Living in the moment definitely found me!!

Early morning smoothie infused energy in my spirit, a taste close to divine, peace and inspiration to move through the day with connection and creativity. 
Real Nutrition checks every box...Real Food  brings Real Energy to LIVE a Real Life.
I am often asked where I find the energy to
BE and DO so many beautiful  adventures, days may include nature kayaking, beach bicycle, outdoor live music, lunch with clients, friends, or family. I also remember the days not long ago, being unable to hardly move from the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.

I love the observation and the question, especially from those who seek to broaden and enhance their field.  So with a grateful heart, I share my moment with all who seek greater energy and wellness.

A fresh sunny morning is so worthy of our personal health investment to give the best chance for healing. The ingredients found in my smooth morning fulfill a special role. These ingredients are intentionality purchased on a rotation basis and blended together. If bananas become ripe ahead of fresh use, the freezer gladly accepts them for another day when the fresh fruit bowl is low on inventory, also true of berries and other fruits to extend their season.
​Plant protein, superfoods, antioxidants, anti inflammatory, natural vitamins and minerals are found in each and every one.

Almonds    Avocado     Apple    Acai Berries      Banana    Blueberry    Cantaloupe    Coconut Water    Chai seeds     Lemon    Lime    Ginger     Grapes    Moringa   Pineapple    Mandarins     Orange Juice    Starfruit.

Its exciting when your head clears and muscles discover new found energy to renew ones body. The challenge to trade out habits for new and hold onto the benefits found our food ready, willing and able to heal our wonderfully designed body.

My lifestyle choice shifts momentum to a fresh start with health priorities as time melts forward. Because a health crash can have a different story written as you become your own advocate to be your best....more possibilities are in your future.

​Encouragement and coaching in your journey may be found at www.realfoodadocate.net 
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                     " ALL Life is an Experiment ... The more Experiments you make, the Better"
                                              John Maxwell        " 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth"

                                       Embrace Lifestyle Benefits        www.realfoodadvocate.net

​The simmering smells invite you into the kitchen. Homemade turkey soup after the holidays is definitely a favorite of mine.. As I looked up benefits defined: "Turkey Soup reduces joint pain from the glucosamine extracted from the cartilage. Extracts to magnesium and calcium from the bones of the turkey and replenishes your own body with those minerals. It also helps with hair and nail health, fights infections and reduces inflammation"
The ingredients offer so much for boosting your immunities when adding onions, garlic, celery, carrots, ginger, herbs, lemongrass, turmeric, sea salt. Friends call it a hot pot of immunity soup.
Each brings a set of benefits to the party with extra bonus for cost saving on a meal or two. 
A chill in the air, sipping soup brings comfort to the body, mind and spirit.
Cheers to all in this season of grateful hearts.

                                    Grateful turns what we have into Enough - Anonymous
         "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow"
                                                                  -Melody Beattie

            ADD Whole Oats & Ancient Grains
             Chai & Nut Butters
             Pumpkin & Molasses
             Ginger & Cinnamon
             0 Preservatives

The Gluten Free selections can be fun to rotate in even if your health diagnosis does not require changes in the type of flours to avoid gluten. 
Why not enjoy the change up in texture & taste to explore away from the same old routine? So while shopping, this adorable mini waffle iron made by "Dash"  caught my attention to try out readily available Gluten free baking mixes.
​The first test batch included fresh minced ginger, preserved peach chunks. rolled oats, chai seeds, cinnamon, baking powder (aluminum free) and sea salt. Delicious & nutritious all at the same time with hot melted butter dripping down the sides of course!! 
The 2nd batch was next level delicious...  adding fresh apple chunks, bananas, dates, coconut oil, oats, pecans with toppings of fruit preserves, and almond butter, or maple syrup. I love to be in charge of my health, choosing beneficial ingredients, like cinnamon and ginger known for boosting immunities... I even sprinkle these on my morning coconut milk steamer.. quite delicious! 
                           Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team

I love being inspired with decor accents that bring forward greater positive focus. In a recent
shopping trip found I found                 MIND
                      MATTER 
available to purchase that reinforced  personal life philosophy chosen years ago.
The phrase essentially refers to ones ability to use will power over physical limitations.
I revisited a list of "I WILL" created long ago directing my brain toward actionable behavior. 
Examples found on my phone notes to consider...   
What will you find beneficial to add to the list?
                                             "I WILL LIVE in Truth & Integrity"
                                             "I WILL Make the Most of my Time"
                                             "I WILL FIND & FOCUS on my Calling"
                                             "I WILL CHOOSE LIFE vs DARKNESS
                                             "I WILL REJOICE & BE GLAD"
                                             "I WILL CHOOSE PEACE over Anxiety"
                                             "I WILL JOY in spite of Circumstance"
                                             "I WILL TRUST GOD with my LIFE"
                                             "I WILL CHOOSE TO FORGIVE"
                                             "I WILL WATCH GOD at Work"
                                             "I WILL PRAY for my Enemies"
                                             "I WILL CHOOSE CALM vs Chaos"
                                             "I WILL CHOOSE QUIETNESS with CONFIDENCE"
                                             "I WILL ACCEPT the spirit of LOVE, POWER & SOUND MIND"
                                             "I WILL CHOOSE COMMUNITY"
                                             "I WILL WAIT for God to RESTORE, Confirm, Strengthen & Establish"

      Does It really comes down to HABIT...??     "Habit is the daily battleground of character" -Dan Coats
                                                         Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ; 
​                                                                                                 MEG   John Maxwell Team                                                                    

                                EAT your way back! You will feel FULL ...light and agile... 

                       "If you want to arrive at a new destination... CHOOSE A NEW PATH"
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                     Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team
                                                                                 www.realfoodadvocate.net
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            Great Grapes ... How lovely summer becomes as the smell of grapes ripening fills the air
                                  Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team

Sweet scents of Summer piques the nostrils with ripened berries to become amazing breakfast traditions with family and friends. The heat of summer served up memories in the moment. 
In my world creating favorite family traditions always centered on eating vine ripened in nature, while finding ways to extend that bountiful season through preservation in canning and freezing to discover once again on a chilly fall morning or snowy Christmas morning . 
Recently my privaleged travels brought me to my friends farm life where fresh cows milk and abundant eggs were found daily.  The mood struck to bake nostalgia into the morning with healthy home grown ingredients.  
 Life moves so quickly, its worth slowing down to intentionally bond with nature and each other... its taking the time to build in precious ingredients, investing effort to create special moments. Health and wellness is so much more then eating the right ingredients at the right time. Its brought to light by Attitude,  called to kindness, generous sharing, gentleness, a grateful heart, and thoughts focused on ones higher calling above the fray of circumstances.  Choosing the attitude we desire to fill our internal atmosphere becomes intentional.
Peace on the inside is possible no matter the circumstances surrounding... It requires a journey that begins on the inside.... I will choose Peace
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                   "You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously.
                                      You will find peace not in denial, but in victory."       J Donald Walters
      
​                                 Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team

Lets talk REWARDS for working out.... How many would love to be rewarded for doing a hard workout...?  
Its all in the way one thinks... Personally I LOVE Planet fitness, having been a member for 6+ years at this point. Not only is the price just about perfect, but the features have been carefully selected to add value to the members. There are more then enough of all the machines, such a clean environment is always fresh throughout the building. If you are on a tight schedule for your day, showers, lockers will make your day more efficient after workout, especially if heading to work afterwards.

I decided the monthly/yearly price while more then fair, I needed to prove myself to myself. Would it be a good use of finances? Would I be dedicated to show up? Would I choose to be disciplined to learn the equipment and use regularly? 

I gave myself an opportunity to prove on basic level membership. I realized as my first year came up, the goal was met, and a reward was in the works! You may have heard of the "Black Card".  Sure do LOVE the features added into the mix. The massage chairs and hydro beds relax tense muscles for real! What a perfect way to reward ones self. 

All the places I have traveled in the USA... Planet Fitness Franchise is perfect to include in the routine! Soooo... thank you so much Washington, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Hawaii... You have been Great!!!

                   Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team

Does coconut water have more electrolytes than water?
I recently lived out an unexpected experience of dehydration, being so certain I was equipped to handle the high humidity in South Florida as summer moved in to stay, my water bottle close at hand. Reality has a different version of the story as long work hours in the sun with sweat pouring down my face day after day of projects... A weak step, and nausea that crept in making the next few days challenging.

I discovered regular water may not be enough alone, as minerals lost  must be replenished to rebalance, coconut water was the perfect non chemical /non color/non preservative option. 

It includes a natural way to replenish potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium. Two studies found coconut water restored hydration after exercise better than water and equal to high-electrolyte sports beverages.

Good to know and my body thanks the education process that meant a couple days in bed to figure out the full picture.

    www.realfoodadvocate.net     Personal Health and wellness coaching brings balance to your world.

I discovered long ago 'voicing" my thoughts through handwriting, clarity was often found in the moment of personal reflection and decisions. Journaling has been such a huge personal benefit in my private world for many years. I literally have stacks of journals crammed full of my life lessons as it was well modeled by my father.

A counselor once told me the habit of journaling created powerful growth patterns in mental processing circumstances, inner questions, personal challenges, solutions found, wins listed,  impacting quotes, teachings, heartfelt prayers, bible meditations, & music lyrics. 

I have read with interest recent studies, listened to conversational podcasts, and multiple resources bringing this age old lifestyle pattern back into vogue.  In my daily habits, writing is considered high value to document personal vision with insight & reflection.  

I am privileged to hold my fathers journals written through part of his adult years 1950-1990's, cherishing them deeply.  I love the authenticity by which he wrote,  to see how he would think, process, reflect, reach for resources, he was never satisfied to remain stuck or stale. He did not sugar coat painful experiences, neither did he allow himself to wallow in self pity or victim status. In his 80's he was still eager to learn new talents, share love and care to the lives of many others. Whether it be international mission work, entrepreneurial craftsmanship, cherishing your wife over 50 years, loving your family, loyalty to friends, adventure to discover nature, & in your lifetime service of others. 

Favorite Foods... Eggs every morning & Steak at the "The Sizzlers" 
Favorite Music... Anything my Mom would play on piano or organ.

I wish to honor his memory today, my Fathers birthday on Feb 24 having passed many years ago.
"Thanks Daddy, you are so lovingly missed & remembered, your true legacy lives on....." 

               " ..Some great occasion will depend on what we are.. the result of previous years of self-discipline"
                     -H.P Lidden                   "The Law of Reflection"     The 15 Invaluable  Law of Growth - John C Maxwell

                                   FREEDOM: COURAGEOUS ACTION TO LIVE OUT TRUTH'             -MEG-

​​How often  do you find yourself wrestling in mind & emotions .. projecting a gloomy future in the  moment. Do we stop to question truth? Questions that push past and diminish assumptions? Pivoting from a mental melt down to intentional mindfulness fill journals with prayer & personal reflections. This internal process may not be visible through the personal masks we find ourselves wearing in survival mode. The healing journey benefits from pushing "Pause" to sort  emotions that have spiraled into sadness, discouragement, helplessness, hopelessness, sinking into depression and isolation. We  may be tempted to push away resources found in caring people designed to encourage and strengthen on our path.

The  word "FREE" approached me to become the focus of TRUTH declared to my eyes, mind, heart and soul in a recent moment bringing clarity and confidence to the soul. As I stood on the beach, soft sand between my toes, the warmth of sunshine touching my skin, breathing ocean air slowly, the perfect atmosphere to prove thoughts.
In my soul searching moment to identify inaccurate perceptions & distortions, I asked these questions;
                     I am "FREE", Why don't I FEEL FREE?
                     How would my life look different if I LIVED FREE... would I FEEL it?
                               "FREE" Written in the Sand.. Truth but not feeling it
                                            Break off Lies... Break chains.. No more.. No longer!
                                            Declare Freedom for I and my loved ones
                                            Here in between.. In the middle ..  The adjustment of Waiting..   Waiting to find Balance...
                                            Slow Healing,  Incremental steps, one in front of another.
                                            My Focus? How will I prepare to Live Free?
                                            Will I mourn the familiar? 
                                            Higher is Calling. ... To Explore... To Breathe  
                                            Then one day I'm found busy... Living FREE
                                           Look at my reflection .. New takes priority
                                           Scars have faded ... Healing now Complete
                                           Free has come to stay.. 
                                           A Monumental Moment...
                                           Celebrate ..Go in Confidence
                                           "FREEDOM+ Courage to LIVE out TRUTH                  -MEG-                                   
I will not stay stuck living old habits, rehashing negative, but instead pivot to abundant possibilities. Whatever circumstances, I will choose 'Faith over Fear', to seek strength and guidance in ancient Bible writings: "It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, Do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

My research led to ancient biblical history of the Israel nation living in Egypt 400 years. What was once  comfort turned into long endured slavery. God heard their agonized prayers and intervened. As their release was negotiated to leave Egypt, it took 40 years for the slave mentality to be shaken.
The mentality included cleaning up complaining attitudes, stubborn hearts, growth
into maturity, learning another way forward into their destiny. I take these lessons
to heart as I reflect on their release from slavery and abuse, moving through the
process to purge slave mentality from my heart and life.

My personal prayer to "Release" toxic habits, toxic relationships, toxic thoughts,
toxic waste in my mind and body, to encourage hope in others journey. 
                                       I know I heard these words of challenge...           
  "Calling You Out...      YOU...Yes YOU..."      "Go from Surviving"  to  "THRIVING"   

My journey is often sealed with music...  these resources bring strength to the soul.
    Matthew West  "Take Heart"                        Toby mac    "On the Edge of My Seat"                               Jeremy Camp "Out of My Hands"

​Today I chose to get even more serious about finding multiple reasons and excuses to consume large amounts of yellow nature in my "eat color" focus. My habit for some time includes adding slices of citrus, lemon, lime, & orange to water, smoothies or lightly squeezing over menu items.

I had run across the idea that pineapple may knock out side effects of arthritis such as painful joint inflammation. That sounded really great so I was spurred to find out even more benefits originating from  pineapple fields of Costa Rica.

Science has documented many reasons to indulge in Pineapple as it is loaded with Vitamin C, strengthens your bones & connective tissues with plenty of manganese.

In addition to being rich in vitamins, it brings enzymes & antioxidants close while boosting the immune system, and these days we are all looking to boost personal immunities. Pineapples promote healthy digestion with its fiber & water content...may even ward off indigestion.

Delicious & sweet with only 74 calories per cup of pineapple chunks  with juice dripping down your cheeks makes it even better.  

Yellow is the color focus, so think tropical while making time to color your world. Slowing  it down from the frantic pace,  inhale deeply, while yellow pineapple evokes sunny, cheery feelings, warm & delicious. I  discovered sometime back that sunshine became my favorite accessory, all part of the atmosphere to relax, and chill out for a time.

The delicious smoothie shown blends health and wellness into natures bounty, avocado, acai, chai seeds,  apple, banana, blueberries, pineapple, hibiscus tea, cucumber, ginger, nuts & coconut water blended easily with a small Ninja. Your body loves each and every ingredient bringing health and vitality to your day.

​Sending out cheers from your RFA Real Food Advocate, MEG sharing from Fort Lauderdale Florida.  The humidity is rising today, it is time to go on that energizing bike ride before the rain clouds burst.

                                           "Do not wait for a change of environment before you act. Cause a change through action.
                        You can act upon your present environment so as to cause yourself to be transferred to a better environment."
                                                                      "The Science of Getting Rich"  - Wallace D Wattles 
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                               Mental Nutrition for Significance .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG    John Maxwell Team
              

​                                    " Learning is discovering that something is Possible" - Fritz Perls 
                           Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team

Wow... lightly grilled green beans have a great crunchy taste while building up healthy bones, skin & hair! So many wins!! As I focus on a healthy snack... I enjoy making a large batch at one time to enjoy munching options. Once all is trimmed up, toss with olive oil, herbs and sea salt all prepped for  deliciousness.
​The green color chart is easy to focus on healthy tones that serve up vitamin A, D, E & K.
Additional snack options may include asparagus, broccoli, zucchini & brussel sprouts to bring variety for soups, quiche on salads and other fun experiments.

          "Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action"
                                                                                   - Peter F Drucker
                                                  Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG             
​

I admit digging deep to change my mindset of expecting those practicing medicine to have all the answers to every possible malady in the human body. I had spent more then my fair share seeking  expertise of medical doctors who stood around with gaping mouths time after time,  totally unsure how to find solutions except to  offer batches of pain medications. I realized the door before me meant  life or death, and it was up to me to make the choice.

Do I embrace a new level of learning? What is not working in this season? How to let go and release old thoughts or habits?  Is it possible to return to health with critical decisions before me to advocate a new path? What am I willing to invest? Is my life worth fighting for? What would be in my rear view mirror?  
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Enduring decades of pain, dozens of tests leading down one rabbit hole after another, resulting in more questions then answers, it took all of the last fragment of energy left to make a single choice. Would it be to shift direction versus completely giving up, strangled by hopelessness in mind, body, & emotions.  

My choice to become my own personal health advocate  took reversing a "set mind" = "mindset" that  started me down a path completely unknown, barely a glimmer of hope, 180 degree then previously tried. It was either risk all, or the final slip to the point of no return. 

To say it took courage is an understatement, and was not an overnight solution, in fact in many respects the journey became more difficult. Many years, realistically decades, living through one episode after another as a struggling survivor.  Labels do not do justice to the pain & agony of failing organs, life threatening body systems, all the while learning daily "work arounds" and yet still provide loving care & connections for my family, business & community. 

The journey has been often solo,  unfamiliar in every aspect imaginable with strange foods, ingredients,  handmade combinations, & alternative treatment methods just to find a pathway to health.

Today I can say a heartfelt "thank you" filled with gratitude for the few who stood beside me. My relationships and resources have changed, some who found a different direction and vision for themselves. I recognize pain may propel one toward a created purpose, and consider myself so incredibly blessed to have found mine.

So truthfully,  "I have lost it..."  I lost the desire to hand over my mind, and body blindly trusting any other then myself who will advocate perfectly,  guided by inner discernment and instinct from The Creator of the universe. 

This journey includes far more then myself, I look forward to joining those ready to risk their own lifestyle shift to really LIVE On Purpose.

 "Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action" - Peter F Drucker 
                           Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team

The simple pleasure of peanut sauce holds a place in my taste bud heart, transforming mixed grilled herb vegetables and chicken.  Instead of saying  a spoon full of sugar "makes the medicine go down" my thoughts replace the old jingle with "delicious health and wellness comes up." 
Our RFA Clients love healthy veggies bringing color into their every day life sharing a whole new level of taste.

Your own personal choices may include nutrient rich combinations like cauliflower, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, celery, carrots & peppers tossed lightly with olive oil, herbs  & sea salt.

You will be loving how it feels to eat real food,  experience flexible joints, bones, muscles feeling energized to get up and out in recreation to bike, swim, kayak, walk, hike and breath in fresh air while clearing your mind. It all just starts with a thought, we can to chose to shift our lifestyle with some small action each day. 

I am soooo grateful to be on this health journey as my own personal advocate for health & wellness, and the opportunity to share the journey of others as well.

          " ..Know who you are to grow to your potential... You have to grow in order to know who you are..." 
                                                     The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth "   -John Maxwell- 
                          Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team

So in love with the deliciousness from nature... Cinnamon Lavender Honey. 

A fun taste test of farmhouse honey, that brings a higher level of immunity boosted by adding cinnamon and lavender.  

There are so many ways to enjoy, drizzled on multigrain buttered toast, an absolutely divine addition  in morning oatmeal, or stirred into hot tea. 

We just may decide this one we cant live without...stay tuned for "RFA" Real Food Advocate  training in the future.

             Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food ....Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team 
​
       "Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time" 
​                                       " The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth"    - John Maxwell 

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A favorite fresh taste of morning juice... Ginger, Lemon, added to carrots, celery, apple tend to be basics, with other citrus fruits and a variety of veggies help to change it up, such as pineapple, cucumber, beets or pear.
The entire kitchen atmosphere changes as fresh pressed juices create amazing aromas tantalizing your sense of smell, filling the air. Each ingredient has its own function toward building immunities back up, while encouraging toxins to move along through our digestive system. The adventure includes finding focus set on "Eating your way back..."  as beautiful colorful food choices assist our body to heal. 
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Cheers to all on the Journey!!!
              "You will never change your life until you change something you do daily" - John C Maxwell 
                           Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team ​
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 ONIONS!  I found out onions hold the power in almost any form, shape, color, fresh, raw or cooked ...
They now make their way into every pan, pot, bowl  created to increase health and wellness in the Real Food world. Its an unbeatable immunity boost concoction especially combining with fresh ginger, garlic, and herbs such as turmeric, cinnamon, lemon grass and sea salt. 
The investment into personal health is so worth the time and effort that comes from feeling energized and healthy. 
Fueling the Mind and Body with Real Food .... Your RFA Real Food Advocate ;  MEG   John Maxwell Team  ​
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​                                      Soups . Stew . Sides. Salads