When it comes to pushing myself back into a better – more active, much healthier – lifestyle (after being in and out of hospitals for over a year) I’m failing miserably.

I know the reason for failed attempts. I’m lacking the self motivation, self confidence and energy needed to push me in the right direction. I’m also lacking the right diet, sleep and change.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my family. I love spending time with them and I especially love hanging out with my girls, however. Sometimes it’s the mundane lifestyle that we live that puts me in a slumber. It’s the lack of funds, fun destinations, and time. I need some excitement, some encouragement, a little change and lots and lots of OPA!!!

“Opa!” is a popular Greek term used to express excitement and cheer. Greeks find ways to celebrate their heritage, food and family every day. They seek balance in their daily lives by participating in outdoor activities and relying on a healthy diet of olive oil, grains, vegetables, fish and dairy. The beautiful terrain and ancient ruins make hiking a popular activity, while others participate in water sports along the many coastal shorelines. Dancing is also a vivid expression of everyday life, and a large part of social gatherings and celebrations.

Old London is proud to present their OPA! To A Better You Sweepstakes! This is a chance for you to win an all-expense paid 8-day/7-night trip for 2 to Greece & $2,000 spending money (in the form of a GC)!

Speaking of OPA! What better way to bring some cheer into our home then with some great new foods, especially when there’s a birthday, and the birthday boy is “too old” for cake (19) but instead wants brownies, fudge squares or something of the likes. Oh, and mom wants something a little kinder to the body (or at least to her thighs).

I received a nice package filled with Old London Products and, since CJ’s Birthday was on the 24th, I used a variety of items in the box to make something delicious for us all (Pictures to come). Would you like to know what I made?

Mediterranean Cafe Mocha Bars

By: Johnny Luzzini

Total Time: 1 hour

Makes 1-8″ tray

Ingredients:

- 1 box Old London Whole Wheat or Sesame Melba Toast

- 1 pkg. Mini Marshmallows

- 2 oz. 100% baking chocolate, squares or chips

- 10 oz. Bittersweet baking chocolate, squares or chips

- 8 oz. Butter – 1 tbsp. Instant Ground Espresso – 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour, sifted – 1 tsp. Baking Powder – 1/2 tsp. Salt – 4 Eggs – 2 cups Sugar – 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Now don’t those ingredients sound amazing together? Great, you’ll have to visit Old London’s Recipe page (on Facebook) to get your directions. Oh, and come back Thursday (or Friday) when I’ll be posting up pictures of these yummy treats; I hope they look as good as the ones photographed. Wish me luck!

So what are you waiting for? Head to Old London’s Facebook Page and enter for your chance to win big! Then, while you’re there, pick out one of the recipes you’re most fond of and try making it. And finally, OPA!!!

My favorite Healthy Living Tips From Chelsie Hightower and Dr. Susan M. Kleiner

Chelsie says:

- Make healthy meal choices. I try to stick to a Mediterranean influenced diet that is rich in olive oil, vegetables, fruit, fish and dairy. I enjoy finding recipes online and then trying them at home. Old London has some great recipes on their Facebook page.

- Love yourself. People come in all shapes and sizes, and what works on others won’t necessary work for you. Being healthy is about how you feel. Stop comparing yourself to others and begin loving the person you are from head to toe.

& Dr. Susan M. Kleiner says:

- Keep your body fueled and your mind energized by always combining carbohydrate-rich foods with protein and/or healthy fats.

- Eat before you are hungry to control your appetite and cravings. Plan small, frequent meals and packable snacks to keep you centered throughout the day.

& here’s one more, just because they’re are so many great tips for giving back to yourself this summer!!

- For a healthy brain and nervous system, eat a whole egg every day. Egg yolks are a rich source of the B-vitamin choline, required to maintain the transport of nutrients into the cells and toxins out of the cells, and for every thought and movement that we have.

PS–Don’t forget Old London next time you go shopping (Bunny Not Included)!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Old London. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate

Tagged as: blog tours, Family, fitness, health and wellness