Did I just hear what I think I heard?!
Thunder?
In January?
With snow on the ground?
I don’t know about you, but the beginnings of 2014 are already throwing me for a loop! First, there were the days of negative temperatures. We reached, or should I say dipped, to -12 degrees at one point. I don’t remember it EVER being that cold here! And now, thunder and possibly 50 degrees on Sunday!? Pure craziness (as always) here in Missouri!
I have big aspirations for the year and to be honest, it has been more than difficult to get back into a routine after the holidays. The further I get from my normal routine, the worse off I am! I’m sluggish, tired and lazy! As much as I love vacations and time away from the “boring” normalcy – I thrive on schedules and routine! With a long list of tasks to accomplish in 2014, I’m going to need a game plan.
I’m sure like many of you, I also, would love to be more healthy this year! I try to always keep a good balance but the holidays are a time of indulgence. What other time of the year can you eat all day long, have 3+ desserts and not feel at all judged by yourself or others? Game on! However, now it is time to reverse those habits!
For Christmas, I always ask for workout clothes, gear, DVD’s, etc. because I know I will need extra motivation to get going in the new year! This year I got a new Tracy Anderson workout DVD. I wanted it because it is lower impact (as opposed to my favorite Jillian Michael’s workouts!) and it is a quick workout I can even do in my socks on lazy days – start small, haha!
Don’t be fooled, this workout will test your muscles! I did the entire DVD and was sooo sore the next day it was hard to sit up to get out of bed!
My healthy resolution also includes eating more fruits and veggies. Here is a quick smoothie recipe I use to jumpstart my day. I make this for breakfast or sometimes a smaller one after workouts to help my body recover.
Jump Start Green Protein Smoothie
This is so easy to make and versatile enough you won’t get burnt out!
Grab your fruits and veggies. I have found that frozen banana is the key to the most creamy smoothies. Plus, it keeps them nice and cold… who wants to drink a warm smoothie?!
I usually freeze the bananas and strawberries ahead of time and keep them in portion size ziplock bags in my freezer door. This way I am always ready for a healthy smoothie!
Add in some power foods! Chia seeds, flax seeds, and cocoa powder are great additions to any smoothie!
Now, it is time to build some muscles! Add in protein powder to keep you full longer and help support your muscles, especially post-workout.
Use your favorite, this is just one I picked up quickly at the grocery store. I don’t spend too much time thinking about my protein powder…
I would use a full serving for meals. Here, I only used half because I did a short workout and had this smoothie for a snack instead.
Chia seeds…
Flax seeds…
Cocoa powder…
And a little milk to get things blending.
Top with fresh spinach leaves and begin to blend.
Then, add in the peanut butter. I like to add it at this stage, otherwise it seems to get stuck on the side of my blender!
Blend away!
The consistency of my smoothies vary from day-to-day since I don’t really measure. I like to add less milk and make my smoothies more creamy and almost “ice-cream like” in consistency.
For added yumminess I topped my smoothie with honey and sliced almonds!
Don’t be afraid of an oddly green-colored smoothie! It is very yummy and flavorful… and did I mention a jump-start to your resolutions!? Give it a whirl… literally in the blender! 😉
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 5-6 Medium strawberries
- 1 Serving Protein Powder, Chocolate (switch this out for vanilla, strawberry, etc.)
- 1 Handful Spinach (or switch out with kale)
- Dash of Chia Seeds (optional: chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids)
- Dash of Flax Seeds (optional: flax offers good source of fiber)
- Dash of Cocoa Powder (optional: pumps up the chocolate factor)
- Skim Milk, to get the blender going (almond milk, soy milk, etc. can be used)
- 1 tbsp. Peanut Butter
- Honey (optional topping)
- Almonds (optional topping: could use walnuts, pecans, etc.)
- Place frozen banana chunks and strawberries into the bottom of blender.
- Toss in the protein powder, chia seeds, flax seeds (or ground flax), and cocoa powder.
- Top with fresh spinach and a splash of milk to get the blender going.
- Pulse and chop the smoothie.
- Add in the peanut butter and continue to blend until smooth. Add more milk if needed.
- Pour into a glass or bowl.
- Top with a small amount of honey for added sweetness and sliced almonds for some crunch! It’s almost like a chocolate, peanut butter dessert!
What are your big NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS?
Happy Friday!
-RH
Tracy Anderson workouts!!! I need to get that one. Love ya!
Kristen, it is an awesome one! There are four – 15 min. workouts! I did them all that first day and it was pretty hard… (coming from the girl who stopped working out and ate EVERYTHING during the holidays, haha!) Love you too, miss ya!
Want To Try. Maybe ThIs Will Be The Smoothie That I Can Enjoy! Ha!
Needin Healthier Snack Options!
I hope you like this one! Adjust everything to your liking but I would never omit the frozen banana for consistency! It doesn’t make a strong banana flavor either. 😉