Eating Green and Clean and a Protein Smoothie Recipe

You wouldn't have met a person lazier about diet and exercise than me 2 years ago. When I moved from Miami in 2005, I was the heaviest I've ever been. I hate to even reveal the number because it was just not healthy at all. I was in a size 16 (from a size 5 just 4 yrs prior)!!! For a 20-yr-old who is only 5'1", it not only affected the way I felt on the outside, but inside, I was not well. I couldn't make it up a flight of stairs, living in hot & humid Miami was a nightmare. I felt gross because I perspired so much just from the energy it took for me to get around. It sucked, for lack of a better word. I was always naturally petite and sometime in high school, things just got out of control.

I lost about 30 pounds on Weight Watchers back in 2006, and while I was excited about the much-needed weight loss, I was eating Smart Ones every day, starving all day if I wanted to go out to dinner at night, and just found that I wasn't fulfilled, even if I used all of my points for the day. To be fair, I also tried the new Points Plus system recently, and while I lost more right away than the old program, I just didn't feel it was the right choice for me anymore.

I gained back some weight in 2007-2009 as I had my girls in that time period, and I was back to where I started when I moved from Miami. FRUSTRATING! Right? Well, yes. I had to get to a point where I was so tired of everything - being fat, being tired, mood swings, I had to get mad. Really mad. I was sick of the excuses I made, I was sick of the greasy gross garbage I put in my mouth on a daily basis, and I really didn't want my kids to eat that. So, I did some research.

I discovered Clean Eating, Clean Eating Magazine and Oxygen Magazine and it was like a whole new dimension opened up to me. Not only was this whole, natural, yumminess from the Earth, but wouldn't you know? This food made me feel good. I had glowing skin, TONS of energy and a healthy digestive system. I really can't even explain the difference you feel after your body naturally detoxes. Once you start eliminating refined sugars, simple carbs and processed foods from your diet, your body gradually adjusts - and in a good way.

After I lost the same 30 lbs +10 more (yay!), I started feeling bored. I went on a vacation in April 2010, and started eating junk again. At first the weight stayed off, but by the end of that summer, my shorts were too tight. It just crept up again after that.

Now it's one summer later, and I'm finally in a place where I know this can work. Why? Because I am not putting any expectations out there. I know what works, and what doesn't. Some examples to solutions I'm putting in place:

PROBLEM: I hate salads. I gag. I mean, really, who gags eating a salad? I don't know what it is, but I've always hated them.
SOLUTION: Hello smoothies and Green Drinks!! Would you have ever guessed dark greens taste soooooo good blended up with apples, carrots, and citrus? I'll share a recipe I made today at the end of this post.

PROBLEM: I don't like to exercise. It's boring and I don't like staring at a wall (i.e. treadmill, elliptical, etc.). But if I don't use a  cardio machine, how do I know how far I'm running or how many calories I *really* burned?
SOLUTION: RUN KEEPER app! This app is amazing and FREE! It uses GPS to log your runs outside and even has a voice coach that tells you when to pick up the pace depending on what your goals are. I love, love, love it! Also, I used a Personal Trainer in 2010 (as a birthday present to myself) and all of the moves he taught me are in the Jillian Michaels "30 Day Shred" video. It's $10 at Target, and the personal trainer, was, well, a lot more. Save your money, stick with Jillian. She will kick your ass through the TV NO problem!

PROBLEM: I don't have time to cook a wholesome, nutritious meal every night.
SOLUTION: Roast a bunch of veggies ahead of time, or whip up something quick like Spinach pasta with an organic jarred tomato sauce. I sprinkle a bit of grated parmesan over the top and let it melt over the pasta. And if I'm by myself and no one else is home, I whip up a protein smoothie and pack it with as many fruits and veggies as I can. I really, really love my smoothies!

LEAN, GREEN, CLEAN 

PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup water  (you can replace the water with a cup of your favorite milk - almond, soy or skim)

1 heaping scoop Vanilla-flavored Vegan Protein Powder (I use Life Basics Plant Protein)

2 cups dark, leafy greens Spinach would probably taste best, I only had a Spring Mix on hand and it was a little bitter before I added more of the ingredients below. Spinach would have been my first choice.

1 apple

1 carrot

1 kiwi

1 cup chopped pineapple

1 banana

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

1-1/2 cups ice

DIRECTIONS:

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Yields 2 generous servings.

Have a happy, healthy weekend everyone!! xo Angelica