Thoughts for Thursday 6

Some days it's really hard to make yourself get some exercise in. On those days I put my exercise clothes on and refuse to change out of them until I've gotten at least some sort of workout in. Since I'm not a big fan of running around in spandex, it's a great motivation. :)

Sunday Sweets: Chocolate Healthy Smoothie

I drink a lot of smoothies. It's a good way to get fresh fruits and veggies into my diet, but sometimes I want them to taste especially yummy. Today, I decided I wanted to make one chocolate-y so here's what I came up with and it's delicious!

1/2 cup Vanilla Rice Milk
1/2 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1/2 cup Fresh Baby Spinach
1/4 cup diced Cucumber
1/4 cup Frozen Strawberries
1/4 cup Frozen Blueberries
1 Tbsp. Light Organic Agave Nectar
2 Tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Blend all of the ingredients in a blender on High until smooth. Enjoy!

(Optional: This smoothie is also tasty without the Agave and Cocoa Powder if you just want the berry flavor.)

P.S. I use a Vitamix, it's an amazing blender although it's pricy. Since I use it everyday and multiple times a day, it's one of my favorite kitchen investments. I also use it to grind my own whole-grain flours.

Tuesday's Tips: 20

When choosing which color of dinner plates to buy, go for white. According to 'The Doctors', some studies show that people who eat off of white plates eat less than people who eat off of plates that have color. The contrast tricks the eye into thinking you've eaten more than you have. :)

Thoughts for Thursday 5

I've been in a funk lately. The kids have been bothering me more than usual and my patience has been missing. It's really been keeping me down. However, today, I dragged myself out of bed extra early this morning and did a P90x workout called Yoga X. The difference is amazing. I realize now that because I haven't been exercising as regularly as usual my mood has been negatively affected. In order to find joy in life, I need to start my day off with the endorphins I get from a good workout. I'm recommitting to my active morning routine, and I'm working on figuring out more ways to spend quality time with my kids outside.

The thought: Starting your day off with a good workout can help you think more clearly and keep a more positive outlook!

Good-Bye and Thank you!

I'm sorry I've been so lame at posting here. Baby number 5 is on the way! I did get into a good exercise routine before getting pregnant. In fact, I was telling Travis a few months ago how much better I feel about myself. Before we moved I was really feeling lethargic and bloated. I was really unhappy that I wasn't taking better care of myself, which resulting in a downward spiral of not caring. Bonnie-Jean has been such an inspiration with her blog and her can-do attitude.

What really helped me was getting a personal trainer. I'm not saying that everyone should run out, join a gym and spend 100's of dollars on a person to tell you what to do. I'm saying that we should all find someone we are held accountable to. If they are cheering us along the way, if they are expecting you to show up, if they are pushing your self-imposed limits, if they are helping you set good habits, if they helping you realize what other areas of your life you need to change to be healthier (addictions, eating, stress), then they are personal trainers. They are your friends. And once you feel good about yourself and you're in a habit, then you know you're golden!

A habit is something you do naturally. When you want to work out, when you choose an apple over Doritos, then you have healthy habits and no weight-loss fad will ever tempt you again. I may never have a flat tummy and my love-handles may never entirely disappear, my thighs will probably always touch, but I'm happy. My heart is happy and my mind is happy. And that is all that counts.

This is the first time that I will be exercising during my pregnancy and I'm excited about that. And who knows, maybe in 6 months you'll see me resurface here again with not as much to lose and a better blogger.

Thank you Bonnie-Jean for allowing me to guest blog and for your inspiration. May good health continue to bless you and your faithful readers!