Almost There, Just Not Quiet Yet

As you probably know, I have been doing many things in order to raise the funds to continue with my fitness and nutritional education.

One of my first goals was to raise enough for yoga teaching tuition, which usually ranges from $1500-$2000. Mind you, I did not have (and still don't) have ANY plans to ask my parents or other family or help in funding this. I wanted to completely raise the money on my own, not only because my family simply can not afford it, but also because this is MY goal... my dream, and ultimately, my life. I need to take responsibility for that, and not rely on anyone else to do legwork to get me where I want to be.

Some of the fund raisers have included selling home made bread, and of course, offering meal planning services through my Facebook page, Natalie Wester: Holistic Meal Planning. I also am still training some people a few days a week! Really, ANYTHING that my age and ability allows me to do to safely make an extra buck, I am up for.

Just the other day, I was out with some friends and a store we went into was having a HUGE sale. I mean, blow out sale people... it was overwhelming, and while my peers were in line with their many items, I looked down at my single shirt ($4 bucks people!), shook my head, and put it back. Even though the money I was carrying was from past birthdays, I realized that that $4 should be going to my future, not some silly piece of clothing.

Anyways, the reason I have written this post is because, after doing some math, I concluded that I am roughly HALF WAY towards my fund raising goal!! I have about $800-$900. I am SO excited, because this really feels like an accomplishment... it keeps me motivated, so that little urges to spend a dime here or there are easily overpowered with this insane drive to reach my goal.


Sunstone was one of the first studios I went to.

I know it will happen, it just takes time. It gets frustrating at times. I see local studios advertise that it is time to sign up for the next round of their 200 Hour training, yet I find that I still can not yet fill out that application.

I guess it is the universe's way of telling me I am not ready yet? It has taken me this long to raise what I have, and I AM finding that now days the donations are coming in at a bit quicker rate than previously. So I am almost there... just not QUIET yet.  

I know a few yoga instructors and have asked around for advice as to where I should obtain my certifications, and just to ask basic questions in general. I am blessed to know these people and hope they can help me grow as a teacher when the time comes.

If any readers out there are yoga teachers, or even fitness instructors, what are some of the biggest challenges you've faced? The best experiences? Is there any magical secret to this industry, or must you just do what YOUR passionate about, no matter what anyone says? I really hope the latter is true, because that really is what I believe in... to be yourself, and do what makes you happy, no matter what anyone has to say about it.





Until the time comes to where I have enough to finally enroll in the classes I need, I am doing what I can to prepare, and simply continue to learn as much as I can about yoga, fitness, nutrition, and over all well being.

Honestly, every day brings with it new ideas, new knowledge, new horizons. I never know what I will wake up to and learn or benefit from. Some days are rather uneventful, yes, but others... they shock me. For example, I try to contact others in the fitness industry in order to make connections, and to my surprise, sometimes they get back with me. Remember when I posted about the Wester Workout featured on P Fit and Designer Whey?  I am still giddy about that. Sure, maybe I wasn't featured on Opera, but it is these little things that keep my spark alive.

I feel as if I am rambling a bit on this post, but I just was really excited to realize I am that much closer to my goal!

What goals do you have/ had to had, and how do you go about achieving them?
Are you or anyone you know a yoga teacher or fitness instructor? If so, tell me about your experience!

Natalie

Natalie Wester: Holistic Meal Planning and a Recipe!

    As many of you know, I am a full time high school student that has been studying holistic wellness for the past few years and have big plans to get my holistic health certification. In my local area I have made customized meal plans for family, friends, and teachers using my knowledge of what I have already studied and am currently studying. All my clients are aware I am not *yet!* licensed, but are helping me out and trust my workmanship and current knowledge. I am trying to gain publicity as well as raise some funds so that I can continue with the fitness and nutritional education I need in order to get where I want. 
   Hopefully this blog can be a path through which I document my journey and gain support. I love to read other bloggers and do so religiously! So why couldn't I start doing the same?
  Recently I created my own facebook page for my meal planning services, Natalie Wester: Holistic Meal Planning. Check it out! I have been studying nutrition for years now and have helped clients who are simply trying to loose weight, or who have conditions such as diabetes. I advocate a down to earth, no nonsense approach to health and fitness and create my plans to be the most time efficient, tasty, and budget friendly as possible. Message me on my page or email me at natiann123@yahoo.com for more information! 

  In the mean time... it's recipe time!! 

Summer Squash Lentil Stew 

This recipe is so easy, fresh, and light. Lentils not only are a fantastic source of protein, but are also easy to make and are relatively cheap! Topped with a bit of cilantro, I enjoyed a warm bowl of this under my ceiling fan in this blasted hot Texas weather, and still felt it was perfect for a summer day. Bonus points if you buy from a local farmers market!

Yields 4 servings 

1 cup dry lentils, rinsed 

1/2 pound lean ground turkey 

2 medium yellow summer squash, cut bite sized

1 medium zucchini, cut bite sized 

1 medium carrot, chopped

1/2 medium onion, diced 

1-2 medium tomatoes, diced 

2 1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup (seperate) unsalted vegetable or chicken stock

2 TBSP unsalted tomato paste

1 TBSP Cumin

1/2 TBSP Chile powder 

1/2 TBSP Garlic powder
TSP Curry powder 
1/2 TSP Sea salt or other course salt 
Fresh cilantro to add in and to top
Black pepper to taste 

1) In a pan, add 1/3 cup unsalted vegetable or chicken stock. Once hot, add meat, and simple meat seasonings of choice (I usually add in the spices noted above, just in adjusted amounts.) Keep the spices simple, as you only want to slightly enhance the flavor of the meat and not overpower the flavor of the stew. 
2) Cook meat in pan until browned slightly, then set aside and cover.  
3)On medium-high heat, bring 2 cups of unsalted vegetable or chicken stock to a boil. Add rinsed lentils, let boil for about 2 minuets, then bring down to a roll and cover until veggies are chopped, usually about 10 minuets. 
4) In the mean time, chop your veggies! Once this is done, add the spices and all veggies but tomato to the lentil mixture and bring heat up so that the mixture is on a harder roll, or soft boil. This will soften the veggies, about 10-15 minuets.
5) Add the tomato, the 2 TBSP tomato paste, and the turkey meat with any liquid left with it, bring heat down again to a soft roll, and cover for another 10 or so minuets.
6) A few minutes before serving, toss in cilantro so that it can wilt in the heat. Mix it in, than serve with a bit of fresh served as a topping! 

This is a filling, low calorie meal that I would totally eat with a slice of home made bread. The time and effort needed are low, yet the results are incredible! 

For more recipes like this, check out my Holistic Meal Planning services! Tell me what you think, and any ideas, comments, or suggestions are totally wanted and welcomed! 

Natalie