Author: Lara

The Big Day: Our Book Is Now Available!

| Lara

Today is the big day! Our book, Peace with Food, is now available online (click book below):

buy the book

Many of you may have been surprised to hear that we wrote a book about our struggles with food, body image, and weight.

For years we have felt called to be the voice for individuals who have the same struggle. This is a very common challenge, but one that is rarely talked about because—let’s face it—it can be awkward, humbling, and embarrassing.  People always joke at needing to “lose a few more pounds” but the conversation ends there. Don’t you agree?

We became so tired of comparing ourselves to other women, feeling tormented by  our favorite foods,  always starting a “Monday” diet, and being chained to the scale. Thankfully, God brought us together and, because of our honest discussion in this life-long battle, we were able to write this book.

Aug22Release

Peace with Food shares all of our personal struggles, how we overcame them, and all the tools and guidance to help others share this same victory. It explains what our lives look like now and how we are able to live in peace. No more diets. No more rules. Weight Lost. Best of all…peace.

We committed 4 years to this book for one simple reason: to help people.  We want to initiate the conversation that can help set people free. Please give others that voice by passing this on. You never know what life you are changing by one simple click. Be the person that can make a difference for someone else…we’ll love you forever for it 🙂

May Peace Be With You Always–
The Peace Coaches

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BOOK TESTIMONIALS:

“Let me first say I loved loved LOVED the book. Reading it and the personal connection…I felt like they were speaking the words I couldn’t find to explain on my own. I really like how opposite the two of them are (one loves exercise vs. the other dislikes it, for example) to show that it works for everyone. They gained my trust immediately bec”ause I could tell they were normal people, just like me. They are not extreme exercisers or experts in nutrition. They are everyday Moms who have found peace with food and are passionate about teaching others to do the same. I felt like each personal connection was clearly speaking to me. I would read, and in my head, say comments like: “oh yes! How did she know? That one read my mind!”
-Joe-Shane Vondracek​

“The analogies to real world situations were great. The concepts are awesome and I can honestly say that it has changed how I look at food and dieting.” -Lacy Neal

“I have talked to many people about the book! I feel like it has changed my life :)” -Misty Deeds

“I like that this is not a diet book but a way to be mindful of what we eat and how it makes us feel.” -Megan Griffins

“I love it and every time I read it I thought of a ton of people that need the book NOW! I think you ladies are awesome and I loved reading your story at the beginning. I felt an instant connection with you both. ” – Sommer Tucker​

“I haven’t ever had peace with food and I didn’t even know it until this book made me realize it.” ~Anonymous

“Most diet books tell you what to eat but never dive into the side that really matters for sustained loss and change—the mindset—the reasons why we eat how we eat. Peace with Food goes into all of that WITHOUT telling you what to eat and still have success!” Siobhan Burch​

“As a former high school and collegiate wrestler, I know the frustration and the sea of negative emotions on the road to losing hundreds of pounds only to gain them back…plus more. I only wish this book were available years ago, because it provides many easy-to-use and practical tools that you can start using today to get permanent results. I highly encourage you to read this book now and choose the path that leads to: peace with food!”
–Bob Manard​

“PWF is unlike anything I have tried before. For the first time in my life I am getting to know myself, I am trying new foods, and finally finding food enjoyable. This is the easiest, most fulfilling plan I have ever tried. It’s not only helped me to make healthier food choices, I have found I am intentionally looking for peace in other areas of my life. I have stuck with this plan longer than anything I have tried in the past, and can say with confidence my life is richer in so many ways having found peace with food.” –Lisa Emma Collins​

“Peace with Food has filtered into other areas of my life. It really is that powerful.” -Wendy Hodges Taylor​

“The book title was like a life raft thrown to me just in time.” ~Candace Dale​

“This book made me realize this: That I don’t struggle alone. Not every strategy is for everyone. Don’t feel guilty and/or hang on to the guilt of what you do or don’t do.” ~Janelle Stukey​

“Peace with Food is a great approach to conquering your “Diet Dilemma”. No matter what your approach is to dieting Peace With Food is a great tool to help you stay focused on the root of real Transformation which is Peace. I recommend this book to anyone who is uncomfortable with diets, and exercise plans.”
~ Minister Dangerfield​

“I LOVED this book. As a guy who pays a ton of attention to health, it was very informative. BUT what I enjoyed the most was the PERSONAL side of the writers.” -Steve Murry

I’m Not Going There

| Lara

I’m pulling this post out the archives because I needed this reminder. Thought I would share in case you did too…

I got up this morning with a mission to help my daughter.  For homework, she was asked to gather pictures of herself which capture her favorite things.  As I began skimming through files of photos on my computer, you would have thought I was spending most of my time smiling and reminiscing about the past.  To my surprise, recalling those days caused me to feel like I was failing as a MOM.

You see, after I had my first daughter, seven years ago, I did a great job taking lots of pictures and getting them into a scrapbook in a timely matter.  As life got more hectic and our family grew, I didn’t capture the same moments by photograph with my other two kids—probably because I usually had one kid on my hip and a basket of laundry in the other.

The reality is, life will always be hectic and I CaN’t Do iT ALL.  As soon as I had those sunken feelings this morning I could see how this day was going to pan out—feeling guilty ALL day about the numerous things I should be doing better.  Like how I should plan meals ahead of time instead of pulling meat from the freezer at 4:59 every afternoon…or logging our monthly expenses in a spreadsheet every month instead of staring at a pile of receipts from the last 11 months. The list is never-ending, isn’t it?

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Instead, as soon as my daughter left for school, I shut those feelings down by thinking to myself, “I’m not going there”.  I’m not going to spend the entire day beating myself up about my areas of weakness as a mother (or the other roles I play).  To help, I tried to imagine what our seven-month-old would say to me when he becomes an adult.  If he knew how terrible I felt for not taking pictures of his sweet feet when he was only a few days old, he would say, “Mom….really?  That’s what you’re worried about?  It’s not a big deal. Really.”  And then he would go on to remind me how I would play tractors with him on the living room floor and  spontaneously make him a farmyard out of old oatmeal containers and cereal boxes.  Ahh…thank you, my sweet kiddos, for loving me for my imperfect self.  And Leanne, make sure you remember this if you become a Mom some day. Don’t be so hard on yourself 🙂

So if this is you today, pick yourself up and start focusing on the things you do well.  You simply can’t do it all.  Don’t let special moments (like scanning through years of pictures and reflecting on the past with your kids) pass you by because you are beating yourself up, wishing you’d done better.

From one parent to another, I think you are doing just fine 😉

Your Lara

When It Matters Most

| Lara

Calories.
Paying your bills.
One-on-one time with kids.
Saying sorry.

There is one similarity between these things: they all matter. Sure, we can delay these things, but sometimes timing is everything. If your kid comes crying home from school, stopping to listen and comfort her is crucial at that very moment, when it matters most. If you wait 15 minutes the moment would pass, and she may change her mind about sharing her feelings.

Let’s apply this to food. What I eat for lunch during the week is what I call a “non-eventful meal”.  This usually consists of eating with my kids, which means making sandwiches….but without the crust…unless it is for Leanne…then it is with the crust…but without the cheese. LOTS of distractions. You get the picture 😉 I choose to eat salad, a protein shake, or something light, so I can utilize my “extra” calories for moments that matter more, such as later in the evening when my husband decides to cook one of his savory meals. Saving my calories for a meal I am anticipating–good food, relaxing atmosphere, cherishing every bite, fun conversation–that matters most to me.

There are numerous decisions and actions we need to accomplish each day. Many of them can be more meaningful if we are strategic about the value and time we place on them. What moments matter most to you?

Is it being fully present when your loved one comes home from work?
Is it putting your phone in the trunk of the car so you can be free from distraction when driving?
Is it exercising first thing in the morning so you feel better about yourself all day long?
Is it setting the DVR to record your favorite show so you can fast-forward through the advertisements, utilizing that extra time with family?

What moments matter most to you? How are you utilizing those moments? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Your Lara

Want to read more? Here’s another recent post. Click here!

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

| Lara

Craving pancakes but looking for a healthy alternative? Or a pancake that won’t leave you starving an hour later? Try these Cottage Cheese Pancakes! I usually make a big batch, freeze them, and warm them in the microwave for a quick and easy meal/snack. They are kind of sweet on their own, but you could always add syrup, honey, or a topping of your choice! Enjoy 🙂CottageC

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

(makes about 15-20 pancakes)

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• butter, oil or oil spray

1. Place the first 4 ingredients in a bowl and whisk.
2. In a separate bowl whisk the dry ingredients.
3. Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat, lightly coat with oil or butter and pour about 1 tbsp of the mixture onto the griddle for each pancake.
5. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until pancakes are set and golden. Serve with pure maple syrup, honey or preserves.
*To Freeze: Let pancakes come to room temperature, place in a ziploc bag, label and freeze up to 3 months.

For more recipe options, click here.

Your Lara

Get Busy, Get Happy

| Lara

When I quit my job as a teacher and became a stay-at-home mom I thought my life was finally going to be everything I wanted it to be.  I could wear pajamas all day if I wanted to, didn’t have to keep track of time, and be present for every second of my daughter’s childhood.  Sounds like a pretty gReAt LiFe, right?

Don’t get me wrong, it has been great, but I quickly learned something after being at home all the time. If I go many days where I’m not being productive or focusing on something that makes me excited (not counting my children), I experience tHe FuNk.  This resulted in days, maybe even weeks where I felt like I was stuck.  I lacked MoTiVaTiOn to do anything, I wasn’t excited about much, and I found myself spending more time focusing on all the flaws and negative things going on in my life.  This, of course, resulted in being a harder wife to live with and a mom that isn’t wasn’t very peppy.  There is so much truth to “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”

The same applies to kids! Encourage activities they can value and see the “fruits” of their labor 🙂

Even though staying busy makes your life a little more hectic, it can keep your mind from dwelling on the bad.  I always tell Doug that I currently work harder than I ever have but I’m also happier than I’ve ever been.  If I keep my mind busy on things that satisfy me, I am less likely to struggle with self-confidence issues, negative thoughts about others, and things that bother me.  This of course results in being a better and happier mom, wife, ChRiStIaN, friend, etc.

Sound familiar?  If so, pick yourself up by finding the quickest way to turn around your day.  Whether it is taking a bubble bath or painting your toenails a crazy color, do something to reverse the funk and change your way of thinking. If your outfit makes you feel sluggish, then go put on your favorite one!  If your house feels dirty start by burning your favorite candle. Maybe you should give yourself a few minutes to jot down a list of “bucket list” items–things you have always wanted to accomplish–and write out an action plan for the one you want to start pursuing first. Or if your mind is getting the best of you, and you can’t kick a bad thought, go turn on a fun song, have a talk with God, or do something to distract your thoughts for a while.  You know the drill—get busy, get happy–and from there it should become contagious!

Your Lara

Whole Wheat Carrot Applesauce Muffins

| Lara

I’m excited to share these with you today! This is a new favorite in our house. I don’t love to cook so I usually double this recipe, which lasts us a couple weeks. After the muffins cool, I freeze them on a cookie sheet, then store in a ziploc bag. Whenever I am hungry I take one out of the freezer, microwave it for about 20 seconds and Viola! A healthy treat right at my fingertips!

I like this healthy option because it satisfies my carb craving whenever I have one. I have found it to be extremely helpful to have a variety of healthy snack options–ranging from snacks with chocolate, salty, fruity, hot, cold, etc so I can pick and choose depending on my mood and cravings.

**NOTE: If you are easing in to “healthier” recipes, I would encourage you to try this with normal white flour (if that is what you normally use) and I would not substitute 1/2 of the butter with an avocado. I would also use sweetened applesauce if that is all you have on hand. This will allow you to ease into the healthy recipe. I started by using ingredients I had in the kitchen. Over time I eventually started swapping the white flour for whole wheat, and added an avocado. But I only did this when I was ready to make them a little bit healthier. Remember, you don’t have to follow healthy recipes to a T. If you are more likely to eat a healthier muffin because it has chocolate chips in it then by all means tweak the recipe to your liking! The key is to make small changes so it is a healthier alternative than what you are already eating. If you added chocolate to these, for example, they still have much more nutrition than a donut. Baby steps 🙂

Carrot Muffins2

Whole Wheat Carrot Applesauce Muffins

(makes 12 oversized muffins)

  • 1½ cups whole-wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional–the ginger was a little strong for me so I decrease or omit the amount and increased the cinnamon)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened (but not melted) OR 1/4 cup butter with 1/2 avocado, mashed
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¾ cup carrot shreds (I used a cheese grater or you can use pre shredded)

*For first time “healthy” cookers out there–consider using white flour, butter (no avocado) and sweetened applesauce. Then next time, swap one of these with the healthier alternative and ease into it.
1) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with paper, foil, or silicone liners, and set aside.
2) In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3) In a large bowl fitted with an electric whisk (or beaters), mix the butter, honey, egg and vanilla together on medium speed. Turn the speed down and slowly add in the flour mixture until well combined. The batter will be fairly thick at this point.
4) Using a spatula, carefully fold in the applesauce and carrots. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until a toothpick comes and muffins are beginning to turn golden brown on top. (I actually undercook mine a little bit, setting the timer around 18-20 minutes because I like the tops to be a little gooey.) Enjoy!

*I let mine cool, then place on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once frozen I store in a ziploc bag and microwave each muffin when I need a quick snack. It can be a great breakfast option too!

Your Lara

My first success with “traditional exercise”

| Lara
I don’t know if you have ever heard of bikinibodymommy.com but for the first time EVER I have actually been able to do traditional exercise and have peace with it. I’ve been doing it since January and have never stuck with a workout program this long (I usually only last 2 weeks, max!).
Brianna has several 90-day challenges, but if you ever wanted to give it a shot, I would suggest starting with her “challenge 3.0“. The reason why I LoVe her workouts so much is because she actually filmed them in “real time” so on Day 1 she is the heaviest she has been, and week by week you, and her, start to see changes in your body. It feels like you are working out with a friend b/c she totally “gets it” and where you are at. I usually can’t outlast the typical workout programs because I feel like the trainers can’t relate to the pain I feel during a workout, because they are in tip-top shape on the video! It’s intimidating! With bikinibodymommy.com, I feel like I can keep going b/c if she is struggling at least she can understand how hard it is for me too!It is hard to explain, but you just have to go check her out if you have any interest. I go at my own pace and try to work out Monday-Friday. It is nice because I just pick up where I left off, and each week you do completely different workouts, so I don’t get bored with them. The actual workout is usually around 16 min, and then there is a warmup and cooldown. So really it is only around 20 minutes of your time.I save the following link in my browser, and then click on whatever day I am on: Workout Finder

Once the day pops up, go down to “Are you Ready” and click the youtube link. Then do the workout!

I also just write my reps down on a piece of paper (or you could order her “success journal”), which is motivating b/c you can see how much stronger you are getting each week 🙂

Absolutely, NO obligation to check her out. Just wanted to share since I’ve enjoyed it and thought you, or someone you know, might enjoy it too!

Your LaraTake-Home Message: Find an exercise that works for you, your preferences, and your lifestyle!

 

Put Your Blinders On

| Lara

Last week I talked about wearing your blinders when focusing on a goal. I thought I’d take it a step further this week… Do you make decisions based on the people around you?  DeeP dOwN did you decide to buy a new car because all your friends and family recently upgraded theirs?  Did you put your kid in t-ball because you felt the pressure from the other parents?  Have you recently felt the need to go on an extreme diet because you bumped into an old classmate that lost a bunch of weight? Whether it is what you buy, the vocation you choose, how you raise your kids, or the way you live your life, we must ask ourselves this question: If I couldn’t see others and what they are doing, would I still be making the same decisions? 

So many times we forget to think on our own because we are heavily influenced by other people.  Doug (my husband) and I talk about this a lot.  In our decison making we have to constantly remind ourselves that, if we didn’t care what others thought, would we still go down the same path? It is in these situations it is important to know yourself. Take buying a home for example.  Would you have purchased your home if you didn’t know what type of home everyone else lived in? Without thinking about it, you went house hunting feeling obligated to want certain things because you knew what other people have.  Even though they weren’t there, the influence talked you into buying an expensive home, and you are left with the stress of keeping up with the payments.

The same applies to peace with food. Are you going to ignore what exercise and foods are best for you, only because everyone else is on the latest workout and diet plan? When you are at a crossroad to make a decision, ask yourself WHO you are doing it for. Like a race horse with blinders on, tune out what’s going on around you and focus on what YOU want.  It isn’t always easy, but living YOUR life will be the ultimate pRiZe when reaching the finish line.  Your Lara
Take-Home Message: Regardless what everyone else is doing, do what is best for you.