When my kids were younger, it was easy to make excuses for my lack of self-care, like regular exercise or some mysterious thing I’d read about called “me time”.
But as the kids get older (and I get older too) my stubborn refusal to put myself somewhere on my to-do list isn’t cutting it anymore. Entering my 40s, I vowed to do better (read: “Project 40“).
But now, two years later, I haven’t made nearly enough progress.
That all became crystal clear when I got the new book by fellow dietitian Elisa Zied, Younger Next Week. Elisa, a mom of two boys who motivates 44,000+ people through her popular Twitter feed, says she wrote the book because she knew a lot of women who were letting the stress of everyday life get in the way of looking and feeling their best.
Yep, that sounds familiar.
Younger Next Week is my reminder that making healthy tweaks to my diet, incorporating relaxation techniques, and making fitness a priority aren’t optional if I want to look and feel younger than my 42 years. The book opens with a quiz to find out where you’re starting (my score showed definite room for improvement) then presents a 7-Day Vitality Plan that includes a meal plan and recipes, guidelines for exercise, and tips for handling stress.
Elisa calls her book “a permission slip” for women to prioritize taking care of of themselves.
Just what I need. How about you?
Here’s a recipe from the book, Romaine Salad With Raspberries, which I tried and loved (I used mixed greens because that’s what I had).
Romaine Salad With Raspberries
This refreshing salad is bright and colorful and drizzled with a fruity dressing.
Ingredients
- Dressing:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salad:
- 5 cups torn romaine lettuce
- 1/2 medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed and thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by placing the raspberries in a fine sieve over a small bowl to catch the juice. Using a fork, mash the raspberries to extract their juice. Disard the pulp. Add the lemon juice, honey and mustard to the raspberry juice and whisk. Slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly until the dressing has emulsified. Stir in the salt and pepper and set the dressing aside.
- Place the romaine lettuce, onion and bell peppers in a large bowl. Add the whole raspberries and the dressing and toss gently.
- Spoon the salad onto individual plates and garnish with walnuts. Serve at once.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 7 Servings Serving Size: 1 ServingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 149Sodium: 45mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Younger Next Week.
Hi! I'm Sally, a dietitian-mom.
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eila says
i need this book… b/c this spring i am turning over a new leaf. it’s high time i made my own health a top priority!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
I;d love to win this book to give as a gift to my mother, I know she would enjoy reading it and would also be very interested in the recipes! She wouldn’t be insulted by the title either, haha. A good mother’s day gift perhaps?…
kari says
I really want to win this book because I’m the same age as you are and it’s all definitely catching up to me.
kari says
I “liked” Elisa on Facebook.
kari says
I follow Elisa on Twitter.
Kelli Combs says
This would be a perfect addition to my ” Fabulous @ 40″ plan. I turned 40 last November and I was in great shape and felt amazing, but have since then ruptured a disc in my back and have slowed down tremendously. I still try to eat well and move when I can. The pain triggers a huge lack of motivation. I will have surgery in June. Any tools I have in my pocket to help keep me young would be greatly appreciated!
lori says
I need this book because I’ll be 40 in October!
Nancy says
I believe this book would be beneficial to me. I too have made excuses, each year I tell myself this is the year I will make changes but I haven’t really progressed.
Becca H. says
I’d LOVE to win this book! I’m a mom to young kids, and have fell in the ‘mommy only’ trap without any ‘me time’ too! I love reading and sharing what I’ve learned with others and would absolutely like to win and read this book!
Becca H. says
I’ve *liked* Eliza Zied on fb 🙂
Lori says
I follow Elisa on Twitter.
Lori says
I’m 37. It’s time to start taking care of myself! I would love a copy of this book.
Mom in NJ says
I am mom to 6 great kids, but I (like most moms) put them first. I need to take care of myself so I can be there for them now and in the future.
miranda says
I’d love this book for some renewal ideas
miranda says
liked on FB
Melisa says
I would love this book! I’m 34, three kids (one is 10 months), and just got a bigger job at a big company. I’m definitely falling low on the list lately
Melisa says
liked Elisa on FB, thanks for the tip!
Erica says
What a great book! I have two young boys and I am currently going to grad school. I could use an energy boost! Cheers!
Marin says
I need this because I’m taking steps to be younger, happier, and more playful in my daily life, and I want to make sure my physical steps towards health match my outlook!
Sally says
Congrats to Kari! The number generator at Random.org chose your comment as the winner. Thanks to everyone for entering.