My New Favorite Food: Green Smoothies

Like all women, I struggle with my weight...especially since having Mary three years ago and the closer I get to *gulp* 40.  I like to exercise and have even done marathons, but still have not lost the baby weight.  I've come to the conclusion that no matter how much I exercise, the weight won't come off without changing my diet.

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.

They look like this:

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?