Happy #thinkingoutloud Thursday! No idea what I’m going on about? Click here!
1. Thank you guys for your awesome feedback on yesterday’s post! I know it was a bit on the wordier side, but food rules, food fears, restrictive eating, and diet myths are all subjects I feel super passionate about, so I could probably talk you ear off if left to my own devices. That being said, I’ll try to balance out yesterday’s wordiness by keeping things a little shorter today… starting by telling you that I have a thing for yellow jellybeans…
… which is weird because yellow is my least favourite “flavour” in things like Starbursts, Skittles, and gummy bears, but I really like the jelly bean version. Go figure.
2. It’s funny… there are a lot of times where I struggle with the two warring halves of my approach to healthy living, and I think a lot of that has to do with being a health coach and [upcoming] holistic nutritionist. I almost feel like I’m not supposed to eat/enjoy refined sugars or suggest that people should eat anything but 100% clean. Like it should be all veggies and green juices and whole grains and lean proteins. And while, yes, I do think that all of those things are important and should make up the majority of a person’s diet, I also believe that true health is so much more than that… especially at a time when we’re seeing more and more people take the idea of “clean eating” too far and actually doing damage to their bodies and minds as a result. That’s something I’ve experienced myself, and I just want to help people free themselves of that kind of mentality and find a middle ground that they’re happy with.
3. Fun fact: the more wiggle room I introduced to my diet, the more wiggle room I found in my pants. And you can quote me on that π
4. Alright, time to switch gears or I really will talk your ear off. Can we please talk about the Game of Thrones finale? I mean, we’re not actually going to talk about it since I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, but… what in the actual heck?! I don’t believe it. I refuse. Plot twist coming up. I hope. Please *crosses fingers*
[source] — (link contains spoilers)
5. Did you know… that the reason a digestive biscuit is called a digestive biscuit is because it was believed that the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in them had antacid properties and aided in digestion? Which makes no sense because then shouldn’t every baked good be called “digestive?” I don’t know, but I do know that they make one tasty cookie… especially when chocolate is involved.
6. And because cookies remind me of tea since I often like to have the two together, I came across a flavoured ‘dessert’ tea that was actually pretty good!
I’m usually pretty disappointed with these, and while this one obviously tasted nothing like a slice of Black Forest cake, it was still tasty as far as dessert teas go. And before you ask why I’m drinking tea when it’s so hot outside, it’s because I get cold in the AC but I can’t turn it off because then it gets too hot. The struggle is real.
7. Speaking of summer, how much are we loving all the sunshine we’re getting?! I’m especially fond of the fact that it’s actually bright out when I wake up in the morning, even if that means it’s also pretty bright out when I’m trying to go to sleep. It’s actually been messing with my sleep a little bit, in that I’m not finding myself tired in the evenings so I end up going to sleep later… and still waking up ridiculously early. I keep expecting it to catch up to me, but so far I’m feeling pretty darn good.
8. And because this has gotten a little longer than I wanted it to, we’re going to end things here by saying… it came!!!!
My Enchanted Forest adult colouring book finally showed up in my mailbox. And it.is.gorgeous…
Now to find the time to actually add some colour to it π

No questionsβ¦ just tell me whatever comes to your mind! π
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Oh yaeh finaly the colouring book came
My non-guilty pleasure is blowing bubbles. I have the normal bottles, a bubble gun and a bubble machine. Love it <3
I think it's not necessary to compare your own 'candy crush' with what you tell clients. It's healthy to indulge a little. I can understand that it feels like a double standard but as you said you want balance for yourself and your clients and that's exactly what balance is about!
Bubbles?! That’s seriously the most random and wonderful thing ever <3 It's been years and years since I've done that.
I love that you mentioned the fact about digestive biscuits. I literally just said the same thing about two weeks ago when I was watching a show talking about the McVities biscuit company (gripping tv, I tell ya) — they said how they are digestive because they contain baking soda and I was like, “um everything is a digestive then!” I love them, but can’t be trusted with a whole sleeve. I like to eat mine with my gingerbread tea, which I drink all year. Truthfully though it’s not really warm in Glasgow so tea is always appropriate. Maybe that’s why the Brits love it so much?
I agree with you about the food balance bit. I also feel like professionally I am torn about voicing this, however, I do live by the 80/20 rule (which can also be 90/10, 70/30, and 40/60 (at xmas time)) that if you’re eating and doing the right things more than the majority of the time, it’s quite alright to enjoy the top of the food pyramid within reason.
Also, I need a colouring book.
I think a lot of the time it just depends on what the client needs to hear. There are some people that definitely need help eating healthier foods and cutting out junk, but I feel like there are more and more people now that actually need help letting go of rigid health rules and actually allowing themselves to enjoy a little dessert every now and again.
Starburst jellybeans might be my all time favorite indulgence. LOVE them. I agree that the yellow Starbursts are the WORST, (pink all day!) but yellow jelly beans are delish! And omg I want one of those coloring books SO bad!! Coloring is one of my guilty pleasures, I find it so relaxing!!
We have actually been getting quite a bit of rain here this week but I am hoping for a sunny weekend! My husband is a game of thrones fan but I don’t have any interest. Thank you for explaining the logic behind the digestive cookie- I always wondered about that- although it really doesn’t make any sense:)
I’m so so tempted to ask about Game of Thrones! But, I haven’t watched the finale yet. Ugh. My son has and he’s about to burst with wanting to talk about it!
I can imagine! I seriously texted everyone I knew as soon as I watched it π
Waking up early is so much easier when it’s light out, can’t beat that aspect of summer! And as a health coach and nutritionist it’s great that you believe in so much more than just the “clean” stuff, you will help people really improve their lives that way overall
I want to try that tea! I don’t drink tea often at all (it makes me feel weird/dizzy) but sometimes I like a sweet tea from Yogi. Cupcake tea sounds cute. And I am totally with you on your food thoughts over the last few days. I have been wanting to discuss the same thing but haven’t had time to develop the post. But yes, yes, yes. You and I are always on the same thought process
That is a wonderful coloring book! And I did not know that about digestive biscuits; I just know they are yummy.
I think I am pretty much one of the very few human beings who does not watch Game Of Thrones. LOL
Mom got myself the coloring book too. But first I have to go to Brazil to pick it up. #ouch.
Thank you so much for the opportunity of sharing our thoughts.
Don’t feel bad about GoT. I’m pretty much one of the only people who doesn’t watch anything on TV other than that π
I truly believe the less strict people are with their diets and the more wiggle room they allow for, the easier they have to worry as much on weight. I think it’s extremely important to relax and enjoy life.
On another note my favorite color of any starburst, jelly bean and all of those candies is the yellow! I can’t believe it’s your least favorite! So sad ha ha!
But that would make you my favourite person to have around because then I could just swap colours with you!
Great post! the colouring book looks so good!
libertylifeandselfhelp@gmail.com
Will loving your Minnie Mouse mug more than anything
OOH
you are so so so right
and thats a tee.
JUST A PLAIN OLE:
wiggle wiggle
on the front.
I too have found that once I stopped trying to obsess over everything I ate and how much I exercised, my clothes actually fit way better. It probably has to do with our bodies trusting we’re going to give it what it needs so it’s not holding on to every last calorie.
I’m more of a red jellybean personally- but I really only like starburst jelly beans. Which I’m now craving. At 6am. Of course.
I’ve been having trouble finding the Starburst ones lately! But I’ll settle for pretty much any jelly bean as long as it’s not the black ones. And now I’m craving some myself π
Okay what is with teas calling themselves dessert name and NOT being said dessert? Drives me bonkers.
Also…my family thought I was odd growing up because I loved chocolate digestives. Heck, I still do!
I just received my coloring book too! It’s tattoos that I would never get, too much to commit too. But they are pretty cool to color.
When you are obsessing over every single thing you are putting in your mouth, you are creating stress through your mentality, even if everything going in to your body is healthy. When you are are constantly putting crap into your body, but not stressed about it, you are still creating stress on your body. Both of these situations cause chemical imbalances that lead to the retention of weight and poor health. So when you relax, stop obsessing, and feed your body right but also have fun with it, your body is naturally able to fight any of the inherent stressors you are feeding it. Long story short? Balance and acceptance.
Amen, girl. Very well put.
Sunshine, good. This 95-100 degree heat, not so good. Also not so good, that GOT finale. I mean, it wasn’t bad, but I just sat there after the show ended like… “Uhhhhhh….”
OMG there’s so much sun these days I’m sleeping less and so tired! I think I finally hit a wall this week. I think I need to buy one of this eye masks for sleeping.
I tried one of those for a while and found them uncomfortable. So I invested in some blackout blinds and that totally did the trick.
I’m SO glad you finally got your coloring book haha I was starting to think they were never going to ship it. Oh and the thing about the A/C–so true. I blast my A/C and then it’s freezing but as soon as I turn it off it gets extremely stuffy. I can’t win.
Hi Amanda! I have seen the Thinking Out Loud posts and wanted to join in, so this is my first post. It’s fun! Thanks for hosting! Regarding a perfect diet, I always credit chocolate for helping me lose and maintain my weight loss. I’m vegan but my diet isn’t perfect all the time, but that works for me!
Thanks for joining this week, Jennifer!
The sun has been messing with my sleep schedule too. The light wakes me up at 5:30 and I’m up for the day, which is not normal for me! I really enjoyed your post yesterday. I think the wiggle room in our diets can lead to wiggle room in our pants because it takes the stress out of eating. Food should be fun.
I think your thoughts about 100% clean eating are so interesting! I definitely tried to eat 100% clean and I felt like it was just as unhealthy of an obsession as when I was over-eating. I just chalked it up to my attitude towards the whole thing but maybe you are on to something. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
The yellow color in anything is my favorite – from Starbursts to Jelly Beans. The sun out early definitely has made it much easier to get up in the morning!
Number 3!!!!!!
Yay for the coloring book! I’m so glad yours finally came!!
The summertime sunshine makes me so happy! There is just something about waking up to sunshine streaming through my window that makes me happy! That coloring book is so beautiful!
I was not okay after the season finale of GOT on Sunday. My mind was blown and I’m pretty sure I just sat on the couch for 10 minutes afterwards just saying “whatβ¦.”. Haha. Ugh, and now I have to wait until March!! So many unanswered questions. Haha
I knowwwww! I read the books so I kind of knew what was coming, but it didn’t go over quite the way I envisioned it in my head.
UGH GAME OF THRONES. I can’t even deal. Such a wild show, but I love it. hahaha
Yay for the coloring book saga finally coming to an end! Now you better show us a finished page. It looks really cool! I’m not into GoT at all (no HBO problems) but everyone at work is obsessed with it and talks about it ALL.THE.TIME.
I love all the sunshine, too! I have so much more energy this time of year than in the winter when it is dark as I leave for work and dark as I’m driving home. Cool coloring book!!
Oh nice, I’m glad your colouring book came! It looks like so much fun. I’d have to hide it around these parts though, because a certain someone would probably like to scribble marker all over it.
Yaay you finally got your coloring book!
Also, I am so annoyed with GoT. I had trouble getting into this season, and them ending it the way they did kind of made me want to be done with it. (Except I know I will never be done with it. It’s like candy. And cofee.)
π I know what you mean. I’m way too committed now. I -need- to find out how this all ends.
OMG Game of Thrones… I keep reading he’ll come back to life, and with all the zombie-ness happening with GoT now it could be possible?? I hope so. Kit Harrington is hot, haha!
I hope one of those theories ends up being true as well! I read an interview with Martin where he said something along the lines of “My readers should know better thank to think that dead means dead.” Here’s hoping!
I’ve been seeing coloring books all over Instagram – what a fun idea! Believe it or not I’ve never seen Game of Thrones – but having heard enough about it now it may have to be my choice for summer marathon watching
I’ve been having trouble going to sleep too but it’s definitely caught up to me. I had the hardest time getting up today! Thank goodness I can sleep in tomorrow.
I’m loving all this daylight! I’m sleeping a bit less also because of it, but it sure beats it getting dark before dinner.
I really want to start watching Game of Thrones!
I SO need that coloring book in my life.
Enjoy the sun… after Sunday, times goes back 1 minute in the morning & at evening… sigh… I love when its light till 9:30pm
It’s still pretty bright here past 10:30!
Ughhhh I need to find a way to watch Game of Thrones!! I haven’t seen this whole season and it’s making me crazy!
Don’t find the time to color in your new book, I say make the time. I’m thrilled it’s arrived, Ms. Wiggle in Your Pants.
Also, watch this, You’ll love it. It’s hysterical.
http://www.dailydot.com/geek/game-of-thrones-jon-snow-impressions-kit-harington-jimmy-kimmel-live/?fb=dd
π Omg I’m dying. Thank you for making my Friday afternoon <3
#3 made me LOL a lot…and #4…what the heck! My fingers are crossed too! Double triple crossed!
Yay your coloring book came. I love mine although it is hard to find time to actually sit down and color for more than 2 minutes. I have never had a digestive biscuit and didn’t know it was an actual tasty cookie until now…I thought it was something people ate for their stomachs just by the name so I never gave them a second glance. Now I want one!
I think you should frame #3s words of wisdom
And I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for a plot twist in GoT!!!
Because of your approach to eating, you are the exact type of health coach I would choose and love to go to!!
Aww, thank you Beth
Your attitude towards food always makes me snap out of any negative thinking, you are absolutely fab. Can you please do a post about what kind of holistic nutrition program you are partaking in? I would really love to know more of what you are studying and what you plan on doing once it is complete.
I have never watched Game of Thrones, yet it seems so intriguing. I would gladly color in that coloring book with you, in case you needed help ;).
Thanks for your sweet words, Niki!
I can definitely do a post about my schooling and my work. And you’re more than to stop by for some colouring — I’ve got plenty crayons and snacks π
I love that tidbit about the digestive biscuit! Maybe that’s my excuse for loving all the carbs!
I’ve never actually heard of digestive biscuits before, so that’s news to me! I love how bright it is in the morning, especially since I”m always up so early. I wish it could be June all year round!
I’m totally loving the longer, sunnier days too! It makes getting up in the morning so much easier, especially for my early morning classes. Just another reason I adore summer!
I love the banana and cotton candy flavored jelly beans. I eat so much refined sugar, but I eat kale salads and veggie wraps so it balances out in the end. I’m pretty sure if you just tune into how you feel instead of what you’re eating, every person would find the diet for his or herself to feel the best!
Yesss I’m glad your coloring book came! If the show follows the books, then I hate to disappoint you about GOT. I’m glad that I read them all but it still doesn’t make things easier…
I would love to have some of your sunshine. It’s been almost 2 weeks of straight rain and clouds here in Chicago. I mean come on, we only get like 100 days of nice weather here so let’s make it count!
I’ve read all the books too, but it was still something else to see it actually happen. And I actually read an interview with Martin where he says something along the lines of “My fans should know better than to assume that dead means dead,” so that’s why I’m keeping my hopes up!
i’m more of a red jelly bean gal myself, but hey! to each their own! π
My colouring book finally arrived as well!
Ugh, I need to catch up on GoT. I think I’m 2 seasons behind. :/
OMG!! The GOT finale was so good! I was so happy to see the season pick up towards the end, I have to admit the first few episodes didn’t really leave me hanging! Can’t wait to see what happens next season!
Me too! And it’ll actually be a complete surprise since there was no book to read first!
Yes, I DID just tweet your quote π Love your outlook on health and nutrition. I feel similar as I learn more about physical therapy, because I feel like I should be doing everything in my power to not slouch, do certain exercises, not sit too much, etc. But that’s not how people should live, thinking about health so precisely all the time. That = stress = not healthy.
Hooray for sunshine in the mornings and hooray for that coloring book!!!
I think one of my favourite things about Alberta has to be these crazy-long days – I love taking Atticus for a walk at 10 pm and it’s perfectly bright outside.
And you know my GoT theory. it had better happen because….ya. still devastated and wanting to cry a little bit.
I LIKE JUST BOUGHT THE COLORING BOOK, OMG NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT COME IN THE MAIL…AHH MAN….THANK YOU, LIKE SO EXCITEDLY,! π
Woo! Hope you love it! I have a feeling that you will π
I take it you’ve never read the Game Of Thrones books? They are INSANE! All of a sudden main characters die and you are pulling your hair out wondering what will happen next. My favorite character will always be the Imp <3
Yup! I’ve read them. I remember being completely shocked when Martin killed off a main character the first time… and it got to the point where no one is safe.
Thank you for your post yesterday!
Yeah your coloring book finally came!
Yellow jelly beans, my favorite are pink….well any candy is my favorite! lol!
OMG you have to try the truffle mint! I love that brand but that tea flavour is the best thing I have ever had and I’m not even the biggest chocolate mint fan!
I’ve had that one too! And yeses, it’s so good.
I’m trying to wrap my head around coloring books for adults LOL. I know so many people who are getting them, but I didn’t enjoy coloring when I was a kid.
Sounds like you have a pretty balanced view on nutrition. I think most people need to hear how to eat healthy, but being told that certain things are off limits often backfires.
I drink hot tea all year. I have about 40 ounces of it every morning at work. I actually drink hot water too because I get cold in my office and drinking cold water doesn’t sound appealing then! I also like to sit in my basement when it is hot outside so I can still wear sweats when it is 100+ degrees outside! Clearly, I’m a fall/winter person!
That colouring book! Too pretty I’m not even sure I’d be brave enough to colour it in (clearly wasn’t the kid who drew on walls…)
And thank you for not spoiling any G0T- I’m only on episode 7! what am I doing writing this – I’m off to catch up!
I am so glad I’m not the only one who drinks hot tea in the summer because she’s cold in the AC. It’s a real first-world-problem in my life

Also. Pretty jealous of this coloring book.
Also. Sorry I haven’t been around. I’m working on it