary bikes just aren't for me but the call of nature: fresh air, trees, a chance to see a deer --that is enough to pull me out of bed. Whether it is eating your greens or going for a run .. to be consistent with it you must actually like it. So try different recipes until you find some you like, and try different exercises until you find one that calls you to keep coming back! If sleep is your issue -- make going to bed something special by giving yourself a foot massage (with peppermint or lavender oil is the best!).
#2 You MUST see a VALUE in it!
If having a super fit body is not that important to you, it may be hard to stay consistent with exercise. So figure out what VALUE you ARE looking for. For me .. it had more to do with state of mind. After my hike I am much calmer and grounded .. and so I can manage the hectic process of getting the kids off to school with grace instead of growls. Perhaps you want to be consistent to avoid an illness or to keep your energy levels up - figure out WHY it is important and that will help you stay consistent with it.
#3 You MUST be on BOARD!
If you are doing something you enjoy, and you see the value in it .. but you aren't really on board -- you will self sabotage your best efforts. It isn't always easy to get "on board" but you can start by simply telling yourself that you matter .. that you are the #1 priority in your life, and that you deserve the best from yourself
- not the scraps that are left over after you take care of everyone
else! This can be challenging ..so if you need help let me know.
#4 YOU MUST make it SACRED
Even if you find something you like, and you see VALUE in doing it (eating, exercising or sleeping).. and you are ON BOARD.... when LIFE gets crazy ... it is natural to become challenged with staying consistent. But if you really see the importance of your routine .. I promise you that you can find a way to stick with it. For me it meant having to do my hikes before the kids wake up, and before anyone in their right mind would want a session or lecture from me! And it works. Even on busy days I have built in enough buffer to make sure I can still take my hike. So ... make it sacred by giving it a designated time that you will not "bump". And if you really love doing it - trust me - you will fight tooth and nail not to bump it!
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