The Importance Of Taking Time Out

Yesterday I posted on my facebook page about how important it is to take time out for ourselves. It really hit home for many of you, and I decided that it would be a good idea to do a blog post on it.

We live in a society where there it is almost considered socially acceptable to be stressed out and overworked. We almost boast about our level of busyness and sigh at the amount of work we have. The thought of taking time out for ourselves seems selfish or unnecessary and we are almost ashamed to admit that we might actually need time out.

I have been guilty of this in the past. I scoffed at people who had time for TV or baths - what is the point in wasting time on that when you could be working? Overworking myself - working full time, studying, being a mother and wife and also taking care of my home. I am not looking for praise here. I am pointing out the busy situation I was in, like many other people, and I was afraid to admit that I might actually need a break.

The past few months have been hectic for me. Finishing out my diploma, working, moving house, starting my own business and I have been guilty of working too hard and not taking time out.

Yesterday I decided to shut down my laptop, turn off my phone and leave the housework! Something clicked with me and I realised something - It is so important to take time out and look after yourself. Taking time out is not an indulgence, it is a necessity and it can be a great way to deal with stress and clear the brain when things have been a little hectic. It is important for your mental health.

Do not compete with friends and family over how busy you are. Rather rejoice in time out and boast about how much you enjoy your time to yourself. Life is short. It is important to work hard and be successful. But it is also important to be happy and spend time with family.

Give yourself some time out today. You may be a wife, mother, employee, entrepreneur or a work at home Mum but you cannot be good for anyone else if you don't look after YOU.

IPG Weekly Roundup 7/9/14

Hey ho Paleo peeps! 

Another week down and another Weekly Roundup! 

It has been another busy week here in IPG HQ! 

As you all know I have recently relocated to Meath so it has been a little crazy getting used to our new area and getting unpacked and settled in. But we are getting there and I cant believe how quickly we are adapting to a new area and getting into our new routine. 

I am loving having more time at home with my son. I have been enjoying alot of walking and sunshine. My dog can't believe his luck! He is being walked more than ever before and I am enjoying having the time to slow things down and walk everywhere. 

I had a busy week work wise too. I started a new cycle of the IPG Challenge on Monday last. A great bunch the September group are, and they are already doing fantastic! Delighted for them all. It is amazing how quickly your body adapts to eating real food. I think it is going to be a very successful cycle! 

On Tuesday last I travelled to Naas to visit Anne in Studio 3 to speak about my new Nutritional Therapy clinic I am about to open! It is a lovely location in a quite area with free parking. Anne is a Homeopath herself and her business partner Gillian is a Yoga instructor. They are a lovely team and I am looking forward to starting there. If you are interested in booking a consultation with me please email me on theirishpaleo@gmail.com 

I also got the chance to deliver a talk to Resurrection 8 Crossfit in Celbridge at the weekend. The talk focused on Paleo Nutrition and I am delighted to work with the lovely Crossfit family there over the next 30 Days as they embark on a 30 Day Paleo Challenge. During the month they have committed to eating 100% Paleo and reaching their Crossfit goals with Lorna in Resurrection 8. They are a lovely group and I am really excited to work with them. I will be meeting them for the next few Saturday mornings to check on their progress so I will fill you in! 

To speak to Lorna about joining their Crossfit box email her on lorna@crossfitwestdublin.com

I have been back in the kitchen trying out some new meals and this week I experimented with a brand new recipe - The Epic Burger! It was amaze-balls and I thouroughly enjoyed making it and of course, eating it! 

Check it out here - Recipe Epic Burger

I have another busy week ahead. I am due to travel to Ashford Wicklow tomorrow to meet with the lovely Linda to speak about setting up a 2nd clinic in her Energise Therapy Clinic. Really excited about meeting with her. 

I am also meeting with Niamh in The Ivy Cookery school to speak about running a Paleo themed cookery evening with her. She is a fully trained chef so it will be interesting to see what Paleo masterpieces she comes up with! If you would be interested in attending a Paleo masterclass please email me on theirishpaleo@gmail.com

It has been a busy time for me recently and today I decided to SLOW DOWN and take a day off. I posted on my facebook page earlier about it. Sometimes we can forget to take time out for ourselves and just take some me time. I had a wonderful day just doing fun things with my son like enjoying the sun and reading a book. I will be making a concious decision to do this more in future. All work and no play is not a good thing either! Take some time out! 

I think that is everything for this week. 

Looking forward to another productive week. 

Chat soon

Keep It Paleo

Wholesome Wednesdays: The Epic Burger

The EPIC Burger really is epic! Good enough to satisfy any appetite, Paleo or not, this burger is a must try!

Ingredients (Serves 2)

For the burgers
300g organic minced beef
1/2 onion chopped
Handful spinach
1tsp dried garlic
1 tbsp of coconut oil
Salt & Pepper

Toppings
2 eggs
1 avocado, sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
1 medium sweet potato (but into spirals using a sprilizer)
4 large field mushrooms
1 cup of coconut/olive oil

Heat the tbsp of coconut oil in a pan and add the onion. Saute until soft. Add the spinach and dried garlic until spinach is wilted. Set aside to cool.
Heat the remaining oil in a saucepan gently. Add a third of the sweet potato and fry until golden brown (could take up to 5 minutes, watch it carefully to avoid burning). Remove and place on kitchen towel to drain. Continue with the remaining batches of sweet potato until all cooked.
Heat a pan or griddle pan. In a bowl mix the beef, salt, pepper and spinach onion mix together and form into 2 burgers.
Place the burgers on the griddle pan. Add the mushrooms . Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking. Turn the mushrooms once and remove once softened but not too soft.
In the meantime fry two eggs until cooked to your liking

To plate up:

Place one mushroom top side down on the plate.
Cover with a couple of slices of tomato
Place the burger on top.
Top with avocado slices
Top with the egg
And lastly, top with the sweet potato!

Bon Appetite!