I recently listened to Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. Something she said has stuck with me! You are only capable of loving others as much as you love yourself. 

I remember being a young woman fresh out of college and really struggling with my identity and craving to be loved. My dad always reminded me that I had to love myself in order for others to love me back. No one can live you unless you truly love yourself. Others can fall in love with you but you will push them away or they will run away as your relationship progresses. This hols true to what you do for a living too. You have to be full of passion and purpose and have love for what you do everyday. You need to be able to jump out of bed and live your life instead of hitting snooze and dreading what you have in front of you. 

Then Brene Brown took it to the next level. You are only capable of loving others as much as you love yourself. Every parent I know thinks they love their children more than they love themselves. But it is impossible. All of the things you don't like about yourself start coming out in the way you love others. Your insecurities. Your shame. Your doubt. Your fears. It comes out in how you love and treat others especially your own children. 

Falling in love with yourself is the most difficult thing in the world but it is the most rewarding thing as well. Most impactful. Most life changing! It is worth the time, effort, and energy! 

Sharing From the Thought Catalog

1. You discover what you’re wildly passionate about, and you make time for those things.

Love is beautiful, but it isn’t everything. There are so many other things to be passionate about besides a person—art, photography, music, writing, literature, sports, exercising, work—to just name a few. When you start falling in love with your life, as opposed to investing all your time and energy into a relationship, you find time for the things that light a fire within you, the things that inspire and fuel you. And your life becomes more satisfying and complete as you focus on those things rather than romance.

2. You become more in-tune with your wants and needs.

Falling in love with your life means learning what you love, what you desire, and what you need. It means focusing on your goals and how you can, and will pursue them. It means discovering what you really want out of relationships, out of yourself, out of your existence on this earth, and creating a well-designed plan for your future.

3. You value the relationships that you do have, instead of focusing on the ones you don’t.

Romantic relationships aren’t the only things that fill your life with love and happiness. When you’re focused on things other than your love life, you invest more time in the people who fill you—your family members, friendships, and other platonic relationships. And you learn the incredible value of those people.

4. You travel, explore, and live selfishly.

When you fall in love with your life, you want to squeeze every minute dry. You want to travel to new places, try new foods, explore, and live how you want. This isn’t wrong. Falling in love with your life means taking advantage of what you have and chasing after the things you want. It means doing, going, and truly living.

5. You shift your focus to other important pieces of life.

When you’re not focused on a relationship, you take and make more time for other things—your career, hobbies, future, finances, etc. Your priorities shift in healthy ways and you learn to ground yourself rather than letting a relationship ground you.

6. You spend more time doing things, rather than wishing for things to happen.

Falling in love with your life means that you don’t like to waste time. You don’t like to chase things that don’t build or grow you. You don’t like to live a mediocre, uninspired existence. When you love your life you do things, rather than being a passive character in your own story.

7. You value advice from others, and take time to lend a listening ear.

You want to learn, to experience, to grow, to be inspired. Thus, you value the advice and guidance given to you from others and you’re more willing to be a support system for people who may need you.

8. You take more time to appreciate the little things.

Suddenly, little things like the sunset or a dog curling up next to you on the couch carry meaning. These little things that you so often overlooked are a central focus, and integral part of the wonderful, meaningful life you’re living now.

9. You are continually striving for better.

You pursue a life that supports your dreams, goals, and purpose. You appreciate where you are, but are never satisfied. You want to achieve more, be more, and live even more authentically. You love who you have the potential to be, and are continually trying to build and develop that person.

10. You spend more of your days outside or in nature.

The world around you has more value now. You enjoy hiking, walking, biking, or just sitting outside in the shade. You love just being—around friends or solo, just soaking in the beauty the world has to offer.

11. You feel fulfilled by the memories, experiences, and relationships you have in your day-to-day existence.

When you fall in love with your life, you aren’t looking for a romantic relationship to make you feel whole. You feel complete because of people around you, the experiences you’ve had/are having, and the memories you are continually making. Your happiness isn’t dependent upon a significant other, rather all the tiny, wonderful things that give you meaning and purpose.

12. You pray often, and feel both humble and thankful for what you’ve been given.

Every day, life surprises you with its beauty and wonder. You find yourself praying for the blessings you’ve been given, and relying on your faith to pull you through the hard times. You trust that you will find love when the timing is right; in the meantime, you are thankful and humble for where you are.

13. You no longer feel sad about not being in a relationship; your happiness is invested in, and dependent upon other things.

Your ‘single’ relationship status is no longer a burden or a negative label. You have come to terms with where you’re at romantically, and aren’t looking for a lover to fill a hole in your heart. Instead, your happiness is dependent on your experiences, your passions, your other relationships, and yourself.

14. You find yourself in awe of all that you’ve been through, and of the person you’re still becoming.

When you fall in love with your life rather than a person, you start to value yourself and what you’ve overcome. You start to see your purpose, and how events in your life have shaped or changed you. You find yourself in awe of how you’ve grown, and excited for who you will become.

15. You have learned the slow, beautiful, complicated, rollercoaster ride of loving yourself.

You still have days when you struggle to love yourself, but because your life has shifted from loving someone to loving your existence, you’ve learned to value your own heart and mind. You’ve learned that it’s okay to put yourself first, healthy even. You’ve learned that you are the only one who can determine your happiness. And you’ve learned that when you love your life, love will come when it’s meant to.

Nina Pears

Spring Into Health

The Spring Into Health Promotion! I am so excited becauseI think you are getting an absolute steal with this offer and it gives you the flexibility to pick and choose what workout you want to do based on your current ability and interest. 

I love Beachbody On Demand because you do not have to continually purchase new programs every time that you finish one.  It allows you to pay a 1 year membership and you have access to every single fitness program that Beachbody has ever released plus all new releases for an entire year!  So, for example let’s say you start out with the  21 Day Fix and you loved it but you want something more intense, you can just open up your library and move to the 21 Day Fix Extreme or Core De Force.  Where previously you would have to order the program, wait for it to arrive and then start!  Another thought, let’s say you are starting your fitness journey with Core De Force and you order it and press play on the first workout and you realize it is not going to be a good fit for you.  You do not have to send it back, no returns or stalling your fitness journey.  You simply open up On Demand and choose another workout that fits you!  It truly does prevent you from excuses and helps you to customize your fitness experience to meet your needs.

As a Coach I see customers all the time who complete 21 days of the 21 Day Fix and then just fall off the wagon because they don’t know what they want to do next. This solves that down time in the process of deciding what is next.  Plus you have all of the nutrition tips, program manuals, schedule of workouts listed on your Beachbody Page.  When you have me as a coach you also get access into my monthly support and accountability groups which the next one is starting on the 17th of April which is perfect timing!  We are Springing into our Health & Fitness together and would love to have you join.  I will help you set realistic goals for your lifestyle and then choose a program that fits your needs. Every person in the group replaces 1 meal a day with Shakeology and then checks into the group daily to log your workouts, Shakeology/Food.  I provide you with daily support, motivation, accountability, tips, recipes, meal planning and more.  My job is to make sure that this is the VERY BEST $160 YOU HAVE EVER INVESTED IN!!!  No more throwing money away, it’s time to get results that truly become a healthy lifestyle forever!!!  Does that sound like something you would like to do?

Fill out the application at the bottom of this page to get more details on the April 17th Spring Into Your Health & Fitness Accountability Group.  

Challenge Group Application

Have you heard of Beachbody On Demand?

Well, Beachbody On Demand All Access is our newest feature that allows you to stream every single fitness program that Beachbody has ever released plus all new releases in a 12 month period right to your phone, ipad, laptop or any other streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Firestick ect….).  You also have access to the Fixate Cooking Show and also my support and accountability groups that I run through our challenge tracker app.

The All Access Pass is awesome because it allows me to customize my fitness program to my needs on a daily and weekly basis, it gives me all of the nutrition guides, program manuals and tracking sheets plus the Fixate Cooking Show which helps you navigate the nutrition plan and then you are connected with me as your coach in my challenge groups to help you start, troubleshoot along the way and get the results that you want!  I love it!!  I truly feel like I am able to help YOU customize your program and help you get amazing results.

With all that being said the Challenge Pack for Beachbody OnDemand All Access was at $199 and that was a pretty great deal!  I mean you legit were getting over $6K in workouts!  But Beachbody is doing a Spring Into Fitness Promotion starting TODAY around 3PM PACIFIC TIME!!!!  The price has dropped to $160 USD which is just incredible!  Seriously the cost of Shakeology is $130 +tax and shipping so if you look at it this way you are basically for $30 more getting an entire year of health, fitness, accountability and support!  LIFE CHANGING PEOPLE!  I think it’s a deal that is CRAZY not to take advantage of plus I know it won’t last long! The price WILL go back up at the end of April!!!

They are for a very limited time only running a special where you get:

• Beachbody On Demand All Access for 1 full year
• A  30 Day Supply of Shakeology
• The Portion Fix program
• Access into my Spring Into Fitness Accountability and Support Group in April
• Discounted price and shipping all for $160 US (previously at $199 + tax and shipping)

That is seriously amazing!!!!!  The amount of value is just mind blowing! Plus I know that Team Beachbody is getting ready to release a ton of great new programs and you don’t want to miss out on them in your library!

When will this sale be available?  3:00 PM Pacific Time Today!

I am kicking off the Spring Into Fitness Challenge Group on April 17th right after Easter and I also have a 7 Day Free Group starting on Monday!  You have plenty of options to get connected and rock your results in time for summer!

All Access Challenge Pack with Shakeology

All Access Challenge Pack with Shakeology plus 2 Day Refresh Kick Start

Nina Pears

Twix Bars Healthy Version!

Home Made Twix
Grain Free. Gluten Free. Refined Sugar Free
Delicious!

Ingredients

For the shortbread crust

• ⅔ cup coconut flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, solid

For the caramel filling

• ½ cup creamy almond butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup coconut oil melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the chocolate topping

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Directions 

1.  Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 14x5” tart pan or 8x8” square pan with coconut oil (I recommend lining the pan with parchment paper as well if your pan doesn't have a removable bottom).
2. Combine coconut flour and salt in a bowl. Add the maple syrup and stir until fully combined and crumbly. Add the room temperature coconut oil and mix until a large dough ball forms, pressing out any clumps of coconut oil. I used my hands at the end to bring the dough fully together.
3. Press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Let cool completely.
4. For the filling, combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat until all of the ingredients are melted and throughly combined. Pour over the crust and let cool in the refrigerator until set before topping with chocolate layer.
5. For the chocolate topping, whisk together all of the ingredients and pour over the cooled caramel layer. Smooth evenly and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool until set. Slice into 1-inch slices, or 16 squares. Keep stored in the refrigerator.

Nina Pears

Grain Free/No added Sugar Super Delicious Banana Bread

Over the years, we have gotten sued to the varying texture of backing grain free. Every once and awhile we try a recipe that brings us back to the familiar taste and texture of old fashioned regular baked goods. That it what this banana bread recipe is!!!

Ingredients

6 eggs

1/3 cup coconut or almond milk

1/2 cup honey (I usually use half the amount and then let the kids sweeten it up but adding extra on their slice)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup coconut oil melted

3/4 cup coconut flour

1/2 cup almond flour

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

1.2 teaspoon salt

2 ripe bananas mashed

Optional mix ins

chocolate chips

walnuts

blueberries

hemp seeds

chia seeds

Mix all ingredients together in a processor or bowl

spray a loaf pan

bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes 

Nina Pears

Clean Eating Red Velvet Cupcakes

FOR RED VELVET CUPCAKES:

1 (15-oz.) can beets, drained1⁄3 cup xtra-virgin organic coconut oil 
1⁄2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 
1 cup unsweetened almond milk 
1 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
2 large eggs1⁄2 cup  coconut sugar1⁄2 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt) 
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 
11⁄2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour 
1⁄2 cup almond flour1 Tbsp.baking powder, gluten-free

1. Preheat oven to 350o F.
2. Line two muffin pans with eighteen muffin papers and lightly coat with
spray. Set aside.
3. Place beets, oil, extract, almond milk, lemon juice, eggs, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder in blender (or food processor); cover. Blend until smooth.
4. With the blender running, add flour, almond flour, and baking powder. Blend until a smooth batter forms.
5. Pour batter evenly into prepared muffin pans, filling each cup approx. 3⁄4 full. 6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a
cupcake comes out clean.
7. Set cupcakes aside to cool while you prepare frosting.

FOR AVOCADO CREAM FROSTING:

5 Tbsp.coconut sugar1 tsp.cornstarch (preferably GMO-free) 
2 very ripe medium avocados1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice11⁄2 tsp. pure vanilla extract1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 

FOR AVOCADO CREAM FROSTING:
1. Place sugar and cornstarch in blender (or food processor); cover. Blend until powdered.
2. Add avocados, lemon juice, extract, and cocoa powder; cover. Blend until smooth peaks form.
3. Evenly spread frosting on cool cupcakes.

Nina Pears

Chocolate Muffins- Nutritious and Delicious Breakfast!

Chocolate Muffins
Grain Free and no added sugar!
Packed with nutrition and lots of deliciousness!

3 ripe bananas- mashed
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup non fat plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup cacao powder
2 eggs

Add ins- chocolate chips, hemp seed, nuts, or seeds

Nina Pears

Healthy Super Bowl Snack Choices

Seven Layer Dip

Total Time: 25 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:
2 medium ripe avocados
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 dash sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
1 dash ground black pepper
8 oz low-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 tsp. all-natural taco seasoning, no salt added
1 (15-oz) can nonfat refried beans, warm
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 bunch green onions, ends trimmed, sliced thin
2 Tbsp. shredded cheddar (or pepper jack) cheese (½ oz)

Preparation:
1. Mash avocados in a medium bowl.
2. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper; mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine yogurt and taco seasoning in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Top serving platter with beans, avocado mixture, yogurt mixture, tomatoes, peppers, green onions, and cheese.
5. Serve with baked tortilla chips.

Buffalo Cauliflower

Total Time: 55 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: 35 min.
Yield: 6 servings, approximately ¾ cup Bites and 3 Tbsp. Sauce each

Ingredients:
½ cup low-fat (1%) plain yogurt
2 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese
Nonstick cooking spray
6 cups cauliflower florets
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt), divided use
½ cup hot pepper sauce
⅓ cup rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch, gluten-free (preferably GMO free)
2 tsp. ground chili powder
¼ tsp. ground smoked paprika
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. pure maple syrup
1 tsp. olive oil

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine yogurt and cheese in a small bowl; mix well. Refrigerate until needed.
3. Lightly coat large baking sheet with spray.
4. Place cauliflower florets on baking sheet. Coat cauliflower lightly with spray. Season evenly with ¼ tsp. salt.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
6. While cauliflower is baking, combine hot sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in medium saucepan; whisk until cornstarch is dissolved.
7. Add chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup, oil, and remaining ¼ tsp. salt; whisk to blend.
8. Heat hot sauce mixture over medium-high heat; cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes, or until thickened. Set aside.
9. Pour hot sauce mixture over baked cauliflower (on baking sheet); mix well.
10. Return cauliflower to oven. Bake for 5 minutes.
11. Serve hot with sauce.

Pulled Chicken and Slaw

Total Time: 37 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 22 min.
Yield: 4 servings, about ¾ cup chicken and ¾ cup slaw each

Ingredients:
½ cup apple cider vinegar, divided use
7 tsp. olive oil mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp. raw honey
½ tsp. celery seed
4 cups shredded cabbage (or half a small cabbage)
1 tsp. olive oil
½ medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
2 Tbsp. adobo sauce (the sauce from chipotle pepper in adobo sauce)
½ cup barbeque sauce, no sugar added
3 cups cooked chicken breast, boneless, skinless, shredded

Preparation:
1. Combine ¼ cup vinegar, mayonnaise, cilantro, honey, and celery seed in a large bowl; mix well.
2. Add cabbage; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
3. Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
4. Add onion; cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
5. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
6. Add chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, barbecue sauce, and remaining ¼ cup vinegar; cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add chicken, cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until chicken is well coated and heated through.

Chicken Fingers

Total Time: 35 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. raw honey
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
Nonstick cooking spray (or olive oil cooking spray)
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp. water
1 lb. raw chicken breast tenders, skinless
1 cup almond flour
½ cup finely chopped sliced almonds
1 dash tsp. sea salt
1 dash tsp. ground black pepper

Preparation:
1. Combine honey, mustard, and vinegar in a small bowl; mix well. Chill.
2. Preheat oven to 425° F.
3. Line baking sheet with foil; lightly coat with spray.
4. Combine eggs and water in a medium shallow bowl; whisk to blend.
5. Soak chicken in egg mixture for 30 minutes, turning once; set aside.
6. Combine almond flour, almonds, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag; shake to combine.
7. Working with a few pieces at a time, lift chicken from egg mixture, letting excess drip back into bowl, and drop into bag containing bread crumb mixture. Seal bag and shake to coat; repeat with remaining chicken.
8.Place chicken on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until no longer pink in the middle and golden brown.
9. Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 baked medium sweet potatoes, cut in half
1 tsp. olive oil
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
4 oz shredded cooked chicken breast, boneless, skinless
1 tsp. all-natural taco seasoning, no salt added
1 cup steamed spinach
8 Tbsp. low-fat plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Scoop flesh out of the sweet potatoes and reserve for another use.
3. Place skins on a baking sheet. Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10 minutes, or until crisp.
4. While skins are baking, combine chicken and taco seasoning in a s mall bowl; mix well. Set aside.
5. Top each sweet potato half evenly with spinach, chicken mixture, yogurt, and cilantro.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes 

Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 baked medium sweet potatoes, cut in half
1 tsp. olive oil
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
8 Tbsp. low-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
8 green onions, thinly sliced

Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Scoop flesh out of sweet potatoes and reserve for another use.
3. Place skins on a baking sheet. Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10 minutes, or until crisp.
4. Top each sweet potato half evenly with yogurt, turkey bacon, tomato, and green onions.

Nina Pears