Attitude of Gratitude
Hey there friends! How are you all? I’m just in a great mood today! Church was fantastic this morning, and it was about having an “attitude of gratitude.” I just love that. I have SO much to be thankful for! Not to repeat myself (about things I’m loving right now) But there’s just an abundance of wonderful things to be thankful for!
The gym classes are kicking my butt (literally) but I LOVE it. I did body attack today, and I’m definitely going to be sore. I’ve gotta recover though, because tomorrow is my first time trying Body Jam! I love Zumba, and I’ve heard it’s sort of similar, so I’m pretty excited. I really think I’m getting stronger!!! It’s pretty exciting 😉
Are there any other group-workout fanatics out there? If so, do you set goals? I’m really into goal setting, but I’m not sure how to set goals for classes. (It’s much easier with things like running, where I can pick a distance and time and aim for that.) Any tips for this?
I’m also excited to go home for Christmas!!! I did most of my shopping yesterday, so it’s finally feeling like Christmas! (It’s my first winter away from home, so it’s a little odd not being around my family during the holiday season.) I wish I could share some of my purchases, but just in case my family checks my blog, I want them to be surprised!!! Isn’t it fun to give surprises?!
My food has been very repetitious lately, hence the lack of food posts. I’ve pretty much eaten banana ice cream every morning. I totally get in breakfast ruts and crave the same thing morning after morning. Lame, but I LOVE it. (I also read the paper every single morning. I know, I know, who still reads the actual paper? But I do, and there is no other way I’d rather start the morning!)
I’ve been making a lot of vegan chili because it’s been so cold out. I’m sure there are a million variations of this, but this is what I usually throw in the pot:
Super-Simple Vegan Chili
- 1 large can (24oz I think) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 can sweet corn
- 1 can black beans
- 1 cup peppers (I use the tri-colored frozen ones from trader joes. So simple!)
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Saute the onion and peppers in a pan with a bit of oil until the onion and peppers are tender. Combine all the other ingredients into a giant pot, and add in the tomatoes and peppers. Stir in your chili powder, crushed red pepper, and salt. You can also add in Tabasco sauce or other spices! You can also pretty much substitute any of the above ingredients for other beans/veggies. I’ve done it with zucchini, peas, kidney beans, pinto beans, seriously, endless combinations! What do you like to put in chili?
Yum!!
It’s been so cold that I’ve been eating this hearty meal quite a lot lately. Plus, it’s GREAT reheated, which is nice for packing lunch 🙂
Ok, I’m off to run a few more errands for the day, then maybe do a little yoga. I hope you’re all having a fantastic weekend!
<3 Liz
Vegan chili, yum! My dad made a big batch of his famous sausage chili yesterday!
Love the “attitude of gratitiude”!
YOur chili look delicio-so! I have been eating my veggie soup about every meal this weekend…cold weather=soup and chili!
That chili looks so simple, I think I might copy it in the near future, I am a mad-loving bean fan! Hope you have fun with Body Jam! I wish wish wish I could give Zumba a try, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get the courage to dance in a large group + break a nice sweat over it. We’ll see 🙂
Girl, you gotta give it a try! It’s so much fun! I think a good instructor makes all the difference. The girl that teaches it at my work gym is SO much fun, it doesn’t matter if you feel a little ridiculous shakin’ it 😉
My book club just read “Attitudes of Gratitude.”
Good read. Check it out from your library!
Oh cool!! I’ll have to check it out! That sounds like something I’d enjoy 🙂
Hi there!
I’ve been feeling the same way lately. I think it’s the holidays, but I want to try to remember all throughout the year how lucky I am to have everything and everyone in my life, and to have each day. Wow, the season has really made me cheesy…
Chili looks nice and warm and tasty!
I’m not a group-fitness class person, but I really like the idea of goal setting in that context – I’m interested to see what you come up with!
It’s completely not lame that you crave the same thing for breakfast every morning–I LOVE eating the same thing for breakfast every morning! And…I also read the paper every morning 🙂 You’re not alone!
Love the vegan chili recipe–looks super tasty and comforting for these cold days.
why is it that heart chili brings about a lot of thoughts and feelings of gratitude!?! its weird..i always feel that way with chili!!
That chili sounds extremely delicious! I have been meaning to make a good chili, and this might be the one! 🙂
Group fitness classes are my favorite =) I’m hoping to get started out in my new city/state by taking a few at the local gym soon! I’m nervous but sooo excited to get back into a routine =)
Vegan Chili is SO perfect for the cold weather =) I love healthy comfort food!