I have taken a new interest in my health recently. I would say that over the last few years, I have really improved my overall health for the most part. I enjoy exercising. I like to run (most of the time) and really enjoy the competition of it. I love to swim, bike and so many other things. I really like feeling healthy. But for the most part, I haven't ever wanted to drastically change my eating habits. I love to eat. I would exercise so I wouldn't have to worry about what I ate. Sometimes this worked just fine for me.
Over the last few months I have learned a lot about how different foods affect your body, whether it's your kidneys, muscles, joints, what can cause headaches, backaches, foot pains and on and on. As I began preparing for a 200 mile relay that I will be participating in with a group of friends next week, I really took this new found knowledge and put it to work. I have not only seen a major difference in my training, but in my overall feel of health and my waistlline. It's amazing what a big difference, what you are putting in your body can make. But does this mean I never eat anything thats bad for me? No, I'm still human. I do still have a sweet tooth, but I have been able to get it under control.
One of my new favorite recipes came from
Affairs of Living where they posted this DE-licious Shamrock Shake!
(picture also from Affairs of Living, thank you for sharing) I promise you, all my non-healthy eating friends and family... you really will like this shake. Do not let the ingredients scare you. It is delicious! (And just a note, I do not use Stevia, so if you are like me, you can substitute honey, agave, sugar, etc. Whatever you like to use as a sweetener, but if you use sugar, it won't be suger-free, obviously)
Sugar-Free Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Avocado Shamrock Shake
The mint and the stevia totally cover the spinach - you don't even notice it! A great way to get those extra vitamins and vegetables in, especially if you have picky eaters at home. Try putting it in popsicle molds for kid friendly minty, creamy popsicles! This is a great source of vitamins A, B-6, C, and E, folate, manganese, iron, and copper.
yield: approx 2 1/2 cups, serves 1-2
total time: 5 minutes
1 avocado
1 cup packed spinach
1 cup non-dairy milk
2 Tbsp fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cups ice
1/2-3/4 tsp peppermint extract/flavoring, to taste
20-25 drops stevia liquid, to taste
Place all ingredients in blender, pulse a few times, and blend on high until smooth, scraping sides as necessary. Adjust mint and sweetness as desired. Serve, garnished with a fresh mint leaf.
APPROXIMATE NUTRITION FACTS - 1 serving
Calories: 521.7, Fat: 50.9 g (Saturated Fat: 25.1 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.5 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 18.0 g), Cholesterol: 0 g, Sodium: 53.2 mg, Potassium: 1,311.3 mg, Carbohydrates: 19.7 g, Fiber: 13.2 g, Sugars: .6 g, Protein: 6.7 g
-----Want another delicious smoothie recipe?------
Try this morning favorite of mine... It's a nice GREEN way to start the day
Green Sunrise
Place one avocado in blender, add spinach leaves to top, without packing them in. Add orange juice until about half full. Blend until nice and smooth. Drink with a smile on your face! This is also great with a cup of frozen blueberries thrown in before blending.
