Motivation Jars

While this blog is intented mostly for food related items, it's also my outlet for tips and other healthy lifestyle choices! When I saw this idea on another blog this week, I HAD to do it, and so, I ran with it (quite literally).

The idea behind the motivation jars is that your goal will become very visual. My new goal is running a half- marathon in August! 13 miles! I was born a sprinter, so this distance thing is a whole new ballgame. So far, I've really enjoyed it. I have written up a training plan, and know that along this journey will be about 500 miles of training (a little less). As I write this- I'm 34 miles into it!

I created 2 jars... one that represents the 500 miles I have to run in preparation for my race. I'm calling this: Miles to Go. The other is the miles I've completed: Miles on the Journey. I will transfer beads from one to the other each day that I run.

I'm using these small beads for the day-to-day runs. These 6 beads represent this morning's run. I'm pretty sure I've never run 6 miles at once before. Today is a big day!

These are my race beads. 13 of them! I can't wait to transfer them over!

So- find yourself a couple of clear jars, and get creative. Try the dollar store- that's where I found these wine glasses. I wish I had beads that were a little larger- so it was more significant, so I might still work on that one. I will keep you posted.

I've placed my motivation jars on a shelf in my living room. This is a place where I will see them often... when I come downstairs in the morning and when I'm sitting on the couch!

Maple-Mustard Salmon Glaze

Maple-Mustard Salmon

I may never LOVE salmon, but the marinades and glazes I've been finding have been spectacular! I think this would be great on any seafood, maybe even chicken! And, you probably have it in your fridge.

simply mix together:
1T spicy grain mustard
1T maple syrup

Since I'm still learning to like salmon, I typically grill it, to keep the fishy smell out of the house. For this recipe, I lightly coated the salmon with Pam (olive oil spray would work too), then grilled it for 2-3 minutes before flipping over, and brushing on the maple- mustard mix, until the Salmon is cooked to your liking (another 2 minutes). There was enough glaze for 2 servings of fish.

Peanut Butter Dip

Are you a peanut butter junkie? I know a LOT of people who are! Unfortunately peanut butter is more of a fat, than it is a protein. But, this simple dip turns it into a GREAT healthy snack! It's super easy! Are you ready?

PB yogurt dip

Mix together:
1 Tablespoon of creamy peanut butter
3 Tablespoons of non-fat, plain greek yogurt.

DONE!
(if it's too yogurty for you- try just adding a smidge of honey)

This makes 4 Tablespoons of Dip- a perfect amount for 1 apple!

An equal amount of Peanut Butter:
400 calories
32 grams of fat
16 grams of protein

This Dip (as written)
155 calories
8 grams of fat
12 grams of protein.
All the peanutbuttery goodness!