Time for something Sweet

Hey Folks,

I came across this recipe from Peaceful Daily and since I am feeling in the mood for a little something sweet I felt I should give it a try and share it with each of you.

Enjoy

Ingredients 
½ cup coconut oil 
1 cup brown sugar 
¼ cup almond milk 
1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
2 cups flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda 
1 teaspoon baking powder 
½ teaspoon salt 
1 cup vegan chocolate chips (Trader Joe’s chocolate chips are accidentally vegan!) 

Instructions 
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Cream together the coconut oil & brown sugar, then add the almond milk & vanilla. In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Combine the wet & dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate morsels & any other mix-ins of your choosing. Roll into Tbsp sized balls & place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, then flatten them out a bit with your palm. The dough may be a little crumbly, but just smoosh it together and it will work fine! Bake for 7-10 minutes. (I did 9 which was perfect) 


Taj

Photo: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sar2698/5570315650/sizes/n/

20 Days til SPRING!

Which means we are 20 Days closer to SUMMER - 108 to be exact!  Summer happens to be my favorite season for several reasons:

• Trees are green
• Flowers have blossomed 
• Days are long
• Weather is hot

Heat = Less Clothes,  Less Clothes = It's time to tighten things up a bit.  

Well at least on my end.  I have to admit I have enjoyed my share of mac n cheese for dinner, burgers, fries and more.  But enough about what I have been putting down this winter it seems some of you have been doing a bit of the same.  Testimonials below: (these are real quotes)

• "I have been avoiding seeing you until I lost 5 lbs"
• "Do you see this winter roll right here (pinching belly) can you help me, PLEASE"
• "So glad to see you, now just sit right down and give me a workout plan NOW"

OK, OK, OK, I hear you so you want a workout plan!  Making changes involves more then just a workout plan we need to tackle our food plan also. How many of you are Ready and Willing to take on My 20 days til Spring Get Tight Plan?

For the next 20 days I want you to follow my steps to help you get things together via eating and working out.  Lets start by assessing how we eating, most of us are eating too much in too little sittings.  For today's tip we are making our very own No Cook Protein Bar to add to our mid day snack.

• Cooking Spray
• 1 1/2 cup dry oatmeal
• 2 scoops chocolate whey protein
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 cup nonfat powdered milk
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup raisins (other dried fruit maybe used)

Lightly spray a 8 inch square pan with cooking spray

In large bowl mix oatmeal, protein powder, flaxseeds and powdered milk. 

In a separate bowl whisk together peanuter butter water and vanilla.  Add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients an stir to from a sticky dough.  Stir or knead in the raisins

Using wet hands or a spatula spread the mixture evenly into the prepared 8 inch pan.  Freeze for 1 hour or refrigerate over night, until mixture us firm enough to cut.  Cut into 9 squares. Wrap or put in a plastic container and store in your fridge to grab on your way out. 

Make the bars today and plan to have one a day as our Afternoon Mid day snack!  Plan for this week is to eat 4 meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Mid Day Snack and Dinner.

See you tomorrow for more! 

Taj 

photo:  courtesy of me- taken in Chang Mai, Thailand.  

Day 8 of New Year New You

7 Days down, only 24 more to go!  Don't be overwhelmed we are taking this one day at a time.

My Day 7: What a great day it was, there were NO complaints about the weather from me. As for my day I had S'mac for lunch... If you don't know this place.... stay AWAY is sinfully delicious and full of endless calories.  All they make is Mac n Cheese, need I say more!  After lunch I had to make sure dinner was full of Veggies.  Didn't make it to the spa as I imagined HOWEVER the Spa came to me, it was very nice.

Time for Day 8:

Fitness:
Checked the weather for you,  although it will not be as warm as it was yesterday its still going to be a nice day so get out and enjoy.

Go for a RUN.  Yes I said run!  :)  Set a goal:

• Time 
• Distance 

If your new to running don't worry about speed, just move, dress appropriately and get outside.  Take the dog, kids, a friend or spouse with you.  Running with someone makes time and distance go by faster then being alone.

If you have questions about running let me know.  When you get back post a comment here or on Facebook and let me know how you feel.

Food:
Make enough to take to lunch tomorrow. Taking lunch not only saves you $$ but its healthier for the new you as well.  Besides your food always taste better then take out.

How about giving this recipe a try:

Lemon - Caper Chicken

4 - 4 oz Thin Chicken Cutlets

1/2 cup low fat milf

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp lemon zest

2 tsp olive oil

1-2 tbsp capers

In shallow bowl combine 1/2 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper - Set aside

Dip the Chicken Cutlets into 1/2 cup of low fat milk (one at a time) Next coat both sides with the above flour mixture.

Combine 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tsp of lemon zest set aside. 

Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in large saute pan over medium-high heat.  Add cutlets and cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through.  Transfer to a plate but keep warm.  

Add the lemon juice mixture and 1-2 tsp tbsp capers to saute pan, scraping pan to loosen any browned bits.  Drizzle sauce over Chicken and serve with Brown rice or roasted new potatoes and a veggie of choice. 

For my vegetarians here is a Tofu Steak Recipe to replace the chicken above.  

Self Growth:

Rest easy and Sleep Tight!  Plan to go to bed tonight 30 minutes to 1 hour before you normally do.  Giving your body time to whine down after all of the days and weekly activities is good for the body and the brain. 

Turn off the TV and the cell phone. No laptops, not evening a book!  Going to bed with sensory stimulation causes our mind to continue to process even while we are asleep.  So here is your NEW YOU bed time plan. 

• Spray Lavender on the Sheets and Pillow 
• Or use Johnson n Johnson Lavender Lotion on your hands, feet and neck
• Lay on your back - Close your eyes and mentally shower yourself with love and appreciation
• Notice your entire body from your feet to your head
• Contract and stretch your muscles, flex your feet and hands
• Let yourself melt into the bed resting your hands over your belly 
• With each exhalation notice your naval expand on your inhale and relax on the exhale
• Close your eyes and imagine releasing all tension for about 12 - 15 breaths
• Roll on your side into the fetal position and drift off to sleep

Enjoy! 

See you tomorrow, 

Taj 

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9619972@N08/3198810449/sizes/s/in/photostream/

2012 New Year - New You!!

Here we go!

In less then 48 hours we will be embarking on another year, 2012!  WOW I can't believe it myself but its true and I am looking forward to new accomplishments, trips, fun with family, friends and more!

So as you get ready for either a super fun night out or a super fun night in, be safe and remember to come back tomorrow so you can get started on the 2012 New Year  - New You Challenge!

• New recipes
• Suggestions on things to eat on the run
• 2 Different 7 day daily meal suggestions
• Fitness challenges and tips
• Along with some great ideas for self-full moments

See you soon! 

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/schneeman/3340307208/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Winter Getaway - Living Well Retreat

Only 10 days left to save on the Living Well Yoga Retreat.

Don't delay there are just a FEW spots left!!!!

Don't loose yourself in the holiday mix. Take advantage of this GREAT deal for the Living Well Yoga Retreat.

Rejuvenate - on the beach

Reconnect - with daily meditation

Restore - with daily yoga

Refresh - learn new recipes

Re ______

LivingWell Yoga Retreat!

Jan 14 -18, 2011

Presented by: Taj Harris

Here is what you can expect during the retreat:

• 2 daily Yoga sessions - on beach and within the garden areas
• 2 daily Meditation and Journaling sessions
• Lifestyle and Nutrition Workshops
• One on One Coaching Session
• Cooking Lessons
• 3 Meals and Snacks per day - Fully Catered
• Chef, Bartender and Housekeeper on premise
• One Planned Group Outing
• Free time to lounge around estate or take an optional off-site excursion
• Complimentary Massage
• Ground Transportation to/from airport (Puerto Plata)

I can’t think of a better excuse to get away in the heart of winter, than a trip to the beautiful, sunny north coast of the Dominican Republic!

SUPER SAVER RATE:

$798.00 per person!!! That's less then $200 a night to include all of the above and more.

Please email me for more details. Space and time are limited so don’t delay. Payments can be made via Pay Pal, Check or Money Order. All money due by Tuesday Dec 14th.

*minimum 10 people required
**airfare is not included in cost listed above

For more info email: Tajbodyandsoul@gmail.com

The property and accommodations:

Stunning beachfront luxury estate villa set within a secure gated community
Main house with kitchen, very spacious open air great room, dining room, large outdoor patios, bar, pool and jacuzzi.
7 unique and discrete private bedrooms fully air conditioned with en suite baths.
Set on a beautiful private beach - this is not a tourist trap.

Take a look at a few pictures of the property:

Taj

Living Well Yoga Retreat!

I am so excited and I just can't hide it!!!!
(singing and doing a happy dance)

I also can't wait for you to read this exciting news below:

You will not believe the GREAT deal I have just been offered to share with all of you!

Although this weekend's weather here in New York was rather lovely for November, we all know that winter is around the corner!

After eating with the family during Thanksgiving, spending money for travel and gifts over Xmas and partying in the New Year why not take a 4 night 5 day trip. Its time to get away for yourself, rejuvenate, reconnect, restore, refresh, re_______ (you fill in the blank) and get ready for the rest of the year, with the:

LivingWell Yoga Retreat!

Jan 14 -18, 2011

Presented by: Taj Harris

Here is what you can expect during the retreat:

• 2 daily Yoga sessions - on beach and within the garden areas
• 2 daily Meditation and Journaling sessions
• Lifestyle and Nutrition Workshops
• One on One Coaching Session
• Cooking Lessons
• 3 Meals and Snacks per day - Fully Catered
• Chef, Bartender and Housekeeper on premise
• One Planned Group Outing
• Free time to lounge around estate or take an optional off-site excursion
• Complimentary Massage
• Ground Transportation to/from airport (Puerto Plata)

I can’t think of a better excuse to get away in the heart of winter, than a trip to the beautiful, sunny north coast of the Dominican Republic!

Previous Cost:

Regular Price - $980
Early Bird Pricing - $875

NEW SUPER SAVER RATE:

$798.00 per person!!! That's less then $200 a night to include all of the above and more.

Please email me for more details. Space and time are limited so don’t delay. Payments can be made via Pay Pal, Check or Money Order. All money due by Friday Dec 10th.

*minimum 10 people required
**airfare is not included in cost listed above

For more info email: Tajbodyandsoul@gmail.com

The property and accommodations:

Stunning beachfront luxury estate villa set within a secure gated community
Main house with kitchen, very spacious open air great room, dining room, large outdoor patios, bar, pool and jacuzzi.
7 unique and discrete private bedrooms fully air conditioned with en suite baths.
Set on a beautiful private beach - this is not a tourist trap.

Take a look at a few pictures of the property:

Taj

Photos from: www.wheretostay.com

Living Well Yoga Retreat!

Hello Everyone!

I am so excited to announce the following retreat. I know I have been MIA, but I have been very busy working on amazing things to bring your way! Stay tuned for weekly post from me.

Here are some things you can expect to read about:

Cooking Ideas/Recipes

Fitness Tips

Thoughtful Process

Keeping it Fun

LivingWell Yoga Retreat!

Jan 14 -18, 2011

Presented by: Taj Harris

I can’t think of a better excuse to get away over a 3 day weekend in the heart of winter, than a trip to the beautiful, sunny north coast of the Dominican Republic!

After this retreat you might not want to return home. :-)

The property and accommodations:

stunning beachfront luxury villa set within a secure gated community.
main house with kitchen, very spacious open air great room, dining room, large outdoor patios, bar, pool and jacuzzi.
7 unique and discrete private bedrooms fully air conditioned with en suite baths.
set on a beautiful private beach - this is not a tourist trap.

Here is what you can expect during the retreat:

2 daily Yoga sessions - on beach and within the garden areas
2 daily Meditation and Journaling sessions
Lifestyle and Nutrition Workshops
One on One Coaching Session
Cooking Lessons
3 Meals and Snacks per day - Fully Catered
Chef, Bartender and Housekeeper on premise
One Planned Group Outing
Free time to lounge around estate or take an optional off-site excursion
Complimentary Massage
Ground Transportation to/from airport (Puerto Plata)

Cost:

Regular Price - $980 (due in full Dec 1st)
Early Bird Pricing - $875 (due in full Oct 15th)
$199 (non-refundable) deposit required to reserve your space

Above prices are based on Double occupancy, if you are interested in Single or Triple occupancy please email me for details. Space is limited so don’t delay. Payments can be made via Pay Pal, Check or Money Order.

*minimum 10 people required
**airfare is not included in cost listed above

For more info email: Tajbodyandsoul@gmail.com

Taj