Can I hear you say...Smoooooothie!

Hello!

I have been slightly obsessed with my latest green smoothie creation, and the energy that I feel from drinking this every morning!  

 

So I had to share and pass along the recipe. This is the BEST way to get your greens and some fruit in one easy, delicious, quick, way!

Jill's Green Smoothie Recipe:

1 1/2 or 2 handfuls of spinach
4 or 5 frozen strawberries
1/2 of a banana
1 tsp of Chia Seeds
1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder
7 ice cubes
1/4 cup (or as needed) of water

Turn your blender on and get rid of all the chunks!

Here are some pictures of the products I use.

Spinach that I bought from Wal-mart:

Strawberries 

(again purchased at Wal-mart, but I looove the Costco strawberries cause they are bigger and I only need 4)

  

Protein powder (again purchased at Wal-mart)

Chia Seeds

(Click on the link to learn more about them. Great source of protein etc)

1/2 of banana (you all know what that looks like)

Ice, and water!

Put it in the Blender: and blend!

Give this a try, you will love it!

Oh and have you ever heard of Kid History? 

This goes right along with this post and you will laugh your pants off! 

(click on the link below!)

Kid History 6 

Loves,

Jill

Today's 12 days of Fitness...PLANK!

If there is one move that you can do that is statistically proven to strengthen your core, and back it's this one.

Paige Waehner

The plank exercise is a great way to build endurance in both the abs and back, as well as the stabilizer muscles. This move is also great for building strength for pushups, an exercise that requires a lot of core strength.In fact, a lot of elite trainers now days have ditched the hard core crunch idea, and have moved to plank exercises to train all types of clients, including athletes.  Speaking from experience myself, plank is one of the best core exercises if you are looking for results in your abdominal area, and it doesn't take a long time to see the results.  It does however take commitment.
If you are a twitter fan, join me on my #PLANKADAY commitment.  We plank everyday and then tweet about it, and if you have gone 3 days with out tweeting your plank, the "plank police" come after you and tweet you a reminder.  Love it! 



Here is a plank routine that you can start doing daily:
Start modified.  Or with your knees on the floor and work up to straight legs. Keep your tummy in tight.

A Simple Plank Routine

• 2-3 minute standard plank
• 1-2 minute right side plank (right hand on the floor, left hand in the air)
• 1-2 minute left side plank (left hand on the floor, right hand in the air)

Good luck on your planking!
Loves,
Jill

12 Days of Fitness...what can we do? Prepare and educate.

We addressed Obesity and its statistics so now lets talk about what we can do individually, as parents, and as a community.

What can we do to reverse Obesity?  Is it really even a concern of yours?  Maybe you are obese. Maybe you are overweight. Maybe you are only 10 lbs heavier then you want to be.  Maybe you just want your family to eat healthier.  Our lifestyles are such that they are busy, and fast-paced.  We need solutions that are quick and easy.  We need solutions to long days at work, busy family schedules, and on the go lifestyles.  But to find our solutions we need to start somewhere.

The solution to all the above statements, is Preparation and Education.  Thinking ahead and being prepared.

For instance did you know: (Education)

Researchers also found that an 8-ounce serving of a typical fruit drink has 110 calories and 7 teaspoons of sugar—the same amount found in an 8-ounce serving of a full-calorie soda or energy drink. However, nutrition-related claims on fruit drink packages may mislead parents into thinking these beverages are healthier than full-calorie sodas. Overall, sugary drinks are the top source of calories in teens’ diets.

Preparation:

• serve water, low-fat milk or non-fat plain milk for youths ages 2 and older;
• keep juice portions small: no more than 4 to 6 ounces of 100% juice per day for children ages 1 to 6, and 8 to 12 ounces per day for older children;
• read the labels of children’s fruit drinks and check for sugar, artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors; and
• contact beverage companies and tell them to change their harmful marketing practices.
•  Avoid the juice boxes and fill up water bottles with water the take to school lunches

What can you do to Prepare to make healthy food choice for yourself and your family?
Plan your food/dinners in advance.
Have healthy snacks and water in the car
Pack a healthy lunch instead of take out
If you are eating out check out the menu online and find healthier choices.
Get rid of processed food in your diet
Eliminate "snack" eating. (popcorn at Target, soda at gas station etc)

Hopefully some healthy ideas!

Loves,
Jill