This smoothie is a delicious and healthy way to cleanse your body with no refined or added sugar and no dairy. Packed with essential nutrients, beetroots are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. In our opinion, nothing ‘beets’ this healthy start to your day!
Ingredients
1 beetroot (fresh and uncooked) with stem removed, washed, quartered
1 apple cut into quarters
1/4 cup carrots tops removed, washed, loosely chopped
1/2 cup baby spinach rinsed, drained
1 Tbsp ginger peeled
1/2 cup ice cubes
Water as needed to change consistency: Add enough water to reach the surface of produce and ice
Method
Blend and enjoy!
Serve immediately; or you can store in the freezer and thaw up to one hour before drinking.
For an extra sweet touch, add sweetener of choice.
A top tip from the inner circle of veteran vegans; once you make the decision regarding the BIG ‘V’, please do yourself a favour & prep, babe! This is not a choice to be taken lightly, it is a lifestyle change at the end of the day & your current pantry staples are more than likely not really up to scratch! You reckon you’re fine, ‘cause you have bread & butter, you’ll just make a sarmie?
Nope. That bread is probably made with milk & your fave sandwich spread is 100% made using eggs. UGH!
You are about to venture into the most intense game of speed reading you could ever imagine. I am pretty sure every single Pick ‘n Pay employee in Jozi must think I’m not lekker in the head; I stand for hours reading labels. Why does everything use MILK POWDER? You’re about to lose A LOT of the products you once knew & loved. Perhaps, take a moment of silence for your once beloved packet of Doritos. Shame.
This all may sound scary & overwhelming, thinking that you’re ‘losing out’ by going vegan. But, you are about to gain so much more! You would not believe the incredible vegan alternatives to absolutely everything you can imagine… Vegan chocolate is the flippin’ bees knees! (No bees were harmed in the making of this blog thanks to SunnyBo Hunny!)
Back to business, though! My newbie vegan shopping list is short & sweet, to get you through your first week. You probably think it’s a list as long as my arm, consisting of quinoa, agave syrup & tofu? Well, the truth of the matter is, there is only one thing in this realistic vegans starter pack…
Peanut butter.
Yep, that is all you need, honey. Peanut butter (OhMega Nut Butters being my personal favourite!) & a spoon big enough to feed the inevitable cravings. Because, they will come. Trust that! I think the vegan community has created an air of being ‘from the Earth’, drinking water straight from the damn stream & bathing in oat milk… (Oat milk is hella expensive, it would be a very shallow soak.)
But the reality is, most of us are just as unhealthy as the next person. Myself included! I can promise you right now, every single vegan alive has some sort of nut butter in the cupboard. Not all of us want to eat kale & drink Kombucha. DO NOT BE FOOLED!
You need to understand, going into this that your body is going to go through some major changes. A lot of withdrawal & you are going to have some hectic cravings for things you never thought you would miss! Fish paste from boarding school when you were in grade 7? GET IN MY BELLY! A lekker oily boerie roll from that dodgy braai stand outside of Builders Warehouse? ASSEBLIEF!
But, if you’re committed to your decision to tread more lightly on the planet, then push through! The reward far outweighs your need for a lamb chop or even a Wimpy burger! Think of the impact you as a person are making in the world. For every year that you choose not to eat meat, you would have saved 10 055 pigs, 647 737 chickens, 11 357 cows & 3 million prawns! I highly suggest checking out Fry’s website to see some really eye-opening stats!
I mean, that is a hell of a lot of good karma!
A Raw Deal
I think my least favourite question I get, being a vegan (and trust me, there are PLENTY) is, “but why are you vegan?” I am never quite sure how to respond to that one. Should I be brutally honest? Should I sugar-coat it so that I don’t offend you? And, are you genuinely asking out of interest or are you just waiting to give me your opinion?
My answer? I am vegan for all of the reasons.
But mainly ‘cause Russel Brand told me so & who could ever say no to him?
Want some meal inspo? Check out these plant-based meals:
As we continue to adjust to a new way of living during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are starting to feel overwhelmed by the distance between themselves and their loved ones, and it hasn’t been easy on individuals who are already struggling with their mental health.
With this current global atmosphere of uncertainty and apprehension, it’s becoming increasingly important that we take the time to not only look after our physical health but to make our mental health a priority too. That’s why we want to encourage all our readers to change their outlook and start these 6 essential mental health hacks to better connect to their inner feelings and improve their mental well-being.
Covid-19 and maintaining your mental health
By now we all know about the precautions we should be taking to keep ourselves physically healthy and protect ourselves from the coronavirus – but what are we doing to take care of ourselves mentally?
When it comes to managing your mental health, there is no one step, quick-fix solution in this journey. The good news is that there are plenty of mindful practices you can commit to every day to keep yourself mentally healthy and stay strong during this pandemic.
1. Be mindful of your environment and your feelings
Trying to live a more mindful life begins with making a conscious effort to get in touch with yourself and your emotions. Take time to notice when your stress response is triggered and identify stress-enhancing situations.
For some of us, having to constantly communicate on our phones, be on social media and regularly check the news for COVID-19 updates on a daily basis can take its toll.
While it’s hard to take the right advice and slow down when you’re feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to admit to yourself that the world will not stop turning if you ignore a single DM or take a little longer to reply on WhatsApp. You may need some time to be in your own bubble and ignore the rest of the world – and that’s okay!
2. Discover your unique stress-relievers
Since mental health is directly linked to our body’s immune system, it’s important to discover your specific coping habits which act as anti-stressors in times of rising anxiety.
For some people, coping with stress or feelings of depression means getting out of the house and going for a long hike, a jog or a sweat-filled session at the gym. But for others, it’s lounging in the same pyjamas all day and scrolling through motivational posts on Pinterest (don’t worry – we’ve all been there).
The point is that there’s no one-size-fits-all way to deal with stress, and it’s essential to keep that at the forefront of your mind at all times. While getting started with online therapy and doing regular meditation sessions are great ways to stay calm, it’s important to remember that your coping mechanism doesn’t have to look a certain way to others. Who says that gouging a bowl of ice great and watching reruns of The Office isn’t just as therapeutic?
3. Get real about your mental health
There’s a lot of ways to answer the question, “How are you doing?”, but a lot of the time, most of us tend to steer clear of the honest answer. Instead of shrugging off your emotions, start trying to admit that you’re struggling with what is happening in the world right now. If there was ever a time where it was okay to feel vulnerable and afraid, it’s during this pandemic.
Remember to be proud of yourself and acknowledge the work you’ve already done to try and keep your mental health in check. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to admit to others that you’ve hit some bumps in the road along the way and ask for their help getting back on track. Being honest and open about the emotions you are experiencing is a great way to load-shed your stress and get it off your chest.
For men, doing this may be especially intimidating due to the harsh stigma around men’s mental health. That’s why it’s important for all of us to openly acknowledge any struggles we are facing and create a more open dialogue about mental health.
4. Move your body
Part of being able to thrive during this uncertainty is to keep yourself motivated towards achieving a new goal – such as improving your personal fitness and working towards living a more healthy life.
We all know about the healing benefits of exercise – it gets your blood pumping and your spirits up – but most of us don’t actually relish the idea of sweating inside a hot home gym all day.
The great news is that there are all sorts of fun and exciting ways to stay fit and get home endorphins flowing. Try to have some fun by taking a new online dance class and letting loose – nobody’s looking! Or go on a hike with your friend or family for the day. Most people underestimate the healing positive effect of being outdoors in the fresh, open air.
You’d be surprised how even a simple walk in the park or a stroll at the beach can inspire the innermost feelings of happiness and peace.
5. Give your hobbies some attention
With most of us being far from our friends and families during this time, it’s important that we focus on our inner happiness and try to do things that keep us inspired.
Now more than ever, we need to focus on the hobbies and passions that we have often put on the shelf due to being caught up in the world of work and stress. Here’s just a few fun new hobbies you could get behind:
Hone your baking skill as and indulge your sweet tooth with this new delicious choc chip mug cake recipe. Or, if you’re looking for a heartier option, take some time to make your family a healthy home-cooked chickpea curry.
Get those makeup skills on point and give yourself some time to try that new contour tutorial you saw on YouTube.
Rearrange your home and redecorate your living room to feed the interior decorator inside of you.
Put your green thumb to the test and start an adorable veggie garden outside.
6. Get yourself a furry best bud
Lockdown can be lonely, and with thousands of pets abandoned and shelters left struggling due to the effects of COVID-19 on our economy, there are countless furry friends that could use a safe home right now.
What’s great is that pets are proven to have mood-boosting powers and bring about a sense of calm for people who suffer from high levels of anxiety. Bringing a new friendly companion animal into your life is a sure-fire way to manage your stress in a healthy way, reduce loneliness and elevate your mood.
Studies have even found that:
Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression
People with pets have lower blood pressure when exposed to stressful situations
Playing with pets can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body which can help anxious people to be more calm and relaxed.
Caring for a pet can help you make healthy lifestyle changes by encouraging you to start a regular exercise routine where you take them for a walk, a hike or a run.
Health and well-being with Wellbe
Living an active, healthy life can be difficult when you are silently struggling with your mental health. At Wellbe&Co, we want strong ladies and men everywhere to stay as fit, healthy and happy as they can be – no matter what these times bring.
That’s why we strive to give our loyal Instagram followers a daily dose of motivational magic to help you stay inspired and conquer your anxieties. From updates about the latest workouts and healthy new recipes to sharing essential yoga poses that will help you approach your day with mindfulness and serenity, our priority is to give you the encouragement you need to pursue your goals.
Join the WellBe family today to get your own daily, easy-to-implement, lifestyle-focused nutrition, training and health hacks – all while maintaining focus on your mental health.
I don’t really remember the day, to be honest, the specific day that I stopped eating meat. It was more of a slow process of eating less of it & a whole lot more frozen broccoli than I care to admit.
All of a sudden, I realised it had been MONTHS since I had eaten any meat. I kind of accidentally became a vegetarian & felt like a new woman. But to say I was nervous to tell anybody about my new lifestyle change, would be a MASSIVE understatement. I knew the stigma. Hell, I had possibly added to the problem many times throughout my life, with poorly timed jokes at the expense of someone else.
The Saturday afternoon that I had been dreading for months finally reared its ugly head… A family braai. It was time. Time to break the news to my VERY Afrikaans family that, “no, I will pass on the boerewors today, Oom. How about a fried mushroom instead?” Shock & horror followed this, as predicted & there was a moment of silence for the loss of a comrade. I scoffed down that rubbery mushroom & got the heck out of there before they had the chance to ask me, “but where will you get your protein?”
Although the braai was not nearly as difficult as I thought it might be, the judgement & scandal behind my choices extended past my family. Strangers felt the need to let me know why meat is a necessary part of my diet, their favourite argument being… “If we’re not meant to eat meat then why do we have canine teeth?”
The Journey: Part 2
My living hell was only perpetuated when I took the next step of becoming vegan. A no-brainer for me, but more of a NO-BRAIN to those around me. It was an easy transition, my only regret? Not doing it sooner.
I was living in the mountains of the Drakensberg at the time, doing yoga in the veld & eating tomatoes straight from the freaking earth, man. I was some kind of hippy, minus the leg hair (mostly.) I was always the odd one out. The black sheep, or rather the black BeyondMeat patty.
For the most part, being vegan in the Berg was a breeze. I got a few quizzical looks at coffee shops when I asked for non-dairy milk. Huh? Like… Goat milk? Uh. Never mind, I’ll just have still water. It was actually during that time that I learnt how to drink black coffee & pretend like it didn’t taste like sadness. I only cried in the shower a few times. WINNING!
But everything changed when I moved back to the city. Jozi, baba. You beaut! I found a community here, a community of like-minded people. A place where I could vent about the RIDICULOUS price of vegan yoghurt & not have someone roll their eyes straight back into their skull. I so appreciate that in a friend. If you’re looking for a starting point, I would highly suggest you check out my fellow veggie compatriot Caley’s blog, for all the inspiration you could ever hope for, honey!
Vegan Job Opportunities
At the same time, I realised that within this beautiful community of amazing people, there are a plethora of other factions. Societies within society & they’re out for blood. Human-blood, of course. They would not appreciate that joke!
I’ve affectionately named these groups; The Vegan Police, The Plastic Police, The Palm Sugar Police, The Gluten Police & The SAPS. Well, the last one is only on this list ‘cause I’m pretty salty about my lack of vegan wine in the cupboard, but that’s a whole other story.
These groups work tirelessly to ensure that you’re happy, but never TOO happy. Like your mother-in-law on a good day.
Enjoy that oat milk latte, Claire. But it better be in a paper cup! Oh, I hope you didn’t add any refined sugar to that? Is that coffee fair-trade? Are you going to recycle that cup or do you just hate sea turtles?
All I can say is that I am so happy that during a global pandemic, during this Coronacoaster, these cops have jobs & that they’re able to work from home! LUCKY! I just hope they’re being paid for their ‘ESSENTIAL’ services to the vegan community.
My wish is that this blog spot somewhere on the interweb inspires you. Inspires you to try a Fry’s Chicken Nugget without dry-heaving. Even if you chase it with a mouthful of fatty biltong. I’m not here to anybody; I’m just here for a good time not a long time, uhh. I mean, I’m here for the animals.
Eat food. Not too much, mostly plants.
“The most damaging phrase in language is; we have always done it this way.” Grace Hopper
While you’re here, check out some of my recent recipes with WellBe:
There is absolutely no shortage of ancient grains to add to your pantry, but if you haven’t tried bulgur wheat, lockdown is definitely the time to give it a go! Rich in fibre and so easy to cook! This delicious and flavourful meal packs a healthy punch!
INGREDIENTS
AUBERGINE
2 large aubergines
1/2 Cup Mediterranean style vegan cheese, crumbled
1/4 red onion, chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
BULGAR WHEAT
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 red pepper, chopped
1 Cups of uncooked bulgur wheat
2 Cups of water
1/4 Cup cherry tomato pasta sauce
Salt & pepper
METHOD
Slice the eggplant down the middle & open it slightly. Make criss-cross lines inside with a sharp knife, drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper. Start baking in the oven at 180C for 30min.
In a medium pot, heat the olive oil & sauté the onions & pepper until soft.
Add the bulgar wheat & sauté for a minute, stirring constantly.
Add the water & the pasta sauce.
Simmer for about 20 min, adding more water as needed.
Fluff with a fork & serve inside your baked aubergine, top with crumbled “feta”, red onion & fresh parsley!
In today’s business world, leaders can’t afford to underestimate the importance of empowering women at work. From driving innovation to boosting a corporation’s profits, the value of having strong women in the workplace is undeniable. That’s why, this women’s month, we discuss the five most important tools to help organisations everywhere strengthen their female leadership and direct the conversation towards creating a more positive workplace culture.
What is “workplace culture”?
Workplace culture is a product of individual factors that come together to create the every-day environment in an organisation. Think of it as the character or personality of your organization.
Essentially, the space in which we work is shaped by a collection of the values, attitudes, priorities, workplace practices and the type of leadership in the organisation.
Creating a positive workplace culture
The biggest mistake most organizations make is that they let their workplace culture form organically without first defining a specific culture or environment that they hope to create.
However, no matter how big or small the organisation, every business can take gradual steps to start making their workplace a space that encourages and empowers women, and one that is mindful of creating new practices that support female career advancement.
1. Amplify the female voice
In an interview with BBC News, Facebook’s VP, Nicola Mendelsohn, noted that women’s voices are often overlooked in the workplace, saying that “Women get interrupted a lot, or people talk over them. I think there is an element that happens in the workplace where we actually condition women not to speak.”
That’s why it’s essential that organisations encourage open dialogue in the workplace. By providing opportunities for women to have their voices heard, your organisation can help women to educate the rest of the office and allow them to begin to form the type of workplace culture that they’d like to see themselves.
In practice, your organisation can offer workplace training on topics such as implicit bias, inclusion and diversity. Some employees may have never heard of these topics before, let alone critically analyzed them in the workplace. This is a great way to continue to bring the experience of women in the workplace to the forefront of the conversation.
2. Listen and learn
Creating a positive workplace culture is about allowing women to express themselves openly, without fear of judgement. One of the main ways workplace environments can be damaging to female employees is when men in leadership positions try to discredit female voices using tactics such as “tone policing” or by “derailing” the conversation.
This is basically when men try to take focus away from real issues female face in the workplace and put it on the way they choose to express this issue and the tone of voice they use. At its core, this suggests that women have to distance themselves from their emotions in order to be heard, and it allows men to define the terms of the conversation.
That’s why it’s absolutely essential that leaders openly acknowledge their female employees’ experiences in the current workplace culture rather than dismissing the conversation out of fear of criticism.
3. Encourage female leadership
Promoting strong, deserving women to prominent management roles is a great way to create a more positive workplace culture. It also sets a valuable precedent that says, “Yes! Women can hold leadership positions in our organization.”
Gender diversity in the workplace is an essential factor in creating positive results such as bringing in new perspectives, making firms more productive and widening the talent pool. It also tends to signal a more attractive work environment and a positive workplace culture to other potential female employees.
Diversifying management and ensuring female representation also gives women the ability to provide valuable input when it comes to important decisions about the organisation’s policies and practices that will affect the day-to-day lives of every female at work.
4. Equal wages for equal work and experience
It’s only natural; we all love to be rewarded and recognized for good work. In fact, one of the leading factors encouraging motivation in the workplace is something called the Incentive Theory of Motivation.
According to leading psychologists, most people work harder and stay at higher levels of motivation when they are inspired by external reinforcements such as the possibility of promotion, higher wages and an opportunity for growth.
Equal pay is one of the most important parts of creating a space where employees feel valued. Women can’t thrive in the workplace or reach their full potential if they feel that the strengths they bring to the workplace are not recognized and that they are not equally rewarded for their contribution to the team.
5. Support professional development
Creating a safe and open relationship with female employees in the workplace is a real sign of progress, but it’s also important to go a step further and actively provide opportunities for women to grow their skills and enhance their professional development in the workplace.
For example, by creating a mentorship programme for women in the organisation, female employees can shadow other women in leadership roles and build relationships with strong female examples. For most women, seeing another woman in a position of authority is empowering and encouraging, and it is also crucial for better career advancement and professional development within the company.
Your organisation could also consider offering female employees the chance to attend conferences or workshops relevant to the leading practices in your industry. It’s a great way to help them gain some practical experience while developing the skills needed to move up in the organisation. This could be anything from funding external skills development courses to offering leadership training programs which will equip them with the tools to jump-start their career.
Women at WellBe
WellBe&Co strives to empower women by helping ladies everywhere to become their happiest, healthiest selves. WellBe is a corporate wellness company that specializes in easy-to-implement, lifestyle-focused nutrition, training and health solutions.
We know that no two women are alike. That’s why we provide nutrition advice, training programs and supplement advice tailored to your individual needs, goals and personal preferences.
Our WellBe family believes that women who support other women should be every organisation’s ultimate goal. So, if you’re feeling a little unmotivated, simply join our WellBe Instagram community made up of prominent women in the fitness industry where we share daily tips, tricks and motivational messages so that we can all improve and grow together.
Follow our regularly-updated, informative blog posts for guidance on topics that deal with everything from workplace productivity to the art of living a more mindful life. And, while you’re at it, why not take a look at our simple set of recipes that will have you eating clean in no time?
Start the learning journey today and you’ll be your healthiest self both at home and in the workplace in no time.
Diet diversity means to include a range of different food groups into your diet, and a variety of different colours.
Did you know that every food group serves a function for our bodies and provides us with different nutrients?
The colour of foods also influences the kind of nutrients the food offers. Which is why it is important to eat a variety of foods to ensure we are taking in as many vitamins and minerals as possible.
I am sure many of you have heard the phrase, “to eat the rainbow”. This is an old saying that many used to encourage others to eat variety, as it results in increased fibre, vitamin and mineral intake. The colour of fruits and vegetables is created by phytonutrients – natural chemicals that help protect plants from bugs, pesticides and the sun’s harmful rays. Phytonutrients keep the plant healthy and provide us with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. So, what do the different colours mean?
Red
red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and red pepper have cancer fighting properties and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Orange and Yellow
orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as oranges, carrots and corn improve the immune system as they are rich in Vitamin C.
Green
green fruits and vegetables help to detoxify the body and can also assist in supporting the immune system. I am sure many of you heard the saying, “eat your greens” when you were younger. Your parents said this because greens are one of the healthiest foods we can eat. Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are high in folate – an important B-vitamin.
Purple
purple vegetables such as aubergine and purple cabbage have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Blue
blue fruits such as blueberries are high in antioxidants and are a great superfood for the body.
Benefits Of A Diverse Diet
As mentioned, the different food groups each provide our body with unique nutrients and functions. Daily, we consume both macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) which serve a purpose for our body.
Macronutrients are nutrients that are needed in our bodies in large quantities and provide our body with energy.
Micronutrients are non-caloric and provide us with vitamins and minerals to support our gut health and immune system.
Carbohydrates, protein and fat all provide us with energy.
Protein is also important for muscle growth and bone health and fat insulates our organs and assists in hormone production.
As you can see, each food group provides a unique function for our body and aids our body to work in the most efficient way.
Recipe Ideas
Cocoa Blended Oats
Instead of a bowl of plain oats, change it up! Add some peanut butter for healthy fats and protein and top with fresh berries to increase your phytonutrient intake.
Perhaps you’re thinking life is already busy and stressful enough as it is. How will I be productive and get everything done in a day if I’m always taking the time to ‘stop and smell the roses’?
Various studies and research show that not only does practicing mindfulness increase our ability to cope with stress, it has also been shown to increase confidence, focus, and our ability to experience joy & happiness.
A Harvard study that was conducted with over 5 000 participants, across 80 countries, showed that our minds wander 47% of the time. That’s almost half of our lives that we are distracted. The study went on to show that we tend to be less happy when our minds wander compared to when we are in the present moment.
Perhaps you already recognize that constant dialogue going on in your mind. If not, try closing your eyes for a moment and think of nothing. It won’t take long before you acknowledge just how much our minds bounce back and forth incessantly from one thought to another.
Our conscious mind is the analytical part of our brain. It’s where we judge, plan, analyze, and criticize, and it can only process a fraction of the data it receives from all our senses. If you were to total up all information you receive every second from your sensory neurons – touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound – it would add up to around 11 million bits of information each second.
And how much do you think our conscious attention can handle? Only 60 bits per second.
Add into the mix an unprecedented growth in technology, our fast-paced and hyper-connected lifestyles result in us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Our nervous systems are in an almost constant state of ‘fight or flight’. We act out of impulse, our minds feel blurry, unclear, and life can feel rather chaotic.
By practicing mindfulness, we are able to downregulate our nervous system and navigate through our lives with a greater sense of mental clarity and inner peace.
Defined as ‘the ability to focus on the present moment, on purpose, with an attitude of non-judgment’, mindfulness gives us a new vantage point so we can zoom out of the daily demands life throws at us, and are able to think more clearly.
It means moving through your day aware of what you’re doing, where you are, and who you’re with, without getting wrapped up in the inner dialogue of your mind. You allow yourself the space to think, to breathe, and to take up a role as the observer.
Ways to introduce mindfulness into your everyday life:
Spend time in nature – leave your phone at home and simply observe what you see. Take it all in, moment to moment. Even 10 minutes in the fresh air will do.
Mindful exercise – get out of your head and into your body by connecting breath to movement. Practices such as Yoga and Tai-chi help our nervous system get out of ‘fight or flight’ and into ‘rest and digest’.
Seated Meditation – sit comfortably, close your eyes, and observe your breath. The goal is NOT to empty your mind (it will wander!). Rather observe your thoughts as they come and go. Start with 5 minutes and work yourself up from there. For a variety of free guided meditations download the ‘Insight Timer’ App.
Mindful eating – skip eating on the run, at your desk, or while on your phone. Be with your food and savour each taste!
Studies show that practicing mindfulness strengthens our immune systems, decreases levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), as well as the size of the Amygdala – the fear center in our brains where our negative emotions & thoughts come from.
The more practiced we become at being present, the more we can open up to the richness of what life has to offer us. We can switch off autopilot and take back control in the driver seat of our lives.
And if that sounds like music to your ears, go ahead and enjoy listening to every note!
Chickpeas are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber and a variety of health benefits, such as improving digestion. Being a plant based meal, this curry is great for your gut and sure to warm you up! Chickpeas are high in protein and make an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets.
INGREDIENTS
1 tin chickpeas, drained
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tin coconut milk
1 tin chopped and peeled tomatoes
1 tbsp each curry powder + turmeric
1 tsp each cumin powder + paprika
1 tbsp each grated ginger + crushed garlic
1 lemon (juice squeezed)
1 tsp honey (optional) (use sugar if vegan)
2 handfuls of spinach
100 g mushrooms, chopped
Salt, pepper and chilli flakes to taste
Serve cooked brown or Basmati rice and
fresh chopped coriander
METHOD
Cook the rice as per packet instructions. Mix all the spices together and fry in a large pot with the onion, garlic and ginger in olive oil for 2 minutes on a medium heated stove top. Add the chopped mushrooms and chickpeas and fry for a further 3 mins. Add the tinned coconut milk, tinned tomatoes and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the spinach, lemon juice and honey. Stir all together and allow to simmer for a further 10 minutes. Season to taste. Serve with cooked rice and chopped coriander.
We know it’s hard to stay motivated, but it’s even harder to get your head in the game when you don’t have the right inspiration. False facts about what it takes to make your goals a reality could be sabotaging your self-improvement journey and preventing you from achieving your personal objectives in the workplace and at home. From the idea that money is the ultimate motivator to the strategy of playing the waiting game, this week we debunk the most common motivation myths surrounding success.
What are the top myths about motivation?
Myth #1: Visualizing success
Many people are told that if they can just picture themselves reaching their goals, they can achieve it. If you can imagine yourself as fit and healthy, or visualize the day that you finally get that sought-after promotion, then you’ll be one step closer to achieving success.
The reality: A lot more work goes into achieving your dreams than just imagining a victory. Simply visualizing success can be counterproductive and oversimplify your goal-attainment strategy. Remember, it’s always important to keep a positive attitude and strong mindset, but don’t let that overshadow the actual work needed to gear you towards where you want to go.
For example, many people may spend so much time visualizing getting fit and healthy that they never actually take the necessary, practical steps, such as tweaking their diet or starting to exercise.
Myth #2 Money is the ultimate motivator
For most people, money considerations seem to be at the top of the list when it comes to career choices and personal decisions. Many people still believe that the possibility of making money is the main incentive that encourages individuals to meet their targets and produce better work.
The reality: The motivation of money will quickly die out. If you place too much importance on financial gains, you may lose the passion you have for your work or for achieving that particular wellness or fitness goal you’ve been working towards.
This can leave you feeling more unmotivated than before. You’ll quickly find that your reasons for working so hard aren’t concrete, and if they don’t align with your personal goals and your own happiness, your determination to put your best foot forward will take a knock.
Myth #3 Nothing is more motivating than fear
Some people believe that fear can be used to ignite your work-drive and help you achieve your fitness, personal or work goals quicker. The fear of losing a job or a source of livelihood, or the fear of sickness and illness due to living an unhealthy lifestyle, may motivate many people to change their daily choices and work towards self-improvement.
The reality: Fear’s power is short-lived and its motivational push is only temporary. In fact, research shows that positive reinforcement is usually more effective than fear when it comes to building and maintaining motivation.
Over time, fear creates a stressful, unhealthy environment instead of a positive driving force which builds your self-esteem and provides encouragement as you achieve your step-by-step goals.
Myth #4 Overworking yourself
Many people glorify the idea of working too hard. Working all hours of the night, not getting enough sleep and juggling home and work responsibilities all at once is seen as a must-do for anyone worthy of achieving success and setting themselves above the rest.
The reality: Being overworked can drastically inhibit your performance and stop you from ultimately unlocking your full potential. Whether it’s achieving your dream job, reaching your ultimate fitness goal or excelling at a hobby, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance. Work hard, but remember to reward yourself with time off and a small treat every now and again.
Myth #5 Playing the waiting game
Many people believe that you have to wait for the exact right moment, pinpoint the perfect opportunity and wait for a specific inspiration in order to get motivated and start the journey to success.
The reality: Success is not about luck, and motivation does not come and go randomly. Staying motivated is a continuous process that requires constant thought and mind-maintenance every day. The key is to create your own motivation, don’t wait for it.
Sit down and make a step-by-step plan for reaching your goals. Find like-minded people to help you stay motivated. Why not join a fitness club or enlist the help of a professional society for better career advancement?
And don’t forget the most important part – always inspire yourself with small rewards for achieving every goal along the way.
Myth #6 Being smart makes up for motivation
Some people believe that being naturally smart or gifted means that staying motivated is not that essential. A lot of people rely on their intelligence alone to get them where they need to go and trust that they’ll achieve success regardless of the energy they direct towards finding inspiration and keeping themselves motivated.
The reality: Being gifted is not enough. Hard work and planning is a necessary tool for success. Researchers have actually found that intelligence is not always a good predictor of real achievement. However, with self-motivation strategies and your own passion driving you, you can never go wrong.
Myth #7 Only some people are real “go-getters”
Some people believe that you are either born to achieve great things or you aren’t. Often people will describe someone as a born “go-getter” – someone who can achieve anything they set their mind to and is naturally gifted when it comes to paving a path towards success.
The reality: having the right attitude and developing a strong work ethic takes time, and there’s no use being hard on yourself if this requires a bit of practice. People don’t automatically have a strong motivational streak or lack one.
It all comes down to your own passion for achieving your goals. The effort you devote to bettering yourself everyday and the small steps you put in place make you that much closer to reaching your goal every time you leave your home or office.
Key Takeaways
There is no one-step trick to finding motivation. Staying motivated is a constant process and it can’t be achieved overnight.
Hard work, a balanced lifestyle and strong incentive for achieving your goals outweighs any quick-fix motivational strategy.
Finding your own personal inspirations and having a strong commitment to your goals can be the biggest deciding factor when it comes to staying motivated for the long-term or losing your enthusiasm over time.
Still in need of some inspiration? Check out our Instagram page for some motivation magic. Our daily posts will give you the encouragement you need to pursue your goals, discover new health hacks and stay motivated everyday.
If you’re looking for any more friendly tidbits of advice, you can also take a look at our helpful blog page that discusses the most up-to-date health and wellness developments as and when they happen.
