green smoothies

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The Green Glow: Day 10 Citrus Crush

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I CRUSHED this 10-Day smoothie challenge. I closed out my final day with two smoothies: Carrot Cooler for breakfast and Berry Blast as an after dinner night cap. I didn’t have pineapples or grapes for the Citrus Crush, so I’ll try the recipe another day.

Believe me, it crossed my mind that the drink in my glass should be wine, but alas, I don’t have any.  My green smoothie was a much healthier option any way.

For fun, this next section will be in “question and answer” format.

  • What was your favorite part of the 10-Day green smoothie challenge?
    • I enjoyed interacting with the other participants on the live facebook group. There were about 14,000 people participating.
  • What was your favorite green smoothie on this challenge?
    • This question is hard because they were all good. My top 3 were Beginner’s Luck, Pineapple Dream, and Carrot Cooler. Pineapples was a common ingredient in each. I love pineapples.
  • How difficult was it to keep up with the challenge?
    • It wasn’t difficult. If you count the time it took to read the manual, shop for the ingredients, prep the produce, blend each recipe, and transport the prepared smoothies, it still wasn’t difficult.
  • What else did you eat?
    • I ate my normal foods and snacks. 
  • Was this 10-Day green smoothie challenge a diet or detox?
    • No
  • What didn’t you like about the challenge?
    • I didn’t have all of the smoothie ingredients so although I had a smoothie every day, I didn’t try every recipe. I missed 2 recipes out of 10…the ones with grapes. Grapes are expensive right now.
  • Did you lose weight?
    • No
  • Why did you do the challenge?
    • I did the challenge to set the tone for my 2020: “health is wealth”, “new year, better me”, “self-care is a priority”
  • What advice would you give to someone new to green smoothies?
    • Prep, prep, prep. Make your smoothies in advance and always have one ready in the fridge.
  • What did you learn about yourself?
    • I can do whatever I put my mind to do.
  • What’s next?
    • I may move on to a 7 or 21 day vegan cleanse.

Listen, completing this challenge makes me a RAWKSTAR for sure!

What goals have you crushed so far in 2020?

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The Green Glow: Day 9 – Berry Blast

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My day was so busy that I didn’t get a chance to take a picture AT ALL of Day 9’s green smoothie – Berry Blast. The recipe consisted of simple, familiar flavors -mixed berries, banana, almond milk and spinach. I’ve been using mixed greens all week and added ground flax seeds and fresh ginger.

What I did do at home, after I gobbled up the YUMMY tacos my husband, Bryan, made for dinner, was sip on a soothing cup of warm, spiced almond milk with a hint of turmeric. It hit the spot. It’s almost like hot chocolate, but not. I enjoyed it in my kittie mug.

The kittie was bathing in my spiced almond milk. LPC

Sometimes, the real test of a challenge is towards the end of it. I had to deal with an irritating situation at work that started at the end of Day 8 and it has caused me some stress.

Taking healthy food options with me to work like my green smoothies prevents me from succumbing to emotional eating. If I do have a piece of candy (like I did today), I won’t go too far off course because I’ve already fueled myself with healthy options.

Today, I packed for work: the rest of my veggie bowl with sriracha sauce, yogurt and berries, an apple, mixed nuts, pork rinds, and the STAR, my lovely Berry Blast green smoothie. Those goodies fueled me for almost 10 hours of work. I’m not messing up my progress over emotional eating.

I’ve set myself up for success. It all goes back to planning and preparation. Both points I mentioned in previous posts. I can honestly say I will complete the 10-Day green smoothie challenge tomorrow. You know how I know??? Because I have two green smoothies waiting for me in the fridge.

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The Green Glow: Day 8 – Mango Madness…again

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Yup!!! I’m at the point of the challenge where I’m making repeat smoothies. The point of this 10-Day challenge is not to follow the plan exactly, but to add one healthy habit to my day. It doesn’t matter which green smoothies I drink, what matters is that I drink a green smoothie. And I have been indulging in these DELECTABLE healthy combinations every day.

The journal of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. -Lao Tzu

The hardest part of most things is getting started. Once you get going, then you wonder why you hadn’t started sooner. You just need to get over the wall in your mind that’s keeping you from your goal(s). Just start. Just do it. Then you’ll be fine.

What steps have you taken towards your 2020 goals?

Plaque on my office wall. LPC
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The Green Glow: Day 7 Carrot Cooler

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Today was my “Monday” after a 3-day weekend and I definitely needed my smoothie boost on my way to the first meeting of the day. Day 7’s green smoothie contains peaches and grapes, and since I didn’t have either, I made Day 8’s Carrot Cooler.

Here’s a combination I would never think of on my own: pineapples, carrots, strawberries, spinach, and coconut water. I added ground flax seeds and a knob of fresh ginger. The Carrot Cooler was so YUMMY and a nutritional POWERHOUSE that sustained me through my morning meetings.

To maintain a healthy habit, or any goal for that matter, it’s important to be flexible. I didn’t have peaches or grapes to make the Day 7 smoothie. Instead of beating myself up for not following the plan exactly, or giving up on the challenge altogether, I simply moved on to a recipe that contains fruits I do have. That’s a pretty simple example of being flexible, but so important. When you’re flexible, it can really be that simple.

The older I get, I find life rarely works out as I plan. That hasn’t stopped me from planning because I do plan for a living and in my personal life. However, in the big picture, I know I’m not really in control. Being flexible is less stressful and allows me to let go of what I can’t control. And I often find myself pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

How’s your progress with achieving your 2020 health goals?

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The Green Glow: Day 6 – Cream Machine

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Didn’t I tell you in a previous post that healthy habits beget more healthy habits? Well, it’s true. Day 6 is almost gone and I’m more than half way there. This has been a fun 10-Day green smoothie challenge! I LOVE the different flavor combinations. Today’s smoothie was DELECTABLY CREAMY and smooth due to the addition of the avocado and banana.

Not only did I drink my LUSCIOUS green smoothie, I also made a vegan dish; hence, another healthy treat. Participants in the challenge received a few bonus recipes.

Simple Green Veggie Bowl with Coconut Sriracha Sauce. LPC

I was off work today and decided to make one of the bonus recipes and I’m so glad I did. Not only did I have a healthy portion for lunch, but I have lunch portions for the next two days. There’s nothing like that Sriracha Sauce. It’s better than I imagined.

Veggie bowl LPC

I substituted green beans for asparagus and maple syrup for honey in the sauce. The recipe also called for walnuts which I did not have. I used all frozen vegetables too. I’m not afraid to role with the punches. After all, I’m an experienced home cook. The dish still came out AMAZING and will definitely be a regular on my meal rotation schedule.

About to drink up the Cream Machine after my morning work out. LPC

It’s much more beneficial and productive to focus on adding the positive things to your life rather than focusing on what you need to remove (but you can’t get rid of). This experience makes me appreciate I’m taking the time to do this for myself. This is what I call self-care. It actually feels indulgent to be fueling my body with these beautiful and healthy foods. I’m here for all of it!

If you’re interested in learning more about how to sign up for this 10-day green smoothie challenge. Read my Day 1 and Day 2 posts in the The Green Glow series.

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The Green Glow: Day 5 – Mango Madness & other things

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I’ve never done this before! This is the 5th day in a row I’ve posted to my blog. I attribute it to my excitement and enjoyment of sharing my 10-Day green smoothie challenge with you. Check out my earlier posts to see how you can join. This whole experience has been EASY BREEZY!

I’ve also been sharing some light lessons on successfully maintaining healthy habits and goals in general. It occurred to me how important it is to assess your progress periodically.

As a breast cancer thriver, about 30 minutes prior to every 6-month appointment with my oncologist, I get blood work done. In December, I had been anticipating my blood work results because I wanted to know if my iron deficiency anemia was improving. I didn’t think so because of the symptoms I was having. I also wanted to know if my glucose level was decreasing.

The benefits of seeing my oncologist so frequently is that he addressed the anemia right away by prescribing medication. That was about 6 months ago. I was concerned about my glucose level because my primary care physician told me about a year ago that I should avoid the “bad” carbohydrates because my glucose was getting high for me.

My anemia has improved as my numbers are in range, but my glucose was higher than it was 6 months ago….still within range, but not where I want it to be.

With doctors, perspective really matters because my oncologist’s focus is on the cancer; whereas my primary care physician is focused on the big picture. She identified an upward trend in my glucose level. My oncologist has never said anything about my glucose. From his point of view, my numbers are within range. In the big picture, I need to prevent any future illnesses if I can.

This is a wake up call that I need to rethink some of my food choices, including reassessing my green smoothie healthy habit. Granted, the holiday season just ended and I tend to eat more sweets during this time. In fact, I’ve yet to post about all of the baking I’ve done. Whatever the case, I inevitably get back on track after the new year.

For the green smoothies, I will complete this challenge. Afterward, I will continue to drink green smoothies, but will focus on low glycemic fruits like berries instead of the ones that tend to be higher on the glycemic scale like the features of the Day 5 smoothie – Mangos, oranges, and banana (some of my favorites). Update: I did a search since typing this post and the three fruits in this smoothie actually are not high glycemic fruits. Oranges are low, bananas are low to medium, and mangos are medium….so Not bad.

I also plan to reduce my intake of high carbohydrate foods like white pasta, white rice, and white potatoes.

Pasta alternatives

I purchased a couple of boxes of what I’ll call “pasta alternatives” months ago because I vowed to be on a low glycemic diet. These versions have more protein and fiber. It’s funny that the boxes indicate “Product of Italy”. Do they makes pastas like these in Italy? I just asked my husband, Bryan, who lived in Sicily for two years and he doesn’t think so.

Tonight, I used the pasta made with pea flour to make macaroni and cheese. I did not like the taste of the pasta itself after I boiled it. However, combined with my delicious cheese sauce and some time in the oven, it wasn’t bad. And to my surprise, my husband and kids enjoyed it. I also plan on using my spiralizer more for vegetables as an alternative to pasta altogether.

Reassessing your goals is important to make sure you’re staying on track. You don’t have to beat yourself up. Just do an honest self-assessment. No shame, no blame. Readjust if needed.

How are your 2020 goals coming along?

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The Green Glow: Day 4 – Very Berry

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Oh my goodness! What a gorgeous day to be outside in Austin and we did just that. On my way out to begin my errands, I had the LUSCIOUS Day 4 green smoothie in hand – VERY BERRY. Mixed berries, an orange, banana, and spinach made this a REFRESHING smoothie!!! I replaced plain water with coconut water and added ground flax seeds and ginger. I finished drinking the smoothie in a matter of minutes. That smoothie was VERY, BERRY GOOD!

It occurred to me that consistency is another key ingredient in maintaining healthy habits. I’ve been drinking green smoothies for years and it’s been the last few Januarys that I’ve participated in green smoothie challenges. You don’t have to be perfect in following your plan, but consistency will help you reach your goals.

Even if you slack off a bit, get back at it. Never give up. One healthy habit executed consistently will inspire another healthy habit and so on. Just don’t give up!

The beautiful weather inspired me to get out and attend a health expo at Huston Tillotson University. I’m glad I did because I ran into the dancer who used to teach my daughter ballet when she was little. After that, my husband and I enjoyed a long walk in the woods.

Bryan and I on a trail 1-4-2020 LPC

What was the weather like in your neck of the woods? I hope you get some SUNSHINE when it comes around.

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The Green Glow: Day 3 Pineapple Dreamcake

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Happy Friday everyone! I’m energetic on the third day of 2020 and my third day on this 10-day green smoothie challenge. Have I told you how much I LOVE tropical fruits like pineapples??? Today’s smoothie features pineapples beautifully with cherries, a banana, almond milk, and spinach. I added ground flax seeds and a small knob of fresh ginger, which took it over the TOP! Scrumptious!

In order to maintain any healthy habit, it’s key to set yourself up for success. For example, with this challenge, I did some things ahead of the challenge to ensure I wouldn’t have any excuses not to reach my goal of completing the 10-day green smoothie challenge.

Although the instruction manual divides the shopping into two grocery trips (likely to be spaced out by a week), I completed all of my shopping for the challenge in one weekend.

Most of my fruits are frozen, so I don’t have to worry about them spoiling. One tip I did to ensure my fresh spinach doesn’t spoil is I immediately froze some of the fresh spinach. Trust me, I’ve been doing this for a while, so frozen, fresh spinach works great in smoothies. When I’m ready to blend, I just let my frozen fruit thaw a bit in a measuring cup on the counter.

It’s essential to set yourself up for success in maintaining any healthy habit, or any goal, for that matter. Preparation and planning will help get you there.

What are some of your health goals for 2020? How will you set yourself up for success?

Smoothie prep LPC
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The Green Glow: Day 2 – Pink Flamingo

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Pink Flamingo Smoothie is a Winner! LPC

Happy Thursday! Today is my first day back to work in 2020 and I’m feeling FABULOUS! I prepped today’s smoothie recipe last night and it was more “pink” last night than this morning. It was more of a greenish brown by the time I drank it, but still DELICIOUS!

Pink Flamingo LPC

I suppose the strawberries, combined with the mango, spinach and almond milk would make a “pink” hue; however, I substituted strawberries for mixed berries. The hue came out to a shade of pink, which may not be very reflective in the picture. To this smoothie, I added ground flax seeds. I forgot to add the knob of fresh ginger, but it was still YUMMY. Each recipe serves one, but I always end up with a little extra. The jar to the right is about a half a cup. I’ll drink that up as a snack before dinner.

I want to share a tip on acquiring a collection of mason jars. It’s really simple. Don’t ever throw away used jars such as spaghetti jars, jam jars, coconut oil jars, pickled pepper jars, salsa jars, spice jars, etc. I remove the labels by soaking in hot water and then BOOM, I have a new jar in a different size. I have a cabinet full of purchased and re-purposed mason jars I use for my smoothies.

If you’re interested in adding this one healthy habit of drinking a green smoothie to your day, check out the website at https://simplegreensmoothies.com/ for more information.

Cheers to our health!

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The Green Glow: Day 1- Beginner’s Luck

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Hi friends from across the globe!!! Happy 2020! Today marks the first day of my participation in a green smoothie CHALLENGE. As promised, I will post my daily progress for 10 days. The challenge itself should be a piece of cake. After all, I’ve participated for the last 3 or 4 years. Listen, I don’t need a challenge to make me drink a green smoothie because it’s an everyday healthy habit I’ve done for a few years now, but who doesn’t love a challenge??? It helps remind me of my health goals. I want to encourage you to add at least one healthy habit a day.

I’ve been enjoying green smoothies, cleanses, and vegan recipes from https://simplegreensmoothies.com/ for years now. Almost more than drinking the green smoothies themselves on this 10-day challenge, I love the names of the smoothies. Today’s smoothie is called Beginner’s Luck. I’m not a beginner and I don’t believe in luck, but this smoothie is like a tropical themed party in my mouth. It features some of my favorite fruits – mangoes, pineapples, and a banana. Once the spinach is added, the result is a scrumptious, creamy, beautifully green smoothie. I think anyone new to drinking green smoothies will be hooked after trying this one.

These smoothies are nutritious as is; however, I add extra boosters to amp up the nutrition factor. For Beginner’s Luck, my liquid was brewed organic green tea that I chilled instead of plain water as the recipe indicated. I also add flax, chia, or hemp seeds to all of my smoothies. And for good measure, I add a small knob of fresh ginger.

If you’re interested in this challenge, check out the web page https://simplegreensmoothies.com/ to find out more information. It’s free join…you just need to purchase the ingredients.

Here’s to health, happiness, adventure, joy, success, and love in 2020. May the light lessons you face along the way help you reach your goals. Cheers!