First Step To Making Everyday A Good Day

My love of Kashi.
I was first introduced to the brand of Kashi long before I ate my first bowl of Kashi Cereal. I remember seeing commercials on TV for the "7 Whole-Grains on a Mission" brand, but I never really gave it much thought. Before Kashi cereal, I was all about Special K- Red Berries. I would eat that every morning with fresh strawberries. But, Special K wasn't quite doing it for me. Yeah, I loved the taste, but it wasn't leaving me satisfied or full for very long. It wasn't until I took a nutrition college course last fall that I understood why. Special K lacked protein and fiber which is the key to satiety (feeling satisfied after eating) and staying full. I could go on to explain why this is, but for the sake of this post, I'll keep it simple. So on my search to finding a more nutritious and filling breakfast I came across Kashi. Kashi's Go Lean Crunch provides 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber compared with Special K's 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber. Kashi also provides less sodium and more potassium (for any of you who understands the sodium-potassium pump you know that this is a good thing!) Sodium is an extremely important electrolyte in the body and is essential for maintaining fluid balance. However, a diet high in sodium can negatively effect the body in many ways. Examples: water-retention (bloating) & high blood pressure. Potassium is the electrolyte that balances out sodium. In short, a diet low in sodium and higher in potassium does a body good! So back to Kashi. After eating Kashi cereal for breakfast, I was feeling fuller longer and was left feeling satisfied with my breakfast. While there are many varieties of Kashi cereals, my favorites include:

Cold Cereal:

• Kashi Go Lean Crunch (Great if you love a good crunch)
• Kashi Go Lean Crisp (Fruity- Blueberries and cranberries inside)
• Kashi Go Lean (The most nutritious of them all!- 13g Protein, 10g Fiber, 6g Sugar, 480mg Potassium, 85mg sodium- compare that to the cereal you're eating now!)

Warm:

• Kashi Heart to Heart Oatmeal- Creamy Truly Vanilla
• Kashi Heart to Heart Oatmeal- Maple Brown Sugar
• Kashi GOLEAN Instant Hot Cereal, Hearty Honey & Cinnamon, 11.28-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)

TIPS: When eating any of the varieties of Kashi, you must add fresh blueberries! It will bring your Kashi experience to the next level (nutrition and taste). I  also have my Kashi cereal with Vanilla Silk Soymilk. It really is the perfect pair for Kashi and also has all the added benefit of soy over cow's milk. Also, whenever Kashi is on sale at target or the grocery store I get like 10 boxes! Not even kidding. Don't be afraid to stock up! You can also buy Kashi online in bulk from amazon.com (as shown in links).

Now, I love Kashi products so much that I will usually have Kashi cereal for Breakfast, and Kashi oatmeal for lunch. Now I wouldn't recommend this when first starting out with Kashi. Because of the extra fiber your body will need just a little break in period to adjust (if you know what I'm saying).  But give it time and you'll be golden! Also, just eat a serving size (around a cup) any more than that and the fiber...well...just trust me.

Here are some of my other favorite Kashi products:

• Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bar, Dark Mocha Almond, 6-Count Bars (Pack of 6)
• Kashi TLC Cookies, Oatmeal Dark Chocolate, 8.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 3)
• Kashi TLC Cereal Bar, Blackberry Graham, 6-Count Bars (Pack of 6)
• Kashi TLC Fruit & Grain Bar, Dark Chocolate Coconut, 6-Count Bars (Pack of 6)
• Kashi Taty Little Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Flax, 8.5-Ounce Packages (Pack of 6)

If you haven't gotten my point yet, the first step to a good day is, well EAT BREAKFAST! And make it a Kashi breakfast! You've been taught your whole life that breakfast is the most important meal! They aren't lying! When you wake up in the morning your body is in fasting mode from sleeping. Your metabolism has slowed down significant to conserve energy in order to make it through the night. Skipping breakfast keeps your body in this fasting mode, trying to conserve energy and will keep it there until you eat something. Eating Breakfast sets up your body for the rest of the day! You should eat within 30 minutes upon waking to kick start your metabolism and to fuel your body for the day. And eat nutritiously throughout the whole day. My recommendations for doing so: EAT WHOLE ALL NATURAL FOODS! Eat your Fruits & Veggies! Get rid of the highly processed food.  Its not just the calories that you need to watch, it's how those calories are made up that really counts. Make sure that what makes up each calorie is natural and not some chemically engineered product!

So for the love of Kashi, try a bowl, and as it says on the box; "See how far it takes you"!

To Save A Life

When people ask me if I have seen certain movies, the most common answer is no. There are tons of movies that I haven't seen. And It's not because I don't like movies or that they are a waste of time (which a lot are these days), its more that I just don't take the time to watch them. But when I do spend the time to watch a movie I want it to be worth my time in some way; To make me think, to challenge me, to make me laugh, to make me cry, or to change me. I guess that's kinda the point of movies, but there are alot out there that just don't do it for me.

I recently saw that a friend on facebook said that the movie "To Save a Life" was a summer must see. So I thought I'd treat myself, spend the dollar, and redbox it. And I'm sure glad I did! This movie hits home in alot of ways because of the questions it asks. I'm not going to go explain what happens in the movie, but rather some themes and ideas that made me think.

First, the movie talks about purpose. I know where I am at in life, trying to figure out what I want to do with life is the biggest question. I've been going back and forth between majors and career paths for some time and still don't really have an answer. I mean we can pursue money, or the nicest things, or the best job, but like Jake says in the movie what's the point of all that? Money really can't buy you happiness. At the end of the day, when you really think about it, what really is the purpose to it all? "At some point in your life, you have to ask yourself: What do I want my life to be about? Is there something more?" This is where the movie brings in Christianity as the answer.  People are always blaming God for the bad things in this world. They ask "why doesn't He do something, why doesn't He stop it?". We don't know thing things that God has stopped from happening, But do you ever wonder if He ever asks the same thing about us?  We have the power of our actions, words, and thoughts. We have the power to save a life.

"Life is a Journey, not so much to a destination, but a transformation...Transformation is tough and we don't always end up where we think we will. But you have to remember that even when we struggle to believe in Him, he always believes in us".

What's the point of anything, unless its going to change you in someway. So often in life we just go through the motions and just settle into the familiarity of repetition. But life is all about growing and changing; transforming. It's not an easy thing to do since all change is accompanied by some sort of growing pain. But by stepping out of that comfort zone, and being challenged enough, the change will come. And you are never alone in your journey. To be transformed into God's image and into the person He wants you to be is what life is all about. With God at the center of your life, He will fill you with purpose and passion if you let Him.   

This movie has a great message and I hope that you will spend the time to watch it! These were just some of the ideas in the movie that stuck with me. There are plenty of other important issues the movie covers but I'll just let you discover those for yourself. It'll definitely be worth watching and it may help you in your journey of transformation.

Starting a Blog

Where to begin.

First, I wanted to start a blog because I have a lot of ideas and thoughts that may be beneficial to others. I have a huge passion for living the healthiest life possible. I love reading health magazines and books to learn the newest research and findings on these topics. I would be selfish if I didn't share some of my interesting findings with the rest of you!

Second, I love to recommending new products and brands to others. In my job as a product rep. I am exposed to new products and brands all the time. I also just like trying new things out. I sort of have a "As Seen On TV" addiction. I love trying the products you see on infomercials. I've had the love of watching infomercials since I was a kid. I can remember watching hour long infomercials for hair straighteners, make-ups, and workout programs for hours on end. As a kid, of course, I fell for everything that was advertised. I can remember convincing my mom to buy me The Contour Cloud head and leg pillow, revo-styler, pasta pot that drained water, some plastic container organizer, and I even some how managed to get us a Jack Lalanne Power Juicer. I did indeed enjoy the anticipation of waiting for each and every product to come in the mail. Oh and that first use of the product was just always a thrill. That excitement hasn't left me till this day. (You don't know how excited I was to find out there was an "As Seen On TV" Store in the Mall of America. haha.) But now, when it comes to spending my own money on these products, I love that they always come with that money back guarantee. I have come to find, however, that a lot of "TV Products" are actually really quality products that I would recommend to others. In further blogs, I'll share from my own experiences, the products I like and the ones to not waste your time/$ with.

Wow, I can already tell that I'm going to enjoy this blog. haha. However, this blog isn't just to talk about health, nutrition, or products on the market; It's a chance for me to just talk about life.  I have learned that I process ideas through writing. Writing is my way to organize and  fully explore my thoughts and ideas. I may not be the most gifted writer, with all these big words that I can't understand, (although I did earn an A in college writing- lol) I do get my point across in a simple and understandable way. I am always saying that you learn something new everyday. Whether its a life changing philosophy or just a simple life lesson, I want to share what I learn about this life with you. Agree with what I say or not, it doesn't really matter to me. As along as I can spark an idea or change in someones life or just get someone to think a little deeper; that is all that really matters to me. So if you have ever wondered what goes on inside my head, well this blog just might be a little peak into the life of Katie Koenig.

PS- If you have anything that you would like me blog about if you have any questions for me, feel free to leave a comment!