My Favorite Green Smoothie / A Recipe

I've talked here and there about healthy eating but today I'd like to share one of my favorite ways to start my morning off on the right foot: a green smoothie.  It might sound a little over the top but I'll just say it: green smoothies are a game changer.

Since I've switched to having a green smoothie for breakfast I have noticed a huge difference in the amount of energy I have and I crave less bad, unhealthy food throughout the day.  I'll probably write a post about this later on but for now, just trust me, I used to be the queen of unhealthy eating and I never said no to a craving.  

Not only are they super healthy but they are actually yummy! And if you're the person that thinks a smoothie with spinach in it can't possibly taste good, no worries, I totally thought the same thing.  I promise though, it's not just "healthy" yummy, it's actually good.   

There's 1001+ ways to make a green smoothie but this is what has been working for me.  It's packed with nutrients but is still really simple and quick to make on a busy morning.  

I like knowing exactly how my food is benefiting my health so if any of you feel the same I've included some info on why these ingredients are so good for you...

• frozen strawberries and a banana - there are all sorts of good things in fruits!  I just chose strawberries and a banana because I like the taste.  You can substitute any berries, fruits, or veggies that you'd like.
• raw spinach - contains a good amount of fiber, vitamins A (good for your skin), C (antioxidants and keeps you healthy), and K (good for your bones)
• protein powder - I use this vanilla whey protein powder, but any will do.  Protein in the morning will help you to stay fuller, longer and help you to feel alert!
• almond milk - I use silk unsweetened vanilla almond milk.  It has more calcium and fewer calories than regular milk, it's heart healthy (no cholesterol or saturated fat), and contains vitamin E which is super good for your skin!
• flax seeds - contains omega-3s and fiber.  

Just take all these ingredients, throw them in a blender and voila!

What do you think?  Are you a green smoothie enthusiast too?

My Case for Healthy Eating

I have been eating healthier lately.  And by lately I mean that for the past few months I have made an effort to pass on the donuts and opt for the strawberries.  I've made the conscious decision to go for the salad when I really wanted a hamburger.  And don't go thinking that I am just eating healthy all the time, just like that because really, it is a struggle sometimes. 

During those times when I am going back and forth between wanting that that unhealthy yet oh-so-delicious piece of pizza and wanting to stick with it I try to bring to mind why I am doing this.  So, I thought I'd get a little serious on here and talk about why I really want it and why I am doing my best to eat healthy.

For N.  I love this new role I have.  I love being the one who makes us dinner.  I love being the person who takes care of that sort of thing.  I'm a nurturer at heart and so when I get the chance to take care of someone I love, I jump on it.  I feel like I owe it to N to make things that are healthy for the both of us.

For my vain side.  Yeah, this one has to be in here.  I want to look good, ya know?  I used to be able to eat hamburgers every day but that ship has sailed and we are now working with a grow up lady body.  The kind that decides that my metabolism was working way too efficiently in the past.  So yep, gotta keep up with this.

For my noggin.  I haven't talked about this a lot on here but sometimes anxiety really takes a hold of me.  My mind just rans rampant with petty worry and once it's gone there, it's a knock down drag out fight to bring it back.  But.  But.  Eating well, cleanly, makes a huge difference.  I didn't really believe this before I experienced it but it is true you guys.  Eating healthy really makes a huge difference.

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For my Future Kids.  I want my kids to grow up in the same atmosphere I had when I was a kid.  A big part of this (something I didn't realize until I moved out) centered around the way we ate as a family.  My mom made a nice, healthy, family meal each night and it was something that we all enjoyed and I want that for my kids.  I won't have that, genuinely, if I don't create those habits now. 

For my peace of mind.  I want what I eat to always be something that benefits me as a whole.  I don't want it to just satisfy a certain craving, or just be a typical healthy food, or .  I like eating healthy because it makes me feel good.  Like all around good.  It makes me feel good in the ways I mentioned above, yeah, but it also makes me feel grounded, well-adjusted, more adult-like, if you will.  Eating healthy will make you feel good but the idea of eating healthy will make you feel good too. It's nice to have both :)

So.  What are your thoughts?  Does anyone else out there feel the same?  Different?  I'd love to hear :)

 

A Little Healthier Eating

Hello guys :)  Today I come to you with a little healthy eating post.  This has become more and more important to me in the past year or so because I have realized that it is all up to me.  I'm not living at home and there is no one making me my dinners at night, except myself.  I could eat fast food everyday.  I could do that so easily because I do love food.  But I have become more and more aware of how I feel in relation to what I eat.  And this is actually fun for me.

You're all probably like, yes, duh.  I know I know.  It's not a huge revelation or anything but it's become something that I like to think about and stuff, so I thought I'd share.  

Here are some little changes that I like to make day to day.

• When baking a cake or brownies I like to substitute apple sauce for the oil.  It cuts way down on the calories and you can't even tell, taste wise.
• Quinoa tortillas.  Oh my!  If you haven't had these then you should definitely give them a try.  
• When I have a sweet tooth, I eat watermelon.  I don't know what watermelon has that grapes and strawberries don't, but it really stomps out my sweets craving.
• Instead of eating my sandwich on bread, I put all my meat, vegetables, and dressing in a pita.
• Stevia in my coffee
• Using bananas to make pancakes (also super yummy as waffles.)

What do you use day to day to eat a little healthier?