Needing a little motivation in both the exercise and diet departments, I've signed up for a half-marathon. The race is on May 12th. Here's the real reason I like to run:
I have the biggest sweet tooth and could live on dessert. However, I've been trying not to eat as much junk food as I normally do. I'm trying to replace it with as many fruits and veggies as possible. My reasoning is that if I'm full of healthy food, I won't want the junk food. Sounds reasonable, right?
I've been making the most delicious green smoothies to maximize my fruit and vegetable intake.
Choose what you want from these categories:
Liquid
Water
Almond Milk
Coconut Milk
Ice Cubes
Protein
Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Whey Protein Powder
Peanut Butter
Fruits - I like using frozen fruit - either packaged frozen fruit or fresh fruit that I've frozen.
Banana
Pineapple
Berries
Vegetables (I promise you won't be able to taste these!!!)
Spinach
Kale
Avocado
Extras - these add fiber and/or protein
Chia Seeds
Flax Seeds
Whole Oats - AKA "oat groats"
Here are two of my favorite combos:
1. Almond Milk, Peanut Butter, Ice, Banana, Spinach, Chia Seeds
2. Coconut Milk, Protein Powder, Banana, Pineapple, Spinach, Avocado, Flax Seeds
If you can look past the green color, these are really delicious! I'm not sure if it's mental or truly physical, but I feel better when I'm drinking these smoothies too. They also satisfy my sweet tooth.
What's up with the chia seeds you ask? No, they are not going to grow a chia pet in your stomach.
I first heard of eating chia seeds in the book "Born to Run."
This book chronicles a tribe of Indians in a remote area of Mexico who are renowned for their ability to run long distances. Chia seeds are a staple of their diet. I thought, if it works for them, maybe it'll work for me. I can use all the help I can get!
Before a long run, I've been eating a piece of toast with peanut butter sprinkled with chia seeds. It gives me the energy to run 10-miles and feel pretty good. When I'm eating poorly, running does not feel as good.
The busier I get, the easier it is to skip running. However, when I don't exercise I definitely pay for it mentally. Running is the best anti-anxiety drug out there.
Do you have any healthy tips? Healthy foods? Healthy smoothies?
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13 comments:
I wish I liked to run. Heck, i wish i liked any form of exercise, but I really really dont. I've tried. So I force myself to do it but not nearly as regularly as I should.
Ok, I will try the green smoothie, you twisted my arm. ;) Thanks for sharing, I am really needing to start running again.
Don't know if I can chug a green smoothie! Kudos to you... Green drinks ( not because of a licquer) and a marathon!! We've given up bad carbs lately and this has been huge!! Not easy for a carb addict like myself but works;)
Green smoothies are the best!! Although, I like to juice (my favorite is kale, carrot and apple) and then use that juice as my base liquid adding a banana and mango! It's delish! But I'll have to try the whole spinach leaves!
Oh and I love chia seeds - I always throw them into baked goods!
Happy running!
I like your formula! I got a recipe from Angie Vance and like it: 1 cup oj, 2 handfuls spinach, 1 1/2 c frozen tropical fruit (from Sam's), 1/2 lime- juiced, and then I usually add chia seeds or flax. It's pretty good, but I'm excited to try yours!
I have just started running in an attempt to lose my dreaded 8 pounds!!(And in anticipation of my trip to Hawaii!) You have motivated me to incorporate a green drink in to my day if it will make the running more enjoyable! I, too, run for desserts! Thanks!
Joanne
another thing we have in common...born to run! i've even got the vibrams to prove it! i loved that book when i read it a few years ago (and went on a chia seed kick!) and everyone in my family read it as well.
i need to get motivated to run more often and further. perhaps a smoothie will do it!!
I've been loving green smoothies for breakfast as well. They really are so tasty and you feel so good after drinking them! Your post reminds me that I really need to get some chia seeds. I'd like to start running and need all the help I can get too!
It's always a struggle to be healthy isn't it? Good job motivating yourself and your smoothies look great! I haven't jumped on the smoothie wagon yet, but I might have to try your favorites. :)
I just started drinking protein shakes for breakfast because I stopped fitting into some of my jeans:( My husband makes the best pancakes and waffles and I didn't limit myself. Now I only have them once a week. I also have a sweet tooth and the protein shakes helps to curb it. My shakes are simple -rice base protein powder, rice milk, a dash of Agave and vanilla and sometimes a banana or cooked oatmeal. I find them very satisfying.
That’s certainly a good way to enjoy your desserts without having to worry about the calories and the fats. Anyway, the chia seeds are great ingredients for your smoothie. One great thing about this seed is that, when exposed to water, it forms a coating gel made out of water. And since water has no calories, your body can feel that it is full without worrying you actually gaining weight.
@Alex Staff
What a great recipe for a smoothie! Not only does it look tasty; using vegetables and fruits also makes it healthy. I think this recipe of yours can be an alternative for people who find it hard to eat veggies. I hope it helps with your weight problem, but after seeing what it’s made of, I’m pretty sure you’ll trim down in no time.
Joseph Carr
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The meaning of this is that you literally get rid of fat by consuming Coconut Fat (including coconut milk, coconut cream and coconut oil).
These 3 researches from big medical journals are sure to turn the traditional nutrition world upside down!
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