This is a question I ask my clients and some of the answers I get are… I yell at my kids! or I drink alcohol. I eat, why do you think I hired you? All kidding aside... Stress causes elevated levels of cortisol and inflammatory conditions in the body. This can lead to constant cravings and put your body into a fat storage mode. It is essential to learn how to better manage your stress. What do you do to manage your stress?

Back on track today literally. Selena and I got out for walk (hike) 1 of 3 this week.

I have made this healthy, tasty dish many times. Perfect summer fare, it is a real crowd pleaser. This morning, while making breakfast, I cooked the quinoa and put it in the fridge, later on add everything else and lunch is ready! (add in your extra protein on the side) Ingredients 1 cup quinoa 2 cups water 2 medium tomatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes 1 medium cucumber, cut into ½ inch cubes 6 green onions, with tops, finely chopped 1 small red or green bell pepper, seeded and cut into ½ inch cubes 1 cup chopped fresh parsley (I add more) ½ cup finely chopped fresh mint Dressing 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon sun-dried sea salt A pinch, or up to 1/8 teaspoon, cayenne pepper Directions Put the quinoa in a wire strainer and rinse with hot water. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and the quinoa to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or longer until all the water has evaporated. Transfer the quinoa to a bowl and cool completely. Stir the tomatoes, green onions, cucumber, bell pepper, parsley, and mint into the quinoa. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. Pour over the salad and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. If the salad is prepared longer than 24 hours ahead, adjust the seasonings before serving.

What are your goals for this week? Let us know below so we can hold you accountable and help you keep on your path to health!

So how did you do with your goals this week? Let us know in the comments! @Anna Marie Ramirez your goal was to be mindful of actual hunger before eating, and to keep processed foods to a minimum. How did that go? @Lorraine Moher your goal was to eat three healthy meals per day, most days, how did you do? @Karen Cardullo how did your deal with yourgoal to vary my meal choices so you don’t get too set eating the same stuff all the time. @Kimberly Armatys how did you make out with your health goal to increase movement steps to 3k avg this week.