Happy Thoughts
I actually start this morning’s post cursing my injured hip. 
As I was typing, I realized that all of my negative talk was putting me in a cranky mood. I deleted everything that I just wrote and started again. There was no need to start off my day with that type of negativity! Typically, my morning post sets the tone for my entire day, so it’s a chance to make sure that it starts off great! I hope your Tuesday is off to a wonderful start, blog friends! 
Colorful, fresh flowers helped improve my outlook, too!
 |
 |
Breakfast this morning was a hearty bowl of oatmeal with red grapes on the side. (I also plan to take some iced coffee with chocolate soy milk to go.)
In the mix:
- 1/2 cup dry oats
- 1/4 cup wheat bran
- 1 tbsp hemp protein
- 2/3 cup vanilla hemp milk
- Splash of water
- 2 spoonfuls of Barney Butter
National Women’s Health Week
Happy National Women’s Health Week! 
The 10th annual National Women’s Health Week kicked off on Mother’s Day and will be celebrated until May 16th.
National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. With the theme “It’s Your Time,” the nationwide initiative encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. During National Women’s Health Week, communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases.
Keeping It Fresh: 5 Tips for Finding the Freshest Coffee at the Super Market
From Coffee Bean Direct
The coffee lining the shelves of your local super market is not as fresh as you may think. Many people load down their coffee with cream and sugar as a taste substitute; this may be the result of stale beans or grinds. Fresh beans contain oils that keep it packed with bold flavor, eliminating the need for additives, which are full of unwanted calories and costs that take away from a truly enjoyable coffee experience.
Coffee is a type of produce, so why wouldn’t you check it for freshness? You wouldn’t buy bananas without checking to see if they were under/over ripe, would you? Coffee and the coffee drinking experience deserve the same kind of consideration. Here are some tips from a gourmet coffee roasting company for finding the freshest coffee at the super market:
- Vacuum packed containers are your best bet, because canned coffee will always be stale to some extent.
- Look for packaging that includes a one-way air valve. Fresh coffee beans emit gas for a few weeks after roasting. Coffee that is packaged fresh will always have this valve or else the bag will burst! Be sure to check carefully for these valves, because they can sometimes be hard to find on the package.
- Instead of an expiration date, it is better for the containers to display dates like “Roasted on “or “born on” because coffee should be consumed within 2 to 4 weeks of roasting.
- Buy whole bean coffee. Ground coffee has a shorter shelf life than whole bean. Plus, when the bean remains whole it is able to maintain its freshness and flavor for a longer period of time.
- The freshest coffee option is not found in the super market. It’s best to buy from a boutique coffee roaster. They roast their beans daily and because they are the producer, the cost is much lower than big third party distributors.
Question of the Day
Have you motivated anyone in your life to make healthier choices?
And a fun quote!
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats”
–Iris Murdoch
Posted by: Tina 50 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
on May 12th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I’m glad to say that I’ve motivated many people to be healthier. I encouraged my parents to eat healthier, my friends to begin to workout! I don’t tell them anything special, but they just look how healthy and how energetic I am, they wanted to know the secret. And as we all know, there’s no secret but to eat healthy and workout regularly!
have a nice day Tina!
on May 12th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Love the flowers!
Sometimes I help my husband eat healthier, but other time I think I encourage him to eat worse – I buy him candy. Most of my family already have good eating habits – I need to learn from them actually.
on May 12th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Gorgeous flowers, Tina! Thanks for the coffee-buying tips – I’ve been thinking about buying a coffee bean grinder, because it tastes superior to already ground coffee.
Fun question! I’ve been living with my fiance (I’ll be able to write “husband” pretty soon!) for nearly 4 years now, and his eating habits have definitely changed for the better (I’m giving myself a pat on the back
). He grew up eating delicious – but rich – foods, and I think I’ve convinced him that healthy food can taste good. He’s also started to eat breakfast with more regularity – a meal he used to skip altogether in favor of cup after cup of coffee.
on May 12th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I love flowersssss. They really do help my mood. I hope they do the same for you =]
on May 12th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Tina, i am so glad you decided to re-start your day on a positive note! It is very inspirational to see that you KNOW you have the choice to direct your life in any way you please. Keep goin’, girl!!
Love & Hugs
on May 12th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Those flowers are beautiful. What a great way to start my day! I competed in a show last year and was picked to be in a Special Nutrition Oxgyen magazine to show that real people can do this with no special pills or gadgets. This year I got my husband in on the act and he has lost over 30 pounds! I will have to say though I had hit a rough patch but finding you online has really been a god send! I can’t wait to get on in the morning and start my day. Thank you
hugs
on May 12th, 2009 at 8:36 am
mmm..fresh coffee is the best. we just started buying ours from a local coffee shop here that roasts ALL the coffee there. So much better than bagged stuff at the store.
My dad has lost 25 lbs since Christmas! I gave him a challenge and he has done so well!
on May 12th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Hope the rest of your day is great!!! Those flowers are beautiful.
MMM, coffee…
on May 12th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Love the positive attitude! Sometimes it’s hard to do that when you’re frustrated, but deciding to cut out the negativity really makes for a better day!
I motivated my sister to cook more, a friend to make healthier meals at home and my dad’s co-worker (who reads my blog) to lose weight. Pretty cool
on May 12th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Beautiful flowers!!! And as a former barista, I completely agree with all of your coffee freshness tips!
on May 12th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I’ve definitely motivated my boyfriend to eat healthier. He used to eat a lot of fast food and frozen pizzas before we met. Now I think he only secretly does this when I’m not looking, but, hey, it’s better than all the time!
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I hate to take credit for anything because they made the decision themselves, but I got my two aunts and Mom to walk in three races this Spring (5k, 10k, and 10-miler) and one of my aunts walked a mini-marathon with me! Our family is meeting on a regular basis to keep everyone moving and now I’m working on getting my husband to eat a healthier diet
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Great coffee tips — thank you so much! I will definitely remember this next time I buy coffee.
And to answer your question, my aunt has become healthier because of my blog — now she eats greek yogurt and exercises because of me!
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I hope that I have motivated people to be healthier. One of my friends and I have started walking twice a week, and I think my boyfriend eats much healthier since he’s met me, and I think he’s more focused on exercising lately. I’m working on getting another one of my friends to go to the Farmer’s Market with me! I think coco’s right — leading by example is the best way to do it!
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Im having hip issues too this week. Taking a week + off from running : (
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Tina I love the positive attitude, and those flowers! I know that my blog has motivated a lot of people to eat healthier and get out more! And your blog has done that for me
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:27 am
GREAT quote – that man is a genious!
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Great positive attitude! I’m a big believer that you have to fake it ’til you make it sometimes – if you’re upset, put a smile on, pick yourself up, and usually your mood will follow
My mom has started to eat healthier – hummus, Greek yogurt, etc.
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Beautiful flowers!!! My sister and I’s veganism has affected the way my family eats, I think. We all eat much healthier than we used to.
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Beautiful flowers! So far I’ve been able to motivate my Dad, ex-college roommate, and boyfriend to eat healthier and I’m working on my Mom. Good nutrition is just so important, I want to make sure everyone I love is as healthy as possible!
on May 12th, 2009 at 9:51 am
hi, i love your blog and i’m glad you decided to have more of a positive post this morning- sometimes it helps actually turn your mood around when you write in a better mood than you initially started off in:)
my mom started to eat healthier too and i’ve just recently taught her how to start making oats for breakfast with fruit and such, but besides that i’m not really sure haha
on May 12th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I got my mom to join Weight Watchers and exercise daily! She lost 50 lbs and is now at a healthy weight and a lifetime member of Weight Watchers!!
on May 12th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I’m sorry about your hip giving you trouble, but those flowers are absolutely gorgeous! I’ve actually begun teaching my mom how to cook! (We lived off of egg salad sandwiches when I was growing up).
on May 12th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Thanks for the flower pics! Yes, I have motivated some people in my life to become vegetarian and enjoy healthier baked goods – it’s easy when I cook for them!
on May 12th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Awesome post, I have no idea how to ‘choose’ coffee so this helps!
on May 12th, 2009 at 10:44 am
I totally agree that having a positive mindset isan important part to over coming negativity.That said, I am sorry about your hip.
A lot of my friends and family are more willing to try new things becuse of me. For example, I got my dad to try tempeh. My mom and Marks mom have been especially receptive! They have the diet mentality and I think I’ve helped them a little with changing that restrictive fat free mentality
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Good for you for pushing out the negative thoughts! Awesome!!
Amazing looking breakfast!
I have often been told I have inspired people to be healthy and fit and they admire me for working so hard and losing weight and becoming stronger
It means a lot and sometimes you don’t realize how much people (family, close friends, acquaintances, co-workers) recognize the hard work you put into being healthy. It’s so motivating for myself to hear someone say something positive about the way I live- especially when I am not expecting it! 
I have heard it on countless occasions and I welcome the positive comments always!
Thanks for pointing out that it’s Women’s Health Week! I am definitely checking the site out!!
Have a wonderful day!!
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I inspired my roommate in college to start running outside with me, and then eventually hit up the gym. She came to the conclusion that she needed to do it on her own, but she often tagged along with me, after my asking her multiple times. I also feel I have inspired my Mom to buy more whole grains and healthier options regarding snacks (soycrisp chips, yogurts etc) and for that I am thankful!
I hope to continue to inspire more people in the future!!
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I inspired my roommate and boyfriend to start eating healthy! He now eats turkey, hummus, veggies, and salad because of me!
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:37 am
When I told my friends and family about the blog, I noticed a lot of them trying to change their habits. My brother has even started running! I’m not sure if it’s because of me, but I’m really impressed with his changes either way!
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Does Bethanny exercise?! If so, I don’t see how she can fuel herself properly on that much food!!
Thanks for the review—I’ve been curious about this book.
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:47 am
(Whoops, sorry, i commented on the wrong post!!)
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Such a great tip…we do control our thoughts and they can have so much of an influence over others! Thanks for starting my day off right.
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Ok, those flowers put ME in a better mood and I’m not even there to see them! Thanks!
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:52 am
i hope your hip feels better… *hugs*
on May 12th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Injuries stink, but you can use the opportunity to try a new sport. I got into swimming that way, and now I plan to do a triathlon. All because of an injury!
Coffee makes me feel better when I’m feeling negative too. Thanks for the freshness tips.
To answer the question, I’ve motivated a few family members recently since I stopped eating meat. It’s so nice to know that I’ve helped loved ones to change their unhealthy ways. Plus who knows how many other readers I’ve helped!
on May 12th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Great job on being positive! I’ve been dealing with a running injury for the past few months and whenever I start to dwell on my bum leg, I turn into a total grouch! I’ve noticed that a long walk or a yoga class can do wonders for my outlook. And of course, a yummy treat can cheer me up as well
on May 12th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I so enjoy reading your blog. I do not blog but would love to enter to win a contest once in a while. How can I do that since I do not blog?
on May 12th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Love the flower photos! I just motivated my husband and helped him lose 35 pounds!
on May 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I am just getting over a stress fracture in my hip which left me sidelined from running for over 4 months. I did wallow for a bit, which left me miserable and my friends alienated. But, through it all, I discovered an appreciation of cross-training, as well as the ability to be easy on my body. Now, I’m back to running, although currently suffering a foot problem (oh, running, why do the ones we love hurt us so?), but I’m much more positive with this injury than the last… hang in there. It gets better.
on May 12th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Those flowers are so pretty! It’s amazing how fresh flowers just brighten a room, not to mention a mood. Except when they start to die…I always keep them longer that I really should, and it gets so sad after awhile haha until I finally throw them away.
on May 12th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Lovely flowers! Glad you were able to turn yourself around and start on a good note
Just by being healthy myself, I was able to motivate my sister to eat better foods and make better choices. We both are trying to find ways to get my mom to be a much healthier person in general, but I’m afraid its a loosing battle.
on May 12th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I made your skinny oatmeal bars last night! And then ate one with my oatmeal this morning
on May 12th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I think I motivate my family to try and be healthy – high blood pressure, back problems, and obesity run in my family, and everyone is trying to get into better shape. When I tell them that I run and have lost weight since college, we start talking about what works to defeat our “family bad habits.” Unfortunately I don’t think anyone has the willpower to turn down my grandmother’s deadly macaroni and cheese!
on May 12th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Thanks for the coffee tips… I’m a HUGE coffee drinker, but am trying to get into the habit of brewing at home instead of handing over 2 bucks to starbucks every day. this will help make that a little easier to do!
on May 12th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Great flower pictures they are so pretty!
on May 12th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I used to be the only health conscious person at home, but in the past few months my boyfriend has really turned. It was a particular goal of mine, but he’s started really watching what we eat to make sure meals are well-rounded and have lots of nutrition. He’s even started exercising! Now I’m going to be jealous when he loses weight faster than I do. I really think it’s amazing though, especially considering he was obese about 6 years ago. It’s always good to see people making healthy choices and encourages me to keep going.
on May 12th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
hi tina –
i’m super late on this but i must have missed a couple of posts and didn’t realize you were having hip pain! i have had a lot of problems with one hip (sort of groin area) and it has caused me to have to bail the last 2 times i trained for marathons. fortunately, i’m doing better now. the injury is likely an iliopsoas tendonitis and also tightening/fibrosis of other muscles in that region. what has helped me a lot is actually active release technique done by a chiropractor (and i will admit that as an MD i was initially a skeptic). this in addition to yoga, stretching, getting off the treadmill, and reducing running to 3-4x/week has made the pain go away again.
anyway let me know if you have any questions or anything regarding the hip — it’s so frustrating when you progress so much in running and then get sidelined.
on May 12th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
ps: when i said ‘the injury is likely . . .’ i meant MY injury. not trying to diagnose you online
just wanted to clarify!
on May 13th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
[...] really liked Tina’s post yesterday about thinking positively. Over the past few days I’ve let myself get really [...]