Looking for a Dietitian? Look no further!

When was the last time you saw your nutritionist? Did you know seeing a registered dietitian nutritionist (like myself!) is just as crucial as seeing a doctor or dentist? What we eat on a daily basis determines a LARGE majority of our health! Food not only impacts your weight, but also your moods, energy, sleep, stress, immune system, skin, hormones, and SO much more! Our bodies are fascinating, and it’s our job to treat them with love and respect, and that starts with living a healthy life!

I am now taking private clients as part of my nutrition consulting business, and I would love to begin working with you! Seeing an RD on a one-on-one basis is crucial when trying to improve habits, gain health, and change your life. As a dietitian, I am the nutrition professional. I listen to each and every one of your concerns, goals, and hopes, and based your needs needs, tailor a plan that will work for you.

Nutrition and the world of health and fitness is so specific. What works for one person may not work for another. That is where working with a dietitian becomes crucial! Let’s work together to tailor a plan and system that will work best for YOUR health and YOUR goals!

• Stop trying to conform to the next fad diet or low calorie plan that promises results.

• Start putting your health first and start nourishing yourself from the inside out!

Let me be your guide and support you as you make lasting changes that will get you where you want to go regarding your health, energy levels, and your relationship with food. Living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be suffocating or depriving. Once we begin working together, I will ensure that your new lifestyle will be nourishing to your body and your soul, and will lead you down the path of living a nourished and free life.

If you’d like to learn more about the packages I offer, please click here to read on about my services as an RD! I can’t wait to hear from you!

5 foods I eat daily

As an RD, I often get asked what I eat on a regular basis or what I recommend to my clients. I am a big proponent of everyday foods vs. sometimes foods. Everyday foods are foods that are recommended to eat daily, such as fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, plant or animal proteins, and healthy carbohydrates. Sometimes foods are just that; foods that should only be consumed sometimes. These would include desserts, treats, salty snacks, and bakery goods. 

It can be hard to distinguish between these foods sometimes, but I help clients in my accountability groups, as well as my private nutrition consulting clients figure out which foods they should eat daily and which foods they should limit, based on their personal goals! *click here for more info on how to begin working with me!

I thought it would be fun to post about foods that I personally eat daily, and why I eat them. These foods always find their way into my meal plan, and I hope it can shed some light and help you find ways to include healthier and nutrient-dense foods into your daily diet too!

5 foods I eat daily

1. Dark leafy greens (Spinach, kale arugula). These green vegetables find their way onto my plate in the form of a salad, or blended up in a smoothie, or sauteed with some coconut oil and garlic (because garlic is life). Dark leafy greens are filled with vitamins A, C, and K, and are rich in antioxidans and anti-cancer properties. They are low in calorie but high in nutrition, which means they give you the most nutrient bang for your buck!

2. Nut butters (almond butter, peanut butter). First of all, nut butter is DELICIOUS, and if it was its own food group, I'd be all over that. But, nut butters are also filled with healthy satisfying fats that not only taste good, but fill us up and keep us satisfied between meals. Healthy fats regulate our blood sugars, which means our sugar levels won't hit peaks and valleys throughout the day, which leaves us lethargic, sluggish, and reaching for a candy bar at 3pm. When incorporating healthy fats into your day, such as nut butters, your blood sugars will remain stable and your sugar cravings will be tamed. Which leads me to..

3. Bananas! I love eating a banana with nut butter every single day. I will typically have one during breakfast time, or blended up in my superfood smoothie. Bananas have potassium which is a great mineral to replenish with after a tough workout. I also love bananas as a pre-workout for a quick sugar dose to power me through. Plus, they taste GREAT with almond butter or peanut butter. SO banana-on! :) 

4. Carrots. I have probably had carrots every day since high school. I love peeling fresh carrots, but baby carrots are great for dipping too! Carrots and hummus, or carrots with guacamole, are two of my favorite ways to eat carrots. Plus they are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which is great for eye sight and promotes healthy skin. Their fiber content also makes them surprisingly filling for a low-calorie veggie! 

5. Shakeology! I have gushed about my love of Shakeology for about a year now since I started drinking it daily. I even stopped drinking it as consistently this past week since life got away from me, and I noticed a huge difference in my overall health and energy levels, SO it's back! PLUS my digestion is so much better when I am drinking Shakeo daily! I am committed to drinking Shakeology every day because, as an RD and someone who has always been passionate about health, I want to take care of this body God has given me. Shakeology is a great source of vitamins and minerals, but is also jam-packed with super foods, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, and probiotics! If you are interested in trying some out, please reach out to me  here and we can chat about it!

That's it for my daily eats! I hope this inspires you to add some of your own healthy foods into your "everyday" list so that your body can get filled up on all the good stuff! And remember, never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! tveen.verano@gmail.com

The Joyful Harvest is opening her doors! Nutrition consulting has begun!

Four years ago, I started my blog, "The Joyful Harvest." I wanted a place where I could share my thoughts, health tips, recipes, and whatever else crossed my mind. I named it The Joyful Harvest because I wanted everyone to find the JOY in this journey! There is so much joy in planting the seeds in your journey that will lead you to reap the harvest of a healthy and vibrant life. I loved the Joyful Harvest concept so much, that from there, I got the guts to get my business license under "The Joyful Harvest" name, so I could start seeing clients on a private basis and provide them with personalized health and nutrition plans, while helping them find the joy in this lifestyle that I had found.

Well, that biz license has just sort of sat there this past year. I’ve seen clients here and there, but for the past month I've felt God's gentle nudges and whispers and "you can do its" to take this practice to a whole new level. Well, I'm listening, so I am now accepting NEW spring time clients into my private practice for nutrition consulting! What does this mean? Well...

Becoming a Joyful Harvest client includes:

• one-on-one counseling with me, the dietitian!
• learn how to develop healthy habits 
• personalized meal plans that we will created specific to you and your lifestyle
• follow ups and tweaks to the plan so we make sure it is specialized to YOU and your needs

What I’ve learned over the past year is that everyone’s journey to health is different, and my desire is to personally help those I work with gain a better understanding of what will work for THEM on their own health journey. If you want to begin working with me one on one, please email me at tveen.verano@gmail.com to set up your initial consultation! Or fill out this form below and I will get back to you!

Goals, food, and a FREE community just for you!

Good afternoon all! I hope you all are having a great start to the week! I am planning on doing these little goals/updates posts every Monday to keep myself accountable and to keep y'all in the loop as well! I love using this blog as my online diary, and I'd like to thank you all for following along and supporting me! :) 

This week is my second week of half-marathon training in conjunction with strength training! I am combining 21 day fix/fix extreme workouts, running, and the new Beachbody program, 22 minute Hard Corps! Yup, just 22 minute military-style workouts that I am loving lately! Everyone has 22 minutes guys...EVERYONE. If you want more info on this, please contact me! Busy is no longer an excuse when it comes to this program! **tveen.verano@gmail.com**

Goals/Workouts: 

My goals this week are to stick to my plan (3x running, 3x strength training, 1 rest day), follow the 21 day fix meal plan, write my weekly newsletter (click subscribe up top so you don't miss out!), and write an article for the online magazine I have been writing for...LA Intel! Overall, lots of workouts, lots of eating, and lots of writing....my favorite things!
 

Meal plan: 

My meal plan for this week is as follows:

Breakfast: protein oat bars (recipe coming soon), shakeology (duh), eggs

Lunch: kebab, rice, salads, steamed veggies

Dinner: quinoa salads, kebabs, basically same as lunch!

Snacks: larabars, nuts, banana w/almond butter, veggies

I'm keeping things balanced and focused on getting all my containers in! It's so important to eat the correct portions of all these foods, and I love my fool-proof container system that helps me do so! :) this program has changed the way I view food SO much, and I love that I can always count on it to help be stay nourished and listen to my body all at the same time. And coaching my clients through this meal plan and seeing THEIR progress and success is just the icing on the cake! My coaching heart is full and happy!

Fit for Joy FREE online community!

Lastly, I am so excited to announce the new and improved *FREE* Fit For Joy community!!! I have had this on my heart for a while and it's time to take the plunge!

Many of you know I host my monthly challenge groups, or what I call my Joyfully Fit Bootcamps. But I've also wanted to create a space for people who just want a free community of accountability...no strings attached! A place to be with other like-minded individuals with similar health and fitness goals so that we all feel supported on this journey!

If you choose to join in on this free community, here's what to expect:

* you will be added to my private Facebook group, "Fit for Joy"

* monthly free challenges on habit change, healthy eating, working out, and thriving in all areas...mind, body, and soul!

* being in a community of people who have the same goal in mind: living a HEALTHY LIFE!

All I ask of you is to take OWNERSHIP of your health and participate in the gift of accountability this group offers, which means posting about your journey! Including foodie pics, sweaty selfies, and motivating others along the way!

This community is only available to those NOT currently working with a beach body coach (unless that coach is already me!)

Who's in?? Fill out this application and I will get back to you! :)

http://goo.gl/forms/t0WjaQddzD

SO excited to be launching our first FREE challenge within this community next week all about Healthy Habits! Make sure to fill out the application above so that we can get in touch and you can be added to the group! :) 

Ok, I am off for some biz work and some relaxation time! Have a  happy Monday all! 

My 1 year coaching anniversary!

Today is my one year anniversary...for coaching that is!! Our 1 year wedding anniversary is in April, but I signed up as a coach 2 months prior to that. And yes, during that crazy wedding season! Every day, I am so thankful to God for this opportunity. 

Looking back now, I can't remember a time that I wasn't a coach. And I'm well aware of how cliche that sounds, but seriously, coaching has becoming SUCH a big part of my life. I consider it my full time job, even though I also work 40 hours per week. Coaching has taken my heart and soul captive, and I feel like God has created me for this very purpose. 

Seeing women gain confidence, energy, and motivation is one of my biggest joys. Seeing my coaches be able to lead their own clients and make an income following their heart is an unbelievable thing to see. Our coaching team is so diverse, which makes us blend together perfectly! We rely on each other, cry to each other, and lift each other up. We encourage each other to be the women we were created to be and, as John Maxwell states numerous times in his books, reach our God-given potentials as human beings. 

I became a coach because I loved the Beachbody program I was doing, and I wanted to spread the love. Little did I know that becoming a coach opened the doors for me to join an AMAZING community of women and men striving for the same thing: to end the trend of obesity, to provide support, tools, and encouragement to live a healthy life, and to teach each other how to live a life by design, doing what we LOVE.  Oh man, that's a whole lot of extras thrown in there! Not only do we get to live the dream of being our own boss, we get to be our own boss doing what we LOVE to do. And there can't be anything better than that! 

If you have ever wondered about what I do as a Beach body coach, I'd love for you to fill out the form below. Our team is hosting a free, 5 day sneak peak into coaching group; no strings attached and no obligations! We will basically chat about what we do as coaches, a day in the life, and answer questions in the process! I'd love to hear from you and welcome you into this amazing community! 

Consistency is the Secret Sauce

Consistency is a theme that has been rolling around in my head for a while now. Consistency is key to success, and I've been seeing this in my life a LOT these past few months! Most people start a new venture with gumption and dedication...but find themselves low on motivation a few weeks later. This could relate to a fitness program, weight loss, writing a book, doing a home project, etc. Any change of habits or push towards a goal requires consistent, daily actions in order to reach those goals. 

The quote above is one of my favorite quotes. It just goes to show that the secret to any lasting change is a consistent, daily decision to keep doing what you need to do in order to reach those goals and hit big milestones. We have to change our daily routine. The secret sauce to success is focusing on what we do on a consistent basis. 

What are some goals you've had for a while? Are they losing weight? Getting stronger? Developing more patience? Saving some money? Whatever your goals may be, finding a daily action that will add to that goal will help you reach that goal so much faster. 

I've realized that change happens when we can consistently duplicate something day in and day out. And most of us know how to reach our goals and what actions we need to take. BUT, often times, we fail to take those actions. It seems too hard in the moment and we just give up trying. We know a salad will help us reach our goals faster than a burger, but the burger becomes our choice. We know we don't need an extra dress, but we think what the heck, it's only $30, and we put it in our cart. I've done this SO many times and have tricked myself into thinking these small decisions don't matter.

What I've learned in the past year, and especially since becoming an entrepreneur and beach body coach, is that my daily actions MATTER. We are what we do every day, not what we do once a month or once a week. If we run once a month and call it a workout, that won't get us anywhere. If we work on our dreams and our business goals once a week, but ignore it the other 6 days, that won't get us anywhere either. 

I've noticed consistency in my life lately and it's been really rewarding. In regards to fitness, I'm on week 6 of Hammer and Chisel and have seen such a difference in my body, strength, and overall mindset. I've never had such incredible results from a program before! I feel strong, toned, lean, and fit. I've also been practicing intuitively eating while using the Hamer and Chisel meal plan containers, and I've never felt so much freedom when it comes to my food choices!

Week 1 and end of Week 6!

But I've been doing these things daily, not just once in a while. I workout DAILY. I nourish my body DAILY. I drink my shakeology DAILY. It isn't a once in a while thing, it's a daily commitment to reach my goals. 

What are some goals you've had for a while but continue to fall short of? We are human, and it happens. TRUST ME, I've experienced more failures than successes in my lifetime, but it is what we do AFTER those failures that matter. This past November, I did not take care of my body well and binged horribly on Thanksgiving week/weekend. The following week, I was determined to use that failure as motivation to get back on track, and thank God I've been on track ever since! That doesn't mean treats haven't been involved, because they have! But I haven't fallen back into that deep dark binging pit, and I really think THAT is why I've been able to see such incredible results in my body and in my mind! All glory to God, because I know I would not be able to conquer my binge eating issues without HIS strength. 

Consistency is not something that just happens overnight. I work with clients on a daily basis, and consistency is the main thing that we all struggle with. That is why it is SO important to have accountability when trying to reach any goals, especially health and fitness ones! Which is why I love running my monthly Bootcamp groups and empowering the women in these groups to stop assuming that they will keep failing. Failing is a part of life of course, but success IS possible through consistent, daily actions. 

So this is me, giving you the go-ahead to reach your goals once and for all. Believe in yourself and that you CAN do it. Don't doubt yourself or how capable you are, because you deserve success and you deserve health! If you need some extra accountability and motivation to help you find a consistent groove in your life, feel free to contact me here! I love coaching and guiding women to reach their goals. You CAN go from where you are to where you WANT to be, it is possible, and I SO believe in you! :) 

Hammer & Chisel Updates and a Healthy Recipe Group!

Oh hello there! I hope you all are having a terrific week so far. I thought I'd write a little post about what I've been up to lately and how life has been. I'm currently in week 6 of Hammer & Chisel and loving every minute of it! I'm challenging myself with my weights (I'm using mostly 12's, 15's, and 20's!!!) and I've stuck to the program consistently. This program is seriously my soulmate workout (other than running, which will always be my love!) but I am loving seeing the results and progress that I've made! But truth me told, I can't wait to get my tan on in the summmaaaaaa #whiteassnow #amiright

My favorite workouts lately have been Total Body Hammer and Chisel Cardio. Both of them leave me shaking and energetic all at the same time! I feel on top of the world when I do them! It's crazy that I used to hateeee weight lifting, and now I look forward to it! My body is changing and toning up, and I feel so strong! What's awesome is that all of us coaches are doing it together, and we all feel the same and love having the accountability and support with each other!! If your goals are to tone up and challenge yourself, this program is for you! Contact me for more info and I can share with you how to get started and plug you into one of my accountability groups!

Meals have been good, but not as "healthy" as I'd like. As I mentioned last week, I've had so much food freedom lately, and I'm loving it! But I am also treating my body well and practicing an 80/20 or 90/10 rule when it comes to treats! Last week I enjoyed some Chinese food, pizza, and cookies. This week, I'm craving more plants and veggies! It all balances out because when your body is used to mostly vegetables and superfoods; you will eventually crave those too! Overall, I'm feeling good, lean, and strong! Here's a glimpse into my meals last week!

Chickpea and veggie green curry!  

I'm obsessed with Larabars!  

Shakeology has been happening EVERY DAY, and I'm always so sads when it's done! So delicious!  

Free accountability group: February 15-19

I've been thinking lately about how healthy eating can become mundane and repetitive for some of us. Chicken, broccoli, and brown rice can get boooooring, as yummy as it is! SO next week, I am planning on hosting a FREE 5-day group all about making healthy recipes fun and exciting so we don't get bored and we stick to our meal plans! The group will be run via facebook and will include meal ideas, recipes, and accountability! Fill out the form below if you would like more information! Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

Craziest Month EVER: Month 1 Insanity Review

I can't believe it has been one month since I started the Insanity program! This is the program that I always told myself I couldn't do, and that I wasn't strong enough for, so the fact that I have followed it to a T for the past month is a HUGE accomplishment for me! It's been hard, sweaty, painful, and challenging, but I can honestly say that this program has been the most rewarding one I have done; not only for my body, but for my mental strength and endurance as well. 

First and foremost, here are my one month results!

I can't believe the results I am seeing. For the first time ever, I feel like my body is literally shedding all of that excess fluff and bloat. I'm seeing definition in my abs, and that is just SO exciting to me! This program is pushing me to my limits. After each and every workout, I feel a sense of accomplishment I have never felt before. 

Of course, it isn't just the workout that I should contribute my results to. As a dietitian, I know more than anyone that weight loss, getting in shape, toning up, and reaching your goals is 80% food and 20% exercise. I've overeaten my way through programs with zero results to show for it. SO, my nutrition during insanity has been imperative. I've been following the 21 day fix portion control system, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it is the BEST meal plan out there to help you reach your goals. 

I made sure to eat all my containers, drink water, and of course, have my Shakeology daily!

And I still had room to enjoy my favorites on this meal plan! Like Waffle Wednesday with the hubby! :) 

The most important thing to remember is to eat for your goals. My goals are to lean out a bit and tone up in the process, while not starving. This meal plan was PERFECT for that! It is so important to have a "plan."

If we call it a diet in our minds, it is only temporary. The plan needs to be one that we can follow for a lifetime, and I can see myself following this one for a lifetime! I felt energized, full, and excited for each meal! 

Overall, I am beyond thrilled with my results and how I am feeling! I can't wait to see what this next month will hold! Right now, I am in my "recovery" week between month 1 and month 2 for insanity. I am looking forward to the rest of this program, and will keep you all updated!!

This, and any program really, will work for you if you follow through and stick to it. Do you need some extra accountability? I can be your coach and coach you through the program that is best suited for YOU and YOUR goals! My September Joyfully Fit Bootcamp starts in a few weeks, and I would love to have you join! The accountability in this group is what has helped me get this far in my journey. The deadline to sign up in September 10th, so make sure to fill out the form below if you are interested!!! I can't wait to begin working with you!

Superfood Spotlight: Gogi Berries!

About a month ago, I started writing a series spotlighting various superfoods that are in Shakeology. I get questions daily about the benefits of this superfood drink that I drink! Ever since I started drinking Shakeology back in February, I have experienced such amazing health! I haven't gotten sick (I've had chronic sinus infections my whole life...chronic as in almost every other month), I have experienced more energy, better digestion, and I just feel BETTER overall. If you'd like to read a more in-depth recount of my experience with Shakeology, check out this blog post from a while back!

http://www.tveenverano.com/the-joyful-harvest/2015/03/13/a-dietitians-take-on-shakeology?rq=dietitian

I decided to do a mini-series on the different superfoods that are in Shakeology, why they are good for you, and why Shakeology is really the best and cheapest way to get all the benefits of these superfoods! I wrote about Maca root and Camu-camu berries in July, and up next we have...Gogi Berries!

Gogi berries, like many berries, are chock full of nutrients, antioxidants, and provide numerous health benefits. Gogi berries are high in vitamin C and fiber, and low in calories, so they provide a great nutrient bang for your buck! They are high in nutrient density, which means that gogi berries provide you with the SO nutrition for a small amount of caloric impact. Surprisingly, a serving of gogi berries can also provide you with 10% of your protein needs for the day! Coming from berries, that's pretty impressive!

What's more exciting to me is that gogi berries have been studied and found to have the highest concentration of the antioxidant zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help against cell breakdown when they are exposed to the harmful things in our environment, such as smoke or radiation. 

It is also believed that Gogi berries can lower your risk of high blood pressure and help lower blood sugars. As always, if you do have diabetes or are on medications for diabetes and hypertension, I would check with your doctor first before you start consuming these, whether they are in the berry form or the shake form in Shakeology!

The power of superfoods is irrefutable. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and all of the other nutrient compounds found in these natural foods provide us with the nutrition we need to live healthier and happier lives. 

This is why I LOVE Shakeology and can't praise it enough. The creators and researchers behind Shakeology have done a beautiful thing. Gogi berries, and many other superfoods, are PRICEY on their own, but with just $4/day, you get a nutritional powerhouse of SO many different superfoods, all in a delicious shake! 

If you'd like to try Shakeology, please contact me through the "contact me" tab above! I would love to chat with you about it! 

Stay tuned for our next Superfood Spotlight in a few weeks!

A Fresh September

I can't believe September is already here. Only a few months left in this year, which I can easily say has been the craziest year of my life! I got married, became a Beach Body coach (literally two life-changing events), moved to a whole new city, started a new job, and am living with a man for the first time in my life. WHAT? Life has been turned upside down, and I think it's good to sit back and reflect on it a bit. 

September has always been back to school mode for me. Both my parents are teachers, and back to school time was so exciting in our house! New office supplies, new teachers, new clothes, new books; a fresh start. For me, September still feels like the"beginning" of something, even though it isn't technically a new year. With that mindset, I've decided to treat this time like a fresh start. Because why not? This year has been so incredible for me, and I in no means am trying to run away from the past. But I love the idea of a new beginning and setting some awesome goals for this time of year! And with that said...

September Goals!

1. Continue on with the Insanity program, while adding some 21 day fix workouts during the week! My husband and I will be doing some 21 day fix workouts when he gets home from work in the evenings, so I'm really looking forward to doing both these programs and seeing some awesome results!

2. Continue with 21 day fix container system. I stopped counting calories (yet again) in August, but felt that I was relying on too many random food groups to get through the day (toast 3x/day, nuts 3x/day...you get the idea). Doing a program like Insanity (and especially now adding the fix) requires a LOT more fuel, and not just random, empty calories. So I am using the container system to track my food groups and loving it! However, even though I am supposed to be eating the lowest calorie bracket, I've decided to alternate between the first and second bracket since I am doing 2 workout programs. I am building muscle and getting hungrier, so sometimes I'll need the extra fuel! But above all, I will LISTEN to by body by not forcing myself to eat containers, and at the same time, not depriving myself if I need a bit more! :) 

3. Play around with our fancy camera! On our honeymoon, Vasken and I got a nice SLR camera to take pictures, and it's been in our drawer every since coming home from Hawaii...in May. I think it's time I upload the honeymoon pics and start carrying that thing around and enjoying it!

4. Bake more. I LOVE BAKING. There were even times in my life that a goal of mine was to bake LESS because I would bake every day. But this summer has been unfortunately bake-less since it's been SO hot and turning on the oven turns our cozy apartment into a sauna. Well, this month, I want to bake more! I always make my treats healthified (search for recipes on my Joyful Harvest Blog tab!!) and I can't wait to get back into this hobby I have missed. Get ready for pumpkin everything!

5. Plug into a Bible study! Our church offers so many, so I am excited to get back into weekly Bible studies and fellowship with other believers. 

6. Read at least 10 pages/day of a growth book. This new habit in my life has been huge. It's been so motivating to read books that have expanded my mind and built up my confidence. So I definitely want to keep this up! 

7. And lastly...grow out my bangs. Yup, I went there. Can't wait till they are grown and gone! 

What are some of your goals for September? Share in the comments below!