Calling All Resolutioners!!

As you know, the "Biggest Loser" competition has begun here at Brownstone and I know many of you out there have your own "Biggest Loser" challenges. So, I thought I'd share a little helpful hints on how to not only begin but stick with your New Year Resolution.

First things first--pick a goal. The most important thing about this goal is to not make it too broad, for example instead of your New Year's Resolution being "I want to lost weight" make it specific to what you want to accomplish. Make it more like losing 10 pounds by summer, fitting into your old favorite jeans or maybe even running your first 5K this year. Making specific goals gives you something to work towards and when you actually get to your goal it will give you a great sense of accomplishment, which believe me feels awesome and will only make you want to set more challenging goals!

Next, make your goals reasonable! You are not going to lost 30 pounds in a month, it just isn't going to happen. So many people go straight to the "diets" and completely cut out their favorite foods--this is why so many people crash and burn then completely veg out then, there went all your hard work out the window. Diets are meant to be temporary so begin to make small and reasonable changes to your diet and make it a habit for a lifetime {Like try to intake more fruits and vegetables, take in smaller portions, and take in the healthy carbs...carbs are NOT bad just make sure to choose the healthy ones}. My best advice when it come to food is set aside one day of the week that you get to go out and enjoy your favorite meal and drinks. You will get no where by punishing yourself and taking away all the good foods you love!

Third, don't beat yourself up! No body's perfect, if you slip up and have a bad meal or eat those sweets your have been craving don't think it has ruined all your work. When you fall off your bike you get back on and keep going, when you fall off your journey of health and fitness just get back on and keep going.

 

And lastly, find something you love. If working out is going to be included in your resolution {which I highly suggest--its not only good for your hot bod ;) but great for everything else like your heart which effects your brain, your mood, your sleep and just makes you an all around happier person} find your "thing". Try cycling, maybe try that weird fitness class you've been looking into, find a group of running friends, anything to get your heart pumping and the blood flowing!

Morgan

Everyone Loves a Pepper!

It's the new year, so that means time again for Brownstone's "Biggest Loser" competition that we have with all the vendors and employees every year! With competitive spirits at an ultimate high I though I would share one of my favorite red pepper recipes!

 Roasted Red Pepper Dip
2 large red peppers
2 whole green onions, cut into 2" lengths
2 Tbs. fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 c seed and chopped tomatoes
1 clove of garlic
8 oz. fat-free cream cheese, cut into pieces
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Pinch of hot-pepper sauce
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste  Directions:
Preheat the broiler or barbecue grill to high heat. Cut off tops of bell peppers. Place peppers on the rack 6" from the boiler heat source, or on the grill rack, cook for 2 to 5 minutes {or until the skin is charred black}. Rotate peppers so that other side face the hear. Continue cooking until all sides are charred. Transfer the peppers to a brown bag, close the bag tightly. Let stand for 15 minutes or until peppers are cool enough to handle. Peel the charred skin from the peppers, discard skin and seeds. Transfer roasted peppers to food processor and roughly chop. Spoon peppers into a fine strainer, stir to allow the excess liquid to drain off. In food processor add green onions, cilantro and garlic. Process for 60 seconds or until finely chopped, add cream cheese, process 60 seconds or until well combined. Stir in reserved peppers, tomatoes and cumin. Mix well, season with hot pepper sauce, salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours {for the flavors to blend}.
Makes enough for about 18-20 people



Let me know how yours turns out!

Love,

Becky "GG"