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February Tag
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Tag: February

Choicesclean eatingExercisefamilygoalshealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivation
February 3, 2021By Josephine Fitzpatrick

NO EXCUSES – BE COMMITTED TO YOUR GOALS

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]HELLO FEBRUARY! [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Congratulations to those of you who have remained true to your goals (and there are so many of you) I am beyond thrilled and excited for you all. It’s a tough time of year but it’s also the most important when it comes to weight loss. The days go by fast…. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]February has already arrived and what a short month it is with Valentine’s Day around the corner — I can assure you March will arrive even faster. So for those of you who have not stayed true I think you need to take a moment and think about how quickly the days are passing. The time to work on your mind and body is now when the snow is on the ground not when it’s spring and you are trying on summer clothes. Life happens quickly – and if you are not moving and thinking and planning, it will pass you by and you won’t even know what you did in the time it was passing. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]This week’s theme is to love yourself enough to stop making excuses.  We all have excuses if we want them.  You can tell yourself that it’s quarantine, or I have no will power, it’s the kids, or I will start tomorrow….. whatever excuse you want to tell yourself is what you will believe. The bottom line is you are still using them as excuses to cheat and go off your program. And regardless of how true your excuse may be, it doesn’t change the fact that when you go off your program you will not lose weight. So remember even the best excuse in the world is still putting you in the wrong direction. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]THREE IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
  • The distance between where you are right now and where you really want to be can be measured by the number of excuses you make and take.
  • The more excuses you make and take, the bigger the distance. The less excuses you tolerate, the more you close up that distance.
  • When you make excuses for yourself you are giving up before you even begun. You are holding yourself back from the life you want to live. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible]There are no real excuses when it comes to reaching a goal. Even the weakest person can be a doer at their own pace. Every excuse you make puts you further behind and farther back from where you are trying to be. But if you plan, prepare and focus and keep reminding yourself what you want – then there will be no stopping you. Even if you are at a snail’s pace you can still be in the same positive direction and moving toward your positive goals. So stop making excuses and start doing. Stop talking about it and start planning for it. Stop floating around waiting for it to happen and put your feet on the ground and start moving in the right direction and don’t stop until you get there.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]You can’t undo your old excuses – just stop making new ones…. Don’t think about the past instead move forward and make tomorrow better than today.  If you have not been great and are starting to freak out because it’s February and March is quickly approaching then you need to stop regretting, stop beating yourself up and stop trying to undo damage that is already done. I get messages all the time – how can I reverse my extra cheating, or how can I get this weight off tomorrow! I’m sorry but you can’t turn back the clock in any part of your life. Where you are today is where you got yourself, so accept it and move on to working hard to getting yourself to where you want to be. Trying to do anything quick or fast are bad habits that got you to the overweight place you started. You don’t want to keep going down that road because that is what will keep you on the roller coaster. If you want it to be different tomorrow, next week, next month – then you need to start the change today. The only way to get the weight off is to stop making excuses and be more committed to your dreams than to your comfort zone. Stay on program and follow your menu and put the time in like everyone else. Putting the time in is the only thing that will make and keep you successful. If you are not happy with your weight today you need to own it and deal with where you are. You need to understand and own that you got yourself here. Then you need to focus on the change and the work and the positive process that you will take to get you to that happy place. The happy place where you feel good in your skin. That happy place that gives you confidence and makes you love waking up feeling lighter, happier and healthier. The process is simple: follow your menu, absolutely no excuses, put the time and the work in, stay on your path and remember your goals – and keep following the process 6 clean days a week and 1 Cheat Day.  Don’t try and change the rules and don’t try to rush the process. You know it works you have either done it or know someone who has had amazing success. Every week the weight loss will add up and before you know it you will be the person that you always admired. The person that made no excuses and worked hard for what they wanted. You will be the one who has control and who knows what they are doing and feels good all the time because you are following your 6 days on and 1 day off. You will no longer have the guilt of eating out of control and you will know that your hard work is what makes you feel amazing. When you stop making excuses and starting doing – it’s life changing because you realize that you can have it all. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]IF IT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU 
YOU WILL FIND A WAY
IF IT’S NOT 
YOU WILL FIND AN EXCUSE[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
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February 2, 2020By Josephine Fitzpatrick

HELLO FEBRAURY

Can you believe January has come and gone?  For those of you who have remained true to your goals (and there are soooo many of you) I am beyond thrilled and excited for you.  It’s a tough time of  year but it’s also the most important when it comes to weight loss.  In a blink, February has arrived and Winter Break is 2 weeks away … which means Spring Break is 6 weeks and Summer is literally just around the corner.   For those of you who have not stayed true to your goals I think it’s time you pull yourself together and start making things happen.  Because before you know it you will be saying “What was I thinking?”  — “Why didn’t I do it?”  and  “How did this happen?”  I think it’s fair to say  — life has proved that it can happen so quickly and if you are not moving and thinking and planning, it will pass you by and you won’t even know what you did in the time it was passing.

 

If it makes you feel better — it’s not just you.  Life happens quickly for everyone.  That’s all we ever hear and say:  “I can’t believe it!”  and “Where did the time go?!”  The day, the weeks, the months went so fast.  You had planned to do this and/or that — and you never did it.  But the truth is you didn’t plan. You merely thought about it or talked about it because if you planned for it you would have accomplished it.  When it comes to life and time we are all the same — it happens quickly and the days, the weeks, and the months go by all at the same 24 hour pace.  No one has more minutes or hours in a day or week than the rest of us.  So what is the difference between those who are successful and those who aren’t?

 

Successful people plan.  They have a focus and a vision and they plan for it and they keep planning until they reach that goal.  If it’s a big goal then they make little goals to achieve along the way until they reach the big goal.  When they reach that big goal they make another goal.  It’s mental strength that everyone can have if they put their minds to it.  Yes, some are stronger than others, and some may want it more than others.  But at the end of the day you either have a goal that you are really truly working hard toward or you are just talking about it and make excuses for why you haven’t achieved it.

 

There are no excuses when it comes to reaching a goal.  Even the weakest person can be a doer at their own pace.  Every excuse you make puts you further behind and farther back from where you are trying to be. But if you plan and focus and keep reminding yourself what you want — then there will be no stopping you.  Even if you are moving at a snail’s pace you can still be in the same positive direction and moving toward your positive goals.  So stop floating around waiting for it to happen and put your feet on the ground and start moving in the right direction and don’t stop until you get there.

 

YOUR FOCUS DETERMINES YOUR REALITY 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
February 5, 2018By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Hello February!

 

HELLO FEBRUARY! Can you believe January has come and gone? For those of you who have remained true to your goals (and there are sooooo many of you) I am beyond thrilled and excited for you. It’s a tough time of year but it’s also the most important when it comes to weight loss. In a blink, February has arrived and what a short month it is. With Valentine’s Day around the corner and only 23 days left in the month I can assure you March will arrive even faster than February, and for those of you who have not stayed true will say “What was I thinking?” and “How did this happen?” I think it’s fair to say – life has proved that it can happen so quickly and if you are not moving and thinking and planning, it will pass you by and you won’t even know what you did in the time it was passing.

 

 

If it makes you feel better – It’s not just you. Life happens quickly for everyone. That’s all we ever hear and say: “I can’t believe it!” and “Where did the time go?!” The day, the weeks, the months went so fast. You had planned to do this and/or that – and you never did it. But the truth is you didn’t plan. You merely thought about it or talked about it because if you planned you would have accomplished it. When it comes to life and time we are all the same – it happens quickly and the days, the weeks, and the months go by all at the same 24 hour pace. No one has more minutes or hours in a day or week than the rest of us. So what is the difference between those who are successful and those who aren’t?

 

Successful people plan, they have a focus and a vision and they plan for it and they keep planning until they reach that goal. If it’s a big goal then they make little goals to achieve along the way until they reach the big goal. When they reach that big goal they make another goal. It’s mental strength that everyone can have if they put their mind to it. Yes, some are stronger than others, and some may want things more than others. But at the end of the day you either have a goal that you are really truly working hard toward or you are just talking about it and make excuses for why you haven’t achieved it.

 

There are no excuses when it comes to reaching a goal. Even the weakest person can be a doer at their own pace. Every excuse you make puts you further behind and farther back from where you are trying to be. But if you plan and focus and keep reminding yourself what you want – then there will be no stopping you! Even if you are at a snail’s pace you can still be in the same positive direction and moving toward your positive goals. So stop making excuses and start doing. Stop talking about it and start planning for it. Stop floating around waiting for it to happen and put your feet on the ground and start moving in the right direction and don’t stop until you get there.

 

You can’t quickly UNDO what you did – but you can move forward and make tomorrow better than today: If you have not been great and are starting to freak out because it’s February and March is quickly approaching then you need to stop regretting, stop beating yourself up and stop trying to undo damage that is already done. I get messages all the time – how can I reverse my extra cheating, or how can I get this weight off tomorrow! I’m sorry but you can’t turn back the clock in any part of your life. Where you are today is where you got yourself. So accept it and move on to working hard to getting yourself to where you want to be. Trying to do anything quick or fast are bad habits that got you to the overweight place you started. You don’t want to keep going down that road because that is what will keep you on the roller coaster. If you want it to be different tomorrow, next week, next month – then you need to start the change today.  Unfortunately most of you who have not been on program or giving it your 100% may not want to hear this but it’s the truth – the only way to get the weight off is to start on your program and follow your menu and put the time in like everyone else. Putting the time and the work in is the only things that will make and keep you successful. If you are not happy with your weight today you need to own it and deal with where you are. You need to understand and own that you got yourself here. Then you need to focus on the change and the work and the positive process that you will take to get you to that happy place. The happy place where you feel good in your skin. That happy place that gives you confidence and makes you love waking up feeling lighter, happier and healthier. The process is simple: follow your menu, put the time and the work in, stay on your path and remember your goals – and keep following the process 6 clean days a week and 1 Cheat Day.  Don’t try and change the rules and don’t try to rush the process. You know it works you have either done it or know someone who has had amazing success. Every week the weight loss will add up and before you know it YOU will be the person that you once looked at and wished for. Yes, the one who has the healthy thin and fit body but not only that – more important, you will be off the roller coaster. You will be the one who has control and who knows what they are doing and feels good all the time because you are following your 6 days on and 1 day off. You will no longer have the guilt of cheating and you will know that your hard work 6 days a week every week is what makes you feel amazing. It’s the time and the hard work that creates the control of staying on 6 days and enjoying your 1 Cheat Day – and that is life changing. It’s life changing because you realize that you can have it all. That’s who you are and who you want to be – the person in control of feeling good everyday.

 

CONTROL TODAY AND IT WILL MAKE A BETTER TOMORROW AND THAT WILL MAKE A GREAT NEXT WEEK – AND TOGETHER IT WILL BE AMAZING MONTH

 

WORK AT 100% TODAY 
AND YOU WILL GET 100% RESULTS TOMORROW

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
211 E 43rd Street Manhattan, NY 10016
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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
February 23, 2016By Josephine Fitzpatrick

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, so we want to ask – how healthy is your heart? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is, with healthy choices and the management of health conditions, heart disease can often be prevented. Make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your heart healthy and strong with the following tips for a healthy heart:

 

1. Get a check up. In general, you should be getting a check up at least once a year. If it has been more than a year or you can’t even remember the last time you saw your doctor, now is a great time to get yourself checked out and get the right tests done to make sure your heart is healthy. Ask about blood pressure tests, cholesterol tests, diabetes screening and seek counseling if you need extra guidance. Learn about prevention for conditions you may be at risk for. Keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. When there is too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol circulating in your blood, it can slowly build up in your arteries and create plaque that can narrow your arteries. If a clot forms, it can block a narrowed artery and a heart attack or stroke can happen. High blood pressure can damage your heart and arteries by placing too much pressure on them. This can cause microscopic tears in the walls of your arteries. If you are already at risk for heart disease, or take medication for blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, follow the instructions carefully. Manage your symptoms and medications carefully with your doctor.

 

2. Eat right. Having a healthy diet is great for your weight loss but can also help prevent heart disease and improve heart health. Reduce trans fats and steer clear of foods high in sodium. Look for foods with protein, fiber and Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body and can prevent damage to bloods vessels that can cause heart disease. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 (as well as many other vitamins and minerals) which makes it such a smart choice for heart health. Look for protein in legumes such as beans, peas and lentils. They are great for your heart because they have no cholesterol. Nuts such as walnuts and cashews are also extremely healthy sources of protein. Fruits with antioxidants like blueberries help remove free radicals (harmful molecules that can contribute to heart disease) with their powerful antioxidants. Spinach is one of the healthiest foods for your heart with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. It has a particularly high amount of folate, which is important for building and maintaining healthy cells – especially red blood cells needed for heart health. Ground flaxseed is also high in Omega-3 and fiber and can be added to yogurt, quinoa and even mustard for an extra healthy meal or snack.

 

3. Don’t smoke and limit alcohol use. Alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heavy drinking can weaken the heart muscle. Smoking is also a risk factor for high blood pressure as well as heart failure and coronary artery disease which can lead to heart attack.

 

4. Exercise regularly. Check with your doctor first to know how much activity is good for you, but exercise is the best way to build a strong heart. Walking is the simplest way to get your blood pumping. Swimming, cycling, skating, and jumping rope are also great ways to move you body and step it up a little more. A class like Zumba or Soul Cycle can be a fun way to get your heart pumping, just make sure you can handle this cardio workout. Weight training and resistance bands will help you stay in shape and can increase “good” cholesterol, and working with a trainer can help make sure you get a personalized and safe work out. Yoga is also a great heart healthy activity that combines stretching, breathing and relaxation – something that is important to our last heart heath tip.

 

5. Limit stress. Identify your sources of stress such as anxiety, aches and pains, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. Learn techniques to reduce stress, like deep breathing, meditation, guided muscle relaxation and yoga. Get plenty of rest as often as you can. Clear your mind of nagging worries and let go of things you can’t control. Spending time stressing about other people or situations you can’t control will just take away all your energy and put stress your body. Take 10 minutes to get some air and take a break every day. Most of all, take care of yourself.

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

Read More
FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
February 4, 2016By Josephine Fitzpatrick

February is American Heart Month

 

February is American Heart Month, so we want to ask – how healthy is your heart? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is, with healthy choices and the management of health conditions, heart disease can often be prevented. Make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your heart healthy and strong with the following tips for a healthy heart: 
 
1. Get a check up. In general, you should be getting a check up at least once a year. If it has been more than a year or you can’t even remember the last time you saw your doctor, now is a great time to get yourself checked out and get the right tests done to make sure your heart is healthy. Ask about blood pressure tests, cholesterol tests, diabetes screening and seek counseling if you need extra guidance. Learn about prevention for conditions you may be at risk for. Keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. When there is too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol circulating in your blood, it can slowly build up in your arteries and create plaque that can narrow your arteries. If a clot forms, it can block a narrowed artery and a heart attack or stroke can happen. High blood pressure can damage your heart and arteries by placing too much pressure on them. This can cause microscopic tears in the walls of your arteries. If you are already at risk for heart disease, or take medication for blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, follow the instructions carefully. Manage your symptoms and medications carefully with your doctor. 
 
2. Eat right. Having a healthy diet is great for your weight loss but can also help prevent heart disease and improve heart health. Reduce trans fats and steer clear of foods high in sodium. Look for foods with protein, fiber and Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body and can prevent damage to bloods vessels that can cause heart disease. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 (as well as many other vitamins and minerals) which makes it such a smart choice for heart health. Look for protein in legumes such as beans, peas and lentils. They are great for your heart because they have no cholesterol. Nuts such as walnuts and cashews are also extremely healthy sources of protein. Fruits with antioxidants like blueberries help remove free radicals (harmful molecules that can contribute to heart disease) with their powerful antioxidants. Spinach is one of the healthiest foods for your heart with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. It has a particularly high amount of folate, which is important for building and maintaining healthy cells – especially red blood cells needed for heart health. Ground flaxseed is also high in Omega-3 and fiber and can be added to yogurt, quinoa and even mustard for an extra healthy meal or snack. 
 
3. Don’t smoke and limit alcohol use. Alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heavy drinking can weaken the heart muscle. Smoking is also a risk factor for high blood pressure as well as heart failure and coronary artery disease which can lead to heart attack. 
 
4. Exercise regularly. Check with your doctor first to know how much activity is good for you, but exercise is the best way to build a strong heart. Walking is the simplest way to get your blood pumping. Swimming, cycling, skating, and jumping rope are also great ways to move you body and step it up a little more. A class like Zumba or Soul Cycle can be a fun way to get your heart pumping, just make sure you can handle this cardio workout. Weight training and resistance bands will help you stay in shape and can increase “good” cholesterol, and working with a trainer can help make sure you get a personalized and safe work out. Yoga is also a great heart healthy activity that combines stretching, breathing and relaxation – something that is important to our last heart heath tip.
 
5. Limit stress. Identify your sources of stress such as anxiety, aches and pains, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. Learn techniques to reduce stress, like deep breathing, meditation, guided muscle relaxation and yoga. Get plenty of rest as often as you can. Clear your mind of nagging worries and let go of things you can’t control. Spending time stressing about other people or situations you can’t control will just take away all your energy and put stress your body. Take 10 minutes to get some air and take a break every day. Most of all, take care of yourself. 

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

Read More
FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
February 16, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Snow is Temporary

 
Don’t sabotage yourself!
 
I want you to realize that the snow is very, very temporary. Like when the snow melts and brings beautiful green grass…It’s like a coat over a bathing suit. You are going to take off the coat and whatever you have been doing while it’s snowing is going to show. STOP SABATOGING YOURSELF. Snow doesn’t mean food. It means inconvenience, but it can also mean fun.    
 
Just because the kids are home for vacation or a snow day that does not mean you have to eat all day. Teach that there is more to do on snow days or days stuck inside then just baking and eating. Play tag in the play room or basement. Set up a fort and watch a movie together. Have a dance contest. Do some arts and crafts or painting so your hands are occupied. Play a board game.  
 
If the kids are not around…clean out an old closet that has been waiting for your attention. How about the play room or basement that may need some organizing. Maybe do an extra exercise video today or read a book that you have been putting aside.
 
Don’t throw in the towel because there is another snow day or because the kids are home from school for another week long vacation. The very worse thing you can do today is say “I’m going to start tomorrow” because they are home…AGAIN.
 
Use today as a day to challenge yourself to eat healthy while your kids are around. Since they are not going anywhere anytime soon it’s a good idea to learn to eat healthy and make the right choices when they are with you. Try not to use your kids as an excuse to overeat. REMEMBER: CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE.
 
It is February 16th!  If you haven’t started or feel a little off track then start this week! If you lose 1 pound by the end of each week starting this Friday the 20th until the Friday of Memorial Day you will have lost a total of 15 Pounds!!! WOW!!! 15 pounds, and that’s only with doing 1 pound a week. If you throw in some 2 and 3 pound weeks along with your 1 pound weeks – you will have a 20-30 pound weight loss by Memorial Day weekend.
 
At the end of the day it’s a very simple concept. Eat healthy 6 days, indulge on the 7th, and lose weight. The cleaner you stay 6 consecutive days, the more weight you will lose weekly.  The days may go slow but the months are flying by….
 
 
SNOW TODAY SUMMER TOMORROW
 
 
 
USE THE CHART BELOW TO HELP YOU TRACK YOUR WEEKLY WEIGHT LOSS: 
Click the links below the pictures to download.
 
WEIGHT TBLE
 
EXAMPLE TABLE
 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

 
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February 9, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Healthier Valentine’s Day Treats

 

With Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend we wanted to share some healthier Valentine’s Day treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you healthier than typical sweets and candy. Make Saturday your cheat day and with these healthier recipes you can indulge without going completely off track.

 

This first recipe is simple, easy and can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. All it takes is a heart shaped cookie cutter and you can make Fruit Kebabs with watermelon and strawberry for a festive treat, or any fruit of your choosing for an adorable snack. You can keep the heart shaped theme going with almost any food – potatoes for a festive side and even carrots and cucumber to dress up a salad.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.00.36 PM  Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.01.11 PM

 

Another incredibly easy and tasty recipe is Raspberries and Chocolate Chips. Just place a dark chocolate chip inside each raspberry for a sweet and simple treat. Get double the antioxidants from the combination of raspberries and dark chocolate, as well as vitamins and minerals from both ingredients.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.02.19 PM

 

Raspberries and chocolate come together again for this next recipe: Raspberry Chocolate Truffles. These treats will taste decadent despite their healthy ingredients. In a food processor combine the following: 6 dates, 1/3 cup raspberries and 2 tablespoons of water. After the mixture is well-chopped (about 30 seconds), place it in a small pan and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1/3 cup melted coconut oil and 1/2 tsp of vanilla to the mixture. Put the mixture back in the processor and add 3 tbsp of cocoa powder, process until smooth. Refrigerate for about an hour then scoop out 2 tsp sized portions and shape into balls. Place cocoa powder on a plate and roll the balls in the cocoa powder.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.04.11 PM

 

This next recipe combines healthy ingredients for a sweet treat: Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Cups. For this recipe, combine 3 tablespoons of cacao powder, 1/3 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of peanut butter (or any other nut butter) and 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup or coconut syrup) in a small sauce pan on low heat. Pour this mixture over puffed quinoa in a large bowl and stir until everything is mixed together. Spoon into muffins cups and freeze until hardened (about 10 minutes). You can add a fresh raspberry on top of each one as a festive garnish.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 7.52.26 PM

 

For those vegans out there, this next recipe is made without dairy, and is also gluten free. This recipe for Strawberry Lemon Rice Crispies is a tasty treat that kids will love. Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 10 oz of marshmallows (you can use the brand Dandies for the vegan option) in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of beat juice for color (optional) and the juice and zest from one lemon into the pan. Remove from heat and add rice puffs and 3/4 cup dehydrated strawberry pieces to the mixture. Press into a 9×9 square pan and let cool.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.05.16 PM

 

Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without Chocolate Covered Strawberries. We recommend using dark chocolate chips in our recipe. Melt the chocolate on the stove with a double boiler (two pans that fit together – putting water in the bottom and chocolate in the top pan), or boil water in a sauce pan and place chocolate in a glass bowl into the pan. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For extra flavor and crunch, finely chop any nuts of your choosing and place in a bowl. After dipping strawberries in chocolate, dip them in the bowl of nuts.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.05.33 PM

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
February 2, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Reflect on Your Resolution

 

As we embark on the second month in the New Year, take some time to reflect on your resolution. Has it changed? Are you on track? Has it taken a new direction? Have you accomplished some of it? All of it? Many people make the mistake to committing themselves to a resolution but then never tracking their progress. Either it happens, or it doesn’t (and usually, it doesn’t) – there is no in between. A huge part of reaching success with a resolution is to hold yourself to it, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t adjust it. This is not meant to give yourself a way out, just to make sure that you can reach your goals. For example, if you had planned to lose a certain amount of weight in the month of January and it didn’t happened, don’t give up on it. Come up with a plan to make it happen in February. But don’t just push it back – reflect on why it didn’t happen. Maybe it was too big of a resolution for just one month. If so, try spreading it out over 2 months or more. People always seem to be in such a rush to complete their resolutions, but accomplishing a goal or making a lifestyle change doesn’t happen over night. Give yourself time to reach the finish line.

 

This is why quick fixes never work. They are only made to give you immediate results, not lasting, healthy changes. Patience may be the hardest part of working towards a goal, but if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Changing your habits not only takes time, but it also takes a lot of strength. Not just the physical strength to exercise, but also mental strength to stay on track and motivate yourself. It can be exhausting to constantly have to think about what to eat, when to exercise and to keep yourself from going back to old habits, but the strength you build and the amazing things you accomplish because of it will be just a rewarding as reaching your goal weight. Fad diets and quick weight loss solutions make you drop pounds but they don’t improve your lifestyle the way getting healthy does.

 

If you’re feeling stuck with your resolution, try breaking it down and making it more specific. Instead of just saying you want to lose a certain amount of weight or you want to “get healthy”, make it more precise. Try making tangible goals, like working out 3 days a week or cutting back on a certain food or drink you consume often. The more vague a goal is, the harder it is to achieve. It may seem like the more open-ended an objective is, the easier it is to accomplish because there are so many ways it can be fulfilled, but this will actually work against you. The same way that you decide the road to take before you drive anywhere, you need direction to be able to follow through on your resolution. Always have a plan, get as specific as possible, and stick to it!

 

2015 is only just beginning…Make it count!

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

 

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