Healthy Living

Our first "4 weeks to wellness" just had it's second meeting and I'm pleased to see that it has been met with dedication and excitement. (Although I think the healthy "snacks" drizzled in chocolate definitely helped bring them back!)

Our first day was absolutely beautiful with the sun shining brightly and the temperature in the balmy double digits. It made the 5K route we did along Barrie's Kempenfelt Drive feel like it was a piece of cake! And I was duly impressed with everyone who showed up in the not-so-balmy 7 degrees this morning!

When it comes to making the decision to live a healthier lifestyle we are faced with little challenges all the time that test our dedication to the goal we've ultimately set for ourselves. For me the biggest challenge is coming home at night after work and not going directly to the fridge or cupboard. I have to consciously ask myself as I'm reaching for that snack "Am I actually hungry?" and "Will eating this bring me closer to or farther away from my goal?" I would probably be correct in assuming everyone who came out this morning asked themselves a similar question..."Do I want to go this morning?" "Do I feel like going outside in the cold?" "Can't I just stay home and curl up on the couch?" Frequently choosing the options that will bring us one step closer to our goals add up to a healthier lifestyle, a more conscientious approach to enjoying life to the fullest, and the satisfaction of knowing that anything can be done if you put your mind to it!

Here's to the dedicated people who walked with us this morning and all of the "See you in 2 weeks I heard when you all left!


Yours in health and wellness,
Lee Anne and The Healing Oasis Team

...And here is the recipe you all asked for! :)

This recipe was taken from iRun magazine, January 2009 edition, iRun.ca
Go-Go Bars Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 1/2 cup raisins
1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
1 cup almonds, chopped
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
2 tsp butter or margarine
1 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter
2 tsp grated orange peel
1 lb chocolate wafers for melting
1 tsp orange extract (optional)

1. Toast oats sesame seeds and wheat germ.
2. In a large bowl, combine apricots, raisins, coconut, almonds, dry milk, wheat germ, sesame seeds and oats.
3. Over low heat, combine corn syrup and sugar and bring to just a boil. Remove from heat and add butter, peanut butter, orange peel (and extract if using). Stir until well mixed.
4. Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Spread mixture on a large cookie sheet with raised edges and let cool at room temperature or in the fridge.
6. Melt and drizzle chocolate over cooled bars. Cut and enjoy!