See, told you it would a 3 post week. We’re heading up to Dallas this afternoon for a Gluten Free Convention with Attunes, so that means no posting this weekend. Which I think should be a rule anyway. 
But I promise take lots of pictures on instagram when I am there. Lots of new GF products and I even get to see MADDY from Love Grown Granola. WOOHOO!
But enough of the excuses. I should probably me explain something here, I mean in reference to my last post with the no reveal challenge.
You see, when it comes to Food and Fitness, I have no problem accepting challenges. I looooove it. As long as I agree with it.
If my husband requests eggs in every form and grain free muffins for snacks, I’m all over it. See coconut fig muffins below (recipe to come). If someone asks me to create a custom flavor of healthy bites for them, then heck ya, I’ll embrace it. Coconut Chocolate Chip Pecan anyone? See photo bottom left. If sheep’s milk yogurt goes on sale, I tend to use it in everything. I challenge to myself to come up with ways to use this goodness. Yes, even in a side dish. See photo bottom right.
I relish in the idea of teaching new classes or tweaking workouts in order to better suite my abilities.
I created this workout which was tweaked from Casey’s original workout here. She’s tough!
Yes, all good challenges. I enjoy learning from them and making TIME for them.
But when it comes to stillness, it’s still a bit hard. And I’m not talking about spiritual stillness. That is a must, that is something I crave daily! Stillness with God.
I’m talking about the little stillness(es) we need throughout the day. The ones that say “Hey, turn of the TV/Computer and eat a meal with your husband at the table.” Or “Hey, you both are home for lunch, sit with each other, don’t look at your phones while you eat.”
Get what I am saying?
It’s that kind of stillness. Sitting and enjoying meals. Not standing up in kitchen while trying to prep another meal for later. Not sitting for 5 seconds only to get back up and reply to emails, etc. Not MULTI-TASKING with a fork in hand.
Yep, stillness with food, with meal time.
A different kind of Slow food movement you might say.
That’s my challenge. And it’s one I didn’t want to post because honestly I didn’t want to give up that time. Ouch, that just hurts to admit.
I didn’t want to post the challenge cause I thought I couldn’t do it. Really? I mean really? How sad. And WRONG!
So September may have already started but today I am starting a new challenge.
Slow food September (SFS). Whether I am with myself or with others, I will eat 1 or 2 meals at the table and take my time. No distractions, no phone, no TV, no reading, no multi-tasking, etc. Just good conversation/thoughts, and yes, stillness.
Life’s too short not to slow your food. Am I Right?
Join me if you want. You know I’d love the company. I’ll report back weekly.
Cheers to Slow Food September! Will you join?
LC
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
Sign up & get 5 FREE RECIPES from my
Kristin @ My Mission Impossible says
September 7, 2012 at 7:13 AMI agree with this challenge wholeheartedly…even when I’m playing with my kids I’m still checking my phone and it drives me crazy…that’s not good quality time with them so I’ve really been working on putting it DOWN! If I realize I’m doing so, I’ll get up and put it in the other room! Not sure about the meals, I eat most meals at my desk while working, but I will give it a whole hearted effort on the weekends when I am home! Good luck with your challenge!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:09 AMi think thats a great idea! i’m gonna put my phone in the other room or turn it off!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
September 7, 2012 at 7:24 AMlove it! i’ll join you!!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:10 AMi knew you would, cause youre cool like that.
😉
Miriam @ Bellaspire says
September 7, 2012 at 5:54 PMMan, both of you gals are spot on today. As much as we love hobbies, it’s nice to push them to the back burner and focus on relationships!!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:34 AMcan i get an AMEN?!!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
September 7, 2012 at 7:25 AMMy running buddy is in Dallas today for a conference for work. Darn it if I couldn’t have gone with her that would have been awesome. Hope you enjoy the convention. And I’m really with you on slowing down. Jason and I used to eat at least one meal a week at the table. No tv, just music on. We need to get back to it!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:10 AMits not too late! Come to Dallas!!
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb says
September 7, 2012 at 7:47 AMI too am HORRIBLE at stillness. No matter what I become preoccupied with sometime else or when I do take time to be still I feel guilty and think I should be doing something else. I don’t think I should even admit that we don’t have a table to eat at. I eat all my meals at the computer. I know, sounds horrible. …but that’s what we get for downsizing and keeping it simple. Enjoy your weekend!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:11 AMi say set up a floor table. Pillows and all! but then again you might not want to get up after that. LOL
Jess says
September 7, 2012 at 7:56 AMOhhh girl, this is right up my alley. You KNOW I have a hard time slowing down and avoiding that go, go, GO mentality I always seem to have. Such a great challenge friend, I’m all over it — challenging myself to go above and beyond the 1-2 meals thing if I can help it! I’m even just thinking about lunch lately and that I have Scott home with me while I’m working and we often sit across the table from eachother buried in our computers. How sad is that?? No more! At least we’re good about not doing that stuff during dinner, but lunch is still important to slow down and be still for too, right?? All over it!!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:12 AMyes, we need to take advantage of being home with our husbands while we can, ya know? I think I often take that for granted
Katie says
September 7, 2012 at 8:08 AMThis is such a good idea, but I can’t. I’ve tried. I’ve failed. It just makes me feel bad. But good luck!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:12 AMoh poo on you! i was hoping you would join.
Nichole says
September 7, 2012 at 8:44 AMI really need to be still. It’s awful really, and it stinks bc I know I’m bad at it!
Thank you for calling this out.
Have a great conference, sounds amazing. And I know you’ll share some great tips!
Coconut – good
Chocolate Chip – good
Pecan- good
It has my vote!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:14 AMi know i am bad at it too. Hey, let’s sit together. hehe.
Abby @ Change of Pace says
September 7, 2012 at 8:49 AMHave fun at your convention!
This is a brilliant challenge! I used the be the worst at this but am getting better. However, I still eat breakfast while reading blogs on my iPad (my excuse is that my husband is already at work) and eat lunch at my desk while working.
At home we took our tv off our main floor so now we can’t have it on while we cook and eat dinner. It took a bit of adjustment but now we love the quiet to talk or just have peace.
I’ll join in and try to get better with my breakfasts, and especially my lunch!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:14 AMI think i need to learn from you then friend. Everything off! Love it!
Kirsten @ Kirsten Captures says
September 7, 2012 at 8:51 AMI love this challenge. I will join you! It seems like the more I try to be productive at all points in the day, the less productive I am. Ultimately we will live a more productive LIFE if we stop and enjoy the food before us and the people we share it with.
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:16 AMMy point exactly!!!! I feel like the more i tried to multi-task, the more i was stressed and losing productivity. Stillness brings new strength.
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice says
September 7, 2012 at 8:52 AMLove this! I’m so huge on the slow food movement right now – I really want to run away and join a farm. Haha
I always eat my food slow and enjoy it, but it is always in front of the TV. The bf and I have to find something to watch during dinner. I’ve been telling him we need to sit and chat. He also can’t have a long leisurely meal – he just sits inhales – not talking until he is done. No matter how hard I try.
I’m in with you on this. I only 2 weeks with with him before he is gone again and I am determined to do this with him at least 2-3 times a week.
And for myself 1-2 times a day like you. Now I’m off to go finish my breakfast on the computer, at my desk at work….bahhh challenge starts with lunch!
Have fun with Attune in Dallas!!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:16 AMoh please do friend. Keep me posted on how the next 2 weeks go. Wish we could eat together. I eat SLOW!!!
Katie @wishandwhimsy says
September 7, 2012 at 8:54 AMI LOVE THIS POST! Thank you so much for reminding me of the beauty of stillness. Stillness with God, stillness with the ones you love. Unplug from everything else and simply BE! BE in the moment, BE ALL IN with the one(s) you love! BE! I’m taking this challenge starting today. Thank you!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:17 AMyes! keep me posted, k? But email me when you are not eating. LOL
Kierston says
September 7, 2012 at 9:08 AMAbsolutely I will join! I think it’s so important to unplug, unhook, un-whatever! Be still and stay still. Enjoy. 🙂
Katie says
September 7, 2012 at 9:45 AMLove it! I struggle with this all the time and have to force myself to sit at a table and eat.
My favorite memories as a kid are with my grandparents around a big dinner table with good food, family and whichever friends we wanted to bring. We should bring that back 🙂
Have a good weekend!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:18 AMi know, my grandparents did the same! and my grandmother would take hours to eat. She’d sit and talk and enjoy. SO wise!
jobo says
September 7, 2012 at 10:02 AMI LOVE this! This is such an awesome challenge but such a HARD one too. I am going to dive into it with you though, I know I need it too. Meals by myself are hard to NOT multi-task, tweet, read a blog, work, but it’s true, why not just do it in stillness. It’s my time. I do my best to do that with M when we eat meals together, of course, but should also do myself the same justice. Have a great weekend friend, love this!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:19 AMand i think meals by ourself are often the most important, ya know?
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
September 7, 2012 at 10:24 AMI think that Gluten Free show is the same one I went to in Chicago! It is such a great event. Have fun and enjoy your time out! I am so with you on slowing down. That’s a huge reason why I haven’t posted much lately. I need the time to really focus on where I’m going and what I’m doing these days. Enjoy your weekend my friend! Hugs to you!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:19 AMyes it is! same event just in Dallas! can’t wait! And i am so glad to hear thats the reason youre not posting as much. It’s brilliant and i love you more for it.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
September 7, 2012 at 10:49 AMLol so here I am reading this while I sit eating my breakfast by the computer… oh fails. I have a really hard time being still when I’m by myself because I get bored really easily, which is why I’m usually by the computer, but when I’m with other people I always make more of an effort to put away the phone/computer/tv. So I guess I’m a about 50/50 on this one.
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 10:59 AMokay well you can get a break. You’ve been living life the past months. hehe.
😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
September 7, 2012 at 10:53 AMIn Italy I ate at the second Slow Food restaurant to be established. It was actually hard to eat because I wanted to eat slowly so it would never end, but it was so friggin’ good that I couldn’t get it in my mouth fast enough. LOL!
Seriously, I need to get on board with this. The number of meals I eat standing up at my computer is embarrassing.
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 11:20 AMhalf the reason i want to move back to New Zealand. Slowness! oh and wine
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
September 7, 2012 at 11:25 AMI will still do that at dinner here sometimes – we go out and order in rounds making the meal last 4 hours. It’s not all the time, but I love those nights when they happen.
Siobhan McCarthy.ca says
September 7, 2012 at 11:46 AMI love it! I always have “stillness” breakfasts and dinners. They really are a great mental break. My lunch is always in front of my computer though. I also snack all day long at my desk so it just makes sense.
Good luck with the challenge!
Missy says
September 7, 2012 at 12:59 PMI love this challenge! I have been reading the book The Slow Food Diet… great book….the benefits of eating slow and relaxed, quality ingredients…etc. Well they effect everything about your metabolism (how well we convert, absorb and process the nutrients in food and allow our body minds and spirits to thrive). The eight metabolizers are relaxation, pleasure, quality, thought, awareness, story, rhythm, and the sacred.
I know you like words so I will allow you to ponder.
Yeah — it has steps. I’ve been reading for…oh…a year? Still on step 1. SO, i get the difficulties in committing for sure! I like howyou broke it down.
Missy says
September 7, 2012 at 1:00 PMOops/… the book is called Slow Down Diet by Marc David.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Slow-Down-Diet-ebook/dp/B004GEAWMC/ref=kinw_dp_ke
LCCotter says
September 7, 2012 at 1:02 PMoh you know i love this! I’m going to look into it right now! HOw are you by the way? Email update?
Michele @ Nycrunningmama says
September 7, 2012 at 1:07 PMI’m so in. I am SO SO SO SO guilty of this. Breakfast is typically eaten while I’m standing up and cleaning the kitchen. Lunch is while my son is napping and I’m on the computer. Dinner is seated with my hubby and son – but cell phones are typically within reach.
Love this. Thank you for the challenge =)
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:18 AMoh are so similar. well, besides the kid. LOL
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
September 7, 2012 at 1:17 PMYes! Great idea! I try really hard to do this already, and will definitely join you in the challenge to keep it going for September. Enjoy your weekend trip!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:24 AMyes, keep me posted!
Kris says
September 7, 2012 at 1:48 PMI love this and I will join you! this morning I must have subliminally known… because on my daily walk with Basil? I left my phone at home. I usually bring it, and as I was grabbing my keys and his leash, I had my phone in my hand… and set it on the desk by the door, saying to myself I didn’t need it.
I know, not about food per se, but about being more present. I need to do this more. It is especially important with eating – Jason and I have more space in the new house and have actually been eating dinners at a kitchen table! 🙂
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:26 AMi love it. Yes, present. In all things. Disconnect in order to savor the time we have. And yea for kitchen table space
dorry says
September 7, 2012 at 2:56 PMoooh, have fun at the gluten-free expo! I went last year with Maddie and had a great time – so many yummy samples. 🙂
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:26 AMyea, maddie is gonna be there too! good fun!
Lisa says
September 7, 2012 at 3:06 PMLove the challenge!! I may do a post as a follow up to this! Of course I’ll link to you.
I think its important to disconnect while eating most of the time, but I am horrible at it!
I definitely have a hard time eating with no distractions, I get bored so fast!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:27 AMyes, do it!!! i would love to hear about your follow up Lisa. Awesome
the delicate place says
September 7, 2012 at 3:26 PMi am SO not good at being still…but it’s a work in progress. i will give this WO a try sans bosu ball. we eat dinner at our table but the news is on in the background. the other night i was just feeling SO overly stimulated that i couldn’t handle it! that’s also why i haven’t blogged in a bit either! i need the break because my mind is on overdrive from work!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:28 AMthats my problem too. overstimulated. Makes me want to run away.
let me know how the workout goes
Christa @ Edible Balance says
September 7, 2012 at 3:53 PMOh boy… this just hit me where it hurts! Honestly, I find myself all the time with the tv on, phone in hand and iPad in front of me. No joke. Dinner is quickly made, eaten and then I’m straight back to the kitchen to make my breakfast and/or lunch for the next day. My husband and I are the worst at looking at our phones and iPads during meals. That’s it. We’re going to join this slow movement! Thanks for a wonderful post and inspiration Lindsay!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:31 AMyes yes, that’s so me too! I’m ready to change that!
Stacie @ Snaps and Bits says
September 7, 2012 at 4:11 PMReally great idea! Eating too fast is a habit I picked up 15 years ago after having my first child. I’m horrified to admit I’ve not gottnen out of the habit. It’s so hard!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:32 AMugh, yes. inhaling is a problem here too. But i’m gonna try, you?
Stacie @ Snaps and Bits says
September 8, 2012 at 6:40 PMI should so ok. But not sure how easy it is to undo all of those years…
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 9:20 PMwhere there is a will, there is a way!
Lou says
September 7, 2012 at 4:16 PMSuch an important message – we “eat” together every night – me + Viper eat, Misty causes trouble 😉
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:32 AManother reason i need to come visit. xxoo
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
September 7, 2012 at 4:22 PMOh man, this goes straight to my heart. I’m *so* bad about stillness. I’m constantly multi-tasking, trying to squeeze out one last little minute. It is terrible and the last two weeks have made me realize it more than anything. But I’m also loathe to admit (but I just did, right?) and scared that I can’t do it. Thank you for planting the seed. I will wholeheartedly try.
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:33 AMgosh yes. i hate admitting it too and didn’t really want to give it TIME.but we NEEEEEEED to!
Bre says
September 7, 2012 at 6:23 PMoh i love that challenge. I’m so guilty for eating every meal on the go, standing up, in the car, or in front of the TV on the couch with my blackberry in one hand and computer in my lap. I’m definitel game to try eating a meal “unplugged” but I don’t own a table so I’m probably still going to eat on the couch!
STUFT Mama says
September 7, 2012 at 7:46 PMLOVE this idea. I’ve been hiding my phone in the back bedroom lately during dinner time and it’s been fabulous!!!!!! I’m in! Have a wonderful weekend!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:35 AMyoure brilliant! i’m gonna follow your lead. xoxo
Melissa Love says
September 7, 2012 at 8:07 PMThis is GREAT! I need a break from my life as of at this stage right now I am just go go go! I will have to take you up on this! 🙂
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:35 AMyes!!! report back melissa
Lisa @ RunWiki says
September 7, 2012 at 10:23 PMMeal time at my house is my favorite, however, many times we need to rush through because we have to be somewhere at a certain time, that is why I make sure that we are distraction free at dinner. This is the one meal I protect and everyone must sit down, eat slow and everyone talks, everyone gets to be heard, even the smallest person. I LOVE it! Slooooooow foooooood xoxo
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:36 AMi love this! Youre my inspiration lisa!
Jan says
September 7, 2012 at 10:39 PMFABULOUS idea, I love it! I’m not tempted by the T.V., but the rest of my family is. I am tempted by my phone or a book. We’re going to make an effort to just enjoy each other’s company a couple of nights this week!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:36 AMditto! phones are the worst. Keep me posted Jan!
Jess says
September 7, 2012 at 10:39 PMLove it!!! My first thought was I could never do that, but what a cop out! So I’m in! 🙂
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 6:37 AMmy thoughts too! but we must tell ourselves we CAN!!
Beth @ Miles and Trials says
September 8, 2012 at 10:43 AMCount me in for the challenge. So important, especially as an example to our kids. So hard to do with busy days and technology everywhere, but worth it.
Have a great weekend!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 9:19 PMyes, we need to teach our kids this. And practice what we preach, right?
Heather @ For the Love of Kale says
September 8, 2012 at 12:26 PMCoconut Chocolate Chip Pecan?! YES YES YES YES YES.
And I will absolutely join you on Slow Food September!!! I love that idea and have actually been practicing it daily. Cait and I will be doing that today! La la la love you.
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 9:20 PMi knew you would! youre the slow food movement guru! I love it! and love you!
kalli says
September 8, 2012 at 1:57 PMi love this! we shall join the cotters in stillness. we need it! enjoy your weekend lady!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 9:19 PMnow if only we could all be still and dine together… sigh
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
September 8, 2012 at 3:07 PM100% with you on the slow food thing. And stillness- and silence!
My husband and I had a BIG talk about lifestyle habits that interfere with us being better people – and one is definitely multi-tasking (or even just watching tv) while we eat. I’m trying to nip that in the bud once and for all. We even started eating dinner at a different table so that we can’t see the tv!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 9:18 PMyes, exactly! gosh, i feel the same way Lauren!
janae@hungryrunnergirl.com says
September 8, 2012 at 6:33 PMI want to hang out with you and Maddy today in Dallas:) Girl, I really wish I could come to your classes too! That workout made me sweat just reading it ha. LOVE YA!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2012 at 9:18 PMi wish you and Brooke were there too!! I want to hug you both!
Laura @ LauraLivesLife says
September 9, 2012 at 8:16 PMI need to be still too – or even be okay with it – I usually only achieve stillness when I’m asleep! I can’t even watch a movie without doing something else.
LCCotter says
September 10, 2012 at 6:09 AMsmall steps! and slooooow steps. You can laura!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
September 10, 2012 at 12:46 AMI really needed this post! Taking time to sit down and enjoy my meal is something I am not so good at. During the day, I eat most of my meals alone, so I always turn to my computer, my phone, or my TV to keep me distracted. However during these times, I find that I often shovel food into my mouth without even realizing it! Before I know it, my food is gone, and I’m like, “where did it go?!” ;-p
I’m 100% on board with Slow Food September, and I’ll be sure to link back when I post about it. 🙂 Hope you had a wonderful time at the Expo! I bet you were able to sample some pretty fantastic products! <3
LCCotter says
September 10, 2012 at 6:10 AMthats how i am too! and then i don’t even enjoy it. Let’s do this together sarah!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
September 10, 2012 at 1:07 PMI love your version of slow food September. You are my inspiration when I need to slow down and breathe! 🙂
LCCotter says
September 10, 2012 at 3:03 PMthis makes me so happy! Wish we could all sit and slow down together friend. With vegemite of course.
teabagginit says
September 10, 2012 at 9:08 PMoh this is something i’m always trying to work on and it’s not easy! i’ve been forcing myself to close the computer at dinner and just spend some time with j. we do watch tv but it’s a special show that’s become kind of a ritual with us. then we make up for it by going for an evening stroll.
slow down to enjoy food – a worthwhile challenge indeed!
Samantha says
September 12, 2012 at 8:02 AMI love this! We are big on eating dinner as a family with quiet time – but I am terrible about turning my phones off. Just terrible! I have a literal addiction to technology, I swear. LOL.
LCCotter says
September 12, 2012 at 2:09 PMi seriously think technology can suck the life out of us at times if we don’t disconnect. yes?