Currently Craving

Have you guys tried coconut water lately? It is being widely talked about in the health/fitness realm and is being touted for it's numerous health benefits. But the truth is, it really is a wonderful product! It's rich source of electrolytes makes it a perfect beverage to hydrate your body. Plus it's really tasty-like a tropical little treat!

I have recently been indulging in what I call an Orange Dream Machine smoothie. And yes, it is every bit as delectable as it sounds! The addition of coconut water to my daily green smoothies have taken my morning meal to a whole new level of awesome!

Try it for yourself and be amazed at the creamy texture it adds, along with the energy boost it offers!

Orange Dream Machine
1 orange, sectioned and peeled
1/2 banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 large handful of spinach
1 cup coconut water
ice

Toss all ingredients in blender, in order listed. Blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.

image/via

A Winning Combo

Ever wonder how to fuel your body after a great sweat session? Allow me to take the guessing away because I've got a delicious solution packed with good-for-you ingredients that is sure to restore those muscles and put some pep in your step!

Each month I expectantly wait on my Oxygen magazine to arrive and almost immediately flip to the shake of the month for some new smoothie inspiration. This month's may be my favorite yet! Behold, this simple 5 ingredient creation~


Peach-Ginger Recharger
Recipe courtesy of Oxygen

1 peach, pitted and chopped
1 1/2 tsp grated fresh gingerroot
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
ice cubes

Place all ingredients in blender and blend thoroughly. Makes 1 serving.

Good to know: Buttermilk has probiotic qualities, which help aid in digestion, nutrient absorption and also increase your body's defense against disease.

image/secretsauce

Going Green

Ever since I started this blog (almost 2 years ago!) I've wanted to post about green smoothies. For some reason or another this post just never came to be. How I have never shared my love for something like this is beyond me, but this week I decided that needed to change! Allow me to pass on the stealthy trick that is a green smoothie.

Basically, it's a super simple way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet. I actually love them, especially spinach, but I could always be eating more. How about you?

The first time I saw a list of ideas on the Vita-mix website I was curious. Mostly because I couldn't imagine a smoothie, which is typically a breakfast item, tasting at all decent with vegetables in the mix. But I was so wrong! Amazingly enough, their flavor is masked by the sweetness of the added fruit and actually gives it a cool, refreshing aftertaste.

Believe me on this one. I have turned many people to the green side with recipes such as this:

Going Green Smoothie
recipe adapted from Vita-mix

1/2 apple

1/2 cup (78 g) pineapple

2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach

1/2 ripe banana, peeled 1/2 orange small sliver lemon and lime

1/2 cup (120 ml) water

1 cup (240 ml) ice cubes

Next time you whip up a smoothie, throw in a large handful of one of the following:

spinach
kale
collard greens
lettuce
parsley

and start reaping the benefits of more greens in your diet!

All In Good Health

For today's AIGH post I've got some fantastic options for those times you are on the run and need a go-to meal in a hurry! You know those days, you forget to pack enough snacks or you are traveling and don't want to stop at the dreaded Mcd's:( Well, keep these ideas in your back pocket and save 'em for a rainy day, although, they are so good you may find yourself eating them even when you aren't in a pinch:)

Perfect Pairing from Starbucks~

No suprise that this first option would come from SB'S:) For only $3.95 you can get their perfect oatmeal and a tall latte! This is actually my go-to in a pinch! Just a few things I would recommend to make this as healthy as possible:) The oatmeal comes with a pack of nuts, dried fruit and brown sugar. The nuts and fruit are 100 calories each and the sugar is 50, so I would suggest either using the nuts OR the dried fruit or half of each, and if possible, skip the brown sugar...unless you must;) As far as the latte, go for a non-fat with a sprinkle of cinnamon...mmm! A non-fat option comes in at only 90 calories:)

Grand total:

Non-fat latte = 90
Oatmeal = 150
1/2 pack nuts = 50
1/2 pack dried fruit = 50

Which brings us to a total of 340 calories:) And an added bonus, you get a great balance of complex carbs, protein and fat! Bring on the feel-good energy!


Jamba Juice new menu items ~

It's true, Jamba has recently come out with 18 new food items! I have actually only tried the wraps and they have been quite tasty! The Chimichurri wrap was filling enough to safisfy Chris and myself, alongside a sixteen ounce Bright-eyed and Blueberry smoothie! The wraps are aroud 400 calories each, so we opted to split one since we had a smoothie as well. Each wrap comes with a dressing, which of course adds some extra calories, fyi. Jamba now also has a great variety of smoothies that have no added sugar for the dietary conscious! With my smoothie of choice and half the Chimichurri wrap, my lunch totaled 410 calories.


It just goes to show you that even when you aren't prepared with healthy snacks or meals, there are still good options out there:)

Wishing you good health always!