DAY 15~ The 3 P's (Part 1)

DAY 15

PEACEFUL, POSITIVE, & PRODUCTIVE



In my first year of teaching middle school, many years ago, our school had a motto that students and teachers, alike, would strive to live by throughout each day. "Remaining 3P strong" The 3P's represent being PEACEFUL, POSITIVE and PRODUCTIVE. At any point during your day, if you ask yourself, "Is what I am doing right now either peaceful, positive or productive?" If your answer is NO, then you may want to rethink your actions. The theory of this 3P motto is so simple, yet profound it has stuck with me throughout the years and I've even decided to tweek it a little for the sake of today's lesson.

TODAY'S MISSION:
BE PRODUCTIVE

Summer is upon us and it is so easy to remain 'busy'. In the grand scheme of things, busy is good. Being busy usually means you're moving, which is excellent. However, if you are too busy to fit in a workout, you need to rearrange your mind-set a bit. Exercise may be the closest thing to the fountain of youth we know. Not only does regular activity strengthen your muscles and improve heart and lung function, but it can also reduce your risk of major diseases, stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and even add years to your life. Studies show just 30 minutes of physical activity on most days is all that's required to reap big benefits. The range of health bonuses now attributed to exercise has surprised even doctors. Picture how you want your future self to function- do you want to still be traveling, active, and alert into your older years? Vibrant and healthy? If so, you must keep moving!

If you find yourself at the park with your kids, workout! Play equipment can make excellent pseudo-gym equipment. Also, be sure you are taking a nice long walk to the park and not driving (cheating). If you find yourself at the beach, lake or pool, get in and actually swim! Your kids, regardless of their age, will be ecstatic you are actually in the water with them and not chilling with the other mom's gossiping (which, by the way, doesn't fit into any of the 3P's because gossiping is definitely not peaceful). The most productive workout you can incorporate into your daily routine is the skill of 'clean dancing'. If you can master, dancing while cleaning, getting your heart rate up the entire time you are knocking out your chores for the day, you are in the Productive Olympics... Congrats!



TODAY'S HEALTH TIP: 

POSITIVELY PROTEIN

As simply put as possible, protein equals energy, muscle growth and non-stop fat-blasting positive goodness! 

Common protein sources for vegans and vegetarians are:

Grains, Beans, Soy, Soy milk, Nuts, Protein bars, Protein powder and Leafy greens

Common sources of protein for the non-vegetarian culture are:

Meat: Chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, beef, buffalo, ostrich, so many different types.
Eggs, Fish and Dairy

I encourage you to respect your body's needs. Many bodies need to have animal protein, even if you ethically do not want to take it in. We really are spiritual beings in a material world, and the body, despite what you may believe, sometimes needs this kind of protein. Determine the kind and amount your body needs; it may be more or may be less than what you are consuming now. Some people become too spacey and unfocused without meat or other animal products in their diets. I know, personally, I can only eat red meat about once a week. If I eat more, my stomach gets very upset with me. If I forget to eat it one week, I will quickly become anemic, causing that dragged out, drained tired feeling. I urge to pay attention to how each protein makes you feel and choose the variety that works best for you! 

TODAY'S BONUS RECIPE 

COOKING BEANS

I love beans! All kinds in all forms. I know many people struggle with digesting them and experiencing gas discomfort, leading them to avoid them. They may develop intestinal problems, irritability, or unclear thinking. Here are a few techniques for preparing and eating legumes that will alleviate most problems: Soak beans for several days, changing the water twice daily, until a small tail forms on the beans; Use a pressure cooker. This also cuts down on cooking time. Chew beans thoroughly and know that even small amounts have high nutritional and healing value.

1.  Check beans for rocks and shriveled or broken pieces, then rinse. 
2. Soak for six hours or overnight, with water covering four inches higher than the beans. Small and medium-size beans may require less soaking--about four hours should be enough. Note: If you've forgotten to presoak the beans, you can bring them to a boil in ample water to cover. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and let stand for one hour.
3. Drain and rinse the beans, discarding the soaking water. Always discard any loose skins before cooking, as this will increase digestibility.
4. Place the beans in a heavy pot and add 3 to 4 cups fresh water. 
5. Bring to a full boil and skim off the foam.
6. Add a small piece of kombu (seaweed) and a few bay leaves or garlic cloves for flavor and better digestibility. 
7. Cover, lower the temperature and simmer for the suggested time. Check beans 30 minutes before the minimum cooking time. Beans are done when the middle is soft and easy to squeeze.
8. About 10 minutes before the end of cooking time, add 1 teaspoon of unrefined sea salt. 
9. Adding soy sauce at the end of cooking will also add flavor and help with digestibility. 
10. Cook until beans are tender.

TODAY'S YOGA TIP

PEACEFUL WARRIOR

The peaceful warrior pose is one of my favorite, as it always makes me feel incredibly centered, grounded and simultaneously flexible. 

Regardless of the pose, always be sure to say a prayer or mantra with your yoga. With each breath in simply say the things you would like to bring into your life, peace, positiveness, love, strength, productiveness, organization, patience, etc. With each exhale, get rid of the things you 'no longer need', as Sadie always says. Such as, anger, resentment, fear, guilt, etc.. 

Adding these 'thoughts', mantras, prayers or affirmations to your yoga practice will improve your day by leaps and bounds. If you are not already doing this, try today. Become a peaceful warrior on the outside and within. Each day, for the past 15 days, I've done Sadie's 20 minute yoga video. Every couple days, I attempt her 90 minute video (which I provided the online access code before the start of the challenge) and I just wanted to share that in just 15 short days, Sadie transformed my body into the crazy yoga lady that stands on her hands, mid-practice. Yes, yesterday.. I was, in fact, that lady below. The first time I watched her full length video, I laughed at how ridiculous it was that this woman was balancing herself on her hands and figured I'd skip that pose till the end of time. 

However, like I always say.. If I can do, you can do it!! You are amazing and strong and with the right plan and challenges you too could be balancing yourself on your hands! Laugh now, but I dare you to try!!

 You never know, if you never try!! 

TODAY'S HOMEWORK

Weigh in day... how are you doing?? Have you lost weight? Inches? 

How are you feeling? Be sure to go back to Day 1 and compare your answers. 

If you've fallen off track, ask yourself, why? It's not too late to jump back in or if necessary start over completely. You have all the right tools, but the only one that can actually build the life you want, is YOU! 

TODAY'S POSITIVE AFFIRMATION

"Today, I am 3P strong. If my actions are neither peaceful, positive nor productive, I will quickly change course!"  

Good Luck w/ your Day 15... we are almost done!! 

~Stephanie Chasles