This warm weather is the perfect time to start being active outside! Our client spotlight of the month, Sarah Bennett, wonderfully exemplifies how to change your life and get outdoors more. When I first met Sarah she was shying away from the outdoor activities she used to love, but now she and her family are constantly active and outdoors walking and enjoying their beautiful property. Sarah is an inspiration to so many women and exemplifies the theme for March- Maximize Your Motivation! To stay motivated we have to be committed to our goals! Though the easy and difficult times in life- Sarah has remained committed and focused to all of her goals, and always gives 110%. She wants to be a good role model for her family and live a healthy, active lifestlye. Congratulations Sarah- Keep inspiring other to staying committed and focused on reaching their own personal goals and living a healthy lifestyle! Let's all Maximize our Motivation in March!
Growing up and throughout high school and college, I was very active (some might say hyperactive), but once I began working full-time, got married and started a family, I was no longer making time for exercise. I was on a fabulous vacation in Colorado with friends one Summer when everyone decided to go hiking. I found myself making excuses to stay behind , because I honestly didn't think I could physically handle a moderate hike...something I used to love and enjoy.A few months later, I was at a fundraiser, where I won a package that included a massage and 3 sessions at Transfit...I honestly thought I would use the massage only, but remembered my Colorado trip and decided I might as well see what she had to offer. After one meeting, I realized this was something that I needed to make a priority in my life. It also happened that around the same time, my husband started a small-scale farming operation which included pastured poultry and grass-fed beef. As his business grew, we began learning more about clean eating and the importance of quality in what we put into our bodies. Through this we have met many amazing local farmers and have found ourselves so fortunate to live in a community that is so supportive of local and sustainable agriculture.After 2 1/2 years at TransFit, I continued to work out with Caroline twice a week, have added yoga into my exercise routine and enjoy nature walks around our farm. I truly believe that exercise is as good for the mind as it is the body, and have found it to be an integral part of my well-being.
Sarah loves eating fresh, wholesome foods. One of her favorite meals is Kale & Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Apples. You can even add shredded chicken for some additional protein!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa
- Salt
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 packed cups kale (about 6 ounces)
Directions:
Cook quinoa according to directions. Meanwhile, on a baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25 minutes, stirring once, until golden and softened. Let cool.In a large bowl, whisk the remaining 6 tablespoons of olive oil with the vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Add the quinoa, sweet potatoes, apples, parsley, onion and greens and toss well. Serve right away.
Blessings,
Caroline