Treat Yo’self (Right): why you shouldn’t be afraid to switch it up!

Note: This is just my experience with fitness and self-care. There are plenty of people out there that push their body to incredible limits on a regular basis and do it without injury or strain. Again, this is just my opinion…

First and foremost, you need to stop calling it “exercise” and start thinking about your regular activities as just that….activities. You are a human being that was built to move. Why not stay active and consider whatever way you choose to do so as an interest or hobby? Doesn’t that sound a lot more enjoyable? I think so.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about switching up your routine and listening to your inner dialogue.

Sometimes my body craves a challenge. I love pushing myself (safely) and seeing the improvements that come from doing so, i.e. lifting a heavier weight, doing one more push-up, holding a plank for an extra 30 seconds, etc. Our bodies are pretty fantastic and seeing it transform is kind of the best feeling ever. When I’m in this mode, I feel like a full-on superhero.

But then something flips in my brain and all of a sudden, I want nothing less than to continue to beat up my body (again, safely). And instead of pushing myself to the point of despising my next workout, I cut myself some slack instead. Sometimes that means taking an active rest day and just enjoying a nice walk or hike. Fresh air cures everything.

My favorite hiking buddy.

Other times? Yoga fixes me right up.

For me, yoga always brings me back to a place of peace and positivity when it comes to taking care of my body. Moving with intention keeps me present during my practice and also reminds me of the reasons why I love staying active in the first place. It doesn’t matter if it’s an intense flow or something more spiritual – I adore it all and so does my mind and body.

So what’s the takeaway? Take care of yourself. If something hurts, don’t push it. Listen to your body and do what feels right. If you take it easy or switch up your routine for a little while, the world won’t end. Every single time you move your body, you’re doing something great for yourself. When you think about it that way, you can do no wrong – the pressure’s off! Pretty awesome, right?

Be kind and patient and respectful to that vessel of yours. Remember that and the rest will fall into place.

Recipe: Baked Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Squares

Happy Labor Day! Here’s hoping all of you are enjoying some time away from real life and indulging or participating in something that makes you very, very happy.

Now onto the recipe.

Oatmeal chocolate chip squares. 50% breakfast, 50% dessert, 100% wonderful.

I know, I know – another oat-based recipe? Really, Vanessa? Yes, really. But! These squares are really tasty and so easy to throw together, I just had to share.

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are my kryptonite. Never have I ever been able to turn down their chewy and chocolatey goodness. This is my take on my favorite cookie, which just happens to be cruelty-free and a smidge healthier than the traditional recipe we all know so well.

While the flavor of flaked coconut is delicious , I used it more for the chewy quality it adds to the recipe. You can skip it if you want, but the texture is that much better when you don’t. Just sayin’.

Baked Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Squares

• Servings: 6-8
• Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

*Flax Egg Prep: mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2 tablespoons water and set aside

Dry ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup oat or spelt flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon pink himalayan salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Wet ingredients

1/2 cup almond milk

3 tablespoons coconut sugar

1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate, chopped

1/4 cup coconut flakes

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

In a medium bowl, add wet ingredients and stir. Add in the flax egg you made at the beginning of this recipe.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until together until they are completely mixed.

Fold in chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate and flaked coconut.

Pour batter into baking dish, spreading out evenly.

Bake for 20-23 minutes. To make sure squares are completely done, poke with a toothpick – the toothpick will come out dry.

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack for an additional 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Video: Top 5 Vegan Cookbooks for Beginners

Cookbooks Mentioned:

How It All Vegan, Tanya Barnard & Sarah Kramer

Isa Does It, Isa Chandra Moskowitz

The Kind Diet, Alicia Silverstone

Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar, Terry Hope Romero & Isa Chandra Moskowitz

Thrive, Brendan Brazier