Favorite Green Smoothie

Everywhere you look there are recipes for smoothies, and it really comes down to what you like. Once you get over the green color and taste them, they are actually very good. I have tried many variations and finally stumbled upon my favorite simply by chance...and with what I had on hand.

Servings: 1 large glass or 2 small glasses

1/2 c. almond milk
1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
2 Tbsp. PB2 (I get this from Amazon)
1/2 large gala apple (or 1 small)
1 tsp. unrefined coconut oil (i.e. Nutriva)
2 Tbsp. Stevia
2 handfuls of baby spinach
Ice (large handful)

Blend in a good blender until smooth.

I drink this every morning for breakfast, and it really does keep me going. It is also a great pre-workout drink, packed with protein and full of energy enhancers!

We really cannot put junk into our bodies and expect to look and feel good! Our bodies are machines that need premium fuel for maximum performance!

Little Pot of Gold

As I near the big 4-0 (ok, so I have a few years...but it is a little too close for my comfort nonetheless), I think more and more about the aging process and what I can do to, at the very least, slow it down. After giving birth to three children, my body has done some crazy hormonal changes that have left me dealing with issues I had never seen before and frustrated that I should be dealing with said issues in my 30's! Breakouts, dry brittle nails, hair loss and breakage...you name it. So I looked at my overall diet and realized that I had become lazy since I became a mom. Ok, maybe "lazy" is not the best word to describe being a mother. We "DO" plenty, and somehow that had become my excuse. Still an overall healthy eater, relatively speaking, I had let some of my more extensive practices go and had stopped researching new studies and products.

After talking to a fellow mom and friend, I decided to start back slowly and begin with her personal favorite, coconut oil. While the numerous benefits of this little pot of gold may be old news to many of you, it was like finding the Holy Grail for me. I began by putting it on my hands and feet, places that have forever been problem spots for me. The winters make them dry and cracked, while the summer flip flop season has all but destroyed my heels. Within days, I was seeing a difference, and the smell was good enough to eat!

Once I saw this, I decided to take the plunge and use it as a moisturizer on my face. Having had sensitive skin for my entire adult life, I was nervous. Every moisturizer I have ever tried has sent my face into a patchy mess. However, after a week, I was sold. My skin has never been clearer, smoother, more radiant...and the list goes on. The only downside is that my puppy wants to lick my face every time I put it on! (and so does my hubby! ;)

As for the health benefits, I use the extra virgin unrefined (i.e. Nutiva) coconut oil for skin, hair (haven't tried that yet, but want to!) smoothies, and baking or other dishes with a coconut flavor. For other dishes, I use the refined coconut oil (i.e. Spectrum). Even for the health rookie, this is an EASY change to make. I buy mine off of Amazon (2 15oz jars for $17.58); and a little goes a long way, so they will last you awhile. I wish I could adequately describe how much better I feel with just this simple change. It just may give me the boost I need to keep on going and do more!!

Please let me know if you try it or have tried it before as well as any tips you may have. I am constantly looking for more ways to use this amazing oil!

Complexion Smoothie by Jillian Harris

It is no secret that I am a healthy eater OR that I love watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette series. Recently Jillian Harris tweeted about a complexion smoothie that sounded like it was packed with oodles of goodness and yummy to boot. One of the ingredients was a little pricey for me, especially since I wasn't even sure I would like the concoction; however, I found a less expensive alternative that seemed to do the job. It may seem like only health nuts would enjoy this frozen treat, but even my 7 year old loved it and asked for his own cup! If that isn't proof, then I don't know what is! 

Complexion Smoothie
Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen berries I prefer Blackberries and Blueberries. Bought frozen in bulk is the most cost effective way I have found.

1 large banana I usually buy these then break them up into smaller pieces, put them into one ziploc baggie per banana, and then freeze them.  This keeps them from going bad too quickly, plus it adds a little extra punch to my "frozen" smoothie.

1/4 cup Bolthouse Carrot Juice This is the key ingredient. You might not like the sound of this, but this juice is delicious and the berries are still the main flavor. Also, carrot juice has tons of vitamin A & biotin, both of which are key to healthy hair and nails. Hair and nail vitamins provide 100% Vitamin A and one serving of Bolthouse Carrot Juice has 700%

1 capful Greens+ Unflavored or Boltonhouse Green Smoothie (Naked has a version also) ****This is another key ingredient as it’s just like having a day’s worth of spinach, kale and collard greens - without actually eating them. All of these greens are so good for your skin. I find Greens+ quite expensive though, so if you’re on a budget, I have used frozen spinach or even fresh Kale, Spinach or Collard greens. The berries will cover up the taste, guaranteed you won't even taste it!****  My sidenote: The Greens+, while being the most nutritious option I have no doubt, is a bit costly.  I found the juice worked nicely and blended quite well.

Steps:

1.    Blend all ingredients in your blender and enjoy with a straw!
One serving of this a day, or even every other day, and you should be good to go!

http://www.jillianharris.com/post/food-fridays-greens-smoothie