Tilapia with Parsley Pesto and Roasted Peppers

Doing something that you've never done before can be scary. It can be stressful. It can be daunting. Will you be able to do it? How will it turn out? Will people accept it?

But perception is reality, people. Look at it as doing something new. New is exciting. New is enriching. New is fulfilling.

Doesn't sound so bad now, huh?!? If you open your mind to the doors that can be opened by trying something new you will wonder what took you so long to walk that path. Stepping out of your comfort zone is  one of the best ways to grow yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Check out this article on stress management and how stepping out of your comfort zone is beneficial to your health. Or this journal entry from CrossFit; the second fitness standard explains how constant variation in exercise is beneficial.

How on earth will you know how something will effect you until you try it? Worst case scenario, if it doesn't work out, at least you will know to never do it again. Better case scenario is that you will gain insight on another way to try it. Best case scenario you see the light at the end of the tunnel and you ain't never turning back!

Venison Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon



Last night at my CrossFit Box I had one of the most frustrating WODs (work out of the day) yet. It consisted my full foot box jumps (okay, no worries), push ups (one of my arch nemesis), and toes to bar (generally, no worries). Well, to my dismay, the push ups went over relatively fine, but the toes to bar literally held me back about 5 minutes. My kip (the swinging motion to gain momentum) was totally off and I  was so caught up in my frustration that I could not mentally get up on the bar. It was horrible. Yes, I scrapped two toes to bar because my toes didn't hit, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But I was determined to finish. And finish them well. When I did, I felt better.

Frustration can be a very beneficial thing. Maybe not in the moment, but it is a total signal of something that needs attention. What is causing the frustration? How can the frustration be overcome? From here you can set goals and make plans. Starting Wednesday at our box we have been on a mission to identify and "beat" our "goats". Colloquially defined as "things you hate to do or need improvement on", they are the source of your frustration. I certainly have quite a few. The WOD we did yesterday identified a huge goat that I need to work on- toes to bar.

So now that I identified my goat I made a goal to complete 3 sets of 15 toes to bar unbroken by April 15. My plan is to work on my kip this coming week, then 3 sets of 5 unbroken, 3 sets of 10 unbroken, and reach my goal the following class.

That's nice, you're thinking, but what does it have to do with me? Well, I've just demonstrated a S.M.A.R.T. goal and given an example of an execution plan. First, lets talk S.M.A.R.T. goals. This should be the only way you ever set goals.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Fresh Herbs

The use of fresh herbs always puts a smile on my face. Especially this time of year, knowing that soon enough I will be inundated with a daily fresh supply through my CSA membership. Additionally, I always keep a container of chives indoors to add to my omelets in the morning; my plants recently came out of dormancy into full growing fury!

Hunters Pie



In honor of the Great St. Patrick's Day, I raise my glass of stout to you, and cheers for the feasts and festivities that this day brings!

I love holidays. Any of them. Especially ones like St. Patrick's Day that are observed globally, even though it is a traditional Irish holiday. There is something about it that reminds us that we are all part of the same human race. We all get together, regardless of background, and celebrate whatever the occasion may be.

They are also a great time to show your appreciation for others. Whether you pick up some green-iced cupcakes from the supermarket to share with co-workers, cook a corned beef brisket for your family, pick up a 6 pack of Guinness for your buddies, or just simple and say "Thanks! Happy St. Patty's Day!" to the stranger who held the door for you, doing things without expectation of return will reward you ten fold in the future.

I made a primal-style Irish Soda Bread for my CrossFit Gym's St. Patrick's Day party tonight; did you do something similar?

Coconut Shrimp with Vegeable Stir Fry



My brother posted a tip on his blog the other day that reminded me of a super good practice. It may sound totally obvious, but I think that way way too many of us ignore it anyway. I know I do. 

Nutrition Tip of the Day: Avoid Poisonous Things. Whether this be plant (ivy), animal (bear), grains/beans/processed foods/hydrogenated fats (wink, wink), or even some of the people in your life – the easiest way and best way to get healthy is to simply avoid them. This includes the cookie tray at work (my weakness – thanks to Doug Gable’s amazingly talented wife)! Or, in a lot of cases, a person who whenever they are near causes you stress – except your boss, that is. This can be a tough one! Below Mark Sisson outlines a sometimes poisonous food. Nightshades. How can you know if something is poisonous in your life? Give it the 30 day challenge! Cut it out completely for 30 days – then give it a reintroduction. Don’t feel well? Stressed? Sick? Tired? Etc? Then it is not a good choice for you. I can’t do some types of dairy – but maybe you can. I can eat tomatoes though so sometimes it works out. We heard from Katie yesterday about the reintroduction of bread into a little ones meal and what the affect was. Many of you have commented to me privately of similar feelings. My uber realtor Sharon (also a member here!) told me just Tuesday about the affect she had after a recent reintroduction of a food long removed from her diet. The stories are all the same. Just give it 30 days. That’s all I can ask. Do you have a story to share? Click Reply All or Comment and let us know!

So what do you think? This recipe below contains peppers, a nightshade, however I have no adverse affects from them. However I consistently poison myself everyday with a job that constantly undermines my desires and abilities. Unfortunately the 30 day trial is uber difficult to meld into the working environment...

Seasons Change, try the Orange Thyme Halibut



Today while on my daily lunch break walk I saw the heads of tiny crocus' popping their cheery little head through the soil, the trees are starting to pop buds, and the birds are chirping bright in the morning as the sun is coming up earlier and earlier.

A change of seasons can be a great opportunity. Take this time to change, too. Use this weekend to tackle that mud room that looks like a hurricane hit it and turn it into something Better Homes and Gardens worthy. Change your morning routine to add 10 minutes of yoga (best season change I've made yet!) to get that flexibility you had as a kid. Go through your closet, get rid of anything you only like, and replace it with something you love. Try a new cooking method you've just been dying to learn. Remember, when it comes down to it, your life is all about you. And if you aren't happy with it, do something about it. This is your excuse to do so.