Hello!

Sorry I’ve been MIA, I was feeling under the weather. I was down for the count all day Sunday and then I took Monday off from work as well. Thankfully, I’m feeling much better – health wise, anyway. I’m kind of in a February funk – emotionally I’ve just been kind of down in the dumps and disengaged from life in general. I’m lacking motivation when it comes to pretty much everything…I’m sure many of you can relate. I just want some sunshine, patios and flip flops. The one thing that’s saving my sanity is definitely the gym. Yesterday, even though it was freezing, snowing and windy, I made it to the gym. I just wanted to put some rap on and lose my thoughts on the elliptical and that’s exactly what I did. I felt 80% better afterward…yes, only 80%.

In case you’re experiencing this funk, as well, here are some things to try to improve your mood:

1.) Pamper yourself – Whether it be a candle lit bubble bath or full on mani/pedi, do something to make yourself feel at peace.

2.) The obvious – Sweat Session – I can’t even begin to explain the relief I feel after a shirt drenching workout.

3.) Cook – Plan a day of baking or cooking, whichever you prefer. Try a new recipe, get the house smelling delicious and indulge in your favorite meal.

4.) Spring clean – Clear out clutter, change your sheets, throw away some old clothes, go through the pile of papers you’ve been avoiding. You’ll feel so much lighter afterward.

5.) Have a dance party - You know the saying, ‘ Dance like nobody’s watching’, well do it! Lose yourself in some good music, perhaps some from your childhood and belt it out.

6.) Challenge yourself – Try something new – whether it be a workout class, puzzle, new recipe, etc. Make your brain work in a way that it’s not use to.

7.) Go tanning – I know, I know, it’s bad for you. BUT, one time won’t kill you and it might be just the amount of warmth you need to get yourself back on track.

8.) Schedule a date with a friend – Get together with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, have a drink and unwind.

9.) Shop! - Go buy a bathing suit, summer clothes, or flip flops. Something that will get your mind on the idea that Spring is right around the corner!

10) Journal – Write down how you’re feeling and everything that could potentially be bothering you. Once you have written down every possible thing you’re feeling, burn it. Then, put those feeling in the past and move forward. If you want, write down everything you’re grateful for now and keep that paper as a reminder!

I hope these help, even if you try just one. The winter blues get to mostly everyone, I think. Sadly, March probably won’t be much better, but at least we’re a step closer to sunshine.

[Rewind to weekend]

Since it’s Wednesday, I’m not going to do a full recap of the weekend.

Friday night, Ashley and I stayed in, made Cauliflower Crust Pizza (recipe coming soon) and watched Magic Mike!

It’s so amazing waking up refreshed and having a productive Saturday. I made tea and toast with banana and Pb first thing when I woke up.

Then we got out sweat on with Turbo Fire, Fire 55, one of my favorites!

I also did weighted squats for the Summer Squatathon. A bit later I made a snack before we headed out to the mall. An apple with PB2 that I mixed some Shakeology into - chocolaty goodness!

I had a coupon for a FREE drink at Biggby and also a FREE birthday gift at Sephora, so I wanted to cash both of those in. I ordered a Reduced Calorie Coconut Creme Latte with Soy. I’m fully aware that this still had an ample amount of calories, but I splurged and it was heaven.

For lunch, we tried Zoup! I ordered a veggie and hummus wrap with 8 bean soup, both of which were really good!

After lunch and shopping, we headed home to relax a bit before meeting some friends out. I love these ladies! It was a fun night!

Sunday, I laid low all day. I think Saturday night was the final straw and it brought me down. I stayed in bed until 1:00, barely ate anything and proceeded from my bed to the couch where I stayed the rest of the day. Monday was pretty similar. The only thing I could get down or that sounded good was a shake. So, I made Tropical Shakeology with strawberries and pineapple.

It killed me to skip Turbo and Lifting Monday night, but I knew I just needed to rest, so that’s what I did. Last night I spent an hour in the gym and tonight I will be going to Turbo since I’m feeling better!

I’ll be back tomorrow with the Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe. Have a good day!

–Lauren

**Please take a minute to check out the Walk For Wishes link on the right side of the page and consider donating, I’m raising money for the Make A Wish Foundation and could sure use your help!**

Thank you!