Easy, Healthy, Fast

You may have heard about this little stuff called "Yumm Sauce" from Healthy Tipping Point or Peas and Thank You. There's a local franchise - Cafe Yumm - that makes these delicious rice and bean bowls with "yumm sauce" on top. 

Many people like this sauce. In fact, I took a huge bottle in my suitcase back to Nashville when I visited Kristin. 

From time to time, I remember to pull out the yumm bowl idea for dinner. It's not only fast and easy, but it's healthy too. And, it can easily be a vegan dish without adding cheese or sour cream/yogurt on top. 

Tonight's spin on the yuuuuumm bowl - brown rice, black beans, chopped onion, green bell pepper, sliced mushroom, a few dashes of taco seasoning, shredded cheese, salsa and plain yogurt on top. *I don't actually use or make the yumm sauce. 

But you can try making a vegan version of the sauce thanks to Mama Pea. I've made it a few times, but prefer it just for dipping veggies.

Want to make the original yumm bowl at home? Ingredients needed: brown rice, black beans, yumm sauce (optional), salsa, cheddar cheese (optional), diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream or yogurt, black olives and a few sprigs of cilantro. Now stir and devour!

Now let's talk about saying YES and NO...

I thought it would be fun to talk a little about the commitments that come up this time of year and how we handle them. While it seems I have a few less parties and dinners to go to this year, there are still plenty of invites coming in from running adventures to birthday celebrations and holiday shenanigans.

A few years ago, I was coaching high school lacrosse, training for a marathon and working full time. And I took part in every celebration possible. Those few years burnt me out and I finally realized it was OKAY to say no.

With so many options and limited time, money and energy, I've realized people won't hate me because I don't come to something and I will actually be just fine as well. In fact, I found myself feeling more relaxed and happy.

By no means am I doing it "perfectly," but I feel a whole heck of a lot less stressed out than I once did. So on Sunday, I felt like I should go to a friend's birthday adventure (roller skating, laser tag, bowling, dinner) or head to Target, but instead I listened to my body.

After a long morning of running around a nearby lake and going out to breakfast, all I wanted to do was wear sweats, take a nap and do some baking. 

Fresh apples turned into apple crisp on Sunday!

Yes, I regretted not being a part of the birthday celebration, but I knew it was the best decision that night. For now, it's better for me to say YES! to the activities that are either a) sweat related (stress reducing) b) sound like a ton of fun OR c) don't cause more stress attending them vs. not.

And ultimately, laying around in sweats is something you just NEED once in a while.

My tips for managing the holiday stress: 

• attend the events you want to
• make time for the people who are most important in your life
• don't overspend
• eat healthy, satisfying meals
• be flexible with your workout, change up your routine, try a new activity
• light a candle, read a magazine, head to bed early

How are you doing with your holiday festivities and stress this time of year?