Are you a longevity nerd like me??

Do you geek out on all things health?

Me too! But... sometimes it feels like a never-ending mountain to climb with all of the recommendations and goals we have, right?



Where to begin? I discuss this in my latest (3 min.) video.



We’re never too advanced for the foundations! And the foundations (like nutrition, exercise, sleep, mindset ...) will be your biggest needle-movers! It’s why these things come first in my 1-on-1 coaching program ... with the Longevity Phase of the program at the end. 😉



But what if you’re already doing the foundations well and CONSISTENTLY? You’ve conquered healthy body composition goals, you move your body daily, you have a great relationship with food and your body, you’re sleeping well, and you have noticed a shift in your mindset / emotional resilience ....?



What’s next??


Well, the foundations forever! Seriously. 😜 And then some fun, more detail-oriented longevity-focused habits, tweaks, and experiences.



I talk up on my stories on Instagram a lot about breathwork, meditation, supplements, hot / cold, fasting, dry brushing, oil pulling, homemade charcoal toothpaste, natural products, mTOR, AMPK, mitochondrial health, grounding, 4th phase water, autophagy, apoptosis, circadian rhythm setting, etc. If that’s your jam too, set aside an hour or two each day to watch my stories. (Kidding! But they CAN get long sometimes. 😂😂)



And while I will be sticking to a lot of the foundations on my social media pages and right here in my newsletter because I believe strongly that it’s what is most helpful and most necessary, if you want me to include some more of this content here as well, let me know with a quick reply!



Please note: I do not represent any other brand but my own at this time. None of my posts or stories are sponsored. Could that change in the future? Maybe! But it will have to feel just right as a partnership for me to agree to it and so far, I haven’t had that feeling with any of the offers. 🤷‍♀️



So ... foundations first and most. Then room for the cherries on top. ;-). That's my take. What's yours?



XO,
Tara

Sharing a coaching secret of mine today!

Sharing a secret layer to my coaching process with you today.

Why would I do that? Well, you're either a client of mine and I'm happy to share a little more insight into the inner workings of our work together... or you're not a client (yet?) and I think this one tip can help you make some great progress on your goals on your own!



CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO to find out more.



Questions? Hit 'reply' to this email and I will get back to you within a day or 2. :-)



Make it a great day,
Tara

Track THIS!

Heyyyyy there! I know it's tempting to want to tally calories or macros. You might like to track all the details of your workouts. Or maybe it's points you're used to adding up?

Some of those things can be helpful for certain people, but I'd like to share what I believe is helpful for EVERYONE on a health / body transformation journey and why it should be the first thing (and maybe only thing?) you track.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO and get ready to implement this simple yet effective metric to track that has the potential to turn everything around for you!


XO,
Tara


P.S. Are we friends on social? If so, you may have seen me mention that I will be increasing my 1-on-1 coaching prices very soon. I've made lots of upgrades to the program and it's time to restructure the investment as well. That being said, I want to extend you the opportunity to jump on and be grandfathered (or grandmothered?) in at the lower rate as a thank you for hanging out with me here on my email list. 


Here are the details of the program.


For 2 more weeks I will be extending the lower rate if you simply mention this blog post. That's $30 off per month!


If you are ready to optimize your health, body, and finally feel amazing in your skin and in your life, let's do it! Schedule a free call so we can dive into details about your goals and set a start date. I can't wait to work with you!! :-)

Will your results be sticking by your side, or.....?

Believe it or not, there's a question you can ask yourself that will give you a really good idea of whether the results you're working on will end up sticking around or will be fleeting like times in the past.



<<< CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO to learn what the question is and why it's so eye-opening! >>>



Do you have an instagram account yet? I'm not exactly an early adopter with social media, but I have been loving instagram for the way in which I can share so many things for FREE with everyone. FULL, daily workouts, lots of recipes and food prep ideas, fat loss tips, muscle-building tips, motherhood shenanigans, etc. And did you know there's a 'save' feature? Lots of people use this to save certain workout posts that they know they'll want to come back to in the future. It's like having your own little folder tucked away! Do I sound like an instagram ad yet? HAHA! Just my favorite way to share stuff with you guys lately since I don't want to pop into your inbox everyday. If you come visit me, make sure you say hello!



XO,
Tara

Just a cold, sweet treat today...

Keepin' it simple today...

...with a delicious recipe. If you want to catch up with the workouts and health and fat loss tips of the week, come visit me on instagram. Be sure to check stories ... I post there everyday!

Chia Seed Breakfast Popsicles

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup Plain Yogurt (coconut, Greek... whatever you'd like)

• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

• 2 tbsps Raw Honey

• 1 tbsp Chia Seeds

• 1/3 cup Strawberries (sliced into small pieces)

• 1 Peach (sliced into small pieces)

• 1/3 cup Pineapple (sliced into small pieces)

• 1/2 cup Granola (buy, make... your call)

  
  
  Directions:

1. In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, almond milk, honey, and chia seeds. Mix well.

2. Fill popsicle moulds about 1/4 of the way with the yogurt mixture then drop in the fruit. Spoon more of the yogurt mixture in to cover the fruit. To burst any air-pockets in your popsicles, press down on the mixture with a spoon.

3. Sprinkle the granola into the moulds to cover the yogurt and fruit, and press down with a spoon so that it gets incorporated with the yogurt mixture.

4. Freeze for at least 5 hours. When you're ready to eat, leave on the counter for 10 minutes before removing from moulds, so they will slide out effortlessly. Enjoy!

XO,
Tara

Breathing and Fat Loss.... Connected?

Your breathing + your fat loss efforts...

...they may be more connected than you realize.


IN THIS VIDEO I get into the specifics of fat metabolism as it relates to the way you breathe. But it would be boring if I stopped there, wouldn't it? So I'm sharing some very specific and actionable ways for you to optimize both as well. Watch the video...or just listen -- you don't need to see my talking head. ;-)

I'd love to hear from you... will this change the way you think about your breathing? Leave a comment and let me know.


Be well!

XO,
Tara

Is Walking Enough?

"Tara, I walk (hike, run, bike) all the time. Isn't that enough for my exercise?"

Well, I took an extra long shower this morning. Can I skip brushing my teeth?




It's a joke, of course, but maybe sheds a little light into how different cardio and strength training can be. Just like showers and oral hygiene, they are both beneficial and have their place. However, one does not replace the other.



CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO I recorded live last week to learn about 11 big benefits of strength training...and what the heck 'strength training' really means, anyway.


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We are all in the same storm, but inside of very different boats.


I heard someone mention this recently and it's a beautiful way to sum up what's going on. There are lots of similarities to what we're all going through -- collectively -- right now. Very similar worries and hardships. Very similar silver linings, even, But not for everyone. We are not all in the same boat. And as such, we will be weathering the storm differently. It's our responsibility to look after our own boat, and lend a helping hand to fellow boaters when we can.


It also means we need to be relentless in the amount of grace we give each other and ourselves. Some people are doing all they can to just keep their boat afloat right now. Others might have some more emotional reserve to be able to tackle projects and goals (like starting a new fitness routine or reducing body fat once and for all). But please don't think you don't measure up if you do not have the bandwidth to take on anything extra these days. 


Take a few deep breaths, go to bed a half hour earlier tonight, or sneak away to your car or bathroom for 5 minutes today. Take care of your most basic needs - your mental health and emotional resilience. 


And if you do feel ready to tackle your health / body goals and are unsure of where to start, email me and I'll share a bunch of FREE resources I have put together. I run a business, yes, but building robust communities full of resources available to anyone in need is a BIG part of my mission.


Hit me up.
Tara@TaraAllenHealth

XO,
Tara

My PCOS backstory...and how I healed myself naturally

I was once diagnosed with PCOS and prediabetes...

....I can no longer be diagnosed with either. How in the world?!?



In this video, I'm sharing a little of my backstory and the big ticket items that has allowed me to heal my body naturally - without medications or targeted supplements.



If you know anyone with PCOS, please forward this email to them. I would love to spread the word that there is a lot more in our power than the conventional medicine would have us believe.



And if you don't have PCOS? Please take this as the sign you need that what you do or don't do on a daily basis has a lot more influence over your health and body than you might have been lead to believe.



Questions? Going through infertility and wanna chat? I'm here! Just leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you!



XO,
Tara




P.S. New private + virtual client availability is coming soon - health, nutrition, and fitness coaching! Let me know if you'd like to chat about getting your name on one of the upcoming spots.

Black Bean Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Who doesn’t need a delicious, balanced, warming side dish or entree in the heart of winter?

The kids are off for winter break next week. While this brings a different level of (beautiful) chaos, it also means we can do a little more cooking and baking as after-school activities are cancelled and homework is pretty much non-existent. This chili-stuffed sweet potato recipe really hits the spot! It also happens to be gluten-free and dairy-free. Perfect for our family! Do you plan on trying this? Let me know what you think!

XO,

Tara

Black Bean Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 4 Sweet Potato (medium size)

• 1 tbsp Organic Vegetable Broth

• 1 Yellow Onion (chopped)

• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper (chopped)

• 2 Garlic (clove, minced)

• 1 1/2 tbsps Chili Powder

• 1 tsp Oregano

• 1/2 tsp Cumin

• 1 3/4 cups Black Beans (cooked, drained, rinsed)

• 3/4 cup Tomato Sauce

• 1/3 cup Water

• 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Poke a few fork holes in the sweet potatoes and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until cooked through.

2. While the potatoes cook, in a medium-sized pot over medium heat, add the vegetable broth. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Then add the chili powder, oregano and cumin. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, and add the black beans, tomato sauce and water and cook for 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven. Slice each one down the centre and stuff with the black bean chili. Top with cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Stop Counting Calories! 5 reasons why it's not the exact science that you think it is.

Are you counting calories? Tracking macros? Wondering why it's not working in the long-term?

Counting calories is way off from the exact science that so many people think it is. (More on that in a minute) But besides the inaccuracy, I urge my clients to consider the fact that mental wellness is a huuuuuuge part of overall wellness and anything that's going to make us feel defeated or put the focus outside of our bodies rather than tuning into our bodies is not going to be the best method for fat loss or any other health goals.




Today I'm sharing 5 specific ways in which calorie counting is flawed. Make sure you stay tuned until the end where I answer this question: "Tara, do YOU ever have your clients count calories?" The answer may surprise you.




I'd love to hear more about your history with counting calories or macros. Has it worked? Does it feel doable forever? Or would you like a better way to reach and sustain your goals? Hit 'reply' to this email and let me know!




XO,
Tara




P.S. While we're on calories, you do know healthified holiday desserts have no calories, right?! ;-) Did you know Smart Cookie, my brand-new e-cookbook with FORTY-TWO healthy dessert recipes (all are gluten-free and dairy-free as well) is available now and for a limited time during this holiday season?



Grab your copy right now! It's never too early to indulge when we're talking about wholesome ingredients and mouth-watering recipes.


And who doesn't need a Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie in their lives right about now?!

Maple Mango Banana Chai Smoothie Bowl

You will want to grab a spoon and enjoy every bite of this smoothie bowl! You can use leftover chai spice in your tea or coffee with a little coconut milk or cream. Yummmmmm!

Maple-Mango-Banana Chai Smoothie Bowl

(Serves 1)

Ingredients:

½ large frozen banana, sliced

½ cup frozen mango

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp nut butter (almond or your fav)

1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, cashew, coconut, pea, etc.)

½ tsp of the chai spice blend (recipe below)

(Optional: toppings of your choice – coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, berries, etc.)

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until combined. You might have to scrape the sides or use the plunger, as this will be thick.

2. Remove from blender into a bowl, add toppings and enjoy immediately!

Chai spice blend (this makes more than is needed in the recipe above!)

Ingredients:

2 tsp ground cardamom

2 tsp ground allspice

4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground cloves

6 tsp ground ginger

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a small jar, cover, and shake vigorously to combine. Store remaining blend in an airtight container.

Are you a fan of chai this time of year? To me it says Autumn as much as a cup of pumpkin-anything. ;-)

In health + tastiness,

Tara

Apple Brussels Sprouts Salad

You have to try this new salad! The apple adds a sweet-tart taste to the this bitter vegetable. :-)

Apple Brussels Sprouts

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. avocado oil or coconut oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 9-oz. package of shredded Brussels sprouts (or shred about 3½ cups of whole sprouts)

1 organic apple, peeled

2 tbsp lemon juice

Sea salt

Pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the onion and saute until it starts to caramelize, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts and continue cooking another 5 - 10 minutes..

2. Add the chopped apple to pan and saute for another 2-3 minutes, and then stir in the lemon juice. Cook for another minute or so before seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Serve and enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Taking responsibility so you are EMPOWERED to transform

If you are the 'problem', then you also get to be the solution.


And let me be really clear: I am not talking about beating yourself up here!


But, if you can start to look past your (very real) excuses and see just your role in getting to where you're at right now, then you'll also be able to feel empowered to change what you want to.


You see, if you had NO control in getting here, how can you possibly believe that you will have any control in getting there?



Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video all about this!



And by the way, my ridiculous straight-out-of-the-shower-hot-and humid-crazy-updo hairstyle apparently ruffled someone's feathers on Facebook. Hop on over to my Facebook page if you want to check out what was said and my response.



Here's what's important though: there will always be trolls - or people that aren't supporting you or excuses or people that want to dull your shine. And if you have big goals like I do…you have to ignore it or use it to fuel you. I'm not going to stop showing up on live video to deliver messages of health, longevity, self love, and empowerment just because my hair looks silly that day….or I have no makeup on….or I'm in my pajamas. ;-) I'm showing up - just as I am - no matter what. My BIG goal in starting this business is to help EVERYONE that I can no matter what. If we can't work together one-on-one or in a group setting, then I hope to provide enough information and inspiration so that you can make miracles happen on your own. And if I had to get all glammed up to share my message, it wouldn't happen as often. And it wouldn't help as much. And it would be FAKE because I'd be pretending to be polished all the time when I am…not! :-) 



I've done polished. I've checked the boxes on uniforms, and business casual, and school reports with perfect reference pages. I've done policies, procedures, and scripts at the hospital as a nurse. I've had to encourage meds and interventions when I knew in my heart that my patient needed more of my time instead. Less charting, less narcotics, more heart. I'm not against all meds at all! I'm very grateful for the types of medical services we are lucky enough to have access to. But, sometimes we need humanity first and foremost.



So, here I am showing up outside of the lines. I say "um" a lot. I record live videos in my pajamas if it's nighttime (or early evening sometimes….let's be real) and I have something to share that might help someone.



My priority just wasn't my hair that day - nor is it ever, really. ;-)



I hope you feel comfortable being you despite whatever hurdles are thrown your way.



In good health,
Tara