SPECIAL GUEST BLOG – 5 ways to keep happy even when it’s crappy!

Hey Chicks,

This weekend we change the clocks back and we are not looking forward to it!  Why?

Less sunlight = less Vitamin D which then = less serotonin (your happy hormone!)= less happy chicks, cravings for carb heavy, comfort foods, and lack of motivation to get moving.

So we reached out to the amazing Danielle Felip, writer of blog “Body by Nature” and Registered Holistic Nutritionist in training with the Institute of Holistic Nutrition to share with our chicks how to fight the fall blues and keep feeling fabulous!

Introducing the AMAZING Daniele!

5 WAYS TO KEEP HAPPY WHEN IT’S CRAPPY!

By Danielle Felip

Danielle (Dani) Felip is a Certified Personal Trainer (Can-Fit-Pro Level 1) and studying Applied Holistic Nutrition at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto, Canada.  She changed her life by changing her diet and lifestyle to a whole-foods, plant-based diet and aims to educate and inspire others to empower themselves to make conscious choices with what they eat and how they live.

Chicks, I could have sworn just yesterday it was summer and all of the sudden I’m hauling out my winter coat and mittens.  it’s getting darker earlier and we rarely see sun.

But us CHICKS, we’re meant to be sparkley and happy 12 months out of the year so here are 5 ways to keep happy when it’s crappy out:

1.    Bundle up, grab some CHICKS and get outside!

Spending time in the great outdoors breathing in fresh air is an instant mood booster.

2.    Healthy fats make you happy!

Your body needs quality, healthy fats to perform a variety of functions and to keep you looking and feeling your best.  Try ground flax seed, chia seeds, coconut oil and avocado – all healthy fats!

3.    Pamper yourself!

A day at the spa, a warm mug of tea and your favourite book; whatever your fancy is, treat yourself to a little something special!

4.    Chocolate!

A small square of quality dark chocolate can help to boost your serotonin levels in your brain, an instant feel good!

5.    Don’t forget to sign up for your Fall and Winter FIT CHICKS sessions!

Exercise releases endorphins, the hormone-like substances that make you happy!

Another great thing about the Fall and Winter months is we now have access to a beautiful amount of tropical fruits!  Try this delicious, healthy fat, full of fibre granola that will have you dreaming of the Tropics! –

Sunshine Granola Parfait

Ingredients
3 cups old-fashion rolled oats (not instant!)
½ cup slivered almonds
1 cup raw sunflower seeds, divided
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, divided
2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
2 tbsp coconut oil
½ maple syrup
1 cup dried mango, coconut, pineapple (sulfite-free), chopped

Directions
1.    Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2.    In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, seeds, cinnamon and salt
3.    In a small bowl, mix together coconut oil and maple syrup.  Pour this mixture over the oat mixture in the large bowl and stir, ensuring all dry ingredients are coated.
4.    Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring half-way to evenly bake.
5.    Remove and let cool.  If mixture is still slightly sticky, that’s ok it will crisp as it cools.
6.    Once granola is cool, transfer to bowl and add in chopped dried fruit and remaining seeds and stir.

Absolutely Delicious!

To make the parfait:
1.    In a glass layer Sunshine Granola and yogurt (I used coconut yogurt, or you could try Greek yogurt) and top with fresh mango for a healthy, delicious snack. Try it out chicks and let us know what you think!

Thanks for sharing Danielle – even looking at this parfait puts a smile on our face and a little pep back in our step!

Also, exciting news – Danielle is going to be sharing some of her fantastic advice over upcoming weeks to help you keep living the vida FIT CHICK! Stay tuned for more special guest posts:)

Have a fab day!

FIT CHICKS