REAL TALK: I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed this week. To be expected really, 3 weeks out from a
book release. It feels like I have so much to do (for the book, work, traveling tomorrow, and a sick babe this week). Normal things, that everyone goes through. But last night I called myself out.
Because the stress? It’s all ME that’s creating it… inside my head. My overwhelm isn’t because of external people or factors or deadlines. It’s from pressure I’m putting on myself. Does anyone else do that? I do. More often than I would like to admit. I have to remind myself to be kinder to myself— and to remember all the things I AM taking care of and nurturing…. even when it doesn’t always feel like I’m doing a great job at any of them. Like this week.
So HERE’S WHAT I DO when that feeling of overwhelm and stressies strike:
1) Getting real with myself is always the first step. And doing whatever I can to make things easier—- even mentally. It involves making some lists then crossing off everything that is not actually ESSENTIAL.
But after that?
2) I have to make a mindset shift about the story I’m telling myself.
That instead of saying “I don’t have time”, I have to turn it into “I always have time for what’s important to me”. Because it’s true. And my health, my energy, and my family always are first. Because EVERYTHING else gets easier when I take care of those first.
When I do get stressed, it’s even MORE important for me to do what I can to stay grounded and healthy in those things. Not less important.
So today, I woke up. Did my morning rituals. Took a extra few minutes to just breathe, and make sure I made time for a quick workout and to make a substantial lunch for myself (this power smoothie — the recipe is below, because it’s saved me these last few weeks and also feels like a nice lil mid-day treat).
But most importantly, it was to ask myself what is ACTUALLY true vs what I’m making up in my head. And that everything important will get done and figured out. It always does.
So just in case you ever feel the same— hi, it’s normal. But also a really good reason to check in. Take care of yourself. Breathe. Eat good food. Focus on what matters. When you do those things, you’ve got this. The rest gets easier.
Chocolate Almond Butter Greenie
Makes 1 serving
2 leaves kale, stems discarded
1-2 tsp spirulina (I use this kind)
1-2 tsp almond butter (or peanut/sunflower butter or tahini)
1/4 avocado
1 banana
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 scoop clean protein powder of your choice (optional). I used this one today.
1/4 cup water (or more for a thinner consistancy)
1/2 cup ice
To top:
Hemp hearts (I use this kind)
Sprouted granola (I use this kind, I’m obsessed with it lately. Or this kind)
Directions:
Add all ingredients to blender (except ice) and blend well. Add ice next and blend until smooth. Use a rubber spatula to scrape smoothie out into a bowl or cup and top with hemp hearts and granola.
Love this recipe? You’d love the cookbook then too. And psst, did you know the 2nd book comes out this Fall? Check it out here. And be sure to check out the seasonal meal plans (or the new easy DINNER ONLY plan) if you want even more help and resources to make REAL FOOD a more simple, joyful and intentional way of life!
[…] It’s the quickest path to a meal that will keep you full for hours and has everything in it your body needs to thrive, without having to stop work a million times to snack! You can pack in greens, healthy fats (like avocado, chia seeds, etc), and protein (spirulina or almond butter, etc) and fiber/antioxidants with frozen berries, etc. You can try out Sarah’s chocolate almond butter greenie (power house) smoothie. […]