Goodness what a week, whilst our country was telling itself to keep calm and carry on, following the Manchester bombing, the kids, teachers and parents were enjoying half term and the sun shone encouraging us to get out and about and then monsters struck again in London.
It’s all shocking, disturbing, maddening and frightening ….again our emergency services were fantastic, professional and effective. Again 100’s of good, kind, caring people stepped up to protect, defend and heal. Again we see many more very good and kind people than delusional, brain washed and mad ones.
The media offers very little other news and seems to be focused on picking at every detail of the atrocity, the whole event was over within minutes (for many lives it will go on for years,) the constant coverage can be overwhelming and frightening. Equally, many of the public interviewed have said this will not change my life, behaviour and so on – effectively they are sticking two fingers up to those who would control us through fear.
I think we should change, I think we can do better! We can live more rather than waste life, take up those hobbies, work more effectively and for less time, dance, sing, run, go on those amazing trips, follow your dreams.
We can love more rather than holding grudges and focusing on petty disagreements, tell those important to you that you love them and behave in that way, do what you love and love what you do, be with those you love, be loving towards all living things.
We can do better at looking after our environment, little positive actions performed consistently by many people add up to make significant change.
Take greater care of our health, consistently move more (across all components of fitness, such as correct posture, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, cardio vascular fitness, balance, agility etc.), eat well, drink water, sleep well, breathe deeply, rest, relax, play, laugh.
Love and care for others as much as ourselves, love ourselves as much as we love others!
I’m often asked how I stay so positive and upbeat, well I choose to be.
My life is no easier than any one else’s!
I have the same battles, concerns issues and emotions as everyone else; I’m also affected by all emotions and see and experience the same upsetting things.
I choose to give the negative only the most necessary amount of attention, by choice I pay more attention and look for the beauty and positives that are always around us. I choose to invest my time and energy in those things that benefit those I care about (and myself), things that meet and match my values.
I’m choosing to do better than I am now.
As the late great George Michael said, ‘Choose Life’
We have another choice to make on 8th June and I will use my hard fought for right to vote for our next elected government. Poles are open from early until late so we will be able to work all day, do our classes and vote too, all good choices.
So to the week ahead…
Happy Birthday to DYBO team members, Sarah and Karen (undisclosed age!)
All classes are running at usual times at All Hallows including new routines, ‘Barre Fit’ is back on Wednesday as is ‘Freestyle Fitness Yoga’ on Friday.
Paleo Banana cake
The weather has been very warm causing my bananas to over ripen very quickly but rather than put them in the bin I made this recipe. I live as sugar-free life style as possible and this is perfect for a healthy treat.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 2 bananas, sliced
For the batter
- 1½ cups mashed banana (3-4 bananas, or 425 grams)
- 3 eggs
- ⅓ cup (105 grams) almond butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ⅓ cup (57 grams) coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9” cake tin and place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.
- Combine the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar. Spread in the bottom of the prepared tin. Arrange the banana slices over the coconut sugar. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- In a large bowl or mixer, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, coconut oil, vanilla extract and nut butter until fully combined.
- Add the coconut flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the cake is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, and then carefully flip out onto a cooling rack to finish cooling.
A healthy food choice that feels a bit naughty….Yummy
I’m looking forward to working with you on your health and fitness during the week ahead.
Remember,
I love ya.
Helen xx
