Weight LOSS and weight GAIN require 95% of the same strategies!

Most people think that their weight LOSS goals or their weight GAIN goals are on opposite sides of the spectrum.

And while it's slightly true, in a health-first approach, the strategies to achieve any body goals - and improved health - are 95% identical!

Why? Well optimization is optimization. Being able to change some aspect of your body (such as losing excess body fat) requires a certain level of nourishment, a certain baseline of the foundations like sleep, and a buzzing metabolism.

If you're curious about how I can help one person lose weight and another person gain weight using a nearly identical approach, check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video that I recorded last week. In the video, I cover lots of the topics we address in both cases. If you're a go-getter, you're going to want to use these topics as a framework to develop your own plan!

If going at it alone has not been working - or not been lasting - I have a few spots open for my private, fully customized virtual coaching program opening up in August. If you are someone that likes to save money and time and get results, you have to check it out.

Do you know there are people that spend SO MUCH MONEY and TIME and EFFORT and still do not get the results they want?! Maybe you have been doing this too…I certainly did in the past. I can tell you first-hand that doctor appointments add up, meds add up, supplements, books, "quick fixes", unused memberships, lost time at work…it all becomes so expensive when we are not optimizing our health!

If you've been feeling like you're ready to improve your health, love your body, and impress the socks off of yourself, then check out all the details (yup…including prices) for my private, virtual coaching program.

And if you are feeling EXCITED about the possibilities for your future and want to make sure we are the right fit to work together, sign up for a free 15-minute call right here. We'll talk about your goals and figure out if I'm the person to help you - once and forever. ;-)

In good health,

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

Trail Mix Granola

Is this trail mix or is this granola? Either way, it’s DELICIOUS.


Your home is going to smell AMAZING while this is in the oven. Warning: it’s addicting. Be sure to exercise portion control with this healthy snack.

Trail Mix Granola

Ingredients:

1 cup raw mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts)
1 cup raw slivered almonds
½ cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1 cup dried cherries, blueberries or cranberries
¼ tsp sea salt
(optional: 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice)


Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and line 1 or 2 baking sheets (depending on their size) with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix the nuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour over the nuts and mix well. Add the optional pumpkin pie spice and mix again, till everything is evenly coated.

4. Spread the nuts on the baking sheet(s) and sprinkle salt over the top of the mixture. Bake for 15 minutes.

5. Remove from the oven and stir the nuts to make sure they toast evenly. Bake for another 15 minutes and remove from the oven. Stir again, adding the coconut flakes. Bake for another 10 minutes to toast the coconut.

6. Remove from the oven for a final time, and let cool. Mix in the berries and serve.

Enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Your Type A-ness is interfering with your results

Are you a ‘control freak’?

I am too! Well, trying hard to let go a bit, but it’s definitely a part of my personality. And just in case it’s a part of yours, too, I wanted to share why you may be finding that you’re successful in other areas of your life - career, family, business, relationships - but can’t seem to figure out how to hack your way into the health or body goals you have set for yourself.

That’s why I recorded a live workshop video for you on exactly this topic. And as always, I share in the video what you can do about it; how to learn to work WITH your personality type. ;-)

In good health,

Tara

Paleo Pesto Sauce

Do you LOVE pesto? But also HATE the way you feel after eating dairy like me (lactose intolerant over here)?


I've got an awesome recipe for you to try today!

Paleo Pesto Sauce
Servings depend on how generously you spoon your pesto onto everything. ;-)

Ingredients:

1 cup raw walnuts, shelled (not roasted)
3 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cups baby spinach
4 cloves garlic
Zest and juice from 1 large lemon
2/3 cup olive oil (feel free to swap out for walnut or macadamia oil)
3/4 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast


Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until well-combined.

2. Store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge.


Now I'd love to hear from YOU!!! What do you enjoy about my blogs? What would you like to see more of? I sit down to post blog posts with the goal to provide help, resources, and inspiration. How am I doing?


If you can leave a comment and let me know how I can be of greater service to you, I'd really appreciate it! In fact, I'll do one pushup for every response that I get between here AND my newsletter responses. :-)


In good health,
Tara

P.S. Would you like more delicious, healthy, plant-based + gluten-free recipes? How about a whole 3-day meal plan worth? Grab it as an instant download now!

You are creating a new habit NOW....and now....and again now!

You're either creating new habits or reinforcing old ones every single day!

NOT working out is actually a habit. Yelling at your kids… a habit. Snacking at night, avoiding new situations like the plague, complaining to anyone who will listen, stopping at the drive-thru, your 3 PM coffee….all habits.


I'm not one to judge what your habits are. No way! I'm busy working on optimizing mine - and teaching you what I learned from years of coaching myself and others.


Here's what you need to know if you are actively pursuing something greater for yourself...


Your brain does not know the difference between a "bad" habit and a "good" one. It just likes to create systems (a.k.a. habits) for efficiency out of anything you do - or DON'T do - often.


The first time you walked, you had to try hard. Same thing went for brushing your teeth, tying your shoes, and your first commute to work.


The best part is that our brains can be 'rewired' at any time! You get to upgrade your habits whenever the heck you want to.


Here's how:


1) Keep doing the thing you want to become a habit. Understand that it will feel hard for a while, but eventually it WILL become second nature. You are in control here. Stick with it.


2) Celebrate every baby step towards your progress. Yes, it'll make you smile in the moment. But here's what's even better than that - your brain will start to associate your new habit with the feel-good hormones you get from the feeling of pride and hope. This is the best way to fast-track your way towards turning that action into a habit because our brain is always seeking out the things that leave us feeling good.

What’s one habit you’re currently working on?! I’d love to hear about it!

If you’d like to join my newsletter list, where I share healthified recipes, more video trainings on wellness and weight loss, and other tips and resources for you on your health journey, come on over! You’ll get an instant download of my favorite 3-day plant-based meal plan for losing body fat. It’s a great way to kick off some results or just get to experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Homemade coffee creamer and tea creamer (dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free)

If you've ever been so inclined as to make your own coffee or tea creamer, then have I got a treat for you! :-) This recipe will let you have your coffee and your creamer too...AND feel even better about it! It’s a game-changer. And, you'll probably save a little money too.

Healthy Homemade Tea & Coffee Creamer

Ingredients:


2 cups non-dairy milk (coconut, hemp, pea, almond, cashew – your choice!)
2 pitted dates
Splash of pure vanilla
½ tsp cinnamon
(to make a mocha creamer, add 1-2 tbsp of raw cacao powder)


Directions:


1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until well combined and smooth.

2. Taste and adjust flavorings.

3. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Be sure to mix it well before each use!



In good health,
Tara

30-second change to supercharge weight loss and health

Do you have a minute to dedicate to your goals?


How about half a minute?

I'm not going to tell you to give up soda or do lunges in your living room for 30-seconds - not today, anyway. ;-) Today, I want you to take a quick inventory of your self-talk. More specifically, I want you to hone in on negative self-talk.

So many times every single day I hear the following from women:

"I am lazy."
"I am out of shape."
"I can't…"
"It's too hard."
"I've never been able to…."

This negative self-talk does 2 things:

1) It makes your brain UNHAPPY, sending it on the hunt to find comfort as soon as possible. For most people I know, food and/or alcohol are quick fixes here. Comfort is a negative sum game. Meaning, your brain WILL get the comfort from somewhere if you've put yourself under attack.

2) It forces you to identify as the person you are feeling like you are. If you think it's too hard, it WILL feel too hard. If you think you're out of shape, you will collect plenty of evidence to prove you are "out of shape". From this place, are you making decisions and taking actions that will propel you forward towards your goals?

Nope.

Here's the 30-second trick…every time you catch yourself thinking or saying out loud something negative about you, your body, or your health, I want you to pause and replace that thought with something that's positive (or at least neutral).

This is what that looks like:

"Tara, you're so lazy! You've been sitting on the couch after work every single night this week."

Pause. Take a breath. Then say, "It's ok that you've sat on the couch because maybe you needed the rest. Now you can get up and go for the walk." (neutral)

OR...

"You're not lazy! Remember that time when you worked full-time and went to school full-time when 9 months pregnant?!" (positive)


It will feel really awkward at first. Then you might start to feel like you want to beat yourself up for the negative self-talk in the first place, but don't! Simply replacing the old thought by telling yourself the new thought right after will start to help you think differently.


When you think differently, you won't be self-sabotaging as often (hello full-pint ice cream Netflix nights!) and you'll be in a better state to gain momentum.


Change your brain, change your life! So, whaddya say?! Are you in?

Choco-PB Yogurt

Hey there,

So….I know you have a sweet tooth! I do, too. ;-)

Here's my latest low-glycemic / low-carb CONCOCTION - basically just a recipe without any measurements. I'm calling this one:

Choco-PB yogurt

Ingredients:

Unsweetened coconut yogurt (I used So Delicious brand)
Powdered peanut butter (use any protein powder you like)
Peanut butter (or any nut / seed butter)
Raw cacao powder

Toppings pictured: frozen blueberries and hemp seeds


Directions:

1) Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and add toppings as desired. 

2) Enjoy it as a healthy snack, side dish, or delicious dessert!



In good health,
Tara



P.S. If you are ready to make your health a priority once and for all and would like a coach to take you through your transformation, you're welcome to sign up for a (free) 15-min. call so we can chat about your goals and whether or not we're the right fit to work together. 

KETO benefits...without being in ketosis?

Have you heard of the keto diet?

The keto diet…or ketosis….or the ketogenic diet - they all refer to putting your body into a state of nutritional ketosis through consuming close to no carbohydrates (usually under about 20g or 30g per day).

It's very hot and trendy right now, but it's not a new concept. This type of eating has been around for a long time and used as treatments for things like epilepsy, other brain diseases, and some doctors even prescribe it for certain cancers.

But the main reason it's gained popularity recently is for it's potential to help people with weight loss. You may have even heard from a friend or family member that they "went keto" and lost a bunch of weight.

While I am not against the ketogenic diet for some people, some of the time, I am not a fan of it for most people, most of the time.

Watch (or listen to) my latest Workshop Wednesday video in which I dive into this topic. I was able to reverse my PCOS and insulin resistance holistically, but without going on a "keto" diet. In this video I share 4 ways I've been able to do this and how you can start to get many of the same health-promoting and weight loss benefits of the ketogenic diet without actually being in ketosis as well.

In good health,

Tara

P.S. If you’re ready to make your health a priority once and for all and would like to see if we’re a good fit to work together 1-on-1, feel free to sign up for a (free) 15-min. call during which we’ll chat about your goals. :-)

Warm Apple Salad

Ready for a new side dish?

Warm Apple Salad
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

4 to 5 cups loosely packed spinach or spring mix salad blend
1 lemon, zested and juiced (separated)
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt to taste
¼ cup onion, chopped
4 apples, sliced
½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Directions:

1. Wash the greens and place in a large bowl.

2. In a small bowl, whisk the garlic into the lemon juice. Stir in the sea salt and lemon zest. Whisk in the olive oil until it’s emulsified into a vinaigrette.

3. Pour half the dressing over the spinach and toss well. 

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add in the onion, cooking until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the apples, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Toss in the pumpkin seeds to warm.

5. Add the onion-apple-pumpkin seed mixture to the spinach. Add the rest of the vinaigrette and more salt if desired. Serve and enjoy!



In good health,
Tara


P.S. I have just 1 (but I can be talked into 2) spots left for 1-on-1 coaching in June. If you are interested in learning more, you are welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call. We'll chat about your goals and what you need and find out if it's the right fit for us to work together.


P.P.S. If you prefer to check out some details - including the cost - on your own first, I totally get that! I'm the same way. ;-) Check out my 1-on-1 virtual coaching package here.

5 pillars every weight loss program needs to have (that no experts are talking about)

WHAT IF YOU ARE MOTIVATED TO MAKE A CHANGE, BUT NEED SOME GUIDANCE?!?

In another recent video, I cover the 5 pillars that need to be a part of every healthy + sustainable weight loss program. You don't ever have to pay me a dollar (and I'm gonna keep showing up for you for free anyway!) But, I do want to make sure if you're ready to finally lose the weight once and for all (or otherwise heal your body), that you're going about it with all angles covered. If not by me, then on your own or with help from someone else.

Many nutrition experts just address nutrition.
Fitness experts will tell you it's all in the workout plans.
Occasionally you'll find someone that covers both nutrition and fitness.

But if that was truly all you needed, you'd have accomplished it already, right?!

This is GOOD news! It's actually great news because it means YOU are not broken, but rather the approach you've tried in the past didn't actually get to the root cause of what is going on.

A truly effective coach or weight loss program will cover all of the following - in depth:

• Mindset (emotional eating, creating new habits, etc.)

• Mindful eating (slowing down, internal hunger cues)

• Nutrition (including portions, meal timing, actual real-life recipes)

• Fitness

• Lifestyle (sleep and stress play a huge role in healthy weight loss)

A program that thorough is hard to come by. In fairness, I don't know other professionals that are trained in all those areas. So it makes sense. Scope of practice laws are in place to protect us!



If you are interested in hearing more about the 5 pillars…or if you've ever been curious about what it looks like to work 1-on-1 virtually (completely online) with me to make a health transformation, definitely check out the video!

If you are READY to make a change and would like to find out if we are a good fit for working together, you are welcome to schedule a (free) 15-minute call so we can chat about your goals and next steps.

In good health,

Tara

Weight loss and GOOGLE! Huh?!?!

What do Google and weight loss have to do with each other?

You many be thinking, "Nothing!" But hear me out. ;-)


In a recent video workshop, I talk about exactly this - both literally and metaphorically. It's worth the watch (or listen) if you have been feeling a lack of motivation or direction lately in your healthy / weight loss journey.

Come join me inside my FREE, private facebook group for women looking to lose weight in a healthy + sustainable way for more resources, recipes, and video trainings!

In good health,

Tara

Choco-Banana Berry Smoothie Bowl

Are you ready for a new summer dessert staple?! Smoothie bowls are what my kids refer to as "ice cream"…seriously! And this one I'm sharing today happens to be a favorite around here in the Allen household.


The trick is to use plenty of frozen produce and adjust the liquid as you go to get the right consistency. Get creative with toppings! Berries, coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips, nuts and seeds all work well. 


Yes, it contains cauliflower, and yes, it’s yummy. 

Choco-Banana Berry Smoothie Bowl 

Makes 2 servings 

Ingredients: 


1 frozen banana, sliced 
1 cup frozen cauliflower 
1 cup frozen berries of your choice 
⅓ cup canned coconut milk (shake it up first!) 
⅓ cup coconut water as needed (or regular water) 
¼ cup raw cacao powder 
1 tbsp nut butter of your choice 
Pinch of Himalayan sea salt (optional) 


Directions: 


1. Pour a little bit of the water in the bottom of your high-speed blender, then add banana, cauliflower, berries, coconut milk, cacao powder, nut butter, and salt in the blender. Add the rest of the water. 

2. Blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. This will be thick. Add more water if necessary. 

3. Place in two bowls and eat immediately with a big smile on your face. 


Talk soon,
Tara

P.S. Are you on instagram? Me too! I'm @tara_allen_health over there. I'd love to hang out with you in between our weekly emails. 

3 steps to crush sugar cravings and lose excess body fat

Imagine a life with no cravings!

No, wait…imagine what would happen to your body and your health if the sugar cravings could finally go away!

While there are no magic pills to make such a thing happen, there are definite steps you can take. In my latest Workshop Wednesday video, I shared 3 steps that will get to the root cause of your cravings and help you lose excess body fat. Consider this your road map to start taking action and seeing results!

If you're finding these videos helpful, hop onto my email list to ensure that you don’t miss them! I share healthified + delicious recipes (is there any other way though?!?), workouts, wellness and weight loss video trainings, and new opportunities over there - weekly! And P.S. you’ll receive a super-awesome welcome gift right away when you join. ;-)

CHECK OUT THE (10-min.) VIDEO RIGHT HERE:

Talk soon,

Tara

Spinach and White Bean Soup

How about a new recipe?


This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish but tastes like it’s been simmering all day. You can sub kale, escarole or your favorite “green” for the spinach in this tasty soup! It works well in the warmer weather, too.

Spinach and White Bean Soup 

(Serves 6) 

Ingredients:
 
2 tbsp avocado or olive oil 
1 small onion, chopped 
2 garlic cloves, chopped 
1 pound spinach, washed and chopped 
4 cups low-salt veggie broth 
1 (15 oz.) can white beans, drained & rinsed Sea salt 
Black pepper 


Directions: 


1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp of the oil. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. 


2. Add garlic and saute for about 15-30 seconds before stirring in the chopped spinach. Saute until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the broth and beans and cover to simmer about 5 minutes, until the beans are heated. 


3. Ladle into soup bowls and enjoy! 



In good health,
Tara

P.S. If healthified, always-gluten-and-dairy-free recipes are your jam, you’re gonna love my (free) 3-Day Meal Plan. It’s designed for women looking to lose excess body fat, but if you just wanna download it for all the new, tasty recipes, I won’t tell anyone. ;-)

You don't need more willpower!

Have you been blaming WILL?

Good ol' Will…as in, WILLPOWER…tends to get a bad rap.



Everyone's looking for it. No one has enough. Everyone wants to 'find' more or create more. People are throwing their goals and dreams to the wayside all the while blaming their lack of willpower.



If you've ever found yourself saying, "If I only had more willpower…", then I'm glad this email found you today!



Willpower is actually a limited resource. Meaning, we run out of it fairly quickly due to all of the decisions we go through in a typical day. Those that are killin' it with their goals, getting healthy, fit, and strong all around you - they DO NOT have any more willpower than you do.



Let me say that again…successful people do not have more willpower than you.



So what's the secret? It's actually all about neural pathways. In the non-nerd world, it's also known as HABITS.



Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video in which I tell you exactly how to make progress towards your goals without needing any willpower. Oh, and have you noticed what's different about my videos these days? They're shorter!! Hallelujah! I've been condensing my videos by shutting up sooner so it's more feasible for you to watch / listen on a weekly basis. ;-)



If you're liking the new, shorter videos, would you do me a favor and hit "reply" to this email and let me know? Of course if you'd rather I babble on forever about your favorite topics, let me know that too. I'm always looking for your feedback so I can best support you in your health & weight loss journey.

In good health,

Tara

P.S. If you need a weekly dose of weight loss and wellness tips, tools, and resources in your life, let’s do it! Join my email list and let me treat you like the VIP you are!

Easy Apple Dippers

Hey guys,

Ready for a fun & tasty new snack or dessert idea?

These are great for parties and perfect if you need something that doubles as an activity AND food source for your kiddos. :-)

Easy Apple Dippers

(serves 2) 

Ingredients: 


💚1 apple 

💚Dips (such as peanut butter, almond butter, melted dark chocolate, coconut yogurt, mejool date "caramel" 

💚Toppings (such as crushed nuts, seeds, dark chocolate chips, coconut) 


Directions: 

1. Using a melon baller, scoop out "balls" of the apple until you reach the core. 

2. Pierce each apple "ball" with a popsicle stick. 

3. Coat each apple ball with dip of choice and then into topping(s) of choice and place on wax paper. 

4. Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes. 

5. Enjoy!! 



In good health,
Tara

P.S. If you are always looking for new and fun (+ healthy) recipes for yourself and your family, grab my FREE 3-Day Meal Plan for Losing Body Fat. This thing is not only an awesome tool to spark momentum and results, but its’s chock full of delicious new meals and snacks to try! Grab your copy right here, right now. Hope you enjoy!

The scale is making you GAIN weight!

Is the scale making you GAIN weight and excess body fat?


You might be surprised to find out that this is, in fact, what's happening for many people - certainly most of the women I work with and speak to.


Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video to learn how and why and what you can do instead.


And then, get rid of that dang scale if it is affecting you in this way too!

In good health,

Tara

P.S. If you are on a weight loss / fat loss / wellness journey, we should hang out more! Did you know that I share online workshops, recipes, and more tips to help you transform your body + life FOR FREE? Every week?! Join my email list to get in on this and receive a welcome gift immediately! ;-)