What's up, party people? Is anyone as excited as I am that Thanksgiving is in TWO DAYS!?! I cannot wait. Jumping up and down.

It's been a busy week at work so far trying to get everything done and scheduled so that I can enjoy the holiday and the weekend.

It's getting so chilly up here! On Sunday Michael and I went for a little hike through the Wissahickon Trail. It was so glorious and I'm mad that I haven't done it before. It got me really thinking that it's SO important to get outside and enjoy some nature and vitamin D because there are so many health benefits - mental and physical. Since working full time inside of an office, it really makes me appreciate the fresh air even more so. 

5 Reasons To Get Outside During The Work Day

1. You practice being present and mindful.

Being outside in nature makes you 'naturally' more aware of your surroundings. Even if it's just for 10 minutes, you can't deny that enjoying nature allows you to free your mind a bit. At work each day, I try to make a point to get out of the office for 10-20 minutes and walk around outside WITHOUT checking my email on my phone (sometimes I even fail at this.) A breath of fresh air brings my mind that's usually in a million different places to ease.

2. You'll be more productive.

This goes along with #1, but it's definitely true that after a walk outside, I get back into my office with a more productive mindset. Maybe it's because I am a bit more present and my mind isn't all over the place, but it's actually proven that getting outside lowers symptoms of distractibility. So when you're feeling that adult ADD kicking in, go outside! 

3. Your less likely to be depressed.

Spending hours and hours in front of our computer can lead to bad sleep, worsened eye sight and even depression. Think about it, human beings weren't meant to sit at a desk all day staring at a computer screen or phone screen. Our bodies need to be exposed to the restorative elements of nature on a daily basis. Right now in this moment, what puts a smile on your face? Envisioning walking down a beach on a sunny day or watching YouTube videos in bed?  

4. Your stress levels will lessen. 

You know when that mental fatigue kicks in around 3:30 p.m. and you want to either pull your hair out or fall asleep? It's time to go outside. Getting outside encourages you to move your body, and just a quick 5-15 minute stroll can boost your endorphins and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Cue those happier feelings! Instead of that afternoon pick-me-up coffee, try taking a short walk instead.

5. It improves your immune system. 

Exposure to nature is proven to make you healthier by improving your immune system. Catching some rays helps your skin produce more Vitamin D, which will help your body stay strong to fight of illness. Even if you are sick, getting a breath of fresh air will allow you to escape from the indoors that are crawling with germs. 

The great outdoors are just that. They're GREAT. I challenge you to get outside every single day during your work week for at least 20 minutes if you can to reset, clear your mind and help your health. And if you have a job that allows you to be outside for the majority of the time, you rock. 

Have a wonderful day!! 

XO- Rach

Do you try to get outside during the day?

Have you ever felt mentally fatigued?

What else is a natural stress reliever for you?

These Gluten Free Sweet Potato Apple Muffins are the perfect snack before a workout, a healthy desert or even a quick bite to add for your breakfast! Made with only wholesome ingredients - sweet potato, apples, coconut oil & walnuts, they will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a nice boost of energy!

I needed some serious baking therapy on Thursday night but I had very little ingredients in my apartment. Sometimes this is the best time to come up with new recipes because it forces you to get really creative with what you have on hand! And it's definitely the cheapest way to bake.

[yumprint-recipe id='7'] 

Hi! Happy Friday, friends. I hope everyone's week went well! Wanted to share a few of my Friday Favorites this week :) 

Finds

This Republic of Tea Apple Cider Tea. It's SO GOOD. I am coming down with a bad cold and I drank about four cups of it today at work. It really tastes like hot apple cider. 

Blue Apron Meals! Michael had a free trial for three meals and we ate them all at the beginning of the week. It was really fun! I actually learned a lot about how different spices go together and compliment a dish. My favorite meal was the first one we had, Roast Pork with Braised Endive. It was AMAZING. We also tried a Chicken Khoa Soi soup (which was really easy to make and I will be re-creating) and Crispy Cod with Spiced Cous Cous. It's such a great service! The produce and meats are very fresh, the only downside is that it is expensive in comparison to what we would normally eat on a week night, but so much fun to try. Definitely recommend! 

Around The Web

15 Personal Training Predictions for 2016 - Although I'm not a personal trainer, I do teach fitness classes and I found this article interesting! I love that there's been a trend toward small group training, non-traditional workout equipment and varied program options and modalities. I know for one that I get bored if I do the same thing over and over again, so I always try to switch things up when I teach. “We’re a culture with an attention span 3 seconds long. The more variety we offer, the more interested people become in our services.” 

14 Foods Your Probably Pronouncing Wrong - It's AH-SAH-EE!! I still like to say A-KAI. 

These Sweet Potato Protein Bars from theleangreenbean.com - these look delicious and super easy! Inspired me to create a sweet potato recipe of my own...coming soon! 

Happenings

This week I went to a YBConnected event with my co-workers and boss on Wednesday night. It was fun to get out of the office with them on a weeknight and the venue was AWESOME! YBConnected is a networking organization in Philadelphia for young professionals and they support local organizations. My boss is one of the founders, so we get to join in on the fun! 

Another one of my FAVORITE things is that Thanksgiving is next week. NEXT WEEK!!! We had a Thanksgiving lunch yesterday for work and it got me really excited. 

Need some recipe inspiration? Check out these lovely ladies blogs for some Thanksgiving recipe roundups :) 

My Thanksgiving Recipe Pinterest Board...

Desert recipe round up from Rachel of rachlmansfield.com (let's be honest, desert is most important right? Desert and turkey!)

This awesome Quinoa Thanksgiving Stuffing from Alexa of fooduzzi.com

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato & Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens with Pomegranate Glaze from Juli of paleomg.com

Listening To:

Here's another little spin playlist I put together for my Monday morning class! I think it's one of my favorite times of the week. Even though it SUCKS waking up at 5:15 am on Mondays, it's so much fun once I get there and get in the groove. It's always a small class, but they have great energy.  

Matchstick by American Royalty is on repeat this week! Great song.

Okay friends, have a great day!

XO- Rach

What are you loving today?

What are you up to this weekend?

Any big Thanksgiving plans?

What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish?