Find your best self before the wedding ceremony and read marriage, relationship, and wellness tips from Denver wedding officiant, Michael Moody.

Michael Moody 3/21/19 Michael Moody 3/21/19

4 Quotes That Changed the Way I Approach my Day

Introduction

While reading Tim Ferriss’ book Tribe of Mentors, I often find many useful insights to integrate into my life. None have been more valuable than these four quotes.

”Live. Give. Forgive.” – Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Live, give, and forgive are three simple words that have guided me away from excessive ego, anger, and pain. Extending beyond my “ego” has not only enhanced my life with thought-provoking experiences, but the intent of “giving” has led to a new purpose and foundation of empathy. Although it’s always a work in progress, forgiveness is also equally important and has been an extension of this new empathy (as well as acceptance).
”One distraction I’ve learned to avoid is consuming media that’s just telling me things I already know and agree with.” – Julia Galef
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: A thorough dissection of the information I often seek out in the media reveals my tendency to gravitate towards pundits who support my personal perspective. How can I become more enlightened if I don’t identify my tendency to focus on the familiar and examine multiple paths of thought? With heightened awareness, I know I can identify these trends before I fall into my typical narrow perspective. I realize that I don’t need to agree with all positions; I should respectfully consider all factual evidence to reach a fair judgment (not an unsubstantiated opinion or typical pundit rhetoric).
”When something goes badly, I don’t automatically assume I did something wrong. Instead, I ask myself, “What policy was I following that produced this bad outcome, and do I still expect that policy to give the best results overall, occasional bad outcomes notwithstanding?” If yes, then carry on!” – Julia Galef
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Life is a series of processes that often intertwine with many controlled and uncontrolled factors, as well as interesting coincidences. The results may become surprising outcomes. Regardless of the outcome, the process warrants examination for the sake of replication or avoidance. It may help me avoid many false positives.
”The moment I start one of these three behaviors—blaming, complaining, or gossiping – I become negative. It’s a sign of avoiding what I am responsible for: my life.” – Aniela Gregorek
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: When I blame, complain, and gossip, I now realize that I’m negatively spewing rhetoric beyond the basic awareness of a challenge or problem. I may still express disgust or distaste for an identified state of being or result. Anything beyond the initial reaction, though, I require myself to change or avoid it. My blaming, complaining, and gossiping are nothing but fruitless, disrespectful forms of banter that contribute to a hostile atmosphere (even when it’s directed at something negative itself). Instead, I try to start from a place of compassion and empathy.

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 3/6/19 Michael Moody 3/6/19

7 Kitchen Tools that Will Cut Your Cooking Time in Half

Introduction

Do you avoid cooking because of the prep time? Avoid no more. Here is the list of kitchen tools I use to speed up cooking. In many cases, the total time will decrease by 50 percent. Cook away, Chef!!!!

Instant Pot

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The Instant Pot is basically a crockpot with pressure-cooker attributes. Like a Crock Pot, you can throw an array of ingredients into the pot and cook with little extra work. The big difference: The Instant Pot only takes a fraction of the cooking time. Your 8-hour Crock Pot simmer will turn into a 20-minute pressure-cooked phenomenon. Either method will save you time from constantly stirring stoveside. You may use the Instant Pot to sautee onions and garlic before cooking your stew, soup, or chili as well (which also saves cleanup time and fewer dishes).

PL8 Professional Mandoline (Food Slicer)

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: With 4 cutting options (thick slice, thin slice, julienne, and waffle) and 4 adjustable thickness settings for each, you will save time perfecting your slice and adding more shape to your life!

Apple Slicer

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: You can core and section fruits in one swift motion (8 wedges all at the same time). Less mess and time. “But it only saves you 30-60 seconds, Michael,” you say. Tell that to my screaming 2-year-old son, Preston….

Collapsible Salad Spinner

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: As described on Bed, Bath, & Beyond, “This salad spinner is so versatile as it expands for use as a large salad spinner and collapses in an instant for easy storage. Its high-velocity pull-cord mechanism dries your fruits or veggies quickly and efficiently.” Sold! Not enough? I also use the spinner to coat my veggies with a dressing or citrus evenly. Essentially, you’re spinning away the excess while coating each piece of nutritarian goodness. Perfection!

Stick Mixer

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I typically avoided recipes that required pureeing because of the food processor cleanup. With the stick mixer, you can quickly and easily puree a soup in the same pot you cooked it in. It’s lightweight and quick to wash compared to the many parts of a food processor or blender.

Kale Slicer

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: This kale slicer is more of a kale destemmer than anything else. It makes pulling the leaves off the stem one easy swoop (a big convenience when using several stems in your recipe).

OXO Vegetable Chopper

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Many of my personal training clients will avoid cooking because of the preparation (especially the chopping). Although you need to slice an apple, onion, or green pepper in thirds, this chopper will make the remainder of your chopping a breeze. Place the thick slices under the stainless steel blades and press down. Easy to dump into your dish and easy to clean.

Photo Credits:
Photo 1: williams-sonoma .com–Life may never be the same with the Instantpot.
Photo 2: mighty ape .co.nz– PL8 Professional Mandoline (food slicer)
Photo 3: kitchenettejen .com–Apple Slicer
Photo 4: blogtemplates. Info—Collapsible Salad Spinner
Photo 5: promotion. com–Stick Mixer
Photo 6: target. Com—Kale Slicer
Photo 7: crate and barrel .com– OXO Vegetable Chopper

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 2/20/19 Michael Moody 2/20/19

4 Ways You Are Undermining Your Health Efforts

Introduction

Having trouble achieving your health and fitness goals? You may find the biggest obstacle within yourself….and here’s what it might be:

Using the phrases “I can’t”, “I won’t”, or “I don’t”.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: After 14 years of personal training and nearly 18000 hours of one-on-one sessions, I find that this factor determines one’s sustainable success more than any other (and it makes sense). Consider the language: The very nature of these phrases is negative and self-limiting. Is one truly open to the change that he needs to make, or is he only willing to do something as long as it doesn’t compromise his wants? “I won’t cook.” “I can’t possibly make this change.” “I don’t work out.” Hard-line phrases that express unwillingness to determine and consider what one must really do to reach success. Even though the verbal resistance may sit at the tip of the tongue, the alternative phrases, “How can I make this work?” or “Let’s examine the possible solutions”, are positive options that might open new doors to one’s well-being.
Haven’t established a routine.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Long-term sustainable change relies on a foundation of routine and habit. While a quick fix to lose 30 lbs in 3 months is enticing, it will soon be part of a never-ending life cycle. Most fasts, pills, and detoxes serve an impulsive need and rarely establish the structure needed to maintain the weight loss. The most vigorous habit has been reinforced daily for 30 days. It has become part of a new normal operating on autopilot at times. The further the habit is from a day-to-day routine, the longer it takes to reinforce (45-60 days). Lack of this focus will most certainly lead to short-term change and a return to the prior normal that led to poor health.
Lack of distinction between “wants” and “needs”.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Unfortunately, the grammar school curriculum lacks the necessary lessons on the physical, mental, and emotional selves. Children (and adults) are left to haphazard self-discovery and assessment, as well as, often, misguided mentors. Essentially, students are never taught how to recognize their actual needs and are left to figure it out on their own over a lifetime. With the barrage of mixed messages, seeking optimal personal health is a confusing and frustrating journey. All of this might change, though, with the simple question “Why do I feel this way?” It is the first step in awareness—an examination of the underlying influences on behavior and its physical manifestations. With guided investigation and testing, actual needs can be identified without relying on haphazard guesses about wants.
Unwilling to accept what needs to be changed and the necessary steps to change it.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Although awareness is an essential first step toward change, acceptance is necessary before adaptation can take place. Is one willing to accept a current state of being (healthy or not, it is what it is) and the needed approach to redefine health? Surprisingly, acceptance is the roadblock for most. Without accepting a current state and the necessary path, doubt, frustration, and insecurities will unravel the new efforts. It may emotionally steer the adaptive process in the wrong direction and stunt it as a whole.

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 2/15/19 Michael Moody 2/15/19

Quick Diet Guide to Losing Weight

Introduction

Here is the quick weight-loss guide I share with my wedding couples to steer their new dietary choices.

Baseline Intent (Philosophy)

Eat nutrient-dense foods. If you make any change in your diet, this is it. Filler foods are sooooooo 1984. You’re better than that. “Eat with intent” is your new mantra! If you’re hungry, feed your engine with something meaningful!

Inflammation and Deficiency

Inflammation

Healthline says (reviewed by Seunggu Han, MD): “Inflammation refers to your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger an immune response. This response includes the release of antibodies and proteins, as well as increased blood flow to the damaged area. The whole process usually lasts for a few hours or days in the case of acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your body in a constant state of alert. Over time, chronic inflammation may harm your tissues and organs. Some research suggests that chronic inflammation could also play a role in a range of conditions, from cancer to asthma.”

Inflammatory Foods

Grains, including whole grains or all-bran products (breads, crackers, rice, cereals, etc.)
Processed foods (products with additives and preservatives; genetically modified foods; or anything else not in their whole, natural form)
Dairy (butter, milk, and cheese processed from animals)
Alcohol
Refined sugar and artificial sweeteners
Animal protein with high levels of saturated fat (red meat, pork, wild game, etc.)

If I don’t eat those inflammatory foods, then….

If you need fiber, eat beans or dark leafy greens instead of processed grains.
If you need calcium or vitamin D, eat dark leafy greens instead of dairy.
If you need antioxidants, eat grapes instead of drinking red wine.
If you need protein, eat lean meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and other protein-rich foods instead of drinking a protein shake. Please note that the plant-based option is the least inflammatory in most bodies.

Deficiency

The body is composed of 2 central systems: the core and the peripheral. The core system—the engine—has particular demands to maintain homeostasis (the perfect balance between effectiveness and efficiency). The peripheral system supports adaptive software that manages behaviors, compensations, toxins, and compromises of our natural processes, as well as the operation of our biological clock. It helps the body manage periods of fasting and stress, as well as day-to-day physical hacks. It can also help the employee assigned to the midnight shift adapt her biological clock to meet her basic needs… even if it's not ideal. It’s important to note that just because the body can adapt, it doesn’t mean it’s sustainable or ideal. The body will always try to steer you back to its original processes. Long story, short: Yes, you can survive on periods without food, but consider how the body may compensate (and it may not help your health goals).

Starved or Stuffed

You never want to starve (which can lead to the compensatory, deficient state described above) or be stuffed (your body may hold onto more than it needs or convert even the extra good stuff into fat, triglycerides, etc.).

Specific Food Approach

General Guidelines

Daily caloric range: 1200-1500 calories (determine the healthiest amount for you).
Meal caloric range: 3-500 calories
Meals per day: 3-4 every 3-5 hours (allow enough time for proper digestion and absorption)

Simple Plate Ratio

Use this breakdown for every meal, small meal, snack, or what my 20-month-old son, Preston, calls “snat”.
45-55% Plant Nutrients/Vegetables (dark green, starchy, red/orange, etc.)
25-40% Protein (lean white meat, fish, soy, eggs, vegetables, nuts, beans, etc.)
25% Fiber (beans, legumes, fruit, seeds, vegetables, etc.)
*****Although I haven't explicitly mentioned it, you should still be mindful of the number of good fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil, etc.) in your diet, too. You shouldn't exceed 15% in any given meal unless deemed necessary.

Biological Clock and Circadian Rhythm

Your body wants to be an efficient machine that operates on autopilot. Most of the time, it depends on its biological clock - a blend of natural and reinforced forces. With this being said, you can train your body to efficiently release a flood of hormones to help you utilize the fuel you feed it at the same time each day. You already did this in grade school when you ate lunch at 11:37 every day and still felt the hunger pangs at the same time over your summer break. The principle also applies to your efficient recovery while you sleep each night. Your body will naturally wake you gradually over the next 3 hours leading up to your wake time. Going to bed at the same time every night will reinforce this habit and wake you up without an alarm clock as well!

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 2/5/19 Michael Moody 2/5/19

4 Quick Meals for Weight Loss (Only a 12 Minute Prep)

One of the reasons my wedding couples avoid eating healthy is the time it takes to cook. With the Instant Pot, cooking at home is no longer a task. My wife, Sammy, and I recently tested several recipes and found four great ones (with some changes) to help you lose weight.

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Feel free to substitute any 1 lb of meat with 2 cups of beans, quinoa, or lentils. Also, sauté the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot first if you have the extra 3-5 minutes.

INSTANT POT GROUND TURKEY LENTIL CHILI

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 minced garlic cloves
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dry green lentils
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp pepper

Turn your Instant Pot onto “saute.” Brown the ground turkey. Add in the diced onions, garlic, tomato paste, and salt, and cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and translucent.
Add in the lentils, water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and pepper.
Cover the Instant Pot and turn it to “manual,” set the timer to 13 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to “sealing.”
When the timer beeps, let it sit for 10 minutes, then slowly release the pressure by turning the valve to “venting.”
Remove the lid and ladle the chili into bowls. We topped ours with some diced green onions.

Source: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-ground-turkey-lentil-chili

HEALTHY INSTANT POT CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

INGREDIENTS

½ cup of minced onion
½ tsp minced garlic
1 lb asparagus, ends, and tips snapped off
3 cups of cauliflower florets
3 cups of vegetable broth
1 tsp thyme
1” strip lemon peel
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp cardamom
1/8 tsp ginger
¼ cup white wine
1 cup of coconut milk
1/8 tsp white pepper
Shaved almonds (topping)
Hemp seeds (topping)

Add the onion, garlic, asparagus (except for the tips), cauliflower, vegetable broth, thyme, lemon peel, bay leaf, onion powder, salt, cardamom, ginger, white wine, coconut milk, white pepper, and mix well.
Place the asparagus tips in a foil packet and place on top of the asparagus mixture.
Put the lid on, make sure the steam release handle is set to sealing (or closed), then switch to the manual setting on high and set the timer for 2 minutes.
Carefully move the pressure valve to the steam release position and manually release the pressure. Set the foil packet aside for serving. Discard the bay leaf and lemon peel.
For the blender, transfer the cooked asparagus and cauliflower mixture to your blender along with nutmeg. Blend until smooth and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve topped with asparagus tips and sprinkled with shaved almonds and hemp seeds.

Source: Adapted from the book The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for your Instant Pot

INSTANT POT FIRE-ROASTED BEAN STEW

INGREDIENTS

2 cups of soaked (or drained from a can) white (or cannellini) beans
2 cups of soaked (or drained from a can) kidney beans
1 large onion, diced
1 (15 oz) can organic fire-roasted tomatoes, diced and undrained
1 cup of vegetable broth
¼ cup dried parsley
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp black pepper
3 cups baby carrots
3 cups cubed sweet potatoes (1-2 medium)
2 cups chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
2 cups sliced white button mushrooms
1 tbsp minced garlic (or 5 garlic cloves chopped or thinly sliced)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
3 tbsp hemp seeds

Place all of the ingredients in the pressure cooker.
Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, select the MANUAL function high pressure, and use the +/- buttons until the display reads 20 minutes.
When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, switch the pressure knob from SEALING to VENTING to perform a quick release. Use caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot.
Open the cooker and stir everything in the pot, adjusting salt to taste.

Source: Adapted from the recipe “Fire-Roasted Beef Stew” in the book Instant Loss Cookbook

INSTANT POT TUSCAN SHREDDED CHICKEN STEW

INGREDIENTS

1 lb chicken breasts
2 cans white (or cannellini) beans
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced
1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white or black pepper
1 cup white wine
1 tsp minced garlic
3 cups diced red potatoes
1 cup diced zucchini without skin
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Place all of the ingredients in the pressure cooker.
Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, select the MANUAL function high pressure, and use the +/- buttons until the display reads 12 minutes.
When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, switch the pressure knob from SEALING to VENTING to perform a quick release. Use caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot.
Open the cooker and stir everything in the pot, adjusting salt to taste.

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

4 Quotes That Changed the Way I Approach my Day

Introduction

”Live. Give. Forgive.” – Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

”One distraction I’ve learned to avoid is consuming media that’s just telling me things I already know and agree with.” – Julia Galef

”The moment I start one of these three behaviors—blaming, complaining, or gossiping – I become negative. It’s a sign of avoiding what I am responsible for: my life.” – Aniela Gregorek

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

7 Kitchen Tools that Will Cut Your Cooking Time in Half

Introduction

Instant Pot

PL8 Professional Mandoline (Food Slicer)

Apple Slicer

Collapsible Salad Spinner

Stick Mixer

Kale Slicer

OXO Vegetable Chopper

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

4 Ways You Are Undermining Your Health Efforts

Introduction

Using the phrases “I can’t”, “I won’t”, or “I don’t”.

Haven’t established a routine.

Lack of distinction between “wants” and “needs”.

Unwilling to accept what needs to be changed and the necessary steps to change it.

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Quick Diet Guide to Losing Weight

Introduction

Baseline Intent (Philosophy)

Inflammation and Deficiency

Inflammation

Inflammatory Foods

If I don’t eat those inflammatory foods, then….

Deficiency

Starved or Stuffed

Specific Food Approach

General Guidelines

Simple Plate Ratio

Biological Clock and Circadian Rhythm

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

4 Quick Meals for Weight Loss (Only a 12 Minute Prep)

INSTANT POT GROUND TURKEY LENTIL CHILI

INGREDIENTS

HEALTHY INSTANT POT CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

INGREDIENTS

INSTANT POT FIRE-ROASTED BEAN STEW

INGREDIENTS

INSTANT POT TUSCAN SHREDDED CHICKEN STEW

INGREDIENTS

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Services

General Information

Resources

Business Information