Tuesday Morning Workout

Did this workout as soon as I woke up today...

I could only manage to do it twice through on my limited fuel supply. Maybe tomorrow I will be able to do it three times. I am living by the rule, "Doing some is better than doing none," at least while I get back into the swing of things.

I can really feel it in my thighs and my lower core.

Followed with a 4 oz glass of lemon water.
I will be eating a shake after my shower:

1/2 cup greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 banana
1-2 T peanut butter
1 tsp nutella (or cocoa powder)

This shake keeps me full for hours.

Daily Food Log

Drank glass of room temperature water with fresh lemon juice upon waking.

Breakfast- Nature's Path Organic Non-GMO high fiber cinnamon raisin granola with unsweetened almond milk

Healthy Me

So, during the past two semesters of college multiple things have caused me to slide down the slippery slope of unhealthy habits. The biggest of these being my eating habits. I was always on the run, and always had too much to do to ever catch up. Every day felt like I was just treading water trying to keep my head above it all.

Well a few days after I graduated I decided it was time to make a change. I have less commitments taking up my time and I'm going to replace it with an effort to care about my body and myself. During my unhealthy eating period I felt tired, sluggish, and lumpy. I threw out some of the unhealthy things I was eating, but not all.

I went to the store and found things that I knew I would eat. Why buy them just to sit around and eventually be thrown out? On my first trip I picked up:

-carrots
-cucumber
-celery
-avocados
-apples
-bananas
-peaches
-cherries
-spring mix lettuce
-eggs
-GMO-free high-fiber granola cereal
-unsweetened almond milk
-vanilla greek yogurt
-quinoa
-basmati brown rice
-organic grass-fed chicken breasts
-cliff crunch granola bars
-peanut butter

In the mornings I've been alternating between cereal and a smoothie.

My favorite smoothie is:
1 banana
1/2 c almond milk
1/2 c greek yogurt
2 T peanut butter
1 tsp nutella

In the past I was hungry 45 minutes to an hour after breakfast. This smoothie keeps me full for at least 4 hours. I have been drinking so much more water :) and adding fresh lemon juice to my water. Already I am feeling like I have more energy. I am also seeing less bloating in my stomach. I will keep updating with my status and any new recipes I come across and love.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is delicious. You can eat it plain or with jelly, but new ideas are sometimes more fun. Because of its gooey, oily nature it is easy to add to your favorite recipes.

The nutritious facts:
Peanut butter has a high level of monounsaturated fats. (like our friend the avocado)
It also contains protein, fiber, and magnesium.
Magnesium is an important mineral -- but sadly, many diets lack magnesium.
Magnesium works to eliminate the negative effects of drinking soda. It is a vital mineral for the reduction of headaches.

My favorite (right now) recipe with peanut butter is...

Peanut Butter Frosting (eat sparingly... but so good)

MMM.. it looks so tasty. Click here make this treat.

Word of caution::: Peanut butter bought from the store contains other ingredients that are not healthy. (as does the above recipe, but this is a treat!)
I try to buy the peanut butter that lists peanuts as the ONLY ingredient.

If you prefer, (and have the time and equipment) you can make your own homemade peanut butter here. If you are in need of a good mixing device, check out the one below.



Have fun!

The Amazing Avocado

Today it is snowing and I am craving a salad with avocado.

Recently, the popularity of the avocado has been rising. It is now included on every Friday's, Red Robin, and more menus.

Avocados are great. They are native to Central Mexico. Dark green on the outside and light green on the inside. The texture of the fruit is a bit soft and creamy feeling, like solid butter. Avocados do more than look good in our food.

They are high in monounsaturated fat. This is a good fat. Avocados are great for vegetarians or people who eat little meat. For those who don't know -- avocado is the main ingredient in guacamole. Delicioso!

Avocados have more potassium than bananas. They are great for regulating metabolism and high blood pressure. Because the fat content is so high, avocados should not be eaten daily. This is especially true if you are watching your weight. But one avocado split into smaller servings throughout the week will help to control and maintain your metabolism.


Keep up with your before shower exercises. I got bored with it, so I switched a few of the moves for a little variety. If it is difficult to do each day, take it down to every other day... but don't stop. Let's keep it movin'!

Smoothies part 2

So I am loving this smoothie kick. Every day I make myself a delicious spinach, water, and berry smoothie.

BUT.... yesterday my fiance was eating some goooood looking cookies and I thought "I wish my smoothie tasted a little more like cookies"

I found an amazing blog that has smoothie recipes that tell you what they're good for. For instance.. one is for working out, one for weight loss, muscle building. And they sound much better tasting than my spinach and berry.

I will start sneaking some of these as treat smoothies.

I am still doing the pre-shower workout. I love it. It is quick and easy and I feel like I am sticking to my goals by doing it each day. I also do other exercises on days when I'm a little MORE motivated.

Smoothies from Super Skinny Me

Smoothies: Healthy or Not?

How are you doing with last week's "Before Every Shower" exercise?

I have been doing it every day and I feel great. My muscles feel a little tighter and not as flabby. I really enjoy doing this work out before every shower because it is so quick! It's not much but it's a start at being more healthy and it is SO EASY to do every day.

Today I am starting my day off right with a smoothie. Not your typical milk, yogurt, fruit smoothie... don't get me wrong - those are delicious. The kind I'm having is way more nutritious, however.

Start with a cup of fresh cool water. Add about 2 handfuls of fresh greens: spinach, arugula, spring mix, any kind of lettuce you have. The greener the better. REMEMEBR: Iceberg is just water and fiber. Add 2 handfuls of berries: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc. Blend and drink.

Limiting the ingredients helps your body to digest easier, giving you more ability to absorb those awesome nutrients. I know that it sounds gross, but it really doesn't taste bad!

Try this smoothie first thing in the morning every other day and let me know how it works for you.