Motivational Monday – Going nuts over health – 3 benefits of eating nuts

I rummaged through one kitchen cabinet after another, searching for snacks to toss in my lunch bag. More specifically, I wanted nuts. Like a squirrel on a mission my claws grabbed the first pack of nuts in view. Once at work and ready for a snack, I retrieved the bite sized pack from my bag.

As I held the package of nuts in my hand, I tilted my head. In the voice of the famous cartoon dog Scooby Doo, I said Rut Ro. I had grabbed a pack of nuts that said Men’s Health. These must have been left behind when my son went back to school.

Men’s Health. I hesitated for only a moment then ripped open the pack. As I munched I kept thinking, I hope I don’t sound like a man when I open my mouth to speak. I looked in the hand- held mirror at my desk, to make sure my chin hairs hadn’t grown longer.

I just wanted nuts, I didn’t need any benefits of men’s health, whatever that may be. Despite my episode in men’s health, there are benefits to eating nuts. Below are 3 benefits from the experts in health and nutrition.

·         Studies have indicated that people who eat nuts live longer than those who don’t.

·         Eating nuts may help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

·         Nuts are high in fiber – fiber “helps you feel full and reduces the number of calories you absorb from meals (healthline.com).

Some experts say you chose unsalted, dry roasted nuts whenever possible, for better health benefits.  Please eat responsibly and do your research. Too much of anything I not good. I’m not the expert, just a girl who loves peanuts, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts and so on.

What food motivates you to eat healthy?

Fun Friday – Yard work

photo credit: Ryan Homes

It was a breezy summer afternoon as I watched my son from a kitchen window as he pushed the lawn mower across the backyard. I had just awakened from a Sunday afternoon nap. Feeling rested, I decided to venture outside and help whip the yard into shape.

Armed with a broom, I whisked and swayed stray grass from side to side across my driveway. Snow White’s friends the Seven Dwarfs, whistled while they worked, I hummed a few tunes as I worked. It wasn’t long before the front yard looked presentable.

I moved to the backyard to assist my son with pulling weeds. It was at that time I learned that my son discovered a snakeskin. It was not a snake skin purse, nor was it snake skin shoes. It was just snake skin, lying in a corner of the yard near the house.

My son said, “The snake probably came around to catch one of the field mice that have been digging holes near the house.”

I stared at him and said, “I’m done with yard work for the rest of the year.” I threw my work gloves down and retreated to the house to read a book. I left the snake and the mice to fight amongst themselves…for the time being.

The next time you think you’re to tackle a little yard work, be prepared for the unexpected.

Have you had any out of the ordinary yard work experiences?

Words of Wisdom – Nuggets of Inspiration

“Every great move forward in your life begins with a leap of faith, a step into the unknown.”

Brian Tracy

I Asked

I asked for strength that

I might achieve,

I was made weak that

I might obey.

I asked for health that

I might do greater things,

I was given infirmity

That I might do better things.

I asked for riches that

 I might be happy,

I was given poverty

That I might be wise.

I asked for power that

I might have the praise of men,

I was given weakness that

I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that

I might enjoy life,

I was given life that

I might enjoy all things.

I received nothing I asked for,

All that I hoped for.

My prayer is answered!