Sometimes I have trouble finding inspiration to write this blog. I’m sure this happens to many writers/bloggers/artists…whatever. I find that my motivation comes in spurts. There are weeks when I am on top of everything I need to do, I’m checking things off my to-do list left, right and center and I feel good! Then there are weeks like this one where I cannot for the life of me figure out what to write about. Enter – friends. Enter- inspiration.

My friends are wonderful. I know everybody says this but mine really are. Not only are they funny, smart, dedicated, and loving individuals, but many of them share my passion for healthy living. And when I say healthy living, I mean exactly what I’m trying to get across with this blog. These aren’t people who dedicate their lives to juicing or only eat kale, but people just like you with careers and children and commitments. People who make small changes in their everyday lives to try to live the healthiest they can. Small commitments to change make a huge difference overall.

Today I have decided to write because my friends have inspired me. And most recently they have inspired me with food.

Example 1: Last week I went to visit my friend Kelly and her family for a weekday dinner. We could have ordered pizza because it would have been quick and our kids enjoy it but instead Kelly decided to make her own pizza. She quickly whipped up some whole wheat dough; chopped some veggie and we each made our own pizzas which the boys loved. We ate our creations with a spinach salad and had a great time. Was it a huge, crazy difficult endeavour? No! Did it make a huge difference in the amount of fat and processed junk we were eating? Absolutely. We knew exactly what we were putting into our bodies and we showed our kids that food can be fun and good for you!

Example 2: Last night my girlfriend and I went to my long time friend Kristen’s house. She recently purchased a home and is in the middle of renovations but still offered to make us dinner. Did I also mention that she’s pregnant? She made us a lovely vegetarian lasagna with zucchini “noodles” and quinoa. It didn’t take forever - we sat in the kitchen while she prepared it, had drinks and great conversation. Once again, we could have ordered in or picked up something junky at a local restaurant but she made a small effort and planned the meal ahead and we loved every second of it! The best part was the dessert – a chocolate mousse that she made from avocados, bananas, cocoa, coconut oil and honey. Once again, she put in a small amount of effort and made us an amazing and super healthy meal. She didn’t split any atoms (although I’m sure there’s quite the science experiment going on in her uterus!); she simply made a choice and followed through.

My point here is that you don’t have to make elaborate lifestyle changes in order to make good choices. Inspiration is all around. Ask your friends, check out the homepage of wordpress.com to read some amazing blogs or try to recreate your favourite restaurant dish. I am inspired each time I read a new comment or email from a reader; sharing a recipe or a tip that they learned. That’s what keeps me passionate about doing this when sometimes, I’d rather curl up under the covers and read a vampire book. Don’t judge me, they’re awesome.

Tip of the Blog!!

5 small changes you can make right now.

1. Bring reusable bags to the grocery stop and ditch the plastic ones you need to buy. Better for your wallet, better for mother earth.
2. Swap your margarine for butter. Go back in my archives and read why butter is better, then make the switch!
3. Buy a reusable water bottle or canteen and stop buying plastic disposable water bottles. Save yourself tons of money and do good things for the planet.
4. Clean your home with vinegar and baking soda. All natural, easy and they work.
5. Take a walk through your local farmer’s market and buy some local and in season produce. It’s far cheaper, it’s full of nutrients and you’ll be supporting local farming. Ahhhhhmazing.

Continue to inspire me with your comments and stories here, on Facebook -staceygreenliving or follow me on Twitter @staceygliving

High five like you mean it!

Stacey