Sarah Bennett

Client Spotlight for March- Sarah Bennett!

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! 

Sarah Bennett Skiing with Her Family

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.
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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!

Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potato, apple, and Kale

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

HEALTHY ACTIVE FAMILY VACATIONS

Summer vacations are in full swing as we head into July. Make your summer vacation a healthier one this year by making time to eat healthier foods, take a longer walk or run on the beach, or play active games with the family at your destination. Enjoying these extra moments with family helps you relax and refuel for the upcoming months. I have recently heard of so many families making better choices for their family vacations that I had to brag on them in hopes to inspire YOU to plan a more active, healthy family vacation this year.

Valerie Langley and her family organizes an entire family beach 5k equipped with water stops and 5k t-shirts! Each year the 5k group has grown, with a record turn out this year, and Valerie achieved a record time of 25 minutes!

Langley Family 5k Photo 2013

Langley Family 5k Photo 2013

The Kilgore family has made a change from staying in a hotel in Amelia island to staying in a condo with a full kitchen so they can prepare their meals and not eat out as often.  Some of Suzanne's families favorite staples are yogurt parfaits, smoothies, and raw veggies (such as cucumbers and carrots) with hummus.

The Kilgore Family getting ready to enjoy a family vacation!

The Kilgore Family getting ready to enjoy a family vacation!

The Bennett family next week plans to join together for a family vacation after many family members run the Peachtree road race. Their 4th of July festivities include purple cable slaw & roasted beets in a vinaigrette, followed by yoga on the grassy lawn! WOW!

Russell & Charles Bennett on a healthy active beach vacation!

Russell & Charles Bennett on a healthy active beach vacation!

Kelly running to the bike in the Williamsburg Half Iron Man!

Kelly running to the bike in the Williamsburg Half Iron Man!

Friend, Jason Matthews, high fives his kids during the Williamsburg Half Iron Man race!

Friend, Jason Matthews, high fives his kids during the Williamsburg Half Iron Man race!

I just love these fresh ideas! Our family just returned from a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia where my husband, Kelly, competed in his first Half Iron Man in 17 years.  A company named Rev 3 organized the race and touts this event as a family friendly race with a 1 mile glow run, a family adventure course, and the triathlon. At the race finish, the company sets up jumpy houses, face painting, hoola hoops, and poster decorating making it fun for all! We like to incorporate our family vacations with a race or active event - so the days after the race we toured Colonial Williamsburg, slid down the water park rides, and experienced roller coasters at Busch Gardens!

The Matthews family also traveled to Williamsburg to enjoy a fun, active family vacation. Jason, UGA Accounting Professor, has recently started competing in triathlons and over the past year has transformed his lifestyle completely.  His wife, Pam, and four children enjoy coming to support him in his new found passion!

Eating healthy at these theme parks and vacation destinations  can be tricky, but planning ahead makes it possible!!! We always pack a backpack full of water bottles, nuts ,apples ,and premade sandwiches in case of those "I am starving!" moments. Of course, we let the kiddos have a treat while out, but trying to teach them to make their own smart choices will help them to become stronger and healthier so that they can grow strong and enjoy all the Busch Gardens rides!

Here is a list of some vacation travel snacks for you to pack! Never leave home without your cooler in your car!

Top 10 Healthy Vacation Snacks

1. Bottled waters 2. Apples 3. Almonds/Walnuts 4. Cheese sticks 5. Luna Protein Bars & Kids Cliff Bars 6. Grapes 7. Dry cereal in Ziplock bags 8. Pretzel thins 9.Raisins 10. Whole wheat peanut butter crackers

kids clif bar

kids clif bar

cheesesticks

cheesesticks

Blessings, Caroline

The Ward Family Pre-Race!

The Ward Family Pre-Race!