5 Steps to Get & Stay Motivated | Vegan Spaghetti Squash Stir-fry

Spring officially begins in 20 days! I can hardly wait for warmer weather, longer days and the delicious Spring bounty.

As we move into the season for rejuvenation, I've been thinking a lot about where I stand with my goals this year. 2013 is off to a great start, but I've still got a lot that I want to accomplish. I'm ready to peel off the protective layers of winter, and move confidently into Spring. But here's the kicker. In the past I've made exciting plans for myself, like 1.) Work out 5 days a week, 2.) Eat more greens, and 3.) Book a local workshop. But instead of just doing them and feeling awesome, I've lacked motivation, and swept them to the back of my priority pile.

That was then. Now things have changed for me. I've come up with my own method for staying motivated in my pursuit of health, happiness and nourishment. 
  
Now I do workout a lot (about 5 days a week), I eat multiple servings of greens each day, and I'm booking workshops with ease.

How? By following 5 simple steps to getting and staying motivated. If you want to lose weight, eat better, improve your energy and feel great, you need to get motivated to make positive change. Getting what we want is impossible when we don't have the motivation to take action.

Keep reading to get my 5 Tips for Getting & Staying Motivated + a recipe for Vegan Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry! 

5 Steps to Get & Stay Motivated

No matter what you want to accomplish, you must be motivated to take the necessary actions. These 5 steps apply to any situation! 

If you know you need support for reaching your health goals, I'm offering my blog readers a complimentary strategy session with me (first timers only).  Click here to schedule! 

1. Set a Clear Intention
So you want to lose a few pounds before summer? Why? How will your life be better this summer once you're rockin' that perfect body? 

Once you figure out the critical "Why?" for wanting something, you can set a clear intention.  Now you are more likely to be motivated to do what it takes to acheive your goal.

2. Make it fun!!!
You need to take action to acheive your goal, so make the actions fun. Again, if you want to lose weight, make exercise fun. I LOVE to dance and sweat, so I take dance/fitness classes at The Sweat Party NYC. When I need to work out at home, I do quick interval training Youtube videos to my favorite motivation music (Beyonce & Rihanna!). 

What can you do to make your actions more fun?

3. Do it with a friend
Workout with a friend, you know that, right? It makes it more fun. But any goal can be attained quicker with the support of a buddy.

Say you want to start eating healthier. Do it with a friend! They can help you stay on track, and you can share your experiences with each other.

4. Find unwavering support
Having a friend, family member or mentor is crucial to success. I recommend finding a mentor or coach who has experience achieving the goal you are pursuing. You will be accountable to a coach or mentor, which will surely boost your motivation.
You want to find someone who cares about your success, and who won't let you fail.

5. Celebrate Every Success!
Champagne, a massage, dinner with friends- whatever it takes! Don't let any accomplishment go unnoticed. By celebrating and honoring your success you'll be more inspired to keep moving forward!

Need to talk to someone about your health goals?  

Schedule a complimentary strategy session 
with me 

and now a recipe...

Vegan Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 small Spaghetti Squash, about 6 cups "spaghetti"
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced 
4 carrots, peeled into ribbons
1 cup mushrooms (I used baby bella)
1 tsp red chili flakes
1 tbsp tamarind paste 
1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp pickled ginger 

2 tbsp sesame seeds (black or white)
lime

Preheat oven to 400°. Using a sharp and reliable knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half. This might take a little effort. Just make sure the squash does not slip while you're cutting it open. Once halved, scoop out the seeds, drizzle some olive oil onto the cut side and place on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 45 minutes. Use a fork to scrap out the "spaghetti" strands from the inside of the squash. 

In a wok or large pan, warm coconut oil on medium heat, then add garlic. Cook for a few seconds, careful not to burn, then toss in the broccoli, peppers, carrots and mushrooms. Once the veggies have cooked through, about 5 minutes, add the spaghetti squash, and stir. Add the tamarind paste, soy sauce, chili flakes and ginger. Stir well, and season with more soy sauce to taste. 

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. A squeeze of lime adds even more deliciousness!