Passion

When I think about passion, I think about interests. Everyone has different interests and that is very special. When I was younger, I didn't really understand how special it was. I would get annoyed or I didn't try to understand this uniqueness because it did not match my own interests. As I am starting to understand my own passions, I better understand the passions of others. 

If it is something that holds you, keeps you purposeful, keeps you excited, keeps you feeling alive...it is something you should never let go of, no matter the opinions of others.

 

I think of my sister, everyday, but especially today. She LOVES the Broncos and everything sports. She was so passionate about her favorite teams and it was something she stayed true to and interested in. As her sister, who really was not into sports, I never understood how she felt. Now I do more than ever. She never waivered from her favorite teams and always made time to watch their games.  Sports kept her interested, inspired and feeling alive. I love this about her. 

Are you living your passion? Do you wake up each day staying true to yourself? 

This is one of my favorite TED talks about passion. It's worth a watch just to think about your own life and where you are.  http://youtu.be/rH0AlC2TbR8

Whenever I feel like I am losing sight of my passions, I think about my sister. She reminds me everyday to stay focused and passionate about my life because that's how she lived hers. 

Take your own interests, stay with them, stay passionate and be the biggest fan of the most important thing in this world, you. 

Go Broncos! 

Week in Review

It has been a few weeks since I have had the time to review a week and all the exciting things that have happened. I feel this blog is a way to keep a "life and nutrition diary" of the many things I never want to forget. Day, weeks and months pass by so fast, I enjoy being able to read my entries for lasting memories. 

This past week celebrated National Sibling Day and I am ever so grateful for the best sibling a girl could ask for. This beautiful lady has been a big sister and a best friend. I know we have had our challenging "moments" of which my parents probably recall much clearer than I do, but I guess my memories are only positive. Our siblings are truly our first relationships and friendships we have. My sister has taught me to be kind, patient, optimistic and just openly loving. She is someone I want and try to be more like everyday. Love my sissy!

Saturday, the Des Moines Area Dietitians, Chefs, Pharmacists and Fitness Specilaist had our annual Whole Health Experience. It was an outstanding event and if you didn't attend, you missed out!  We had so many informative presentations, exercise opportunities (yes we did yoga!), food, chef demonstrations and did I mention food?  

Chef Stacey and I "dueled" and had a surprise ingredient to create a recipe on the spot. We then had the crowd sample our dish and vote for their favorite. I did win, but I wanted to eat Stacey's yummy dish more than my own!!!  Our secret ingredient was almond milk and I still can't believe I was able to even come up with a recipe!  If you are feeling frisky, you might want to give it a try!  And I think my real secret ingredient is just wearing a really cool apron. 

Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

All you need:

2 links of sweet chicken Italian sausage, cooked and thinly sliced

4 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and diced

1 medium white onion, diced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons whole wheat flour

2 medium yellow sweet potatoes, sliced thin

6 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup of fat-free plain Greek yogurt

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 fresh bunch of kale, deveined and chopped in bite size pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

All you do:

1.  Heat medium sized pot to medium and sauté chicken sausage, bacon and onions for 5-7 minutes.

2. Sprinkle flour the meat, onions, red pepper flakes and mix well. 

3. Add chicken broth and sweet potato slices, bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes.

4. Whisk together Greek yogurt and almond milk. 

5. Reduce heat to a simmer, slowly add in yogurt and almond milk mixture, stir well.

6. Add in kale and simmer for 2-3 minutes. 

7. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Week in Review

It was another great week (sometimes during the week I do not realize this). Chef Stacey and I had another successful Throwdown:  State Fair Edition with Food-On-A-Stick. Not to brag, but I was the winner with my Strawberry Shortcake, but honestly I would have voted for Stacey's Summer Salad!  

I also decided to share my fun recipe on my TV segment on Saturday morning. With the Iowa State Fair being in full swing, it is also something you can create at home. The morning crew loved the samples I brought!

I had the best ending to the weekend by getting to spend time with the best big sister in the world, my sister Kate. She and I got to spend some much needed sister bonding time.  We enjoyed a little shopping and a little nightlife.  We then headed home and enjoyed a relaxing linner (lunch/dinner) with our parents, including delicious produce from their garden. 

I couldn't have asked for a better week!