It seems like GREEN SMOOTHIES are quite the fad right now!
What a great fad! Something healthy and delicious!
Drake will not eat ANY vegetables (loves fruit) and I have never tried green smoothies so I decided to follow everyone's example and give them a try.
The smoothies I made were pretty good, but I think they could have been better. I used:
1 banana
1 orange
4 strawberries
4 stalks/leaves of kale (ya, that's the first time I've EVER eaten kale)
1/2 cup water
lots of crushed ice
I think I may have used too much ice because they seemed a little watered down. I had to keep convincing myself that it was something good because I must admit that the green diarrhea look of it wasn't very appetizing. Drake LOVED them though and that's what mattered.
I want to keep trying them, but want to know what all of your recipes are!
Leave me a comment and help me out!
The green smoothie idea was brought on by the fact that we're trying to be a little more healthy at our house. Once Drake started eating table foods, I became much more aware of the crap we were putting in our bodies sometimes. I found that a lot of things Rob & I were eating, I didn't want Drake to be eating. Then I started rethinking our diet. So, Rob and I are both exercising more now and trying to eat better. Exercise and healthy eating habits are something I've always struggled with.
Okay, I am seriously the worst exerciser in the world. No seriously, I really am.
This is usually the cycle I go through.
Okay, I need to start working out again......Okay, seriously time to start...........Oh, I am so excited about this new program or exercise regimen I found!...........Yes, Day one down and I'm loving exercising again.............Day 2-5- going awesome......................Don't feel like exercising today................Oops, it's been 3 months and I haven't exercised! haha
I'm terrible at making it a priority and sticking with it. I want to be a person who exercises every day because they like it. I feel better physically when I'm exercising and feel all-around better about myself and the way I look (even though I have some weight to lose), but I always get bored and lazy and stop before I finish anything. It's seriously something I struggle a lot with.
We bought a treadmill for Christmas and that's when I decided I wanted to become a runner. A runner to me= someone who enjoys running. I HATE running, but I'm learning to like it and am hoping to run a 5K in a few months. (I know this is nothing compared to you fellow 1/2 marathon runners)
I started the C25K (Couch to 5K) program about a month ago. I just finished Week 4 Day 1. It's a 9 week program that should have me running a 5K when I'm finished. So far it's been quite the challenge, but the good thing is that I'm enjoying it. It's also teaching me to learn to like to run outside. Something I've ALWAYS hated.
I'm hoping this is something that is going to work for me. I'm not dieting and I'm not starting some crazy exercise regimen. I just overall want to try to be more health conscious and change our eating habits to a more healthy lifestyle. We're gradually making the transition and my hope is that before long it will just be the way we eat everyday. And, my other hope is that I'll have a desire to run everyday and it won't just be a "phase" I'll go through.
The reason I'm writing this novel is because I want to write out my goals in hopes that it will make me feel more accountable if others know what I'm doing. Although, you probably don't even care, I hope it helps me to work harder!
What motivates you to exercise and eat healthy? For example, how on earth do you say no to french fries at a restaurant and choose the chicken breast and vegetables instead? Yikes!
What recipes or eating habits have you found to be beneficial and effective for your family?
Thanks for the input!
7 comments:
Well you know you can always follow my blog...
thewellnesswisdomhiway.blogspot.com.
here is a good place to start
http://thewellnesswisdomhiway.blogspot.com/2011/03/52-tips-to-wellness-rider-lifestyle.html
I think you look great and just do the best you can. Its hard when you are a mom.
Green smoothies are a hit. You can even freeze them in popsicle forms and then you can eat them that way. I also like to put protein in the green smoothies. The kids love them that way and you know how exciting popsicles are...LOL!
Kale is a tasteless treasure I throw that or spinach is just about anything.
I hate running too but I just do it every now and again. I usually run for 10 min then the elliptical then the bike, stairs ect. Before you know it you have a 30 min cardio routine.
Just try to start with 3 days a week and when that gets easy then you can go to more. Baby steps!
With going out to eat---Im not sure how much you eat out but for us its not very often so go ahead and indulge. Have "some" french fries. I just always tell ppl don't over do it because then you will feel like crap the next day..LOL!
Also having food prepared is key. If you have healthy foods prepared then you are less likely to eat bad.
Embrace the 80/20 rule. Try and eat well and do the best you can 80 % of the time and 20% of the time have that cookie or ice cream.
Anyways hope that helped and just know you are doing awesome. After a while it will become habit and you wont even think about it. This is how it was for me:)
I feel like I was reading my own thoughts when I read this! I am the EXACT same way when it comes to exercising! I get in to it for a while and then it just dies... I'm still trying to figure out what works for me and what I really enjoy. But, I'm super excited for you and wish I lived closer so we could work out together! As far as green smoothies recipes go, try this recipe:
1 banana
1 cup grapes
1 6 ounce tub vanilla yogurt
1/2 apple cored and chopped
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Also, one thing that I have noticed makes a HUGE difference for me is portion control. Simply eating less than normal somehow makes me feel great! I usually never go for the veggies, (still HATE them) so Drake and I have a lot in common :) Keep up the smoothies and let me know how things are going! Love ya!
Oh yes one more thing..with the green smoothies just pick your favorite fruits of what is in season...really anything goes!
Okay, I REALLY hope that last comment posted. It looks like it might not have, and if it didn't, I'm going to scream! It was long and all about exercise. Anyway, lemme know.
Now, on to smoothies.
Yeah, they are the thing right now, aren't they?! What a cool thing to have be popular, though. I remember now that you once asked me what we do for ours and I don't think I ever answered you. Sorry about that! Here's a typical smoothie at our house (this makes enough for my whole family and I do it in our BlendTec that has a pretty large pitcher -- you could totally half this for your family size and blender)(in this order):
2 Bananas
2-3 pieces celery, broken in big chunks
2-3 carrots, broken in big chunks
1/2 cucumber
1 tomato
2 big handfuls greens (spinach, lettuce, kale, whatever I have around)
1/2-1 cup water
Frozen Mixed Fruit
Frozen Mixed Berries (I buy both of these at Sam's Club)
You'll notice I don't have measurements on the fruit -- I try to just fill up the rest of the blender a bit at a time with these. It usually ends up being a little over 2 cups (maybe more?).
If I have any fruit kicking around that's starting to go bad (apples, pears, strawberries, etc), I throw that in, too.
If I taste it and it's not exactly what I'm hoping for, sweetness-wise, I'll add another banana.
A word about these: They're sweet, but not Jamba Juice or milkshake sweet. And sometimes the first taste has a lot of the "earthy" flavor of the vegetables and it's a little off-putting. But give it another couple of sips and you'll be surprised at how your palate starts to acclimate to the flavor. If all else fails, more bananas!! And really, if you have to at the start, do some honey in there. It's not gonna kill ya. Just try to lessen it every day.
Seriously, I know it doesn't sound delicious, but it IS. We LOVE them. The frozen fruit makes it perfectly slushy (and I will definitely recommend that you drink them COLD. Warm smoothie = nasty).
Kay, hope you enjoy. I pretty much just do whatever I have on hand, but this is the basic plan.
Food in the next comment. :)
Last comment, I promise. :)
As for food, are you still doing Weight Watchers? I love it so so so much because I don't have to cut anything out entirely (LIKE FRENCH FRIES!!!). I have found that I am making even better choices than I was before (nutrition has always been an interest for me). I know that if I eat a whole grain piece of toast or a small bowl of oatmeal along with my smoothie, I will be way way fuller for fewer calories/points than if I eat a bowl of cereal. I had no idea how unfilling cold cereal was, but I have learned now.
Lunches, opening a can of tuna fish, mixing it with a teaspoon of olive oil, some oregano, salt & pepper, and some pickles -- then eat it on top of a big helping of lettuce. It's delicious and seriously just as easy as mac and cheese! My kids enjoy it, too -- I usually let them eat it on reduced fat wheat thins.
Just a few little ideas. I eat a lot of sandwiches, too, with mustard and no mayo (oh, spread with those laughing cow spreadable cheeses over in the deli section --- love the garlic and herb flavor and one wedge is enough for a whole sandwich and is only 1 WW point).
Snacking on vegetables with some hummus or fruit or a small handful of almonds. Drinking lots of water.
Am I babbling? I just wanted to agree with you that doing a huge diet change is a recipe for failure, but making little changes makes a huge difference -- and you're totally right -- having kids totally opens your eyes!
As for restaurants, I have one night a week where I just eat what I want. We go out to dinner and I eat what looks good -- as I've changed my diet, I've found that often it's not the french fries that look great, so I won't get them. Especially if it's fast food. I just get the sandwich (Chick-Fil-A's grilled chix sandwich is only 6 points and very filling with a coke zero). Saves money, too! But just have one night in the week that you can look forward to eating whatever you want and it makes it a ton easier to be disciplined during the rest of the week. :)
Oh, and using Weight Watchers, it makes it easy for me to have a bowl of froyo at night with some reese's pieces because I know exactly how many points I have used during the day and that I have enough to enjoy a treat at night. LOVE that about WW, but the principle is the same even if you're not doing that.
Kay, I think that's all. Sorry. But you get what you ask for - haha! :)
Linds, This is not at all my expertise...but I really do love to work out and excersise..dieting however is where it is hard for me...
but working out...I have found the biggest thing is to do something you love or want to love...so it sounds like your doing great! And a 5K is the best place to start....choose a race, pay to sign up and that will help motivate you...at least that does me. [if i paid..im in] :)
But just stay positive and dont stress if life comes up and you have to miss a day of training your body will adapt and you will be fine...missing 5-6 now thats different then it starts to become a habit. And if this makes you feel any better...I LOVE excersising but there are MANY days that I have to force my tennis shoes on and force myself to the gym or treadmill...but once i do it...i am never dissapointed!! You look fabulous though...but i know working out makes us all feel better so I encourage you 100 %~
On a diet note...like I said earlier this is where i have a really hard time....I do however LOVE LOVE LOVE green smoothies!! HEre is my recipe [i know there are tons out there...but htis is what i found i love]
Green Smoothie
1 cup strawberries
1/2 banana
1 cup {or more} spinache
1 cup kefir or greek yogurt plain.
handfull of ice...
blend and enjoy!
kefir you can find in the milk isle of the store...right by the yogurt....it is a probiotic drink with great things for your digestive system and lots of protien...i get the plain because it has less sugar and more protein...i need my protien, so my mom keeps saying...but i do stay fuller longer!
Organic greek yogurt is awesome....very gross plain but really good in this smoothie...you can get the flavored, but it does have more sugar and less protein...that is why i always get the plain...but either way your good...
let me know what you think!!! Sorry for the mile long post!! ;)
Well to start out, Logan't dad had to have heart surgery last Dec. over Christmas. It was scary for all of us. He's doing great now, everything was a success. The doctor recommended to my mother in-law to try and cut salt out of their diet as much as possible. So we have. We read the labels and pick the products with the least amount of salt and we've put our salt shaker away (we don't cook with salt). When we've gone to eat somewhere else and they've used salt we realize how much we don't miss it. For some reason food has tasted better with out it. Anyway that's my advice for some little improvement on heart health. About the exercising I'm the same way. Sorry that was a long comment!
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