When life is fast...

Lindsey

Some times we just can't slow down. Some days are just filled down to the minutes. When you have to have everything planned so tightly that you schedule in bathroom breaks.. (sure that sounds funny... but really!) I'm sure you all have been there! 
 I have previously blogged about slowing down, and taking time for your self. I totally feel that those things are necessary, but there are also those days when that just can't be achieved.  They aren't that frequent for me, but it still happens against my will sometimes. 
Like say.. Thursdays.. worst day of the week for me. I could tell you all about my jam packed schedule, but I'll spare you the  pain!  So getting to the point. What do you do when life is fast. How do you deal with the days that you don't stop until your hitting the sheets?  How do you still find joy amidst the chaos?
I'm hoping to help you out with that!

​Get a planner and make a plan. Write it down. I seriously write everything down on days that I know have to stay tightly scheduled. I got this planner from Michael's craft store in the fall and it's my life line some days.  It's called the Happy Planner and it's really  detailed so I can keep track of what's going on with my kids, my personal life, and the business. I also use a white board for the whole house in our kitchen. I write everything down for the kids  and Josh so they know what to be expecting for the day. It helps keep everyone  aware of what the day is bringing. I also add chores, grocery lists, and weekly to-do's on it. It's an easy way to keep a good flow in the house. 
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Start your morning off slow!  Whatever that may be for you. I've told you all mine is coffee.. (black now! If you've read my previous blog) and some quiet time to reflect while I'm packing lunches. Whatever it is.. GET YOURSELF OUT OF BED! Just throw the sheets back and ease into your day. Nothing is harder than starting an already busy day off  rushing around because you wanted an extra few minutes of sleep. 

Add in some "ME" time.  Even if it's only 10 minutes. Step back from your day and find some time to relax. Put on your favorite tunes while your riding down the road. Even if it's just driving to your next "to-do". Get outside. Get some fresh air. Do what makes you happy. In the little amount of time that you have. Schedule it in.  It's worth it, I promise! 

Make your meals ahead!  Plant based eating can be tricky if you aren't prepared. It takes dedication and some will power to  stay at your best all day. Days when I know I won't have time to  make anything, I am usually leaving the house with a shopping bag of food. Water bottles, a smoothie, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's the only way I know how to make it work. It does take  some time the night before but it pays off when your stomach is growling and you don't have to think about what to eat.  Here is a n example of what I would pack for the whole day.
In my bag would go:
2 large water bottles
A mason jar smoothie (greens, banana, berries, flax)
A mason jar of over night oats
A salad for lunch with some sort of vinaigrette.
A peice of fruit
Dinner ( last   time I had to pack like this it was quinoa sweet potato chili) 

Then you are all set for the day and eating is one less  thing you have to worry about.
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I really hope that you don't have many days like this. Some times with the life I have chosen for myself I have no other choice than to be overloaded for the day. I don't love these days and I don't always make it work this smoothly. I wish there was a magic button that slowed down time. I know some people thrive this way ( God bless them), I am just not that person. I have spent too many days and too much time stressed out because I wasn't staying organized on my busy days.  I hope this is a reminder of some ways to simplify. 

Plus here is the yummy recipe for the chili. P.S.. this was my husbands first plant based dinner that he made himself! WIN!! 

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SWEET POTATO & QUINOA CHILI


SWEET POTATO & QUINOA CHILI
Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes or 1 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 large sweet pototo, diced (with or without the skin…I leave the skin on)
• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1 onion, diced
• 5 – 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• a few dashes of garlic powder
• a few dashes of onion powder
• himalayan salt to taste
• 4 cups (32 oz) water or vegetable broth, + more as needed
• avocado, cilantro and/or diced onion, for garnish (optional)

In large pot or dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, cook until soft and they start to turn brown (about 7 – 10 minutes). Add garlic, cook for another minute or so. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder and onion powder, cook for 2 more minutes stirring constantly. Add tomatoes, liquids, beans and sweet potato, stir until combined. Add quinoa, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover slightly ajar and cook for 30 – 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Chili is ready when sweet potatoes are tender. Add additional broth  if chili is too thick for your liking.
Serve with optional garnishes.
Notes:
As with all recipes, adjust seasoning to taste. Add a 1/2 teaspoon or so chipotle powder for some added heat. Also, use whatever beans you prefer. You may even like to use one kind of bean instead of two.
Easy and delicious…Enjoy!  Adapted from  recipe at Milk Free Mom