Get Moving This December with the Chilly Challenge 2024!

As winter arrives and days get colder, staying active can be a serious challenge. But what if you had a fun way to keep moving and stay accountable all month? Enter the Chilly Challenge 2024 - a month-long movement challenge designed to keep you motivated and connected in December!

What is it?
This year, the Chilly Challenge is all about logging movement minutes - whether you're walking, running, dancing, lifting, or anything in between! No need to break personal records or compete with others. This year, we’re all one big team, working together toward a shared goal of staying active, energized, and connected. Every minute you log contributes to our team’s overall total, so let’s make December a month of movement!

How Does It Work?

1. Sign Up – Register for the challenge (here) and join our community of motivated movers!
2. Log Your Minutes – Starting December 1, keep track of your movement minutes, and add them to our team’s spreadsheet each day using our Movement Log.
3. Join the Group – Connect with fellow challengers in our Facebook group, where we’ll share tips, cheer each other on, and keep motivation high!
4. Stay Inspired – Share your progress on social media with #ChillyChallenge2024 and encourage friends to join in on the fun.

Why Join the Challenge?
Not only will you stay on track through the holidays, but you’ll also get to move with a community that’s rooting for you every step (or squat!) of the way. By the end of the month, you’ll feel fitter, more energized, and ready to take on 2025 feeling your best. Let’s make December a movement celebration - one minute at a time!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with These Low-Sugar Fall Treats

As the weather cools down and fall flavors start calling, many of us find ourselves craving comforting, seasonal treats. But if you’re trying to keep your sugar intake in check, finding options that feel indulgent without the sugar overload can be a challenge. That’s why I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite low-sugar fall treats that are both delicious and family-approved. These recipes bring all the cozy flavors of autumn without the added sugar spike, making them perfect for anyone focused on balanced eating - especially during a season known for sugary temptations.

Here are a few treats that taste indulgent but keep the sugar to a minimum. These recipes are simple, wholesome, and packed with ingredients that nourish, so you can feel good sharing them with your family (or saving a few for yourself!).

Pumpkin Oat Cookies

If you’re a pumpkin lover, these cookies are a must-try! Made with pumpkin puree and oats, they’re full of fiber and nutrients while still tasting like a treat. You can sweeten them with a bit of honey or maple syrup for that hint of sweetness without overdoing it. They’re perfect for lunchbox treats or a quick afternoon snack, especially when you want something that feels like a classic fall dessert.

Apple Nachos

This one is so easy, yet so satisfying! Slice up some crisp apples and drizzle them with nut butter (almond and peanut butter work well here). Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top, add some crushed nuts for a bit of crunch, and you have yourself a delicious, nutritious snack that feels like a treat. It’s a fun way to make fruit feel special and flavorful, and it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Sweet Potato Brownies

Yes, you read that right - brownies made with sweet potatoes! Mashed sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamy texture to these brownies, making them rich and fudgy without a lot of sugar. They’re the perfect answer to a chocolate craving, with the added benefit of extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the sweet potatoes. This is one recipe you’ll want to keep around when you need a healthier chocolate fix.

These recipes are great for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of fall without the sugar crash, and they’re proof that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health. 

So, if want more low sugar treat ideas, click here for these and more tasty recipes that your family will love delivered to your inbox!

Fall Veggies That Boost Your Mood, Muscles & Metabolism

Fall Veggies to Boost Your Mood, Hormones, and Fat Loss!

Fall brings some incredible seasonal veggies that aren’t just tasty - they also pack a powerful punch for your mood, metabolism, and muscle health. Adding these to your diet can help keep you balanced and energized as the days get shorter. 

Pumpkin muffins

Here are three must-have veggies to enjoy this season:

🎃 Pumpkins: For a Boost in Mood and Energy

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving! Packed with Vitamin A, they help support both your immune system and your mood - just in time for the cooler months. Pumpkins are also high in fiber and low in calories, which promotes fullness without spiking blood sugar. The Vitamin A in pumpkins supports thyroid health, which is essential for maintaining energy and a healthy metabolism, both key to feeling your best. Try roasted pumpkin cubes as a cozy side or add pureed pumpkin to smoothies for a creamy, nutrient-packed treat.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes: Nutrient-Dense and Great for Fat Loss

Sweet potatoes are another fall staple that’s rich in fiber and Vitamin C, helping to manage cravings and steady blood sugar while boosting your immunity. With natural carbs and antioxidants, they provide sustained energy and can even assist in fat metabolism, as Vitamin C helps produce carnitine, a compound that aids in fat burning. Enjoy them baked, mashed, or in a warming fall soup for a satisfying, energy-supporting dish.

🥗 Leafy Greens: Relax and Recharge

Fall greens like spinach and kale are ideal for relaxation and muscle health. Rich in magnesium and calcium, they support muscle relaxation, improve sleep quality, and help manage cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which is vital for keeping mood and energy stable. These greens also support muscle function and bone health, crucial for staying active and strong. Add them to soups, stews, or sauté with garlic for a quick, nutrient-rich side.

Take advantage of fall’s bounty to fuel your body and lift your spirits 🍂

Want More Ideas?

From roasting to blending, fall veggies are versatile and nutrient-dense. If you're looking for simple, delicious recipes to include these seasonal superfoods in your meals, check out my Free Fall Dinners Guide, sign up for my weekly newsletter and follow me on Instagram!

Spiced Apple Protein Baked Oats

Fall mornings call for something warm and nutritious! My Spiced Apple Protein Baked Oats are perfect for fueling your day while keeping you cozy. Quick, easy, and packed with protein!

Here’s the recipe:

1️⃣ Mix 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 diced apple, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp baking soda, pinch of salt and 1/3 cup almond milk in a baking dish.
2️⃣ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden and set.
3️⃣ Top with maple syrup, nuts, or seeds if you like!

✨ For an extra protein boost, stir in one egg before baking!

Ready for more healthy fall recipes? Sign up for my weekly newsletter and never miss a new recipe! Click here to get it sent to your inbox.

Anniversary Road Trip to Bar Harbor

Every year, my husband and I celebrate our anniversary with a new adventure, and this year we decided to road trip up to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We’ve lived in Maine for two years but hadn’t ventured to the northern part of the state. So, we packed up and hit the road to Down East, taking the scenic Route 1, also known as the Atlantic Highway, which stretches all the way down to Key West -> next adventure??? Haha.

We love turning the journey into part of the adventure and driving on a Thursday made travel easy with fewer people on the road. Our first stop was Old Orchard Beach to see the Pier, but it was closed for the season. Lucky for us, we found a great breakfast spot at Lazy Day’s Restaurant. 

Next, we stopped in Brunswick to stretch our legs on the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge. 

In Woolwich, we enjoyed an afternoon drink at the bar at Taste of Maine and got a fun picture with Larry the Lobster - a 12-foot inflatable lobster that sits atop the restaurant.

In Rockland, we walked the nearly one-mile Breakwater to the lighthouse, enjoying the ocean views along the way.

Friday: Acadia National Park Adventures

We woke up early on Friday and caught a beautiful sunrise right from our hotel balcony—a peaceful way to start the day before heading out to Acadia National Park. 

We spent the day hiking, starting with the Ocean Trail, and even though it was a foggy day, we still had amazing views of Sands Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Point. 

Although the summit of Cadillac Mountain was so foggy we couldn’t really see the water, the hike was still refreshing and worth it. We even enjoyed a donut snack on the top.

We returned Saturday morning to see the foliage around Jordan Pond. It was in full fall bloom, adding to the beauty of the morning.

Exploring Bar Harbor: Seafood, Shopping & More

Friday after hiking, we had an incredible lunch at Galyn’s downtown (their crab cakes and seafood linguini are a must-try). 

We devoured the charcuterie board at Paddy's Irish Pub to get our dinner started. 

I had my very first lobster roll, paired with some delicious clam chowder to share at West Street Café - a fun and cozy spot with a great atmosphere.

Saturday morning, before heading home, we enjoyed breakfast at the iconic Great Maine Breakfast, where the gluten-free blueberry pancakes were out of this world! 

Afterward, we explored the town a bit more, shopping at A Little Mad, a quirky shop with unique gifts, and walking along the Shore Path. 

We also made it out to Bar Island, walking the Sandbar—a land bridge that only appears during low tide.

The Journey Home: Wrapping Up the Adventure

On the way back Saturday, we made a few more stops. We walked the Harbor Walk and Footbridge in Belfast, taking in the beautiful coastal views, and then stopped in Camden for some final shopping and a delicious lunch at Sea Dog Brewing Company.

The Dogs:

In case you were wondering, we leave the dogs at home with a dog walker. She checks in on them 4 times a day and they absolutely love her. We know because she send us pics from her visits. 

Another Adventure for the Books

We love traveling to new places and trying new things, and this trip to Bar Harbor ranks up there with some of our favorite adventures, like Maui and Mt. Washington. The blend of coastal beauty, outdoor activities, and amazing food made it a perfect anniversary celebration.

If you’re ever in Maine or planning a trip to Bar Harbor, definitely consider taking Route 1 for some great scenic stops along the way. 

What’s your favorite place to explore for a special occasion? Let me know in the comments!