This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Withings, part of Nokia. All opinions are 100% mine.

With the freshness of 2017, many of us set resolutions and goals, and visualize what we want to accomplish throughout this new year.

We plan out where we want to head in our ventures and choose what paths set us up for success.

While it’s a motivating time of year to start fresh, it can also be a tricky time to maintain any sort of ‘happy balance’. Sometimes we intend on accomplishing so many things that we reach exhaustion a few months into the new year, only to realize some of our resolutions or goals have gone out the window with our ‘happy balance’, especially after feeling the weight of how much action work goes into making our goals a reality.

Whether it’s going to the gym consistently, starting a new business venture, prepping meals every week to have healthy options available or getting to bed at a decent hour to wake up more well-rested – all of these require work and discipline. On top of that, we must practice patience while plugging away at most of our goals, before seeing any kind of result or reward.

How can you win if you don’t play?

This is all apart of the process, yes, but it sure does make finding a balance difficult because starting a new business venture while also getting to bed earlier are more likely to contradict each other, rather than complement each other! It’s worth a shot though 🙂 Finding this sweet spot is different for all of us. There really is an art to it. As long as we show up everyday, put in the work and consistently strive for success in all areas, I think we can find success in the journey.

I like knowing where I’m at in relation to my goals and one tool that helps me track progress is Withings Steel watch.

A newbie favorite of mine, this watch has been super insightful since I started wearing it, for reals. Not only is it sleek and modern (and just plain cool to look at), this watch is geared toward inspiring an all-around healthy lifestyle – not just for fitness fanatics – but for anyone with a busy schedule, who also wants to track sleeping habits, eating habits, how much they’re moving throughout the day, heart rate and more.

I didn’t even know I wanted to track these things until I realized how insightful all of this information is and how it helps to better maintain a balance.

With a stainless steel casing, the watchband is available in 9 colors – and it requires NO charging! Did I mention it has a silent alarm that gently vibrates to wake you?!

Advanced 24/7 activity tracking helps you move more, feel better, and sleep better — but only if the tracker doesn’t get in the way of your life. The Steel watch was designed to stay with you for the long haul, whether your running, walking, swimming, having a dance party… and all without needing your phone on you at all times! Steel automatically tracks everything and syncs the info to the Health Mate app to give you in-depth metrics, personal coaching and more. The Steel watch also pairs with their connected family of products available, like the Body Cardio scale.

A smartwatch indeed with no button to press… YES PLEASE!

To help you maintain a balance for breakfast, I created ‘Creamy Chia Coconut Oats with Warmed Berries’ for a simple morning meal. Heartier and more filling than a smoothie, it will keep you feeling energized and balanced until lunch with the addition of chia seeds and fiber-rich berries.

With my last bit of almond milk all used up, I opted for light coconut milk this time, since that’s all I had, but it turned out to be a yummy swap.

Just combine the oats and coconut milk in a mason jar before bed (or let it sit for 30-40 minutes while getting ready) then stir in the mashed banana for natural sweetness. Heat up the berries over the stove with a splash of coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes, until juicy. Stir in the chia seeds and then pour in the mason jar. Mix and swirl it around for a pretty purple breakfast that’s both nourishing and incredibly delish!

**Get 40% off Withings Body Cardio scale at Withings, part of Nokia, or 20% off other products with the coupond: WITH-HEALTH-0BSQG8 (must have at least one device in cart, not valid for Steel HR. Good until 3/1/17)

Do you think the word “balance” is thrown around a lot (much like the phrase “in moderation”)? What do you think of balance? What steps do you take toward achieving balance in your daily life?

Leave me a comment below – would love to hear your thoughts!

Creamy Chia Coconut Oats with Warmed Berries

Scale

Ingredients

3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup filtered water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 ripe banana, mashed (could also use a whole banana for more natural sweetness)
3/4 cup frozen mixed berries
3 tablespoons light coconut milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional, if you like more sweetness!)
roasted coconut chips for topping, optional

Instructions

In a mason jar, combine oats, coconut milk, water and cinnamon. Mix well and cover with lid. Store in the refrigerator overnight (about 8 hours). In the morning, mash up banana and mix into the oats.
In a small pot on the stove, combine berries and coconut milk. Bring to a slow boil and reduce to simmer 3-5 minutes until warmed and juicy. Turn off heat, then stir in chia seeds and maple syrup. Add berry mixture to mason jar and stir/swirl oats and berries together. Top with roasted coconut chips.
Enjoy!