Balance + Peace :: Incorporating yoga into my daily life.

I don't consider my daily life to be overwhelming or hectic.  I work normal hours, Monday through Friday, and don't have many social outings.  The most stressful parts of my day can be my students or co-workers.  That being said, I am an overly anxious person.  My brain tends to work in overdrive, considering all possible options and outcomes of any given situation, large or small.  This is the reason the idea of putting our house on the market and buying again is extremely stressful for me.  I get the feeling 2015 is going to be quite the stressful year for me.

Over the past six months, I have made an increased effort to bring yoga into my daily life.  I've practiced yoga for almost four years now, but that participation may vary between 1-3 classes per week.  My goal for the month of February is to practice yoga every single day and build my practice into week day mornings before work.

TIME FOR PEACE

When I started consistently practicing yoga, it was my time to relax and be at peace.  I still prefer a gentle, restorative, or yin yoga practice to any other type.  These classes allow me to stretch my weary, run-exhausted muscles and truly focus on my breathing.  My stresses and anxieties slip away, and I can {mostly} enjoy an entire hour of bliss.  I don't always have the time, energy, or ability to fit in an entire hour of practice into my daily routine.  For that reason, I always make some time for peace and relaxation even if it's with an extended savasana at the end of a practice.  Ultimately yoga makes me more at peace with myself and the world around me, and I want that awareness to become a part of my daily life.

THE CHALLENGE

I am in awe of the strength and health of many of my yogi muses.  This is the strength I want to build within myself.  I am trying to amp up my practice by challenging myself more.  With my goal of participating in an obstacle race, I know that upper body strength is crucial.  Yoga can be the perfect balance between challenging yourself and letting everything go.  I can always tell a difference in my running when I've been consistently utilizing yoga to strengthen and stretch my muscles.

YOGA AT HOME

If you practice at a studio, the cost of yoga can become increasingly expensive.  Many of the studios I've found in Raleigh average around the $100/month range.  My YMCA membership is around $35, and I certainly can not afford both.  I've been lucky enough to find a class here and there at the Y with which I've fallen in love.  While there is little comparison to actually attending classes at a yoga studio, I've found a few resources that have made my at-home practice a bit more enjoyable.

-I discovered Yoga by Candace last month when I started her 31 day strength challenge.  She has a YouTube channel with a ton of great yoga classes.  I like the options (such as a quick 15 minute pre-run warm up or even a 60 minute flow) and her style.
-Doyogawithme.com is another great, free resource with a ton of options depending on what you're looking for.  There are a lot of different teachers there, so you may want to play around to find one you really like.
-The Yoga Studio app is amazing!  Again the variety is splendid, and they even have an entire section with runner-specific classes.  You can download a class and utilize it anywhere.  I appreciate that I can easily choose a class based on the amount of time I have.

I have found that I prefer websites with lots of choices in comparison to a DVD because I get bored participating in the same practice over and over.  I'm still trying to find a space in my home where I can truly detach like I can in a class outside the home.

Do you practice yoga?  At home or somewhere else?
How often do you practice? 

Health + Happiness.

Every now and then, I'll find myself looking back at old pictures.  In the process of ridding our house of excess junk, I've come across many of these photos and journals from what feels like a former life, the shell of who I once was.  In all honesty, I don't like to look back at these mementos.  They make me cringe to think of that girl.

[2008]

That girl was insecure and mostly unhappy.  She was always searching: for love, acceptance, security, happiness.  Photos from high school seem to be more torturous.  When I reminisce on times of supposed happiness from those years, such as proms, graduation, parties, I shudder to think of the person I was.  I can still recall the desperate thoughts of trying to fit in, wanting to be "chosen" by this boy or that one, wondering if I looked as good as the others.  College did nothing but to drive me further into my insecurities instead of helping me discover who I truly am.  Old journal entries mulled over old friends being "taken away" by new boyfriends.  My insecurities caused me to push people away, and to this day I still regret friendships lost.  Nonetheless, I'm incredibly lucky that D was able to see past my insecurities; instead he saw my potential.  

[2010]

It took me until the age of 25 to discover my own happiness.  I feel that I owe this transformation to D, for sticking by and believing in me, and to running.  It was not until I started training for my first half marathon that I started to believe in myself.  Over the past four years, I have developed a true love for sweating and running.  I've discovered one of the keys to my happiness.  Being strong, healthy, and confident makes me feel like the best version of myself.  

[2014]

This is not to say that meeting a goal weight or losing x amount of pounds is the key to happiness.  For me, it is actually the opposite.  I rarely weigh myself and don't believe in counting calories.  My happiness and confidence comes from continually staying active, from setting health goals for myself and achieving them, and from nourishing my body in the best way.  When I challenge myself physically, I have no reason to feel insecure.  I feel strong and disciplined.  So what if I don't have six-pack abs?  I can probably hold a plank longer than many women my age.  When I feel my best, this carries over into the other parts of my life.  What they say is true...it starts with loving yourself.

While I'm trying to work on a balance between spending time on me and prioritizing other aspects of my life, I still have some health goals I've been thinking about for this year.

+Be the healthiest and strongest I have ever been in my life 

+Run a marathon (or at least be training for one)

+Become more disciplined with eating on an 80/20 balance and nourish my body with fuel for health

+Incorporate yoga as a daily routine

+Compete in an obstacle race (I'm considering the Spartan Race in Charlotte, NC)

+Continue to balance running, strength, and yoga 

Oddly enough, many of my goals were the same as Megan's.  I thought she spoke so eloquently on being healthy and strong for 2015 (and had pictures that were a hell of a lot cooler than mine).

What are some of the keys to your happiness?

I'd love to hear your health + happiness goals for the year!

Autoimmune Protocol :: Making the decision.

I revealed the reason why I considered starting the Autoimmune Protocol, but the process of making this decision was really difficult.  One might think that if someone has a health issue he or she would do anything to try and remedy or alleviate the problem.  As a lover of food and eating, I struggled with many emotions and logistics of actually following through with the AIP.

The Emotions.

Food and drink is a big part of my life.  Even though I cut out most fast and processed foods a long time ago, I still eat out often.  D and I enjoy food.  We bond over trying new restaurants.  When we travel, our favorite activities include trying new drinks, visiting breweries, and exploring the restaurant scene.  Food makes me happy.  Meals and drinks with friends is really something special and social.  This aspect of my life, our lives, makes completing a Whole 30 or AIP elimination so hard.  During my last Whole 30, I often turned down social engagements with friends or with D because it is too hard to be around the alcohol (or numerous people drinking around you) and choose appropriate items from menus to eat.  This aspect of an elimination diet is depressing for me.  I also knew that doing "another" strict eating plan would cause some friction between D and I.  He and I have different eating habits, and he gets tired of having to work around my restrictions.  

Then there was the fear.  Fear of the possibility of my body not tolerating my favorite foods: eggs, tomatoes, coffee.  Peppers, cumin, chili powder: goodbye taco nights.   Nuts: not my beloved Larabars!  The thought continues to linger (especially now that I've seen results after eliminating these foods) that I will lose a food that I love so much.  The mental battle between what I loved more, my (seemingly cosmetic afflicted) body or my food.  Seriously, the struggle is real.

[Why should I have to give up delicious, healthy foods like a caprese salad?!]

The Logistics.

You may remember that I am a pescatarian.  This has always made completing a Whole30 difficult.  After all my research for the AIP, I felt like it was going to be extremely difficult to complete the protocol utilizing only fish.  For this reason (and also hoping to appease D a bit more by making additional carnivorous dishes), I made the decision to consume meat while on the AIP.  There is plenty of research or opinions claiming that meat (organ meats specifically) help to heal your gut, but I have not messed with a lot of it.  My plan was to make the best meat choices I could: buying grassfed and locally as much as possible.  Of course, this is expensive.  BUT it has improved my success and progress on the AIP.  

I'll be providing a more thorough update on my body's healing and progress on the AIP next week!

Have you ever had to give up a food for a health reason?

What food would you have the hardest time giving up?

I've been keeping a secret.

I mentioned last week that I started the Autoimmune Protocol diet.  Referred to as AIP, the "rules" of the eating plan can be found all over the internet, but I love this simple description from AIP Lifestyle.  Before I began my journey, I thoroughly scoured the resources of The Paleo Mom, Autoimmune Paleo, and A Clean Plate.  I've gotten ahead of myself.  Why in the world did I even think I should start this diet?  Even D reminded me that after my last go at Whole30 I said, "I'm never going to do this again."

Insert my secret.  Since I was a teenager, I have struggled with an embarrassing problem.  I have cysts or boils that pop up on my body.  They typically appear in well hidden but increasingly embarrassing spots such as my buttocks and thighs.  I delayed speaking to a doctor about my problem until I was in college.  The dermatologist sent me home with a special soap and no formal diagnosis.  After that embarrassing and unhelpful experience, I never bothered with consulting another doctor.  In the past few years, the problem has gotten worse.  More "spots" (which I call them and admittedly sounds better than boils) continued to appear, and they would take forever to heal.  About a year ago after having a painful spot appear in my groin area, I decided to do some research and again consult a doctor.  My doctor suggested a warm compress for the groin spot and asked no additional questions.  I continued to research on my own, and my internet research led me to believe that I suffer from Hidradenitis Supprativa.  Primal Girl is the online "expert" on the disease and provides a thorough description on her blog.  I understand that self-diagnosing myself is silly, but I truly feel that my symptoms are exactly what she describes.  I refuse to be on antibiotics or medications for extended periods of time, but I understand if this altering of my diet does not alleviate my condition I will likely need consult doctors.  I believe that I have Stage 1-2 of Hidradenitis Supprativa (HS) which I consider lucky.  There are many who suffer from the affliction to the point that it hurts to sit, stand, walk, etc.  I have only spoken to maybe three people ever about my affliction (and two of those were within the last year), but I believe in spreading awareness.  I know I am not the only one to be ashamed.

I finally hit the point of having enough.  I'm tired of being embarrassed when changing at the gym.  I no longer want to feel forced to wear running capris instead of shorts.  I want to feel comfortable walking around naked!  I'm proud of the body I have worked so hard for, and I don't want to have to hide parts of myself.  I knew it was time to make a change, but the decision didn't come lightly.  It was time to take control of my health and well-being.  Many suspect that Hidradenitis Supprativa is an autoimmune disease and can be treated with the proper diet.  I'll be posting more on my AIP journey later this week.

Do you have an Autoimmune Disease?
Have you ever tried the AIP?

Move Nourish Believe :: The Challenge

I mentioned that one of my mini-goals for February was to complete the Move Nourish Believe Challenge.  Fit Approach (creators of Sweat Pink) and Lorna Jane collaborated to start this challenge around these three principles.  Personally, I love this idea.  If you utilize these three pillars in your life, you can be healthy and happy!  Head over to Fit Approach to learn more about the challenge for yourself.

This is the calendar and "rules" for the challenge.  I'm not necessarily posting pictures every day, but I'm attempting to use this to break out of my comfort zone and try new things.

Week 1//MOVE

Over the past two years, I've learned not only the important of moving but that it truly makes me feel strong and beautiful.

On Monday, I tweeted this picture for my favorite way to get sweaty.  I fell in love with running when I moved to North Carolina, and I've never looked back.  It's amazing to look back and see how moving has changed me.  It's changed not just my body but my entire outlook on life.  My favorite day is started with a run or some type of activity (no matter how hard it might be to actually get out of bed).  Moving makes me a better and happier person, and I'm never looking back.

I didn't try a new workout from the website, but I did take Saturday to try out a new yoga studio that I've been itching to see.  And bonus, the class was asking for donations to donate to a local charity (last I checked they raised over $6500!) and I won a raffle for some free training sessions!

While I wasn't smiling the entire time, I completed five minutes of planks!  It made me feel stronger than ever.  I broke up the minutes between an ab work session and almost forgot the last minute after going out to dinner with a friend.  I did it though.  It was hard, and I pretty much hated it.  It's the challenges like this that push me to my limits and remind me why I love to move.

My buddy up time was delayed until Sunday when my running friend and I completed six miles.  It's nice to have a friend to do long runs with throughout half marathon training.  I'm so grateful to have friends who love running as much as I do.  Even though some of my moving friends are far away, I can still text pictures of ice baths/my misery and know that I'm understood.

While I forgot to post for fave Friday, my favorite alternate exercise these days is yoga.  I've fallen in love with it and I can't wait to spend more time working towards my mini-goal of creating a consistent yoga routine.

Why do you move?  
What is your favorite way to move?

On beauty and loving our bodies.

I don't typically watch any videos that come across my twitter or Facebook feeds, but I was intrigued when Huffington Post mentioned something about women's unexpected moments of feeling beautiful.  Even on my lunch break at work and at eight minutes long, I had to watch the video.


[via Huffington Post Women] I promise this video is worth your eight minutes.  I was struck by the poem at the end; it brought me to tears.  According to the video, "85% of girls 8-10 believe they are overweight. 45% have already started dieting."  At first glance, these numbers are saddening and shocking, but then when I really think about it they aren't.   Females are socialized to be competitive with one another: the richest, skinniest, most popular, etc.  As times and the media have changed, I believe this is a problem that is only growing (blogs, social media, and reality tv amongst others are partially to blame).  The lack of conversation, real and deep talk, about body image contributes to our skewed views of ourselves.  This article has always stuck with me; even the words we don't say make an impact.    I grew up in a family where communication was (and still is) basically nonexistent.  Body image and loving myself was never discussed.  My mother was always yo-yoing between weights and diets.  No one in my family is active.  As I've learned being an adult, eating healthy is difficult on a small income.  When it comes to positive body image, these components can be insignificant.  Seeing beauty and loving your own body is all about perspective. "I was on this pursuit of changing myself," says Corry in the video.  For as long as I can remember, I've been on this same journey.  It has only been within the past two years or so that I have come to appreciate this body I have.  We can't change the images we see on social media or in magazines, but we can appreciate, love, and own that we are who we are.  We can teach our sons and daughters that people are beautiful in so many ways. "Speak truth into our own lives." My truth comes from acknowledging who I am and what I love about me.  These are my truths:

• I am beautiful.
• I feel best about me when I'm sweating {and healthy}.
• I have an hourglass shape to be proud of.
• My legs are strong and carry me for many miles.
• I'm graced with a chest that makes shirts look good on me.
• I am an introvert and observer.
• I'm happy with my bad eyes because I get to wear glasses which I love.
• My hips give me curves and might help me birth a child someday.
• My eyes are green or hazel or just mysterious.
• I love what my body is capable of.
• I feel most beautiful when my body accomplishes something I never thought it could.

What are your truths?  What journey have you been on when it comes to body image?  When do you feel most beautiful?

Elf4Health.

Last week I mentioned I was participating in this awesome Elf4Health challenge.

The low down is that every two weeks (through January 6) I'm paired with an "elf."  There are daily challenges, and my elf is there to keep me motivated and hold me accountable.  I'm really happy to have gotten paired with Emily.  She knows all about teaching & the struggles you face being healthy while teaching.  Emily also just ran her first half marathon which makes me super happy!  Her blog is full of health and fitness tips & info, which I love.

Here is a recap of last week's challenges & how I stacked up.

Monday - Meatless Monday.  This wasn't too hard for me since I eat meatless most days, but I tried extra hard to make it a good one.

I started my morning with a smoothie (which is pretty typical these days).  My smoothies always consist of more veggies than fruit.  Lunch with a Whole Foods salad topped with protein-heavy egg salad & cashews.  I stocked up on WF's Super Food salad & a side dish of butternut squash with almonds & cranberries.  The main was a homemade black bean burger topped with guac & a dippy egg.  Rocked it.

Tuesday - Send a card to a friend.  It was definitely nice to be able to pull out a card and hand write a note.

I chose to send my card to Olivia who is such a style muse for me.  Girl is rocking her running game (and is signed up for her first half marathon this summer) and planning a wedding at the same time!

Wednesday - Try a new workout today.  Failed.  I had grand plans to hit a new spin class at the gym.  I overslept didn't get out of the bed.  BUT after getting home from a long day I had planned to not even do Ripped in 30.  I did end up doing it even if it was at 9pm (and after overindulging on some guac & chips).  So personal win overall.

Thursday -  Get up 15 minutes early to meditate and reflect.  Fail again.  No excuse for that one.  Although I did do yoga on Wednesday am.

Friday - Eat the rainbow.  

This is about as far as my rainbow got.  I hadn't gone grocery shopping & was working with what I already had.  My breakfast was pretty colorful!  My usual am smoothie + black coffee + a boiled egg.  I could have done better but ended up eating lunch at school & out to eat for dinner since we had a friend in town.

Weekend - Fill a bag with clothes to donate.  My preemptive New Years goal for January is to clean out my closet & get rid of stuff that doesn't even fit.  I have so much now that I can't wear that I don't know what I have that I can wear.   I figured I would get a head start on January and tackle one portion of my stuff.

All of my clothes are spread out between our master bedroom & our guest bedroom.  I tackled part of the guest bedroom on Saturday.  From just my tupperware shelves & shit that was thrown in the closet & on the chair, I collected two bags worth (plus a third that I plan to take to my sisters in Georgia).  I'm kind of scared that I had been hoarding this stuff for so long...and not to mention that I still had a lot that I kept!  It feels good having that stuff organized.  I know when January comes, it is going to be the best feeling getting rid of so much stuff.

I feel like this upcoming week is going to be a bit more of a challenge, but I want to one-up myself!  I'm looking forward to being healthy in new ways!

The goal.

After doing some shopping last week and trying on clothes in much smaller sizes than I'm used to, something finally hit me.  I've done it.  I can do it.

Source: soon2befit.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

I mentioned that after doing Whole 30 that I've never felt better in my life.  There was some sort of shift in my brain that happened while doing the 30.  It became more about feeling great, not necessarily looking great.  Back in April 2011, when I started my running journey, I definitely shed some pounds.  I still ate like crap.  Pure shit that just isn't good for my body.  Whole 30 helped me shift consciousness to what I eat on a daily basis.  This shift has produced noticeable differences in my body.

Source: weheartit.com via Kristin on Pinterest

I even started forgetting about the number on the scale.  I've always had those goal weights.  There's the one that finally gets me to that BMI that is healthy for my height.  Then there's the one that is the dream...the ultimate.  I decided to step on that scale on Sunday...and I hit it.  That initial goal weight.  It felt like a fluke...I hadn't worked out since I was sick & had been drinking all week.  I'm scared I'll never see that number again, but it was motivation to keep being healthy.

Source: chasingkristina.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Even before I looked at that number last weekend, I felt good when I looked at myself in the mirror.  That stomach pooch doesn't bother me so much anymore.  Either way, I've worked damn hard to feel the best I can while still enjoying the things I love (food + beer).  I'm going to keep working and get down to that goal weight, to lessen the pooch a little more.  I'm going to keep pushing myself...running, toning.  Why?  Because I can.  I can do it.

Source: runningtowardtheprize.com via Kristin on Pinterest

More importantly, I'm embracing this as a lifestyle change.  If I want to continue to feel good & love myself, I have to follow my lifestyle mantras.

My mantras.  I encourage you to make your own.

Linking up today!

Lifestyle changes.

I never really did a Whole 30 recap of how our month went.  It's been a while but I'll say this: I'm a believer.  I have never slept better in my life.  My tension headaches (that have plagued me almost daily for years) have practically disappeared.  I feel better than I have in a long, long time.  I stopped fully doing Whole 30 right before my Austin trip.  The best thing about Whole 30 has been the long-lasting lifestyle changes I've made since.

One of my favorite lifestyle changes that I began while doing Whole 30 was smoothies!  I switched my routine to gym in the mornings (best change ever!), so smoothies & boiled eggs are staples.  I make my smoothies the night before.  Whole 30 isn't a huge advocate for smoothies, but I make sure to load up with more veggies than fruit & use no artificial sweeteners or dairy.

I love that I can pretty much throw any combination in and have a decent breakfast.  My favorite smoothie combo so far consists of these ingredients:

 [Pumpkin, mango, spinach, carrots, coconut milk, + cinnamon]

That's literally it.  I only add some extra water to make blending easier.  The fruit adds enough sweetness & the "carby" pumpkin keeps me full even after my am run.  

While I haven't been so good about staying away from dairy cheese and carbs within the past couple of weeks (which I am totally contributing to last weekend's bought of sickness), I try to mostly base all of my meals around primarily fruits & veggies.

I wish I could afford to eat Whole Foods salad bar daily.  My usual from there is a salad topped with egg salad and strawberries & cashews on the side.  I feel the best when the majority of my meals are like this.  I eat a ton of eggs over greens with fruit on the side.  I didn't go crazy over finishing whole 30 (i.e. indulging in every single "bad" item I couldn't eat), but I definitely have let myself get a bit too lenient.  Seriously though, it's a big deal when I choose to order a salad at a restaurant.  Boo ya...lifestyle change.

My am gym routine allows me to go to a yoga class every Wednesday.  It's an easy wake-up class that is never crowded!  I love the teacher & it's the best to start the day with.  It's reminded me of my love for yoga, so I've broke out my yoga DVDs again.  It's tough balancing running, yoga, & strength training, but I feel a million times better.

These days I actually want to work out.  I've finally gotten to that point that I love the way working out makes me feel, makes me look.  While I am still trying to get down to that goal weight (and planning to reward myself greatly when I do), I just enjoy feeling this way.  I broke out Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 to use on days that I can't quite fit in the gym.  I know continued strength training will help my running game, and let's me honest...I want to lose that beer belly that's continually hanging on!

These are lifestyle changes that I hope really stick.  I know that if I keep in mind how different I feel now, I better keep it up!

Life lately :: hashtag crazy.

Aside from trying to stay focused on the Whole 30, I haven't had too much going on for Life Lately this  last two weeks!

 [Trying so hard to mix up my Whole 30 breakfast options #hard]

 [Crazy in love with the farmer's market these days!]

 [Okra #obsession]

 [Honoring bfw's memory #love]

[Dying over smoothies as my a.m. post-workout breakfasts.  I literally look forward to them #runningwin]

 [Back to Athens for my first baby shower #scary]

[Awesome new slap watch (remember those slap bracelets??) I found in Athens for just $12 #score]

I didn't want to bore you with a million boring food pictures, and I was the worst and took NO pictures of my quickie Athens trip.  While the drive was long and the rain was crazy, it was so worth it to be back with two besties.  A three hour dinner and picking up right back where we left off was the best!  While CAP(M) still owes me for losing our "baby bet," I'll let it slide this time around.

I need to be a bit more productive over the next month.  I'm getting ready to head to Austin, TX next weekend.  

What am I loving most (aside from seeing the besties and getting ready to travel again)?  Enjoying summer fruits, new routine, and my new job!  #summerwin

What are you loving most?

Linking with some amazing ladies!

       

My body is thanking me for returning.

My brain on the other hand is still in California!  Of course we had a wonderful two weeks away from home visiting family and then drinking and eating our way through California.  First, I'd like to thank my awesome guest bloggers.  If you happened to miss any of these awesome ladies, check them out!

[Sneak peak!]

I'll be spending probably the rest of the summer breaking down our trip since we hit up so many amazing spots.  I have almost 600 pictures to filter through and edit, so I'll dedicate a couple of posts weekly.  While I'm in NC, I'm going to be quite the busy bee.  I accepted a new job which is eliminating my summer (I'll be starting July 9!), but I think it'll be worth it.  I'm also trying to get back on track with training.

My triathlon training has drastically failed.  I was planning to run this triathlon on August 12, the weekend of my birthday, but just noticed the race was pushed back a weekend.  I'm still going to try, but I am definitely overwhelmed by the amount of juggling sports that goes into tri training.  I miss running.

Crazily I won a free half marathon entry from Vanessa, so I figure it's meant to be for me to do another!  I'm actually really excited to get back into half training again!  While I'm getting back on track with exercise (after a quick trip to Charlottesville, VA today and tomorrow), D and I are considering something time-limited to kick start some better health.

I know Carrie and Whitney have participated in the Whole 30, and I've heard only good things from them.  It's a take on the Paleo diet that so many people have done/are doing.  I'm a bit nervous about Whole 30 due to its heavy focus on meat.  Since I'm a vegetarian, I focus a lot on legumes which are not allowed in this program.  If we decide on this one, I am planning to maybe make some small exceptions using only one or two varieties of beans and using only dried (not canned).

The second option I'm considering (which can essentially be done as part of the Whole 30), is a supplemental smoothie/juice plan.  I don't think it's realistic or smart for me to focus on a complete smoothie/juice diet, but I am interested in replacing 1-2 meals daily with a smoothie.

[via]

This book focuses on replacing just one meal per day with a green smoothie or juice.  My problem with a plan such as this is simply...laziness.  I hate getting out a juicer/blender and dealing with the clean-up. My new job allows me more time in the mornings (and hopefully the ability to work out in the am!), so ideally I think I could make something like this work.  

Nonetheless, I want to get rid of the constant bloating I've been feeling since returning from California and kick some healthy lifestyle changes for D and I.  I'm interested in how Whole 30 will make me feel but am nervous it's a "quick fix" method (because, let's be honest, it's doubtful I will ever fully give up cheese).  I do think incorporating more smoothies and juices into my life is a great way to supplement my bean and starch eating vegetarian lifestyle with more fruits and veggies.

Have you tried Whole 30 or Paleo?  

What are your favorite smoothie/juice recipes?  And how do you beat the laziness of cleaning up after?!

guest post :: house of glass.

Ashley, Ashley, Ashley.  This girl is seriously the best.  I honestly do not even understand how it took me so long to find her.  Even though I don't technically "know" her (except I'll be on my way to meet her in just a couple of days!), she has to be one of the funniest girls I know.  And you totally should go check out all of her awesome Maui pictures!

I love how Ashley switched it up from alcohol!  And damn!  Girl even gave us a recipe!  That's what drinking June is all about!

<a href="http://www.skinnyjeanschailatte.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly4_egIDkAf6sEc21JK2s9R5a-d6br5lLBdVcW695Nkc2s046g4gMeDMQf1QgV2kcGIi3JS7OER1Y81qJPoEq3mhHhlT2vnoUWUv-Pe3yzM4sPW8V9Jf_spVdGtQcZxHm87PxtD-CjCc/s180/Drinking-June-button.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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hey there Skinny Jeans & a Chai Latte readers!
my name is Ash and i blog over at House of Glass 
(:

how exciting is it that Kristin is embarking on the trip of a lifetime..
...to come see me?!!?!

bahaha i know, i KNOW.. she is so kind
to drive allllll the way cross country
just to visit me...
...and drink beers.

now, before i get to my lovely post
i have a confession:
this was originally supposed to be a video..
an homage, if you will, to My Drunk Kitchen.

but im too lazy to edit
and, while i find myself HILARIOUS and witty,
i think it might be too IN YO FACE for a first time guest post.

so maybe, if i have had the time,
i could edit the video and put it
on my blog...

or maybe not.

this is my guest post
i make the rules
im taking over
vote for me for president...

......

ok, let's get down to business.

you may or may not know this
but i drank nothing but juice for the entire month of january (:

yes, you read that right
nothing but fresh squeezed fruit and veggie juice
for 31 days.

and yes, of course i lost weight... read about it here

since then, i've incorporated a lot of juicing into my daily diet
and i have never been more energized or happy.

this juice (i should say smoothie) is my favorite
and i highly recommend it as it's filled
with tropical goodness and a bit of green.

Morning Sunrise Smoothie

-2 bananas
-1 C mango
-1 C pineapple
-1/2 C papaya
-1-2 handfuls spinach
-1-2 C OJ
-ice

1. peel bananas and place them in a blender. if you are making this for two people, throw in another banana for a total of 3. yes 3 bananas in one smoothie.

2. place tropical fruit on top of bananas. i'm lazy and never want to cut up all this fruit, so i buy the tropical fruit medley from Trader Joe's- it's already cut up for you! no excuses people, we are getting healthy and energized!

3. place spinach on top of fruit.

4. top with ice and orange juice.

5. blend that puppy up.  it's good to blend the drink for a long time. i have a blendtec that has a smoothie button- and i think it blends for roughly a minute or so, with variations in speed.

6. pour into a tall glass and enjoy!  this should be enough to have PLENTY of leftovers.  guzzle the juice down, refill, and repeat. trust me. typical juice/smoothie recipes ALWAYS leave me wanting more- that's because they are so low in volume that it's impossible to be filled up with just one serving! so drink all of this and thank me later for not feeling too hungry (;

and there you go.
 i drink this daily, and sometimes make it at night if i'm feeling particularly bloated/fat/disgusting and don't want to eat.
you could make this with a variety of fruit, not just the ones listed.
kiwis are delicious, grapefruit is good..
just get creative!

also, instead of ice, you could throw in frozen organic strawberries. or any frozen fruit.

im telling you, once you accept that fruit is delicious and nutritious and THE BEST thing for your body, you will LOVE making smoothies and juice.  they taste so good.

enjoy!