1) Declare your intentions:
When you set an intention, it gives you the power to actually visualize the end result – that makes it real. When you vocalize that intention to the people and world around you – that holds you accountable. By setting, visualizing and declaring that intention you are much more likely to reach, and even surpass, your goals.

2) Create Space and Time for Self-Care:
As adults, we often put everyone else’s needs in front of our own. However, in order for you to be a successful, well-balance individual, you need to take care of yourself as well or you will have nothing to offer!

Use your daily planner to schedule in your self-care for the week. That could be working out, cooking, taking a walk or reading that book you’ve been dying to read. Do what makes you feel happy and alive. Once you physically write it down, you will be much more committed and more likely to complete that task. For example, every week I write in my 6 work outs, I pencil off a couple hours each week to meal prep and cook, I set aside times to read and times to pamper myself. Keep these little ‘self-care appointments’, as you would keep and prioritize a doctor’s appointment.

3) Keep a fitness/Wellness Journal:
This is a great way to keep yourself accountable during the winter. Every night before bed, jot down what you did that day to move and how it made you feel! Simple as that. You will take note if for the past 10 days you don’t have many activities to record. You will feel revitalized when you record your great workouts and how happy they made you feel.

In the past, I have also used this method with recording my daily food intake. I recorded what I ate and how it made it feel. It opened my eyes to what foods work well with my body and what foods made me feel crappy. It helped me stay balanced and learn how to fuel myself in the most effective way.

4) Use Mini Goals for Major Rewards:
A little positive reinforcement always gets someone going! Make a deal with yourself – if you work out for x amount of days, over the span of x amount of weeks, then you will buy that new work out outfit you’ve been eyeing. It will be a good reason to indulge a little bit because you’ll deserve it 😉

5) Find a Work Out Buddy:
It’s so easy to ditch out on the gym when no one is planning to meet you there. If you find a work out buddy (or a pilates buddy ;)) then you will be less likely to ditch out on your work out plans. Also, it’s 10x more fun to exercise with a friend!

So those are my top 5 tips on how to stay motivated when the weather is practically forcing you to stay in bed and watch Netflix. They truly work for me, and they will work for you!

Lastly, I know Thanksgiving is around the corner. It can be so hard to behave yourself around all those tempting savory and sweet treats. If you are hosting this year, check out this amazing Kale/Apple/Almond wild rice side dish. I made it a couple weeks ago, it was the perfect fall dish, and it will look great on your Thanksgiving dinner table.

Almond vinaigrette
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
Salad
1 cup wild rice and brown rice blend
2 1/2 cups water
1 tbsp oil
1 bunch kale, stems removed, chopped
salt and pepper
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1 cup muscat grapes, halved
1 large Fuji apple, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta

Instructions
1) Prepare vinaigrette. Combine almonds, vinegar and honey in blender and blend until chopped. While the blender is running, slowly add the olive oil, creating an emulsion. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2) Combine rice and water in medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce to a simmer over medium-low. Cook until rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
3) Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in saute pan over medium heat. Add chopped kale and saute until tender, about 5-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Toss together cooked rice with kale, almonds, grapes, apple, feta, and vinaigrette. Portion into 4 bowls. Serve.

Source: cherryonmysundae.com

Enjoy!