I go through phases with what I eat, and how I eat it. I’ve always been this way—I find something I like, and then I eat it until I’m sick of it and need a break. A few years ago, I went through a major smoothie phase, and then I dropped them for a while, switched to juice… and really haven’t looked back.
BUT.
I’m back on the smoothie train! I have had three (or four) this week already.
I also want to mention my friend Laury’s challenge: Processed Free March. I’m definitely participating, not because I need to work on this habit (I don’t eat much that is processed–and I feel like I could say I don’t eat anything processed but that depends on the exact definition!). I highly recommend checking out Laury’s post about this, and her other posts too. She puts out a lot of great information, and also has great ideas and insights for working out too!
My smoothies this week fall into the Processed Free category in my mind. Beyond that, I really like challenges like Laury’s because they give us something specific to focus on. All too often, we get bogged down with all the different things we think we should be doing to be healthier. There’s just so much… Reduce caffeine! Eat more fiber! Reduce sugar intake! Eat more veggies!
If you’re anything like me, when you have SO many things you want to do, you have trouble focusing on anything… and you don’t do anything very well. But with a challenge like Laury’s, it gives you something specific to focus on, and it’s much simpler to implement. Know what I mean?
Here’s one my recent favorite smoothies…
Vanilla Protein (with egg)
1 cup water
1 raw egg
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Jay Robb Whey)
several drops stevia
Blend!
Here’s another…
Chocolate Milk
1 cup water
1 raw egg
1 scoop chocolate goat milk protein powder (I use Mt. Capra — 1 scoop is half a serving)
1/2 scoop vanilla or strawberry protein powder (I use Jay Robb Whey)
1 Tbsp Gelatin (hydrolyzed—not the kind that gels)
several drops of chocolate or vanilla stevia
Blend!
And the last one…
Vanilla Avocado
1 cup water
1/2 avocado
1 egg (optional)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
several drops of stevia
Blend!
I used to make smoothies very thick… like so thick I had to eat them with a spoon. It’s true that I prefer to eat rather than drink, so I really like to eat my smoothies as if they’re ice cream. These smoothies are super thin though, and I was surprised at how much I liked them! For me, they make a good after workout in between meals snack. I suppose it’s up for debate as to whether the protein powder is consider processed food!
Also… I only use raw eggs if they are straight from the farmer’s market from pastured organically-raised chickens. The ones I get sometimes even have a few little feathers stuck to the shells!
News/Notes: I’ve been working a lot this week, and feel good about being in my groove. I designed new business cards too, so I’m happy about how they turned out.
It looks better in person—not sure why it’s faded and blurry looking here, but probably because of the glossy finish. Anyway, you get the idea!
I have some networking events to go to this weekend, and I’m looking forward to that. I’m hoping to get a lot of work done on Saturday and Sunday too. I don’t have too much planned, just yoga, work, networking, a coffee date, and probably some sleep!
I’m doing Laury’s challenge too and green smoothies have been a huge part of it. I usually have one for breakfast and snack every day. I’m definitely going through a smoothie phase. Good luck with your events!
I can not WAIT for smoothies again! I just can;t do them when it’s cold out…come on Spring Jealous of your weather.
Thank you SO SO much for the shout out and your insights on the challenge! I always love getting your thoughts and perspective because they are always so valuable to me!
As far as raw egg in smoothies…I have yet to try this. It’s generally safe if they’re organic/ straight from the farm??
Re: protein powder, for the sake of this challenge I am cutting out it since it is made in a factory (trying to only get protein from whole foods). If one was to do protein I would think Jay Robb or the goats would be the best kind!
Love your new business cards! I really need to get new ones made up.
Thanks again!
I love the idea of this challenge. I was just thinking; I don’t think I eat anything processed, BUT last night somehow a Cool Whip Free container ended up in my basket 🙂 Nick and I rarely buy that stuff, but I just had to have it last night (and you should have seen his face when I brought it home!).
Question….how is the protein powder not considered processed? I guess I’ll need to read the blog post by Laury??
Thanks for the smoothie recipes. I love the avocado one.
If I do have a shake, it’s gotta be thick so I feel like I’m eating something. Yay on the new business cards. Kind of exciting!
I bet that cool whip tasted amazing too! Lol.
The protein powder is technically processed (Laury’s cutting it out of her plan). I’m leaving it in and cutting things that have additives, etc (or I guess stuff I consider “junky”). So I guess I made my own rules for this one—I could have chosen hemp seeds or something like that for protein if I wanted to be 100% on with Laury!
On Fri 08/03/13 07:22 , “Disqus” notifications@disqus.net sent:
smoothies all sound great!!! love raw eggs- of course from a good quality source like you said 🙂
xoxo
love the business cards! thanks for the link about processed foods- I’m gonna check that out because I’m trying to minimize the processed foods I eat (a long going work in progress) but can use any tips I can get!
I am still a little scared to eat raw egg yolks, even when I get them from a local farm. I don’t know why since I am aware that salmonella poisoning comes from the outside of the egg on the shell. Do you wash your eggs before eating them raw? Love the new business cards BTW!