1-219-765-8600

carol@inkwellcoaching.com

Crown Point, IN

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March 28, 2024

The Miracle of Breath and Easter

Today while I was busy breathing, doing my best to focus on my breath and not what I would blog about this week, I was flooded with a thought that sho

March 21, 2024

Celebrating the Spring Equinox

This year the spring equinox occurred on March 19 at 11:06 P.M. EDT. That was the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisph

March 14, 2024

10 Muscle Building Tips for Women

Most women I talk with would like to build more muscle and lose more fat. While strength or resistance training is a key component to building muscle,

March 7, 2024

A Taste of Spring

In case you’ve been missing out on some of the most delectable oranges, this is your friendly reminder that we are in the midst of SUMO season. This

February 29, 2024

10 Healthy Snacks for Busy People

My family loves snacks. I love snacks. Who doesn’t love a good snack? I believe snacking can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. When you c

February 21, 2024

Saving Dough and a Surprise Cake from Mr. Non-Compliant

Some say it’s expensive to eat healthy. I believe it’s even more expensive, especially in the long run, to eat unhealthy. Today I present some tip

February 14, 2024

My Best Workout Tip for Top Results

Ever wonder how to get the most out of your run or walk or strength training workouts? It’s the same way you can feel the most productive about your

February 8, 2024

Celebrating the Birth Month Without FOGO

This year’s birth month is a rare one because I get to celebrate for 29 days. Those of you who get 30, or if you’re REALLY lucky, 31 days, may not

February 1, 2024

How to Stick with Exercise

Work is really busy. Or your kid is going through a “phase.” Or it’s chocolate season. Any number of obstacles, distractions, and competing dema

January 24, 2024

Find the Right Foods for You

You know what it’s like to create a pump-up playlist, right? You compile a list of songs that—when they come on—make you say: “Yes, I feel lik

September Fun and a Harvest Moon

Contrary to several emails and notices I’ve received regarding the end of summer (NOT), the start of fall does not officially happen until 9:04 P.M. EDT on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

That is the date of the Autumnal Equinox and there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.

Until then, and beyond, you have my permission to continue enjoying summer shenanigans. 

And you “pumpkin spice everything” people can just hold on a minute until later this month.

(Although I read that Starbucks is offering Pumpkin Spice Lattes as I write.)

September’s full moon, the Harvest Moon, reaches peak illumination on Saturday, September 10, at 5:58 A.M. EDT. The full Moon that happens nearest to the fall equinox (September 22 or 23) always takes on the name “Harvest Moon.”

Unlike other full Moons, this full Moon rises at nearly the same time—around sunset—for several evenings in a row, giving farmers several extra evenings of moonlight and allowing them to finish their harvests before the frosts of fall arrive.

It’s Apple Time in Indiana

September begins apple harvesting season in Indiana. This gives the pumpkin lovers something else to focus on until October.

Of course, we can usually find apples year-round as they are shipped here from other states. Apples are one of the fruits that can be high in pesticides, so organic are best whenever possible.

My favorite is Honeycrisp, grown in Michigan, Minnesota, New England, Wisconsin, California, and Washington State. These apples are known for their “sweet and subtly tart, tangy flavor with subtle fruity nuances.” They are good for baking as well as eating.

Apples are best stored in the refrigerator, in your fruit drawer if you have one.

More tasty apples for eating raw: Braeburn, Macoun, Cortland, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold, and any others that you find appealing.

Those good for baking are Granny Smith, Braeburn, Cortland, Jonagold, Pink Lady. They hold their shape and don’t turn to mush.

Toss apples into your Greek yogurt, salads, oatmeal, muffins. Slather them with nut butter or serve with your favorite cheeses.

September is Self-Improvement Month

We all have some area of our life that could use a bit of improvement—or lots of improvement.

This is a good time to reflect on something you’d like to do more of or be better at. Rather than waiting until January, you can begin today.

Perhaps you’d like to read more books, take music lessons, increase your exercise, volunteer, focus on gratitude, spend less at Starbucks, get more sleep, cut back on social media, clean out your fridge, donate clothes you don’t wear, drink less alcohol, plan your next vacation and start saving for it, have lunch with friends, eat less fast food.

If figuring out how to eat, move, and live healthier is on your list, let’s talk. I’d love to help you envision what’s possible so that you’re well ahead of the game come January 2023.

Wishing you a sensational September,
Health Coach Carol

“And suddenly, you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” — Meister Eckhart

Acai What?

Acai. Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, this berry comes from palm trees located along the riverbanks of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest.

If you figured that acai berries are healthy, since I’m writing about them, you are correct.

They’re bluish-purple, similar in size and shape to large blueberries, yet they contain more antioxidants than other berries.

Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants have the potential to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and various conditions related to the aging process.

I’ve seen acai berries in the candy aisle coated with dark chocolate, and I may have even tried a few at one time. As I recall, they were pretty tasty…

I digress.

Acai berries contain healthy omega fats—like we find in fish oil, avocados, and olive oil.

They have a slightly bitter taste, similar to blackberries. 

I found Sambazon Acai Superfruit Packs in the frozen food section that are perfect for making smoothies. They come 4 packets to a package. Each packet contains 10 grams of protein.

Yesterday’s smoothie contained one frozen acai packet, oat milk, one-half of a frozen banana, a handful of cilantro, another scoop each of protein and collagen powder, about a teaspoonful of monk fruit, and a couple ice cubes.

It tasted like a very berry shake, with a hint of cilantro. Kind of weird with the cilantro, but I really am trying to like it.

If you missed the cilantro blog post, explaining why it is so good for us, here’s the link: https://inkwellcoaching.com/2022/08/11/an-herb-that-helps-reduce-anxiety-induce-sleep-and-more/

When you’re feeling adventurous, give the acai superfruit packs a whirl. If you like berries, you’ll enjoy including them in your breakfast/snack rotations.

I Need Your Help!

Each year from pre-Thanksgiving to Christmas, there are Holiday guide inserts in our local newspaper.

These guides have a variety of topics written by a number of contributing editors, including yours truly. I, obviously, write articles relating to food, health and how to not gain 10 or 20 pounds in this time frame.

I have one article a week for 6 weeks. Since this is my 5th year of writing them, I’ve covered many typical holiday food issues, such as how to eat smart and not gain weight, how to handle food sensitivities when serving guests, what to do with all those Christmas cookies that are screaming at you to eat them, etc.

What would YOU like to know if you were reading these holiday guides? 

If you have a topic that you think may be of interest, PLEASE email me your idea. I may have already written about it, however there may be another angle I could address, or it may spark a new thought that I could expand upon.

 Thanks in advance for your help! I appreciate all of you who take the time to read my blogs, whether it’s weekly, or once in a blue moon, when you have a couple extra minutes.

Oh, and thanks for sharing them with the people you love. Most of my clients come by way of referrals.

With gratitude, love, and a little acai,
Health Coach Carol

 “September days have the warmth of summer in their briefer hours, but in their lengthening evenings a prophetic breath of autumn.”― Rowland E. Robinson

The Art of Doing Nothing

A friend of mine recently mentioned that she wastes lots of time.

While wasting time is a real thing, there is also the art of doing nothing.

There’s a BIG difference.

It’s all in the perspective, intention, and result.

This week, I practiced the art of doing nothing for part of a day. I found it to be refreshing, restorative, and very necessary.

I sat with toes dangling in a cool lake looking at lots of water and blue sky. I did absolutely nothing, while my “To Do” list for the week sat idle.

Nothing was happening or getting checked off.     

This concept may send some of you into a frenzy. The more frenzied you become, the more you would probably benefit.

Doing nothing and enjoying it gave me the fuel to tackle the “To Do’s” with better focus and drive.

We all have challenges that tend to be energy zapping. Stuff happens and our response is, “Really?”

Big hairy stuff, little annoying stuff, and everything in between.

Choosing to enjoy doing nothing may bring a bit of peace and calm into your world. It can be meditative in nature, or not.

Wasting time happens when you spend an hour or more thinking about what you “should” be doing and finding yourself in a frenzy because you didn’t do the thing and didn’t enjoy the time you spent thinking about it.

Perhaps that is the art of procrastination, which I am also very good at some days.

This week may be a good one to spend a little time intentionally doing nothing. Five minutes or a day. You get to choose. If you’ve recently sent children and young adults off to school, you may need a day.

Doing nothing can happen anywhere. And it’s free unless you play hooky from work and lose on your paycheck.

 Watch a movie, sit on your porch, dangle your toes in a lake. Do nothing.

A Special Note to Empty Nesters

If you and your partner find yourself in this category and need help figuring out a plan to get in better shape, better health, and enjoy a life that no longer revolves around sporting events, graduation parties, and lots of other hoopla, let’s talk.

It can feel weird when everyone leaves home and there’s no other chatter around the dinner table.

It’s a big adjustment.

Now is YOUR time.

Working with couples is one of my specialties. Together, we get stuff done and have fun in the process.

Keep in mind, I live with Mr. Non-Compliant. I get it if one of you is all in and the other is, well, a bit on the non-compliant side.

I’m here if you need me.

Wishing you a fabulous week as you practice the art of doing nothing.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“The hardest thing is to do nothing and do it well.”Marty Rubin 

Mr. Non-Compliant vs. Mr. Corn

It’s that time of year when my dear cousin, Roger, aka Mr. Corn, and his wife Barb, come to Indiana for a visit. They now live in Florida, where sweet corn is not optimal.

Nothing beats Midwestern corn in August. It is truly amazing.

Even though it doesn’t need salt and butter, as Roger says, the corn is a vehicle for both. 

Earlier this week, Mr. Corn and Mr. Non-Compliant had a corn eating duel. The two of them took down at least 11 of the 18 ears, plus sausage and farm fresh tomatoes.

Summer eating at its best.

Yes, I enjoyed a few ears too.

Corn is one of the most popular cereal grains and is primarily composed of carbohydrates. It also has a fair amount of fiber, mostly insoluble meaning it does not dissolve in water and is left intact and undigested.

Corn is a high-antioxidant food (a good thing), and is a source of protein, vitamin C, certain B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.

Because it is a complex carbohydrate food that is also high in fiber, it supports steady energy levels, and ranks low or medium on the glycemic index scale.

It is naturally gluten free and can be a good substitute for wheat or other gluten-containing foods.

Sweet corn, the kind we usually eat whole, off the cob, is mostly non-GMO corn.

Field corn, the kind used to make corn oil, high fructose corn syrup, livestock feed, and many chemical ingredients that are added to packaged, processed foods, is usually genetically modified.

 When purchasing corn tortillas or other corn products, look for “non-GMO” on the label.

Does Eating Organic Really Matter?

While shopping this week, I heard the woman next to me (Heather) wondering aloud if the meat that was labeled organic was really organic.

She stated that she felt very confused about food, and although she knew she needed to make some changes, she really didn’t know how to begin.

As luck would have it, I was the person who overheard her comments.

I choose organic products often. While it is impossible to completely avoid all chemicals in the air, food, water, and other products, every little bit helps. 

Some produce items are more laden with pesticides than others. To review, check out my blog from June with the Dirty Dozen list: https://inkwellcoaching.com/2022/06/02/in-celebration-of-june-and-the-dirty-dozen/

Animal products may contain hormones, steroids, and/or antibiotics, so I look for those that are free of those extra ingredients.

As I told Heather, our health journey is not one of perfection, but of doing just a little bit better.

Have questions? Confused about how to get back on track? Shoot me an email and we’ll create a plan that best suits you.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Up in Indiana where the tall corn grows / I do a little thinkin` bout a girl named Rose / Hair blonde as hay and long as a rope / Up in Indiana where the tall corn grows” – Lyle Lovett