Mindful Health

📚✨ Replacing screen time with a book or other non-digital activity before bed is a healthy habit that can significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle by interfering with melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep. Minimizing screen time before bed allows your body to prepare for a restful night's sleep.

Engaging in non-digital activities like reading a book, practicing gentle yoga, or journaling can help relax your mind and body, making it easier to unwind and fall asleep. These activities promote a sense of calm and reduce the mental stimulation that screens often provoke, helping to lower stress and anxiety levels. Reading, in particular, can be a great way to escape into a different world, providing a mental break from the day's stresses.

🧘‍♀️🗓️ Join me for Vinyasa Yoga on Mondays at 9:30 am at Green Lotus in Lakeville, 1 pm Yoga Stretch at Steeple Center, Thursdays at 1 pm Gentle Yoga at Steeple Center, and Fridays at 9:30 am at Cobblestone Lake. Visit https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/events for more details. Namaste 🙏

🌸 Feeling overwhelmed by the daily juggle of work and life? You’re not alone! Discover the secrets to finding balance at my upcoming workshop. Click the link to learn more and sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-secret-to-finding-a-work-life-balance-tickets-949036592997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Know someone who could benefit? Please share this link with them! Let’s support each other on this journey. 💛

The Secret to Finding a Work / Life Balance Balance is key when it comes to achieving success in both your personal and professional lives.

🌟 Have you ever tried creating a vision board? It's a powerful tool for visualizing and achieving your goals, dreams, and aspirations. This creative process involves gathering images, quotes, and other visual elements that resonate with your objectives and desires. By placing these items on a board, you create a tangible representation of your goals, serving as a daily reminder and source of motivation. 🎯✨

Start by reflecting on what you want to achieve in various areas of your life, like career, health, relationships, and personal growth. Choose images and words that inspire and reflect these goals. Arrange them on your board in a way that feels meaningful and visually appealing to you. 🌈🖼️

Once your vision board is complete, place it somewhere you’ll see it daily—your bedroom, office, or another personal space. Regularly viewing your vision board helps reinforce your goals and keeps you focused on the positive actions needed to achieve them. It's a constant reminder of what you’re working towards and can inspire you to take steps, both big and small, towards making your dreams a reality. 🚀💖

As a National Board Certified Health Coach, I often recommend vision boards to my clients as a fun and effective way to stay motivated and inspired. Plus, it’s a great creative outlet! 🎨
Do you have a vision board or any tips for creating one? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas! 😊

Are you interested in defining and achieving your vision? If yes, let's talk! Your first health coaching session is free. Message me or go to https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/contact to schedule a time for us to meet.

Happy vision boarding, everyone! Let’s make our dreams a reality, one inspiring image at a time! 🌟✨

Hey, everyone! 🌟 It's that time of the week again when we plan our meals for the upcoming days. As your friendly National Board Certified Health Coach, I'm here to make it fun and easy! Taking a few moments to map out your menu can save you time, stress, and money throughout the week. Plus, it's a great way to ensure you eat balanced and nutritious meals. 🥗

When planning your menu, consider your schedule, dietary preferences, and any seasonal produce that might be available. Don’t forget to include some quick and easy recipes for those busy evenings and a few comforting favorites for those cozy nights in. 🍅🥦

Here's a tasty and healthy recipe idea to kick off your week: Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpea Croutons. It's super simple and absolutely delicious! 😋

Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpea Croutons

Ingredients:
Crispy Chickpea Croutons:
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Salad:
• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until crispy.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water gradually until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and vegan Parmesan cheese. Add the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
4. Top the salad with crispy chickpea croutons.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

I’d love to hear what you've got planned for the week! Share your meal plans in the comments below, and let's inspire each other. Your meal plan might just give someone the motivation to try something new. 😊

Fun fact about me: I love trying new recipes (especially anything with dark chocolate!). If you're looking for more healthy summer recipes, head over to https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/summerrecipes to download a free guide today. 🌞
I can't wait to see what delicious dishes you've got lined up! Happy cooking! 🍽️✨

🌟 Trying a new type of physical activity, like yoga or Pilates, can greatly enhance your fitness routine and overall well-being. Incorporating different forms of exercise prevents monotony and keeps you engaged and motivated. This variety can help you discover new interests and strengths, making your fitness journey more enjoyable and sustainable.

🧘‍♀️ Yoga and Pilates are excellent choices for adding variety to your workouts. Both practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance, but each offers unique benefits. Yoga emphasizes mindfulness and deep breathing, helping to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Combining physical postures and relaxation techniques can enhance your emotional well-being and promote a sense of calm.

💪 Pilates, on the other hand, is known for its core-strengthening exercises. It improves posture, reduces back pain, and enhances overall body alignment. The controlled movements in Pilates can also increase your body awareness and coordination, contributing to better performance in other physical activities.

Incorporating a new type of physical activity into your routine keeps things interesting and broadens your fitness horizons, leading to a more dynamic and fulfilling exercise experience.
🗓️ Join me for Vinyasa Yoga on Mondays at 9:30 am at Green Lotus in Lakeville, 1 pm Yoga Stretch at Steeple Center, Thursdays at 1 pm Gentle Yoga at Steeple Center, and Fridays at 9:30 am at Cobblestone Lake. Visit https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/events for more details. Namaste 🙏

🌟 Ready to bring some remarkable changes to your living space and mental well-being? Embarking on a decluttering challenge can do just that! Dedicate just 5 minutes each day to declutter one area of your home. This simple yet effective practice can lead to a more organized, stress-free environment over time. 🏡✨

Start with small, manageable spaces like a kitchen drawer, your desk, or a section of your closet. Set a timer for five minutes and focus solely on that area. Remove items you no longer need, use, or love. Organize what remains in a way that makes it easy to access and maintain. By taking it one small step at a time, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and gradually create a more orderly home. 🕰️📦

I started decluttering about 10 years ago and still am intentional about it. Everything is easier with less stuff! It's not always easy, and I’ve self-claimed myself a minimalist wanna-be. I’m not that extreme but I do appreciate my organized and clean house. It really does bring more calm into my life. 🌿🧹

As a National Board Certified Health Coach, I can tell you that the benefits of this daily decluttering practice go beyond a tidier space. Reducing clutter can significantly lower stress levels and increase your sense of control and well-being. Plus, it’s a great way to discover long-lost treasures—who knew you still had that favorite old mug? ☕😂

For more tips on taking care of yourself, visit https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/selfcare to download my FREE E-WORKBOOK: 15 Most Effective Self-Care Secrets for a Healthy Mind, Body & Soul. 🌸💖

Happy decluttering, everyone! Let’s make our spaces and minds clearer, one tiny step at a time! 😊✨

Hey, friends! 🌟 It's that time of the week again when we plan our meals for the upcoming days. As your friendly National Board Certified Health Coach, I'm here to help make it fun and stress-free! Taking a few moments to map out your menu can save you time, stress, and money throughout the week. Plus, it's an excellent way to ensure you eat balanced and nutritious meals. 🍽️

When planning your menu, consider your schedule, dietary preferences, and any seasonal produce that might be available. Don't forget to include some quick and easy recipes for those busy evenings and a few comforting favorites for those cozy nights in. 🥦🍅

Here's a delicious and healthy recipe idea from my kitchen to yours: Beetroot and Vegan Cheese Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Glaze. It's super simple and bursting with flavor! 😋

Beetroot and Vegan Cheese Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:
• 4 medium beetroots, roasted and sliced
• 4 cups fresh arugula
• 1/2 cup vegan goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beetroots in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes, until tender. Let cool, peel, and slice.
2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, roasted beetroot slices, crumbled vegan goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.

Share what you've planned for the week in the comments below, and let's inspire each other. Your meal plan might give someone the motivation to try a new recipe. 😊

By the way, did you know I love experimenting with new recipes? If you're looking for more healthy summer recipes, head over to https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/summerrecipes to download a free guide today. 🌞

I can't wait to see what delicious dishes you've got lined up! Happy cooking! 🥗✨

⏰🚶‍♀️ Setting a timer to stand up and move every hour is a simple yet effective habit to combat sedentary behavior, which is increasingly common in our modern lifestyles. Regularly interrupting long periods of inactivity can significantly improve your physical health.

Standing up and moving around every hour helps increase blood circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and alleviate the strain on your back and neck caused by extended sitting. These small, frequent movements can also help maintain flexibility and prevent musculoskeletal problems. Engaging in light activities, such as stretching, walking, or even simple desk exercises, can invigorate your muscles and joints, keeping them active and healthy.

🌟 Live in the south metro? Let's go for a walk or join me at one of my yoga classes! Visit https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/events for dates and details.

🍏 Healthy Snacking on the Go! 🥕🚗

I’m thrilled to share my latest guest blog post for Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center! This time, I’m talking all about healthy snacking, with tips and tricks to keep you energized no matter how busy your day gets.

I’ve also included one of my favorite snack recipes—Chocolate Cashew Bliss Balls! 🍫🥥 They’re a delicious and nutritious treat that’s super easy to make.

Check out the full post and grab the recipe here:

Healthy Snacking on the Go: Lori's Tips for Your Travel Adventures — Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center Whether you're driving kids to school or sports or heading to yoga class, one challenge we often face is eating healthy on the go. I’m sharing some tips on packing nutritious snacks that keep us (and our kids!) feeling great and energized throughout our journeys. Plus, I’ve got a super tasty rec...

🌞 Summer just got a whole lot sweeter—and easier! I’ve put together a FREE collection of healthy desserts, no-cook meals, snack ideas, and refreshing mocktails that are perfect for those hot summer days. 🌿

Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick snack, cool off with a no-cook meal, or indulge in a healthy dessert, these recipes have got you covered. And don’t forget the mocktails—they’re perfect for staying refreshed while you soak up the sun! 🍉🍹

Get your hands on these summer recipes now at https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/summerrecipes. Let’s keep it light, fresh, and fun this summer! 😋✨

🌟 Here’s a little wellness hack I love: incorporating gratitude into your stretching routine! The Gratitude Stretch is a simple practice that combines physical movement with positive thinking, helping you start or end your day on a high note. 🧘‍♀️💖

Begin your stretching session as usual but with a twist: for each stretch, think of something you’re grateful for. As you reach up and stretch your arms towards the sky, reflect on something positive, like the support of loved ones or a recent achievement. When you bend forward to touch your toes, appreciate the little things, like a beautiful sunset. 🌅✨

This mindful approach not only improves flexibility but also nurtures a positive mindset. As a National Board Certified Health Coach, I always emphasize the importance of unplugging and connecting with yourself. 🌿💆‍♀️

Stretching and practicing gratitude have been transformative in my life. I'm addicted to stretching and love reflecting on what I'm grateful for each day. This practice helps you stay present and fosters a deeper connection between your mind and body. By focusing on gratitude during your stretches, you create a positive feedback loop that enhances relaxation and reduces stress. It’s a powerful way to shift your mindset from any negative thoughts to a state of appreciation and contentment. 😊💫

Plus, it’s a great way to add a little fun to your routine—maybe even laugh at some of the things you come up with! 😂

Do you have any favorite gratitude practices or stretches? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!

Want a guided gratitude stretch? Join my new Gentle Stretch & Meditation Class starting in September. Registration is going on now through Rosemount Park and Rec. Go to https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/yoga-practice for details about all of my yoga classes and how to register. I hope to see you there! 🌸💖

Happy stretching, everyone! 🌟✨

🌟 It's that time of the week again when we plan our meals for the upcoming days. As your friendly National Board-Certified Health Coach and Certified Nutrition Coach, I'm here to help make it fun and easy! Taking a few moments to map out your menu can save you time, stress, and money throughout the week. Plus, it's an excellent way to ensure you eat balanced and nutritious meals. 🍽️

When planning your menu, consider your schedule, dietary preferences, and any seasonal produce that might be available. Don't forget to include some quick and easy recipes for those busy evenings and a few comforting favorites for relaxing nights in. 🥦🍅

Here's a little something from my kitchen to yours: Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce and Cucumber Salad. It's simple, healthy, and delicious! 😋

Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:
Falafel:
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
Tzatziki Sauce:
• 1 cup coconut yogurt (or any vegan yogurt)
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
Cucumber Salad:
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, olive oil, flour, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well mixed but slightly chunky.
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture and shape into balls or patties. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. In a bowl, combine coconut yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. In another bowl, toss together sliced cucumber, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Plate the baked falafel with a side of cucumber salad and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

I’d love to hear what you've got planned for the week! Share your meal plans in the comments below, and let's inspire each other. Your ideas might give someone the motivation to try something new. 😊

And if you're looking for more healthy summer recipes, head over to https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/summerrecipes to download a free guide today. 🌞

🛌✨ Setting a specific time to go to bed and wake up is a cornerstone of good sleep hygiene, offering numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Consistency in your sleep schedule helps regulate your body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, enhancing the quality and duration of your sleep.

When you establish a regular sleep pattern, your body learns to anticipate sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. This consistency can lead to deeper, more restorative sleep, leaving you feeling more refreshed and alert during the day. Improved sleep quality can enhance cognitive function, memory, and concentration, boosting your productivity and performance in daily activities. 🌟

Looking for more healthy tips and resources? Visit https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/resources to download today!

🌟 Setting aside an hour each evening for screen-free activities allows your mind and body to transition smoothly from the day's busyness to a state of relaxation. This hour can significantly reduce the strain on your eyes and nervous system caused by prolonged screen time, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy more restful sleep. 😴✨

During your Power Down Hour, consider engaging in activities that promote relaxation and creativity. Read a book, journal, stretch (my favorite!) or enjoy a warm bath. Spend quality time with loved ones, play board games, or take a leisurely walk. You could also explore hobbies like knitting, drawing, or cooking. These activities help you wind down and encourage mindfulness and presence. 📚🛁🎨

As a National Board Certified Health Coach, I can’t stress enough the importance of unplugging. Implementing a Power Down Hour can transform your evenings, making them more peaceful and fulfilling. It's a simple yet powerful way to prioritize self-care and create a healthier balance in your daily routine. 🌿💖

Once you start, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Maybe treat yourself to a cozy cup of chamomile tea while you power down. 🍵🍪

Do you have any favorite screen-free activities? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas! 😊

For more tips on taking care of yourself, visit https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/selfcare to download my FREE E-WORKBOOK: 15 Most Effective Self-Care Secrets for a Healthy Mind, Body & Soul. 🌸💖

Happy relaxing, everyone! 🌟✨

🚗💭 Instead of seeing your commute as mundane or stressful, try using this time to stimulate your mind, learn new things, and gain fresh perspectives. I've adopted this new habit since my yoga classes at Green Lotus moved from 2 minutes away to now 20 minutes away.

🎧📚 Podcasts and audiobooks are fantastic for this! They cover a wide range of topics, from personal development and health to business and storytelling. By choosing content that aligns with your interests or goals, you can expand your knowledge and stay motivated. This simple habit turns idle time into an opportunity for growth, keeping you engaged and inspired.

🌟 Looking for more healthy tips and resources? Visit https://www.mindfulhealthwithlori.com/resources to download today!